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- Issue #561: From ‘Beast Games’ to Gasparilla Art • Summer Camps Roundup • Mizzou Tackles Tick Spread
Issue #561: From ‘Beast Games’ to Gasparilla Art • Summer Camps Roundup • Mizzou Tackles Tick Spread
2/25/2026
Ted Grellner
25 Feb
Keep your finger on the Pulse!
GOOD MORNING
An article today on Alpha-Gal Syndrome spread by ticks. You’ll be shocked to read that it causes an allergy to red meat, and as a point of pride, it's being investigated by Mizzou, the Columbia, MO, branch of my school (University of Missouri). I know someone with this and she had a nasty reaction to eating a rare prime rib.
Also, check out Disaster! The Musical (and a reader special discount on their tickets!)
Dr Ted
USAF Retired
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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
— Tampa Bay Eyes $5M as ‘Beast Games’ Finale Drops
— Sun, Science & Sports: Tampa Bay’s Top Summer Camps
The Arts
— Art Takes Over Tampa: Gasparilla Festival Returns with $100K in Prizes
Medical News
— Lone Star Tick Spread Spurs Urgent Research at Mizzou
Carrollwood Players Theatre Presents
A Special Offer For Our Readers
To See Their Upcoming Show
Disaster! The Musical
Feb 27 - Mar 21
“Disaster” is a fantastic show featuring lots of songs from the 70s and promises
to be a hilarious and nostalgic evening.
Click HERE for more information on the show.
CLICK: GET TICKETS
and put PresSpecial in the code box for $5 off
Tampa Bay Eyes $5M as ‘Beast Games’ Finale Drops
As the season two finale of Beast Games drops early Wednesday on Amazon Prime Video, three Florida contestants remain in the hunt for the show’s $5 million grand prize — giving the Sunshine State a 30% shot at victory.
Hosted by YouTube megastar MrBeast, the competition began with 200 “strong vs. smart” players battling through high-stakes physical and mental challenges in “Beast City,” North Carolina.
Among Tampa Bay standouts was Vance Walker of Pinellas County, the first “American Ninja Warrior” winner with cerebral palsy. Walker powered through early obstacle courses before falling in the grueling “solitary box” challenge.
Clearwater native Colby Sparkman and IMG Academy teacher Andrew Herkelman were eliminated earlier in the season.
Still in the running are Orlando wrestler Nick Mariano, Navy veteran Cory Sims and Boca Raton’s Jim Bent.
The finale streams at 3 a.m. Wednesday, when one contestant will walk away with $5 million.
Sun, Science & Sports: Tampa Bay’s Top
Summer Camps
As the countdown to summer begins, many Tampa Bay parents are searching for ways to keep kids active, learning and entertained during the long break. From marine science and wildlife encounters to golf swings and guitar riffs, the region offers a wide variety of summer camp adventures for every interest and age group.
Florida Fantasy Fishing Camp (May 26–Aug. 7) gives young anglers hands-on experience inshore, offshore and overnight at USF St. Petersburg, blending boating safety with marine biology.
At The Florida Aquarium (June 1–July 31), AquaCamps combine animal encounters, STEM activities and even scuba adventures for ages 3–18.
Summer on Bayshore at Academy of the Holy Names features more than 100 programs in arts, academics and athletics.
Thrill-seekers can explore wildlife and coasters at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, while innovators dive into STEAM at MOSI.
From coding and AI at University of South Florida to animal encounters at ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Tampa Bay camps promise a summer filled with friendships, discovery and unforgettable memories.
Art Takes Over Tampa: Gasparilla Festival Returns with $100K in Prizes
The 56th annual Gasparilla Festival of the Arts sails back into downtown Tampa this weekend, bringing nearly $100,000 in prize money and scholarships for artists from across the country.
Held at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, the two-day, no-cover event features hundreds of juried works spanning painting, sculpture, mixed media and more. Among the top honors is the $15,000 Raymond James Best of Show Award, one of the most prestigious prizes on the national festival circuit.
Last year, Tampa artist Nneka Jones earned the $6,500 Founder’s Award for her striking portrait piece “Harmonious Conjunction.”
Beyond the competition, festivalgoers can enjoy live music, interactive art experiences and local food vendors, with longtime Tampa Bay weatherman Dennis Phillips serving as emcee.
The festival runs Saturday, Feb. 28 (9 a.m.–6 p.m.) and Sunday, March 1 (10 a.m.–5 p.m.) at 1001 N. Blvd. Admission is free.
Lone Star Tick Spread Spurs Urgent Research
at Mizzou
As cases of alpha-gal syndrome climb across Missouri, researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia are stepping up efforts to better understand the rare red-meat allergy linked to lone star tick bites.
The condition develops after a tick injects a sugar molecule called alpha-gal into the bloodstream, prompting the immune system to overreact to red meat and dairy. Unlike most food allergies, symptoms — including hives, stomach pain and life-threatening throat swelling — can appear four to six hours after eating, making diagnosis especially tricky.
Dr. Benjamin Casterline, an immunologist and dermatologist at Mizzou’s School of Medicine, recently secured grant funding to analyze blood samples and symptom data from Missouri patients. Using artificial intelligence, his team hopes to uncover patterns that could help identify patients most at risk for severe reactions.
With the lone star tick now found in every Missouri county, clinicians report a noticeable rise in cases, particularly in Boone County. While there is no FDA-approved treatment, researchers believe deeper insights could lead to faster diagnoses and improved patient care statewide.
Tampa Bay’s Best Things to Do
Feb 19-25
Source: cltampa.com
Top Events in Tampa Bay for week of | Weekend Events in Tampa Bay this weekend |
|
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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