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Good Morning Neighbor,
I hope you had a great weekend despite the weather. That storm seemed to sit just offshore and tease us all weekend, but thankfully, even with Bertha forming, we were spared from anything too serious.
I still don't think we need to be rushing out to buy all the toilet paper. Let's save that for the next pandemic. On the bright side, all that rain is helping chip away at our drought, and here in our corner of Florida, we really do need it.
Have a great week, and let's make the most of the rest of summer before school starts creeping up on us.
-Mike
In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:
🥪 Wright's Gourmet Heads to Wesley Chapel
☘️ 1916 Irish Pub Opens Its Doors
🌴 Mirada Lagoon Gets National Attention
And a bunch more!
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Each newsletter includes the latest event information available at the time of publication.
Our new neighbor, Novel in the Neighborhood
Novel in the Neighborhood is a family-owned and operated independent bookstore conveniently located at 8507 Old County Road 54 in New Port Richey.
Inside, you’ll find more than 5,000 new books across all genres, including Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Children’s Books, along with literary gifts, puzzles, and games for readers of all ages.
Be sure to check out their events calendar on the website for author events, workshops, classes, story times, and more.
Coming up next, they'll host a Christmas in July Ladies Night Out on Friday, July 24, from 6–9 p.m. The evening includes books, games, prizes, holiday-themed mocktails and snacks, plus activities like Hallmark Movie Trivia Bingo and an Elephant Used Book Exchange. The cost is $40 per person, and RSVP is required.
Highlights
Wright's Gourmet Coming to Wesley Chapel
One of Tampa's most beloved restaurants is expanding north. Wright's Gourmet House plans to open a new 15,000-square-foot location at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel, bringing its famous sandwiches, cakes, café, catering services, and market to Pasco County.
A second location is also planned for Brandon, with that restaurant expected to open in summer 2027. The Wesley Chapel location is currently targeting a 2028 opening. Wright's has been a Tampa favorite for decades, and since being acquired by the Caspers Company in 2024, the brand has continued to grow with new locations while keeping its signature menu that has made it a local institution.
1916 Irish Pub Now Open in Wesley Chapel
The new 1916 Irish Pub is now open in the former Beef O'Brady's space on Wesley Chapel Boulevard, bringing an Irish-inspired menu, full bar, and daily specials to the Towne Centre at Wesley Chapel.
The restaurant serves traditional favorites like fish and chips, shepherd's pie, Irish stew, Reuben sandwiches, and corned beef dishes, along with flatbreads, burgers, wings, and weekend brunch. Owner Chuck Jamieson, who also operates 1916 Irish Pub locations in Brandon, Plant City, and Lakeland, says live music is also planned as the restaurant settles into its new role as a neighborhood gathering spot.
Source: Neighborhood News
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
National Spotlight on Mirada Lagoon
The New York Post recently spotlighted Pasco County's Mirada community, highlighting its 15-acre Crystal Lagoon as the largest of its kind in the United States. The feature notes that the resort-style amenity is helping attract homebuyers with activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, a swim-up bar, and year-round community events.
The article also points to Mirada's continued growth, with thousands of homes already built and more planned, making it one of the region's fastest-growing master-planned communities.
Bertha Brings a Wet Weekend
Last weekend was a strange one around Tampa Bay. Days of soaking rain led Pasco County to open free sandbag stations for flood-prone neighborhoods, while Tropical Storm Bertha officially formed in the Gulf and stayed mostly offshore to our west.
My family and I were out of town, and it was obvious when we got home. The yard was covered with twigs and leaves, and the pool needed plenty of attention even though it had been crystal clear before we left. We were fortunate to avoid the worst of the storm, but it's a good reminder that we're in the heart of hurricane season. Without beating a dead horse, just make sure you’re prepared.
Concerns Continue After Monin Approval
Last edition, we shared that Pasco County approved Monin's new $100 million manufacturing and distribution facility near the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. Since then, residents have continued voicing concerns that roads and infrastructure aren't keeping pace with the area's rapid growth.
While many support the project for the 100-plus jobs it will bring, neighbors say traffic is already becoming a challenge and hope future infrastructure improvements keep up with new development. Monin says it's finalizing a builder and hopes to begin construction before the end of the year.
Volunteers Help Restore Local Pond
A group of volunteers recently helped restore a stormwater retention pond at the Land O' Lakes Recreation Complex by removing invasive plants and adding native vegetation to improve water quality and wildlife habitat. The project was part of a new partnership between UF/IFAS Extension and Pasco County Public Works.
The effort is also meant to show residents and HOAs how they can improve ponds in their own neighborhoods. Through Pasco County's Adopt-A-Pond program, residents can work with county staff to restore and maintain local ponds, helping reduce pollution and keep waterways healthier throughout the community.
We’ll be on Instagram with updates wherever we end up. Feel free to slide into our DM’s.
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