Issue #571: New Ownership for Shark Tank’s Würkin Stiffs • Tampa Artist’s Bamboo Sculptures at MOSI • Unclaimed Funds to Check • Lightning Search for Answers

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

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WEATHER  

Local News

— Shark Tank Success Story Würkin Stiffs Sold in New Ownership Deal

— Tampa Artist Turns Bamboo Into Stunning Sculptures at MOSI

Of Interest

— Check Your Name: Unclaimed Money Could Be Sitting in Government Databases

Sports

— Lightning Seek Answers as Slow Start Raises Early Concerns

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Shark Tank Success Story Würkin Stiffs Sold in New Ownership Deal

Men’s accessories brand Würkin Stiffs, known for its innovative magnetic collar stays, has been acquired in a deal brokered by tech and internet business brokerage Website Closers. The transaction marks a new chapter for the Tampa-linked brand, which gained national recognition after appearing on Shark Tank.

Founded by entrepreneur Jonathan Boos, the company built its reputation on Power Stays—patented magnetic collar stays made with German surgical steel and rare-earth magnets designed to keep shirt collars neatly in place throughout the day. The simple but effective product quickly attracted attention in the men’s fashion market.

From early days selling products out of a car trunk, Würkin Stiffs grew into a nationally distributed brand, securing investments from Shark Tank investors Barbara Corcoran and Daymond John. Today, its accessories are sold in major department stores including Nordstrom, Macy’s, Dillard’s, and Von Maur.

Under new ownership, the brand is expected to continue expanding while maintaining its focus on style, innovation, and practical design.

Read More: blufftontoday.com

Tampa Artist Turns Bamboo Into Stunning Sculptures at MOSI

A new exhibition at Tampa’s Museum of Science and Innovation (MOSI) is blending creativity with engineering through the natural strength of bamboo. Artist Alexander Nixon’s collection, “Dreaming in Bamboo,” features large handcrafted sculptures built entirely from locally sourced bamboo.

Nixon, who previously spent nearly two decades creating map mosaics and drawings in New York, turned to natural materials after relocating to Tampa. Early experiments using cherry laurel branches proved short-lived due to insects, leading him to adopt bamboo for its durability and flexibility.

Each sculpture is made using 100% bamboo, with thicker pieces forming structural frames and smaller strips woven together to secure and shape the artwork. Nixon says gathering and preparing the bamboo accounts for roughly half the time spent creating each piece.

The exhibit includes striking figures such as oversized hands, feet, heads, as well as insects and animals. “Dreaming in Bamboo” is included with MOSI admission and will be on display through March 29.

Read More: fox13news.com

Check Your Name: Unclaimed Money Could Be Sitting in Government Databases

Billions of dollars in unclaimed money and property are currently waiting to be claimed across the United States, according to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA). These assets are typically held by financial institutions, businesses, and government agencies after the rightful owner cannot be located.

Unclaimed property generally falls into two categories: tangible and intangible. Tangible items may include safe-deposit box contents such as jewelry, coins, or collectibles, as well as physical stock certificates or items left with businesses for repair or storage. Intangible property can include uncashed payroll checks, forgotten bank accounts, stock dividends, insurance payouts, refunds, and security deposits.

The scale is significant: NAUPA estimates about 1 in 7 Americans has unclaimed property, and states returned more than $4.49 billion in fiscal year 2024 alone.

Residents can search for potential claims through state databases at MissingMoney.com or Unclaimed.org, and federal resources through USA.gov, the IRS, the U.S. Treasury, and the Department of Labor.

Read More: livenowfox.com

Lightning Seek Answers as Slow Start Raises Early Concerns

The Tampa Bay Lightning are off to a sluggish start this season, prompting concerns among fans and analysts about what the team must do to regain momentum. On the Thunder Zone Podcast, hosts Kevin and Kyle reviewed the Lightning’s recent losses and pointed to several statistical indicators showing the team has struggled in key areas early in the schedule.

Head Coach Jon Cooper and team captain Viktor Hedman both acknowledged the slow start, emphasizing the need for improved execution and consistency. The discussion focused on tightening defensive play, generating more offensive pressure, and minimizing mistakes that have cost the team in recent games.

Beyond the on-ice analysis, the podcast also highlighted the team’s strong fan culture, including a tour of an impressive Lightning-themed fan cave.

Looking ahead, the Lightning face an important stretch of games, with the team hoping adjustments and renewed focus will help them turn the season around before the early slump deepens.

Read More: tampabay28.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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