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Good Morning From Lutz,

It’s Memorial Day weekend, and you’ll definitely find something to do out there. Hopefully you’re one of the lucky ones getting to enjoy a three-day weekend too. Between the markets, live music, block parties, and everything else happening around town, there’s plenty going on across North Tampa.

As for the weather, we’ll be “dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge”-ing our way through the usual Florida afternoon rain chances as summer starts cranking up. Expect mornings in the low 70s, afternoons pushing into the low 90s, and that classic “Florida’s Florida’ing again” kind of weekend.

-Mike

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Harvest Market at the Grove (Last Day of Season)
The Grove at Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel
Sunday, May 24 | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

The Harvest Market at the Grove is wrapping up its season with one final market this Sunday at The Grove in Wesley Chapel. Expect a big mix of local vendors, fresh produce, handmade goods, art, accessories, self-care products, and family-friendly activities spread throughout the property near the Krates.

The Great American Block Party at Wiregrass
The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel
Saturday, May 23 | 3:00 PM–9:00 PM

The Shops at Wiregrass is hosting a big Memorial Day weekend block party celebrating America 250 with live music, family activities, games, and a showcase of antique and vintage cars throughout the property. The event is designed to be a full evening out with entertainment, community activities, and plenty to walk around and check out across the center.

Commandough’s Stars & Stripes Street Party
Commandough’s Pizza, Zephyrhills
Sunday, May 24 | 2:00 PM

Commandough’s is turning part of the street into a full Memorial Day weekend block party with live music, local vendors, games, outdoor seating, and its annual pig roast. The event will also help raise money for Vets Feeding Vets, with organizers encouraging the community to stop by, grab some food, and kick off the summer weekend together.

A Zephyrhills Memorial Day Tradition

One of the more unique Memorial Day traditions around Zephyrhills happens right in the front yard of local resident Justin Kubiak. For more than 40 years, he’s stepped outside with his guitar to play the national anthem for neighbors gathered around in lawn chairs and golf carts inside the Palm Tree Acres community.

Kubiak originally started the tradition hoping to make his Army veteran father proud while pursuing a career in music instead of military service. Even after his father’s passing, the neighborhood tradition has continued and become something many residents now look forward to every Memorial Day and Fourth of July. He plans to perform again this Memorial Day at 3 p.m., weather permitting.

A Huge Thank You to our wonderful local partners!

Pasco Adds More Protected Land

Pasco County just added another 127 acres of preserved land near the Anclote River corridor by New Port Richey through its long-running Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program (ELAMP).

The county says the goal is to protect sensitive habitats, wetlands, floodplains, and wildlife areas from future development. Since 2004, the program has preserved more than 8,600 acres across Pasco, including the nearly 1,900-acre 4G Ranch purchase in Land O' Lakes earlier this year. The program is funded through the Penny for Pasco sales tax, with more land purchases already under consideration.

Veterans Hit the Ice in Wesley Chapel

Pretty cool scene over at AdventHealth Center Ice this week as the Tampa Bay Lightning teamed up with the Wounded Warrior Project for a sled hockey clinic focused on local veterans.

The event gave veterans a chance to reconnect, stay active, and try adaptive hockey alongside other former service members. Several participants shared how meaningful it was to compete again and rebuild that sense of community after military service.

More Affordable Housing Coming to Pasco

A major affordable housing expansion is underway in Pasco County as St. Vincent de Paul CARES prepares to open several new housing buildings throughout 2026. The organization recently celebrated the opening of a new 33-unit apartment building at Ozanam Village in New Port Richey, with residents expected to begin moving in this June.

Leaders with the nonprofit say affordable housing remains one of the biggest needs across the Tampa Bay area, especially for people working to overcome homelessness, addiction, or financial hardship. St. Vincent de Paul CARES says four more buildings are expected to open in 2026 as part of its ongoing effort to make homelessness “rare” in the community.

Rays Stadium Plan Clears Major Hurdle

The push to bring the Tampa Bay Rays to a new stadium in Tampa took a major step forward this week after Hillsborough County Commission approved a non-binding memorandum of understanding in a 5-2 vote. The proposal would place a new ballpark on part of the Hillsborough College Dale Mabry campus as part of a massive $2.3 billion mixed-use development project.

Under the current framework, public funding for the project would be capped at roughly $976 million, with the Rays responsible for matching at least that amount privately and covering any cost overruns. County officials say several major details still need to be negotiated, including parking revenue, development guarantees, and long-term financial protections for taxpayers. Some commissioners and residents voiced concerns about the amount of public money involved and whether enough financial information has been shared so far.

The Hillsborough College Board of Trustees also approved moving forward with a lease agreement tied to the stadium site, calling it a potential long-term benefit for both students and the broader Tampa Bay area. Supporters described the vote as a major milestone that keeps negotiations alive, while opponents argued it places too much pressure on taxpayers before final agreements are finalized. You can read more from WTSP’s coverage and Spectrum News’ report.

AI Beehives Arrive in Land O’ Lakes

Something pretty futuristic is happening in Land O' Lakes. A new AI-powered robotic beehive system is now being used inside the Angeline community to help monitor and protect bee colonies as populations continue to decline.

The technology can detect threats inside the hive, monitor bee health remotely, and even help stop colony collapse caused by issues like Varroa mites. Officials say the system can raise hive temperatures enough to kill the mites without harming the bees. The project is a partnership between Beewise and Metro Development Group, and it’s the first time this type of technology has been integrated into a Florida master-planned community.

Students also got a chance to suit up and learn more about how bees communicate, pollinate crops, and support the ecosystem. The honey produced at the site will eventually be sold at the farm in Angeline as well.

Temple Terrace Plans Major Water Upgrade

Leaders in Temple Terrace are considering a massive $72.2 million overhaul of the city’s water treatment system after reports found elevated levels of PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” in the drinking water. A third-party study found some PFAS levels were nearly five times higher than recommended guidelines, and city officials say upgrades are needed to meet new federal EPA standards by 2031.

The proposed plan would modernize both city water plants, add PFAS removal technology, and improve overall water treatment infrastructure over the next five years. Some residents expressed frustration during this week’s workshop over how long the process is taking, while city leaders also discussed possible temporary mitigation options before the larger system is completed. Another public town hall meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday at the Lightfoot Recreation Center.

Zephyrhills Getting National Retirement Attention

Zephyrhills was recently named one of the best places to retire in America by Investopedia, with the city gaining attention for its lower cost of living, mild winters, and growing retiree community.

The article highlighted housing costs below the national average, Florida’s lack of state income tax, and the area’s relaxed pace as major reasons more snowbirds and retirees are choosing Zephyrhills and nearby Wesley Chapel.

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