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Good Morning Neighbor,
We made it to another weekend! There are plenty of great reasons to get out and explore our corner of Florida over the next few days. As always this time of year, keep an eye on the sky because you never know when one of those afternoon storms will roll through. After spending what felt like two years wishing for rain, though, it's hard to complain too much.
There also seems to be a restaurant boom happening around here. This week's edition is packed with updates on new openings, restaurants coming soon, local events, and community news. Hopefully something catches your eye. Have a fantastic weekend!
-Mike
In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:
🍔 Smalls Sliders Almost Ready
✈️ Tampa Airport Security Changes
🍔 Culver's Nears SR 52 Opening
🍟 Cook Out Opens Near USF
And a bunch more!
Access local events in different ways:
Each newsletter includes the latest event information available at the time of publication.
Featured Events
Novel in the Neighborhood
Friday, July 24 | 6:00–9:00 PM
Celebrate Christmas in July with an evening of books, games, laughter, and prizes. Admission includes drinks, snacks, a holiday-themed romance book to take home, and access to all activities. Featured events include Hallmark movie bingo, a Minute-to-Win-It Christmas challenge, a white elephant book exchange (bring one wrapped, gently used book), and other festive fun. Cost is $40 per person, and RSVP is required.
In The Loop Brewing, Land O' Lakes
Saturday, July 25 | 6:00 PM–10:00 PM
Spend a summer evening by the lake browsing a curated selection of local makers and small businesses. The market features artisan vendors, craft beer, wine, mimosas, and a food truck serving dinner favorites, with a relaxed atmosphere and live music. The event is free, dog-friendly, and takes place at In The Loop Brewing's lakeside biergarten.
Starkey Park, New Port Richey
Sunday, July 26 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary at this community market featuring local artisans, boutiques, and handcrafted goods in the shaded setting of Starkey Park. Food trucks, drinks, and sweet treats will be available, along with a family-friendly atmosphere and nearby playground access. Admission and parking are free, and the event highlights local small businesses while commemorating the nation's 250th anniversary.
Highlights
Smalls Sliders Opening Soon in Lutz
Smalls Sliders is getting close to opening its first Lutz location, with the team currently working toward an August 4 opening. A grand opening celebration is expected a couple of days later, although the dates are still pending final paperwork.
The fast-growing slider chain is backed by former NFL quarterback Drew Brees, an early investor in the brand. The new restaurant is also right next to Greenlane, the drive-thru salad and wrap concept backed by former Buccaneers star Rob Gronkowski.
Our location next to Greenlane
Tampa Airport to Switch Security Screeners
Tampa International Airport plans to replace its TSA security screeners with employees of a private contractor beginning next May as part of the TSA's new Gold+ program. TSA will continue to oversee airport security and enforce the same federal screening standards.
Airport leaders say the change should provide more flexibility for future checkpoint improvements while helping avoid staffing disruptions during potential federal government shutdowns. Nearly 800 TSA employees have been notified of the transition and will have the first opportunity to apply for jobs with the contractor once one is selected.
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
Restaurants
Green Table Brings Vegan Comfort Food to KRATE
Green Table has opened at KRATE at the Grove in Wesley Chapel, bringing a fully plant-based menu to the popular container park. The new restaurant serves vegan versions of comfort food favorites, including burgers, chicken sandwiches, gyros, cauliflower wings, salads, and dairy-free milkshakes.
The restaurant takes over the former Shake-A-Salad space and offers another dining option for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking to try something different while visiting KRATE.
Culver's Nears State Road 52 Opening
The new Culver's at 30203 State Road 52 in San Antonio appears to be getting ready to open very soon. While an official opening date hasn't been announced, the restaurant is now expected to welcome its first customers sometime in August.
ButterBurgers, fresh frozen custard, and cheese curds should be arriving on the menu before the end of the summer.
Cookout Opens Near USF
We’ve been following this along the way and it sounds like the lines are crazy right now. Cookout has officially opened its first Tampa Bay location at 5501 E. Fowler Ave., just across from the USF campus. The North Carolina-based fast-food chain is known for its affordable trays loaded with burgers, barbecue, chicken, quesadillas, Cajun fries, hush puppies, and more, plus more than 40 milkshake flavors.
The restaurant drew long lines throughout opening weekend and is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4 a.m., making it a new late-night option for students and anyone craving Southern comfort food.
Biscuit Belly Coming to Carrollwood
The Maple Street Biscuit Company in Carrollwood is set to become Biscuit Belly as part of a nationwide brand transition following the chain's sale by Cracker Barrel. The Carrollwood location is expected to make the switch during the first quarter of 2027.
Biscuit Belly serves Southern-inspired breakfast and brunch with a menu that includes biscuit sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, and its signature "bonuts." Unlike Maple Street, the restaurant also offers a full brunch cocktail menu, including Bloody Marys, mimosas, and espresso martinis.
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
Pasco's Finances Continue to Grow
Much to be expected as the county continues to grow as fast as any county in the country, Pasco County's financial picture kept improving last year, ending the fiscal year with a $4.24 billion net position, up more than 13% from the year before. Property tax collections also climbed 16.5%, driven by rising home values and new construction, even as county leaders lowered the property tax rate.
The county invested heavily in major projects, including the waste-to-energy facility expansion, detention center improvements, and road projects. Pasco's population also continued to grow, reaching more than 648,000 residents.
Events reminder:
We’ll be on Instagram with updates wherever we end up. Feel free to slide into our DM’s.
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