🛫 Airport Rail Line Floated

An absurd number of events and live music performances this weekend, plus: YMCA breaks ground in Wesley Chapel and neighbors push back on townhomes.

Buzzing with Joy: No Politics, Just Positivity!
A community-led initiative.

Happy Friday, Neighbors. I've got Memorial Day weekend on my mind, but NOAA is already thinking about hurricane season. They just released their prediction, which is likely to be as accurate as an old Garmin GPS. NOAA says there’s a 60% chance of above-normal activity. Not sure how to properly overreact to that one.

Let’s get to the weekend, there’s certainly plenty to do!

This week’s Friday Fix:

🏗️ YMCA breaking ground in Wesley Chapel
🚆 Rail line to TPA proposed
đź’‰ Hormone Happy Hour coming to Lutz

This edition is a little lighter on news and heavier on weekend ideas. As always, I’ll be using the live music, events, and market picks at the bottom of this email as my personal weekend guide. Hope to see you out there.

You can always reply to this email with suggestions or just to say hi. We also post extra local finds on Instagram.

Forward this email to that friend that goes to open houses even though they aren’t looking to move.

Contact me if you’d like to see your logo here in front of a dialed-in local audience.

The Digest

YMCA Breaks Ground in Wesley Chapel Next Week
You’ve probably noticed this area isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Another big project is officially kicking off next week, and it’s one that’s been nearly two years in the making.

BayCare is helping fund a brand-new $35 million YMCA, and the groundbreaking is set for Wednesday, May 28 at 10 AM on Wellbeing Way, right next to BayCare Hospital.

The 49,000-square-foot facility is scheduled to open in summer 2026, bringing with it multiple pools (including a family adventure pool), a full fitness center, group exercise studios, spa-style locker rooms, childcare, and more.

It’s designed to serve over 40,000 local households and promote wellness across all ages—from toddlers to active seniors. Here is the brochure put out a few months ago from the Y.

Together with Gene Faircloth of Exit Bayshore Realty

During a stressful cross-state move for myself and my family, Gene was incredibly thoughtful and steady. He patiently walked us through every option, explained each step in detail, and made a complicated process feel simple. With school starting soon and time tight, he rearranged his schedule without hesitation to help us find our home. We felt truly understood and supported.

Gene is a Tampa native and proud USF graduate with nearly 20 years of experience in residential and commercial real estate. Known for clear communication, deep local knowledge, and a client-first approach, he goes the extra mile to support families through every step. He always blends professionalism with a love for Florida sunshine.

Gene Faircloth
Exit Bayshore Realty
Mobile: (813) 727-6904
201 E Davis Blvd., Tampa, FL 33606

Civic News

Land O’ Lakes Townhome Plan Raises Concerns
These are always a roller coaster to listen to in the county meetings. It definitely affects real people in a real way.

A proposed 178-unit townhome development near Lake Thomas (on land owned by Academy at the Lakes) is facing pushback from neighbors citing traffic, flooding, and environmental concerns.

The developer says the plan includes buffers, limited building height, and no boat access to the lake. The rezoning hearing is set for June 6 before the Pasco County Planning Commission.

Community

Proposed Rail Line to TPA Could Ease Tampa Traffic
I mentioned our favorite airport in Tuesday’s edition and here we are again. Tampa International Airport’s new CEO, Michael Stephens, just floated a big idea: a six-mile commuter rail connecting downtown Tampa (Water Street) directly to the airport’s SkyConnect system.

The goal? To help reduce congestion around Westshore and Midtown, while making airport access smoother for travelers and locals alike.

The airport expects to grow from 26 million passengers this year to 39 million by 2042, so this would be a major step toward keeping up with that demand, and making travel a little less chaotic for everyone.

Heads-Up: Hormone Happy Hour Coming to Lutz
I’m not sure if this is your thing, but it’ll will be here regardless.

On Friday, June 14 from 12–2 PM, The London Collective is hosting a free Hormone Happy Hour at Raining Berries in Lutz (25595 Sierra Center Blvd). It’s a laid-back wellness seminar focused on hormone optimization and how treatments like EvexiPEL can improve things like mood, metabolism, and mental clarity.

Expect honest, helpful info. There’s even a bonus: the first 10 attendees get a complimentary NAD+ injection, which some say helps with brain fog and energy.

You can head that way. I’ll be down at the end of the plaza by Guy Fieri’s chicken spot.

guy fieri GIF by Academy of Country Music Awards

Memorial Day Travel Surge
A record 2.6 million Floridians are expected to travel this Memorial Day weekend, making it one of the busiest in years.

Most people are driving, so expect packed roads—especially Friday and Monday.

Best times to hit the road:
Friday: Before 11 AM or after 8 PM
Monday: Before 11 AM or after 8 PM

If you're staying local, it might be a great weekend to enjoy some quiet spots close to home while everyone else is in traffic.

GIF by MOODMAN

Events and Live Music Presented Along With The Murg Team

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Buzz-Worthy Events

You can always reply directly to the email with comments of any kind. Let me know if you want to have your event featured at the top of the newsletter.

Use this as your weekend guide, that’s what I usually do. I will see you out there!

Here’s your Live Music North of Tampa:

Live Music

Friday, May 23

Art’s Tap House, Trinity | Mark Anthony Band | 8p
Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Rum Syndicate | 8p-12
Brass Mug, Tampa | Dokken & Iron Maiden Tribute | 6:30p
Dade City Brewhouse, Dade City | Josh Curchy Duo | 7p
Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Wesley Chapel | TBD | 7p-10
Happy Dayz Lounge, Dade City | Jaded | 9p
Jerry’s Crystal Bar, Zephyrhills | Atomic Brew | 9p
Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | Time Travelers | 8p-12
O'Brien's Irish Pub, Wesley Chapel | Daniel Sprouse Band | 8p-12a
O'Brien's Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Rivals and Villans | 9p-1a
Pete’s Place North, Tampa | 4X | 7p-11
Pincher’s, Wesley Chapel | Pedro | 7p
Saddlebrook Resort, Wesley Chapel | Matt Walker | 6p-10
Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Southbound 75 & Aubrey Wollet | 8p | Tickets $15
Starkey Market, Trinity | The Sunsetters | 6p-9
SouthernEaze Bar & Grill, Lutz | Andy B. | 6:30p
Stonewater Bar and Grill, Land O’ Lakes | 2 A T Duo | 7p-10
The Drinks at 9, Lutz | Gary Coco | 6p-10
The Living Room at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | Lanny Z | 6p-9
The Orpheum, Lutz | Nothing, Nowhere | 7p | Tickets $35
The Tiki Cove, Land O’ Lakes | The Cheap Strings | 7p-10
The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Hired Guns | 8p
Thomas P’s Sports Bar, Citrus Park | Patrick Foy | 4p
Tom’s Tavern Forest Hills | Lisa Kay & The GoldTop Band | 8p
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | 90’s Party Dueling Pianos ($10 tickets, 21+) | 7p-12
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Devon Ashline | 7:30p-10:30
Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux, Wesley Chapel | JT Curtis | 6p-10

Saturday, May 24

Art’s Tap House, Trinity | Highway 41 Band | 8p
Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Bill Ashmore | 8p
Dade City Tap House and Spirits, Dade City | Morgan Davis | 7:30p
O'Brien's Irish Pub, Wesley Chapel | Jeff Sheridan | 8p
O'Brien's Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Moonshine Abby | 9p-1
Pete’s Place North, Tampa | NSA | 7p-11
Pincher’s, Wesley Chapel | Matt Capps | 7p
Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Captain Johnston | 7:30p | Free
Starkey Market, Trinity | Jariah Higgins | 6p-9
SouthernEaze Bar & Grill, Lutz | Wade Williams | 6:30p
Stonewater Bar and Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Bob T Duo | 7p-10
The Drinks at 9, Lutz | Rob Lydic | 6p-10
The Orpheum, Lutz | Joe Kay | 7p | Tickets $40
The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Stephanie Schwarm & Billy Isner | 8p
Thomas P’s Sports Bar, Citrus Park | Gary Coco | 4p
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Full Dueling Piano Show ($12 tickets, 21+) | 7p-1a
Trinity Sports Grill, Trinity | John Gonzalez Band | 6p-9
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Roger Allen | 7:30p-10:30
Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Conspiracy Theory | 9p

Sunday, May 25

Pete’s Place North, Tampa | Jamie O | 2p-6
Pincher’s, Wesley Chapel | Russ Bono | 12p
Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Acoustic w/Wade Williams | 1p-4p | Free
Starkey Market, Trinity | LOCASH | 7p-10 | Tickets From $30
Stonewater Bar and Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Union West | 4p-7
Thomas P’s Sports Bar, Citrus Park | Alan Rizzo | 1p-5
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Brunch Dueling Pianos | 11a-2p | Free
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Brunch Dueling Pianos | 4p-7 | Tickets $5
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Barefoot Bob O | 4:30p-7:30

Markets

Friday, May 23

The Hub at Bexley, Land O’ Lakes | Friday Moonlight Market | 5–9 PM

Saturday, May 24

B&B Theatres Wesley Chapel - The Grove 16 | Market at the Movies | 4p-7
Bexley Lawn, Land O’ Lakes | Bexley Market on the Lawn | 10a-2p
Bubba’s 33, Wesley Chapel | Stars, Stripes & Summer Makers Market | 5p-9
Hampton Inn Odessa Trinity | Trinity Crafters Market | 10a-3p
In the Loop Brewing, Land O Lakes | Market by Magana Markets | 12p-4

Sunday, May 25

Starkey Wilderness Park, Trinity | Community Market at Starkey Park | 10a-2p
Grove at Wesley Chapel, | Sunday Harvest Markets at The Grove | 11a-3p
Yuengling Tampa, Tampa | Memorial Day Market | 1p-5

Events

Friday, May 23

Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Paul Morrissey | 7:30p | Tickets $19

Saturday, May 24

Harley Davidson of Wesley Chapel | Memorial Day Grilling | 11a-2p
KRATE at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Soul Line Dancing | 12-4 | Tickets $5
KRATE at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | 90’s Block Party | 7p-11
Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex | Wild West Warriors Water Show | 9:30a
Saddlebrook Resort, Wesley Chapel | Soundwaves at Serenity w/DJ Sweat | 12p-4
Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Paul Morrissey | 7p & 9:30p | Tickets $22
The Tiki Cove, Land O’ Lakes | Comedy Show w/Jake Klark | Doors @5p, Show @8p
Vision Ace Hardware, Wesley Chapel | Red, White and BBQ Event | 11a-2p

Sunday, May 25

Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Stars and Stripes Memorial Day Party | 6p
Commandough’s, Zephyrhills | Annual Memorial Day Pig Roast | 12p
Saddlebrook Resort, Wesley Chapel | Soundwaves at Serenity w/DJ Genolexis | 12p-4

What's the one thing you're definitely going to do?

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We’ll be on Instagram with updates wherever we end up. Feel free to DM us to let us know we’ve forgotten a venue.

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