Issue #629: Comedy Stars Land In Tampa Bay, Soldiers’ Diary Reveals Independence Moment, TGH Robot Performs Tiny Vessel Repairs, Tampa Baker Builds Dream Business

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar 

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WEATHER  

Entertainment 

— From Jo Koy to Kym Whitley: July Brings Comedy Heavyweights to Tampa Bay

Of Interest

— Revolutionary War Diary Reveals the Moment Soldiers Learned America Was Independent

Medical News

— Tampa General’s Surgical Robot Can Repair Vessels as Thin as a Human Hair

Food

— Tampa Baker Turns Culinary School Passion Into Thriving Boutique Bakery

From Jo Koy to Kym Whitley: July Brings Comedy Heavyweights to Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay comedy fans have plenty to laugh about this month as Jo Koy, Marlon Wayans, Kym Whitley, Rachel Feinstein, Mark Normand and Rio Paris headline a packed July lineup across the region.

The month’s biggest draw is Jo Koy, who brings his nationally acclaimed stand-up tour to the Hard Rock Events Center in Tampa on July 22. Other notable appearances include Marlon Wayans at Funny Bone in Ybor City, Kym Whitley on July 10-11, and Rachel Feinstein at Side Splitters Tampa.

One of the hottest tickets of the summer belongs to Mark Normand, whose July 23-25 run at Side Splitters Tampa is already sold out.

Comedy fans can also catch performances from Rio Paris, Greg Warren, Chico Bean, Ryan Davis, Adam Ray, Chad Prather and dozens of other comedians appearing throughout Tampa, Wesley Chapel, St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Palm Harbor.

Whether you prefer nationally known headliners or local club favorites, July offers one of Tampa Bay’s strongest comedy lineups of the year.

Read More: cltampa.com

Revolutionary War Diary Reveals the Moment Soldiers Learned America Was Independent

A 250-year-old diary, a carved powder horn, and a British pocket watch are providing a remarkable window into America’s founding. Preserved by the Wisconsin Historical Society, the artifacts offer firsthand connections to the Revolutionary War and the birth of the United States.

The diary belonged to Joab Daggett, a Connecticut soldier stationed near New York in 1776. His entries reveal the daily realities of military life and record a historic moment when news of independence finally reached the troops. Five days after July 4, Daggett wrote that Congress had declared the 13 colonies “free and independent.”

Also preserved is a powder horn carried by Patriot soldier Abel Crandall, engraved with Patrick Henry’s famous words, “Give me liberty or give me death.” A British pocket watch recovered after the Battle of Monmouth in 1778 rounds out the collection.

Together, the artifacts offer a powerful, personal glimpse into America’s fight for independence.

Read More: scrippsnews.com

Tampa General’s Surgical Robot Can Repair Vessels as Thin as a Human Hair

Editor’s Note: This was the ChatGPT note regarding our attempt to create an image for the robotic surgical system: “We’re so sorry, but the image we created may violate our guardrails around violence.” (!)

Tampa General Hospital is using groundbreaking robotic technology to perform microsurgery on vessels and nerves as small as 0.2 millimeters in diameter — about the width of a human hair.

The hospital became the first medical center to offer the advanced Symani robotic microsurgical system for lymphatic surgery in 2025. The technology is helping patients with lymphedema, a chronic condition that can develop after cancer treatment and cause painful swelling, reduced mobility and an increased risk of infection.

According to Dr. Nicholas Panetta, chief of the TGH Plastic & Burn Surgery Institute, the robot allows surgeons to operate with unprecedented precision by reducing hand movement to a fraction of its normal range. This enables physicians to reconnect delicate lymphatic vessels earlier, potentially stopping the disease before it worsens.

While breast cancer patients are the primary beneficiaries today, Tampa General is expanding training across multiple specialties, including colorectal, gynecologic, head and neck surgery, bringing life-changing treatment options to more patients.

Read More: tbbwmag.com

Tampa Baker Turns Culinary School Passion Into Thriving Boutique Bakery

Shonnika Denise, owner of Synergy Sweets on West Hillsborough Avenue, first imagined opening a pink-themed bakery while attending culinary school. After taking an introductory baking and pastry class, she discovered her passion and never looked back.

The boutique bakery specializes in made-to-order cheesecakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies and cheesecake cakes. Rather than displaying desserts for hours, each order is freshly decorated for customers. Denise also keeps things exciting with a weekly rotating menu, introducing new flavors that encourage customers to return regularly.

Beyond the desserts, Denise says Synergy Sweets has become a gathering place where customers feel like family. That sense of community has helped the bakery build a loyal customer base throughout Tampa.

Synergy Sweets, located at 4016 W. Hillsborough Ave., currently operates summer hours from Wednesday through Saturday.

Read More: fox13news.com - Caution: Do NOT look at photos in orig article

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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