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Good Morning Neighbor,

We hope you had a great weekend. It's always fun to see what restaurant spots are coming, and in this edition we get some news about Shaq's Big Chicken, which had already been rumored. That's what we need, right? More chicken joints? We still don't have an opening date for Smalls Sliders on SR 54, but we'll keep an eye on it.

Here’s what the Weather Channel has to say:

Make it a great week!

-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

Looking for your next great read? Novel in the Neighborhood, our newest neighbor, is hosting its Neighborhood Book Club on Friday, July 17 at 7 p.m. This month's discussion is This House of Breath by William E. Wentz. Feel free to take a look at Novel in the Neighborhood's calendar of events.

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.

Saint Leo Launches Recovery Housing Program

Saint Leo University will launch a new collegiate recovery program this fall thanks to a $1 million gift from Pasco County philanthropists Dewey and Becky Mitchell. Named in memory of their son, the Derek J. Mitchell Collegiate Recovery Program will provide sober housing, counseling, peer support and recovery programming for students overcoming drug and alcohol addiction.

The program is modeled after a nationally recognized recovery program and is designed to help students maintain sobriety while earning their degrees.

Shaq’s Big Chicken Heads to Citrus Park

Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken is expected to open this fall inside Elev8 Fun at Citrus Park Town Center, bringing the restaurant's first Tampa Bay location to one of the area's biggest indoor entertainment venues. The menu will feature fried chicken sandwiches, tenders, sides and hand-spun milkshakes.

The restaurant will be located inside the family entertainment center, so visitors can grab a meal while enjoying go-karts, bowling, arcade games and other attractions.

New Traffic Signal Goes Live in Trinity

Drivers in Trinity no longer have to gamble on making a left turn from Cool Springs Parkway onto Trinity Boulevard. Pasco County activated a new four-way traffic signal with turn arrows at the intersection on July 7. The intersection is just behind the Wawa on State Road 54 and a little west of Ashley Furniture.

The signal is expected to improve traffic flow and safety as the area continues to grow with new apartments, businesses and restaurants nearby.

Neighbors Help Protect Beloved Sandhill Cranes

Starkey Ranch residents have helped bring new wildlife crossing signs to their Odessa community after spending nearly two years documenting where sandhill cranes and other animals cross neighborhood roads. Their volunteer effort recorded 172 wildlife sightings, including more than 100 roadkill incidents, giving the homeowners association the data needed to install signs in the busiest crossing areas.

The signs are meant to remind drivers to slow down, especially during nesting season when cranes often cross streets with their chicks. Residents hope the added awareness will help protect the threatened birds and other wildlife that share the neighborhood.

Another Big Addition for Two Rivers

It's getting harder to keep up with everything planned for the massive Two Rivers development, and the latest addition may be its most unique yet. Peak Surf Park is planning a first-of-its-kind surf lagoon on a 35-acre site along SR 56 in Wesley Chapel, with an opening targeted for late 2027.

The project will feature a wave-generating surf lagoon, a half-mile beach, restaurants, bars, shopping, concerts and an adventure park, making it a destination for surfers and non-surfers alike.

Carrollwood Shopping Center Sells for $120M

Just a little bookkeeping for you, in case you were paying attention to this. Carrollwood Village Shoppes has sold for about $120 million. The shopping center at Dale Mabry Highway and Fletcher Avenue is home to businesses including Chili's, Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza, Maple Street Biscuit Company, Side Splitters Comedy Club and The UPS Store.

The property was purchased by a Dallas-based affiliate of Crow Holdings, a real estate investment and development firm. The previous owner bought the center in 2015 for $13.7 million.

Pasco County Animal Services Presents: Cassius

Cassius (A037383) is a 2-year old Black Mouth Cur terrier mix, and a longtime resident at PCAS. He arrived in August of last year and has been passed over for adoption ever since. Cassius is dog selective, and he lacks some confidence – probably due to his long stay at the shelter. Our team has been working with Cassius, and the extra enrichment has brought out a more affectionate side of him. Cassius would benefit from a home where he can continue to learn how to be loved and play. (Special thanks to Stronger Shot Adoption Photos)

Pasco County Animal Services
19640 Dogpatch Lane
Land O Lakes, FL 34638
Wed - Thurs 12-5:00pm
Fri - Sat 12-6:00pm
Sun - 12-5pm
(813) 929-1212
MyPasco.net/PAS

A Huge Thank You to our wonderful local partners!

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