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Good Morning Neighbor,
Pasco County Animal Services is full and waiving adoption fees for now, so if you've been thinking about a furry friend, here's your chance!
Speaking of making new friends, our next Dinner Club is Wednesday! Registration closed last night, but we'll have another one within the month. It's been so much fun seeing familiar faces return and meeting new neighbors along the way. Looking forward to making even more friends!
And what a time of year to get out and enjoy our community! Thanksgiving events are popping up everywhere, and we're finally getting some cooler weather. A little rain Wednesday and Thursday could bring our coolest temperatures since summer, with some lows in the 40s!
Have a wonderful week, neighbors! And don't forget to grab that Thanksgiving turkey for the freezer!
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Help the families of Cobalt Apartments
Check out the cheapest gas
In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:
🍝 New Italian Restaurant Coming to Trinity
🏦 Wesley Chapel Students Run Their Own Bank
🀄 Mahjong Craze Brings Carrollwood Neighbors Together
🏈 Carrollwood Day Football Chasing State Championship
And a bunch more!
View local events:
Each newsletter includes the latest event information available at the time of publication.
Highlights
New Italian Restaurant Coming to Trinity
The folks behind some familiar local restaurants are bringing something new to Trinity! Pineapple Hospitality Group, the family-owned team behind Craft Street Kitchen, Zim Zari, Shaker & Peel, and Agave Social, is preparing to open Roma Social at 10900 State Road 54, near Duck Slough Boulevard.
The new restaurant will offer a modern take on Italian favorites, with scratch-made dishes, Roman-style pizza, fresh focaccia, and a specialty wine and cocktail program. Menu previews include lobster ravioli, baked ziti with vodka sauce, and pistachio Basque cheesecake. They're targeting an early December opening, although an official date hasn't been announced yet. Another locally owned dining option to keep an eye on!
Wesley Chapel Students Get Real Banking Experience
Here's a pretty neat way to give students a head start on their careers! Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation in Wesley Chapel has partnered with Suncoast Credit Union to open a student-run bank branch right on campus. Instead of just learning about banking in a classroom, students will get to experience how it actually works.
The branch gives students hands-on experience with financial transactions, customer service, and everyday workplace responsibilities. The goal is to help them build financial knowledge and practical skills they can take into college, future jobs, and everyday life. It's a great example of a local school finding ways to connect classroom learning with the real world.
Source: Pasco News Online
Mahjong Is Bringing Carrollwood Neighbors Together
Who knew mahjong was becoming such a popular way to meet new people? A club at the Carrollwood Cultural Center is now drawing 40 to 45 players each week, including a growing number of younger adults and even teenagers! What started as a way for two local women to keep playing indoors during the summer has turned into a weekly gathering for neighbors of all experience levels.
The club meets every Tuesday from 12:30–2:30 p.m. at the Carrollwood Cultural Center (4537 Lowell Road). It's just $5 to participate, and beginners are welcome, with free instruction available. Players should bring a 2026 National Mah Jongg League card, and tiles and other supplies if they have them. For more information, contact Susan Baxter Gibson at [email protected].
Community
Florida Homeowners Get Major Property Tax Relief
I know this news is about a week old, but Friday's email already had plenty packed into it, so I wanted to give it a little attention today. There's still a lot to be settled, but here's what we know so far. Florida voters approved Amendment 3, increasing the homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. Depending on your home's assessed value and local tax rates, annual savings could reach $1,400 to $2,500.
A few important details: School district property taxes aren't going away, and homeowners must establish permanent Florida residency by the end of 2026 to qualify for the immediate benefits. Those purchasing after that deadline face a five-year wait for the additional savings. Meanwhile, local governments are figuring out how to handle the lost revenue, which could affect funding for roads, parks, libraries, and other services.
Carrollwood Day Football Eyes First State Championship
Carrollwood Day School's football team is making some serious noise statewide! The undefeated Patriots were the first team left out of Florida's new eight-team Open Division playoffs, but earned the No. 1 seed in Class 1A's Region 3 instead. They're now considered strong contenders for their first state championship in program history. Junior running back Kameron Battle has been a standout, rushing for 1,440 yards and 24 touchdowns. Their playoff run begins against First Baptist, with hopes of making it all the way to Miami!
Pasco County Animal Services Presents: Brunco
Bruno is an 8-year-old brindle mixed breed. Burno spent some time with a foster, who learned that he prefers women and children. He is a solo-boy as he is not a huge fan of cats and other dogs. Bruno is a very playful boy who loves walks and hugs! He has been with Pasco County Animal Services since June, 2026 and is eagerly awaiting his furever home!
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
Buzz Bites
Pasco County Welcomes Its New Sheriff
There's a new sheriff in town! Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed Jeff Harrington as Pasco County's new sheriff following Chris Nocco's resignation. Harrington brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, including 14 with the Pasco Sheriff's Office. With the county continuing to grow, he says traffic safety will be a top priority, along with keeping patrols fully staffed and building stronger relationships between deputies and the communities they serve.
Gunn Highway Closure Means Weeks of Detours
Well, I know this one all too well since I drive this stretch twice a day, five days a week! Gunn Highway between Lutz Lake Fern Road and Tarpon Springs Road has been closed in both directions since November 5 while Hillsborough County replaces an aging stormwater culvert. The closure could last up to four weeks, with the Veterans Expressway suggested as an alternate route for drivers traveling between Hillsborough and Pasco counties. Crews are hoping to finish sooner if the weather cooperates, but for now, those of us who regularly use Gunn Highway will need a little extra patience!
Carrollwood Village Named Neighborhood of the Year
A little hometown recognition for Carrollwood Village! Hillsborough County named the community its 2026 Neighborhood of the Year after 114 volunteers came together for its fourth annual neighborhood cleanup.
The effort included recycling, document shredding, and even home pickup for hard-to-haul items. The award recognizes all three phases of Carrollwood Village, and the HOA received $500 from the county. Pretty cool to see neighbors working together get some well-deserved recognition!
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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