Issue #321: New Cruises, New Attractions & a Chance to Be in a Movie – Don’t Miss Out!

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar

WEATHER

Local News

— Tampa Homeowners: Apply for Hurricane Tax Relief Before
March 1!

— Royal Caribbean Launches New Short Cruises from Tampa

Of Interest

— Exciting New Florida Attractions Coming in 2025!

— Want to Be in a Movie? Casting Calls Open in Tampa!

🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

Our NT|WC Live Events Calendar:

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Tampa Homeowners: Apply for Hurricane Tax Relief Before March 1!

Homeowners in the Tampa Bay area affected by last year’s hurricanes have until Saturday, March 1, to apply for property tax relief. The program assists residents whose primary homes were uninhabitable for at least 30 days in 2024 due to hurricanes, floods, or fires.

Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob "Coach" Henriquez announced that postcards were sent to 300,000 residents as a reminder. The available $3 million in relief funds will help families manage costly repairs.

To qualify, homeowners must submit Form DR-465 along with:

• Photos of the damage

• Utility bills

• Insurance forms

• Contractor statements

Applications must be filed with the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Office by the deadline. For assistance, residents can call the Property Damage Hotline at 813-272-6332.

Read More: wtsp.com

Royal Caribbean Launches New Short Cruises
from Tampa

Royal Caribbean is bringing more short getaways to Tampa, offering travelers four- and five-night cruises to Cozumel and Costa Maya aboard Rhapsody of the Seas for the 2026-2027 summer season.

Bookings open on Thursday, Feb. 27, giving Tampa Bay residents the chance to embark on quick yet adventure-filled escapes to Mexico’s scenic coastal destinations.

“Vacationers can explore the best of Cozumel and Costa Maya in just a few days,” Royal Caribbean said in a statement.

In addition to Tampa departures, the cruise line announced that 10 other ships will offer two- to five-night voyages from Florida and Texas.

For more details or to book a trip, visit Royal Caribbean’s website.

Read More: wfla.com

Exciting New Florida Attractions Coming in 2025!

Theme park lovers have plenty to look forward to in 2025, with major new attractions opening across Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and LEGOLAND Florida.

• Epic Universe (Universal Orlando Resort) – Universal’s newest park opens May 22, 2025, featuring five immersive lands, including Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe (Universal Monsters), and How to Train Your Dragon.

• Magic Kingdom (Disney World) – The first nighttime parade in a decade, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, debuts this summer, along with the Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern.

• EPCOT – A revamped Test Track and the Spaceship Earth Lounge open later this year.

• Hollywood Studios – Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After and a new Little Mermaid musical launch this summer.

• Animal Kingdom – A new Zootopia 4D show replaces It’s Tough to Be a Bug.

• SeaWorld Orlando – A thrilling Arctic Theater Experience opens this spring.

• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay – Wild Oasis, a kid-friendly adventure zone, arrives this spring.

• LEGOLAND Florida – The Sea Life Florida aquarium debuts May 23, featuring 3,000 sea creatures and interactive exhibits.

Read More: dailyridge.com

Want to Be in a Movie? Casting Calls Open in Tampa!

Aspiring actors and seasoned performers alike have new opportunities as movies and TV shows are casting roles in Tampa. Backstage has compiled a list of projects currently seeking talent, including the feature film "1972."

Casting for '1972' (Feature Film)

• Roles Available:

  • Lisa Warchavsky (Supporting, Female, 18-20)

  • Violetta Aka Viv Cienfuegos (Lead, Female, 18-23)

  • Darla Thompson (Supporting, Female, 18-23)

• Casting Location: Tampa, Florida

• Hourly Rate: Not available

Source: islandernews.com — see Backstage links in article for more information

Here’s a surprising fact: Some major Hollywood films have cast lead roles from open calls—even when big-name actors were expected to be chosen.

For example, Daisy Ridley (Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens) and Henry Thomas (Elliott in E.T.) were both discovered through open casting calls, beating out more experienced actors.

This means that even if you're a complete newcomer, a well-executed audition could land you a career-changing role—especially in cities like Tampa, where casting directors are actively searching for fresh talent! 🎬

Reader Comments

“Keep up on the great information.”
“Good local coverage. Great job.”
“I’m not big on reading. But your news is short and right to the point! Very informative and quick and easy to read!

Top Things to do Around Tampa & WC
2/27 - 3/5
Source: tampabeacon.com

Things to Do Brought to You By:
NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

The Arts
- 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

- The Krate, WC
- The Shops at Wiregrass, WC

For Kids
- Fun4TampaKids

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