Issue #298: Bold Flavors at Taco Fest, Fair Food Frenzy & Liam Coen Sparks Buccaneers Buzz

1/27/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
27 Jan

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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar

Local News

— Tampa Taco Fest Brings Bold Flavors to Al Lopez Park

— Florida State Fair 2025: Unveiling Jaw-Dropping New Foods

Sports

— Buccaneers Furious Over Liam Coen’s Surprise Move
to Jaguars

— Liam Coen’s Wife Responds to Criticism Amid Coaching Drama

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Tampa Taco Fest Brings Bold Flavors to Al Lopez Park

The 7th Annual Tampa Taco Fest returns to Al Lopez Park on Saturday, February 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering a day packed with authentic Mexican food, music, and family fun.

Festival-goers can indulge in mouthwatering tacos, elote, birria, and more from top chefs, taquerias, and food trucks. Pete’s Place, the winner of the 2024 Best Taco Award, will headline the event alongside vendors like Taqueria Janda and Rene’s Mexican Kitchen. Pair these bites with drinks from a Casamigos margarita bar.

Tickets start at $7 for general admission or $40 for VIP, which includes tacos, drinks, and VIP-only perks. Kids 12 and under enter free.

Enjoy live music, including a Selena Tribute Band, a local craft market, and family-friendly games. Bring cash, as many vendors are cash-only. Proceeds benefit the United Citizens Coalition, supporting underserved Latino communities.

Where: 4810 N Himes Ave

Florida State Fair 2025: Unveiling Jaw-Dropping New Foods

The Florida State Fair is back with a mouthwatering lineup of new culinary creations, running from February 6–17, 2025, at the Florida State Fairgrounds. This year’s menu features a mix of sweet, savory, and delightfully unconventional treats designed to tempt any adventurous eater.

Highlights include Baked Ziti on a Stick, BBQ-Stuffed Waffles, and the indulgent Campfire Burger stacked with Angus beef, baked beans, gouda, and a split hot dog. Sweet tooth? Try the Chocolate-Dunked Bavarian Donut or the outrageous Gourmet Chocolate Bacon Cheesecake on a Stick.

Savory fans can dive into Crack Mac, loaded with street corn and your choice of chicken, chorizo, or carnitas. For those craving bold twists, check out the Soul Food Eggroll or the gooey Hot Honey Chicken Grilled Cheese.

Don’t miss fan favorites like the Mexican Street Corn Baked Potato or the pickled goodness of What the Dill-io?

Where: Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa
When: February 6–17, 2025

Buccaneers Furious Over Liam Coen’s Surprise Move
to Jaguars

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reportedly "irate" after offensive coordinator Liam Coen unexpectedly left for the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Bucs believed they had secured Coen for another season, only to be blindsided when the Jaguars finalized a multi-year deal with him on Friday.

The move didn’t come without drama. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Coen allegedly ghosted the Bucs during negotiations, leaving the team frustrated. Schefter noted on the Pat McAfee Show, “In 20 years, I don’t remember hearing a team this hot and bothered about a coach taking another deal.”

Coen was instrumental in leading a strong Bucs offense this season, guiding Baker Mayfield to career highs of 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns. Now, Coen joins the Jaguars, who fired general manager Trent Baalke to secure him after a disappointing 4-13 season.

The Bucs must now find a replacement to keep their offense competitive heading into the 2025 season.

Read More: thespun.com

Liam Coen’s Wife Responds to Criticism Amid Coaching Drama

Ashley Coen, wife of former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen, has spoken out after backlash surrounding her husband’s sudden move to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The controversy began when Coen, initially set to sign a new deal with the Buccaneers, became unreachable, reportedly dealing with a family medical issue. Coen later reversed course, taking the Jaguars’ head coaching job after they fired GM Trent Baalke.

Fans and critics questioned whether Coen’s absence was truly related to his child’s health. Ashley took to X (formerly Twitter) to address the accusations:

"I hate that I even have to say this, but when people are negative about my kids, I will not be silent. Our son is sick; we were at the hospital seeing a specialist for his autoimmune disease. Please don’t spread misinformation."

The Buccaneers remain upset, per ESPN's Adam Schefter, as the team scrambles to replace one of the league’s top coordinators.

This emotional saga reminds fans to consider both sides of the story.

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