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Good Morning Neighbor,
So, I'm just going to use the excuse that I wanted a little more attention. On Friday, I shared the World Series schedule and somehow managed to flip-flop the location of every single game. Yep, had them all backwards. About 20 of my neighbors reached out to let me know! I genuinely appreciate that so many of you are reading, and I really enjoyed getting to interact with everyone.
The weather has been such a treat lately, and it looks like we're in pretty good shape for trick-or-treating! Lows should stay in the upper 60s and highs in the mid-80s through at least the weekend after Halloween. There are already so many Halloween parties and events coming up for both kids and adults, and I'm sure that list will only get longer by Friday's newsletter.
One more thing! Dinner Club is coming back in mid-November! I'll have more details in Friday's newsletter.
Have a great week, everyone! Get those pumpkins carved and costumes ready!
-Mike
Extras:
Help the families of Cobalt Apartments
Check out the cheapest gas
In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:
🎃 USF Hosting Two Free Halloween Events
🛍️ Hobby Lobby Coming to Carrollwood Commons
🔬 Moffitt Opens Massive Research Center in Pasco
🌳 New Tampa Residents Favor Nature Over Sports
🚧 Lane Closures Across Pasco County This Week
And a bunch more!
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Each newsletter includes the latest event information available at the time of publication.
Highlights
USF Hosting Two Free Halloween Events
USF is getting into the Halloween spirit with two free, family-friendly events this week! First up is Trick or Treat with the Greeks on Thursday, October 29, from 6:30–8 p.m. at Greek Village on the Tampa campus. Families can enjoy candy, games, and activities hosted by USF sororities. No registration is needed.
On Friday, October 30, USF St. Petersburg hosts its 5th Annual Halloween Fest from 5:30–8:30 p.m. Expect trunk-or-treating, a haunted petting zoo, touch-a-truck, spooky STEM activities, and more. Both events are free and open to the public.
Community
Hobby Lobby Coming to Carrollwood Commons
Arts and crafts fans in Carrollwood are getting a new shopping option! Hobby Lobby is planning to open a nearly 50,000-square-foot store at Carrollwood Commons on North Dale Mabry Highway, joining Target, Sprouts Farmers Market, Dollar Tree, and several other businesses.
The retailer is known for its huge selection of home decor, seasonal decorations, art supplies, fabrics, and crafts. "Coming Soon" signs are already up, but an official opening date hasn't been announced.
Moffitt Opens Massive Research Center in Pasco
Moffitt's expansive Speros campus in Land O’ Lakes continues to grow, this time with the opening of its new 250,000-square-foot Discovery and Innovation Center. The facility will focus on developing new cancer treatments, including drug discovery, cell therapies, and targeted radiation treatments.
By the end of the year, the center is expected to house about 250 researchers and staff across 20 laboratories. There's more on the way, too, with a biotechnology incubator planned for early 2028 to help turn medical discoveries into new treatments.
New Tampa Residents Favor Nature Over Sports
Plans for the nearly 60-acre K-Bar Ranch Park in New Tampa are getting some input from the neighbors, and it sounds like residents want to keep things peaceful. At the first public meeting, walking trails, nature areas, picnic spots, and open green space topped the wish list, while a dog park ranked last.
The city has approved $8 million for the park, located south of Mistflower Lane near the Pasco County line. Traffic, noise, and safety were among residents' biggest concerns. No final designs have been drawn yet, and the planning process is expected to take 10–12 months.
Lane Closures Across Pasco County This Week
According to Pasco News, there are quite a few lane closures scheduled throughout the county this week, and you may have already run into a couple of them. Here's a quick look at some of the spots to watch out for:
US 41 at Lake Patience Road: Daytime closures from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. through Friday.
SR 54 at Henley Road: Daytime closures from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. through Friday.
SR 56 at Bruce B. Downs: Overnight lane closures through Thursday, plus daytime right-turn lane closures through Friday. Right turns onto northbound Bruce B. Downs will still be allowed.
Suncoast Parkway at SR 52: Partial or full right-turn lane closures on the southbound exit ramp through Saturday. Right turns will remain available.
Additional closures are scheduled along US 98, US 301, and SR 39. You can find the full list of closures and schedules here.
Our Partner GrowerLive
What does it take to manage thousands of living plants? Based in our back yard, GrowerLive has spent more than 25 years building technology specifically for commercial growers.
Pasco County Animal Services Presents: Bella
Bella A054642is a loves to be loved, luv bug! She is under three years old, black and white and has been at our shelter since the beginning of October. She was at our weekend event and truly shined with her love of all the kids that came to visit during a trunk or treat event. Bella will lay down for her belly scratches with a smile on her face. She is gentle, social and loves to be doted on, come meet Bella she will you over with her smile and softness!!
Pasco County Animal Services
19640 Dogpatch Lane
Land O Lakes, FL 34638
Wed - Thurs 12-5:00pm
Fri - Sat 12-6:00pm
Sun - 12-5pm
(813) 929-1212
MyPasco.net/PAS
A Huge Thank You to our wonderful local partners!
Lutz Whistle Stop Depot - Your go-to spot for gifts, vintage finds, home décor, antiques, handcrafted goods, plants, artwork, and general store treats. Come check us out!
FarmPixie - A simple way to buy fresh produce, eggs, honey, and more directly from local farmers and growers across Florida.
Gamer Events - Delivers fully hosted mobile gaming, laser tag, and VR experiences right to your location for easy, stress-free parties.
Revolution Catering & Meal Prep - Chef-driven catering, private dining, corporate events, and customized meal prep from a local family-owned business.
Carlie Carter of C&H Co. - Carlie Carter specializes in healthy hair, gray blending, color, and personalized styles from her private salon suite in Carrollwood. New clients receive 20% off their first appointment.
GrowerLive – Tampa Bay software that helps growers, greenhouses, and nurseries manage inventory, orders, production, and shipping in one place.
Ol’e Fellas Flooring - Your local family flooring experts—quality you can trust
EVENTS REMINDER:
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