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Good Morning From Lutz,

Weather’s been nice lately, even if we could use a little rain.

The NFL Draft is going on all weekend, and it looks like the Bucs came away with a really solid first-round pick. Always interesting to see how that starts to shape up heading into the season.

There’s a good mix of things happening locally right now, so take a few minutes to see what’s going on nearby. Make it a great weekend and look after each other.

-Mike

Access local events three different ways:

Community Calendar
Full List of Events w/Links
Join our Facebook Events Group

Feel free to follow us on Instagram for more local updates.

Friday Moonlight Market at The Hub at Bexley
The Hub at Bexley, Land O’ Lakes
Friday, April 24 | 5:00 PM–9:00 PM

This evening market brings together local vendors, food, and live entertainment in a relaxed outdoor setting. Expect a mix of handmade goods, boutique shopping, and food options, along with live music and family-friendly activities throughout the night.

Community Market at Starkey Park
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, New Port Richey
Sunday, April 26 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

This outdoor market is set right under the trees at Starkey Park, with local vendors, food trucks, and a laid-back setup for browsing or just hanging out. You’ll find everything from handmade goods to snacks and drinks, plus a kids zone for families.

There will also be SWAG on-site, adding to the mix of vendors and activities throughout the day.

7th Annual Spring Market at Starkey Market
Starkey Market, Trinity
Saturday, April 25 | 11:00 AM–4:00 PM

This annual spring market brings together a curated group of local vendors, along with live music and food throughout the day. It’s a relaxed setup to shop, grab a bite, and spend some time outdoors.

Expect a mix of artisan goods and seasonal finds, all in one spot at Starkey Market as they celebrate their spring event.

New KFC Concept Opening in Carrollwood

Something a little different is landing in Carrollwood this weekend. A new spot called Saucy! by KFC is opening Saturday, April 25 at 12650 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., and it’s all about chicken tenders, sauces, and drinks.

They’re kicking things off with an opening event from 11:30a–1:30p with a DJ, tastings, and a few extras:

This will be their largest location yet in the Tampa area, with more spots already open nearby and another one planned for Trinity.

New Road Opens in Avalon Park

If you’ve been wondering how everything’s starting to connect out there, this is a big piece of it. Avalon Park Blvd. is now open, running about a mile from S.R. 54 through the community and linking neighborhoods directly to the growing downtown area.

The $7 million road is meant to make it easier to get between homes, schools, and the new businesses popping up around The Flats, where restaurants and retail are already open. There’s also an amphitheater now under construction nearby that’ll eventually host live events.

Phase 2 Bringing Grocery, Hotel + More

This is just the start of what’s coming next. Phase 2 of Downtown Avalon Park is expected to include a grocery store, a hotel, over 150 townhomes, and two mixed-use buildings with about 50,000 square feet of commercial and office space.

Beyond downtown, construction is already underway on new homes, a Dunkin’, and Pinecrest High School. Longer term, the full 1,600-acre community is planned to grow through multiple phases with more schools, restaurants, and even a 55+ neighborhood.

GOAT Kitchen & Bar Opens at Saddlebrook

A new restaurant has officially opened inside Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel. GOAT Kitchen & Bar is a sports-themed, clubhouse-style spot serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a focus on elevated American classics and craft drinks.

The space is designed around watching the game and gathering with friends, featuring multiple lounge areas, large TVs, and seating for both small groups and private gatherings. Menu highlights include short rib nachos, a smash burger, and Florida grouper, along with a rotating selection of local beers and cocktails.

$211M Repair Help for Storm-Damaged Homes

This is a big one if you or someone nearby is still dealing with hurricane damage. Hillsborough County just rolled out a $211 million program to help homeowners repair or rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Applications open May 1, but you can call now at (813) 540-7767 to get details or ask questions.

You’ll need to own and live in the home (or be displaced), be current on property taxes, and fall within income limits. Priority goes to lower-income households, but eligibility goes up to 120% of the area median income.

Rays Stadium Timeline Hits a Snag

The timeline for a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium is starting to slip. Hillsborough County officials say they likely won’t meet the team’s June 1 deadline to approve a funding deal.

Even if a preliminary agreement is reached soon, the county says it could take another 60–90 days to finalize the full development and funding terms. That pushes things past the Rays’ timeline for keeping a 2029 opening on track.

The proposal on the table has the Rays covering about half the cost, with the city of Tampa contributing $251 million and the county $750 million. Some commissioners are still hesitant, saying they need to be sure it’s the right move for taxpayers before voting yes.

Stadium Plan Could Impact Bucs Parking

A proposed Tampa Bay Rays stadium near HCC Dale Mabry is raising some practical concerns, especially around game day logistics. Early details show the project could eliminate about 2,600 parking spaces currently used for Buccaneers games and other large events at Raymond James Stadium.

Officials say those spaces play a key role in handling traffic and crowds, so losing them would need a plan. Discussions are ongoing, with the possibility that local governments may need to figure out replacement parking or other solutions if the project moves forward.

A Huge Thank You to our wonderful local partners!

We’ll be on Instagram with updates wherever we end up. Feel free to slide into our DM’s.

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