🐻 Bear Goes to Jail!

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

Good Morning Neighbor. Hope your week is going better than this bear’s. You can’t swipe a trail camera and leave behind footage to go viral on social media. Straight to jail! The bear needs some selfie practice.

Let’s have a weekend!

This week’s Friday Fix in North Tampa:

🏀 A $2 billion indoor sports complex?
🍦 New ice cream shop opening in Land O’ Lakes
🎶 Live music, 10 markets, and packed weekend events

As always, I will be using the live music, events, and markets at the bottom of this email for my weekend guide. I’ll see you out there.

Feel free to reply. Follow us on Instagram, where we add more throughout the week about our local gems.

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The Digest

Massive Indoor Sports Complex Coming
This might seem like a Tampa-only project, but it’s going to have a major impact right here in our neck of the woods.

Hillsborough County just approved $2 million to kick off design plans for a massive indoor sports complex at the MOSI site on East Fowler Avenue. The proposed 175,000-square-foot facility would feature 12 basketball courts and 24 volleyball courts, potentially drawing 44,000 hotel stays a year and pumping $24.5 million into the local economy.

I’ve been listening to their board meetings (yes, I actually have) and they are pumped about the economic impact.

The site is part of a larger $2 billion redevelopment plan to transform the area into a mixed-use hub with housing, retail, and public spaces. It’s located in the heart of the Uptown Innovation District, right next to USF (who is getting a new stadium), Moffitt, and the VA Hospital.

Food & Dining 🍔

Grand Opening Sister Scoops

Look, I know we have a lot of fro-yo and ice cream shops, but this is always great news. Sister Scoops, which is family-owned, is celebrating its grand opening on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 12p-10p at 22911 SR 54, Land O' Lakes, FL 33549.

The kids, siblings, nieces and nephews will have a bounce house from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, face painting from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, a balloon artist from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and raffles and giveaways throughout the day. The activities are free!

Don’t miss sweet discounts on every purchase and a chance to win a free scoop! Plus, enter free raffles for a birthday party and $50 gift card!

Get an idea of what else they offer like 24 flavors, dairy-free options, etc. on their Instagram.

Chick-fil-A Carrollwood Gets a Major Upgrade
I have to admit, I love Chick-fil-A but I don’t like super long lines. I know they’re very quick, though. After 25 years in the same spot, Chick-fil-A Carrollwood has reopened at a brand-new location, which is at the southwest corner of Ehrlich Road and Dale Mabry. The new 5,300-square-foot space is the largest Chick-fil-A in Tampa, complete with dual drive-thru lanes that hold up to 64 cars for faster service.

Haven Café Grand Opening in Dade City
Haven Café is celebrating its grand opening on Saturday, May 17, from 2 PM to 5 PM. Located in Dade City, this new coffee shop and bakery offers a cozy spot to enjoy natural coffee, fresh pastries, and more.

Civic News

Coming Soon: A Brand-New Fire Station on SR 54
Wesley Chapel’s getting a firehouse glow-up! Pasco County Fire Rescue just broke ground on Station 2, a 13,000+ sq ft, state-of-the-art facility right off SR 54. With three bays for emergency vehicles and a modern setup for crews, this new station is designed to keep up with the area’s fast-paced growth, and keep us all a little safer.

Construction is officially underway, with completion expected by winter 2026.

Pasco Wants Your Input on $586M Recovery Plan
Pasco County’s rolling out a major Better Future Action Plan to guide how $586 million in federal disaster recovery funds will be spent following Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton—and they want to hear from you.

You can review the draft plan and leave comments at mypas.co/DraftActionPlan, or attend one of the upcoming workshops:

Mon, May 19 @ 6 PM
Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, Wesley Chapel

Tues, May 20 @ 5 PM
West Pasco Government Center, New Port Richey (right after the BCC meeting)

Can’t make it in person? Feedback is open online through June 12 at mypas.co/BetterFuture.

Pasco Schools May Offer Classes to Homeschoolers
Starting as early as Fall 2025, Pasco County Schools plans to let homeschool students take individual classes like AP, ROTC, and tech programs for about $1,000 per course. Families can use state-funded vouchers to cover the cost.

The district would act as a vendor, allowing high school homeschoolers to attend specific classes without enrolling full-time. To give input or learn more, email [email protected] or call (813) 794-2782.

Community

Rain Helps, But Drought Persists in Pasco
You might remember me joking about last weekend’s rain. Well, Mother Nature went all-out for her big day. But even with the dramatic entrance and all that water, Pasco County remains under severe drought conditions.

The rain was welcome. The timing wasn’t great. Still, it’s important to stay alert.

Buzz Bite: Tampa just broke ground on the Green ARTery, a 22-mile scenic loop that will connect neighborhoods like Seminole Heights, Ybor, and Downtown while linking up with trails like the Riverwalk and Upper Tampa Bay Trail for walking, biking, skating, and family cruising.

Events and Live Music Presented Along With The Murg Team

Local Lending You Can Trust
I have personally used Mike and his team for two purchases and a refinance. They truly offer exceptional service, constant clear communication, comfort and confidence. He has been a Scotsman Top Originator year over year since 2013 for a good reason.

Meet Mike Murgatroy of The Murg Team at CrossCountry Mortgage, delivering 25+ years of integrity, education, and results. Whether you’re buying your first home or refinancing, Mike puts you first, not third parties. Ask about the Hero Program for doctors, teachers, veterans, and more offering up to $1,500 off lender fees. Learn More

Buzz-Worthy Events

Use this as your weekend guide, and if you have a second, please take a moment to answer the quick poll below the schedules. I added a bunch of new events to this week's lineup to try something different. I can include things like karaoke, bingo, and trivia too, but only if you're into it.

And, you can always reply directly to the email with comments of any kind.

Live Music

Friday, May 16

Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | The Bone Cartel | 8p-12
Dade City Brewhouse, Dade City | Patrick Hagerman | 7p
Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Wesley Chapel | Dock Rock Tribute to Stone Temple Pilots | 7p
Florida Cracker Fish Company, Citrus Park | Big Picture | 7p
In the Loop Brewing, Land O’ Lakes | Fred Chandler | 6p-9
Jerry’s Crystal Bar, Zephyrhills | The Highway 41 Band | 9p
Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | Jaded | 8p
O'Brien's Irish Pub, Wesley Chapel | The Hookup | 8p-12
O'Brien's Irish Pub, Carrollwood | The Hitmen Band | 9p-1a
Pete’s Place North, Tampa | Bryan James Band | 7p
Pincher’s, Wesley Chapel | TBD | 7p
Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Dead Set Florida | 8p | Tickets $10 @ Door Only
Starkey Market, New Port Richey | Ginger Rose Duo | 6p-9
SouthernEaze Bar & Grill, Lutz | Solito | 6:30p
Stonewater Bar and Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Buddy Fitz Duo | 7p
The Drinks at 9, Lutz | Mulligan Road | 6p
The Living Room at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | Melissa Lee | 6p
The Orpheum, Lutz | Nails w/guests | 6p | Tickets $38
The Tiki Cove, Land O’ Lakes | Charles Goodwin | 7p
Thomas P’s Sports Bar, Citrus Park | Tyler Dusek | 4p
Tom’s Tavern Forrest Hills | Westside Band | 7p
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Full Dueling Piano Show ($10 tickets, 21+) | 7p-1a
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Daniel Sprouse Band | 7:30p-10:30
Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux, Wesley Chapel, FL | Matthew Dallas | 6p

Saturday, May 17

Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Baldwin & The Bee Stings | 8p-12
Florida Cracker Fish Company, Citrus Park | Joey Ortaliz | 7p
Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Wayman Tisdale Jazz at Sunset | 6p-10 | Tickets $16
Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | Pure Classic Gold | 7p
O'Brien's Irish Pub, Wesley Chapel | Play Jukebox Hero | 8p-12
O'Brien's Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Life of the Party | 9p-1a
Pete’s Place North, Tampa | Mark Anthony Tribute | 7p-11
Pincher’s, Wesley Chapel | TBD | 7p
Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Impulse | 8p | Tickets $10 @ Door Only
SouthernEaze Bar & Grill, Lutz | Lou Menendez & Friends | 6:30p-9:30
Stonewater Bar and Grill, Land O’ Lakes | JT Curtis Duo | 7p
The Drinks at 9, Lutz | Barefoot Bob ‘O | 7p-10
The Tiki Cove, Land O’ Lakes | Aubrey Wollett | 7p
Thomas P’s Sports Bar, Citrus Park | Mark McGourley | 4p
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Full Dueling Piano Show ($12 tickets, 21+) | 7p-1a
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Magnum Opus | 7:30p-10:30
Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Jaded | 9p

Sunday, May 18

Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Acoustic Sunday w/ Rev Billy C. Wirtz & Marvelous Marvin | 1p-4p | Free
Stonewater Bar and Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Michael Maverick | 4p-7
Thomas P’s Sports Bar, Citrus Park | Peter Betschart | 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 | Buddy Fitz | 4:30p-7:30

Markets

Friday, May 16

The Hub at Bexley, Land O’ Lakes | Friday Moonlight Market | 5p-9

Saturday, May 17

Angeline Place, Land O’ Lakes | Angeline Farmers Market | 10a-2p
Avalon Park, Wesley Chapel | Downtown Saturday Market | 10a-2p
Bearss Groves, Tampa | Baerss Groves Farmer’s & Artisan Market | 9a-1p
Hilton Garden Inn Suncoast, Lutz | Sunshine and Stitches: Lutz’s May Craft Fair | 10a-3p
The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | Fresh Market at Wiregrass | 10a-2p
The Tiki Cove, Land O’ Lakes | Moon Market | 5p-9

Sunday, May 18

Buchanan Middle School, Tampa | Florida Vintage Market | 12p-5
Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory, Odessa | Crafts and Drafts: Red, White, and BREW | 1p-4

Events

Friday, May 16

AdventHealth Center Ice, Wesley Chapel | Sunshine State Challenge Figure Skating Event | All Day
Andy’s Frozen Custard, Lutz | New Store Celebration | 11a
Carrollwood Cultural Center, Carrollwood | The Gallery of Carrollwood | 5:30p-7:30p
KRATE at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Keeping it Country | 7p-11
That Place Down The Street, Land O’ Lakes | Cigar Lounge Night | 6p-9

Saturday, May 17

AdventHealth Center Ice, Wesley Chapel | Sunshine State Challenge Figure Skating Event | All Day
AmVets Post 9, Odessa | Fat Tractor Live Music | 9p
Carrollwood Cultural Center, Carrollwood | Ministers of Grace: The Unauthorized Shakespearean Parody of Ghostbusters | 7:30p | Tickets $5
Harley-Davidson of Wesley Chapel | Classic Cars and Vintage Bikes | 10a-1p
KRATE at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Mustang Madness Car Show | 9a-3p
New Tampa Performing Arts Center, New Tampa | Atlas Modern Ballet: Embers & Echoes | 8p-10 | Tickets $20-25
Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Dennis Regan | 7p & 9:30p | Tickets $20
Zephyrhills Lions Club, Zephyrhills | SyFy Florida Invades Zephyrhills | 10a-6p

Sunday, May 18

AdventHealth Center Ice, Wesley Chapel | Sunshine State Challenge Figure Skating Event | All Day
B&B Theatres Wesley Chapel | Craft Time for Kids | 2p | $5 Materials
Carrollwood Cultural Center, Carrollwood | Ministers of Grace: The Unauthorized Shakespearean Parody of Ghostbusters | 2p | Tickets $5
KRATE at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | After Hours Car Show

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. The live music schedule can only grow from here.

Thanks for reading the North Tampa Buzzletter! Let’s chat again on Tuesday or on IG!

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