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Good Morning Neighbor,

I’m not sure how this format will turn out. Our email service made some changes, so we’re going to find out together.

Anyway, how about them Rays!

We’re also keeping an eye on the Gulf. There’s now a 70% chance of development in the next 48 hours, although the spaghetti models are currently keeping it focused more toward New Orleans.

Around here, it’ll still look a lot like summer, just with a little less heat. The mugginess will definitely be out to play, though.

-Mike

Extras:

Access local events in different ways:

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Each newsletter includes the latest event information available at the time of publication.

New Funding Could Benefit Pasco Students

This is one worth watching for Pasco families. The school district is exploring a new program that could bring additional money into tutoring, summer learning, STEM programs, career and technical certifications and other opportunities for local students.

Starting Jan. 1, taxpayers can make qualifying contributions of up to $1,700 to approved scholarship organizations and receive a dollar-for-dollar federal income tax credit. Pasco is already exploring how it could participate and potentially direct some of those dollars toward programs offered by the district. There are still details to work out, including how much money could ultimately benefit Pasco students, but there could be some real opportunity here.

Pasco Rethinks When Meetings Happen

I’ve listened to plenty of Pasco County meetings over the course of North Tampa Buzz’s existence, and this comes up regularly. Neighbors often point out how difficult it is to attend when meetings start in the middle of the workday, and now commissioners are discussing whether it’s time to make some changes.

Ideas include holding certain land-use hearings after 5p, adding a third monthly meeting specifically for land-use issues, or adjusting the current daytime schedule. Nothing has been decided yet, but commissioners are expected to revisit the options in December.

Whole Foods Project Breaks Ground

We’ve talked about this one plenty, but now there’s finally dirt moving. Construction has officially started on Wesley Chapel Station at Bruce B. Downs and Aronwood boulevards, where Whole Foods will anchor the new shopping center.

The current lineup also includes CAVA, PopUp Bagels, Naked Farmer, Petfolk and The Tox, with an 85,000-square-foot Life Time Fitness being built next door. There’s still about 15,000 square feet available for additional businesses, and the first stores are expected to open in the second quarter of 2027.

More Than a Place to Shop—It’s a Place to Gather!

At the Lutz Whistle Stop Depot, we love creating a place where neighbors become friends, people slow down and visit, and our community has a chance to gather, connect and get to know one another.

And this week, we’re giving you even more reasons to stop by!

🎃 Fall Fest is coming! Join us for a fun-filled day THIS Saturday, October 10th from 10:30 - 5:00 pm featuring:

📸 Fall photo opportunities
🛍️ Special sales throughout the boutique
🎯 Vintage games & fun contests
🎁 Raffle baskets & prizes
🥜 Boiled peanuts
🍎 Hot apple cider
🚂 Model train displays
🀄 Mahjong representative & open house

…and plenty of fall fun and local community spirit!

Whether you come to shop, play, visit, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, we’d love to see you at the Whistle Stop Depot.

🍁 Come for the treasures. Stay for the community.

www.lutzwhistlestop.com ~ @whistlestopdepot

Wesley Chapel Boulevard Exit Work Begins

Remember that I-75 exit upgrade we talked about? Work starts Monday specifically at the southbound Wesley Chapel Boulevard/CR 54 exit (Exit 279), where the ramp will be widened to add a second left-turn lane for drivers heading east.

Expect overnight ramp lane closures Monday through Thursday from 8p-6a, although the exit and all turns will remain open. The $1.7 million project also includes drainage, signals, lighting, signs and pavement markings, with completion expected in spring 2027.

Free Candy Crawl Hits Wiregrass

Here’s a fun one for the kids. The Shops at Wiregrass is hosting its free Candy Crawl on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 10a-2p, with the first 500 kids getting a treat bag and mini pumpkin to decorate.

There will also be candy from local businesses, Touch-a-Truck, a costume swap and donation station, bounce house, inflatable obstacle course and live entertainment. The costume contest starts at 1:30p, and getting there early is probably a good idea with those first 500 spots.

Pasco County Animal Services Presents: Harvard

Harvard (A044782) is a neutered Red Labrador who is dog social (he’s regularly in play groups!), happy go lucky, house trained, and chill. He has been on several field trips & does great in the car. Harvard is 9 years old, but that’s definitely just a number. This boy has the curiosity of a puppy & the strength of a dog half his age. It’s hard to believe that Harvard has been overlooked for six months - he came to PCAS as a stray in March when he showed up in a citizen’s yard in Wesley Chapel. Harvard would do well as a companion for an individual or a family.

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

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A Huge Thank You to our wonderful local partners!

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