🎭 Secret Comedy, Sunset Jazz, and Happy Easter

Buzzing with Joy: No Politics, Just Positivity!

Good Friday and Happy Morning,

We have Easter eggs on the horizon. I hope you get a chance to spend time with the ones you love, in the places you love most.

Consider this your personal scoop so please let me know what you'd love to see more of.

This week’s Friday Fix north of the noise:

🚦 Big plans for the U.S. 41 & S.R. 54 overpass
😂 Secret comedy show lands in Land O’ Lakes this Saturday. BYOB, literally!
👶 New NICU coming to St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, with couplet care rooms for moms and babies

I hope you enjoy it.

If you think you’re gonna love this, send it to a friend.

This article is sponsored by Gene Faircloth with Exit Bayshore Realty.
Gene is a Tampa native and proud USF graduate with nearly 20 years of experience in residential and commercial real estate. Known for clear communication, deep local knowledge, and a client-first approach, he goes the extra mile to support families through every step. He always blends professionalism with a love for Florida sunshine.

During a stressful cross-state move, Gene was incredibly thoughtful and steady. He patiently walked us through every option, explained each step in detail, and made a complicated process feel simple. With school starting soon and time tight, he rearranged his schedule without hesitation to help us find our home. We felt truly understood and supported.

Buzz Bites

As the sun rises on Good Friday, here's what to expect for government office closures in Pasco and Hillsborough counties:

🏛️ Pasco County:

• Clerk & Comptroller Offices: Closed in Dade City and New Port Richey.​

• Courts: The Sixth Judicial Circuit (serving Pasco and Pinellas counties) will be closed.​

🏛️ Hillsborough County:

• Clerk of Court & Comptroller Offices: Closed.​

• Courts: The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court will be closed.

Don’t Forget:
In Tuesday’s digestible, we discussed Dave’s Hot Chicken opening up today in Odessa. Good Friday, indeed.

Time flies and you might want to lock in future college costs today with a Florida Prepaid Plan before open enrollment ends April 30.

🚧 Civic News

Traffic Update: I-4 Relief Lanes Opening Early
Some may be mildly affected. New I-4 relief lanes between US-27 and World Drive will open in two weeks—eight months ahead of schedule. Funded by a $4B surplus through the “Moving Florida Forward” plan, the project is part of a $15B annual FDOT budget and expected to generate a $13B economic boost.

Traffic Update: U.S. 41 Overpass Moves Ahead
FDOT plans a $516M overpass at U.S. 41 and S.R. 54 with a Diverging Diamond Interchange to ease Land O’ Lakes congestion. Completion isn’t expected until 2035, prompting local leaders to push for faster progress. The project would impact 79 properties but has strong public support.

💖 Charity & Nonprofit Highlights

FEAST Food Pantry Opens New Palm Harbor Home
More good news from the universe. FEAST Food Pantry has opened a new 3,000-square-foot facility at Grace Community Church, replacing its old trailer with a hurricane-resistant building. It includes refrigeration, SNAP support rooms, and space for classes. After serving 54,000 people last year, the upgrade helps meet rising demand with more care and dignity.

Homes For Our Troops Welcomes New Family to Wesley Chapel
On April 5, Homes For Our Troops introduced Marine Sgt. Christopher Lawrence and his family to the Wesley Chapel community during a heartfelt ceremony at Pinecrest Academy. After losing his leg in Iraq, Sgt. Lawrence will receive a specially adapted home. It is one of more than 400 homes HFOT has built for injured veterans.

The event included a motorcade, local leaders, and moving tributes. Their new home, located near family and the James A. Haley VA Hospital, will be completed within a year. HFOT receives no government funding and directs nearly 90 percent of donations to veteran support.

Community Developments

New NICU Coming to St. Joseph’s Hospital-North
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz is set to open a new eight-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the third quarter of 2025. This Level II NICU will provide 24/7 specialized care for premature or medically fragile newborns, enhancing the hospital's existing maternity services.​

A standout feature of the new NICU is the inclusion of two 525-square-foot "couplet care" rooms, allowing mothers and their babies to stay together during NICU care—a first in the Tampa Bay area and possibly in Florida. The remaining six private rooms are designed with amenities for overnight parental stays

Park Plans Progress in Connected City

Pasco County may swap land with developers to secure a 38-acre park site on McKendree Road in Wesley Chapel’s Connected City. The goal is to preserve green space and possibly combine parcels for an 80-acre regional park. Officials are weighing funding and feasibility to meet urgent recreation needs in the fast-growing area.

Local Vibes & Live Acts

Comedy (😂)

😂 Laugh Out Loud in Land O’ Lakes
If you’re on Facebook regularly, you may have seen this ad pop up. Don’t Tell Comedy is bringing its signature surprise comedy show to Land O’ Lakes on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The event will take place at a secret indoor venue, with doors opening at 6:30 PM. Attendees will receive the exact location by 8:00 AM on the day of the show. The 21+ event is BYOB (no glass containers) and features a lineup of 4–7 comedians. Tickets are priced at $25.​

Don’t Tell Comedy hosts pop-up comedy events in over 200 cities, offering a unique experience where both the performers and the venue remain a mystery until the day of the show. Each event is designed to provide an intimate and engaging atmosphere, often in unconventional locations, making for an unforgettable night of laughter.

😂 Renard Hirsch @ Side Splitters Comedy Club (Wesley Chapel)
📍 Side Splitters at The Grove
🕗 Friday & Saturday, April 18–19 | 7:30 PM | $23.50
Enjoy an evening of observational comedy with Renard Hirsch, known for his storytelling and character-driven humor. ​
🎟️Get Tickets

Musical Talents (🎶)

🎶 Weekend at Treble Makers (21+)
📍 The Grove at Wesley Chapel
🕖 Friday, April 18 | 7 PM–1 AM
Enjoy back-to-back Dueling Piano Parties. Friday features 80s Night with $10 reserved seating. Come early for dinner and stay late for the fun.
🎟️ Reserve your spot​

🎶 Easter Dueling Pianos Brunch & Dinner @ Treble Makers (21+)
📍 The Grove at Wesley Chapel
🕚 Sunday, April 20 | Brunch: 11 AM–2 PM | Dinner: 5 PM
Celebrate Easter with Florida’s only brunch piano show. Enjoy live music, great food, and a lively atmosphere.

🎶 Karaoke Nights @ Shops at Wiregrass
📍 Shops at Wiregrass Center Court
🕖 Friday, April 18 | 7–9 PM | Free
Sing your favorite songs in Center Court. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the evening with friends and family. ​
🎟️Tickets

🎶 Evening on the Lake: Grateful Dead Tribute (Odessa)
📍 Old McMicky’s Farm
🕖 Friday, April 18 | 7–10 PM
Experience Uncle John’s Band performing live by the lake. General admission is $15, or $20 with two craft beers included. Bring your lawn chairs and coolers for a relaxing evening. ​

🎶 Jazz at Sunset: All White Affair @ KRATE (Wesley Chapel)
📍 KRATE at the Grove
🕕 Saturday, April 19 | 6–10 PM
Join Billboard artist Nathan Mitchell for an elegant outdoor jazz night. Dress in all white for this stylish monthly music series.
🎟️ Get tickets

And a bike show

🏍️ Born to Be Wild Car & Bike Show – Saturday
Hosted by Harley-Davidson of Wesley Chapel & Fran Haasch Law Group
📍 25245 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Lutz
🕕 Saturday, April 19 | 10 AM–1 PM
🎟️ Register at the show​

Family & Community Fun

Absolutely Avalon Festival – Wesley Chapel
🕕 Saturday, April 19 | 5:00–9:00 PM
The Easter Bunny will be making a special appearance at the Absolutely Avalon Festival at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Families can enjoy photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, along with a laser light show, bounce park, cultural performances, and a variety of food trucks. It's a fantastic evening of community fun that's free and open to the public.

Fresh Market at Wiregrass – Wesley Chapel
🕕 Saturday, April 19 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
With over 75 local vendors, including organic produce, eco-friendly goods, handmade dips and sauces, and Florida-grown herbs and plants. Held on the first and third Saturdays of each month, it’s the perfect excuse for a palm-lined stroll with a latte and a shopping tote. Held the first and third Saturday of every month.

Spring Fling @ Starkey Market (Odessa)
🕕 Friday–Monday, April 18–21
💸 $10/day wristbands for kids | Adults free
Bounce houses, a spring maze, obstacle course, gellyball, and more!
🕒 Fri & Sat: 11am–9pm | Sun: 3–7pm | Mon: 11am–7pm

Bay Paws Pet Resort - Grand Opening Celebration (Wesley Chapel)
🕚 Saturday, April 19 | 11 AM–2 PM | Free
📍30234 Wiregrass School Rd
Pet goodie bags, vendor booths, and Humane Society adoptions.

Egg-Citing Agenda: Your Weekend Hunt Schedule

If you didn’t write it down from Tuesday, these are all new…otherwise, there are just a couple additions since our Tuesday digest.

Saturday Egg Hunts – April 19

Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex Bunny Hop Eggstravaganza
📍 Land O’ Lakes | ⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 💲 $2
🎯 Egg hunts by age group, games, and crafts

CrossPointe Family Church Easter Fest
📍 Lutz | ⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 💲 Free
🎯 Egg hunt, games, crafts, food, and a coffee truck

Northdale Park and Rec Center Egg Hunt
📍 Northdale | ⏰ 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM | 💲 Free
🎯 Egg hunts for all age groups, plus crafts and games

Palm Harbor United Methodist Egg Hunt
📍 Palm Harbor | ⏰ 9:00 AM | 💲 Free
🎯 Classic community egg hunt for all ages

Art Paper Scissors Easter Paint & Hunt
📍 Land O’ Lakes | ⏰ 2:00 PM | 💲 $45
🎯 Paint a canvas, then hunt for eggs

Sunday Egg Hunt – April 20

Plantation Palms Easter Brunch & Egg Hunt
📍 Land O’ Lakes | ⏰ 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM | 💲 See website for brunch pricing
🎯 Easter brunch, bunny photo ops, and egg hunt

Multi-Day Easter Fun

Raprager Family Farms Easter Festival
📍 Odessa | 📅 April 18–20 | ⏰ 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
💲 $15–$16.95 (Free for kids under 3)
🎯 Egg hunts, petting zoo, pony rides, and springtime fun

If you loved it, 💌 send it to a friend.
If you hated it… 😈 send it to an enemy.

We will see you out there this weekend!

P.S. Looking to reach a hyper-focused local audience with the North Tampa Buzz? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]!