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Good Morning Neighbor,

There's a lot packed into this edition, so I hope you enjoy it! Carrollwood Day is making quite a run in high school football, and we've got plenty of other local news to catch up on.

This is also your last newsletter reminder before our Dinner Club on Wednesday! If you've been wanting to meet some new neighbors, this is a great way to do it. And once again, it's NOT a swingers club. Not that anyone has asked me that a couple dozen times or anything...

We've got a bunch of great events, plus Veterans Day on Wednesday, so keep that in mind if the kids are off school. Those random days off always seem to sneak up on us!

And highs are heading into the low to mid-70s next week. NOW we're talking!

Have a great weekend!

Extras:

View local events:

Community Calendar
Event List w/Links
Join our Facebook Events Group

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

1st Friday at Lutz Whistle Stop Depot
Lutz Whistle Stop Depot, Lutz
Friday, November 6 | 3:00 PM–5:00 PM

Spend a Friday afternoon browsing vintage treasures, unique finds, gifts, and home décor at the Lutz Whistle Stop Depot. Visitors can enjoy food, wine, and music while exploring the shop and spending time with friends.

The event offers a relaxed opportunity for afternoon shopping, sipping, and discovering one-of-a-kind items at this local Lutz destination.

Discover This Hidden Gem in Lutz!

As we enter this season of gratitude, visit Lutz Whistle Stop Depot for vintage treasures, Christmas décor, antiques, plants, artwork, gifts and handcrafted finds from local artisans!

11/6, 3–5p: First Friday shopping, drinks, treats, Whistle Stop Tea Room and performances by Tampa Bay Music Academy students.

11/14, 9a: Early opening with Cinnabus on-site.

11/14, 1:30–3:30p: Modern Calligraphy Class: Holiday Place Card & Menu Lettering.

11/21, 11a–1:30p: Petting zoo ($3) and pony rides ($5).

11/27: Black Friday sales, treats and shopping local!

Leave a thank-you note for a veteran! We'll deliver notes to our local VA nursing home.

We're grateful for the community that makes this Lutz gem special. Come discover something new around every corner!

Hillsborough's Hiking Spree Is Back Again

I love our local trails, and we're lucky to have so many options around here. Hillsborough County's 11th annual Hiking Spree is underway, with 25 trails to explore at parks and preserves throughout the county. Complete eight hikes by March 31, 2027, and you'll earn a commemorative patch, walking stick medallion, or even a bandana for your dog!

There's also a free kickoff celebration at Keystone Park this Saturday, November 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring guided hikes, nature talks, crafts, and food trucks. Registration is free, and trails range from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. Find the full list at HCFL.gov/HikingSpree.

New Community Park Opens in Avalon Park

Slowly but surely, Avalon is growing up right before our eyes. There’s a new gathering spot. Avalon Park has officially opened Avalon Park Common, a community park in its developing downtown area designed to bring neighbors together for everything from family outings to local events.

The name came from resident Desiree Gutierrez, who won the community's park-naming contest. The developer envisions the park hosting farmers markets, festivals, live music, and community celebrations in the years ahead. And naturally, there will be markets:

Electric Air Taxis Take Flight Over Tampa Bay

I love keeping up with Tampa International Airport. It's easy to navigate, efficient, has a clever social media team, and always seems to be improving! Well, here's another interesting development. Two electric aircraft recently completed test flights over Tampa Bay, giving us a glimpse of what air travel might look like in the future.

The aircraft, developed by Joby Aviation and BETA Technologies, flew from St. Petersburg toward Tampa, following a similar route to the world's first scheduled commercial airline flight back in 1914. Florida is testing how these aircraft could eventually serve as air taxis, cargo carriers, and emergency medical transportation, potentially helping travelers bypass traffic altogether.

Pasco County Launching 24/7 Air Ambulance Service

I am a big nerd, but I thought this was really interesting. Pasco County commissioners have approved a new 24/7 air ambulance program that will operate out of Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, giving the county a dedicated medical helicopter to respond to emergencies.

Currently, air ambulances take an average of nearly 21 minutes to respond in Pasco. The new partnership with Med-Trans aims to shorten that wait and get patients to the right hospital faster. Med-Trans will cover operating costs and pay the county $712,000 annually, making this a pretty impressive deal for Pasco taxpayers.

The Landing at Two Rivers Takes Shape

It's been a popular project, and there are some updates on The Landing at Two Rivers, the $27 million private club being built near Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills. Construction is moving along, with the clubhouse rising above ground and the pool area starting to take shape.

The 23,000-square-foot club will feature restaurants, a bar, fitness facilities, eight pickleball courts, four tennis courts, two pools, and a waterslide. Memberships will be available to eligible Two Rivers residents and approved nonresidents. For qualifying residents, published estimates include $250 in monthly dues plus a $600 annual fee. Opening is currently targeted for late 2026 to early 2027, although no firm date has been announced.

Pasco Teachers Get Good News From Voters

Tuesday's election brought some welcome news for Pasco County teachers and school employees! Voters supported renewing the district's existing property tax, which helps fund roughly 12% in additional annual pay for teachers and staff. The tax, first approved in 2022, must be renewed every four years and helps the district remain competitive in retaining educators.

Free Lagoon Admission for Veterans in November

Throughout November, MetroLagoons is offering free admission to veterans and active-duty military members, plus one guest, at all four locations, including Epperson Lagoon in Wesley Chapel and Mirada Lagoon in San Antonio. Tickets must be purchased online, with eligibility verified through ID.me. Visit MetroLagoons.com/Military-Veterans for details.

Florida Avenue Brewing Closes Seminole Heights Taproom

FYI, Florida Avenue Brewing has permanently closed its Liquid Garden taproom in Seminole Heights after just over three years. That leaves its much larger Wesley Chapel brewery and restaurant as the company's remaining known taproom location. The reason for the closure hasn't been announced, and there's no indication that the Wesley Chapel operation is affected.

Carrollwood Day Football Among Florida's Best

Carrollwood Day School's football team has put together a remarkable 10-0 undefeated season, scoring an average of 54.5 points per game while allowing just 6.8! Sports Illustrated projects the Patriots could earn the final spot in Florida's new eight-team Open Division playoff bracket, which features some of the state's top programs. The official selections will be announced Friday, November 6, at 5 p.m.

A Huge Thank You to our wonderful local partners!

EVENTS REMINDER:

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

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