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Good Morning Neighbor,

Okay, everyone, first I need to issue a correction. Everything about Bubbakoo’s was accurate except where I said it was next to The Hub. It’s actually over by Avalon Park. The burrito place near The Hub is Barberitos. Sorry about the mix-up!

The dinner club was another success in Carrollwood, so glad to see everyone come out to make new friends! Another will be scheduled shortly.

We’ve had a couple of nice days with only minimal rain. What a break this has been! My son actually got to practice baseball this week.

There are a couple of unusual disturbances in the Atlantic, but nothing to worry about right now.

I hope you have a great weekend!

-Mike

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

Saturday @ Zephyr Market Sept., Oct, Nov., Dec. 2026
First Baptist Church of Zephyrhills, Zephyrhills
Saturday, September 19 | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM

This free, family-friendly outdoor market features artisan vendors, small local businesses, food trucks, and community organizations. Shoppers can browse textiles, jewelry, candles, signs, homemade baked goods, and other handcrafted items while enjoying plenty of space to stroll and eat. The market’s new location at First Baptist Church of Zephyrhills also offers ample room for vendors, food trucks, and parking.

Have You Discovered This Lutz Hidden Gem?

Tucked away in the heart of Lutz, Lutz Whistle Stop Depot is one of those places you really have to experience for yourself.

Step inside and you’ll find an ever-changing mix of vintage treasures, unique home décor, gifts, furniture, plants, antiques, artwork and handcrafted finds from local artisans—with something new around every corner.

But it’s more than shopping. It’s a place to wander, discover, gather, and enjoy the local community.

My personal recommendation? Put it on your must-visit list. Pictures simply don’t do it justice! Come see what everyone is discovering at the Lutz Whistle Stop Depot.

Upcoming events:

Asbel Road Connector Creates Direct Route

This one should make a noticeable difference for residents of Tierra Del Sol and Asbel Creek & Estates. Pasco County plans to extend Asbel Road from Falcon Crest Boulevard to the Ridge Road Extension, creating a direct entrance to the new roadway. Instead of taking U.S. 41 to the planned traffic signal at Connerton Boulevard, drivers from these neighborhoods will be able to reach Ridge Road from within their immediate area.

The connector is a separate $1.9 million project currently awaiting final permits. Once those are secured, construction should take about 250 days. The larger Ridge Road Extension will ultimately connect North Sunlake Boulevard with U.S. 41, although its first two lanes are now expected to open in fall 2027, followed by full completion in spring 2028.

Chewy Vet Care Opens in Lutz

Taking a pet to the vet can be stressful, so this new Lutz practice includes a few features designed to make the experience more comfortable and transparent. Chewy Vet Care opened Sept. 4 at 17637 Harpers Run with a treatment viewing window, personalized monitors showing information about each visit and online access to medical records, prescriptions and updates.

The location also connects with Chewy’s pharmacy, Connect With a Vet and PetMD services. It is Chewy Vet Care’s seventh practice in Florida.

Two Pasco Road Connections Move Forward

Two long-discussed road projects have taken a step toward funding, and both could eventually give drivers more ways around some of Pasco’s busiest roads. The county added the Rangeland Boulevard and Sunlake Boulevard extensions to its priority list for a state program that could cover up to half of each project’s cost.

The $77 million Rangeland extension would run 3.4 miles from Cattle Gap Trail to Bexley Village Drive, pass beneath the Suncoast Parkway and help relieve congestion on State Road 54. Construction could begin in 2029, and a public workshop is scheduled for 5 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center.

The $24.2 million Sunlake extension would fill the nearly 4.5-mile gap between Ridge Road and Center Village Drive in Angeline. Once completed, Sunlake would provide a continuous north-south route from State Road 54 to State Road 52 and give drivers an alternative to U.S. 41. Construction could begin in 2028 if funding and approvals remain on schedule.

ZooTampa Funding Plan Moves Forward

ZooTampa could see some major additions over the next 15 years. Hillsborough County commissioners voted 5-2 to advance a proposed partnership that would provide the zoo with $5 million annually, totaling $75 million, with ZooTampa matching the county’s contribution. The larger $150 million improvement plan includes redevelopments of the South America and Asia areas, a new elephant and mixed-species project, an Australia family coaster and upgrades to restrooms, roofs, fencing and animal-support buildings.

Five other Tampa cultural institutions are seeking a combined $90 million from the county, although those requests remain under review. The Straz Center is requesting $40 million, the Florida Aquarium $30 million, the Tampa Bay History Center $10 million, Glazer Children’s Museum $8 million and Tampa Theatre $2 million.

Faster Stroke Treatment in Wesley Chapel

This is one of those local upgrades you hope your family never needs, but having it nearby could make an enormous difference. AdventHealth Wesley Chapel is now home to Pasco County’s first biplane neurointerventional suite, allowing specialists to remove large blood clots from the brain and restore blood flow during severe ischemic strokes.

Previously, patients needing this procedure could face a transfer to another hospital, adding 30 to 60 minutes or more before treatment. The new equipment keeps that care in Wesley Chapel and can also be used to examine arteries in the neck and brain, place stents and treat aneurysms.

Events Reminder:

A Huge Thank You to our wonderful local partners!

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