A photograph by Nick Cardello showing meteorologist Denis Phillips interacting with a fan at the Bolts Brew Fest at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, on August 1, 2026. On the right, Denis Phillips laughs heartily while holding a marker and a red lanyard card, dressed in a grey heathered hoodie bearing a blue hurricane swirl graphic with the text "RULE #7 DON'T FREAK OUT." On the left, an individual wearing a grey "BOLTS BREW FEST" t-shirt, black arm sleeve, and black-rimmed glasses holds a beverage can with an wide-eyed expression while adjusting their glasses, set against a dark backdrop branded with Tampa Bay Lightning hockey logos and news sponsor logos.
Denis Phillips at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida on Aug. 1, 2026. Credit: Nick Cardello / Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

Over the summer, Denis Philips was in Safety Harbor to share the latest batch of his signature Crooked Thumb Brewery beer.

He’s bringing more of that “Rule #7” citrus IPA to the home of the Tampa Bay Lightning this weekend for the 9th annual Bolts Brew Fest, a beer festival co-hosted by the greatest team in hockey and Creative Loafing Tampa Bay.

Phillips, 63, is famous for his even-keeled forecast—which is the only thing anyone wants to watch when a hurricane is brewing in the tropics. His “Rule #7” is “Don’t freak out unless I’m freaking out,” has been around since 2012 when Hurricane Isaac was heading toward the Bay area.

Phillips will be at the Crooked Thumb Brewery table on Saturday, meeting fans, taking pictures and signing autographs.

Tickets for the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Bolts Brew Fest happening Saturday, July 25 at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa are available now and start at $40.

View More

This article appears in July 23 – 29, 2026.

Read his 2016 intro letter and disclosures from 2022 and 2021. Ray Roa started freelancing for Creative Loafing Tampa in January 2011 and was hired as music editor in August 2016. He became Editor-In-Chief...