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Good Morning From Lutz,

Welcome, May. We’re starting to settle into that stretch of the year where the days feel a little longer and the evenings are actually enjoyable to be outside again. It’s a good week to slow down just a bit and take advantage of it.

There’s a lot going on right now between events, new spots opening up, and a few things worth knowing if you’re out and about this weekend. Nothing overwhelming, just a good mix of what’s happening around us.

Let’s get into it.

-Mike

Access local events three different ways:

Community Calendar
Join our Facebook Events Group

Feel free to follow us on Instagram for more local updates.

The Market Elaine
The Grove at Wesley Chapel
Friday, May 1 | 5:30 PM–9:30 PM

The Market Elaine is back at The Grove and it’s one of the better night market setups you’ll find around here. They bring in 150+ vendors, so there’s a ton to walk through, from handmade goods to food and everything in between.

It’s an easy Friday night option where you can take your time, grab something to eat, and just move through it at your own pace. They usually have live music and a good mix of vendors, so it doesn’t feel repetitive as you go.

Fresh Market at Wiregrass
The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel
Saturday, May 2 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

Fresh Market at Wiregrass is one of those easy Saturday stops where you can walk through a mix of local vendors, from produce and baked goods to handmade items. It’s a simple way to get out for a bit, grab something to eat, and spend some time browsing around the center.

Cafe Hosting Autism Awareness Fundraiser

This Saturday, Healthy Vibes Cafe is hosting a local fundraiser to support autism awareness and organizations serving kids with diverse learning needs.

The event will benefit the Academy of Spectrum Diversity, the LILLY Education Foundation, and the LILLY Learning Center, with support from local realtor Stephanie Rogers. The cafe’s owner shared that the effort is personal, as many families in their community include children on the spectrum, and the space has become a welcoming, everyday hangout for them.

Big Weekend Crowds in Downtown Tampa

Downtown’s about to get busy. Tampa Riverfest takes over Friday night and Saturday, stretching along the Riverwalk and parks like Curtis Hixon, with a free watch party at Water Works Park if you’re planning to catch the Lightning game.

It’s not just Riverfest either. Between events at the Tampa Convention Center, Perry Harvey Park, and shows at the Straz Center, expect heavy traffic and packed sidewalks. The city’s recommending streetcar, buses, rideshare, or even biking to get around, with free bike parking and valet available.

That Smash Burger Spot We Mentioned

We’ve talked about this one before, and it’s now up and running. Byte near USF is serving up smash burgers with crispy edges, plus fries and milkshakes to match.

It’s run by three brothers with a focus on fresh, made-in-house ingredients and a simple menu done right. They’re also open late on weekends, which makes it an easy go-to around the campus area.

$211M Storm Recovery Funds Now Open

If you’re still dealing with storm damage, this is worth a look. Hillsborough County is opening applications May 1 for its “Rebuilding for Tomorrow” program, offering a share of $211 million to help homeowners repair, rebuild, or recover costs from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Here’s what’s available:

You can apply online or visit an in-person center, including a main site on E. Hillsborough Ave and pop-ups across the county through mid-May. Priority goes to lower-income households, and funding runs until it’s gone.

That Saucy Spot Is Finally Open

You’ve probably heard some buzz about this one already. Saucy! by KFC is now open on Dale Mabry, leaning hard into chicken tenders with a full lineup of sauces.

This Carrollwood location has a couple exclusives, including the “Big Sammie” on King’s Hawaiian buns and a Tropical Energy Escape drink you won’t find anywhere else. More spots are already on the way around the area, including Temple Terrace and Trinity.

A Huge Thank You to our wonderful local partners!

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

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