🐷 Ribs, Sauce & Community

Plus: Keep Pasco Beautiful, Hockey Arena at MOSI, Clear the Shelters Success, USF’s $85M Army Deal,

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Good Morning From Lutz. Police in Waco, Texas had to wrangle multiple kangaroos after they broke out of a wildlife rescue and went hopping down city streets. Officers and staff managed to corral the marsupials and return them safely home.

The last thing we’d need at 54 & 41.

In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:

🍖 Hungry Harry’s celebrates 40 years of BBQ and community
🐾 Meet Rose, the 8-year-old chow looking for her forever home
🌎 Keep Pasco Beautiful Cleanup Day returns Sept. 20
🏒 MOSI redevelopment could include a brand-new hockey arena

Reply to this email and say hi. Follow us on Instagram for even more local finds.

Share this with your neighbor who swears they’d still keep their job if they won $1.7 billion tomorrow.

Check out our very own community calendar!

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Digest

Forty Years of Smoke, Sauce, and Family at Hungry Harry’s

A true local gem. Back in 1985, Harry Wright walked away from the tire business and opened Hungry Harry’s Bar-B-Que in Land O’ Lakes. What started as frustration over a bad sandwich grew into a neighborhood landmark, serving ribs, chicken, and pulled pork for 40 years. Even when U.S. 41 was just a two-lane road through orange groves, neighbors came for barbecue, and they’ve been coming ever since.

Harry’s long days and big heart helped shape the restaurant’s legacy. He fed fundraisers, football teams, and even the Bucs, sometimes cooking for days straight. Through recessions and even COVID closures, Hungry Harry’s endured, adapting with curbside pickup and staying a steady gathering spot as the community grew around it.

Today, Harry is retired and his son-in-law runs the kitchen, but the family spirit is the same. Generations of relatives and longtime employees still keep the fires burning, proving Hungry Harry’s isn’t just about barbecue, it’s about community.

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Pasco County Animal Services Presents: Rose

Rose (A035847) is an 8-year old spayed female orange chow. She was found as a stray after her former owner dumped her. While Rose is sweet and loves people, she can be dog selective. This week only, PCAS is waiving Rose’s adoption fee in hopes that she finds her forever home! (A small licensing fee may apply)

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

P.S. from Veronica at PCAS regarding their “Clear the Shelters” weekend: “We were able to find homes for 67 dogs & cats and we are finally not over capacity for the first time in several weeks!”

Community

Keep Pasco Beautiful Cleanup Day Set for Sept. 20

Pasco commissioners have officially proclaimed September 20 as Keep Pasco Beautiful Cleanup Day. The annual event has been going strong since 1992 in partnership with Pasco Solid Waste, working to cut down litter, boost recycling, and beautify neighborhoods. Last year, more than 1,300 volunteers put in nearly 4,800 hours across 59 sites, hauling away an impressive 62,000 pounds of trash.

Neighbors can join this year’s effort by registering at keeppascobeautiful.org by September 8. If you miss the deadline, walk-ups are welcome, and supplies like grabbers and shirts are provided. It is a great way to pitch in and keep Pasco shining.

USF Lands $85 Million Army Partnership

Fresh off their big win over Boise State, USF has more to celebrate with an $85 million partnership with the U.S. Army. Over the next five years, the Institute of Applied Engineering will dive into research on cybersecurity, biotech, and energy science to give soldiers the latest tools.

For our community, this means big recognition for a hometown university and more opportunities in STEM fields right here in our area. It’s another way USF is putting our region on the map for innovation and growth.

Chuck Lager Closes at Wiregrass

This isn’t exactly great news, but I figured you probably wanted to know. It’s possible you may have noticed some lights out at The Shops at Wiregrass. Chuck Lager America’s Tavern has permanently closed as of September 1. The restaurant, co-founded by celebrity chef Fabio Viviani, had been at the mall since 2020 but will not make it to its fifth anniversary. With other locations already closed, only two Chuck Lagers remain open, in Delaware and Tampa’s Westshore area.

Sad Michael Jordan GIF

Hockey Arena Planned in MOSI Redevelopment

We haven’t heard too much about the massive new plans at MOSI. But here we go, Hillsborough commissioners approved exploring a privately funded hockey arena as part of the MOSI campus redevelopment. The arena would join a new sports complex with hotels, dining, and entertainment, giving local youth more ice time and possibly paving the way for a minor league team.

Next steps include selecting a developer, with project renderings expected in October.

Spotlight by Emory’s Rock Realty

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The upgrades shine ✨ with paid-off solar panels, new stainless-steel appliances, farmhouse sink, custom feature wall, and water softener all included. Step outside and enjoy the one-of-a-kind Lagoon lifestyle with swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, trails, parks, and more.

Even better, the HOA includes high-speed internet and cable, making this home both beautiful and practical.

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.

Parrot Heads Unite! 🌴🦜
Buffett night at Starkey Market! Highlights:

  • 🎶 Carl August live | 6:30–8pm

  • 🍔 Cheeseburger in Paradise special

  • 🍹 Margaritas

  • 💙 Proceeds help Save the Manatees

Bring your best Parrot Head look + a chair, and celebrate island life!

Live Music

Friday, September 5
  • Art's Tap House, New Port Richey | Brother Brownlow | 8 – 11:59pm

  • Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Sticks and Stones Band | 8 – 11:59pm

  • BarrieHaus Beer Co Trinity, Trinity | O'zapft is Day! | 3 – 9pm

  • Brass Mug, Tampa | Tampa Death Fest ($) (Day 1/2) | 5pm – 1am

  • The Brass Tap, Lutz | Live Music TBA | 7 – 10pm

  • Carrollwood Players Inc, Tampa | Company | 8 – 10pm

  • Cigars International Superstore, Lutz | Live Music | 8 – 11:45pm

  • The Collective at Escape, Trinity | Chris Poe | 6 – 10pm

  • Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | John Johnson | 7:30 – 11:30pm

  • Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Noodles Magoo | 7 – 11pm

  • Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Wesley Chapel | DJ Drummer Mike | 7 – 10pm

  • Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | David Potts | 7 – 10pm

  • Green Parrot Tiki Bar & Grill, Tampa | Dusty Vinyls | 8 – 11pm

  • Jerry's Crystal Bar, Zephyrhills | Mark Shane and The Shane Gang (Day 1/2) | 9pm – 1am

  • Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Matt Capps | 6 – 10pm

  • MDP Liquor 2.0 + The Drinks at 9 Bar & Grill, Lutz | Sunny Situation | 7 – 10pm

  • O'Brien's Irish Pub, Tampa | High Fives (Day 1/2) | 9pm – 1am

  • O'Brien's Irish Pub & Grill Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | 4X | 8 – 11:59pm

  • The Orpheum, Tampa | The Mossheads ($) | 7 – 11pm

  • SouthernEaze Bar and Grill, Lutz | Patrick Foy | 6:30 – 9:30pm

  • Stonewater Grill, Land O' Lakes | Nunes at Night | 7 – 10pm

  • Tiki Cove, Land O' Lakes | Frank Dancey | 7 – 10pm

  • The Twisted Oak, Dade City | 90 Surge | 7 – 10pm

  • Ukulele Brand's, Land O' Lakes | Double Barrel | 7:30 – 10:30pm

Saturday, September 6
  • Art's Tap House, New Port Richey | TC & Sass | 8 – 11:59pm

  • Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | JT Curtis and the Florida Scoundrels | 8pm – 12am

  • BarrieHaus Beer Co Trinity, Trinity | Wicked Muse | 6 – 9pm

  • Brass Mug, Tampa | Tampa Death Fest ($) (Day 1/2) | 5pm – 1am

  • The Collective at Escape, Trinity | Tod Russell | 6 – 10pm

  • Commandough's Pizza, Zephyrhills | Little Big Band | 5 – 8pm

  • Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | April Red | 7:30 – 11:30pm

  • Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Sobriety X | 7 – 11pm

  • Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Chad Lambert | 7 – 10pm

  • Jerry's Crystal Bar, Zephyrhills | Daniel Sprouse (Day 1/2) | 9pm – 1am

  • Latte Vino, Lutz | Open Mic | 7 – 11pm

  • Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | Southern Creek | 7 – 11pm

  • The Orpheum, Tampa | Not Enough Space ($) | 5:30 – 11pm

  • O'Brien's Irish Pub & Grill Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Whiskey Sonic | 8 – 11:59pm

  • Starkey Market, Trinity | Carl August – Jimmy Buffet Night | 5 – 9pm

  • Stonewater Grill, Land O' Lakes | Soulyard | 7 – 10pm

  • The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Vintage Sounds | 8 – 11:55pm

  • Tiki Cove, Land O' Lakes | Kevin Goolden | 7 – 10pm

  • Ukulele Brand's, Land O' Lakes | Moonshine Abby | 7:30 – 10:30pm

  • Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, Tampa | Live Music Saturdays | 5 – 8pm

Sunday, September 7
  • Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | The Reverend Travis Weeks | 4 – 8pm

  • Brass Mug, Tampa | Tampa Death Fest ($) | 5pm – 1am

  • Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | Wade Williams | 2 – 5pm

  • Ukulele Brand's, Land O' Lakes | Todd Lutes | 4:30 – 7:30pm

Tuesday, September 9
  • Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Open Mic w/ Fred Chandler | 7 – 10pm

  • Ukulele Brand's, Land O' Lakes | Open Mic Night | 7 – 10pm

Markets

Friday, September 5
  • The Grove at Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Market Elaine | 5:30 – 9pm

Saturday, September 6
  • Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Downtown Market at Avalon | 10am – 2pm

  • The Brass Tap, Lutz | 1 Yr Anniversary Mini Market | 12 – 3pm

  • Hampton Inn Odessa Trinity, Odessa | Trinity Crafters Market | 10am – 3pm

  • The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | Fresh Market | 9am – 1pm

  • Trinity Market, Trinity | Fresh Market | 9am – 1pm

Events

Friday, September 5
  • Carrollwood Cultural Center, Tampa | Jazz with Jim ($) | 7:30 – 9pm

  • Carrollwood Players Inc, Tampa | Company | 8 – 10pm

  • Commandough's Pizza, Zephyrhills | Karaoke | 7 – 10:30pm

  • Side Splitters Comedy Club, Tampa | Joey Vega ($) | 7:30 – 9:15pm

  • Side Splitters Comedy Club – Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Comic's Night Out | 9:30 – 11:30pm

  • That Place Down The Street, Land O' Lakes | Lobster Tank | 3 – 9pm

  • The Venetian Event Center, Tampa | North Tampa Senior Expo | 11am – 2pm

  • Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Dueling Pianos | 7 – 11pm

  • Wesley Chapel – The Grove 16, Wesley Chapel | Senior Social | 3 – 5pm

  • Wesley Chapel – The Grove 16, Wesley Chapel | Senior Social – 50+ | 3 – 5pm

  • Seven Oaks Clubhouse, Wesley Chapel | Street Crust Artisanal Pizza Truck | 5 – 8pm

Saturday, September 6
  • The ABL, Dade City | Charm City Eats Food Truck | 5 – 8pm

  • The ABL, Dade City | Spirits and Haunted History Tour | 7:30 – 9pm

  • Brass Tap, Lutz | 1 Yr Anniversary | 10am – 11pm

  • Carrollwood Players Inc, Tampa | Company | 8 – 10pm

  • Chick-fil-A, Lutz | Dogs in Drive Thru | 11am – 4pm

  • Cory Lake Professional Center, Tampa Palms | Back to School Bash | 2 – 5pm

  • Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Brunch | 8am – 2pm

  • House of Brews, Lutz | DJ Karaoke Party | 7 – 11pm

  • Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Ladies Night w/ DJ Delirious | 7 – 11pm

  • Side Splitters Comedy Club, Tampa | Joey Vega ($) | 7 – 8:45pm

  • Side Splitters Comedy Club, Tampa | Joey Vega ($) | 9:30 – 11:15pm

  • SouthernEaze Bar and Grill, Lutz | Karaoke | 6:30 – 9:30pm

  • Tampa Premium Outlets, Lutz | 9/11 Memorial Walk | 7:45 – 10am

  • Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Dueling Pianos | 7 – 11pm

  • 2432 Collier Pkwy, Land O' Lakes | 3rd Annual 9/11 Memorial Placement | 9 – 10am

  • Beef 'O' Brady's, Land O' Lakes | Survey Says Trivia Game | 6 – 8pm

Sunday, September 7
  • Agnes Lamb Park, Dade City | Breathe & Stretch Yoga | 1 – 2pm

  • Carrollwood Players Inc, Tampa | Company | 2 – 4pm

  • Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Brunch | 8am – 2pm

  • In the Loop Brewing, Land O' Lakes | Rockstar Lobster | 12 – 7pm

  • Lowe's Home Improvement, Land O' Lakes | Cousins Maine Lobster | 11am – 7pm

  • Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, Lutz | Cars and Coffee | 10am – 12pm

  • Side Splitters Comedy Club – Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Comic's Night Out | 7 – 9pm

Monday, September 8
  • Dade City Brew House, Dade City | Trivia | 7 – 9pm

  • Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory, Odessa | Trivia Night | 6:30 – 8:30pm

  • Wellness Center at Saint Leo University, St. Leo | In Their Honor: September 11, 2001 & Operation Enduring Freedom – Never Forget | 7:30 – 11am

Tuesday, September 9
  • The Brass Tap, Wesley Chapel | Create Your Own Cocktail Bitters | 7:30 – 9:30pm

  • Cigars International Superstore, Lutz | Line Dancing w/ Simone | 7 – 9pm

  • Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Kids Night | 5:30 – 8:30pm

  • New Beginnings, Spring Hill | eBay 30th Anniversary for Resellers | 6 – 9pm

  • O'Brien's Irish Pub, Tampa | Trivia w/ Tucker | 7 – 9pm

  • O'Brien's Irish Pub & Grill Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Trivia w/ Dang Yo | 7:30 – 10:30pm

  • Starkey Market, Trinity | Drum Circle | 7 – 10pm

  • Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Trivia and Taco Tuesday | 7 – 9pm

  • Whiskey Willy's, Lutz | Pool Tournament w/ Karaoke | 9 – 11pm

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.

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