Issue #546: Bundle Up for Gasparilla | Citrus Fest Makes a Comeback | 50+ Acts at GMF 2026 | Cold Snap Meets Outdoor Hockey

1/29/2026

Author

Ted Grellner
29 Jan

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Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

Dr Ted
USAF Retired

 
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar 

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Local News

— Not Your Average Booty Weather: Coldest Gasparilla on Record

Of Interest

— Orange You Glad? Historic Citrus Festival Reboots This Weekend

Entertainment

— Tampa’s GMF 2026 Unveils Headliners, Promises 50+ More Acts

— Hockey Heaven: Rare Cold Spell Aligns with Stadium Series at RayJay

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Not Your Average Booty Weather: Coldest Gasparilla on Record

Arrr you ready for a freezing festival? As thousands prepare to descend on downtown Tampa for Gasparilla 2026, forecasters say it could be the coldest in the celebration’s history.

According to Max Defender 8 Chief Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli, this year’s event will bring more than just pirates — expect temps in the 40s, gusts up to 40 mph, and wind chills dipping into the 30s during the parade.

That means you’ll need more than a pirate shirt and shorts. Experts recommend layering up with thermals, fleece-lined leggings, and a windproof shell or pirate-style jacket. Staying on theme is still possible while keeping warm underneath.

Berardelli adds, “Spending hours in this cold adds up. If you wear the right clothes, you’ll be fine.”

Other essentials? Gloves, lip balm, and maybe even a thermal base layer under that swashbuckling gear. It’s still Gasparilla — just the Arctic edition.

Orange You Glad? Historic Citrus Festival Reboots This Weekend

Winter Haven is welcoming back a slice of Florida history — the beloved Florida Citrus Festival is making its long-awaited return this Saturday after an 18-year absence.

First held in 1924, the festival once drew crowds from across the country with parades, citrus showcases, and carnival attractions, but it was shut down in 2008 due to poor attendance and financial strain.

Now, Destroyer Media and Marketing, with help from Visit Central Florida and local sponsors, is reviving the event downtown, with over 50 vendors, live music, fruit juicing contests, and agriculture education. It’s the only citrus festival in Florida, once again spotlighting the state’s iconic fruit and farming roots.

“Florida citrus is still here,” said Steven Callaham of the Dundee Citrus Growers Association. Organizers hope this one-day event will grow into a full weekend — and even revive the famous citrus parade.

Saturday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Central Park, Winter Haven

Tampa’s GMF 2026 Unveils Headliners, Promises 50+ More Acts

Mt Joy

Tampa’s Gasparilla Music Festival returns April 10–12 at Meridian Fields, featuring Mt. Joy, Two Friends, and Gov’t Mule as headliners.

Back from a one-year hiatus, the three-day event kicks off Friday with Mt. Joy, touring on their 2025 album Hope We Have Fun. Saturday brings high-energy DJ duo Two Friends, followed by jam-rock veterans Gov’t Mule on Sunday, also set to perform at Sound Wave Beach Weekend in Fort Lauderdale.

More than 50 additional acts are expected to be announced soon.

The new venue—Meridian Fields—sits in Tampa’s Channelside area, surrounded by remnants of the city’s industrial past.

Pre-sale begins Thursday, Jan. 29 at 11 a.m. with code GMF26.
Ticket prices range from $55 single-day GA to $245 three-day VIP.

Festival hours are 3–11 p.m. daily.

Hockey Heaven: Rare Cold Spell Aligns with Stadium Series at RayJay

Tampa’s weather is about to shock even the locals. For Sunday’s Stadium Series game at Raymond James Stadium, rare cold temperatures are forecast — a surprising win for the Lightning’s first-ever outdoor home game.

While many doubted outdoor hockey in Florida, meteorologists now say Sunday could be one of the coldest Feb. 1 dates in Tampa Bay history. Temps at puck drop may dip into the high 30s or low 40s, with no precipitation expected and humidity staying low — ideal for maintaining ice quality.

Fox 13’s Paul Dellegatto and Tampa Bay 28’s Denis Phillips both expect cold, dry conditions that may even border on uncomfortable for fans not dressed for it.

Though slim, snow flurries were briefly mentioned in early forecasts — an almost mythical scenario for Florida.

With a temperature-controlled tent already in use to protect the ice, the Lightning seem to have “hit the weather jackpot” — just in time for their prime-time faceoff against the Boston Bruins at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

All the Best Gasparilla Events of 2026
Source: cltampa.com

Top Events in Tampa Bay for week of
Jan 26
Source: tampabay.com


Best Things to do Around Tampa Bay
1/ - 1/
Source: cltampa.com

Things to do Around
Tampa & WC:
1/ - 1/
Source: tampabeacon.com

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