Ep 200 | Weekly Round-Up | April 24
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📰 New restriction on SNAP and what can be purchased with EBT benefits for Floridians [https://www.tampabay28.com/news/local-news/east-hillsborough-county/new-restriction-on-snap-and-what-can-be-purchased-with-ebt-benefits-for-floridians]
📰 Hillsborough County approves $95 million plan to tackle flooding and drainage issues [https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2026/04/22/hillsborough-county-approves--95-million-plan-to-tackle-flooding-and-drainage-issues]
📰 University of Tampa breaks ground on new innovation center [https://www.fox13news.com/news/university-tampa-new-innovation-center-health-science]
📰 DeSantis launches state funding for vertiports, with eyes on the future of flying cabs [https://www.wusf.org/transportation/2026-04-22/desantis-launches-state-funding-for-vertiports]
📰 Florida AG launches criminal investigation into ChatGPT over FSU shooting [https://www.wusf.org/courts-law/2026-04-21/florida-ag-launches-criminal-investigation-into-chatgpt-over-fsu-shooting]
Amazing Art Expo: Free Tampa Pop Culture Art & Cosplay Event [https://www.tixr.com/groups/amazingartexpo/events/free-tampa-pop-culture-art-cosplay-event-183464]
Friday - Sunday April 24 - April 26
The Westin Tampa Waterside
Cost: Free
Welcome to the Free Pop Culture Art & Cosplay Expo at the Amazing Art Expo for 3 days filled with all things Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Anime, Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, DC, Horror, Alice in Wonderland Art & Cosplay. Meet Greg Baldwin— the voice behind Uncle Iroh from Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra, Samurai Jack, and more! Meet Michael Haigney, the original voice of more than 40 Pokémon including Charmander, Psyduck, Cubone, Snorlax, and more! Plus, meet nationally-recognized artist, Nastiya Grushovenko! Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of creativity and fandom. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just curious, this expo is perfect for anyone looking to have a blast.
16th Annual Crawfish Festival [https://www.luvcrawfish.com/]
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Saturday April 25
Founders Square Park @ The Winthrop Town Center
Cost: Free
Fresh crawfish, Cajun food, local craft beer, live music, food and business vendors, and a children’s area will make for a great Saturday! Dinner Tickets & Crawfish Cash are available in advance by donation. Proceeds benefit local and international organizations through the FishHawk-Riverview Rotary Club Foundation.
2026 Music Festival Tampa Black Heritage Festival [https://tampablackheritage.org/musicfest2026/]
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Saturday April 25, Sunday April 26
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Cost: $45/Day
The Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival brings two days of live music, culture, food, and family fun to Tampa Bay.
Busch Gardens: Food, Wine & Garden Festival [https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/food-and-wine-festival/]
Mondays and Fridays 12:00 PM - Close March 6 - May 8
Busch Gardens
A world of taste awaits at the annual Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food, Wine & Garden Festival with a delicious menu and drinks as dynamic and unique as the park's thrilling roller coaster collection. Guests can sip & savor their way through flavorful eats and mouthwatering treats each weekend of the event. Park guests can also experience live concert performances every weekend FREE with park admission. Food and beverage is not included with park admission and is available for an extra fee.
Keel Farms Blueberry Festival [http://www.keelfarms.com/festivals]
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Weekends in April
Keel Farms
Cost: $10 Parking
Join us for our annual Blueberry Festival every weekend in April (except Easter Sunday) from 10 AM – 3 PM at Keel Farms!
Celebrate all things blueberry with fresh blueberry U-Pick* straight from the farm, a crowd-favorite blueberry shortcake eating contest, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Enjoy camel rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, local vendors, and more throughout the day.