Issue #552: Tampa’s Quiet Treasures | Watering Schedule Update | New Podcast Empowers Patients | 7 Lightning Players in 2026 Olympics

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar 

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WEATHER  

Local News

— From Temples to Boardwalks: Tampa’s Underrated Wonders

— Once-a-Week Watering Now the Norm in Tampa

Of Interest

— Tampa General’s New Podcast Puts Power in Patients’ Hands

Sports

— Lightning Go Global: Seven Players to Debut at 2026 Olympics

From Temples to Boardwalks: Tampa’s
Underrated Wonders

Tampa isn’t just about beaches and theme parks — it’s also home to hidden gems loved by locals and savvy travelers alike. Based on reviews from Tripadvisor, Reddit, and travel blogs, five spots stand out.

Topping the list is the historic Tampa Theatre, a 1926 Mediterranean-style cinema with a magical ambiance and 4.8-star rating.

Lettuce Lake Park ranks second, offering trails, gators, and a 3,500-ft boardwalk — a serene escape just 15 minutes from downtown.

Wat Mongkolratanaram, a Thai temple, hosts a popular Sunday food market with authentic Thai cuisine served riverside.

Next is the Henry B. Plant Museum, housed in a lavish former hotel, immersing visitors in Gilded Age Tampa history.

Finally, Eureka Springs Conservation Park — Tampa’s smallest botanical park — charms with orchids, tropicals, and a peaceful forest boardwalk.

Each site offers a less-crowded, enriching alternative to Tampa’s tourist trail.

Read More: islands.com

Once-a-Week Watering Now the Norm in Tampa

New water restrictions are now in effect across the Tampa Bay region as Florida faces a worsening drought, with residents limited to watering once per week through July 1.

Trey Walls, owner of All Pro Landscaping, advises strategic water use:

• Mow grass higher

• Water early in the day

• Delay replanting after recent cold snaps

He also emphasizes professional irrigation system checks to prevent leaks and ensure efficiency.

The cause? Below-average rainfall that’s straining the groundwater aquifer, a crucial resource not just for lawns, but for daily life, businesses, and tourism, according to Susie Haddock from UF’s IFAS Extension.

Haddock suggests adjusting schedules seasonally — even watering once every two weeks in cooler months.

Grass may naturally go dormant in winter, so overwatering is discouraged.

“Don’t panic,” Walls says. “Let’s all work together to manage the situation.”

Read More: tampabay28.com 

Tampa General’s New Podcast Puts Power in Patients’ Hands

Tampa General Hospital (TGH) has launched a new video podcast, “Give It to Me Straight, Doc,” aimed at cutting through health care confusion and empowering listeners to make smarter, more confident decisions about their care.

Hosted by Anjalee Khemlani, a veteran health care reporter, the podcast offers straight talk, expert insights, and real-life examples to help patients navigate the U.S. medical system.

Produced in partnership with Parker Street and WFLA-TV, the show taps into TGH’s role as the primary teaching hospital for USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, blending academic credibility with accessible advice.

New episodes drop twice monthly, with the debut exploring the “triangle of care” between providers, insurers, and pharmacies.

According to TGH CEO John Couris, the goal is to bridge the gap between health literacy and real-world application, giving listeners tools to advocate for themselves and their families.

Read More: southfloridahospitalnews.com — see article for sources to download podcast from

Lightning Go Global: Seven Players to Debut
at 2026 Olympics

Nine members of the Tampa Bay Lightning organization will take center stage at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games, including eight players and head coach Jon Cooper. For seven players, it will be their first-ever Olympic appearance.

Making Olympic debuts are:
Wojciech Stachowiak (Germany), Brandon Hagel (Canada), Erik Cernak (Slovakia), Jake Guentzel (USA), and J.J. Moser (Switzerland).

Oliver Bjorkstrand (Denmark) and Victor Hedman (Sweden) were previously selected but couldn't participate due to NHL withdrawals in past Games. Pontus Holmberg (Sweden) returns after appearing in 2022.

Coach Jon Cooper leads Team Canada, though Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli were sidelined due to injury.

Olympic men’s hockey begins Wednesday with Lightning players Cernak and Holmberg in action.

With players spread across top medal contenders—USA, Canada, Sweden, and more—the Lightning are well-positioned for Olympic glory.

Read More: boltsbythebay.com

Tampa Bays Best Live Music
Feb 5-12
Source: cltampa.com

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

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