- NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
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- Issue #616: Ancient Fruit Snack Trend, Record-Breaking Carowinds Ride, RUSH Returns To Tampa, Bucs Eye 2026 Turnaround
Issue #616: Ancient Fruit Snack Trend, Record-Breaking Carowinds Ride, RUSH Returns To Tampa, Bucs Eye 2026 Turnaround
6/9/2026
Ted Grellner
09 Jun
In partnership with
GOOD MORNING
I apologize in advance if there are any “oops” in today’s newsletter; home late after Rays game in St Pete - a win! OOOPS, sure enough I scheduled it to go out tomorrow am rather than today — sorry!
Dr Ted
USAF Retired
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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.
Food
— Ancient Stone Fruit Becomes America’s Fastest-Growing Healthy Snack Trend
Of Interest
— New Carowinds Water Ride Aims to Break Multiple World Records in 2027
Entertainment
— RUSH Announces First Tour in 11 Years With Two Huge Tampa Concerts Planned
Sports
— Buccaneers Banking on Youth, Leadership and Defense for 2026 Turnaround
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Ancient Stone Fruit Becomes America’s Fastest-Growing Healthy Snack Trend
Date palm fruit are rapidly becoming one of America’s hottest health-food trends as consumers move away from ultra-processed snacks and toward more natural alternatives.
U.S. date sales surged 33% in 2025, according to California organic brand Joolies, while analysts project the American date market could grow to $1.6 billion by 2034. Globally, the industry is expected to expand from $34.5 billion in 2026 to more than $55 billion by 2034.
Health experts say dates appeal to consumers because they provide fiber, antioxidants, magnesium, and potassium while serving as a natural sweetener in smoothies and desserts. Viral social media recipes featuring dates as healthier dessert substitutes have further boosted demand.
Ancient civilizations cultivated dates thousands of years ago in Mesopotamia, and the fruit remains culturally important across the Middle East and Africa. Nutrition experts caution, however, that dates are still naturally high in sugar and are best paired with nuts or seeds for balanced snacking.
New Carowinds Water Ride Aims to Break Multiple World Records in 2027
Carowinds is preparing to debut a major new attraction in 2027 with the launch of Rip Roarin’ Falls, a record-breaking “super flume ride” featuring the world’s tallest log flume drop at 100 feet.
The new attraction will replace the former Rip Roarin’ Rapids site and revive the park’s long-missing log flume category for the first time since the closure of Powder Keg Log Flume in 2009.
According to Six Flags, the ride will also feature the world’s tallest reverse drop at 42 feet and a 32-foot reverse camelback element. Riders will travel more than 2,240 feet, reach speeds up to 50 mph, and experience a ride lasting roughly six-and-a-half minutes.
The attraction will feature a themed storyline centered around an abandoned haunted lumber mill. Park officials say the ride was designed to combine intense thrills with family accessibility, featuring a 35-inch height requirement that allows younger riders to participate.
RUSH Announces First Tour in 11 Years With Two Huge Tampa Concerts Planned
Rush is returning to the stage for the first time in more than a decade with its massive “Fifty Something Tour,” celebrating over 50 years of music and live performances.
The 58-date North American tour reunites bassist and vocalist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson, joined by acclaimed German drummer Anika Nilles. The tour marks the band’s first live performances since 2015 and will feature career-spanning setlists covering classic albums including 2112, Moving Pictures, and Permanent Waves.
Florida fans will get two opportunities to see the legendary progressive rock group when RUSH performs Nov. 9 and Nov. 11, 2026 at Benchmark International Arena. The tour also includes nearby South Florida stops at Hard Rock Live on Nov. 5 and Nov. 7.
VIP packages include meet-and-greet opportunities, autograph sessions, premium seating, and backstage production tours. Industry observers expect the reunion shows to become some of the biggest classic rock events of 2026.
Buccaneers Banking on Youth, Leadership and Defense for 2026 Turnaround
Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht says he remains highly confident in the franchise’s direction heading into the 2026 season despite the departures of several longtime team leaders.
Speaking recently with JoeBucsFan, Licht pointed to the organization’s recent draft classes as a major reason for optimism, saying the Buccaneers have developed “a lot of good young players” over the past four years. Tampa is entering a new era following the exits of franchise icons Mike Evans and Lavonte David, along with veteran defensive back Jamel Dean.
Licht also praised several offseason additions for bringing renewed energy and leadership to the locker room, including defensive linemen A'Shawn Robinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad, as well as linebacker Alex Anzalone.
The Buccaneers front office believes improved health, stronger defensive leadership, and continued development from younger players could help Tampa quickly re-emerge as an NFC contender in 2026.
Tampa Bay Area Live Music Events | Things to Do in Tampa Bay this W/E | TB Weekend Entertainment Guide |
|---|---|---|
May | June | May |
Source: | Source: | Source: |
Top Events | |
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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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