- NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
- Posts
- Issue #544: Donate Beads, Save 50% at the Aquarium • Whiskey Fest Returns • Mardi Gras Bites + Healing Music
Issue #544: Donate Beads, Save 50% at the Aquarium • Whiskey Fest Returns • Mardi Gras Bites + Healing Music
1/27/2026
Ted Grellner
27 Jan
Keep your finger on the Pulse!
GOOD MORNING
Dr Ted
USAF Retired
SUBSCRIBE (& Access Past Issues):
Share with your friends here —> https://www.NTWCLP.com
NOTE to New Subscribers:
— If Gmail cuts off your newsletter, click “Read Online” in UR corner
— Despite minimizing sources that require a 3rd party subscription to read, we’ll use stories from these sources that are very informative: ($) businessinsider.com, tampabay.com
In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
Please post events of interest to our NT|WC Live Events Calendar; its easy to do.
Local News
— 50% Off Aquarium Entry for Donating Beads? Yes, Please
— Sip & Savor: Tampa Bay’s Premier Whiskey Festival Is Back
Of Interest
— From Presidents to Patients: Pianist Brings Healing Notes to Moffitt
Food
— Fat Tuesday Feasts: 19 Must-Try Mardi Gras Spots in Tampa Bay
Our NT|WC Live Events Calendar:
https://pxl.to/NTWC-LIVE-event or click the image below:
Problems submitting? Email me by replying to your newsletter
50% Off Aquarium Entry for Donating Beads?
Yes, Please
To combat pollution from Gasparilla beads tossed during parades, the Florida Aquarium and city of Tampa have relaunched their Bead-Free Bay initiative.
Through Feb. 22, anyone who donates used beads at the aquarium gets 50% off admission for up to four guests.
Discarded beads often end up in Tampa Bay, posing a threat to marine life. Plastics can take centuries to decompose, breaking into microplastics that contaminate ecosystems.
Beads collected are cleaned and repurposed by MacDonald Training Center, providing vocational opportunities for adults with disabilities. Proceeds from resold beads support job training, housing, and enrichment programs.
The effort wraps with a post-parade underwater cleanup, led by aquarium divers and volunteers. In past years, they’ve removed over 90 pounds of waste.
Bead-Free Bay offers locals a simple way to celebrate sustainably — and protect our waters.
Sip & Savor: Tampa Bay’s Premier Whiskey Festival Is Back
Whiskey Riot, Tampa Bay’s premier whiskey festival, returns for its third year on Saturday, Feb. 7 at the St. Pete Coliseum from 4–7 p.m.
The event features unlimited tastings of 150+ whiskies, plus cocktails from top global distilleries, conversations with master distillers, and a commemorative glass for all guests.
Early Entry tickets ($120) allow access at 3 p.m. with the bonus of sampling rare and limited-edition whiskies not available during general hours. General Admission ($90) grants full access starting at 4 p.m.
Brands on deck include Glenfiddich, Heaven Hill, Bardstown, Green River, and dozens more. There’s even rum and tequila for the adventurous.
Given past sellouts, organizers urge early ticket purchases and recommend rideshare or public transit. All guests must be 21+.
This one-afternoon whiskey showcase would cost thousands to replicate — don’t miss it.
From Presidents to Patients: Pianist Brings Healing Notes to Moffitt
Bob Boguslaw, a retired pianist from the United States Marine Band, once played for presidents — now, he plays for cancer patients at Moffitt Cancer Center.
With a 22-year career, Boguslaw performed for four U.S. presidents, including George H.W. Bush, Clinton, George W. Bush, and Obama, and shared moments with world leaders and icons like Stevie Wonder.
Now living in the Tampa Bay area, he volunteers weekly at Moffitt, bringing live piano music to lobbies and patient rooms.
Cancer's impact on his own family inspired his service. “It’s as rewarding as any solo or CD I’ve ever recorded,” he shared.
From White House receptions to quiet hospital halls, Boguslaw uses music to uplift those facing life's toughest challenges — proving that healing can happen not just through medicine, but melody.
Fat Tuesday Feasts: 19 Must-Try Mardi Gras Spots in Tampa Bay
Mardi Gras is heating up in Tampa Bay, with 19 festive spots serving up Louisiana-inspired flavors. From all-you-can-eat crawfish boils and beignets to king cake and jambalaya, locals can enjoy a taste of New Orleans without leaving town.
At 3 Daughters Brewing, the biggest Fat Tuesday party includes zydeco music, drinks, and unlimited mudbugs. Over at Bakery X, try the French galette des rois or mini chocolate hazelnut beignets.
Baton Roux food truck brings gumbo, etouffee, and live crawfish to rotating locations, while Bayou Market & Cafe dishes out weekly specials like crawfish carbonara.
Other highlights include Busch Gardens’ Mardi Gras parades, Gaspar’s Grotto’s powdered beignets, and a savory king cake muffuletta from This Little Pig food truck.
Whether you crave sweet or spicy, Tampa Bay has a Fat Tuesday feast waiting.
Laissez les bons temps rouler!
All the Best Gasparilla Events of 2026
Source: cltampa.com
Top Events in Tampa Bay for week o |
|
|
Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links
The Arts
- The Exhibiting Society of Artists (new)
- USF College of the Arts
- USF Steinway Piano Concert Series
Theater
- NTPAC - New Tampa Performing Arts Center
- New Tampa Players
- USF School of Theatre & Dance
- Wesley Chapel Theater Group
- Carrollwood Players Theatre
Misc
- Carrollwood Center Events
- Craft Festivals (new)
- Fall (Farmer’s) Market Guide for Tampa Bay (new)
- The Krate, WC
- The Shops at Wiregrass, WC
- visitflorida.com
For Kids
- Fun4TampaKids
Reader Comments
“My favorite morning coffee companion!”
“As always! Appreciate the positivity!! Best morning read.”
“I always enjoy these issues. Thanks so much!”
“Best local newsletter!”
“Love seeing all the community events in one place. The calendar is getting crowded. ”“Always has good info and to the point.”
“Read this in the am. I like the new restaurants feature so I know when things will open. ”
“Keep up on the great information.”
“Good local coverage. Great job.”
“News is concise and no nonsense. I always appreciate it!”
“Good mix and balance of interesting, newsworthy and entertaining content.”
“Happy to read something other than politics. Great job.”
“This is my daily morning read. Great info. ”
“Love the attention grabbing topics that encompass what’s going on now as well as future implications. Great job. ”
“I get Information here that I might otherwise miss.”
“I love this newsletter, the type of information without the useless fillers.”
Any suggestions are always welcomed - Thanks
What Did You Think of This Issue? |
—> Comments are welcomed after voting
1