🌳 Historic Oak Tree Victory

Plus: CAVA in Lutz, Ice Dreammm Grows, Free Food Distribution

Author

Mike Rendel
August 22, 2025

Together With

The Newsletter Your Neighbor Writes.
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What connects us. Not what divides us.

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Good Morning Neighbor. Looks like Amazon isn’t the only one testing late-night deliveries in Lutz. A drone packed with drugs crash-landed in someone’s backyard, and the pilot actually knocked on the door asking if he could have it back. The homeowners wisely chose Door #2, calling the sheriff.

We figured we should mention it just in case the intended recipient is a reader of North Tampa Buzz and was still awaiting their care package.

In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:

🌳 Dade City’s beloved oak tree wins protection plan
💆 Exclusive 15% off at Radiant Wellness Spa
🥗 CAVA opens in Lutz with fresh Mediterranean flavors
🍨 Ice Dreammm expands with two local shops and wild ice cream flights

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

Forward this to the friend most likely to “accidentally” pilot a drone into the wrong yard.

We are now moving to our own community calendar! 🎉 This is where you’ll find all the local events in one place, kept up to date and easy to use. It opens in Schedule view by default so you can quickly scroll through, but you can also switch to Calendar view if you prefer the grid style.

👉 Browse by date, category, or city/town
👉 Search events to find exactly what you need
👉 Submit your own community events for us to review and add

We’d love your feedback. Just scroll to the bottom of the calendar page or reply to this email and let us know what you think!

We welcome all input, as we can accommodate almost any change you suggest.

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Digest

Great News for Natural Pasco

Pasco pride represented Dade City well at the August 19 County Commission meeting (around the 21-minute mark), where the fate of the massive oak outside the courthouse was decided, and the tree won. A master arborist confirmed it’s healthy, so instead of removal the county will follow a new maintenance and biannual inspection plan to protect both the oak and the WWII memorial bandstand beneath its branches.

It’s a perfect outcome for Dade City, proudly recognized as a Tree City U.S.A. This oak, believed to be 200 to 250 years old, has stood through generations of history and will continue offering shade and character to downtown for years to come. As one of our neighbors reminded commissioners, “This tree has been through numerous historical events … and generations of families.”

The neighbors showed up, spoke out, and county leaders listened. The result is a win for heritage, conservation, and community pride, proof that sometimes our roots really do run deep.

Community Feature with Radiant Wellness Spa

Exclusive Offer for North Tampa Buzz readers:
Use code NTBuzz15 for 15% off your first massage or facial. Can’t be combined with other promos.

Discover Radiant Wellness Spa
Your local destination for healing, beauty, and self-care. Radiant is a full-service spa specializing in:

  • Massage therapy

  • Post plastic surgery care

  • Oncology massage

  • Lymphatic drainage

  • Stretch therapy

  • Eyebrow threading

  • Skincare and facials

  • Waxing and body contouring

  • …and more

💳 They also accept FSA and HSA for eligible services.

Why our neighbors love Radiant Wellness Spa
Whether you’re recovering, recharging, or simply treating yourself, Radiant combines expertise with a warm community spirit. Their team is dedicated to personalized care that makes every visit restorative.

Advertise with North Tampa Buzz

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.

Restaurants

Cava is now open on Sunlake at 54

CAVA just celebrated its grand opening at the corner of 54 and Sunlake Boulevard in Lutz, bringing its Mediterranean-inspired bowls, pitas, and salads to the community. The new location at 2425 Sunlake Blvd., Lutz, FL 33558 is already drawing locals with fresh flavors and fast service.

We did NOT knock down the sign while taking this photo!

Ice Dreammm in Wesley Chapel and Lutz

Some people remember their dreams (me), some people don’t, but Ice Dreammm is unforgettable. What started as owner Joe Schembri’s passion project has grown into two locations in Wesley Chapel and Lutz, where the menu (found on their stellar Instagram or website) ranges from vanilla bean and strawberry shortcake to bold creations like chocolate bacon toffee, peanut butter Oreo, and vegan double chocolate coconut.

Source: That’s So Tampa

Guests can order dessert flights with scoops served on a tray and labeled in chalk, or go big with root beer floats, oversized brownie sundaes, and ice cream pies in flavors like coffee caramel and mint. With coconut- and oat-milk bases, even dairy-free and vegan neighbors can join in on the fun.

Community

Free Community Food Distribution

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, September 17 at 9:00 a.m. The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with Pasco Sheriff’s Charities, Farm Share, the Boys & Girls Club of Lacoochee, the Gentlemen’s Course, and the Pasco County NAACP to host a free food distribution.

It will take place at the Boys & Girls Club of Lacoochee (38724 Mudcat Grant Blvd., Dade City). It’s first come, first served, so plan to arrive early. A great opportunity to grab some fresh food and connect with neighbors!

Wesley Chapel on the Rise

I’m going to go out on a limb and bet you’re aware of this. Wesley Chapel just landed on a national list of the country’s fastest-growing suburbs, gaining nearly 27,000 new residents between 2013 and 2023, a 60% jump. The report highlights what locals already know: Wesley Chapel’s strong schools, new neighborhoods, and expanding mix of restaurants, shopping, and businesses have made it one of Tampa Bay’s most desirable places to call home.

Feature Home From Emory’s Rock

Spacious 4-Bedroom Home in Meadow Pointe (Meridian Community)

✨ Inside the Home

  • Split floor plan with multiple flex spaces

  • Chef’s kitchen with luxury finishes

  • Huge upstairs bonus room

🌿 Outdoor Living

  • Extended lanai with full outdoor kitchen

  • 3-car garage

🏡 Community Perks

  • Gated Meridian neighborhood

  • Clubhouse & fitness center

  • Resort-style pool

  • Sports courts & miles of trails

There is an open house for this property August 23rd and 24th from 1p-3p.

Call: 813-324-6448

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: Bexley Market on the Lawn ✨🌇
Saturday, August 23 | 5:00–8:00 PM | The Lawn at Bexley, Land O’ Lakes

Celebrate summer Bexley-style with golden hour skies, live music, tasty food trucks, and dozens of local makers. This family- and pet-friendly evening is all about community charm—shop handcrafted goods, grab a bite, and kick back picnic-style under the lights. Free entry, open to all.

Live Music

Friday, August 22

• Art’s Tap House, Trinity | Borderline | 8:00–11:59 PM
• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | The Pete Hunt Band | 8:00–11:55 PM
• Brass Tap – Sunlake, Lutz | Live Music TBA | 7:00–10:00 PM
• Dade City Tap House and Spirits, Dade City | Allie Roman | 7:30–11:30 PM
• Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Magnum Opus | 7:00–11:00 PM
• Florida Cracker Fish Company, Citrus Park | Patrick Foy | 7:00–10:00 PM
• Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | Bone Cartel | 8:00–11:59 PM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Groove 41 | 9:00 PM–1:00 AM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Wesley Chapel | Brazen Band | 8:00–11:59 PM
• Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Blackcat Zydeco ($10/$15) | 8:00 PM
• SouthernEaze Bar and Grill, Lutz | John Tarsi | 6:30–9:30 PM
• Starkey Market, Trinity | The Sunsetters | 6:00–9:00 PM
• Stonewater Bar and Grill, Land O’ Lakes | NUNES AT NIGHT | 7:00–10:00 PM
• The Orpheum, Tampa | KPop Rave ($) | 9:00 PM–1:00 AM
• The Twisted Oak, Dade City | The Twisted Oak Band | 8:00–11:59 PM
• Thomas P’s Sports Bar, Citrus Park | Tyler Dusek | 4:00–7:00 PM
• Tiki Cove, Land O’ Lakes | Sunset Soundwaves | 7:00–10:00 PM
• Tom’s Tavern, Tampa | The Westside Band | 7:00–11:00 PM
• Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Shane Gang | 7:30–10:30 PM

Saturday, August 23

• Art’s Tap House, Trinity | Jezabelle | 9:30–10:30 PM
• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | JT Curtis and the Florida Scoundrels | 8:00–11:59 PM
• BarrieHaus, Trinity | Corey Rubin | 6:00–9:00 PM
• Commandough’s, Zephyrhills | Donnie Ray Reynolds | 5:00–8:00 PM
• Dade City Tap House and Spirits, Dade City | Ben Meyer | 7:30–11:30 PM
• Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Streetwise | 7:00–11:00 PM
• Florida Cracker Fish Company, Citrus Park | Sam Williams | 7:00–10:00 PM
• Latte Vino, Lutz | Open Mic | 7:00–10:00 PM
• Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | Pure Classic Gold | 7:00–11:00 PM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Groove 41 | 9:00 PM–1:00 AM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Hit Me Up | 9:00 PM–1:00 AM
• Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Blackcat Zydeco ($10/$15) | 8:00 PM
• SouthernEaze Bar and Grill, Lutz | John Nunes | 6:30–9:30 PM
• Starkey Market, Trinity | Ryan Marchand | 6:00–9:00 PM
• Stonewater Bar and Grill, Land O’ Lakes | CAPO 3 | 7:00–10:00 PM
• The Orpheum, Tampa | KPop Rave ($) | 9:00 PM–1:00 AM
• The Twisted Oak, Dade City | The Sandspurs | 8:00–11:59 PM
• Thomas P’s Sports Bar, Citrus Park | Markus Lee | 4:00–7:00 PM
• Tiki Cove, Land O’ Lakes | The Cheap Strings | 7:00–10:00 PM
• Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Vintage Sounds | 7:30–10:30 PM
• Yuengling Draft Haus, Tampa | Bikes & Brews w/ Live Music | 7:00–11:00 PM

Sunday, August 24

• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Jesse and Noah Bellamy Acoustic and The Thomas Promise Foundation | 4:00–8:00 PM
• Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Rachel Duffen | 2:00–6:00 PM
• Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | Wade Williams | 2:00–5:00 PM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Hit Me Up | 9:00 PM–1:00 AM
• Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Acoustic Sunday Brunch w/ Sunset Bridge Duo (FREE) | 1:30–4:00 PM
• Starkey Market, Trinity | Kris Mikhel | 1:00–4:00 PM
• Stonewater Bar and Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Carolyn Street | 5:00–8:00 PM
• Thomas P’s Sports Bar, Citrus Park | Mark Shane | 1:00–5:00 PM
• Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Jimmy Griswold | 4:30–7:30 PM

Markets

Saturday, August 23

• Bexley, Land O’ Lakes | Market on the Lawn | 5:00–8:00 PM
• The Collective at Escape, Trinity | Wellness Market | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Sunday, August 24

• The Orpheum, Tampa | Florida’s Market of the Beast | 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
• Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, Tampa | Sunday Funday Market | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Events

Friday, August 22

• Commandough’s, Zephyrhills | Karaoke | 7:00–10:30 PM
• Escape Brewing Company, Trinity | Karaoke | 9:00–11:59 PM
• Flipn’ Fries Factory, Wesley Chapel | Tampa Bay GirlFrendz 40+ Paint Party | 6:45–8:45 PM
• Milestone Adventure Zone, Lutz | Bluey at Kidpreneur Marketplace | 6:00–8:00 PM
• Museum of Science & Industry, Tampa | Pink Floyd Laser Show | 6:30–7:45 PM
• Museum of Science & Industry, Tampa | Pink Floyd Laser Show | 8:15–9:30 PM
• New River Library, Wesley Chapel | Big Book Sale | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
• Raining Berries, Lutz | Sprinkle of Fun Workshop | 7:00–10:00 PM
• Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Omar Tarango | 7:30–9:00 PM
• Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Omar Tarango | 9:30–11:00 PM
• Skydive City, Zephyrhills | Lost Boys & Friends Skills Camp ($450) | 8:00 AM (Start)
• Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Dueling Pianos | 7:00–11:00 PM
• Wesley Chapel – The Grove 16, Wesley Chapel | Senior Social (50+) | 3:00–5:00 PM
• Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Karaoke | 9:00 PM–1:00 AM

Saturday, August 23

• Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Land O’ Lakes | Survey Says Trivia Game | 6:00–8:00 PM
• Florida Cracker Fish Company, Citrus Park | Brunch | 8:00 AM–2:00 PM
• Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | 90’s Block Party | 7:00–11:00 PM
• New River Library, Wesley Chapel | Big Book Sale | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
• Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Omar Tarango | 7:00–8:30 PM
• Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Derek Gaines | 9:30–11:00 PM
• Subaru of Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Pet Adoption | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
• The Orpheum, Tampa | Taylor Swift Dance Party ($) | 9:00 PM–1:00 AM
• Tom’s Tavern, Tampa | Karaoke w/ Dunn Deal | 8:00–11:00 PM
• Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Dueling Pianos | 7:00–11:00 PM

Sunday, August 24

• Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Wesley Chapel | Turkish Lamps | 3:00–6:00 PM
• Florida Cracker Fish Company, Citrus Park | Brunch | 8:00 AM–2:00 PM
• Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Soul Line Dancing | 6:00–7:00 PM
• Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, Land O’ Lakes | Dog Days of Summer Bunco Fundraiser | 1:00–4:00 PM
• Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Comic’s Night Out Open Mic | 7:00–8:30 PM
• The Orpheum, Tampa | Taylor Swift Dance Party ($) | 9:00 PM–1:00 AM
• Wesley Chapel – The Grove 16, Wesley Chapel | Coffee & Connections for Vets | 2:00–4:00 PM

Monday, August 25

• Culver’s, Zephyrhills | Eat for Kids | 5:00–7:00 PM
• Dade City Brewhouse, Dade City | Trivia | 7:00–9:00 PM
• Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Company, Land O’ Lakes | Beginner Embroidery ($) | 6:30–8:30 PM
• Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory, Odessa | Trivia Night | 6:30–8:30 PM
• X-Golf, Trinity | Trivia Pursuit | 6:00–8:00 PM

Tuesday, August 26

• Cigars International Superstore, Lutz | Country Line Dancing | 7:00–9:00 PM
• Cigars International Superstore, Lutz | Line Dancing | 7:00–9:00 PM
• Florida Cracker Fish Company, Citrus Park | Kids Night | 5:30–8:30 PM
• Liquid Garage Brewing Co., New Port Richey | Sports Trivia w/ Adam | 7:00–9:00 PM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Trivia | 7:00–9:00 PM
• Starkey Market, Trinity | Drum Circle | 7:00–10:00 PM
• Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Trivia and Taco Tuesday | 7:00–9:00 PM
• Twisted Oak, Dade City | Line Dancing w/ Bobbie | 7:00–9:00 PM
• Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Pool Tournament w/ Karaoke | 9:00–11:00 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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