🍂 Fall Finds, Local Heroes

Author

Mike Rendel
October 17, 2025

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Good morning, neighbor! Researchers have finally solved the mystery behind Chicago’s viral “rat hole,” a strange imprint that captured the internet’s attention last year. After studying photos and measurements, scientists now believe the mark wasn’t left by a rat at all, but likely by a squirrel that landed in wet cement decades ago.

It’s not exactly the sinkholes we deal with, but it’s strange nonetheless.

In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:

🍳 Wesley Chapel Prep Cook Inspires During Disability Employment Awareness Month
💚 Land O’ Lakes Girl Scout Honored for Saving Her Father’s Life
🍂 Dade City Named One of Florida’s Best Fall Towns

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Digest

Wesley Chapel Prep Cook Inspires

This is a heartwarming piece by Bay News 9 during Disability Employment Awareness Month on our neighbor in Wesley Chapel. Prep cook Jeremy Ross has been making a big impact at Bubba’s 33, where he’s known for his focus, work ethic, and positive attitude. Despite living with ADHD and an intellectual impairment, Jeremy’s passion for cooking shines through thanks to support from the nonprofit employU, which helps connect people with disabilities to meaningful jobs.

Source: Bay News 9

Bay News 9 spent some time with Jeremy in the kitchen, showing how he’s found confidence and purpose in his role. Bubba’s 33 in Wesley Chapel is not only where Jeremy thrives, it’s also a great spot to get some great service, some great food, and enjoy an inviting atmosphere.

Land O’ Lakes Girl Scout Honored for Saving Her Dad’s Life

This one will warm your heart. 11-year-old Maggie Lewandowski of Land O’ Lakes has received the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn after saving her father’s life when he suffered a stroke at home. Thanks to the first aid training she learned through Girl Scouts, Maggie stayed calm, called 911, and guided paramedics to her dad — actions that doctors say saved him.

Source: News Channel 8

Her courage didn’t stop there. Maggie stayed by her father’s side through his hospital stay and recovery, earning recognition as a true hometown hero. Proof that bravery and compassion can shine at any age.

Community

Dade City Named One of Florida’s Best Fall Towns

A new roundup titled “2025’s Towns in Florida That Come Alive in the Fall” gave Dade City a well-deserved spotlight alongside places like Chipley and Newberry. The article praised Dade City’s small-town charm, walkable downtown, and the annual Scarecrow Festival at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, calling it the perfect place to enjoy “simple pleasures” this season.

Angeline Joins Metro’s Fall ‘Tour & Score’ Promo

I don’t know if you were planning on looking for a home but Metro Development Group is rolling out a fall home tour contest across several of its master-planned communities, and Angeline in Land O’ Lakes off 52 is one of them. Visitors who stop by any participating Metro model home, including Angeline, can enter to win either a VIP trip to see the Bucs take on the Dolphins in Miami with a private flight and police escort, or a brand-new electric golf cart. The more models you tour, the more entries you get, register here.

Oktoberfest at Starkey Market

There are a lot of things going on this weekend, but if you’re trying to pick a few favorites, I’d definitely recommend checking out the local markets and this pretty cool event at Starkey Market. Their family-friendly Oktoberfest celebration runs Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18, with two full days of live music, food, and fun for all ages.

You’ll find seasonal brews in the Beer Garden, an Oktoberfest-inspired menu from The Trough, and plenty for the kids including games, prizes, face painting, and a pumpkin patch for fall photos. The Gone Coastal Polka Band performs both days, and festival favorites like the stein-holding and costume contests, keg-throwing, and kids’ competitions add even more energy.

🎟️ Tickets: One ticket grants access for one day. Children 12 and under get in free.
☔ Rain or shine — come hungry, come thirsty, and celebrate the best Oktoberfest in town at Starkey Market in Trinity.

Events North of Tampa

If you have an upcoming event you'd like us to feature at the top of the newsletter, just let us know. You can also drop any suggestions or thoughts in the comment section below the calendar.

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

Live Music

Friday, October 17

  • Art’s Tap House, New Port Richey | Remedy | 8–11:59 PM

  • Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Whiskey Sonic | 8–11:59 PM

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

  • Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Emmet Stevens Jr. | 7–11 PM

  • Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Moonshinie Abby | 7–11 PM

  • Escape Brewing Company, Trinity | Stick & Ditty | 7–10 PM

  • Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Wesley Chapel | Matt Capps | 7–10 PM

  • Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Charlie D | 7–10 PM

  • Green Parrot | Alan Rizzo | 8–11:59 PM

  • In the Loop Brewing, Land O’ Lakes | Fred Chandler Acoustic | 6–9 PM

  • Jerry’s Crystal Bar, Zephyrhills | Jace Aaron Band (Day 1/2) | 9 PM–1 AM

  • Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | Ben Meyer Band | 4–7 PM

  • O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | Aurora 5 | 9–11:59 PM

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

  • Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Van Ave – $10/15 | 8 PM

  • SouthernEaze Bar and Grill, Lutz | Jeff Odell | 6:30–9:30 PM

  • Starkey Market, Trinity | Gone Coastal (Oktoberfest) | 6–9 PM

  • Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | The Unwinding | 7–10 PM

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

  • The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | Caribbean Chillers Concert | 7–9 PM

  • The Twisted Oak, Dade City | 13 Floors Below | 7–11:59 PM

  • Thomas P’s Sports Bar & Patio, Tampa | Matthew McCartney | 5–8 PM

  • Tiki Cove, Land O’ Lakes | Peter J’s | 7–10 PM

  • Tom’s Tavern (Forest Hills), Tampa | The Shane Gang | 8–11:59 PM

  • Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Fat Tractor | 7:30–10:30 PM

Saturday, October 18

  • Art’s Tap House, New Port Richey | She’s That Dude | 8–11:59 PM

  • Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Jamie O | 10 AM–2 PM

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

  • BarrieHaus Beer Co Trinity, Trinity | Mary and Sam | 6–9 PM

  • Commandough’s Pizza, Zephyrhills | Donnie Ray Reynolds | 5–8 PM

  • Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Brandon Marshall | 7:30–11:30 PM

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

  • Escape Brewing Company, Trinity | Hit Me Up Band | 6–10 PM

  • Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Gary Coco | 7–10 PM

  • Havana Nights Cigar Lounge, New Port Richey | Jazz Night – Ezra Sanders | 8:30–11:30 PM

  • Happy Dayz, Dade City | Jase Randall Band | 9–11:55 PM

  • House of Brews, Lutz | Brian Spotts One Mile Final | 8:30–11:59 PM

  • Latte Vino, Lutz | Open Mic | 7–10 PM

  • Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | Drifting South | 7–11 PM

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

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

  • Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Dead Set Florida – $10 | 8 PM

  • SouthernEaze Bar and Grill, Lutz | UnionWest | 6:30–9:30 PM

  • Starkey Market, Trinity | Gone Coastal (Oktoberfest) | 6–9 PM

  • The Orpheum, Tampa | Hot in Herre | 8–11:59 PM

  • The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Twisted Oak Band 1 Yr Anniversary | 7–11:59 PM

  • Tiki Cove, Land O’ Lakes | Travis White & Chris Williams | 7–10 PM

  • Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | 3-Dom | 7:30–10:30 PM

  • Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Life of the Party (Day 1/2) | 9 PM–1 AM

  • Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, Tampa | Live Music Saturdays | 5–8 PM

Sunday, October 19

  • Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | Queen | 5–8 PM

  • Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Acoustic Sunday Brunch w/ Patrick Foy | 1–4 PM

  • Starkey Market, Trinity | Kris Mikhel | 1–4 PM

  • Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Roger and Todd | 5–8 PM

  • The Brass Mug, Tampa | Tribute to Whitesnake – Knightsnake | 6–11 PM

  • Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Taylor Swift Kids Dueling Pianos | 4–7 PM

  • Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Fred Chandler | 4:30–7:30 PM

Tuesday, October 21

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

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

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

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

Markets

Friday, October 17

  • Dade City Brew House, Dade City | Street Bash Night Market | 5–9 PM

  • The Collective at Escape, Trinity | Haunted Collective Market | 6–10 PM

Saturday, October 18

  • Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Downtown Market at Avalon | 10 AM–2 PM

  • Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Spooktacular Trick or Treating and Market | 5–9 PM

  • Buchanan Middle School, Tampa | Tampa Vintage Market | 12–5 PM

  • Carrollwood Cultural Center, Tampa | Fall Fest & Market | 10 AM–5 PM

  • Farm at Bearss Groves, Tampa | Makers Market at Bearss Grove | 9 AM–1 PM

  • Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Wesley Chapel | Saturday Night Market | 5–9 PM

  • Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway, Lutz | Harvest Handmade Market | 10 AM–3 PM

  • The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | Fresh Market | 9 AM–1 PM

Sunday, October 19

  • Starkey Wilderness Park Playground, New Port Richey | Community Market at Starkey | 10 AM–2 PM

Events

Friday, October 17

  • 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa | New Tampa Players Presents: Oklahoma! | 8–11 PM

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

  • 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

  • John S. Burks Memorial Park, Dade City | Boo Bash | 6–8:30 PM

  • Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Keepin’ It Country Night | 7–11 PM

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

  • Milestone Adventure Zone, Lutz | Sip & Create CharBOOterie Workshop | 7–9 PM

  • Northdale Park & Recreation Center, Tampa | Trunk or Treat | 6:30–8:30 PM

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

  • San Antonio Elementary School, Dade City | Trunk or Treat | 6–8 PM

  • Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Todd Royce ($) | 7:30–9:15 PM

  • Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Todd Royce ($) | 9:30–11:15 PM

  • Starkey Market, Trinity | 4th Annual Oktoberfest ($) | 5–9 PM

  • The ABL, Dade City | Blacklight Oddities Paint Night | 6:30–8 PM

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

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

Saturday, October 18

  • 3427 Diana Dr, Zephyrhills | Crews Hollow Haunted Attraction | 7:30–10:30 PM

  • 5200 Airport Rd, Zephyrhills | Boots in the Hills Day Party ($) | 12–8 PM

  • 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa | New Tampa Players Presents: Oklahoma! | 8–11 PM

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

  • Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Fall Community Yard Sale | 8 AM–12 PM

  • Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Land O’ Lakes | Survey Says Trivia Game | 6–8 PM

  • Dade City Farms, Dade City | Fall Festival | 10 AM–5 PM

  • Dillard’s: Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | Halloween Party | 12–6 PM

  • First Baptist Church of Lutz, Lutz | Fall Festival | 4–7 PM

  • Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Brunch | 8 AM–2 PM

  • Harley-Davidson of Wesley Chapel, Lutz | Classic Cars and Vintage Motorcycles – Halloween Edition | 10 AM–1 PM

  • Heartwood Preserve Conservation Cemetery, New Port Richey | Mindful Meditation | 10 AM–12 PM

  • Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Lutz | Fall Festival | 5–7 PM

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

  • Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Mustang Madness Car Show | 9 AM–3 PM

  • Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | 80’s Night w/ DJ Charlie Chase | 7–11 PM

  • Licciardello Stables, Lutz | Halloween Party & Academy Team Fundraiser | 8–11 PM

  • Lutz Family Church, Lutz | Fall Festival | 3–5:30 PM

  • Raprager Family Farms, Odessa | Pumpkin Festival | 9 AM–10 PM

  • Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Todd Royce ($) | 8:30–10:15 PM

  • Starkey Market, Trinity | Posies Flower Truck | 10 AM–1 PM

  • Starkey Market, Trinity | 4th Annual Oktoberfest ($) | 12–9 PM

  • Starkey Ranch District Park, Odessa | Tunnel to Towers 5K Walk | 9–10 AM

  • Starkey Ranch District Park, Odessa | 2025 Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk Trinity Pasco | 9 AM

  • The Liquid Garage Brewing Co., New Port Richey | Ale Trail Brew Crawl | 12–11 PM

  • The Yarn Store, Zephyrhills | Beginning Knitting – Making Socks ($) | 10 AM–12 PM

  • Tiki Cove, Land O’ Lakes | Halloween Water Ski Show | 5–9 PM

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

  • Trinity Sports Grill, New Port Richey | 196 Liquor & Seltzer Tasting | 5:30–9:30 PM

Sunday, October 19

  • AdventHealth Zephyrhills, Zephyrhills | 40th Anniversary Community Celebration | 1–4 PM

  • Agnes Lamb Park, Dade City | Breathe & Stretch Yoga | 1–2 PM

  • Bubba’s 33, Wesley Chapel | Trunk or Treat | 2–6 PM

  • Cigars International Superstore, Lutz | Kevin’s Car Shows | 11 AM–3 PM

  • Escape Brewing Company, Trinity | Bends & Brews Yoga | 10–10:45 AM

  • Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Brunch | 8 AM–2 PM

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

  • Joey’s Italian Market, Odessa | Italian Festival | 1–3:30 PM

  • Main Theatre, Tampa | Amityville ’74 | 2–4 PM

  • Old Bay Cafe Trinity, New Port Richey | OBC Ravens Flock Picnic | 12–5 PM

  • Raprager Family Farms, Odessa | Pumpkin Festival | 9 AM–8 PM

  • Tiki Cove, Land O’ Lakes | Karaoke Sing Along Brunch | 12–4 PM

  • Wesley Chapel – The Grove 16, Wesley Chapel | Craft Time for Kids | 2–4 PM

  • 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa | New Tampa Players Presents: Oklahoma! | 3–6 PM

Monday, October 20

  • 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa | Broadway Open Mic Night | 8–10 PM

  • Cantina Viajero, Trinity | Trinity Business Networking (All Welcome) | 11:30 AM–1 PM

  • Dade City Brew House, Dade City | Trivia | 7–9 PM

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

  • Hungry Harry’s Famous Bar-B-Que, Land O’ Lakes | The Outsiders 4-H Meet and Greet | 4–8 PM

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

  • Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory, Odessa | Trivia Night | 6:30–8:30 PM

Tuesday, October 21

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We’ll be on Instagram with updates wherever we end up. Feel free to slide into our DM’s.

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