Issue #576: Tampa Bay Water Restrictions Begin April 3 • Jet Tila Visits USF • Adult Egg Hunt Returns • How to Spot Artemis II

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

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WEATHER  

Local News

— New Water Restrictions Hit Tampa Bay Region Starting April 3

— From Dropout to Food Network Star: Jet Tila Speaks at USF

Entertainment

— Adult Egg Hunt Promises Cash, Craft Beer, and Chaos in Tampa

Of Interest

— Artemis II: When and How to See the Orion Capsule from Earth

New Water Restrictions Hit Tampa Bay Region Starting April 3

Southwest Florida will enter a “Modified Phase III Water Shortage” beginning April 3, 2026, with restrictions lasting through July 1. The mandate affects multiple counties across the region, requiring both residents and businesses to significantly reduce water use.

Key restrictions include limited lawn watering hours, reduced car washing allowances, and regulated use of fountains. Restaurants must now serve water only upon request, and local governments are responsible for enforcing compliance.

Some businesses, like The Hurricane Seafood Restaurant in St. Petersburg Beach, have already adopted conservation practices. Owner Rick Falkenstein reports major savings through waterless urinals and staff training aimed at minimizing waste.

Officials and business leaders warn that rapid population growth is straining existing water resources. Falkenstein emphasizes that conservation is a shared responsibility, urging residents, businesses, and policymakers to adopt long-term solutions to sustain Florida’s water supply.

Read More: fox13news.com

From Dropout to Food Network Star: Jet Tila Speaks at USF

Celebrity chef Jet Tila brought humor, honesty, and industry insight to the University of South Florida during a March 26 appearance at the Muma College of Business. Speaking candidly, Tila joked about his unconventional path, describing his talk as “the ramblings of a high school dropout.”

Best known for his roles on Food Network shows like Iron Chef America and Chopped, Tila shared how his early career and family roots in Los Angeles shaped his Thai-Chinese fusion cooking style. He emphasized embracing authenticity in a personal way, rather than chasing trends or labels.

Tila offered practical advice to aspiring culinarians, urging them to gain experience, avoid rushing into business ownership, and create strong business plans. He also stressed humility and continuous learning as keys to success.

The visit included a book signing and campus dining tour, leaving students with both inspiration and a realistic view of the culinary industry.

Read More: usf.edu

Adult Egg Hunt Promises Cash, Craft Beer, and Chaos in Tampa

Tampa’s popular 21+ event, Kegs ‘N Eggs, is making a high-energy return, blending craft beer with a massive adult Easter egg hunt. Organizers promise thousands of hidden eggs scattered across festival grounds, with more than $100,000 in prizes—including cash—up for grabs.

The event combines competition and entertainment, featuring craft beer tastings from local and regional breweries, live DJ music, and interactive games. Attendees can also compete for special rewards, including highly sought-after “golden eggs” containing major prizes.

Designed as a social and immersive experience, the event encourages participants to bring friends and embrace the festive, competitive atmosphere. Whether guests are there for the hunt, drinks, or entertainment, organizers say the event delivers a full day of activity.

Kegs ‘N Eggs continues to grow in popularity as a standout adult-themed Easter celebration in the Tampa area.

Get Tickets

Artemis II: When and How to See the Orion Capsule from Earth

As Artemis II launches astronauts toward the moon, skywatchers may get a rare chance to spot the Orion capsule—but only under ideal conditions. Experts say the spacecraft could appear as a faint, moving point of light during early Earth orbits or as it nears the moon.

Visibility depends heavily on factors like weather, lighting, altitude, and viewing angle. Even with favorable conditions, the capsule will likely resemble a dim star rather than a detailed object.

Astronomers recommend using a telescope with a large aperture and a camera capable of long exposures. Techniques such as time-lapse imaging can help detect movement against background stars.

The mission marks the first human return to lunar space in over 50 years, carrying four astronauts on a 10-day journey. Experts hope the event inspires public interest in astronomy, though spotting Orion will require patience, preparation, and a bit of luck.

Read More: mynews13.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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