🌴Fresh Cuts & Full Hearts

The Newsletter Your Neighbor Writes.
No Crime. No Politics.
What connects us. Not what divides us.

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Good Morning Neighbor. In Connecticut, it’s bears in the pool. Here, gators prefer to drop by like polite neighbors, ringing the door bell before deciding if they want a swim.

It used to be referred to as Gatorville, so it’s fitting.

In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:

⛽ Walmart gas station coming to Wesley Chapel
🚦 New traffic lights across Pasco
🐾 Meet Peony, a rescue pup ready for adoption

Reply to this email and say hi. Follow us on Instagram for even more local finds.

Send this to your neighbor that has already bought all the plywood at Home Depot.

If you visit the calendar (I suggest it), “Schedule” view makes it easier, and everything is listed down below as well.

Quick Weather Update:

Denis Phillips says he agrees with most of the spaghetti models showing the system turning north well before it reaches Florida.

Digest

Fresh Cuts & Full Hearts in Zephyrhills

With so many back-to-school events happening, it can be hard to choose where to go, but this one really stood out. The Gentlemen’s Quarters turned Main Street into a feel-good send-off, giving kids free haircuts at their 8th annual Back-to-School Bash. Families lined up early, grateful for the savings when haircuts can run $40 to $50 a child.

It wasn’t just about the cuts, though. Alongside the buzzing clippers were neighbors handing out backpacks, supplies, and smiles, all to make that first day of school just a little easier. Last year, the shop gave over 100 free cuts, saving families about $5,000. In our house, we actually have to fight to get the kids a haircut. Maybe if we tell them it’s free it would be easier. What an amazing job by our local barber.

If you would like to showcase your brand or event in front of thousands of locals, feel free to reply or reach out through the link above.

Civic News

Elam Rd. Entrance Approved for Epperson Townhomes

A couple months ago, a large group of Epperson Ranch II residents showed up at a Pasco County meeting to voice concerns about traffic and safety. Their message was clear — keep hundreds of daily trips from new Epperson North townhomes out of their quiet streets.

Before the change was approved, this is what the residents were facing:

They were heard. Metro Development Group and Pasco County have agreed to build a full entrance on Elam Rd. for the 186-townhome community, expected to be complete by the end of 2025. Metro says the change will add convenience, improve safety, and reduce congestion in the neighborhood once the project is finished.

Pasco’s Growth Brings a Wave of New Traffic Signals

Central Pasco’s rapid growth is bringing more than just new homes, it’s also triggering a surge in traffic lights. The latest went live Aug. 6 at Sunlake Blvd. and SR 52, marking the third new signal since May. It serves as the main entrance to Angeline, a 6,200-acre master-planned community that will eventually house about 35,000 residents, two schools, a lagoon, and Moffitt’s massive Speros Campus.

Recent additions include signals at U.S. 41 and Sunterra Dr. in May, and at SR 54, Hanley Rd., and Stonegate Falls Dr. in July. More are on the way, including one planned for the Suncoast Parkway and Ridge Rd. exit. FDOT also has two pedestrian overpasses in the works, part of ongoing infrastructure upgrades to keep pace with Pasco’s explosive development.

Pasco County Animal Services Presents: Peony

Peony (A033832) has had a rough start in her 5 years, yet she remains affectionate and resilient. Peony, a 48 pound mixed breed brindle, survived a house fire and being rescued after getting run over by a truck. Peony does need a little TLC – she has a skin condition and is heartworm positive (her heartworm treatment is sponsored, though!) She has been at PCAS for three months and truly deserves a loving home with someone who would like to give this sweet girl the restart she truly deserves.

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

Community

Walmart Fuel on the Way, Sam’s Expansion on Hold

Looks like Wesley Chapel’s Walmart is getting ready to pump things up. A brand-new gas station is going up behind Chase Bank on SR 54, with 18 fueling spots, a tiny convenience store with roll-up drink and snack displays, and even a new turn lane to make getting in easier. It should be open in just a few months, but over at Sam’s Club on SR 56, plans to expand their busy fuel station have been put on hold for now.

High-Tech Forensics Company Sets Up Shop in Wesley Chapel

It looks like Pasco’s getting some extra help when it comes to high-tech crime scene investigations. England-based Smytec, Inc., maker of the BlindSite Scene evidence analysis tool, has set up its first U.S. location right in Wesley Chapel. Thanks to the county’s SMARTLandings program, they’re already teaming up with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and its F1RST program, and with major military and defense hubs nearby, they’re in the perfect spot to grow their reach across the country.

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. Weekend events will fill up over the course of the week.

Featured Event

It has been wet lately. A number of events were cancelled last weekend due to inclement weather. So, let’s hope that isn’t the case this time around. Our featured event for the weekend is the Fresh Market at the Shops at Wiregrass from 9a - 1p Saturday morning.

Tuesday, August 12

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

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

Wednesday, August 13

• Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Jamie O | 6:30–10 PM

• The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Open Mic | 7–10 PM

• Tom’s Tavern (Forest Hills), Tampa | Open Mic w/Fred Chandler | 7–10 PM

Thursday, August 14

• Brass Mug, Tampa | Pretty Boy Floyd / Sunset Rebellion | 7–11 PM

• Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Brandon Bing ($) | 8–11:59 PM

• Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Jariah Higgins | 6–9 PM

• The Orpheum, Tampa | Nookie: Numetal Night | 8–11 PM

• Thomas P’s Sports Bar, Citrus Park | JT Curtis | 4–7 PM

• Tom’s Tavern (Forest Hills), Tampa | Open Mic w/Fred Chandler | 7–10 PM

Friday, August 15

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

• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Rum Syndicate Trio | 8–11:59 PM

• Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Tyler Dusek | 7–11 PM

• Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | JT Curtis Full Band | 7–11 PM

• House of Brews, Lutz | Josh Higgins | 7–11 PM

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

• Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | Time Travelers | 8–11:59 PM

• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | Alter Ego | 9 PM–1 AM

• O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Nunes at Night | 8–11:59 PM

• Pete’s Place North & Liquor Store, Tampa | Midnight Blue | 7–11 PM

• Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Dead Set Florida ($) | 8–11:59 PM

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

• Starkey Market, Trinity | Matt Winter | 6–9 PM

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

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

• The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Blake Free Band ($) | 8–11:59 PM

• Thomas P’s Sports Bar, Citrus Park | Johnny Gaster | 4–7 PM

• Tom’s Tavern (Forest Hills), Tampa | Nightly Brew | 8–11:59 PM

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

Friday, August 15

• Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, Tampa | Night Market | 6–10 PM

Saturday, August 16

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

• Hampton Inn Odessa Trinity, Odessa | Trinity Crafters Market | 10 AM–3 PM

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

• Tiki Cove, Land O’ Lakes | Moon Market | 5–9 PM

Tuesday, August 12

• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Musical Bingo | 7–9 PM

• Cigars International Superstore, Lutz | Country Line Dancing w/Simone | 7–9 PM

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

• New River Library, Wesley Chapel | Disney Fairytale Inspirations | 6–8 PM

• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | Trivia | 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

• The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | Cornhole Tournament | 7–9 PM

• Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory, Odessa | Comedy Night | 8–9:30 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

Wednesday, August 13

• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | DJ Kenny Mathis Karaoke Night | 7–11 PM

• Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Trivia | 7–9 PM

• Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health – Urgent Care, Wesley Chapel | Obagi Skin Health Analysis | 9 AM–1 PM

• House of Brews, Lutz | Trivia | 7–9 PM

• Johnny Brusco’s New York Style Pizza, Trinity | Trivia | 6–8 PM

• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | Country Line Dancing w/Simone | 7–9 PM

• O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Karaoke | 8–11 PM

• Top Shelf Sports Lounge, Wesley Chapel | Trivia | 7:30–9:30 PM

• Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Trivia | 7–10 PM

Thursday, August 14

• Art’s Tap House, New Port Richey | Karaoke w/DJ TerryHD | 7–11 PM

• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Line Dance Lessons / Ladies Night | 7:30–11 PM

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

• Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Karaoke | 7:30–10:30 PM

• Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Trivia | 6:30–8:30 PM

• Escape Brewing Company, Trinity | Trivia | 7–9 PM

• Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Throwback Thursdays | 6–9 PM

• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | Karaoke | 8–11:59 PM

• Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Comic’s Night Out – Open Mic | 7:30–9 PM

• SouthernEaze Bar and Grill, Lutz | Trivia | 7–9 PM

• Top Shelf Sports Lounge, Wesley Chapel | Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader | 7:30–9:30 PM

• Zephyrhills Brewing Company, Zephyrhills | Trivia | 7:30–9:30 PM

Friday, August 15

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

• Gallery at Carrollwood Cultural Center, Tampa | Art Reception | 5:30–7:30 PM

• Harley-Davidson of Wesley Chapel, Lutz | Born to be Wild: Classic Cars and Vintage Bikes | 9–11 AM

• Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Keepin’ it Country w/Line Dancing | 7–11 PM

• Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Jim Florentine | 7:30–9 PM

• Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Jim Florentine | 9:30–11 PM

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

• Young Chefs Academy, Land O’ Lakes | Star Spangled Celebration Workshop | 6–8 PM

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.

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