Together With
FarmPixie connects you directly to local farmers, backyard growers, and small producers across Florida. From fresh produce and eggs to honey, plants, and preserves, it’s a simple way to support real people growing real food, right here in our communities, with no middlemen and no big box markups.
Did a neighbor share this with you? Subscribe for free!
If you want to get your business in front of 23k locals, please reach out to [email protected] or reply to this email.
Good Morning Neighbor,
We've had a good mix of rain lately, but the heat has definitely been making up for it. If you're heading out this weekend, don't forget the water and maybe try to sneak outside before the hottest part of the day.
There's plenty happening around our corner of Tampa Bay this week. We've got some restaurant openings, one longtime local spot getting ready to close, and a handful of community updates worth knowing about. Let's get into it.
-Mike
In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:
⚾ Rays Stadium Moves Forward
🛍️ Nine New Stores at Wiregrass
🍔 Restaurant Openings & One Farewell
And a bunch more!
Access local events in different ways:
Highlights
New Look at Rays' Future Home
The Rays just shared a first look inside their proposed Tampa ballpark, releasing new renderings that showcase seating close to the field, a center-field entrance, large video boards, updated club spaces, and the return of the Rays Touch Tank.
The proposed stadium would be part of a larger mixed-use development near Hillsborough College's Dale Mabry campus, with a target opening in 2029. Funding agreements and final design details are still being worked out.
The Rays' proposed Tampa ballpark has already cleared another major hurdle. After Hillsborough County approved the preliminary financing plan, the Tampa City Council followed with a 4-3 vote to keep the $2.3 billion project moving forward.
Several more approvals are still needed before construction can begin, but the target remains a 2029 opening for the 31,000-seat stadium as part of the larger mixed-use development planned near Hillsborough College's Dale Mabry campus.
Nine New Reasons to Visit Wiregrass
The Shops at Wiregrass is adding nine new stores and restaurants, with several already open and more on the way. New arrivals include Drybar, OddFellows Ice Cream, Portland Leather Goods, LaserAway, and FACE FOUNDRIÉ.
Still to come are Kendra Scott, lululemon, Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine, and Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café. The additions follow the shopping center's recent renovation, which added more green space, shade, seating, and updated gathering areas.
Meet local entrepreneur Carlie Carter of C&H Co.
Ready to refresh your hairstyle, embrace or transform your gray, or restore your hair's health?
I'm Carlie Carter of C&H Co., dedicated to helping you look and feel your best. With six years’ experience, I create styles that enhance your natural beauty. Let me pamper you and make you feel fabulous!
Visit me at Phenix Suites in Carrollwood Suite 107 . New clients receive 20% off your first appointment!
Book at https://carlieclips.glossgenius.com/ or call (813)399-1675
Restaurant News
Tampa Brothers Launch New Burger Chain
A new local burger brand is getting its start in Tampa. Byte Burger has opened its first location on North 56th Street, with additional restaurants planned near USF and in other Tampa neighborhoods as the family-owned company looks to grow across the area.
Popular Indian Restaurant Opens in Lutz
Lutz has a new option for Indian cuisine. Bhimavaram Ruchulu Indian Cuisine has officially opened its second location at 24726 State Road 54, bringing its popular South Indian dishes and Hyderabad-style biryanis to the area.
The restaurant has built a loyal following at its original Temple Terrace location, and the owners say the expansion to Lutz was driven by customer demand.
Black Sheep Says Goodbye to Lutz
Another longtime local spot is getting ready to close. Black Sheep American Pub announced its Lutz location will serve its final customers on August 15 after five years in the community.
The owners plan to end on a high note with one last celebration on August 15, inviting everyone to stop by, enjoy a favorite meal, and help give the pub a memorable send-off.
A Huge Thank You to our wonderful local partners!
Lutz Whistle Stop Depot - Your go-to spot for gifts, vintage finds, home décor, antiques, handcrafted goods, plants, artwork, and general store treats. Come check us out!
Yael Hatfield, Realtor - Keller Williams Tampa Properties - Click for reviews supporting her relationship-first approach to home buying.
FarmPixie - A simple way to buy fresh produce, eggs, honey, and more directly from local farmers and growers across Florida.
Tampa Tarpons - Our local minor league team north of the city. Get your game packages now!
Gamer Events - Delivers fully hosted mobile gaming, laser tag, and VR experiences right to your location for easy, stress-free parties.
Novel in the Neighborhood - family-owned independent bookstore in New Port Richey offering more than 5,000 new books across all genres, along with literary gifts, puzzles, and games for readers of all ages.
Revolution Catering & Meal Prep - Chef-driven catering, private dining, corporate events, and customized meal prep from a local family-owned business.
Carlie Carter of C&H Co. - Carlie Carter specializes in healthy hair, gray blending, color, and personalized styles from her private salon suite in Carrollwood. New clients receive 20% off their first appointment.
Community
Student Reunites With Her Rescuers
Three months after a serious head-on crash in Hudson, 21-year-old Pasco Hernando State College student Kimmy Dinh has returned home and reunited with the firefighters and medical team who helped save her life.
Dinh suffered a traumatic brain injury and underwent emergency brain surgery before spending months in intensive care and rehabilitation. She's now continuing her recovery through outpatient therapy, with her family celebrating each new milestone along the way.
Suncoast Trail Bridges Taking Shape
The new pedestrian and bicycle bridges over State Road 54 and State Road 52 are making steady progress, and local cyclists say they'll eliminate two of the Suncoast Trail's most dangerous crossings.
The nearly $20 million state project is expected to open next year. While work continues, the trailhead north of State Road 54 is closed, with officials recommending the Upper Tampa Bay Trail trailhead on Lutz Lake Fern Road as an alternate access point.
Private School Gets County Approval
The proposed Apex Academy in Lutz cleared another hurdle this week after a Hillsborough County hearing officer approved a special use permit for the planned K-8 private school on Holly Lane near Dale Mabry Highway.
The proposal includes road improvements, expanded pick-up and drop-off areas, and traffic changes aimed at easing congestion. While some neighbors appreciated the revisions, others remain concerned about traffic and emergency response times as the project moves on to the site plan and building permit stages.
We’ll be on Instagram with updates wherever we end up. Feel free to slide into our DM’s.
Thanks for reading the North Tampa Buzzletter!
If you loved it, send it to a friend.
