Issue #579: Cicada Variant Update • Rays Opening Week Tips • Carrollwood Comedy & Chaos • April Events Guide

4/3/2026

Author

Ted Grellner
03 Apr

In partnership with

Why Burned-Out Professionals Are Turning to CBD

Long hours, heavy workloads and frustrating coworkers: job burnout is on the rise. Savvy professionals are turning to CBD and its sister compound, CBG, to manage work stress and burnout without losing focus.

Like CBD, CBG is a non-intoxicating compound found naturally in the hemp plant that is known for helping to manage mild/temporary anxiety. And these benefits are backed by science: participants in a 2022 CBDistillery study who took CBD + CBG reported:

  • Reduced mild or temporary anxiety and tension

  • Increased focus and mental clarity

  • That CBD + CBG was more effective than other treatments they tried in the past

When it comes to quality CBD products, CBDistillery is leading the way. Non-GMO, US-grown hemp, 100% clean ingredients, and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee give you one less thing to stress about.

Special Deal for Our Readers: Use code FOCUS to save an additional 20% on your first bundle order!

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

Happy Holiday weekend!

Dr Ted
USAF Retired

 
SUBSCRIBE (& Access Past Issues):
Share with your friends here —> https://www.NTWCLP.com

NOTE to New Subscribers:
— If Gmail cuts off your newsletter, click “Read Online” in UR corner
— Despite minimizing sources that require a 3rd party subscription to read, we’ll use stories from these sources that are very informative: ($) businessinsider.com, tampabay.com 

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

— New “Cicada” COVID Variant Emerges in Florida and Beyond

— Navigating Rays Opening Week: Traffic, Transit, and Tips

Entertainment

— Disco, Disasters, and Laughs Take Center Stage in Carrollwood

Of Interest

— From Markets to Music: Tampa Bay’s April Event Guide

New “Cicada” COVID Variant Emerges in Florida
and Beyond

A newly identified COVID-19 variant, BA.3.2—nicknamed “Cicada”—has been detected in at least 25 states, including Florida, according to the CDC. Health experts say the variant earned its nickname due to its re-emergence after previously circulating in 2024.

Medical professionals emphasize that symptoms remain consistent with existing COVID-19 strains, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, and sore throat. However, researchers are closely monitoring the variant due to its significant mutations, particularly in the virus’s outer structure.

Dr. Steven Goldberg of HealthTrackRx noted that while these mutations raise concerns, it is still too early to determine whether they will impact severity or transmission, with clearer data expected by early summer.

Preliminary findings suggest current vaccines may be less effective against BA.3.2, though they are still expected to provide some level of protection. Health officials continue to recommend vigilance as more data becomes available in the coming months.

Navigating Rays Opening Week: Traffic, Transit, and Tips

Baseball returns to St. Petersburg as the Tampa Bay Rays kick off Opening Week at Tropicana Field on April 6, 2026, marking their long-awaited return after a year away. The team faces the Chicago Cubs for a three-game series, followed by a weekend matchup against the New York Yankees.

Fans should plan ahead for heavy traffic and limited parking, especially on Opening Day. A newly opened 540-space garage on Central Avenue offers additional parking, but officials recommend considering off-site options.

Car-free transportation is strongly encouraged, with the SunRunner providing frequent service between St. Pete Beach and downtown, including stops near the stadium. Free baseball shuttles will also run before and after games, offering convenient access from designated locations.

Alternative options like e-scooters and bike share programs add flexibility for fans navigating downtown.

City officials urge attendees to arrive early, explore transportation alternatives, and enjoy a smooth start to the 2026 baseball season.

Disco, Disasters, and Laughs Take Center Stage
in Carrollwood

Carrollwood Players Theatre will present Disaster! The Musical on May 2 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., delivering a fast-paced, comedic tribute to classic 1970s disaster films. With tickets ranging from $27 to $36, the production blends chaos, comedy, and nostalgia into a lively stage experience.

Set in 1979, the story unfolds aboard a floating casino and discotheque packed with eccentric characters, including a fading disco star, a nightclub singer and her children, a disaster expert, and even a gambling-addicted nun. What begins as a glamorous night quickly spirals into mayhem as earthquakes, tidal waves, and fires threaten everyone onboard.

As disaster strikes, characters must navigate survival while confronting personal relationships and unexpected twists.

Featuring a soundtrack of iconic ’70s hits, the show promises a high-energy mix of humor, music, and theatrical spectacle designed to entertain audiences from start to finish.

From Markets to Music: Tampa Bay’s April
Event Guide

Spring has arrived in Tampa Bay, bringing a packed calendar of seasonal events that signal a return to outdoor fun and community gatherings. From farmers markets to major festivals, April offers residents and visitors a wide range of activities across the region.

Weekly farmers markets remain a cornerstone of the season, with popular spots in St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Dunedin, and Tampa offering fresh produce, local goods, and a lively atmosphere.

Earth Day celebrations also take center stage, with multiple festivals and environmental events scheduled throughout April, including gatherings in Clearwater, Tampa, and St. Pete.

Beyond markets and eco-events, large-scale festivals and entertainment dominate the calendar, including the Sugar Sand Festival in Clearwater, food and wine events, music festivals, and the Tampa Bay Rays’ home opener.

From cultural festivals to outdoor markets, April’s lineup highlights Tampa Bay’s vibrant spring tradition, encouraging the community to get outside and reconnect.

Read More: patch.com - great list of events w/links

 Tampa Bay’s Best Live Music
Apr 2 - Apr 9
Source: cltampa.com

Top Events in Tampa Bay for week of
Mar 25th
Source:

tampabay.com

 
Things to do Around Tampa this w/e:
3/ - 3/
Source:


Things to do Around
Tampa & WC
4/2- 4/8
Source:
tampabeacon.com

Reader Comments

“My favorite morning coffee companion!”
“As always! Appreciate the positivity!! Best morning read.”
“I always enjoy these issues. Thanks so much!”
“Best local newsletter!”
“Love seeing all the community events in one place. The calendar is getting crowded. ”“Always has good info and to the point.”
“Read this in the am. I like the new restaurants feature so I know when things will open. ”
“Keep up on the great information.”
“Good local coverage. Great job.”
“News is concise and no nonsense. I always appreciate it!”
“Good mix and balance of interesting, newsworthy and entertaining content.”
“Happy to read something other than politics. Great job.”
“This is my daily morning read. Great info. ”
“Love the attention grabbing topics that encompass what’s going on now as well as future implications. Great job. ”
“I get Information here that I might otherwise miss.”
“I love this newsletter, the type of information without the useless fillers.”

Any suggestions are always welcomed - Thanks

What Did You Think of This Issue?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

—> Comments are welcomed after voting

If you enjoy starting your day with these short daily news summaries, please refer your friends:

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6