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Good Morning Neighbor,

Kids are back in school in less than a month, and hurricane season is starting to show a little life. Nothing to worry about, though, as there aren't any real threats out there. The World Cup wraps up this weekend, which means we're getting closer and closer to our own version of football.

The forecast looks about as Florida as it gets. Expect plenty of heat, scattered afternoon storms on most days, and a nice break on Saturday if you're hoping to get outside for a market, a ballgame, or another weekend adventure.

-Mike

Access local events in different ways:

Community Calendar
Event List w/Links
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Each newsletter includes the latest event information available at the time of publication.

Neighborhood Book Club (Correction from Tuesday’s newsletter)

Looking for something fun to do tonight? Novel in the Neighborhood is hosting its Neighborhood Book Club tonight at 7 p.m. This month's discussion features Women of a Promiscuous Nature by Donna Everhart.

Whether you've finished the book or just enjoy connecting with fellow readers, it's a great chance to meet other book lovers and enjoy an evening of lively conversation.

Golden Hour Market
The Collective at Escape Brewing Company, Trinity
Friday, July 17 | 6:00 PM–10:00 PM

Spend a summer evening browsing a curated selection of local artisan vendors while enjoying live music, craft beer, cocktails, and food from The Collective's food hall. The family-friendly, dog-friendly market offers a relaxed atmosphere to shop small, meet friends, and unwind as the sun sets in a welcoming community setting.

Yuengling Watermelon Market
Yuengling Tampa, Tampa
Friday, July 17 | 6:00 PM–10:00 PM

Spend an evening at a watermelon-themed night market in the courtyard at Yuengling Draft Haus and Kitchen featuring more than 40 local vendors, fresh watermelon by the slice or whole, juices, food, crafts, and other themed offerings. Families can enjoy a kids' watermelon eating contest at 7:00 PM, while adults can browse vendors and enjoy Yuengling beers. Vendors interested in participating can contact the organizers by text.

Another Big Employer Picks Zephyrhills

After Bauducco opened its major manufacturing facility in Zephyrhills, bringing hundreds of jobs closer to home for local residents, another international company is making a big investment in the city. French flavoring maker Monin plans to spend more than $100 million on a new production and distribution facility at the Zephyrhills Airport Industrial Park.

The project is expected to create 173 permanent jobs, with more than 100 hired during the first phase. Monin, which is headquartered in Clearwater, said it chose Zephyrhills over 10 other sites in four states because of the available workforce, development-ready land, and its proximity to the company's existing Tampa Bay operations.

One Last Ride for Kumba

We love taking the kids to Busch Gardens for the incredible rides, and if your family is anything like ours, you'll want to know this. Kumba, one of the park's most iconic roller coasters, is closing for good on Aug. 2, giving fans just a few more weeks to ride it one last time.

When Kumba opened in 1993, it was Florida's tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster, and its seven inversions made it a favorite for generations of thrill seekers. Busch Gardens says the ride will be replaced by Kumba's Revenge, a reimagined coaster that's part of the park's $100 million investment in new attractions and park improvements, but there's no opening date yet.

New Fire Station Opens in Wesley Chapel

We've been following this project from the groundbreaking to now, and it's finally open. Pasco Fire Rescue's new Station 2 is now serving Wesley Chapel near County Road 54 and Fox Ridge Boulevard, bringing much-needed emergency coverage to one of the county's fastest-growing communities.

The new station is expected to cut emergency response times in half for nearby neighborhoods, reducing waits that previously averaged 10 to 12 minutes. As Pasco continues to grow, more fire stations are already in the works, with a new station under construction in Odessa and a replacement station set to open this winter in Land O' Lakes.

Some New Tampa 911 Calls Will Go to Pasco

If you live in Pebble Creek, Cross Creek, East Meadows, Live Oak or near Wharton High School, you may soon see a different fire truck responding to your 911 calls. Beginning Oct. 1, Pasco Fire Rescue will take over fire service for those communities under a new agreement with Hillsborough County.

County leaders say the switch will save money while keeping emergency coverage close by. Pasco firefighters will respond from Station 26 near Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, and Hillsborough County will continue providing ambulance transport for medical emergencies.

Tampa Upgrading Water Treatment System

Tampa is moving ahead with a new water treatment system designed to remove more PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," from drinking water. The project will be built at the David L. Tippin Water Treatment Facility and is expected to reduce about 30% of PFAS in the river water the city treats.

For residents, the biggest takeaway is that Tampa is upgrading its water treatment years before new federal PFAS standards are expected to take effect. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and wrap up in 2032, and the city says the new system will also reduce treatment costs by about $2 million a year.

A Huge Thank You to our wonderful local partners!

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