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- Issue #563: Airport Fashion Policy Sparks Talk | Strawberry Festival Sweetens the Season | Burger King Updates Whopper | Honoring Jeff Galloway
Issue #563: Airport Fashion Policy Sparks Talk | Strawberry Festival Sweetens the Season | Burger King Updates Whopper | Honoring Jeff Galloway
2/27/2026
Ted Grellner
27 Feb
Keep your finger on the Pulse!
GOOD MORNING
It's with a heavy heart that I hear of Jeff Galloway’s passing. Most marathon runners are familiar with his name and running technique of running a mile, then walking a minute to let their legs refresh for the next mile. He was a gentleman, always willing to answer a question. I had the privilege to run a short distance with him on Davis Island at the beginning of a Tampa marathon many years ago.
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
— No More PJs? Tampa Airport’s Fashion Crackdown Sparks Debate
— No Shortage of Sweetness at This Year’s Strawberry Festival
Food
— Burger King Revamps the Whopper After Nearly a Decade
Sports
— Olympic Runner Jeff Galloway Dies at 80, Leaves Lasting Legacy
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
No More PJs? Tampa Airport’s Fashion Crackdown Sparks Debate
Tampa International Airport has announced a bold new style stance—pajamas are no longer welcome inside the terminal.
In a February 26 post on X, the airport declared it had “seen enough” and was ready to move on from what it called a growing fashion crisis: daytime sleepwear at the airport. The campaign follows a previous tongue-in-cheek push against Crocs.
Airport officials stopped short of outlining enforcement measures, suggesting the move is more cultural commentary than formal policy. Still, the message was clear: travelers should reconsider ultra-casual attire when flying.
While airports rarely impose dress codes, several airlines require passengers to be “properly clothed,” typically banning offensive attire or bare feet.
Whether symbolic or serious, Tampa’s announcement has ignited conversation about comfort versus decorum in modern air travel.
No Shortage of Sweetness at This Year’s
Strawberry Festival
The Florida Strawberry Festival has opened in Plant City, bringing crowds — and reassurance — after a challenging cold snap earlier this season.
Festival organizers expect nearly 650,000 visitors over 11 days, offering strong support for local growers. While recent freezing temperatures posed risks to crops, farmers acted quickly, running irrigation systems to protect berries from wind-driven frost damage.
Wind made the freeze more difficult, causing some uneven coverage and limited crop loss. Still, growers say production remains strong.
Executive Director Kenneth Parker praised the resilience of Florida’s multi-generational strawberry farms, noting that experience and quick response made the difference.
The good news for festivalgoers: there is no shortage of strawberries this year.
From chocolate-dipped treats to creative berry-inspired dishes, the season is back on track — and as sweet as ever.
Burger King Revamps the Whopper After
Nearly a Decade
The company announced the refresh will include a better-tasting bun, improved mayonnaise, premium ingredients, and new box packaging. While the classic toppings remain — lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles — executives say ingredient quality and presentation have been refined.
The changes follow direct customer outreach, including an initiative inviting guests to call or text company leadership with feedback.
President Tom Curtis said operational improvements over the past several years positioned the chain to thoughtfully enhance its core menu item without altering what fans love.
The move comes as McDonald’s prepares to launch its limited-time Big Arch Burger on March 3.
Burger King’s strategy signals renewed competition in the fast-food burger space, where even icons must evolve.
Olympic Runner Jeff Galloway Dies at 80, Leaves Lasting Legacy
Jeff Galloway, a 1972 U.S. Olympian who transformed distance running for millions, has died at 80 following a hemorrhagic stroke.
Best known for pioneering the run-walk-run method, Galloway helped make marathons and road races accessible to everyday athletes. His strategy emphasized timed walk breaks to reduce injury, conserve energy, and build confidence — principles he refined after competing in the 10,000 meters at the Munich Olympics.
Galloway’s influence extended far beyond elite racing. Through books, training programs, and his work with runDisney events, he encouraged first-time runners and veteran competitors alike to pursue ambitious goals safely.
Even in his final days, supporters shared stories crediting him for life-changing milestones, from first 5Ks to marathon finishes.
His enduring message was simple: running should be joyful, sustainable, and within reach for everyone.
Top Events in Tampa Bay for week of | Weekend Events in Tampa Bay this weekend |
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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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