🍴What’s Opening Next in Our Backyard?

The Newsletter Your Neighbor Writes.
No Crime. No Politics.

Did a neighbor share this with you? Subscribe for free!

Good Morning, Neighbor. On a train from London to Portsmouth, a crab was spotted riding in first class. Not on a plate, not on ice, just alive and well enjoying the perks. And while I may never see first class in this lifetime, in the next one I’m definitely coming back as a crab.

In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:

✏️ Pasco teachers land a 4.5% raise
🥗 New Mediterranean spot Bowlish opening
🔥 Pasco expands waste-to-energy facility
💪 JETSET Pilates studio set for grand opening

Reply to this email and let us know the last restaurant you went to. Feel free to follow us on Instagram for more local updates.

Share this with the neighbor that has already finished their first batch of Halloween candy.

Check out our very own community calendar! Leave some feedback, we’d love to hear from you👇

If you would like to showcase your brand or event in front of thousands of locals, feel free to reply or reach out through the link above.

Digest

Pasco Teachers Score a Raise

Good news for our local Pasco teachers: they just landed an average 4.5% raise. It might not sound huge, but it’s stacked on top of last year’s 5% bump, so it adds up. The district’s juggling a big $2.3 billion budget, rising insurance costs, and even a dip in enrollment, but they’re still making sure pay stays competitive. Bottom line: it helps keep great teachers right here in our classrooms, which is a win for all of us.

Restaurants & Local Business

New Mediterranean Spot “Bowlish” Opening in Tampa

A fresh Mediterranean restaurant called Bowlish is set to launch the weekend of October 3 at 10420 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618 in the Carrollwood area.

They’ll offer build-your-own bowls, wraps, grilled/oven-baked/air-fried healthy options (no frying), plus fresh juices and Mediterranean sides like hummus, tabbouleh, and Greek salad.

The space will seat about 40 indoors + 10 outdoors, open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. initially, with plans to add breakfast service soon.

Buzz Bite: Chick-fil-a on 54 and Gunn is set to open next week. They are waiting on some paperwork from the county but it’s all up and ready.

New JETSET Pilates Studio to Open in Carrollwood

Good news for fitness lovers North of Tampa, luxury Pilates brand JETSET Pilates is opening its third Tampa area location at 10019 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Suite 100, Carrollwood.

The studio will host a grand opening event October 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., complete with a ribbon-cutting, a local vendor market, tours, and chances to try signature classes.

Expect 50-minute classes on custom reformers blending strength, cardio, and Pilates movements — made for all.

City Furniture Breaks Ground, Home2 Suites Coming North of 56

Construction has begun on a new City Furniture location, and plans are underway for a Home2 Suites by Hilton just north of State Road 56. The hotel is expected to open sometime in 2026, adding new lodging options close to local shopping and main roads.

This development will serve the North Pasco and Wesley Chapel area by giving residents and visitors more choices for furniture shopping and overnight stays without having to drive into the busier parts of Tampa or New Port Richey.

Community

Pasco Turns Trash Into Power

Reworld and Pasco County just placed the final steel beam on the expansion of the Thermomechanical Treatment facility in Spring Hill. Once complete, it will process 160,000 more tons of waste every year and boost energy production from 29 MW to 44 MW. That’s enough electricity to power thousands of local homes across Pasco County and the surrounding area, a big step in handling our growing community’s trash while cutting down on landfill use.

So how does it work? Instead of burying garbage, the facility burns it in a controlled way inside a massive boiler. The heat boils water, creating steam that spins turbines, a bit like a windmill but powered by steam instead of wind. Those turbines generate electricity that flows straight to the grid, turning yesterday’s trash into today’s power.

News Flash: Rays Get New Owner Approval

We’ve talked about this plenty of times, but now it’s official. The Rays’ ownership change is approved and happening. Major League Baseball has signed off on the $1.7 billion sale of the Tampa Bay Rays to a group led by Jacksonville developer Patrick Zalupski.

Current owner Stu Sternberg will keep a small stake, but the new group will be taking over soon. One of their first big decisions? Figuring out where the Rays will play long-term, especially since Hurricane Milton left Tropicana Field unusable. For now, the team is calling Steinbrenner Field in Tampa home.

Civic News

Pasco Invites You to Help Tackle Homelessness

Pasco County is hosting a town hall to hear directly from residents about how homelessness is affecting our neighborhoods, businesses, and public services.

• Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 5:30 p.m. at Saint Leo University Wellness Center, San Antonio

If you can’t make it in person, you can also share your input through an online survey. The county says feedback will help shape its 2025–2030 strategic plan on homelessness, including improvements to services and new outreach efforts.

Our Partner, Zen, Drive & Thrive

Are you or someone you know nervous about driving or preparing for your Road Test?

Zen, Drive & Thrive, LLC offers patient coaching and Road Test prep. Build safe habits, boost your self-esteem, and feel prepared. Local and reliable, and most importantly – focused on YOU! Schedule today and learn to drive with confidence – not just permission!

Events North of Tampa

If you have an upcoming event you'd like us to feature at the top of the newsletter, just let us know. You can also drop any suggestions or thoughts in the comment section below the calendar.

If you run into any trouble with the new calendar, the legacy version is included below as a backup.

Featured Event

🍂 Looking for a perfect Sunday outing? The Community Market at Starkey Wilderness Park is back with artisan vendors, cottage foods, food trucks, plants, and fresh-squeezed lemonade. With the park’s long trails and beautiful scenery, it’s a great way to enjoy the weekend with family or friends. 🛍️

📍 Starkey Wilderness Park, New Port Richey
🗓️ Sunday, September 28, 2025
⏰ 10 AM – 2 PM

Live Music

Friday, September 26

• Art’s Tap House, Trinity | Mark Anthony Band | 8–11:59 PM

• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Bradford Graves and The Bar Rags | 8–11:59 PM

• The Brass Tap, Lutz | Live Music TBA | 7–10 PM

• The Collective at Escape, Trinity | Paul Britain | 6–10 PM

• Cigars International Superstore, Lutz | Live Music | 8–11:45 PM

• Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Kyle Velez | 7:30–11:30 PM

• Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Highway 41 Band | 7–11 PM

• Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Wesley Chapel | John Allen James | 7–10 PM

• Florida Cracker Fish Company, Citrus Park | Patrick Foy | 7–10 PM

• Jerry's Crystal Bar, Zephyrhills | Atomic Brew (Day 1/2) | 9 PM–1 AM

• Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | Jaded | 8–11:59 PM

• O'Brien's Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Moonshine Abby (Day 1/2) | 9 PM–1 AM

• O'Brien's Irish Pub, Wesley Chapel | Capo 3 | 8–11:59 PM

• The Drinks @ 9, Lutz | Sunny Situation | 7–10 PM

• SouthernEaze Bar & Grill, Lutz | Steve Frank | 6:30–9:30 PM

• Starkey Market, Trinity | Matt Winter Trio | 6–9 PM

• Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Gary Coco | 7–10 PM

• The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Casey Stidham | 8–11:59 PM

• Thomas P’s Sports Bar, Citrus Park | Rebecca Field | 5–8 PM

• Tiki Cove, Land O’ Lakes | Rick Bruce | 7–10 PM

• Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Nunes at Night | 7:30–10:30 PM

Saturday, September 27

• Art’s Tap House, Trinity | Hell on Heels | 8–11:59 PM

• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Mark Shane and The Shane Gang | 8–11:59 PM

• The Collective at Escape, Trinity | Gil Lozada | 6–10 PM

• Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Ben Meyer | 7:30–11:30 PM

• Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | JT Curtis Band | 7–11 PM

• Florida Cracker Fish Company, Citrus Park | Charlie D | 7–10 PM

• Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | Pure Classic Gold | 7–11 PM

• O'Brien's Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Downsyde Up (Day 1/2) | 9 PM–1 AM

• O'Brien's Irish Pub, Wesley Chapel | Smoke Point | 8–11:59 PM

• The Orpheum, Tampa | Punk Rock Pizza Party ($) | 7–11:59 PM

• Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Erin Boone ($) | 8–11 PM

• SouthernEaze Bar & Grill, Lutz | Wade Williams | 6:30–9:30 PM

• Starkey Market, Trinity | Ginger Rose Duo | 6–9 PM

• Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Two Critters | 7–10 PM

• Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Company, Odessa | Dreams Unwind | 4–7 PM

• The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Bob Tee | 8–11:59 PM

• Tiki Cove, Land O’ Lakes | Encore | 7–10 PM

• Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Jimmy Griswold | 7:30–10:30 PM

• Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Jaded (Day 1/2) | 9 PM–1 AM

• Yuengling Draft Haus, Tampa | Live Music Saturdays | 5–8 PM

Sunday, September 28

• Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | Jesse Derringer | 2–5 PM

• The Orpheum, Tampa | I Set My Friends on Fire | 6–11 PM

• Starkey Market, Trinity | Brad Noblitt | 1–4 PM

• Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Union West | 5–8 PM

• Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Koala Fire | 4:30–7:30 PM

Tuesday, September 30

• Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Open Mic w/ Fred Chandler | 7–10 PM

• The Orpheum, Tampa | Many Eyes ($) | 6–11 PM

• Tom’s Tavern, Forest Hills (Tampa) | Buzzfactor | 8–11:59 PM

• Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Open Mic Night | 7–10 PM

Markets

Friday, September 26

• Hampton Inn Odessa Trinity, Odessa | Autumn Craft Festival | 8 AM–5 PM

• The Hub at Bexley, Land O’ Lakes | Moonlight Market | 5–9 PM

Saturday, September 27

• Hampton Inn Odessa Trinity, Odessa | Autumn Craft Festival | 8 AM–5 PM

• Hampton Inn Odessa Trinity, Odessa | Trinity Crafters Market | 10 AM–3 PM

• The Hub at Bexley, Land O’ Lakes | Bexley Market on the Lawn | 10 AM–2 PM

• The Collective at Escape, Trinity | Collective Market | 6–10 PM

Sunday, September 28

• Starkey Wilderness Park, New Port Richey | Community Market at Starkey | 10 AM–2 PM

• The Grove at Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Harvest Markets | 11 AM–3 PM

• Yuengling Draft Haus, Tampa | Yuengling Tampa Local Market | 1–5 PM

Monday, September 29

• The Main Ingredient, Lutz | Pop-up Farmers Market | 3–7 PM

Events

Friday, September 26

• Avalon Park, Wesley Chapel | Food Truck Rally | 5–8 PM

• Black Sheep American Pub, Lutz | Karaoke | 7–10 PM

• Carrollwood Players, Tampa | Company | 8–10 PM

• Commandough’s, Zephyrhills | Karaoke | 7–10:30 PM

• Cozy Collective Studio, Dade City | Van Ghost Painting Night | 6:30–8:30 PM

• Florida Farm School, Dade City | Toddler Time | 10:30 AM–12 PM

• Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | R&B Night w/101.5 ($) | 7–11 PM

• Side Splitters Comedy Club, Tampa | Adam Muller ($) | 7:30–9:15 PM

• Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Co., Odessa | Date Night Wood Workshop | 6:30–8:30 PM

• Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Dueling Pianos | 7–11 PM

• Wesley Chapel District Park, Wesley Chapel | Friday Flow & Sound ($60) | 5:30–7:30 PM

• The Grove 16, Wesley Chapel | Senior Social (50+) | 3–5 PM

• Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, Lutz | Neighborhood Pet Store Day | 12–5 PM

Saturday, September 27

• AdventHealth Center Ice, Wesley Chapel | Tampa Bay Juniors vs Palm Beach Typhoon | 2:30–8:30 PM

• Carrollwood Players, Tampa | Company | 8–10 PM

• Commandough’s, Zephyrhills | Oktoberfest | 1–11:59 PM

• Dallas Bull, Tampa | Line Dance Lessons w/ Bobbie | 7–8:30 PM

• Florida Cracker Fish Company, Citrus Park | Brunch | 8 AM–2 PM

• Kohl’s, Lutz | Fourth Saturday Gathering | 8 AM–5 PM

• Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Latin Night ($) | 7–11 PM

• MOSI, Tampa | Science of the Cuban Sandwich | 6–9 PM

• Raprager Family Farms, Odessa | Pumpkin Festival | 9 AM–6 PM

• Side Splitters Comedy Club, Tampa | Adam Muller ($) | 7–8:45 PM & 9:30–11:15 PM

• Tampa Premium Outlets, Lutz | Ultimate Food Truck Festival | 11 AM–8 PM

• Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Co., Odessa | Oktoberfest | 11 AM–10 PM

• Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Dueling Pianos | 7–11 PM

• Tom’s Tavern, Tampa (Forest Hills) | Karaoke | 8–11 PM

• Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, Wesley Chapel | Girl Scout Fest | 10 AM–2 PM

• Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, Lutz | Neighborhood Pet Store Day | 12–5 PM

• Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Land O’ Lakes | Survey Says Trivia | 6–8 PM

Sunday, September 28

• Agnes Lamb Park, Dade City | Breathe & Stretch Yoga | 1–2 PM

• The ABL, Dade City | Board Games, Books and Brews | 1–6 PM

• Florida Cracker Fish Company, Citrus Park | Brunch | 8 AM–2 PM

• Raprager Family Farms, Odessa | Pumpkin Festival | 9 AM–6 PM

• The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | Auto & Truck Showcase | 11 AM–3 PM

• New Tampa Unplugged, Tampa | O Som Do Jazz | 3–6 PM

Monday, September 29

• Dade City Brewhouse, Dade City | Trivia | 7–9 PM

• Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Co., Odessa | Trivia Night | 6:30–8:30 PM

• X-Golf, Trinity | Trivia – Star Wars | 7–9 PM

Tuesday, September 30

• Florida Cracker Fish Company, Citrus Park | Kids Night | 5:30–8:30 PM

• O'Brien's Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Trivia w/ Tucker | 7–9 PM

• O'Brien's Irish Pub, Wesley Chapel | Trivia w/ Dang Yo | 7:30–10:30 PM

• Starkey Market, Trinity | Drum Circle | 7–10 PM

• The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Line Dancing w/ Bobbie | 7–9 PM

• Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Trivia and Taco Tuesday | 7–9 PM

• Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Pool Tournament w/ Karaoke | 9–11 PM

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

Thanks for reading the North Tampa Buzzletter!

If you loved it, send it to a friend.