Did a neighbor share this with you? Subscribe for free!
Good Morning From Lutz.
I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas. If you’ve been out and about lately, you’ve probably felt just how full the calendar already is. Bucky Irving is making an appearance at Planet Fitness in Wesley Chapel, bike meetups and rides are happening all week, markets are popping up everywhere, and live music is just about nonstop. And with New Year’s Eve right around the corner, there’s plenty more scheduled.
The weather will be a wild ride this week but it should warm up in the second half of the week and throughout the weekend. I hope you have a wonderful New Year!
Also, starting next week, we will be back to two editions per week.
Let’s get to it.
-Mike
In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:
🚧 Morris Bridge Road finally reopens in east Pasco
🚌 A new GoPasco bus route launches in Land O’ Lakes
🚆 Strong local support continues for bringing Brightline to Tampa
💰 Hurricane recovery funds start rolling out across Pasco County
Feel free to follow us on Instagram for more local updates.
Share this with the person that’s hosting the NYE party you’re going to!
Why was the Times Square Ball Drop originally created?
Check out our community calendar and leave some feedback. We’d love to hear from you 👇
Digest
Pasco County Rolling Out $586M in Hurricane Repair Aid
Pasco County has officially started distributing hurricane recovery funds through its new Better Future program, with $586 million set aside to help residents repair damage from recent storms, including Idalia, Helene, and Milton. This is the program we’ve been keeping an eye on and sharing updates about as new details have come out.
Homeowners can apply online, and those who qualify may be reimbursed for repairs they’ve already paid for or have repair and mitigation work completed through county-approved contractors. County leaders say applications are being prioritized for lower-income households, and the funding will be distributed over the next several years.
If you or someone you know is still dealing with storm damage, this is an important step forward and worth taking a look at.
P.S. If you’d like to partner up to reach 12,500+ local, engaged families, let’s talk. You can also email me at [email protected]
Community
New GoPasco Bus Route Coming to Land O’ Lakes
This is actually pretty exciting for central Pasco, especially for folks along the main artery connecting west Pasco to east Pasco. Starting January 5, GoPasco is launching a new weekday bus route serving Land O’ Lakes, running along U.S. 41 / Land O’ Lakes Boulevard with connections to State Road 54.
The route makes it easier to travel between New Port Richey and Zephyrhills and offers regional connections with HART and PSTA. Stops include Heritage Park, Land O’ Lakes High School, the Pasco County Utilities Building, the Tax Collector’s Office, USPS, Walmart near U.S. 41 and Dale Mabry, and the Pasco County Corrections Visitation & Resource Center. Full schedules and route details are available at mypas.co/BusRoutes, and riders can track buses in real time using the myStop app.
For anyone who relies on public transportation, or for families looking for more flexible ways to get around Pasco, this is a meaningful addition.
Give Your Tree a Second Life with Pasco County Treecycling
If you’re strong enough to endure the holiday season with a real tree, I admire you. Once the decorations come down, Pasco County makes it easy to responsibly recycle it through their annual treecycling program. Your live tree will be turned into mulch and reused locally instead of heading to the landfill.
Tree drop-off locations:
Hudson: Veterans Memorial Park (14333 Hicks Road)
Wesley Chapel: Wesley Chapel District Park (7727 Boyette Road)
Look for the drop-off site at the north end of the park near Overpass Road.
Important guidelines:
Remove all decorations before dropping off your tree, including tinsel, lights, ornaments, and metal hooks
Artificial trees are not accepted
It’s an easy way to wrap up the holidays while doing something good for the community.
Strong Local Support for Brightline, Questions Still Open
That recent survey we pointed you to in a couple of recent editions shows strong support for bringing Brightline to Tampa. Nearly 12,000 people across the region responded, with interest stretching beyond Hillsborough into Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, and Manatee counties.
There’s still plenty to figure out. No station location has been selected, and questions remain around cost, feasibility, and how a future station would connect to places like downtown, Westshore, and the airport. For now, the survey is about gauging interest and transportation needs, not committing to construction, but it’s clear the conversation around Brightline isn’t going away.
You or someone you know has probably taken Brightline at some point. I’ve ridden it myself, and it’s definitely a pleasant experience. It’s comfortable, convenient, and easy to use. The tradeoff, of course, is that you’re paying a bit more for that level of convenience and atmosphere.
Morris Bridge Road Reopens in East Pasco
Good news if you drive around east Pasco. Morris Bridge Road at Chancey Road has officially reopened after being closed since June for repair work. Crews reopened it over the weekend, ending months of detours and extra traffic on nearby roads like Coats Road and U.S. 301. The reopening had been delayed a few times, so this should come as a relief for anyone who’s been navigating around it lately.
Events
I hope this answers the question, “What is there to do around town without having to drive down to Tampa?”
Live Music
Tuesday, December 30
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Open Mic Night | 7–10 PM
Wednesday, December 31
Art’s Tap House, New Port Richey | NYE Neon Glow Party w/ Jezabelle | 8 PM–12 AM
Escape Brewing Company, Trinity | Stick & Ditty | 9 PM–1 AM
Jerry’s Crystal Bar, Zephyrhills | New Year’s Eve w/ Rearview Mirror | 9 PM–1 AM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | New Year’s Eve – Daniel Sprouse | 9 PM–1 AM
Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Damon Fowler’s New Year’s Eve Party | 8 PM–1 AM
Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | NYE with JT Curtis / FL Scoundrels | 8 PM–1 AM
Tampa Wine Room, Tampa | Jamie O NYE Party | 8–11:59 PM
The Orpheum, Tampa | Emo Night New Year’s Eve | 8–11:59 PM
The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Open Mic & NYE Party | 8–11:59 PM
Tom’s Tavern (Forest Hills), Tampa | Open Mic w/ Fred Chandler | 7–10 PM
Thursday, January 1
Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Layla B | 6–9 PM
Tom’s Tavern (Forest Hills), Tampa | Open Mic w/ Fred Chandler | 7–10 PM
Friday, January 2
Art’s Tap House, New Port Richey | The Edison’s | 8–11 PM
Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Sons of Phil | 8–11:55 PM
BarrieHaus Beer Co, Trinity | Combustimarsupials | 6–9 PM
Cigars International Superstore, Lutz | Live Music | 8–11:45 PM
Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Tyler Dusek | 8–11 PM
Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Highway 41 Band | 7–10 PM
Florida Cracker Fish Company, Citrus Park | April Red | 6:30–9:30 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | 4X | 8–11:55 PM
SouthernEaze Bar & Grill, Lutz | Patrick Foy | 6:30–9:30 PM
The Brass Tap, Wesley Chapel | Live Music TBA | 7–10 PM
The Orpheum, Tampa | Heathen Sun | 7–11 PM
The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Justin Phillips | 8–11 PM
Thomas P’s Sports Bar & Patio, Citrus Park | Rob Stoney | 5–9 PM
Tom’s Tavern (Forest Hills), Tampa | JT Curtis and the Florida Scoundrels | 8–11 PM
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Capo 3 | 7:30–10:30 PM
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Zephyrhills | Jaded | 7–10 PM
Saturday, January 3
Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Darrell Sikes Band | 8–11:55 PM
Commandough’s Pizza, Zephyrhills | Jase Randall Duo | 5–8 PM
Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Louie Baldanza | 8–11 PM
Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Classix | 7–11 PM
Latte Vino, Lutz | Open Mic | 7–10 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | Whiskey Throttle | 9 PM–1 AM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | The Two | 8–11:55 PM
SouthernEaze Bar & Grill, Lutz | John Nunes | 6:30–9:30 PM
Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Pete and Jack | 7–10 PM
The Orpheum, Tampa | Nookie: A Numetal Night | 8–11 PM
The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Zachary Westervelt | 8–11:55 PM
Thomas P’s Sports Bar & Patio, Citrus Park | Mark Shane | 5–9 PM
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Whiskey Sonic | 7:30–10:30 PM
Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Magnum Opus | 9 PM–1 AM
Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, Tampa | Live Music Saturdays | 5–8 PM
Sunday, January 4
Dade City Senior Center, Dade City | LaWanda Wilson | 10:30–11:30 AM
Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Fred Chandler | 5–8 PM
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Markus Lee | 4:30–7:30 PM
Tuesday, January 6
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Open Mic Night | 7–10 PM
Markets
Friday, January 2
The Grove at Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | The Market Elaine | 5:30–9:30 PM
Saturday, January 3
Agnes Lamb Park, Dade City | Historic Downtown Dade City Farmers Market | 10 AM–2 PM
Generations at Trinity, Trinity | Trinity Farmers Market | 9 AM–2 PM
Hampton Inn Odessa Trinity, Odessa | Trinity Crafters Market | 10 AM–3 PM
The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | Fresh Market | 10 AM–2 PM
100 State Street West, Oldsmar | Oldsmar Saturday Market | 9 AM–1 PM
Events
Tuesday, December 30
East Pasco Chamber of Commerce, Dade City | Coffee & Networking East Pasco | 8–9 AM
Florida Cracker Fish Company, Citrus Park | Kids Night | 5:30–8:30 PM
Ford’s Garage Wesley Chapel, Lutz | Divine Inspired Women Networking | 11:30 AM–1:30 PM
Noe Worries Ranch, Zephyrhills | Toddler Tuesday | 10:30 AM–12 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | Trivia w/ Tucker | 7–9 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | Trivia w/ Dang Yo | 7:30–10:30 PM
Starkey Market, Trinity | Drum Circle | 7–10 PM
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Trivia and Taco Tuesday | 7–9 PM
The Wexford Irish Pub & Grille, Lutz | Trivia Night | 7–9 PM
Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Pool Tournament w/ Karaoke | 9–11 PM
Wednesday, December 31
AdventHealth Center Ice, Wesley Chapel | New Year’s Public Skate Special | 11:15 AM–9:30 PM
BarrieHaus Beer Co, Trinity | Big Trophy Trivia | 7–9 PM
Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Trivia | 7–9 PM
Escape Brewing Company, Trinity | NYE Party at Escape Brewing ($) | 11 AM–1 AM
Epperson Lagoon, Wesley Chapel | NYE Disco at Epperson Lagoon ($) | 9 PM–1 AM
Green Parrot Tiki Bar & Grill, Tampa | Karaoke | 8–11:59 PM
Happy Dayz, Dade City | New Year’s Eve Party | 9 PM–1 AM
House of Brews, Lutz | Trivia | 7–9 PM
Hyatt Place Tampa Wesley Chapel, Lutz | New Years with KOSS ($) | 8 PM–1 AM
Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, Land O’ Lakes | Line Dancing ($2) | 10–11:30 AM
Lane Glo Bowl South, New Port Richey | NYE Bowling Bash | 5–8 PM
Little Wiggles Playground, Zephyrhills | Noon Year’s Eve Rave (Kids) | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
MDP Liquor 2.0 + The Drinks at 9, Lutz | New Year’s Eve Party | 8 PM–1 AM
Niko’s Playhouse, New Port Richey | NYE Party ($25) | 3–6 PM
Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | New Year’s Eve w/ Rahn Hortman | 7–9 PM
Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | New Year’s Eve w/ Rahn Hortman | 9:30–11:30 PM
T&T Trinity Arcade Bar, Trinity | T&T New Year’s Eve Celebration | 3 PM–1 AM
Top Shelf Sports Lounge, Wesley Chapel | Trivia | 7:30–9:30 PM
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | NYE Goes Gatsby | 7 PM–2 AM
Wesley Chapel – The Grove 16, Wesley Chapel | Family Friendly NYE Bash | 4–7 PM
Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | New Year’s Eve 1990’s–2010’s | 9 PM–1 AM
Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, Tampa | Trivia & Music Bingo | 7–9 PM
Thursday, January 1
AdventHealth Center Ice, Wesley Chapel | New Year’s Public Skate Special | 11:15 AM–9:30 PM
Art’s Tap House, New Port Richey | Karaoke w/ DJ TerryHD | 7–11 PM
Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Line Dance Lessons / Ladies Night | 7–11 PM
BayScape Bistro, Tampa | Trivia Night | 6:30–8:30 PM
Bubba’s 33, Wesley Chapel | Trivia | 7–10 PM
Cantina Viajero, Trinity | Brunch into the New Year | 11 AM–3 PM
Commandough’s Pizza, Zephyrhills | Trivia | 7–10:30 PM
Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Karaoke | 7:30–10:30 PM
Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Cornhole Tournament | 7–10 PM
Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Line Dancing w/ Simone | 7–9 PM
Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Trivia | 7–9 PM
Harley-Davidson of Wesley Chapel, Lutz | High Noon Ride | 10–11 AM
Keel Farms, Plant City | Line Dancing | 7–9 PM
Lane Glo Bowl South, New Port Richey | Lane Glo New Year’s Day Sweeper | 12–5:30 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | Karaoke w/ Joe | 8–11:59 PM
The Barn at Starkey Market, New Port Richey | Trivia | 7–9 PM
The Collective at Escape, Trinity | Trivia | 7–9 PM
The Dogpound Sports Bar & Arcade, Zephyrhills | New Year’s Pig Roast & Bike Night | 4–10 PM
Trinity Yoga Wellness Center, New Port Richey | New Year’s Day Workshop | 1–3 PM
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Dade City | New Year’s Day Auction | 12–3 PM
Zephyrhills Brewing Company (ZBC), Zephyrhills | Trivia | 7:30–9:30 PM
Friday, January 2
Commandough’s Pizza, Zephyrhills | Karaoke | 7–10:30 PM
East Pasco Chamber of Commerce, Dade City / Zephyrhills | Coffee & Networking | 8–9 AM
Florida Farm School & Animal Rescue, Dade City | Toddler Time | 10:30 AM–12 PM
Keel Farms, Plant City | Country Fridays w/ Line Dancing | 6–10 PM
Side Splitters Comedy Club, Tampa | Officer Eudy | 7–8 PM
Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Comic’s Open Mic | 9:30–11:15 PM
Skydive City Zephyrhills, Zephyrhills | Pro Rating Course – Skydive City | 8:30 AM–5 PM
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Dueling Pianos | 7–11 PM
Wesley Chapel – The Grove 16, Wesley Chapel | Senior Social (50+) | 3–5 PM
Saturday, January 3
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Land O’ Lakes | Survey Says Trivia Game | 6–8 PM
Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Brunch | 8 AM–2 PM
Harley-Davidson of Wesley Chapel, Lutz | Ride! | 10:15 AM–12:15 PM
Skydive City Zephyrhills, Zephyrhills | Pro Rating Course – Skydive City | 8:30 AM–5 PM
The Cozy Collective Studio, Dade City | Vision Board Making & Tea Bar | 2–4:30 PM
The Yarn Store, Zephyrhills | Granny Square Crochet-A-Long | 2–4 PM
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Dueling Pianos | 7–11 PM
Sunday, January 4
Agnes Lamb Park, Dade City | Breathe & Stretch Yoga | 1–2 PM
Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Brunch | 8 AM–2 PM
Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, Wesley Chapel | Car Meat | 9–11 AM
Skydive City Zephyrhills, Zephyrhills | Pro Rating Course – Skydive City | 8:30 AM–5 PM
Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, Land O’ Lakes | 3D Club Shoot | 9 AM–12 PM
Monday, January 5
Dade City Brew House, Dade City | Trivia | 7–9 PM
Escape Brewing Company, Trinity | The Main Straight Monday | 7–9 PM
Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory, Odessa | Trivia Night | 6:30–8:30 PM
Tuesday, January 6
Dade City Brew House, Dade City | Stein Painting with Treehouse Mercantile | 6:30–8:30 PM
East Pasco Chamber of Commerce, Dade City | Coffee & Networking | 8–9 AM
Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Kids Night | 5:30–8:30 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | Trivia w/ Tucker | 7–9 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | Trivia w/ Dang Yo | 7:30–10:30 PM
Planet Fitness, Wesley Chapel | Meet Bucky Irving | 6:30–7:30 PM
Starkey Market, Trinity | Drum Circle | 7–10 PM
The Wexford Irish Pub & Grille, Lutz | Trivia Night | 7–9 PM
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Trivia and Taco Tuesday | 7–9 PM
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, Lutz | Cigar Lifestyle Walk-On’s Event | 5–10 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.
