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Good Morning Neighbor,

We’re already a third of the way through June, hurricane season is officially underway, and summer is starting to settle in across North Tampa. If you felt your house shake Monday afternoon, you weren't imagining it. A rare earthquake off the coast of Cuba was felt across much of Florida, giving a lot of us one of those "wait... was that an earthquake?" moments.

-Mike

In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:

🪖 Zephyrhills Honors D-Day's Lasting Legacy
🥤 Swig Soda Shop Coming to Wesley Chapel
🦈 Divers Capture Rare Great White Shark Encounter
🏗️ Temple Terrace Takes Big Step Toward Downtown Vision

And a bunch more!

Access local events three different ways:

Highlights

Did You Feel The Earthquake?

A lot of Florida residents had the same reaction Monday afternoon: "Was that an earthquake?" A powerful earthquake off the coast of Cuba sent tremors across much of the state, with people reporting shaking from South Florida all the way up to Jacksonville and Tallahassee.

The good news is there was no tsunami threat. Many people didn't realize what had happened until they saw reports online, after noticing shaking lights, rattling monitors, moving water glasses, and even their parked cars vibrating around 2 p.m.

Private School Proposal Draws Opposition

A proposed private K-8 school in Lutz is drawing pushback from some nearby residents who say it would change the area's semi-rural character. The Naidip Foundation has applied to build Apex Academy, a 1,000-student school near North Dale Mabry Highway and Holly Lane.

Neighbors have raised concerns about traffic, development, and the long-term impact on the community. The proposal will be reviewed during a Land Use Hearing Officer hearing on June 15, giving residents another opportunity to weigh in.

Community

Keeping D-Day History Alive

The Zephyrhills Museum of Military History held its annual D-Day commemoration this weekend, marking 82 years since Allied forces landed in Normandy during World War II. The event honored the sacrifices of those who served while helping pass that history on to younger generations.

The ceremony carries special significance in Zephyrhills. The city's municipal airport opened in 1943 as a training facility, and pilots stationed there with the 10th Fighter Squadron participated in the D-Day operation. Organizers say events like this are becoming even more important as the number of living World War II veterans continues to decline.

Swig Soda Shop Headed To Wesley Chapel

The popular "dirty soda" chain Swig is officially coming to Wesley Chapel. The drive-thru beverage shop is under construction at 8076 Curley Road near Overpass Road in the Epperson area and is currently listed as "Coming Soon."

Swig is known for customizable soda creations, refreshers, energy drinks, and sweet treats. An opening date hasn't been announced yet, but the new location adds to the growing list of restaurants and retailers moving into the rapidly developing Curley Road corridor.

Great White Shark Stuns Divers

Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime sighting. Divers working to remove abandoned fishing nets off the coast of Sicily came face-to-face with a 13-foot great white shark and captured what researchers believe is the first underwater footage of an adult great white in the Mediterranean Sea.

Scientists say sightings like this are incredibly rare and valuable because most information about Mediterranean great whites has come from sharks caught by fishing operations. The encounter happened during a mission focused on removing "ghost nets," abandoned fishing gear that can trap and kill sea turtles, fish, and other marine life.

Temple Terrace Downtown Plans Moving Forward

After years of vacant lots and stalled proposals, Temple Terrace may finally be making progress on its long-discussed downtown district. City leaders have selected two developers to negotiate plans for separate sites along North 56th Street, with both projects focused on adding restaurants, retail space, rooftop dining, gathering areas, and more walkable connections throughout downtown.

The proposals still need to be negotiated and finalized, but city officials hope the projects will help turn long-empty parcels into destinations that connect residents with future amenities like Riverside Park. Council members also stressed the importance of project deadlines and accountability measures to avoid further delays.

A Huge Thank You to our wonderful local partners!

  • Lutz Whistle Stop Depot - Your go-to spot for gifts, vintage finds, home décor, antiques, handcrafted goods, plants, artwork, and general store treats. Come check us out!

  • Ol’e Fellas Flooring - Your local family flooring experts—quality you can trust

  • Yael Hatfield, Realtor - Keller Williams Tampa Properties - Click for reviews supporting her relationship-first approach to home buying.

  • FarmPixie - A simple way to buy fresh produce, eggs, honey, and more directly from local farmers and growers across Florida.

  • Tampa Tarpons - Our local minor league team north of the city. Get your game packages now!

  • Gamer Events - Delivers fully hosted mobile gaming, laser tag, and VR experiences right to your location for easy, stress-free parties.

  • Novel in the Neighborhood - family-owned independent bookstore in New Port Richey offering more than 5,000 new books across all genres, along with literary gifts, puzzles, and games for readers of all ages.

Pasco County Animal Services Presents: Niko

Niko (A043509) is an 8yo brown mixed breed and a staff favorite. Niko is a mellow dog who is friendly and social to not only people, but other dogs as well. Niko was recently featured by Second Shot Adoption Photos in hopes of giving him an extra highlight! Niko is a senior, so he can chill with the best of them. Niko would do great in a more quiet home or even one where he can beautifully coexist with a family. However, he does not do well with cats; therefore, he must go to a home with no felines.

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

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