🐔 Hens, a Resort Reno, and a Weird World Record

The Newsletter Your Neighbor Writes.
No Crime. No Politics.

Did a neighbor share this with you? Subscribe for free!

Good Morning From Lutz! An Idaho man hopped on his unicycle and managed to carry seven bowling balls at once, breaking the Guinness World Record for the most bowling balls hauled on a unicycle. He originally got the idea while watching odd world-record clips at a pizzeria and decided, “I have a unicycle and bowling balls… why not me?”

Some people do some weird stuff with their night out.

In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:

🎁 Joshua House kicks off its annual Holiday Gift Drive for foster children
💙 Duffels of Dignity marks three years of helping foster kids
🏨 Saddlebrook unveils its $92 million resort renovation

Feel free to follow us on Instagram for more local updates.

Share this with a neighbor crazy enough to plan a long road trip this holiday season!

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

Digest

A Quick Shoutout to The Laker/Lutz News

There’s always a lot of heart in the stories The Laker/Lutz News shares, and their recent piece on Duffels of Dignity is a great example. The program is now three years in and making a real difference for kids in foster care by replacing trash bags with actual duffel bags filled with essential items. They’ve collected more than 5,500 bags since launching, and October was their strongest month yet thanks to volunteers, church groups and local nonprofits pitching in.

I wanted to pass this along because it’s one of those meaningful efforts happening quietly in our community, and it deserves a moment in the spotlight. It’s a nice reminder that when neighbors, volunteers and local storytellers work in the same direction, the good rises to the surface and makes our whole area feel a little more connected.

If you would like to showcase your brand or event in front of 11,000+ families, feel free to reply or reach out through the link above.

Pasco County Animal Services Presents: Aro

Aro A035537 is a 4-year-old neutered male mixed breed. He is a long-time resident here at the shelter but you’d never know it from his constant smile. Despite the wait, Aros spirit stays bright. He walks beautifully on a leash and loves nothing more than sharing calm, happy moments with his favorite people. This sweet, hopeful boy deserves a home where his smile can finally shine every day. Could you be the one to make that happen?

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

Help for Homeowners Still Recovering from Last Year’s Storms

It has been more than a year, and if you are one of the many homeowners still feeling the struggle from last year’s hurricanes, Pasco County has launched a new program that may finally bring some relief. The Better Future Individual Housing Program is backed by more than $300 million in disaster-recovery funding and is designed to help residents repair damaged homes, rebuild what was lost or even get reimbursed for repairs they’ve already paid for.

Eligibility is income-based, with priority for displaced families, seniors, young children and residents with disabilities. A series of public meetings kicks off this week to walk people through the process, answer questions and help determine eligibility. Pasco hopes to move quickly on reimbursements, potentially even before the end of the year. Full details and meeting dates are available at mypasco.net under the Better Future Program banner.

Saddlebrook’s $92 Million Makeover

It looks like the long-awaited renovation at Saddlebrook Resort has finally wrapped, and early impressions say it was worth the wait. The Wesley Chapel landmark just completed a massive $92 million upgrade that modernizes everything from the rooms to the restaurants while elevating the resort’s already strong reputation for golf, tennis and world-class sports training. The refreshed guest rooms, new dining concepts and reimagined sports facilities are all part of a push to bring the resort into its next chapter.

What really stands out is how much of the resort experience has been updated without losing that classic Saddlebrook feel so many locals grew up with. The redesigned Super Pool, upgraded golf courses, expanded tennis and pickleball offerings and the walkable village layout all point toward a resort that’s doubling down on being both a staycation favorite and a serious draw for visiting athletes. With more enhancements on the way, Saddlebrook is stepping confidently into a new era for Wesley Chapel.

Local Tech Company Expands in Pasco County

Wesley Chapel-based software firm VantagePoint AI is investing more than $4.6 million into expanding its operations in Pasco County, with plans to add 60 new full-time jobs over the next three years. Supported by the Pasco EDC, the expansion is a strong sign of continued tech growth in our area and a boost for high-paying local jobs.

Pasco Approves Backyard Hens

This doesn’t affect me personally, but there are many who would appreciate this. Pasco County has officially approved backyard hens, allowing residents to keep up to four hens in a secure side or backyard coop with no permit required and no roosters allowed. County officials say the new rules take effect immediately, but residents should be ready for the noise, upkeep and predator protection that come with raising hens and double-check any zoning or deed restrictions before building a coop.

Holiday Gift Drive for Foster Kids

Joshua House in Lutz is holding its annual Holiday Gift Drive, which supports foster children not only during the holidays but throughout the entire year for birthdays, new arrivals and special occasions. This one drive helps fulfill the wish lists of hundreds of local foster and at-risk children, bringing comfort, joy and a sense of being remembered.

Events North of Tampa

Events will continue to fill in as the week goes on.

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

Live Music

Tuesday, Nov 18

• Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Open Mic w/Fred Chandler | 7–10pm
• The Orpheum, Tampa | Death to All | 6–11pm
• Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Open Mic Night | 7–10pm

Wednesday, Nov 19

• The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Open Mic | 7–10pm
• Tom’s Tavern Forrest Hills, Tampa | Open Mic w/Fred Chandler | 7–10pm

Thursday, Nov 20

• Stonewater Bar and Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Matt Capps | 6–9pm
• The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Ukulele Russ | 8–11:59pm
• Thomas P’s Sports Bar, Citrus Park | Brack Harris | 5–8pm
• Tom’s Tavern Forrest Hills, Tampa | Open Mic w/Fred Chandler | 7–10pm

Friday, Nov 21

• Art’s Tap House, New Port Richey | FM Station | 8–11:55pm
• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Thunderbolt Brown | 8–11:59pm
• Brass Mug, Tampa | Eleni and the Uprising | 7–11:59pm
• Cigars International, Lutz | Live Music | 8–11:45pm
• Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Coco Red | 7–11pm
• Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Wesley Chapel | Matt Capps | 7–10pm
• Florida Cracker Fish Company, Citrus Park | Patrick Foy | 7–10pm
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Aurora for the Night | 8–11:59pm
• Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Backtrack Blues Band | 8pm
• SouthernEaze Bar and Grill, Lutz | Jeff Odell | 6:30–9:30pm
• Starkey Market, Trinity | Matt Winter Band | 6–9pm
• Stonewater Bar and Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Pete and Jack | 7–10pm
• The Brass Tap, Lutz | Live Music TBA | 7–10pm
• The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Damon Fowler | 8–11:59pm
• Thomas P’s Sports Bar, Citrus Park | Gary Coco | 5–8pm
• Tom’s Tavern Forrest Hills, Tampa | Buzzfactor | 8–11:59pm

Markets

Saturday, Nov 22

• 37922 Palm Ave (Downtown Dade City) | Mistletoe Market | 9am–1pm
• Bexley Market on the Lawn, Land O’ Lakes | Bexley Market on the Lawn | 10am–2pm
• Magnanimous Brewing Seminole Heights, Tampa | Friendsgiving Market | 1–5pm

Sunday, Nov 23

• Farm at Bearss Groves, Tampa | Friendsgiving on the Farm | 3–6pm
• Starkey Wilderness Park Playground, New Port Richey | Community Market at Starkey | 10am–2pm
• The Grove at Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Harvest Markets | 11am–3pm
• Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, Tampa | Sunday Harvest Market | 1–5pm

Events

Tuesday, Nov 18

• Downtown Skin & Wellness, Dade City | Tighten & Toast: A Radiesse Neckvember | 11am–2pm
• Florida Cracker Fish Company, Citrus Park | Kids Night | 5:30–8:30pm
• Molly Malone’s Irish Pub and Eatery, New Port Richey | 2nd Annual Holiday Food Drive for Messengers | 8:30am
• Noe Worries Ranch, Zephyrhills | Toddler Tuesday | 10:30am–12pm
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | Trivia w/Tucker | 7–9pm
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Trivia w/Dang Yo | 7:30–10:30pm
• Starkey Market, Trinity | Drum Circle | 7–10pm
• The Wexford Irish Pub & Grille, Lutz | Trivia Night | 7–9pm
• Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Trivia and Taco Tuesday | 7–9pm
• WOB Bar & Kitchen Odessa, Odessa | Trivia – Wicked Themed | 7–9pm
• Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Pool Tournament w/Karaoke | 9–11pm

Wednesday, Nov 19

• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Karaoke and Bike Night | 7:30–10:30pm
• BarrieHaus Beer Co Trinity, Trinity | Big Trophy Trivia | 7–9pm
• Cigars International, Lutz | Torch & Vino Networking Event | 6–9pm
• Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Trivia | 7–9pm
• Green Parrot Tiki Bar & Grill, Tampa | Karaoke | 8–11:59pm
• House of Brews, Lutz | Trivia | 7–9pm
• Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, Land O’ Lakes | Line Dancing | 10–11:30am
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | Line Dancing w/Simone | 7–9pm
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Karaoke w/Shaun Babb | 8–11pm
• Raining Berries, Lutz | Purposeful Living Women | 10am–12pm
• The Yarn Store, Zephyrhills | Wine Wednesday Crochet Group | 6–8pm
• Top Shelf Sports Lounge, Wesley Chapel | Trivia | 7:30–9:30pm
• Wesley Chapel The Grove 16, Wesley Chapel | Broadway Musical Bingo | 7:30–9:30pm
• Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, Tampa | Trivia & Music Bingo | 7–9pm

Thursday, Nov 20

• Art’s Tap House, New Port Richey | Karaoke w/DJ TerryHD | 7–11pm
• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Line Dance Lessons/Ladies Night | 7–11pm
• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Line Dance Lessons/Ladies Night | 7:30–11pm
• BayScape Bistro, Tampa | Trivia Night | 6:30–8:30pm
• Bubba’s 33, Wesley Chapel | Trivia | 7–10pm
• Commandough’s Pizza, Zephyrhills | Trivia | 7–10:30pm
• Dade City Brew House, Dade City | Music Bingo: Dad Rock Edition | 7–9pm
• Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Karaoke | 7:30–10:30pm
• Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Cornhole Tournament | 7–10pm
• Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Line Dancing w/Simone | 7–9pm
• Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Trivia | 7–9pm
• Keel Farms, Plant City | Line Dancing Lessons w/Bobbie | 6–8pm
• Oak & Honey Vintage, Zephyrhills | Paint & Sip | 5–8pm
• Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, Land O’ Lakes | Bourbon, BBQ & Bustin’ Clays | 1:30–2:30pm
• The ABL, Dade City | Paint Night and Trivia | 5:30–8pm
• The Barn at Starkey Market, New Port Richey | Trivia | 7–9pm
• The Collective at Escape, Trinity | Trivia – Grey’s Anatomy | 7–9pm
• The Grove at Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Throwback Thursdays | 6–9pm
• The Orpheum, Tampa | Blind Guardian | 6:30–11:30pm
• Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Co., Land O’ Lakes | The Art of Sourdough Bread Making | 6:30–8:30pm
• Zephyrhills Brewing Company, Zephyrhills | Trivia | 7:30–9:30pm

Friday, Nov 21

• BarrieHaus Beer Co Trinity, Trinity | 12 Days of Beermas | 12pm
• Commandough’s Pizza, Zephyrhills | Karaoke | 7–10:30pm
• Florida Farm School & Animal Rescue, Dade City | Toddler Time | 10:30am–12pm
• Keel Farms, Plant City | Line Dancing Lessons w/Bobbie | 6–8pm
• Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Keeping It Country | 7–11pm
• Plant City Pig Jam, Plant City | Plant City Pig Jam | 5–10pm
• The Grove at Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | 3rd Fridays – Keeping It Country @ Krate | 7–11pm
• Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Dueling Pianos | 7–11pm
• Wesley Chapel The Grove 16, Wesley Chapel | Senior Social – 50+ | 3–5pm

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

Thanks for reading the North Tampa Buzzletter!

If you loved it, send it to a friend.