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Good Morning Neighbor,
Rain is in the forecast every day this week, so take advantage of the morning sunshine and find something fun to do early this Labor Day weekend before the showers roll in.
The remnants of Dolly may leave a little extra moisture behind, but there’s nothing concerning to worry about right now. We’ve also opened registration for the next Dinner Club in Carrollwood after such a great response to the first one. Here’s what’s happening around the area this week!
Help the families of Cobalt Apartments
Check out the cheapest gas
Have a great weekend!
-Mike
In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:
🏗️ Double Branch & Abbey Crossings Update
⚾ New Rays Stadium Approved
🔥 Cobalt Fire Sparks Code Review
And a bunch more!
Access local events in different ways:
Each newsletter includes the latest event information available at the time of publication.
Dinner Club
Wednesday 9/16 @ 7pm in Carrollwood (right there along Dale Mabry, of course)
Just a reminder of how it works, you’ll be asked some questions, matched with 5 neighbors for dinner (you’ll find out the restaurant the day of), you’ll make new friends, then you’ll get a text letting you know where all the parties will meet afterwards. The first Dinner Club was a smash hit!
Highlights
Double Branch And Abbey Crossings Take Shape
There’s a lot more than warehouses coming to the massive Double Branch and Abbey Crossings developments along SR 52 between I-75 and Mirada. Here’s where several of the most recognizable projects currently stand:
Under construction: Panera Bread, Chipotle and Dunkin’ all have exterior walls up. A 23-building office and medical park is also taking shape.
Plans submitted or approved: Wawa, McDonald’s, Panda Express, Walmart, Lowe’s, a TownePlace Suites by Marriott with a separate restaurant, and a 12,000-square-foot childcare facility.
New housing: Work is underway on 174 townhomes, with plans also moving forward for 140 Yardly rental homes, 300 apartments along the lake, another 330-unit apartment community and 150 Lennar townhomes.
The centerpiece of Double Branch is expected to be a boardwalk overlooking a 12-acre lake. Plans show space for four waterfront restaurants, a grocery store, fitness center, shops and entertainment, although no tenants have been announced for that area yet.
Together with Lutz Whistle Stop Depot
SEPTEMBER AT THE DEPOT
Step inside the Lutz Whistle Stop Depot, and you’ll quickly discover it’s more than a place to shop. It’s where neighbors gather, local artisans share their creativity and every visit brings a new treasure to uncover. I personally recommend you visit, pictures don’t do it justice.
September is a busy month at the Depot. Here’s what’s coming up:
Friday, Sept. 4, 3p–5p: First Friday Fun with music, snacks, drinks and The Twisted Kettle Popcorn.
Friday, Sept. 11–Sunday, Sept. 13: The Last Chance Pavilion Sale, with beautiful items priced to sell.
Saturday, Sept. 12, 5p–7:30p: An evening Sip & Shop with live music in the garden, drinks, light snacks, sales and a prize wheel.
Wednesday, Sept. 16: Sip & Script, where guests can learn calligraphy and leave with a decorated pumpkin.
Community
The Rays Are Coming To Tampa
The Rays now have city and county approval for a new 31,000-seat stadium near Raymond James Stadium. The $2.3 billion project will be built on the Hillsborough College campus and is expected to open in 2029. The Rays will contribute at least $1.3 billion and cover any cost overruns.
Cobalt Fire Could Change Pasco Building Codes
In the aftermath of the Cobalt Apartments fire, Pasco County could reconsider its building requirements for sprinklers and lightning rods. The building met current codes, but it did not have sprinklers in the attic or lightning rods, neither of which was required.
Fire officials said the alarms never sounded and they faced a 25-minute delay responding to the fire, which displaced nearly 200 residents. Commission Chairman Jack Mariano plans to bring proposed code changes to the Sept. 9 board meeting and said he may even suggest pausing some new construction while the county reviews its rules.
Temple Terrace Water Rates Could Jump
Temple Terrace is considering a $73 million upgrade to its water treatment plant to meet new federal PFAS limits taking effect in 2031. Because the permanent system will not be ready in time, the city may also need a temporary filtration system that could cost about $5.2 million a year to operate.
Paying for both projects could lead to water rate increases of as much as 35% in 2027, although council members are looking at ways to spread that increase over several years. No formal vote has been taken, and officials said the city’s drinking water currently meets federal and state requirements.
Events Reminder:
Pasco County Animal Services Presents: Hannah
Hannah (A046291) is a 5yo mixed breed spayed female. Hannah is the perfect family dog in search of her forever family. Hannah is a play group super star – she is social with other dogs! Hannah has also been on field trips and recently spent some time in a foster home. Hannah’s foster mom shares that Hannah rides great in the car, takes treats gently, and is quiet & easygoing in the home. Hannah knows commands like “sit” & “shake” …she’s treat motivated, too. Hannah would be great in a home with another playful pup friend, but she’d do just as well as an only dog. Hannah’s notes indicate that she chased the cats in a previous home, so we would recommend slow integration to a family who may also have cats. Meet Hannah today!
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.
Tampa Tarpons - Our local minor league team north of the city. Get your game packages now!
Gamer Events - Delivers fully hosted mobile gaming, laser tag, and VR experiences right to your location for easy, stress-free parties.
Novel in the Neighborhood - family-owned independent bookstore in New Port Richey offering more than 5,000 new books across all genres, along with literary gifts, puzzles, and games for readers of all ages.
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.
We’ll be on Instagram with updates wherever we end up. Feel free to slide into our DM’s.
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