Issue #407: Sandler Hits Amalie Arena | Love Island Fever | Dino-Brick Exhibit | Craving Bojangles?

6/27/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
27 Jun

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

Dr Ted
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar — “Out of Order” again!

Local News

— Adam Sandler Brings Laughter to Amalie Arena This September

Entertainment

— Reality TV Scores Big: ‘Love Island’ Becomes Tampa Bay’s Hottest Watch Party

— Jurassic Bricks: Dinosaurs and LEGOs Collide in Tampa Mega-Event

Food

— From In‑N‑Out to Bojangles: The Fast‑Food Brands We’re Begging For

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Adam Sandler Brings Laughter to Amalie Arena
This September

Adam Sandler is bringing his “You're My Best Friend” comedy tour to Tampa, marking a much-anticipated stop at Amalie Arena on September 6.

Fresh off the success of his sold-out 2022 and 2023 tours, the beloved comedian and actor—known for classics like Happy Gilmore and The Wedding Singer—announced his latest arena tour following the rave reviews of his Netflix special Love You, which scored a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Sandler’s mix of music, stand-up, and nostalgic comedy promises a night full of laughs for fans of all ages. Tampa is one of the many major cities featured on the national tour.

Tickets go on sale Friday, June 27, at noon, and given his previous sellouts, local fans are encouraged to act fast.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Sandler’s unique style, this event is shaping up to be one of the season’s biggest comedy draws.

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Reality TV Scores Big: ‘Love Island’ Becomes Tampa Bay’s Hottest Watch Party

"Love Island USA" is now the main event in Tampa Bay nightlife, drawing raucous watch parties across bars and clubs from St. Pete to Carrollwood.

Fueled by Tampa native and former UT baseball player TJ Palma’s mid-season entrance, fans have embraced the reality dating show with sports-like intensity. From the 200-person crowd at Ferg’s Sports Bar near Tropicana Field to jam-packed gatherings at 511 Franklin, themed cocktails, clapping, and booing have become the norm.

Influencer Zavier Torrence catalyzed the craze with a viral TikTok encouraging bar owners to host viewings, and venues like 3 Corners Pizza, American Social, and Glamper quickly joined in.

Bars are now offering specials like $10 champagne, free espresso martinis, and even “villa menus.” Ferg’s saw its Tuesday revenue double, with plans to keep the parties going.

Palma’s performance may be debated, but one thing’s clear: “Love Island USA” is Tampa Bay’s newest sport.

Jurassic Bricks: Dinosaurs and LEGOs Collide in Tampa Mega-Event

Tampa’s Florida State Fairgrounds will transform into a prehistoric-meets-plastic playground from July 18–20, as Jurassic Quest and Brick Fest Live team up for an epic family mega-event.

This first-of-its-kind combo experience invites guests of all ages to explore life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, ride dino replicas, dig for fossils, and meet baby dinos. On the LEGO side, families can build in glow-in-the-dark zones, race derby creations on 35-foot tracks, and help set a Guinness World Record for the largest brick mosaic.

“Dinosaurs and LEGOs are perfect gateways to STEAM learning,” said David Taube, CEO of Family Quest Entertainment, which runs both tours. With over a million bricks and science-packed dino exhibits, it’s a full day of screen-free discovery and play.

Event runs Friday through Sunday, with tickets available at jurassicquest.com. Use promo code QUEST15 for 15% off.

From In‑N‑Out to Bojangles: The Fast‑Food Brands We’re Begging For

Tampa Bay residents are still missing out on several cult‑favorite fast‑food chains—despite new entrants like Shake Shack, Bonchon, and whataburger-making waves, there’s plenty more comfort food on the horizon.

Cafe Rio—that’s Northern Mexico–meets-farm‑fresh fare with handmade tortillas and salsas—remains elusive, with the nearest location in Winter Park.

Arctic Circle, a Utah original, claims to have invented fry sauce, chocolate-dipped cones, and kids’ meals in the ’50s—but remains absent in Florida.

Big John Steak & Onion brings its legendary rib‑eye subs from Flint, Michigan, but Tampa won’t get a slice anytime soon.

Bojangles, famed for Cajun chicken, biscuit sandwiches and Bo‑rounds, closed its last local spot in the ’80s—until a new Pinellas Park location was announced.

Cook Out, the North Carolina chain known for 40+ milkshake flavors and char‑grilled burgers, is moving into Temple Terrace and Carrollwood via former Boston Market sites.

Other missed opportunities include Chico’s Tacos, El Pollo Loco, Flying Biscuit, Harold’s Chicken Shack, In-N-Out, Jack in the Box, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Lion’s Choice, Milo’s, Pita Pit, Pizza Ranch, Schlotzsky’s, Stewart’s Shops, and Swensons Drive‑in.

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Biggest Concerts & Comedians in Tampa Bay, Sarasota
in July

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This Weekend in TB:
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