👜 Did You Leave $8.75M in a Publix Bag?

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

Good Morning From Your Neighbor in Lutz. I’ve got a feeling it was you, March 27, Jacksonville, quick Publix run. And now there’s an $8.75 million lotto ticket just sitting out there, waiting to be claimed. Go check your purse. If you suddenly decide to spring for brunch this Mother’s Day, I’ll take that as confirmation that you picked up your winnings.

We’ll be here when you get back, so please feel free to go ahead and peel off a few stacks for your favorite newsletter.

This week’s Friday Fix in North Tampa:

🥂 Mother’s Day Forecast – Mimosas, markets, macarons... and maybe a drizzle
🚔 Pasco Deputy’s Wild Rescue – Six minutes underwater, a 2% chance, and a miracle
🎶 Weekend Events + Live Music – 3 days of shows, street markets, and dueling pianos

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.

Starting Tuesday, we’re featuring your goofy, sophisticated, or delightfully lazy furry roommates. Reply to this email with a photo and name if you’d like. You can also DM me on Instagram.

Let us know if we missed anything. Definitely let us know if we goofed. And be sure to follow us on Instagram, where we will keep you up to date on local happenings throughout the week.

Share this with someone who sets 7 alarms and still snoozes all of them.

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

The Digest

Six Minutes Underwater: The Pasco Deputy Who Beat the Odds
Pasco County Sheriff’s Deputy Buddy Allman faced a life-altering ordeal on October 18, 2024, while assisting residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.

As he navigated flood-ravaged areas near Dade City, the road beneath his Humvee collapsed, plunging the vehicle over ten feet into swift, murky waters. Trapped upside down and submerged, Allman remained underwater for six harrowing minutes. His survival is credited to the swift actions of Dade City Sgt. Robert Shireman and two courageous bystanders who managed to free him from the submerged vehicle.

Allman was initially transported to AdventHealth Dade City and subsequently airlifted to Lakeland Regional Health, where he was placed on an ECMO machine due to the severity of his condition.

Despite a prognosis that gave him less than a 2% chance of survival, Allman emerged from a three-week coma on November 6, 2024, and was discharged from the hospital on November 27, 2024. His recovery has been hailed as nothing short of miraculous. Here’s the ABC Action News video.

A benefit event is planned for the end of May to support Allman's ongoing recovery. For those wishing to contribute, a GoFundMe campaign has been established.

Food & Dining 🍔

Sprouts Farmers Market Opening Weekend – May 16–18, Lutz
Sprouts is finally opening at Cypress Creek Town Center, and it’s coming with samples, flowers, goodie bags, and a gift card scavenger hunt. Doors open at 7 AM daily—expect long lines and that fresh-store smell people weirdly love.

Shoppers at the new Lutz Sprouts can get 20% off their purchase by signing up for a Sprouts account and using code LUTZGO20 in-store or online (valid May 16 through 18). Plus, sign up by May 18 and you’ll be entered to win a $500 gift card.

Tallo Restaurant – Opens May 15, Wesley Chapel
A fresh blend of American and Caribbean flavors is landing at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Tallo opens Thursday, May 15 at 1031 Oakheart Blvd with a festive menu, Caribbean-inspired cocktails, and a full bar. The vibe? Flavor-packed and fun—perfect for date night, girls’ night, or a new favorite hangout. Just in time for National Caribbean American Heritage Month in June.

The Haven Café Grand Opening – May 17, San Antonio
From 2–5 PM, this cozy café is rolling out the welcome wagon with a flower bar, sweet treats, coffee, and giveaways. Great excuse to finally explore San Antonio (yes, we have one in Florida), plus they’re serving up pastel macarons too pretty to eat.

Civic News

Brightline in Tampa? They Want to Hear from You
A potential Brightline station in Ybor City is on the table, and Hillsborough’s planning team wants your input. Take the survey by May 31. Bonus: you can officially tell them you just want to hit Orlando IKEA without white-knuckling I-4.

Participants who provide their email addresses will be entered into a drawing for a $100 grocery gift card. Take the survey by scanning the QR code within the Documents and Presentations section here or by clicking below.

New Tampa Boulevard Might Finally Get a Facelift
Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera is pushing to repave New Tampa Boulevard, citing safety and quality concerns. The road is in poor shape and has become a top priority for repairs. Funding isn’t secured yet, but the effort is underway and gaining traction with city staff.

Starkey Ranch Gets Six New Fields (and 84 Truckloads of Sod)
The final sod just got laid down on Starkey Ranch’s massive sports complex expansion. Six new multi-purpose fields are opening this summer built for soccer, lacrosse, and whatever else your kids are getting into now. Also, we weren’t kidding, 84 truckloads of sod and here’s a quick look at the result. Someone’s mower is about to quit.

Temple Terrace’s Downtown Makeover: Still in the Dream Phase
After 20 years of trying to revitalize its downtown, Temple Terrace is changing course. City leaders now aim to attract smaller-scale development on the city-owned lot along 56th Street, pairing it with public space while keeping control over the types of businesses that move in.

At the May 20 CRA meeting, Temple Terrace will consider easing restrictions on the 56th Street lot to spark interest from creative developers. The goal is a walkable, local-focused space—not another chain restaurant. Parking is still a hurdle, but nearby land could offer a solution.

Community

Operation Stand Down: Real Help for Vets
Pasco County’s Veterans Court just pulled off something incredible. In one weekend, they teamed up with local agencies to waive over $16,000 in fines, clear 42 suspended licenses, and resolve 61 legal cases. All focused on helping veterans get back on their feet.

This wasn’t a publicity event. It was practical, hands-on help. Some walked in with overdue fines, expired licenses, and legal obstacles. Then they walked out with a valid driver’s license in hand.

The program is designed to offer real second chances, not red tape, and it's a reminder that when local systems work together, lives change.

Kids Empire Opens at Citrus Park Mall
The mall-to-fun-zone trend continues with Kids Empire, a 10,000-square-foot indoor playground that just opened inside Citrus Park Town Center. Designed for kids 12 and under, it’s packed with climbing walls, obstacle courses, and enough energy-burning action to make naptime a sure thing. Bonus: it’s open seven days a week. As we are going to touch on in a moment… rainy day backup plan = solved.

Shakespeare Meets Slime in Carrollwood
One does not simply cross streams in Elizabethan English. The Carrollwood Cultural Center is hosting Ministers of Grace: The Unauthorized Shakespearean Parody of Ghostbusters on May 17 & 18, a $5 staged reading that turns proton packs into poetic verse. Yes, really. Naturally, written in proper iambic pentameter, it’s Ghostbusters as if the Bard himself penned it.

📍 Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Rd
🎭 Sat, May 17 at 7:30 PM & Sun, May 18 at 2 PM
🎟️ $5 general, free for members (call or visit in person to avoid online fees)

Prepare for laughs, literary flair, and maybe a ghost or two.

Mother’s Day Weekend Weather

A drizzle upon thy mimosa? Foul play, I say. Anyway... let me crawl back out of Shakespeare mode real quick. Possible rain on Sunday for us.

Events and Live Music Presented Along With The Murg Team

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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

Live Music

Friday, May 9

Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | JT Curtis & John Johnson | 8p-12
Florida Cracker Fish Company, Citrus Park | Gary Coco | 7p
O'Brien's Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Hit Me Up | 9p-1a
Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Eric Lindell | 8p | Tickets $20–$25
SouthernEaze Bar & Grill, Lutz | Steve Frank | 630p
Stonewater Bar and Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Two Critters | 7p-10
The Living Room at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | Lanny Z | 6p-9
Thomas P’s Sports Bar, Citrus Park | Brack Harris | 4p
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Full Dueling Piano Show ($10 tickets, 21+) | 7p-1a
The Tiki Cove, Land O’ Lakes | Mikki Zip | 7p
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Double Barrel | 730p-1030

Saturday, May 10

Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Mark Shane and the Shane Gang | 8p-12
Florida Cracker Fish Company, Citrus Park | David Potts | 7p
O'Brien's Irish Pub, Wesley Chapel | Aurora For The Night | 8p-12
O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Carrollwood | CoCo Red | 9p-1a
Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Closed for the Day | Tropical Heatwave Event
SouthernEaze Bar & Grill, Lutz | John Nunes | 630p
Stonewater Bar and Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Lorelei Duo | 7p-10
The Drinks at 9, Lutz | Sunny Situation | 7p-10
The Tiki Cove, Land O’ Lakes | Encore | 7p-10
Thomas P’s Sports Bar, Citrus Park | Matt McCartney | 4p
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Full Dueling Piano Show ($12 tickets, 21+) | 7p-1a
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Vintage Sounds | 730p-1030
Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Hollywood Blvd | 9p

Sunday, May 11

Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Shaun Hopper | 1p | Free
The Grove, Wesley Chapel | Harvest Markets | 11a-3
Thomas P’s Sports Bar, Citrus Park | Chris Dupre | 1p
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Mothers Day Brunch Dueling | 11a-2
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Markus Lee | 430p-730

Events & Markets

Friday, May 9

Andy’s Frozen Custard, Lutz | New Store Celebration | 11a
KRATE at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Free Style & House | 7p-11
New Tampa Performing Arts Center, New Tampa | Tampa Bay Symphony Scheherazade! | 8p | Tickets $25
Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Andy Hendrickson | 730p | Tickets $23-$34
The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | Mother’s Day Tea at Leonidas Cafe | 12p-4 | Tickets $50

Saturday, May 10

Creekside Church, Lutz | Cars and Coffee | 9a
KRATE at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Caribbean Night | 7p-11
New Tampa Performing Arts Center, New Tampa | Kids Film Series A Bugs Life | 10a | Tickets $5
Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Andy Hendrickson | 7p and 9:30p | Tickets $23-$34
The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | Craft Festival | 10a-5p
The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | Sip & Savor at Leonidas Cafe | 6p-9
Thirsty Buffalo, Land O’ Lakes | 2 Yr Anniversary @ Bexley | 11a
Hampton Inn Odessa, Odessa | 3rd Annual Mother’s Day Craft Fair | 10a

Sunday, May 11

Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Wesley Chapel | Mother’s Day Market | 1p-5
KRATE at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Sunday Harvest Market | 11a-3p
New Tampa Performing Arts Center, New Tampa | The Women of Jazz | 3p | Tickets $15-$20
The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | Craft Festival | 10a-5p

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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