Issue #283: Free Preschool Cards at SeaWorld & Busch Gardens 🎟️ | Rally Duck Joins Bucs 🦆 | Tampa Bay Clinches Division 🏈

1/6/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
06 Jan

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This issue has to be mostly about our Bucs after yesterday’s performance!


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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar

Local News

— SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Introduce Free Preschool Cards for 2025

Of Interest

— Good Luck Returns: Rally Duck Joins Bucs for Season Finale

Sports

— Tampa Bay Clinches Division, Eyes Postseason Glory Against Washington

— Bucs Help Mike Evans Secure NFL Record and $3 Million Payday

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SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Introduce Free Preschool Cards for 2025

SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa are stepping up their game with free admission programs for children amid increasing competition from Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando’s upcoming Epic Universe in 2025.

The “Preschool Card” offers free admission throughout 2025 for Florida children aged three to five. Parents must activate the card by February 28 to enjoy year-long access. This cost-effective option contrasts with Disney and Universal, where tickets are required for children over three.

To enhance the experience, Busch Gardens introduced Wild Oasis, featuring a drop tower, water-play zone, and animal habitats, while SeaWorld unveiled the Arctic Flying Theater, an immersive aerial adventure.

Disney counters with discounts, free dining offers, and future expansions, including Cars Land, Villains Land, and Encanto-themed areas.

With these initiatives, Central Florida’s theme parks are ensuring families have affordable and exciting entertainment options.

Good Luck Returns: Rally Duck Joins Bucs for
Season Finale

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers brought back their rally duck for the regular-season finale against the New Orleans Saints, hoping to channel the same luck it brought during last week’s 48-14 win over the Carolina Panthers.

Partnering with wildlife group Ducks Unlimited, the Bucs welcomed a female mallard duck and her handler to the stadium. The original duck famously appeared on the field before linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka blocked a punt, leading to a touchdown and sparking chants of “Ducky! Ducky! Ducky!” from fans.

Two Super Bowl LV champions, Tom Brady and Ryan Jensen, joined General Manager Jason Licht to meet the feathered guest.

Wide receiver Mike Evans, who called the original duck “our good luck duck,” was aiming for 85 receiving yards to tie Jerry Rice’s record for consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.

Tampa Bay Clinches Division, Eyes Postseason Glory Against Washington

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers clinched their fourth consecutive NFC South title on Sunday with a decisive victory over the New Orleans Saints. In addition to the division crown, the Bucs climbed to the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoff standings after the Los Angeles Rams fell to the Seattle Seahawks. Despite identical 10-7 records, Tampa Bay won the tiebreaker with a stronger conference record (8-4 vs. 6-6).

The Buccaneers will now host the No. 6 seed Washington Commanders in the Wild Card round. Washington secured their spot after defeating the Dallas Cowboys and finishing the season 11-6. This marks Tampa Bay's fifth consecutive playoff appearance, their longest streak in franchise history.

Interestingly, the Bucs began their 2020 playoff run against Washington, ultimately winning the Super Bowl that season. If Tampa Bay wins next weekend and the second-seeded Eagles lose to the Packers, the Bucs could host a second playoff game. The date and time of their Wild Card matchup will be announced soon.

Bucs Help Mike Evans Secure NFL Record and $3 Million Payday

In a thrilling Week 18 victory over the New Orleans Saints, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers not only secured the NFC South title but also ensured star wide receiver Mike Evans made NFL history—and earned a hefty $3 million bonus.

Evans entered the game with 915 receiving yards, needing 85 more to extend his streak of consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to 10, tying NFL legend Jerry Rice. Despite missing three games due to injury, Evans reached the milestone late in the fourth quarter after the Bucs drew up a play specifically for him following a key defensive stop.

The catch not only secured his historic record but also triggered an incentive in his contract: 70+ receptions, 1,000+ yards, and 10+ touchdowns meant an extra $3 million payout.

Fans on social media celebrated the moment, with one user calling it the “best ending to any game all season.” Evans’ consistency and the team’s class in helping him reach this milestone have solidified his legacy as one of the NFL’s greatest wide receivers.

25 Biggest Music & Comedy Acts Coming to Tampa Bay
& Sarasota

Source: heraldtribune.com

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