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SharkCon comes to Tampa Bay

Celebrate Shark Week with expert panels, a “Jaws” showing, and a live podcast session.

July 11, 2023 • 
Bailey LeFever
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Plus, you can pose with sharks, shark teeth, and other cool fossils at the event.

Photo via @shark_con

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Saturday
Sunday

*Insert “Jaws” opening score*

Shark Week — the weeklong Discovery Channel event + the country’s weeklong Shark obsession — is almost here, TBAY. You may not have spotted one of Tampa Bay’s hammerheads or bull sharks, but now’s your chance to learn about them. SharkCon, an entire weekend devoted to the oceanic creatures, is booked for this Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16 at the Florida State Fairgrounds (4800 US-301, Tampa).

The convention features a plethora of panels with researchers and shark experts on topics like “Glowing Ninja Sharks,” and a live “My Shark Podcast” session. Plus, there will be a 3D “Jaws” showing and photo opps with the movie’s cast.

Saturday

  • Dr. Dave Gallo, an oceanographer, documentary contributor, and TED speaker
  • Dr. Mike Heithaus, an FIU dean, professor, and researcher focusing on “predator-prey interactions and the ecological importance of sharks”
  • Jillian Morris, a shark conservationist.

Sunday

  • Dr. Joseph Dituri — otherwise known as “Dr. Deep Sea”
  • Paul Cox, the CEO of Shark Trust
  • Dr. Gisele Montano, a research associate at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens take the stage.

Tickets start at $5 for kids and $20 for adults.

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