🏟️ Big League Upgrades

The Newsletter Your Neighbor Writes.
No Crime. No Politics.

Did a neighbor share this with you? Subscribe for free!

Good morning! Sometimes you don’t know you needed a race featuring people dressed as Shrek, Buddy the Elf, and Elvis paddling giant floating pumpkins, but now you do. The West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta in Oregon proves fall fun can be both ridiculous and legendary.

Halloween is right around the corner. In our household, we have a Plague Doctor. I didn’t see that one coming. Feel free to share what kind of creativity is happening in your household this October.

In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:

🏥 Children’s Hospital Plans Take Shape
⚾ Steinbrenner Field Getting Major Upgrades
🛒 New Walmart Coming to Wesley Chapel

Feel free to follow us on Instagram for more local updates.

Forward this to your neighbor with the full Pennywise garage door.

Check out our very own community calendar! Leave some feedback, we’d love to hear from you👇

If you would like to showcase your brand or event in front of 9,000+ families, feel free to reply or reach out through the link above.

Pasco County Animal Services Presents: Lady

Lady (A038471) came to PCAS as an abandonment case with her sister, Anna. Anna received placement, and Lady now awaits her fresh start. Lady is a 7-year old black Jack Russel Terrier weighing 36 pounds. This girl could use a little TLC and a medical foster to adopt as she awaits her spay surgery. Lady is nervous here at the shelter, but staff have shared that she’s getting better about opening up.

Pasco County Animal Services
19640 Dogpatch Lane
Land O Lakes, FL 34638
Tues - Thurs 12-5:30pm
Fri - Sat 12-6:30pm
(813) 929-1212
MyPasco.net/PAS

Community

Tampa Bay 28 Helps Zephyrhills Veterans Restore Historic Legion Hall

Tampa Bay 28 Gives stepped up to help a group of veterans in Zephyrhills who are working to preserve their historic American Legion Post 118. The post, which has stood for more than 115 years, received a $1,530 donation from the station and the Scripps Howard Fund to support ongoing repairs after years of termite damage and wear.

The funds will help with tenting, a new roof, and updates to make the building safer for those who’ve served. It’s a meaningful boost for local veterans who’ve been working tirelessly to keep this piece of history standing strong and to make sure future generations have a place to gather, remember, and belong.

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Shares Wesley Chapel Update

The groundwork is clearly set for Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, which will bring a 230,000-square-foot pediatric hospital to the northwest corner of Overpass and McKendree Roads. Expected to open in late 2027, the facility will include a full emergency department, surgery and rehab services, and 56 inpatient beds. The project represents a $300 million investment and will create about 500 new jobs in health care, administration, and support roles.

Leaders say this won’t just mirror the St. Petersburg location but will be a hospital designed specifically for the needs of local families. From storm-ready construction and family-centered spaces to a full team of pediatric specialists already being recruited, it’s a major step in expanding high-quality children’s care throughout Pasco County and the North Tampa region.

Steinbrenner Field’s Next Chapter

I hope you had a chance to experience Steinbrenner Field this year when the Rays played there. It’s a completely different ball game and it’s not exactly 72 degrees. Every seat feels close to the action, and honestly, we all know the crowds show up a little stronger when the team’s on this side of the bay. Hillsborough County just approved nearly $18 million in upgrades, and the Yankees are putting in another $21 million of their own. That means a new scoreboard, better sound, faster Wi-Fi, shaded seats, and those parking lot fixes we’ve all been waiting for.

Steinbrenner has been part of Tampa’s baseball heartbeat for decades, and this investment keeps that legacy alive. Between the county and the team, it’s a solid commitment to keeping fans close to the game and giving us one more reason to grab a hot dog and take in a ballgame at a place that’s finally getting the glow-up it deserves.

Walmart on the Way to SR 56 and Morris Bridge

We’re getting another addition to the neighborhood. A new Walmart is coming to State Road 56 and Morris Bridge Road, thanks to how quickly our community is growing, especially around Two Rivers and the east side of Wesley Chapel. The more families that move in, the more stores and conveniences follow.

This new spot will bring grocery, pharmacy, and everyday essentials much closer to home for a lot of us. No more long drives west just to pick up a few things. Construction details aren’t out yet, but it’s a good sign that our side of town is finally catching up with the rest.

Events North of Tampa

As the week goes on, more events will fill out on the community calendar.

If you run into any trouble with the new calendar, the legacy version is included below as a backup.

Live Music

Tuesday, October 21

• Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Open Mic w/ Fred Chandler | 7–10 PM

• Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Open Mic Night | 7–10 PM

• Brass Mug, Tampa | Green Jello, 96BB, TheBunnyAndTheBear | 5–11 PM

• The Orpheum, Tampa | Fleshwater and Chat Pile ($) | 6–11 PM

Wednesday, October 22

• The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Open Mic | 7–10 PM

• Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Jamie O | 6:30–10 PM

• Tom’s Tavern (Forest Hills), Tampa | Open Mic w/ Fred Chandler | 7–10 PM

Thursday, October 23

• Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Gary Coco | 6–9 PM

• Tom’s Tavern (Forest Hills), Tampa | Open Mic w/ Fred Chandler | 7–10 PM

Friday, October 24

• The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Sam Williams Trio (Day 1/2) | 8 PM

• Cigars International Superstore, Lutz | Live Music | 8–11:45 PM

• Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Southern Creek | 7–11 PM

• The Brass Tap, Lutz | Live Music TBA | 7–10 PM

• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Bradford Graves and The Bar Rags | 8–11:59 PM

• Escape Brewing Company, Trinity | Carl Motkya | 5–9 PM

• Starkey Market, Trinity | Ginger Rose Duo | 6–9 PM

• Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Wesley Chapel | Tim Balajadia | 7–10 PM

• O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | Nightly Brew | 8–11:59 PM

• Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Hit Me Up | 7:30–10:30 PM

• Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Sunny Situation | 7–10 PM

• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | Alter Ego (Day 1/2) | 9 PM–1 AM

Markets

Friday, October 24

• Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, Tampa | Yuengling Draft Night Market | 6–10 PM

Saturday, October 25

• Bexley Market on the Lawn, Land O’ Lakes | Market Event | 10 AM–2 PM

• Hampton Inn Odessa Trinity, Odessa | Trinity Crafters Market – Spooktacular Handmade Fair | 10 AM–3 PM

• Tiki Cove, Land O’ Lakes | Howl at the Moon Market | 5–9 PM

• The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | 2nd Annual Wesley Chapel Craft Festival (Day 1/2) | 10 AM–5 PM

• Wesley Chapel District Park, Wesley Chapel | Spooktacular | 6–8 PM

Sunday, October 26

• The Grove at Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Harvest Markets | 11 AM–3 PM

• The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | 2nd Annual Wesley Chapel Craft Festival (Day 2/2) | Until 5 PM

Events

Tuesday, October 21

• Hope City Church, Land O’ Lakes | Pumpkin Patch | 11 AM–7 PM

• Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Pool Tournament w/ Karaoke | 9–11 PM

• Latte Vino, Lutz | Coffee Collaboration w/ Bay Network | 7:30–9 AM

• WOB Bar & Kitchen, Odessa | Trivia – Gilmore Girls | 7–9 PM

• Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Company, Odessa | Beginner Watercolor – Fall Designs | 6:30–8:30 PM

• Molly Malone’s Irish Pub and Eatery, New Port Richey | 2nd Annual Holiday Food Drive for Messengers | 8:30 AM

• Starkey Market, Trinity | Drum Circle | 7–10 PM

• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | Trivia w/ Tucker | 7–9 PM

• Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Kids Night | 5:30–8:30 PM

• Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Trivia and Taco Tuesday | 7–9 PM

• O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | Trivia w/ Dang Yo | 7:30–10:30 PM

Wednesday, October 22

• Dade City Brew House, Dade City | Hardy Trail & Ales Run Club | 6–7 PM

• Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Trivia | 7–9 PM

• Hope City Church, Land O’ Lakes | Pumpkin Patch | 11 AM–7 PM

• Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, Land O’ Lakes | Line Dancing ($2) | 10–11:30 AM

• House of Brews, Lutz | Trivia | 7–9 PM

• Molly Malone’s Irish Pub and Eatery, New Port Richey | 2nd Annual Holiday Food Drive for Messengers | 8:30 AM

• Escape Brewing Company, Trinity | Bourbon Tasting | 7–9 PM

• Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Line Dancing w/ Simone | 7–9 PM

• Top Shelf Sports Lounge, Wesley Chapel | Trivia | 7:30–9:30 PM

• O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | Karaoke w/ Shaun Babb | 8–11 PM

Thursday, October 23

• Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Karaoke | 7:30–10:30 PM

• Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, Land O’ Lakes | Line Dancing w/ Simone | 7–8:45 PM

• Hope City Church, Land O’ Lakes | Pumpkin Patch | 11 AM–7 PM

• Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Cornhole Tournament | 7–10 PM

• Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Trivia | 7–9 PM

• MDP Liquor 2.0 + The Drinks at 9 Bar & Grill, Lutz | Stop Human Trafficking ($) | 6–10 PM

• Molly Malone’s Irish Pub and Eatery, New Port Richey | 2nd Annual Holiday Food Drive for Messengers | 8:30 AM

• Art’s Tap House, New Port Richey | Karaoke w/ DJ TerryHD | 7–11 PM

• The Barn at Starkey Market, New Port Richey | Trivia | 7–9 PM

• BarrieHaus Beer Co Trinity, Trinity | Crafts & Drafts | 7–9 PM

• The Collective at Escape, Trinity | Trivia | 7–9 PM

• X-Golf Tampa, Trinity | Trivia – Stranger Things | 7–8 PM

• BayScape Bistro, Tampa | Trivia Night | 6:30–8:30 PM

• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | Karaoke w/ Joe | 8–11:59 PM

• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Line Dance Lessons / Ladies Night | 7:30–11 PM

• Commandough’s Pizza, Zephyrhills | Trivia | 7–10:30 PM

• Zephyrhills Brewing Company (ZBC), Zephyrhills | Trivia | 7:30–9:30 PM

• Bubba’s 33, Wesley Chapel | Trivia | 7–10 PM

Friday, October 24

• Florida Farm School & Animal Rescue, Dade City | Toddler Time | 10:30 AM–12 PM

• Hope City Church, Land O’ Lakes | Pumpkin Patch | 11 AM–7 PM

• Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, Land O’ Lakes | All Treats No Tricks Halloween Bash | 6–9 PM

• Raprager Family Farms, Odessa | Pumpkin Festival | 11 AM–9 PM

• Starkey Ranch ER & Hospital, Odessa | Trunk or Treat | 6:30–9:30 PM

• Molly Malone’s Irish Pub and Eatery, New Port Richey | 2nd Annual Holiday Food Drive for Messengers | 8:30 AM

• Main Theatre, Tampa | Amityville ’74 | 8–10 PM

• Hunters Village Rd., Tampa | New Tampa Players Presents: Oklahoma! | 8–11 PM

• AdventHealth Center Ice, Wesley Chapel | Hallowrink Themed Skate | 6:30–8:30 PM

• Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Comics Night Out Open Mic ($) | 9:30–11:15 PM

• Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Dueling Pianos | 7–11 PM

• The Grove 16, Wesley Chapel | Senior Social 50+ | 3–5 PM

• Commandough’s Pizza, Zephyrhills | Karaoke | 7–10:30 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.