🎉 Happy Birthday, America

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Good Morning and Happy Birthday, America. With wet flags, soggy sparklers, and full hearts, we’re celebrating our independence anyway. Maybe you’ve got a covered spot for the grill, or an umbrella handy for the lucky few still planning to light up the sky.

It’s not all bad. It won’t all be rain. Right, Denis?

In this week’s Friday Fix:

🌧️ Sandbag sites open in Pasco ahead of heavy rain
🚒 New fire station coming to SR 54 and Gunn Highway
📺 How to watch The Spot – Tampa Bay’s newest TV channel

Check out our extra local finds on Instagram. And here is our post with over a dozen 4th of July events.

“Schedule” view makes the calendar easier and everything is listed down below as well.

Digest

Free Sandbag Sites Open in Pasco Ahead of Heavy Rain

Obviously we aren’t in harm’s way here, but the storm is a perfect reminder for what we have to prepare for, and Pasco is all over it. Pasco County has two self-serve sandbag locations open 24 hours a day through Sunday, July 6. They’re free to use. Just bring your own shovel and be ready to fill.

30908 Warder Rd, San Antonio
7223 Massachusetts Ave, New Port Richey

With heavy rain in the forecast, it’s a good time to prepare early and calmly. I just ran our old generator to test it, just in case it needs service before we really need it.

Together with Harbourside!

Perfect for a staycation! Located just two blocks across the street from the beach, this welcoming resort is the perfect coastal getaway. Guests can enjoy easy beach access during the day and return to comfort in the evening. While the sound of waves may be faint, the ocean breeze still adds a refreshing touch.

One of the resort’s highlights is the relaxing lazy river, where visitors can float peacefully under the sun. The rooms are clean, spacious, and designed for comfort after a long day by the sea. Dining options nearby and friendly staff make the stay even more enjoyable.

Whether you're here for a family vacation or a quick weekend escape, the resort offers a laid-back, beachside experience without the crowds or the high price tag.

Call Katherine directly @ (615) 430-1919

Restaurants & Local Business

Another Ollie’s Coming to Town

Yet another local Ollies location is opening in Land O’ Lakes, and it’s bringing the deals. Starting Wednesday, July 9 at 9 AM, you can check out the new store next to Party Liquors in the old Big Lots on Land O’ Lakes Blvd at everyone’s favorite intersection with SR-54.

Somehow, I still haven’t been in there but I’m lead to believe that prices are up to 70% lower than the fancy stores. Worth a look if you love a good find.

Bojangles Coming to Lutz in Early 2026

Get ready for biscuits. The new Bojangles is officially on the way to Lutz, with construction starting this summer and an opening expected in early 2026. You’ll find it at 18626 State Road 54, right next to Ace Pickleball at the corner of 54 and Sunlake. The bidding process wrapped up last fall, and site work is already underway.

Peterbrooke Chocolatier Opens in Carrollwood

The wait is finally over. Peterbrooke’s Carrollwood shop officially opened on June 1 at 11751 N Dale Mabry Hwy, adding a sweet new spot just north of the Hillsborough border. Inside, you’ll find chocolate-covered everything: truffles, popcorn, hand-dipped strawberries and pretzels. They’re also offering chocolate-making classes, custom gift boxes, and their Gelato July promo with free scoops every Wednesday.

Community

A new channel called The Spot

The Spot – Tampa Bay 66 is officially live on channel 66.1, offering free, over-the-air access to shows like Suits, Chicago Fire, and local programming including Denis Phillips Live. Even better, all Tampa Bay Lightning preseason, regular-season, and first-round playoff games will air here starting this fall.

Right now, the easiest way to watch is with an antenna. Frontier customers can find it on channel 17. Spectrum, DirecTV, and streaming access are still in the works, with a new Lightning app and Scripps streaming platform expected soon.

New Fire Station Coming to SR 54 and Gunn Highway

A new fire station is coming to West Pasco, with $3.4 million in state funding secured to help build Station 4 at SR 54 and Gunn Highway. It’s designed to ease pressure on nearby stations and improve emergency response times in one of the county’s fastest-growing areas.

This is part of a broader expansion. Station 2 in Wesley Chapel just broke ground in May, and Station 19 in New Port Richey is also under construction. All three are part of Pasco’s long-range plan to meet growth with better coverage and modern facilities.

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.

Featured Event

So, our featured event from Tuesday’s newsletter didn’t work out but here’s another!

4th of July Celebration at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel
Date: Friday, July 4, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: 4424 Friendly Way, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543

Live Music

Friday, July 4

Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Jace Aaron Full Band | 8 – 11:55 PM
Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Jaded | 7 – 11 PM
Escape Brewing Company, Trinity | Stick & Ditty | 8 – 11 PM
Jerry’s Crystal Bar, Zephyrhills | Chuck Riley’s American Band | 9 PM
Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | Bone Cartel | 8 – 11:59 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Randy McNeely | 9 PM – 1 AM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | Fred Chandler | 8 – 11 PM
Pete’s Place North & Liquor Store, Tampa | Valentino & Barry | 7 – 11 PM
S&S Ranch, Dade City | Sandspurs | 4 – 6 PM
Starkey Market, Trinity | Taylor Reed | 1 – 4 PM
Starkey Market, Trinity | Black Arrow | 5:30 – 9 PM
Thomas P’s Sports Bar & Patio, Wesley Chapel | Rebecca Field | Until 7 PM
Tom’s Tavern, Tampa | JT Curtis Florida Scoundrels | 8 – 11 PM
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Dueling Pianos | 7 – 11 PM

Saturday, July 5

Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Sandspurs | 8 – 11:55 PM
Commandough’s Pizza, Zephyrhills | Sam Williams | 5 – 8 PM
Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Morgan Davis | 7:30 – 11:30 PM
Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Life of the Party | 7 – 11 PM
Jerry’s Crystal Bar, Zephyrhills | Chuck Riley’s American Band | Until 11:59 PM
Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | Southern Creek | 7 – 11 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Randy McNeely | 9 PM – 1 AM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Whiskey Throttle | 9 PM – 1 AM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | Aurora For the Night | 8 – 11:59 PM
Pete’s Place North & Liquor Store, Tampa | Mark Shane | 7 – 11 PM
SouthernEaze Bar and Grill, Lutz | Wade Williams | 6:30 – 9:30 PM
The Barn at Starkey Market, Trinity | Jariah Higgins | 6 – 9 PM
The Orpheum, Tampa | Red - White - & - Emo | 8 – 11 PM
Thomas P’s Sports Bar & Patio, Wesley Chapel | Gary Coco | 4 – 7 PM
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Dueling Pianos | 7 – 11 PM
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Lorelei on the Rocks | 7:30 – 10:30 PM
Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Conspiracy Theory | 9:30 PM – 1:30 AM

Sunday, July 6

Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Matt Dallas | 4 – 8 PM
Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Vintage Sounds Duo | 2 – 6 PM
Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | Homer Stiles | 2 – 5 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Whiskey Throttle | 9 PM – 1 AM
Pete’s Place North & Liquor Store, Tampa | Peter Betschart | 2 – 6 PM
Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Fred Chandler | 5 – 8 PM
The Barn at Starkey Market, Trinity | Josh Carroll | 1 – 4 PM
Thomas P’s Sports Bar & Patio, Wesley Chapel | Markus Lee | 1 – 5 PM
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Brunch Dueling Pianos | 11 AM – 2 PM
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Todd Lutes | 4:30 – 7:30 PM
Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Conspiracy Theory | 9:30 PM – 1:30 AM

Markets

Saturday, July 5

Avalon Park, Wesley Chapel | Downtown Saturday Market | 10 AM – 2 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
Trinity Farmers Market, Trinity | Trinity Market | 9 AM – 1 PM

Events | Trivia | Karaoke

Friday, July 4

AdventHealth Center Ice, Wesley Chapel | United We Skate – Stars & Stripes | 9 AM – 2:30 PM
Cheers 54, Lutz | Trivia and Karaoke | Until 11:30 PM
Commandough’s Pizza, Zephyrhills | 4th of July Party | 1 – 5 PM
Commandough’s Pizza, Zephyrhills | Karaoke | 7 – 10:30 PM
Lutz Civic Center, Lutz | Lutz 4th of July Celebration | 6:45 AM – 12 PM
Milestone Adventure Zone, Lutz | Red, White, & Bluey | 10 AM – 1:30 PM
S&S Ranch, Dade City | 4th of July Music Fest & Fireworks | 4 – 10 PM
Starkey Market, Trinity | 4th of July Hangout | 12 – 9 PM
Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club, Temple Terrace | Independence Day Celebration | 10 AM – 9:30 PM
The Collective at Escape, Lutz | Family-Friendly Fourth of July Celebration | 11 AM – 10 PM
The Flats at Avalon Park, Wesley Chapel | 4th of July Celebration | 5 – 9 PM
Trinity College of Florida, Trinity | Red, White, & Boom | 4 – 10 PM

Saturday, July 5

8550 Hunters Village Rd, Tampa | Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival Concert | 7:30 – 8:30 PM
Dade City Brew House, Dade City | 4th of Ju-Luau | 12 – 11 PM
Harley-Davidson of Wesley Chapel | Ride! | 10:15 AM – 2 PM
Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Ladies Night Out | 7 – 11 PM
Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Paul Farahvar | 7 – 9 PM
Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Paul Farahvar | 9:30 – 11:30 PM
That Place Down The Street, Zephyrhills | Stripes & Spins July 5th Party | 6 – 9 PM
Tom’s Tavern, Tampa | Karaoke | 8 – 11 PM

Sunday, July 6

8550 Hunters Village Rd, Tampa | Florida Jazz Express: Fourth of July Big Band Concert | 3 – 5 PM
Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Comedy Trap: Josiah B. Jones | 6:30 – 8 PM

Monday, July 7

Dade City Brew House, Dade City | Trivia | 7 – 9 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | Line Dancing | 7:30 – 9:30 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.

Thanks for reading the North Tampa Buzzletter! Happy 4th of July, neighbor!

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