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- 🐷 Ribs, Sauce & Community
🐷 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!
👉 Browse by date, category, or city/town
👉 Search events to find exactly what you need
👉 Submit your own community events for us to review and add
Leave some feedback, we’d love to hear from you👇
We welcome all input, as we can accommodate almost any change you suggest.
Before it was called US-41, what was the main north–south road through our area known as? |
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.
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.

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.

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
10937 Penny Gale Loop, San Antonio, FL 33545
Incredible Opportunity in Mirada Lagoon Community! 🌊
Take advantage of a 2.5% assumable mortgage plus a seller credit with this stunning smart home in Mirada. Featuring 4 bedrooms, an open-concept layout, loft, and peaceful pond views with fencing on both sides, it’s designed for modern living and comfort.
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.
Featured Event
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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