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Good Morning Neighbor,

We're heading into Father's Day weekend, and it feels like the sports world has gone into overdrive. The World Cup has brought fans from around the globe to North America, the U.S. Men's National Team just delivered one of the biggest wins in its World Cup history, Canada is still making a run, and New York finally celebrated a championship after decades of waiting.

Closer to home, there continues to be plenty happening around North Tampa and Pasco. From transportation projects making progress to community events, local businesses, and a few reasons to get out of the house this weekend, there's no shortage of things to keep an eye on.

Have a great Father's Day weekend, enjoy the extra daylight, and let's get into it.

-Mike

Access local events three different ways:

Community Calendar
Schedule of Events w/Links
Join our Facebook Events Group

Ridge Road Delay Hits Key Connector

We've been keeping an eye on the Ridge Road extension with a few drone shots over the past several months, and while progress is definitely visible, drivers will have to wait a little longer before the road opens.

Pasco County has delayed the opening of Phase 2 until early summer 2027 due to the approval process required for the bridge crossing over the CSX railroad near U.S. 41. The $85 million project will extend Ridge Road 3.75 miles from North Sunlake Boulevard to Land O' Lakes Boulevard, creating a major new east-west connection through central Pasco. Two lanes are expected to open first in 2027, with all four lanes planned by early 2028. Once complete, the corridor will also include bike lanes, sidewalks, a multiuse trail, and utility improvements.

More Progress Along the Suncoast Trail

Here's another positive development to add to the growing list of transportation projects taking shape across Pasco, especially on the trail front, which we're always proud of.

FDOT has begun work on two new pedestrian and bicycle overpasses along the Suncoast Trail at State Road 52 and State Road 54. The nearly $19 million investment will allow walkers, runners, and cyclists to cross both major roadways without interacting with traffic, creating a safer and more seamless trail experience. Construction at SR 52 is already underway, while work at SR 54 begins this month.

Both overpasses are expected to open during the first half of 2027. In the meantime, the Touchpoint Drive trailhead north of SR 54 will be closed during construction, but once complete, these projects will make one of Pasco's most popular recreational assets even better connected.

Mother's Reopens In Northdale

After closing its longtime Westchase location last summer, Mother's officially reopened on May 29 at 3825 Northdale Blvd. in Northdale with a larger space and an updated menu.

The popular comfort food restaurant says many of its regulars were already making the drive from the Carrollwood and Northdale areas, and the response to the new location has been strong so far. Returning favorites include shrimp and grits, grilled wings, and the restaurant's well-known beef on weck sandwich, while new additions include items like salmon Wellington. Mother's is now open seven days a week starting at 11 a.m. and continues to offer the comfort-food-focused menu that helped build its following over the past decade.

22 Hours On The Ice For Veterans

We mentioned this event last year, and it's another great example of the many ways AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel gives back to the community. The facility recently hosted the 6th annual Hockey Heals 22, a 22-hour hockey marathon that brought together veterans, first responders, youth players, community members, and NHL alumni to raise awareness for veteran suicide prevention.

The event supports organizations that serve veterans and military families while helping connect people with mental health resources. Beyond being one of the largest sports venues in the area, Center Ice continues to serve as a gathering place for community events that make a real difference locally.

Busch Gardens Announces July 4th Celebration

If you're already thinking ahead to Fourth of July plans, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has announced its annual Independence Day celebration will return July 4–6 as part of the park's Summer Nights event series.

The three-day celebration will feature fireworks, a patriotic drone show, special live entertainment, and extended nighttime park hours. The shows take place over Festival Field and are included with regular park admission, making it one of the larger holiday celebrations in the Tampa Bay area. If you're looking for a place to catch fireworks without heading downtown, this is one to keep on your radar.

A Huge Thank You to our wonderful local partners!

Pasco County Animal Services Presents: Spikey

Spikey (A047699)  is a 9yo male mixed breed  who came to PCAS after a citizen found Spikey running loose. She held him on her property until an Animal Control Officer could come investigate. Owners were found, and the household Spikey came from had several dogs living in a backyard – all of which were not being cared for properly. Spikey is now safe, and he available for adoption. He was also recently treated to a special photo shoot by Stronger Shot Adoption Photos!

Pasco County Animal Services
19640 Dogpatch Lane
Land O Lakes, FL 34638
Tues - Thurs 12-5:30pm
Fri - Sat 12-6:30pm
(813) 929-1212
MyPasco.net/PAS

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

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