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Good Morning and TGIF.

How’s your first week back after the holidays going? Feel free to reply and vent all you want. It’s Friday though, and the good news is we’re looking at great weather for all the markets this weekend.

Also, this should be pretty fun. Based on the poll in Tuesday’s edition, nearly 80 percent of you said you’d like a Facebook group focused on local events and what’s happening around town, so we went ahead and made it.

This is meant to be an easy place to stay in the loop and help each other out. Feel free to share updates, photos, or short videos from things you’re out doing, or give a heads-up on what’s busy, worth checking out, or coming up soon. The goal is to keep the same positive, helpful vibe the North Tampa Buzz community already has and use it to keep each other informed. Click below to join!

Alright, let’s get to it.

-Mike

In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:

✈️ TSA PreCheck Comes Local
🏗️ Saddlebrook’s Next Big Phase
🎨 Carrollwood Art Exhibit Spotlight
🚧 Morris Bridge Road Construction Explained

…and more!

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

Share this with someone doing Dry January who’s about to explode like a shaken soda can!

Reply with 1–2 places you’d actually use it (and tell me if you’d want it for restaurants, coffee, dessert, or breweries).

We’ll follow up on this in future editions to make sure it’s something the community actually finds valuable.

Check out our community calendar and leave some feedback. We’d love to hear from you 👇

Florida Lawmakers Considering Stricter Hands-Free Driving Rules

I don’t know about you, but I even get nervous just trying to text on my phone while I’m driving. Now Florida lawmakers are looking at making the rules even stricter. A new bill filed in Tallahassee would make it illegal to hold your phone at all while operating a vehicle, even if you’re stopped at a red light or sitting in traffic. Drivers would still be allowed to use navigation apps, make calls, or use GPS, but only through hands-free options like Bluetooth, voice commands, or built-in vehicle systems.

Supporters of the bill say the current texting-while-driving law leaves too many gray areas and is hard to enforce, while distracted driving continues to cause serious crashes across the state. The proposal includes privacy protections that limit when law enforcement can search a driver’s phone. The bill will be discussed during the 2026 legislative session starting January 13, and if it passes, it wouldn’t take effect until October 1, 2026. Nothing changes right now, but it’s worth being aware of what could be coming.

What’s Actually Going On With Morris Bridge Road

I’ve seen Morris Bridge Road come up a lot on Facebook lately, mostly from folks sharing their frustration with the ongoing closures, detours, and delays. You’re not wrong. Neighborhood News did some legwork for all of us. From New Tampa through Wesley Chapel, MB Road has felt like a never-ending project as it slowly transitions from a quiet two-lane road into a major connector for several fast-growing communities.

The short version is that multiple projects are happening at once. Work is underway or recently completed at key intersections near K-Bar Ranch Parkway, Bonnet Hole Drive, and Chancey Road, involving everything from new road connections and turn lanes to stormwater repairs and underground utility fixes. Some sections have reopened, more construction is planned, and additional closures are expected in 2026. The hope is better traffic flow and connectivity long-term, but in the meantime, the headaches are unfortunately part of the process.

Tampa Bay Regional Transportation Merger

I’m still on the lookout for a version of this that isn’t behind a paywall so I can share more details, but this has been in the works for a couple of years now. The Metropolitan Planning Organizations for Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough are inching closer to a potential merger that would change how transportation planning is handled across the region.

The proposal would consolidate efforts into one centralized regional committee instead of each county planning separately. Supporters say this could make it easier to compete for state and federal funding and better coordinate large transportation projects that cross county lines.

A Huge Thank You to our wonderful local partners!

A Different Kind of Art Show Is on Display in Carrollwood

I didn’t realize how much goes into encaustic art until seeing this, but there’s a new exhibition at the Carrollwood Cultural Center that highlights artists who create using heated wax instead of traditional paint. The show, called Encaustic Impressions: A Florida Wax Show, features work from members of the Florida Encaustic Artists group and showcases how versatile the medium can be, from layered textures to mixed materials like photography and acrylics. The exhibition is on display through February 2, and if you’re looking for something a little different to check out locally, this could be worth a stop.

TSA PreCheck Enrollment Events Coming to Trinity and New Tampa

I don’t have TSA PreCheck myself, so I can’t speak from experience on the whole process, but this looks like it could make things a bit easier if it’s something you’ve been meaning to do. AAA is hosting TSA PreCheck enrollment events at local branches, including stops in Trinity and New Tampa, which means you wouldn’t have to go all the way to the airport just to get enrolled.

The Trinity event is scheduled for March 10–13, 2026, at the AAA branch on State Road 54, with New Tampa following March 31–April 3, 2026, on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. You don’t need to be a AAA member to participate, but appointments are recommended and need to be scheduled ahead of time. From what AAA says, the in-person portion is pretty quick and includes fingerprinting and a photo, and you’ll need to bring documents that prove your identity and citizenship.

Mark it on the calendar if you’re interested and you can sign up on their website.

We’ve Mentioned the $92M Renovations. Here’s What’s Next for Saddlebrook

If it feels like Saddlebrook has been all over the news lately, you’re not imagining it. The longtime Wesley Chapel resort has been undergoing a major reset since new ownership took over in 2022, with roughly $92 million already invested into renovations across the property, including guest rooms, dining, event spaces, and recreational amenities.

What’s coming next goes beyond the resort itself. Plans include continued golf course redesigns, additional food and beverage options expected in 2026, and a larger mixed-use vision that could bring housing, retail, and a walkable town center to the area. It’s a big shift for a familiar landmark, and one that locals will likely see unfolding over the next few years.

ModNation Karts

Welcome to Mod Nation Karts, home of custom carts, epic rides, and endless fun. Based in Zephyrhills, Florida, we’re passionate about redefining what a golf cart can be — combining performance, comfort, and bold design.

Whether you want a street-legal LSV, a lifted off-road machine, or a luxury ride built for comfort & safety our team delivers precision-crafted carts that reflect your style. Every build is fully customizable, from paint and power to sound, lighting, and seating.

At Mod Nation Karts, we don’t just sell new golf carts — we create experiences. Join the Mod Nation family and discover why every ride feels like an adventure.

Check out ModNation Karts:

3773 Correia Drive
Zephyrhills, FL 33542
813-390-0523
www.modnationkarts.com

I hope this answers the question, “What is there to do around town without having to drive down to Tampa?”

Instead of listing every single event here, I’m going to start highlighting/featuring a few things each day to keep this section easy to scan. So these are just some standouts.

If you’re looking for everything happening around town, the full Community Calendar is still the best place to go. Or, you can find the full list here.

Street Bash Pajama Party in Dade City

Street Bash: Pajama Party returns to Dade City Brew House on Friday, January 9 from 5–9 PM as a fun, low-key way to kick off the New Year. The street will be shut down for live music from Mike Monts De Oca, along with food trucks, local vendors, and a kid-friendly zone. Pajamas are encouraged, and the event is open to all ages, making it an easy, relaxed option for a Friday night out in downtown Dade City.

The Friday Moonlight Market happens every second and fourth Friday from 5–9 PM at The Hub at Bexley in Land O’ Lakes. Expect live music, local vendors, food options on-site, and a laid-back, family- and pet-friendly atmosphere that makes it an easy stop for a Friday night close to home.

Winter Wonderland Artisan Market at Texas Roadhouse

The Winter Wonderland Artisan Market pops up Saturday, January 10 at Texas Roadhouse on State Road 54 in Odessa. The family-friendly market features more than 30 local artisans, a kid zone with activities, and an easy excuse to shop local before grabbing lunch inside Texas Roadhouse, making it a simple way to spend a winter Saturday close to home.

Sugar Cane Syrup & Moonshine Tasting at Pioneer Florida Museum ⭐[Featured]⭐

The Sugar Cane Syrup and Moonshine Tasting returns to Pioneer Florida Museum & Village in Dade City with live syrup making at a working cane mill, syrup tastings, and a look at Florida’s sugar and moonshine history. The day includes live music, historical talks, a staged moonshine still raid, museum exhibits, food and craft vendors, and family-friendly activities. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students, kids under 5 are free, and tickets are sold at the gate.

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

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