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- Issue #570: Riverwalk Recognition for Tampa • Allergy Capitals List Includes Central Florida • Matcha May Ease Sneezing • Sarasota Artist Turns Storm Stress Into Fish-Themed Art
Issue #570: Riverwalk Recognition for Tampa • Allergy Capitals List Includes Central Florida • Matcha May Ease Sneezing • Sarasota Artist Turns Storm Stress Into Fish-Themed Art
3/12/2026
Ted Grellner
12 Mar
Keep your finger on the Pulse!
GOOD MORNING
We attended the Kumquat Festival in Dade City this past weekend. Had a great time and wanted to commemorate it with this short video (click on image to start video):
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
— Tampa Riverwalk Competes for National “Best Riverwalk” Honor
Medical News
— Central Florida City Makes Top 20 in 2026 Allergy Capitals Report
— Matcha May Help Reduce Sneezing Linked to Allergies
Of Interest
— From Storm Stress to Art: Sarasota Painter Debuts Fish-Themed Collection
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Tampa Riverwalk Competes for National “Best Riverwalk” Honor
The Tampa Riverwalk has been nominated as one of the best riverwalks in the United States in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, placing the popular waterfront destination among 20 finalists nationwide.
The scenic 2.6-mile pathway along the Hillsborough River connects several key areas of downtown Tampa, stretching from Tampa Heights to the Channelside District. Along the route, visitors can enjoy parks, museums, restaurants, public art, performances, and fitness activities, making it a central hub for both residents and tourists.
A Vision Decades in the Making
The riverwalk concept dates back to the 1970s under former Mayor Bill Poe, but separate riverfront sections were not fully connected until 2014, when a key span was built beneath Kennedy Boulevard.
Major Expansion Underway
A major project now underway will expand the riverwalk west of the Hillsborough River. When finished, Tampa will feature 12.2 miles of continuous waterfront pathways, potentially driving over $1 billion in future development.
Residents can vote daily through April 6, with winners announced April 15.
Central Florida City Makes Top 20 in 2026 Allergy Capitals Report
Lakeland has been ranked among the top 20 most challenging U.S. cities for people with pollen allergies, according to a new report from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
The Polk County city placed No. 20 on the 2026 “Allergy Capitals” list, which evaluates cities based on pollen levels, use of over-the-counter allergy medications, and access to allergy specialists.
Lakeland received an overall rating of “worse than average.” The report noted average levels of tree, grass, and weed pollen, along with average use of allergy medications. However, the city scored below average for the availability of board-certified allergists and immunologists, which contributed to its higher ranking.
Lakeland is the only Florida city in the top 20, though nearby Sarasota and Tampa ranked just outside at No. 28 and No. 29.
Experts say the Southeast’s warm, humid climate encourages heavy pollen production, and recent weather patterns—including drought conditions across Florida—may have intensified pollen levels during the past year.
Matcha May Help Reduce Sneezing Linked to Allergies
A new study from Hiroshima University suggests that matcha, the powdered green tea popular in Japan, may help reduce sneezing associated with nasal allergies.
Researchers studying mice with symptoms similar to allergic rhinitis (hay fever) found that animals given matcha tea two to three times per week for five weeks sneezed significantly less after exposure to allergens.
Unexpectedly, the improvement did not appear to come from typical immune-system changes. Scientists observed no major impact on key allergy pathways involving immunoglobulin E (IgE), mast cells, or T cells—factors normally responsible for triggering allergic reactions and inflammation.
Instead, matcha appeared to suppress activity in the brainstem region responsible for the sneezing reflex. Specifically, researchers saw reduced expression of the c-Fos gene, a marker linked to neuronal activation during allergic responses.
Scientists emphasize that human studies are still needed, but the findings raise the possibility that matcha could one day serve as a food-based complement to traditional allergy treatments.
From Storm Stress to Art: Sarasota Painter Debuts Fish-Themed Collection
A moment of calm before Hurricane Milton unexpectedly sparked a new art collection now on display in Sarasota. Artist Tim Jaeger began painting simply to relax while waiting for the storm’s arrival. What started as one painted fish quickly evolved into swirling schools of fish, eventually becoming a dozen paintings now featured in the exhibition “Fresh Wave.”
From Storm Stress to Creative Flow
Jaeger said the process was almost meditative. As he painted, the fish naturally formed circular, swirling patterns, echoing the motion of a hurricane. The works vary in style—some are vivid, colorful depictions of Florida-inspired marine life, while others take a more abstract or monochromatic approach.
Art Meant to Inspire Reflection
Now displayed at 502 Gallery in Sarasota, the collection invites viewers to slow down and reflect. Jaeger says the paintings are less about fish and more about the emotional currents people experience, hoping visitors leave with a sense of peace and introspection.
Top Events in Tampa Bay for week of | |
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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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