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Good Morning Neighbor,

Looks like another classic Florida week ahead. Expect highs in the low 90s with the usual mix of sunshine and afternoon thunderstorms. Today's rain chances are a little higher.

It's also time to start looking ahead to the Fourth of July and our nation's 250th birthday. With World Cup fans from around the globe already here, it's a pretty special moment to welcome visitors while celebrating such a historic milestone. If you're lucky enough to have next Friday off, enjoy it. We'll still have a fresh North Tampa Buzz waiting for you.

Now let's see what's happening north of Tampa.

-Mike

Access local events three different ways:

Community Calendar
Schedule of Events w/Links
Join our Facebook Events Group

Lagoon-A-Palooza
Epperson Lagoon, Wesley Chapel
Saturday, June 27 | 11:00 AM–4:00 PM

Celebrate the grand opening of the newly renovated Corona Beach Club during Lagoon-A-Palooza at Epperson Lagoon. Guests can enjoy live music from DJ Ekin and Wild Card, giveaways, and a beach party atmosphere while taking advantage of the lagoon's sandy beaches, swim-up bar, water obstacle course, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more. The special event is included with the purchase of a Day Ticket for guests 21 and older.

11th Annual Zephyrhills Summerfest
Zephyr Park, Zephyrhills
Saturday, June 27 | 2:00 PM–9:30 PM

The 11th Annual Zephyrhills Summerfest returns with an afternoon and evening full of family fun, featuring local vendors, food trucks, live music, farm animals, kids activities, crafts, and more. The celebration wraps up with one of the area's largest fireworks shows at sunset, making it a great way to spend a summer Saturday with the whole family.

Community Market at Starkey Park – Summer Celebration
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, New Port Richey
Sunday, June 28 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

Celebrate summer at Starkey Park with a family-friendly market featuring local vendors, handmade goods, boutiques, food trucks, sweet treats, and more. Set beneath the park's shaded oak trees, it's a relaxing way to shop local, enjoy the outdoors, and support small businesses while the kids take advantage of the nearby playground.

Pebble Creek Rezoning Takes Another Step

Neighborhood News published a thorough update on the long-running effort to redevelop the former Pebble Creek Golf Club, and while the case isn't over, local residents have limited opportunities left to influence the outcome.

County commissioners voted to send the proposed 250-home rezoning back to the Zoning Hearing Master for a narrow procedural review, with a hearing scheduled for July 20. Supporters of Save Pebble Creek had hoped broader issues like traffic and soil contamination could be reconsidered, but county attorneys said those topics are no longer part of the case.

New Tampa Rotary Gives Back

This is one of my favorite stories to include because it highlights neighbors helping neighbors. Tampa Bay Beacons reports the Rotary Club of New Tampa awarded more than $87,000 to over 20 nonprofit organizations during its annual Give Back Breakfast on June 12.

The grants will support organizations like Feeding Tampa Bay, Meals on Wheels, the YMCA, Bess the Book Bus, literacy programs, youth services, and disaster relief. Since its founding in 1995, the club and its foundation have donated more than $1.6 million to local nonprofits and Rotary projects, making a lasting impact both here in our community and beyond.

A Huge Thank You to our wonderful local partners!

Water Restrictions Extended Through October

The Southwest Florida Water Management District has extended drought-related water restrictions through October 1 for Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and surrounding counties. Residents are limited to watering lawns one day per week during overnight hours based on their address, washing cars only on their assigned watering day, and restaurants may only serve water upon request. Local governments may have even stricter rules in place.

Bexley Boxes Reach Florida Agencies

This is one of those simple ideas that can make a big difference. 10 Tampa Bay reports that every law enforcement agency in Florida is expected to receive a "Bexley Box," filled with toys, diapers, blankets, books, snacks, and other essentials to comfort young children during times of crisis.

The program was inspired by the 2022 tragedy involving the Bridegan family and is funded in part by a more than $200,000 commitment from Walmart. Temple Terrace Police recently received one of the boxes, and the Bridegan Foundation says it plans to keep departments stocked so the resources are available whenever they're needed.

Dade City Eyes Downtown Revamp

Downtown Dade City could look a little different in the years ahead. Tampa Bay Business & Wealth reports the city is considering rezoning about 94 acres into a single Central Business District to encourage more housing, restaurants, retail, offices, and entertainment.

The proposal doesn't approve any specific projects. Instead, it would create a unified set of development standards aimed at attracting new investment while preserving the historic character of downtown and making it more walkable for residents and visitors.

Another Aldi Could Be Coming

More grocery competition may be headed to the fast-growing SR 52 corridor. The Wesley Chapel Community Website reports that plans have been filed for a new Aldi on the south side of State Road 52 near the Publix at The Market at Mirada, giving residents in Mirada, Epperson, Double Branch, and nearby neighborhoods another shopping option.

The proposal is still in the early stages and has not been approved or scheduled for construction. If it moves forward, it would continue the steady wave of retail development following the area's rapid residential growth along SR 52.

PHSC Expands Hands-On Learning

Growth brings plenty of challenges, but it also means investing in education for the future. That's exactly what Pasco-Hernando State College is doing with its new 27,000-square-foot Wilton Simpson Science & Innovation Center, which recently opened at the East Campus in Dade City, according to Tampa Bay Beacons.

The new facility includes a mock ambulance for EMT training, expanded drone and robotics labs, smart classrooms, and flexible learning spaces designed to evolve with technology. College leaders say the center will help prepare students for high-demand careers while supporting the workforce needs of our growing region.

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

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