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Good Morning Neighbor,

The rain is nice. The sun is hot. That's pretty much life in Florida this time of year.

I had a chance to stop by Zephyrhills Summerfest before the rain rolled in this weekend, and it was great to see so many people out enjoying themselves. We weren't sure the fireworks would happen, but they pulled them off anyway. It's a fun event that gets us in the Fourth of July spirit a little early.

This week's forecast looks pretty familiar. Highs will stay in the 90s, lows in the mid-70s, and we'll keep seeing those afternoon showers that seem to pop up wherever they please.

Now, let's catch up on what's happening north of Tampa.

-Mike

Access local events three different ways:

Community Calendar
Schedule of Events w/Links
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Free Event: Fireworks, Family, Food Trucks & Live Concert
Idlewild Church, Lutz
Friday, July 3 | 6:00 PM–9:00 PM

Celebrate America's 250th birthday with an evening of family-friendly fun at Idlewild Church. The event features a patriotic concert by the church's choir and orchestra, games and inflatables for kids, food trucks, and plenty of space to relax before a fireworks spectacular lights up the sky at 9:00 PM. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of community and celebration.

Lutz 4th of July Parade & Celebration
101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz
Saturday, July 4 | 6:30 AM–10:30 AM

Start your Independence Day with one of the area's longest-running traditions. The morning begins with races, a flag ceremony, live patriotic performances, and community activities before the annual parade steps off at 10:00 AM from Lutz Lake Fern Road and Crooked Lane, making its way to the Lutz Library. This year's celebration also honors America's 250th birthday with the theme, "Let Freedom Ring!"

Stars, Stripes & Science
MOSI, Tampa
Saturday, July 4 | 4:00 PM–10:00 PM

Celebrate the Fourth of July with an evening of hands-on science, family activities, and fireworks at MOSI. The event includes access to exhibits, the Saunders Planetarium's special sensory-friendly fireworks experience, and plenty of interactive experiences before ending the night with a fireworks celebration. It's a unique way to mix STEM fun with Independence Day festivities.

New Italian Concept Heads to Wesley Chapel

We've got a bit of a new dining concept headed to our neck of the woods. Forbici Modern Italian plans to open a location near Wiregrass within the next year to year and a half as part of the restaurant's growing expansion.

The neighborhood-style restaurant focuses on pizza, pasta, live music, and a lively atmosphere, with the goal of becoming a regular spot for weeknight dinners and gatherings rather than just special occasions.

Bauducco Begins Hiring in Zephyrhills

One of Pasco's biggest new employers is officially getting up and running. Brazilian bakery brand Bauducco celebrated the opening of its new Zephyrhills facility, where it plans to hire up to 600 employees over time, with many positions geared toward bilingual workers.

Hiring will happen in phases, starting with production line jobs, and the company says it's focused on recruiting people from the local community. Bauducco also plans to open a retail store in Zephyrhills later this fall.

South Indian Cafe Coming to Bexley

We've got another new restaurant on the way, and this one brings something a little different to the area. Bengaluru Cafe by Amma's Cuisine is coming to Focus Loop in Land O' Lakes, in the Bexley development, with a menu centered on authentic South Indian cuisine.

The restaurant will be entirely vegetarian and plans to serve South Indian favorites like dosas, idlis, and sambar, along with North Indian dishes, chaats, weekend plantain leaf meals, and Jain food. An opening date hasn't been announced yet, but the café has already begun sharing updates as it prepares to open.

KRATE Adds Another Food Favorite

When it comes to food and drinks, KRATE at the Grove sure does have a wide variety, and that trend continues. K-Crunch Fried Chicken, Bowls & Fries has officially opened in one of the container spaces, bringing another dining option to the already diverse lineup.

The independently owned restaurant specializes in Korean fried chicken with crispy chicken, seasoned fries, and rice bowls. It takes over a space that has seen several restaurants come and go over the years, so it'll be interesting to see if this new concept finds a lasting home at KRATE.

New Retail Plaza Planned Near Hospital

Development along State Road 56 isn't slowing down. Plans have been submitted for a new six-building retail and restaurant plaza at the southwest corner of State Road 56 and Mansfield Boulevard, directly across from Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital.

So far, The Fresh Market is the only confirmed tenant, with nearly 72,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space planned across the site. No construction timeline or additional businesses have been announced yet, but the project is another sign that shopping and dining continue to follow Wesley Chapel's rapid growth.

Local Venezuelan Community Steps Up

One of the best parts about living here is seeing neighbors come together when others are in need. Following the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, members of the Tampa Bay area's Venezuelan community have turned local businesses into donation centers, collecting medical supplies, food, hygiene products, and other essentials for those affected.

The effort has spread across Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, with collection sites also in Lutz and Wesley Chapel. Volunteers, local business owners, and even children have stepped up to sort donations, while nonprofit groups work to organize shipments and prepare rescue teams to assist in Venezuela.

Firefighters Save Fawn During Wildfire

Everyone knows it's been dry around here, and hopefully you were one of the lucky ones who caught some of the showers that popped up over the weekend. While firefighters were busy battling a 525-acre wildfire near State Road 52 and Ehren Cutoff in Pasco County, they also took a moment to be heroes in another way.

A Pasco County Fire Rescue crew spotted a young fawn tangled in brush and fencing, safely freed it, and took it to a local wildlife sanctuary with only a few cuts and scrapes. The wildfire was about 95% contained as of Friday morning and is believed to have been caused by a lightning strike.

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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