'Jaws' Star Richard Dreyfuss To Appear At SharkCon 7 Aug. 7-8

TAMPA, FL — Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water ...

Fans of Steven Spielberg's 1975 blockbuster "Jaws" are in for a treat when the movie's star, Academy Award-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss, comes to Tampa Aug. 7-8 for SharkCon 7, presented by National Geographic’s SHARKFEST.

The festival featuring all things shark-related at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301, Tampa, delves into the sometimes-terrifying and always-fascinating world of sharks.

The event, sponsored by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Peppermint Narwhal, Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, Tropical Seas Sun and Skin Care and 98.7 FM the Shark will explore the myths and misconceptions of sharks with scientists, conservationists and personalities from Animal Planet, Discovery's Shark Week and National Geographic Networks, creator of the SHARKFEST series.

Also participating in SharkCon is Tampa Bay Watch, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and OCEARCH Shark Tracker.

SharkCon will feature more than 130 vendors of shark and ocean-related merchandise including jewelry, art, clothing and collectibles, and more than a dozen nonprofits who will show shark lovers how to get involved in saving these misunderstand marine creatures as well as the oceans in which they reside.

Speakers will include:

• Tampa native Michael A. Smith, author of the 45th anniversary edition of Edith Blake's "On Location On Martha's Vineyard: The Making of the Movie Jaws" and "Jaws 2: The Making of the Hollywood Sequel." He will sign copies of his books.
• Dr. Mike Heithaus, dean of the College of Arts, Sciences & Education and professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida International University.
• Underwater photographer Tanya Houppermans who is actively involved in shark research.
• Yannis Papastamatiou, assistant professor of biological sciences at FIU and one of the world's leading shark behavioral ecologists. Papastamatiou has been featured on the 2021 Nat Geo WILD's SharkFest and Discovery's Shark Week.
• Shark expert Francis Farabaugh who has appeared in "Sharks vs. Dolphins: Blood Battle" and will appear in National Geographic's SHARKFEST.
• Shark scientist and environmental educator Jasmin Graham.
• University of Florida engineer and research scientist Dr. Tracy Fanara, who focusing on retrofitting water treatment facilities to prevent ocean pollution.
• Professional shark diver and underwater cameraman Ryan Walton.
• Boat captain and professional shark diver Jamin Martinelli who has worked as a shark handler on the 2021 Eli Roth film, "Fin," the 2020 Will Smith movie, "Bucket List," and Rob Gronkowski's "Monster Tag."
• Marine biologist Brent Winner of Animal Planet's show, "Untamed and Uncut."
• Matt Sequin, curator of husbandry and records at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.
• Rich and Laura Howard, the photographers behind Oceans of Images Photography.

Exhibits and activities will include:

• Clearwater Marine Aquarium touch tanks and a marine rescue exhibit
• The FWC, which will give visitors an opportunity to handle shark specimens and observe scientists dissecting a shark
• Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium touch tanks
• An opportunity to try indoor scuba diving with trained professionals from Trilogy Dive Center
• A 22-foot shark slide
• A shark tooth sand dig
• Paddle board and kayak clinic
• A free treasure map hunt with prizes for the kids

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. One-day tickets are $19.95 for adults and $4.95 for children. Two-day tickets are $24.95 for adults and $7.95 for kids.

To see Richard Dreyfuss in person will cost shark lovers $40, or $60 if they want an autographed 8-by-10-inch photo of Dreyfuss.

Click here to purchase tickets.