- North Tampa Buzz
- Posts
- 🐷 Pasco’s Pig Fugitive Caught
🐷 Pasco’s Pig Fugitive Caught
Plus: Teacher Bonuses, $21M for Cleaner Water, Free Friday Live Music
Mike Rendel
August 19, 2025
Together With
A neighbor shared this with you? Join us here. It's Free!
Good Morning Neighbor. Zephyrhills played host to a pig on the lam, strutting around town like a celebrity on tour. Once it wrapped its press conference, signed autographs, and grabbed a drink, the pig was claimed by its owner.
I wonder how they described the pig to prove ownership… “curly tail, a guilty look, and a taste for freedom”?
In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:
🍎 Teacher bonuses at Pasco’s most challenged schools
💧 $21M win for cleaner Tampa Bay drinking water
🐶 Meet Mack, the adoptable office foster pup
🌍 International companies setting up shop in Pasco
🎶 Elev8 Fun adds free Friday night live music in Citrus Park
Reply to this email and say hi. Follow us on Instagram for even more local finds.
Forward this to your neighbor that called the Sheriff to try and claim the bacon.
If you visit the calendar (I suggest it), “Schedule” view makes it easier, and everything is listed down below as well.
Even Better:
We’ve got our own now. The events are linked and it’s time to test it. We’re excited to share our new proprietary community calendar. We can update it anytime with the help of our programmer, so please leave feedback at the bottom of the calendar page or reply to this email. Try these features:
Browse by date, category, or city/town
Search events to quickly find what you need
Submit your own community events for us to review and add
We welcome all input, as we can accommodate almost any change you suggest.
Which events do you look for most in our calendar? |
Let’s go to Denis for the weather. Denis?
“What's behind Erin?? NHC continues to track it. The GFS does its usual nonsense of blowing it up and moving it into the Gulf. Most other models keep it East of the US...similar to Erin. Bottom line, WAY too early to speculate with any degree of accuracy. SO, we track, we prepare, and we inform. Our team will be all over ANY storm that tries to develop during hurricane season. Or for that matter, any other time too. It's kinda what we do.”
Digest
Pasco’s “Opportunity Schools” Offer Teacher Incentives
Pasco County is rolling out thousands in new incentives to help teachers stick with its most challenged schools. More than 400 educators at campuses graded D or F last year will qualify for extra pay and perks if they commit for the year.
Teachers with strong three-year district ratings: $4,500
Newer teachers or those without evaluation scores: $2,000
Payments split between fall and spring semesters
Half-off district before/after school childcare for staff
Eight schools are included in the plan: Gulf Middle, Anclote, Chester Taylor, Fox Hollow, Gulfside, New River, Richey, and West Zephyrhills Elementary.
District leaders say the focus isn’t just recruiting new hires but retaining the great teachers already on campus. As one board member put it, the goal is to “build the schools back up.”
Sponsored by Ivybrook Academy - Tampa Palms
Discover the Ivybrook Academy difference—where innovation meets intention. With a unique half-day model that blends Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies with a hybrid, individualized curriculum designed to nurture each child’s potential. At Ivybrook, learning is personalized, purposeful, and joyful—fostering creativity, independence, and growth. Families love their balanced approach that supports both early education and family time. Now enrolling for the upcoming school year!
📍 Schedule a tour today and see why Ivybrook is the choice for families seeking more than traditional preschool.
✨ Limited spaces available—don’t miss out!
Visit their website for more information or call Jade Thompson at (813) 603-1609. Meet Ivybrook Academy in under a minute here.
If you would like to showcase your brand or event in front of thousands of locals, feel free to reply or reach out through the link above.
Civic News
Tampa Bay Water Wins $21M for Cleaner Drinking Water
Tampa Bay Water has secured a $21 million settlement after a yearslong legal fight with 3M and DuPont over PFAS, the so-called “forever chemicals.” The utility, which supplies drinking water to 2.6 million residents in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties, plans to use the money to build new filtration systems and improve overall water quality.
PFAS are man-made compounds found in everyday products like nonstick cookware and firefighting foam, and they don’t break down in the environment. They’ve been linked to cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease, and other health risks, making this settlement a major step toward protecting local families and ensuring cleaner water for the future.
Pasco County Animal Services Presents: Mack
Mack (036359) is an 8-year old male mixed breed who weighs 24 pounds. Mack has been one of PCAS’ office foster dogs, and it was found that he is chill outside of his kennel and is potty trained. He actually took a nap and was able to relax in the office. Mack was found as a stray, when he followed his finder who was out on a walk. Mack gets along with other dogs and people. He is known for chasing cats, so a home with no cats is highly recommended.
Pasco County Animal Services
19640 Dogpatch Lane
Land O Lakes, FL 34638
Tues - Thurs 12-5:30pm
Fri - Sat 12-6:30pm
(813) 929-1212
MyPasco.net/PAS
Community
Pasco’s Growth Attracts International Businesses
It’s not just new families moving here, big names from overseas are starting to call Pasco home too. G&H Photonics, a UK company that builds optics for the U.S. military, just set up in Trinity, and another England-based firm, Smytec, has opened in Wesley Chapel with some pretty high-tech forensic tools.
The county’s growth, wide-open space, and strong workforce are turning heads worldwide. With Moffitt’s new Speros Campus coming soon, even more international companies are expected to plant roots right here in our backyard.
9/11 Memorial Mile — Wesley Chapel
A morning of remembrance hosted by the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel at Tampa Premium Outlets. Join neighbors for an untimed 1-mile walk/run, a special ceremony, and the chance to tour the 9/11 Memorial Wall.
📍 Location: Tampa Premium Outlets, Lutz
📅 Date: Saturday, September 6
🕗 Time: Walk/run starts at 8:00 am | Remembrance ceremony at 8:40 am
Other details: Registration is $15 (no day-of registration). The first 250 finishers earn a commemorative medal. Packet pickup is Friday (3–7 pm) and Saturday (7–7:45 am) in the food court. Virtual option available too.
Elev8 Fun Brings Live Music to Citrus Park
Arcade games, bowling, mini golf… and now live music. Elev8 Fun inside Citrus Park Mall has launched a new series called Elev8 Live, spotlighting Tampa Bay bands every Friday night from 8–11 p.m.
The shows are free, giving local musicians a fresh stage while families and friends get another reason to hang out at the giant indoor entertainment spot. More than a dozen bands will rotate through in the coming months, including longtime favorites like Ocean Road Band on September 12.
Events North of Tampa
If you have an upcoming event you'd like us to feature at the top of the newsletter, just let us know. You can also drop any suggestions or thoughts in the comment section below the calendar.
Featured Event
🌇✨ Featured Event: Bexley Market on the Lawn ✨🌇
Saturday, August 23 | 5:00–8:00 PM | The Lawn at Bexley, Land O’ Lakes
Celebrate summer Bexley-style with golden hour skies, live music, tasty food trucks, and dozens of local makers. This family- and pet-friendly evening is all about community charm—shop handcrafted goods, grab a bite, and kick back picnic-style under the lights. Free entry, open to all.
Tuesday, August 19
• Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Open Mic w/ Fred Chandler | 7:00–10:00 PM
• Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Open Mic | 7:00–10:00 PM
Wednesday, August 20
• Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Jamie O | 6:30–10:00 PM
• SouthernEaze Bar and Grill, Lutz | Open Mic | 6:00–9:00 PM
• Tom’s Tavern, Tampa | Open Mic w/ Fred Chandler | 7:00–10:00 PM
Thursday, August 21
• Stonewater Bar and Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Gary Coco | 6:00–9:00 PM
• Tom’s Tavern, Tampa | Open Mic w/ Fred Chandler | 7:00–10:00 PM
Friday, August 22
• Art’s Tap House, Trinity | Borderline | 8:00 PM–12:00 AM
• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | The Pete Hunt Band | 8:00–11:55 PM
• Brass Tap, Lutz | Live Music TBA | 7:00–10:00 PM
• Dade City Tap House and Spirits, Dade City | Allie Roman | 7:30–11:30 PM
• Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Magnum Opus | 7:00–11:00 PM
• Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | Bone Cartel | 8:00 PM–12:00 AM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Groove 41 | 9:00 PM–1:00 AM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Wesley Chapel | Brazen Band | 8:00 PM–12:00 AM
• Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Blackcat Zydeco | 8:00 PM (Tickets $10–$15)
• SouthernEaze Bar and Grill, Lutz | John Tarsi | 6:30–9:30 PM
• Starkey Market, Trinity | The Sunsetters | 6:00–9:00 PM
• Stonewater Bar and Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Nunes at Night | 7:00–10:00 PM
• The Orpheum, Tampa | KPop Rave | 9:00 PM–1:00 AM
• The Twisted Oak, Dade City | The Twisted Oak Band | 8:00 PM–12:00 AM
• Tiki Cove, Land O’ Lakes | Sunset Soundwaves | 7:00–10:00 PM
• Tom’s Tavern, Tampa | The Westside Band | 7:00–11:00 PM
• Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Shane Gang | 7:30–10:30 PM
Saturday, August 23
• Bexley, Land O’ Lakes | Market on the Lawn | 5:00–8:00 PM
• The Collective at Escape, Trinity | Wellness Market | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Sunday, August 24
• The Orpheum, Tampa | Florida’s Market of the Beast | 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
• Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, Tampa | Sunday Funday Market | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Tuesday, August 19
• Art’s Tap House North, Port Richey | Line Dancing w/ Kate | 7:30–9:30 PM
• Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Cornhole Tournament | 7:00–10:00 PM
• Florida Cracker Fish Company, Citrus Park | Kids Night | 5:30–8:30 PM
• Moffitt Mobile Lung Cancer Screening, Wesley Chapel | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Trivia | 7:00–9:00 PM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Wesley Chapel | Trivia w/ Dang Yo | 7:30–10:30 PM
• Starkey Market, Trinity | Drum Circle | 7:00–10:00 PM
• Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory, Odessa | Hat Burning Workshop ($) | 6:30–8:30 PM
• Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Company, Land O’ Lakes | Name That Tune | 7:00–9:00 PM
• Tom’s Tavern, Northdale | Karaoke | 8:00–11:55 PM
• Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Trivia and Taco Tuesday | 7:00–9:00 PM
• The Brass Tap, Wesley Chapel | Themed Trivia – Food & Beverage | 7:30–9:30 PM
• Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Pool Tournament w/ Karaoke | 9:00–11:00 PM
• WOB Bar & Kitchen, Odessa | Trivia – Real Housewives | 7:00–9:00 PM
Wednesday, August 20
• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | DJ Kenny Mathis Karaoke Night | 7:00–11:00 PM
• Culver’s, Zephyrhills | Neighbors Supporting Neighbors – Lions Club | 4:00–7:00 PM
• Dade City Tap House and Spirits, Dade City | Trivia | 7:00–9:00 PM
• House of Brews, Lutz | Trivia | 7:00–9:00 PM
• Latte Vino, Lutz | Wine Bingo | 7:00–9:00 PM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Country Line Dancing w/ Simone | 7:00–9:00 PM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Wesley Chapel | Line Dancing | 7:30–9:30 PM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Wesley Chapel | Karaoke w/ Shaun Babb | 8:00–11:00 PM
• Top Shelf Sports Lounge, Wesley Chapel | Trivia | 7:30–9:30 PM
• Wesley Chapel – The Grove 16, Wesley Chapel | Trivia Night | 7:30–9:30 PM
Thursday, August 21
• Art’s Tap House, Trinity | Karaoke w/ DJ TerryHD | 7:00–11:00 PM
• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Line Dance Lessons / Ladies Night | 7:30–11:00 PM
• Bubba’s 33, Wesley Chapel | Trivia | 7:00–10:00 PM
• Commandough’s Pizza, Zephyrhills | Trivia | 7:00–10:30 PM
• Dade City Tap House and Spirits, Dade City | Karaoke | 7:30–10:30 PM
• Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Cornhole Tournament | 7:00–10:00 PM
• Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Trivia | 7:00–9:00 PM
• Escape Brewing Company, Trinity | Trivia – Grey’s Anatomy | 7:00–9:00 PM
• Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Throwback Thursday’s | 6:00–9:00 PM
• Moffitt Mobile Lung Cancer Screening, Wesley Chapel | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Karaoke | 8:00 PM–12:00 AM
• Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Omar Tarango | 7:30–9:00 PM
• Starkey Market (The Barn), New Port Richey | Trivia | 7:00–9:00 PM
• Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Karaoke | 9:00 PM–1:00 AM
• Zephyrhills Brewing Company, Zephyrhills | Trivia | 7:30–9:30 PM
Friday, August 22
• Commandough’s Pizza, Zephyrhills | Karaoke | 7:00–10:30 PM
• Escape Brewing Company, Trinity | Karaoke | 9:00 PM–12:00 AM
• Flipn’ Fries Factory, Wesley Chapel | Tampa Bay GirlFrendz 40+ Paint Party | 6:45–8:45 PM
• Milestone Adventure Zone, Lutz | Bluey at Kidpreneur Marketplace | 6:00–8:00 PM
• Raining Berries, Lutz | Sprinkle of Fun Workshop | 7:00–10:00 PM
• Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Omar Tarango | 7:30–9:00 PM
• Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Omar Tarango | 9:30–11:00 PM
• Skydive City, Zephyrhills | Lost Boys & Friends Skills Camp ($450) | 8:00 AM (Start)
• Wesley Chapel – The Grove 16, Wesley Chapel | Senior Social (50+) | 3:00–5:00 PM
We’ll be on Instagram with updates wherever we end up. Feel free to DM us to let us know we’ve forgotten a venue.
Thanks for reading the North Tampa Buzzletter!
If you loved it, send it to a friend.
