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Good morning from Lutz. A self-driving Waymo taxi got pulled over in California for making an illegal U-turn, and the police joked they didn’t have a box to check for “robot.” Instead, they reported it back to the company and let it go. Maybe it was just a warning but that taxi is getting 1 star and no tip.

In this 50th edition of the North Tampa Buzz:

☕ Dutch Bros. + Greenlane open on 54 at Sunlake
🏨 Upscale Cambria Hotel planned on SR-54
🌾 Pasco preserves 1,893 acres at 4G Ranch

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Check out our very own community calendar! Leave some feedback, we’d love to hear from you👇

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.

Digest

All it takes is a short drive north on I-75 to spot that Wesley Chapel’s very own children’s hospital is taking shape. What makes this project exciting isn’t just the $330 million investment, but the vision behind it. Leaders described a facility designed to keep families together and bring world-class care closer to home.

Executives say the hospital will focus on care that Pasco families have long had to travel to St. Pete for, from pediatric emergency services to heart surgery to the area’s first inpatient rehab program for kids recovering from serious injuries. They painted a picture of a hospital that is storm-resilient on the outside and playful, bright, and family-centered on the inside, with design touches inspired by Pasco’s own landscape.

And while it carries the Johns Hopkins All Children’s name, leaders emphasized this will not be just another St. Pete extension. As they put it, this is Wesley Chapel’s Children’s Hospital, built for this community by people who already call it home.

Oh yeah, and how about the quality jobs it will bring to the county!

Restaurants & Local Business

Dutch Bros. and Greenlane Both Open on 54 at Sunlake

I wonder if that car saw the drone coming up behind them.

Upscale Cambria Hotel Coming to SR-54

There are plans moving forward for an upscale Cambria Hotel on SR-54, just under three miles west of the Suncoast Parkway. The site sits just east of Texas Roadhouse and is part of a larger mixed-use project that will also bring retail strips, a private fitness club and lounge, and a community green space. A proposed extension of Rangeland Boulevard is set to run along the north end of the property, adding even more connectivity to the area.

Community

Community Spirit Shines on Main Street Zephyrhills

Downtown Zephyrhills is gearing up for a festive finish to the year with favorites like Halloween Howl, the Veterans Day Parade, and the Festival of Lights. Main Street Zephyrhills has been finding creative ways to connect with neighbors, from event reminders on water bills to a Facebook page that now tops 17,000 followers. The excitement is spilling over into downtown itself, where spaces that once sat vacant are now filled with enthusiastic local businesses, and the holiday season is set to bring even more life to Main Street.

This year’s Festival of Lights theme is “Christmas in Toyland,” and the Historic Home Theater will transform into a haunted highlight during Halloween Howl. With sponsors, volunteers, and the community all pitching in, Main Street’s end-of-year events promise plenty of small-town charm mixed with big energy. It is a reminder that downtown Zephyrhills is not just coming back, it is thriving.

Local Community Event

🌸✨ Tampa Orchid Club’s Orchid Expo is back! ✨🌸

Discover vendors from across Florida, shop hundreds of stunning orchids, and stock up on all the supplies you need to grow your own. Plus, enjoy raffle prizes and see American Orchid Society–judged winners on display!

• Prize-winning orchids

• Vendors & potting supplies

• Raffle prizes & surprises

📍 Northdale Park – 15510 Hooting Owls Place, Tampa, FL 33624
📅 Saturday, October 4 | 10 AM – 4 PM
📅 Sunday, October 5 | 10 AM – 3 PM
🎟️ Admission: $6

Civic News

Sales Tax on Commercial Rent Ends Oct. 1

We’ve been hearing plenty of chatter lately about changes to what’s taxable and isn’t. At the federal level, a new law now lets many tipped workers deduct part of their tip income from federal income taxes. And here in Florida, another big change is rolling out. Starting October 1, the state sales tax on commercial rent is going away. That means if you’re a business renting office space, a storefront, a warehouse, or even a salon chair, you’ll no longer see sales tax added to your rent. For Pasco business owners who’ve been paying that extra 2% (plus surtax) every month, those charges disappear for good starting in October.

What it means for you:

• If you run a small business, your rent bill should be a little lighter.

• If you’re a landlord, you no longer need to collect and remit sales tax for rental periods beginning October 1 or later.

• Any rent due before October 1 is still taxable, even if it’s paid late.

This change is expected to save Florida businesses over a billion dollars a year, leaving more money in local pockets for growth, hiring, and investment.

Pasco Preserves 1,893 Acres Along SR-52

There’s no secret that growth in Pasco has eaten up plenty of open land. That’s why the county teamed up with the state of Florida to protect 1,893 acres of 4G Ranch along SR-52, ensuring it stays green and productive. The ranch, once zoned for 2,000 housing units, will now be preserved through the state’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Pasco County is splitting the cost 50/50 with the state to make it happen.

Instead of more rooftops, the ranch will remain a working cow/calf operation while also protecting wetlands and wildlife habitat, including the endangered scrub-jay. It helps secure local water resources and keeps a piece of Pasco’s rural character intact.

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.

Featured Event

🎉 Market Elaine 4-Year Anniversary
🛍️ 150+ local vendors • 🎶 Live vibes • 🍔 Food & fun
📍 The Grove, Wesley Chapel
📅 Friday, Oct 3 | ⏰ 5:30–9:30 PM

Celebrate four years of Market Elaine in Wesley Chapel. Shop small, enjoy great food, and soak up the community atmosphere. 🌟

Live Music

Friday, October 3

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

• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | No Idea Band | 8–11:55 PM

• BarrieHaus Beer Co Trinity, Trinity | Mary and Sam | 6–10 PM

• Cheers 54, Zephyrhills | Kyle Velez | 9–11:55 PM

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

• Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Stephen Perry | 7:30–11:30 PM

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

• Escape Brewing Company, Trinity | Shawn Sheller | 6–9 PM

• Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Wesley Chapel | DJ Drummer Mike | 7–10 PM

• Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | David Potts | 7–10 PM

• Jerry's Crystal Bar, Zephyrhills | Aurora for the Night (Day 1/2) | 9 PM–1 AM

• Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Matt Capps | 5–9 PM

• North 30th Sports Pub & Grille USF, Tampa | Whiskey Sonic | 7–10 PM

• O'Brien's Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | Daniel Sprouse | 8–11:59 PM

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

• Stonewater Grill, Land O' Lakes | NUNES AT NIGHT | 7–10 PM

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

• The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Nick Staver | 8–11:59 PM

• Tiki Cove, Land O' Lakes | Patrick Foy & Manny Varela | 7–10 PM

• Tom's Tavern (Forest Hills), Tampa | JT Curtis and the Florida Scoundrels | 8–11:59 PM

• Ukulele Brand's, Land O' Lakes | 4X | 7:30–10:30 PM

Saturday, October 4

• Art's Tap House, New Port Richey | Jorge Valentine Band | 8–11:59 PM

• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | 3 Dom Band | 8–11:59 PM

• Brass Mug, Tampa | Tampa Hellforge Fest | 6:30–11:30 PM

• Commandough's Pizza, Zephyrhills | Copperwing Band | 5–8 PM

• Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Allie Roman | 7:30–11:30 PM

• Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Lisa Kay & Goldtops | 7–11 PM

• Escape Brewing Company, Trinity | Tod Russell | 6–9 PM

• Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Chad Lambert | 7–10 PM

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

• Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | Southern Creek Band | 7–11 PM

• O'Brien's Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | Louis Baldanza | 8–11:59 PM

• SouthernEaze Bar and Grill, Lutz | Travis White and Swamp Rose | 6:30–9:30 PM

• Starkey Market, Trinity | Jariah Higgins | 6–9 PM

• Stonewater Grill, Land O' Lakes | MAGNUM OPUS | 7–10 PM

• The Orpheum, Tampa | Vader-Kataklysm ($) | 6–11 PM

• The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Billy and Stephanie | 8–11:59 PM

• Tiki Cove, Land O' Lakes | Kevin Goolden | 7–10 PM

• Tom's Tavern (Forest Hills), Tampa | Rebecca Field | 8–11:59 PM

• Ukulele Brand's, Land O' Lakes | Soulyard | 7:30–10:30 PM

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

Sunday, October 5

• BarrieHaus Beer Co Trinity, Trinity | Jarrod Barefoot | 3–6 PM

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

• Stonewater Grill, Land O' Lakes | Gary Coco | 5–8 PM

• The Orpheum, Tampa | Whitey Morgan ($) | 7–11:59 PM

• Ukulele Brand's, Land O' Lakes | Jimmy Griswold | 4:30–7:30 PM

Monday, October 6

• The Orpheum, Tampa | A Lot Like Birds ($) | 6:30–11:30 PM

Tuesday, October 7

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

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

Markets

Friday, October 3

• That Place Down The Street | Friday Night Market – Fall Edition | 5–9 PM

• The Grove at Wesley Chapel | Market Elaine 4 Yr Ann. | 5:30–9:30 PM

• Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen | Saigon Night Market | 5–11 PM

Saturday, October 4

• Agnes Lamb Park | Historic Downtown Dade City Farmers Market | 10 AM–2 PM

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

• Hampton Inn Odessa Trinity | Back to our Roots Market | 10 AM–3 PM

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

• Trinity Commons | Trinity Farmers Market | 10 AM–2 PM

• Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen | Saigon Night Market | 3–11 PM

Events

Friday, October 3

• BarrieHaus Beer Co Trinity | Barriehaus 1 yr. Anniv. in Trinity | 12–9 PM

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

• Main Theatre | Jazz with Jim | 7:30–9 PM

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

• Side Splitters Comedy Club – Wesley Chapel | David Harris ($) | 7:30–9:15 PM

• Tampa City Ballet | La Séptima Society: A Gatsby Affair in Ybor | 7:30–8:45 PM

• The Orpheum | Taylor Swift Release Party ($) | 8–11:59 PM

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

• Wesley Chapel – The Grove 16 | Paint & Sip | 7–9 PM

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

Saturday, October 4

• BarrieHaus Beer Co Trinity | Barriehaus 1 yr. Anniv. in Trinity | 11 AM–11 PM

• Beef 'O' Brady's | Survey Says Trivia Game | 6–8 PM

• Black Sheep American Pub | Oktoberfest | 12–1 PM

• Carrollwood Cultural Center | All’s Well in Roswell (Isn’t it?) | 7:30–9:30 PM

• Dade City Raceway | Money Race | 6–9 PM

• Dade City Tap House & Spirits | Oktoberfest | 6–11 PM

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

• Hope City Church | Pumpkin Patch | 11 AM–7 PM

• Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park | Fall Fun with Friends ($) | 10 AM–1 PM

• Joshua House Gala at the Motor Enclave | Joshua House Gala | 6:30–10 PM

• Krate at the Grove | Ladies Night – Caribbean Night ($) | 7–11 PM

• Lutz Whistle Stop Depot | Fall Fest & Shopping | 10:30 AM–5 PM

• Northdale Park & Recreation Center | Orchid Expo ($6) 2-Day Event | 10 AM–4 PM

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

• Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse | Car Meat @ Rodizio | 10 AM–1 PM

• San Antonio Community Church | Free Family Fun Day | 10 AM–12 PM

• Side Splitters Comedy Club – Wesley Chapel | David Harris ($) | 7–8:45 PM

• Side Splitters Comedy Club – Wesley Chapel | David Harris ($) | 9:30–11:15 PM

• That Place Down The Street | Spooky Fest | 10 AM–9 PM

• The Dogpound Sports Bar and Arcade | Tribute to Ozzy Osborne | 5–11 PM

• Tampa City Ballet | La Séptima Society: A Gatsby Affair in Ybor | 7:30–8:45 PM

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

• Wesley Chapel District Park | Gardening 365 Festival | 9 AM–3 PM

• Withlacoochee River Park | Freshwater Fishing Workshop | 9 AM–12 PM

• Yarn Store (38336 5th Ave, Zephyrhills) | Grand Opening – The Yarn Store | 11 AM–3 PM

Sunday, October 5

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

• BarrieHaus Beer Co Trinity | Barriehaus 1 yr. Anniv. in Trinity | 12–6 PM

• BarrieHaus Beer Co Trinity | Oktoberfest Trinity & Family Friendly Art-toberfest | 12–6 PM

• Carrollwood Cultural Center | All’s Well in Roswell (Isn’t it?) | 2–4 PM

• Florida Avenue Brewing Co. | Pints and Pilates | 10–11 AM

• Florida Avenue Brewing Co. | 5 Year Anniversary Party | 11 AM–10 PM

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

• Hope City Church | Pumpkin Patch | 11 AM–7 PM

• Northdale Park & Recreation Center | Orchid Expo ($6) 2-Day Event | 10 AM–3 PM

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

• That Place Down The Street | Spooky Fest | 10 AM–7 PM

Monday, October 6

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

• Escape Brewing Company | Main Street Monday | 7–9 PM

• Hope City Church | Pumpkin Patch | 11 AM–7 PM

• St. Joseph’s Hospital–North | Women’s Health Expo | 4:30 PM

• The Brass Tap | Chunky Knit Pumpkins | 6:30–8:30 PM

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

• X-Golf Tampa | Trivia – Friends | 7–9 PM

Tuesday, October 7

• Hope City Church | Pumpkin Patch | 11 AM–7 PM

• Niko’s Playhouse | Mommy and Me Messy Art | 3–5 PM

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

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

• Starkey Market | Drum Circle | 7–10 PM

• The Book Shack | Spooky Halloween Welcome Night | 5–7 PM

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

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

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

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

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