🎆 Red, White & Blue Edition

Together With

Buzzing with Joy: No Politics, Just Positivity!
A community-led initiative.

A neighbor shared this with you? Join us here.

Good Morning My Fellow Americans. When your fireworks end this year, eat a marshmallow in honor of one of the stranger Fourth of July traditions that got too big for its own good: Ocean Beach’s legendary, sugar-fueled marshmallow war. It started as neighborly fun and ended in gooey chaos, but for decades, it brought people together in the sweetest way possible.

In this special Tuesday edition for Independence Week:

🎇 Fourth of July events, fireworks, and where to celebrate
🚗 Wesley Chapel students take their solar-powered car to Texas
🐾 Meet Poppy, the sweetest senior pup looking for a home

Please feel free to reply to this email with your anticipated plans for July 4th. Check out our extra local finds on Instagram. And here is our post with over a dozen 4th of July events.

Share this with the friend who hit 30 and suddenly became a Revolutionary War buff…the one who celebrates the Fourth of July with historical reenactments and a deep respect for powdered wigs.

Most of the events through the weekend are already filled in, which is why that section below is so massive. Some more live music will be announced throughout the week.

“Schedule” view makes the calendar easier and everything is listed down below as well.

Digest

Wesley Chapel students are taking their solar-powered car to Texas
A group of students at North Tampa Christian Academy just pulled off something pretty incredible, they built a fully functioning solar-powered race car named Nemo, and they’re heading to Texas Motor Speedway next month to compete in the national Solar Car Challenge.

Their teacher, Ronnie Pittman, taught them everything from welding to wiring in his intro to engineering class. Students Ian Degressi and Gabriel Javier helped lead the charge, and yep, they built the whole thing from scratch. Ian’s even returning for his second year on the race team after driving 650 miles last summer (and surviving a crash that left him upside down and dazed on the school’s back road).

Top speed? 50 mph. Total cost? Around $7,000. It’s 100% student-powered, except when there are clouds.

Together with Harbourside!

Perfect for a staycation! Located just two blocks across the street from the beach, this welcoming resort is the perfect coastal getaway. Guests can enjoy easy beach access during the day and return to comfort in the evening. While the sound of waves may be faint, the ocean breeze still adds a refreshing touch.

One of the resort’s highlights is the relaxing lazy river, where visitors can float peacefully under the sun. The rooms are clean, spacious, and designed for comfort after a long day by the sea. Dining options nearby and friendly staff make the stay even more enjoyable.

Whether you're here for a family vacation or a quick weekend escape, the resort offers a laid-back, beachside experience without the crowds or the high price tag.

Call Katherine directly @ (615) 430-1919

Pasco County Animal Services Presents: Poppy

Poppy (A030018) is an 8 year-old mixed breed, spayed female. She came to PCAS as a stray, and her owner did not reclaim her. Poppy is one of the sweetest dogs you will ever meet. She is chill, walks well on a leash, and she takes treats nice and gently. Poppy would be perfect for an older person looking for companionship or anyone looking for a low-key cuddle bug.

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

Restaurants

Quick Update on CCF
Since construction is underway at Tampa Premium Outlets for the new Cheesecake Factory, expect weekday road closures (Monday–Friday) around the center while work continues. The mall thanks shoppers for their patience as this highly anticipated addition takes shape. Looks like they have the bones up so far.

Civic News

Community

Back-to-School Bash Coming to Wesley Chapel
Florida Penguin Productions is bringing its free Back-to-School Bash Series to Tampa Premium Outlets on Saturday, August 9 from 10 AM to 2 PM. Families can pre-register on Eventbrite to claim a free backpack (while supplies last) and join a fun school-supply scavenger hunt with up to 50 local businesses.

There’ll be live performances, character photo ops, prizes, and a grand prize drawing for Busch Gardens tickets. It’s a great way to connect with community resources, youth programs, and local pediatricians before the school year starts.

Tropics Update from Denis:

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

Idlewild Baptist Church
Red, White & Boom
18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd, Lutz, FL 33548

Live Music

Tuesday, July 1

Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Open Mic w/ Fred Chandler | 7 – 10 PM

Wednesday, July 2

Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Jamie O | 6:30 – 10 PM
The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Open Mic | 7 – 11 PM
Tom’s Tavern, Tampa | Open Mic w/ Fred Chandler | 7 – 10 PM

Thursday, July 3

Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Chas Collins | 8 – 11 PM
Stonewater Bar and Grill, Land O’ Lakes | 13 Floors Down | 6 – 10 PM
The Drinks @ 9, Lutz | Gary Coco | 7 – 10 PM
Tom’s Tavern, Tampa | Open Mic w/ Fred Chandler | 7 – 10 PM

Friday, July 4

Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Jace Aaron Full Band | 8 – 11:55 PM
Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Jaded | 7 – 11 PM
Escape Brewing Company, Trinity | Stick & Ditty | 8 – 11 PM
O'Brien's Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Randy McNeely | 9 PM – 1 AM
O'Brien's Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | Fred Chandler | 8 – 11 PM
Pete’s Place North, Tampa | Valentino & Barry | 7 – 11 PM
Starkey Market, Trinity | Taylor Reed | 1 – 4 PM
Starkey Market, Trinity | Black Arrow | 5:30 – 9 PM
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Dueling Pianos | 7 – 11 PM
Tom’s Tavern, Tampa | JT Curtis Florida Scoundrels | 8 – 11 PM

Saturday, July 5

Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Sandspurs | 8 – 11:55 PM
Commandough's, Zephyrhills | Sam Williams | 5 – 8 PM
Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Morgan Davis | 7:30 – 11:30 PM
Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Life of the Party | 7 – 11 PM
Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | Southern Creek | 7 – 11 PM
O'Brien's Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Whiskey Throttle | 9 PM – 1 AM
O'Brien's Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | Aurora For the Night | 8 – 11:59 PM
Pete’s Place North, Tampa | Mark Shane | 7 – 11 PM
SouthernEaze Bar & Grill, Lutz | Wade Williams | 6:30 – 9:30 PM
The Orpheum, Tampa | Red – White – & – Emo | 8 – 11 PM
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Dueling Pianos | 7 – 11 PM
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Lorelei on the Rocks | 7:30 – 10:30 PM
Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Conspiracy Theory | 9:30 PM – 1:30 AM

Sunday, July 6

Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Matt Dallas | 4 – 8 PM
Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Vintage Sounds Duo | 2 – 6 PM
O'Brien's Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Whiskey Throttle | 9 PM – 1 AM
Pete’s Place North, Tampa | Peter Betschart | 2 – 6 PM
Stonewater Bar and Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Fred Chandler | 5 – 8 PM
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Todd Lutes | 4:30 – 7:30 PM
Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Conspiracy Theory | 9:30 PM – 1:30 AM

Markets

Tuesday, July 1

Dube's Farm and Market, Wesley Chapel | Local Farmers Market | 10 AM – 6 PM

Friday, July 4

The Grove, Wesley Chapel | The Market Elaine | 5 – 9 PM

Saturday, July 5

Avalon Park, Wesley Chapel | Downtown Saturday Market | 10 AM – 2 PM
Hampton Inn Odessa Trinity, Odessa | Trinity Crafters Market | 10 AM – 3 PM
The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | Fresh Market | 9 AM – 1 PM
Trinity Farmers Market, Trinity | Trinity Market | 9 AM – 1 PM

Events | Trivia | Karaoke

Tuesday, July 1

Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Wesley Chapel | Trivia – The Office | 7 – 9 PM
O'Brien's Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Trivia | 7 – 9 PM
O'Brien's Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | Trivia | 7 – 9 PM
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Trivia | 7 – 9 PM
Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux, Wesley Chapel | Cigar Lifestyle | 5 – 10 PM

Wednesday, July 2

Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Karaoke | 7:30 – 11:30 PM
House of Brews, Lutz | Trivia Night | 7 – 9 PM
O'Brien's Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | Karaoke | 8 – 11 PM
Top Shelf Sports Lounge, Wesley Chapel | Trivia | 7:30 – 9:30 PM
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Line Dancing | 7 – 9 PM

Thursday, July 3

Art's Tap House, Trinity | Karaoke w/ TerryHD | 7 – 10 PM
Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Line Dance Lessons / Ladies Night | 7:30 – 11 PM
Commandough's, Zephyrhills | Trivia | 7 – 10:30 PM
Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Karaoke | 7:30 – 10:30 PM
Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Trivia and Cornhole Tournament | 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Idlewild Baptist Church, Lutz | Red, White & Boom | 5 – 9:15 PM
Keke's Breakfast Cafe, Lutz | Working Women of Tampa Bay Coffee | 9 – 11 AM
O'Brien's Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Karaoke | 8 – 11:59 PM
SouthernEaze Bar & Grill, Lutz | Trivia | 7 – 9 PM
The Drinks @ 9, Lutz | Red, White and Blue Weekend Kickoff | 3 – 11:59 PM

Friday, July 4

101 E Lutz Lake Fern Rd, Lutz | Lutz 4th of July Celebration | 6:45 AM – 12 PM
AdventHealth Center Ice, Wesley Chapel | United We Skate – Stars & Stripes | 9 AM – 2:30 PM
Commandough's, Zephyrhills | 4th of July Party | 1 – 5 PM
Commandough's, Zephyrhills | Karaoke | 7 – 10:30 PM
Milestone Adventure Zone, Wesley Chapel | Red, White, & Bluey | 10 AM – 1:30 PM
S&S Ranch, Dade City | 4th of July Music Fest & Fireworks | 4 – 10 PM
Starkey Market, Trinity | 4th of July Hangout | 12 – 9 PM
Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club, Temple Terrace | Independence Day Celebration | 10 AM – 9:30 PM
The Collective at Escape, Lutz | Family-Friendly Fourth of July Celebration | 11 AM – 10 PM
The Flats at Avalon Park, Wesley Chapel | 4th of July Celebration | 5 – 9 PM
Trinity College of Florida, Trinity | Red, White, & Boom | 4 – 10 PM

Saturday, July 5

Dade City Brew House, Dade City | 4th of Ju-Luau | 12 – 11 PM
Harley-Davidson, Wesley Chapel | Ride! | 10:15 AM – 2 PM
Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Ladies Night Out | 7 – 11 PM
Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Paul Farahvar | 7 – 9 PM
Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Paul Farahvar | 9:30 – 11:30 PM
That Place Down The Street, Zephyrhills | Stripes & Spins July 5th Party | 6 – 9 PM
Tom’s Tavern, Tampa | Karaoke | 8 – 11 PM

Sunday, July 6

Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Comedy Trap: Josiah B. Jones | 11 PM – 12 AM

Monday, July 7

O'Brien's Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | Line Dancing | 7:30 – 9:30 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! I’ll see you on the 4th!

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