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Good morning from Lutz. Police in Charlottesville say a black pig has been spotted roaming near Owensville and Old Ballard Roads, but despite several sightings, it still “remains at large.” I wouldn’t mind turning this fugitive into Chris P. Bacon.

In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:

🍦 OddFellows Ice Cream grand opening at Wiregrass this Friday
🏈 Bucs Wheelchair Football hosts national tournament in Tampa
🩺 Free health panel coming to Carrollwood (RSVP by Oct. 1)
📜 Nearly 30 new Florida laws take effect Oct. 1

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Share this with your neighbor most likely to make the rounds at every Oktoberfest listed in our events section.

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Digest

Pasco Schools Spotlight Middle School Success

It’s nice to see some intentional focus on our middle schools start to pay off. Starkey Ranch K-8’s Arshiya Ghosh is one of 30 national finalists in the 2025 Junior Innovators Challenge and will head to Washington, D.C. in October to compete for scholarships up to $25,000. Her project focused on improving colorectal cancer treatment, an early step toward her goal of becoming an oncologist.

District leaders say her achievement reflects broader middle school gains. Recent data shows English scores topping state averages, while math results were mixed, with eighth graders excelling, sixth graders improving but still behind, and seventh graders slipping. Officials are refining instruction and support to close gaps.

Free Informational Health Panel in Carrollwood (RSVP by Tomorrow 10/1)

For the first time ever, Carrollwood is hosting a free health panel featuring two renowned physicians:

• Dr. Fariba Gharai, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, on preventing cardiovascular disease — the world’s leading cause of death.

• Dr. Denniz Zolnoun, MD, MPH, nationally recognized OB-GYN, on hormonal health and well-being.

📍 Carrollwood Cultural Center
13903 Clubhouse Drive, Tampa, FL 33618
📅 Sunday, October 12, 2025
🕓 4:00 – 7:00 PM

✅ RSVP required (by October 1):
Text Sahaneh Hashemian at (727) 421-3976 to reserve your spot.

The event is sponsored by Vein & Aesthetics Center of Tampa Bay & ZenNovid Foundation.

Restaurants & Local Business

OddFellows Ice Cream Grand Opening

Something sweet is finally arriving to the Shops at Wiregrass. We teased this a couple months ago and, finally, OddFellows Ice Cream Co. is having their grand opening this Friday, October 3 from 5–7 PM.

Known for over 600 creative flavors since 2013, OddFellows has won praise from chefs, critics, and even Stephen Colbert. The new shop will feature 20 rotating flavors, from classics like Chocolate Chunk and Coffee Crunch to inventive creations like Marshmallow Chocolate Cake, Miso Cherry, and Coconut Mango Sticky Rice (vegan).

Every guest gets a free one-scoop cone or cup, and there will be plenty of sweet surprises waiting. Come for the ice cream, stay for the fun, and help us welcome them to the neighborhood!

Community

Bucs Wheelchair Football Brings Nationals to Tampa

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wheelchair Football Team hosted a national tournament at the Tampa Convention Center this past weekend, bringing 10 teams from across the country to compete. Part of the USA Wheelchair Football League, the event highlighted the league’s rapid growth since launching in 2020, which is now up to 13 teams.

Backed by the Buccaneers and Hillsborough County Adaptive Sports, the team is breaking barriers and stereotypes, proving wheelchair football is every bit as physical and competitive as the Sunday games we’re used to watching.

Rays Stadium Rumors in Tampa

The rumors for a new stadium location, now that the sale is being approved, continue to swirl around Tampa. Leading contenders are the HCC campus by Raymond James Stadium, which could create a full sports hub, and a 45-hectare site in Ybor City owned by developer Darryl Shaw with space for a stadium district and streetcar access. Other names like WestShore Plaza and the Fairgrounds are still in the mix, but the focus right now is squarely on HCC and Ybor.

Florida’s Bear Hunt Lottery Sparks Debate

For the first time since 2015, Florida has approved a bear hunt, and the demand was overwhelming. More than 160,000 people applied for just 172 permits, but not all of them plan to hunt. Some opponents applied as a form of protest, saying they’ll use their tags to photograph bears instead.

FWC says the hunt is aimed at managing a population that’s grown to over 4,000 bears statewide. Supporters call it smart conservation, while critics argue it’s unnecessary. Lottery winners will be announced soon, with permits needing to be claimed by Oct. 6.

Civic News

New Florida Laws Take Effect Oct. 1

We have a little bit of activity at the state level worth mentioning. Nearly 30 new laws kick in this week, including harsher penalties for fleeing police, DUI manslaughter, and tampering with monitoring devices. Others address mental health diversion programs, drone use, flood disclosures for renters and buyers, and stronger protections against sexual crimes and cyberharassment.

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.

If you run into any trouble with the new calendar, the legacy version is included below as a backup.

Featured Event

Celebrate autumn with a full day of family fun at Dade City Farms this Saturday, Oct. 4 from 10 AM – 5 PM. Enjoy a pumpkin patch, corn bin, tractor hayrides, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, and yard games. Shop local craft vendors and snack on seasonal favorites like apple cider donuts and fall treats from food trucks.

📍 17143 Lake Iola Rd, Dade City
🎟️ Admission: $12 adults, $9 kids (3–12), free for ages 2 & under. ($14/$11 at the gate)

Live Music

Tuesday, September 30

Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Open Mic w/Fred Chandler | 7–10 PM
The Orpheum, Tampa | Many Eyes ($) | 6–11 PM
Tom's Tavern, Tampa | Buzzfactor | 8–11:59 PM
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Open Mic Night | 7–10 PM

Wednesday, October 1

Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Jamie O | 6:30–10 PM
SouthernEaze Bar and Grill, Lutz | Open Mic | 6–9 PM
The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Open Mic | 7–10 PM
Tom's Tavern, Tampa | Open Mic w/Fred Chandler | 7–10 PM

Thursday, October 2

Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Roger and Todd | 6–9 PM
The Orpheum, Tampa | The Slackers ($) | 8–11:59 PM
Tom's Tavern, Tampa | Open Mic w/Fred Chandler | 7–10 PM

Friday, October 3

Art’s Tap House, New Port Richey | The DooDads | 8–11:59 PM
Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | No Idea Band | 8–11:55 PM
BarrieHaus Beer Co, Trinity | Mary and Sam | 6–10 PM
Cheers 54, Zephyrhills | Kyle Velez | 9–11:55 PM
Cigars International Superstore, Lutz | Live Music | 8–11:45 PM
Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Stephen Perry | 7:30–11:30 PM
Escape Brewing Company, Trinity | Shawn Sheller | 6–9 PM
Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Wesley Chapel | DJ Drummer Mike | 7–10 PM
SouthernEaze Bar and Grill, Lutz | John Tarsi | 6:30–9:30 PM
Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Nunes at Night | 7–10 PM
The Brass Tap, Lutz | Live Music TBA | 7–10 PM
The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Nick Staver | 8–11:59 PM
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | 4X | 7:30–10:30 PM

Markets

Friday, October 3

That Place Down The Street, Land O’ Lakes | Friday Night Market – Fall Edition | 5–9 PM
The Grove at Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Market Elaine 4 Yr Ann. | 5:30–9:30 PM

Saturday, October 4

Agnes Lamb Park, Dade City | Historic Downtown Dade City Farmers Market | 10 AM–2 PM
Avalon Park, Wesley Chapel | Downtown Saturday Market | 10 AM–2 PM
Hampton Inn Odessa Trinity, Odessa | Back to our Roots Market | 10 AM–3 PM
The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | Fresh Market | 9 AM–1 PM
Trinity Commons, Trinity | Trinity Farmers Market | 10 AM–2 PM

Events

Tuesday, September 30

Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Wesley Chapel | Trivia Night | 7–9 PM
Florida Cracker Fish Company, Citrus Park | Kids Night | 5:30–8:30 PM
Lane Glo Bowl South, New Port Richey | 12th Annual Bowling 4 Boobs | 5:30–9:30 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Trivia w/Tucker | 7–9 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Wesley Chapel | Trivia w/Dang Yo | 7:30–10:30 PM
Starkey Market, Trinity | Drum Circle | 7–10 PM
The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Line Dancing w/Bobbie | 7–9 PM
Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory, Odessa | Hat Burning Workshop ($) | 6:30–8:30 PM
Treble Makers, Wesley Chapel | Trivia and Taco Tuesday | 7–9 PM
Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Pool Tournament w/Karaoke | 9–11 PM

Wednesday, October 1

Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Trivia | 7–9 PM
House of Brews, Lutz | Trivia | 7–9 PM
Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, Land O’ Lakes | Line Dancing ($2) | 10–11:30 AM
Links of Lake Bernadette, Zephyrhills | Line Dancing w/Teresa | 2–4 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Wesley Chapel | Karaoke w/Shaun Babb | 8–11 PM
Pasta di Guy, New Port Richey | Pink Pasta for a Cause | 11 AM–2 PM
Top Shelf Sports Lounge, Wesley Chapel | Trivia | 7:30–9:30 PM
Treble Makers, Wesley Chapel | Line Dancing w/Simone | 7–9 PM
Tampa International Airport, Tampa | TPA Hiring Day | 9 AM–12 PM
Wesley Chapel – The Grove 16, Wesley Chapel | Trivia – The Office | 7:30–9:30 PM

Thursday, October 2

AdventHealth Zephyrhills, Zephyrhills | Breast Cancer Awareness Month Kickoff | 5:30–8:30 PM
Art’s Tap House, New Port Richey | Karaoke w/DJ TerryHD | 7–11 PM
Avalon Park, Wesley Chapel | Food Truck Night | 5–8 PM
Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Line Dance Lessons/Ladies Night | 7:30–11 PM
Bubba’s 33, Wesley Chapel | Trivia | 7–10 PM
Commandough’s Pizza, Zephyrhills | Trivia | 7–10:30 PM
Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Karaoke | 7:30–10:30 PM
Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Cornhole Tournament | 7–10 PM
Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Trivia | 7–9 PM
Home Gadgets, Wesley Chapel | The Art of Sourdough | 6:30–8:30 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Karaoke w/Joe | 8–11:59 PM
Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | David Harris ($) | 7:30–9:15 PM
Starkey Market – The Barn, New Port Richey | Trivia | 7–9 PM
The Collective at Escape, Trinity | Trivia | 7–9 PM
Zephyrhills Brewing Company, Zephyrhills | Trivia | 7:30–9:30 PM

Friday, October 3

Commandough’s Pizza, Zephyrhills | Karaoke | 7–10:30 PM
Main Theatre, Tampa | Jazz with Jim | 7:30–9 PM
Raprager Family Farms, Odessa | Pumpkin Festival | 11 AM–9 PM
Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | David Harris ($) | 7:30–9:15 PM
The Orpheum, Tampa | Taylor Swift Release Party ($) | 8–11:59 PM
Treble Makers, Wesley Chapel | Dueling Pianos | 7–11 PM
Wesley Chapel – The Grove 16, Wesley Chapel | Senior Social – 50+ | 3–5 PM
Wesley Chapel – The Grove 16, Wesley Chapel | Paint & Sip | 7–9 PM
Ybor (Tampa City Ballet), Tampa | La Séptima Society: A Gatsby Affair | 7:30–8:45 PM

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

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