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Good Morning Neighbor.

In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:

🌳 Pasco Raises Tree Fees
🏞️ Zephyr Park Levels Up
⚽ Saint Leo Welcomes Global Soccer Academy

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

Digest

This Happened Right Here in Land O’ Lakes

We love sharing stories like this, and we couldn’t be prouder it happened right here in our community. On July 16, three injured veterans received mortgage-free smart homes in the Let Us Do Good Village, thanks to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

The homes, fully accessible and built with care, were given to MSgt Shawn Mullins, SPC Steven Maxwell, and PFC Charlie Figueroa. This growing village will eventually include nearly 100 homes for veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families.

It’s a beautiful reminder of what can happen when compassion meets action—and it’s all happening just down the road.

Pasco County Animal Services Presents: Norma Jean

Norma Jean (A034817) is a sweet, shy dog who came to PCAS as a stray from the Zephyrhills area with no microchip or identification. She is incredibly docile, takes treats gently, and is very well mannered. When Norma Jean arrived at our shelter, she was extremely fearful and had to be coaxed out of her kennel to go for a walk. Through TLC from our staff and volunteers, Norma Jean has really come out of her shell! She is a spayed, 43 lb female who has found a love for zoomies in the spree and chilling out in the PCAS office.

Civic News

We Care About Trees. Pasco Listened.

If you’ve spent even five minutes on Facebook, you know our community cares deeply about keeping Pasco green. In response, county leaders just raised the fees developers pay when removing trees. It’s now $75 per inch of trunk, or $150 per inch for Heritage Trees like big oaks, magnolias, and now palms.

That money feeds into the Tree Mitigation Fund, which can be used to replant trees around schools, parks, affordable housing, and public spaces. It’s one more way Pasco is working to grow without losing its natural charm.

Community

This Is a World Stage Now

Starting August 15, Saint Leo becomes home turf for some of the world’s top teenage soccer players. Portuguese powerhouse Benfica is launching its first U.S. residential academy right on campus.

Players are flying in from Brazil, Iceland, Malaysia, and even Bradenton. They’ll train on Olympic-grade turf, live on site, and unless they’ve got scholarships, pay around $88K a year. It’s a major move that puts Saint Leo in the same league as Barcelona and PSG. Even national teams are eyeing it as a possible World Cup base.

Zephyr Park Redevelopment in the Works

Zephyrhills is eyeing some major upgrades to the park that just hosted its 10th annual SummerFest celebration. Plans include a multi-story community center, added parking, and storm-ready features to keep the space usable even in Florida’s wettest months.

With Ellis Hall set to come down eventually, the city is making sure there's a solid plan before any big changes. They’ve already secured nearby lots for parking and are exploring eco-friendly touches like permeable concrete. It’s early, but the vibe is clear—Zephyr Park is about to level up.

Ybor Harbor Back in the Rays Rumor Mill

Well, here we go again. Developer Darryl Shaw is reportedly open to replacing his planned women’s soccer stadium with a 32,000-seat home for the Rays at Ybor Harbor. Commissioner Ken Hagan calls it the “leader in the clubhouse,” and even Mayor Castor says it’s still a real option.

Looks like we’re all just along for the drama ride.

“Saltwater Therapy” for Those Who Served

Pasco-based nonprofit Lines of Liberty is raising funds to buy a pontoon boat that would allow veterans, active-duty military, and first responders with mobility challenges to join their peaceful fishing trips—what they call “saltwater therapy.”

They’re halfway to their $30K goal and raffling off a fully installed ADA bathroom to close the gap by the end of the month. The goal: make sure every hero who served has the chance to unwind on the water, no matter their physical limitations.

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.

Tuesday, July 22

Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Jamie O | 6:30–10 PM
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Open Mic | 7–10 PM
Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Open Mic w/ Fred Chandler | 7–10 PM

Wednesday, July 23

SouthernEaze Bar and Grill, Lutz | Open Mic | 6–9 PM

Thursday, July 24

Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Carolyn Street | 6–9 PM

Friday, July 25

Starkey Market, Trinity | Ryan Marchand | 6–9 PM
SouthernEaze Bar and Grill, Lutz | Charles Goodwin | 6:30–9:30 PM
The Orpheum, Lutz | Diggy Graves | 7–11 PM
Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Nicaea | 7–11 PM
Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Gary Coco | 7–10 PM
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | The Devan Ashline Band | 7:30–11 PM
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Devan Ashline | 7:30–10:30 PM
The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Ben Luchka | 8–11:59 PM
Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | Ben Meyer Band | 8–11:59 PM
Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Brazen Band | 8–11:59 PM
Art’s Tap House, Trinity | Brother Brownlow | 8–11:59 PM

Tuesday, July 22

Florida Cracker Fish Company, Citrus Park | Kids Night | 5:30–8:30 PM
O'Brien's Irish Pub, Wesley Chapel | Trivia | 7–9 PM
Starkey Market, Trinity | Drum Circle | 7–10 PM
The Liquid Garage Brewing Co., Odessa | Trivia - Sports | 7–9 PM

Wednesday, July 23

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
The Liquid Garage Brewing Co., Odessa | Trivia | 7–9 PM
Top Shelf Sports Lounge, [location needed] | Trivia | 7:30–9:30 PM

Thursday, July 24

Art's Tap House, Trinity | 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
O'Brien's Irish Pub, Wesley Chapel | Karaoke | 8–11:59 PM

Friday, July 25

Commandough's Pizza, Zephyrhills | Karaoke | 7–10:30 PM
Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | R&B Night | 7–11 PM
O'Brien's Irish Pub, Wesley Chapel | Hit Me Up (Day 1/2) | 9 PM–1 AM
8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa | The Music Man | 8–10 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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