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🍸 Speakeasy Secrets, Matcha Raves & Weekend Waves

🍸 Speakeasy Secrets, Matcha Raves & Weekend Waves

Hidden doors, matcha-fueled raves, and everything buzzing this weekend.

Mike Rendel
April 25, 2025

Buzzing with Joy: No Politics, Just Positivity!
A community-led initiative.

Good Morning Neighbor. I’ve been easing into these warm mornings with a long walk, a fresh cup of coffee, and a cheerful hello from the yellow haze of pollen coating my car. I really feel for anyone dealing with allergies. It seems like this stuff has been sticking around forever. On the bright side, we’ve almost completed our summer 2025 initiation with this weather.

“Collaboration is the essence of life. The wind, bees and flowers work together, to spread the pollen.”

Amit Ray, Mindfulness Living in the Moment - Living in the Breath

Enough of that. Let’s shift back to the brighter side of the universe. I hope you enjoy this edition. It’s your newsletter just as much as it is ours, so share it with someone that just moved here, this edition is packed with local buzz.

This week’s Friday Fix of the North Tampa Buzz:

🍩 Einstein Bros. is bagel-ing its way into Wesley Chapel
🍸 A speakeasy hidden behind a butler’s pantry (yes, really)
🎭 Blueberries, matcha raves, markets, art nights — pick your vibe

Let us know if we missed anything. Definitely let us know if we goofed. And, be sure to follow us on Instagram where we will keep you abreast of the local happenings throughout the week.

In Partnership with Gene Faircloth of 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.

Gene Faircloth
Exit Bayshore Realty
Mobile: (813) 727-6904
201 E Davis Blvd., Tampa, FL 33606

The Digest

Einstein Bros. Is Rolling into Wesley Chapel
Because sometimes you just need a bagel that didn’t come out of a grocery store sleeve.

There’s a new Einstein Bros. Bagels opening on Bruce B. Downs right near that stretch between New Tampa and Wesley Chapel. The sign’s up. The bagels? Not quite yet.

They were aiming for May, but word on the street is it’s looking more like late July or early August now. And the guy managing it will likely be the Wesley Chapel resident currently running the same operation on Fowler.

Anyway, I thought you’d want to know. Because a fresh bagel with shmear beats a sad granola bar in the car. Every. Time.

We will let you know the minute they announce an opening date.

jimmy fallon lol GIF by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Free Mosquitofish Giveaway – Hillsborough County
Citronella helps. These little fish really help.

Hillsborough County is giving out free mosquitofish to help cut down on mosquitoes the natural way. No chemicals, no fuss, just tiny fish that feast on mosquito larvae. They’re perfect for ponds, birdbaths, or that one flower pot saucer you forgot to dump.

Next giveaway:
Friday, April 26
MOSI, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa
9 AM to 1 PM

Just bring a photo ID to show you live in Hillsborough County. Supplies are first-come, first-served.

Here are more dates coming up nearby:

Saturday, May 17 - Ruskin
Saturday, June 21 - Lutz
Saturday, July 19 - Lithia
Saturday, August 23 - Northdale

More info and full list here: Hillsborough Mosquitofish Events

Easy to care for, surprisingly cute, and way more effective than swatting.

Two Families Need Support
We usually keep things light, but some stories deserve our attention.

After the recent tragedy at FSU, two families are now facing the unthinkable. Robert Morales and Tiru Chabba were both taken far too soon. One was a familiar face at FSU, the other visiting for work. Both leave behind families who are now trying to move forward.

If you’ve been wondering how to help, here’s how:

💛 Support Robert’s Family
💛 Support Tiru’s Family

Even sharing helps. These are the moments when community really matters.

A Hidden Gem

Butler Pantry... Speakeasy... Sold.
All you had to say was butler’s pantry leading to a speakeasy and honestly? You had me at “hidden cocktails.”

I had to mention this 3,400+ sq. ft. stunner in a gated Lutz (or Land O’ Lakes…or Odessa) community is part retreat, part resort, part secret lounge with 62 solar panels, a full outdoor kitchen, a custom theater, and one very fancy pool situation. Oh, and it backs up to a conservation area with a year-round creek. I don’t know why I find myself scrolling on Zillow but it sure is fun.

Peek the listing before someone else grabs your speakeasy dreams.

2332 Dekan Ln, Land O Lakes, FL 34639

Civic News

Rocky Creek Bridge Update – Citrus Park
The 111-year-old Rocky Creek Bridge on the Upper Tampa Bay Trail is getting a long-overdue upgrade.

After being deemed unsafe during a 2023 inspection, the bridge — just north of the Wilsky Blvd. trailhead — has been closed since early 2024. Hillsborough County says the brand-new bridge is on track to open by late 2025.

Two detour options are open during construction:

4-mile trail from Old Memorial Hwy Trailhead north
3-mile trail from Peterson Rd Trailhead south

Fun fact: this trail was built along an old railway line created by W.P. Lutz in 1909. The bridge itself dates back to 1913 — part of the Tarpon Junction spur line. It got a patch-up in 2016, but this full replacement was always the plan.

Events Section Sponsored by The Murg Team - CrossCountry Mortgage

Local Lending You Can Trust
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I have personally used Mike and his team for two purchases and a refinance. They truly offer exceptional service, constant clear communication, comfort and confidence. He has been a Scotsman Top Originator year over year since 2013 for a good reason.

Buzz-Worthy Events

Now the part I’m sure you have been looking forward to. There is a lot happening north of Tampa this weekend, and as we mentioned Tuesday, the Bucs are right in the middle of the NFL Draft and round two kicks off tonight. Meanwhile, the Lightning are hanging on in the playoffs and giving us all heart palpitations.

Add in festivals, food trucks, markets, and a full lineup of local events, and yep… your weekend’s looking pretty full. Let’s get into it.

Friday, April 25

Events

R&B Night at Krate
Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets
15th Annual Pasco Blueberry Jamboree (Day 1)
12128 SR 52, Hudson | Starts 3:00 PM
🎉 Live music, food trucks, and local vendors.
Party en “El Patio” – DJ Event
Rice N Beans, Lutz | 8:00 PM
🎧 Dance the night away with vibrant Latin beats. FREE
Family Fun Night & Outdoor Movie (Sonic 3)
Avalon Park, Wesley Chapel | Fun starts 5:00 PM, Movie at 8:00 PM
🎬 Enjoy games, food trucks, and a movie under the stars. 🐾
The Melt Machine Food Truck
5060 River Glen Blvd, Wesley Chapel | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Happy Hour Huddle
Tiki Cove, Land O’ Lakes | 6:00 PM
🍹 Relax with drinks by the water.
The Social Spring Farmer’s Market
The Social, Lutz | 12:00 PM
🛍️ Shop fresh produce and handmade goods. 🐾
Rob Little Live at Side Splitters
Side Splitters, Wesley Chapel | Friday, April 25 at 7:30 & 9:30 PM
🎤 Nationally recognized comic and "Happiest Comic in America" brings pure optimism and big laughs.

Live Music

SouthernEaze Bar & Grill, Lutz | Jeff O’Dell
6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
🎤 Country tunes to kick off your weekend.
Rice N Beans, Wesley Chapel | DJ Johnnie Rivera
9:00 PM – 12:30 AM
🎧 High-energy Latin rhythms.
Skybox Rooftop Bar, Wesley Chapel | Matt Capps
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎸 Acoustic melodies with a view.
Banana Wind Bar & Grill, Wesley Chapel | Charles Williams Experience
8:00 PM – Midnight
🎷 Smooth jazz and soulful sounds.
Florida Cracker Fish Co., Citrus Park | Sam Williams
Evening

Saturday, April 26