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Good Morning From Lutz!

March has definitely arrived.

The clocks just changed, spring break is starting to stagger between Hillsborough and Pasco schools, and somehow that strange March Madness season is waking up as the big conference tournaments get going. Friday the 13th is also coming up, so take that for whatever it’s worth.

Hopefully everyone had a chance to enjoy the Kumquat Festival or the Strawberry Festival over the past couple weekends. Around here it feels like we’re fully shifting into spring mode, and there’s plenty happening across the community as we head into the next few weeks.

I hope you have a great week.

-Mike

Access local events three different ways:

Community Calendar
Full List of Events w/Links
Join our Facebook Events Group

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

Pasco Mom Helping Kids Play Sports

A Pasco County mom is turning a family tragedy into something meaningful for local kids.

Ashley Robinson, along with her mother Lori Bolan, started the Dream Big Children’s Foundation to help cover youth sports registration fees for children who otherwise couldn’t afford to play. The pair recently hosted a fundraising youth basketball tournament at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex to support the effort.

The foundation was created in honor of Robinson’s brother, Michael Bolan, who loved playing sports growing up and was murdered in Colorado in 2024. Today the organization works with local schools and leagues so kids who want to play sports still get the chance.

There are plenty of real estate options out there, but working with Yael Hatfield means having an agent who truly puts people first.

Yael is known for her patience, market expertise, and clear communication. Clients often share how she takes the time to explain the process and guide them through big decisions, whether it’s a first home, a relocation, or a long-distance purchase.

She’s currently showcasing a new listing at 4324 Spinnaker Cove Lane in Tampa.

This 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath waterfront townhome offers 2,540 sq ft, a gated community, pool, boat dock, and bay access.

Offered at $560,000 recently dropped by $15k.

Yael Hatfield, Realtor®
Keller Williams Tampa Properties
📞 727.771.5474
📧 [email protected]
🌐 YaelHatfield.kw.com
📍 5020 W. Linebaugh Ave #100, Tampa, FL 33624

Chipotle Opens New Lutz Location

Looks like another quick lunch and dinner option just landed in Lutz.

Chipotle Mexican Grill opened a new restaurant March 2 at 17995 N. Dale Mabry Highway. The location includes a Chipotlane, a drive-thru pickup lane designed specifically for mobile and online orders, making it easy to grab your food without leaving the car.

The restaurant is open daily from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is currently hiring about 30 employees as the new location gets fully staffed. If you’re someone who orders ahead on the app, this setup should make those quick burrito runs even easier.

Pasco County Animal Services Presents: Onyx

Onyx (A038039) is a 3-year old black + white neutered mixed breed. Onyx is the life of the party – he’s a friendly pup who could use a liiiiittle training to learn manners. But, he’s really made strides while here at the shelter. Onyx is a champ at playgroup – this is where his playful personality shines. He gets along well with the rowdy play style pups, and Onyx is the kind of dog who is eager to learn. Come meet this social guy!

Pasco County Animal Services
19640 Dogpatch Lane
Land O Lakes, FL 34638
Tues - Thurs 12-5:30pm
Fri - Sat 12-6:30pm
(813) 929-1212
MyPasco.net/PAS

Also, there’s a big event coming up. Big hearts, mark your calendars. 🐾 Pasco County is coming together for a massive one-day adoption event you won’t want to miss.

Pasco Mega Adoption Event
🗓 Saturday, March 14 | 10 am to 6 pm
📍 Pasco County Fairgrounds, Dade City

• Dozens of adoptable pets from shelters and rescue partners across Pasco
• Vendors and food trucks on site
• Live broadcast from Hits 106 from 1 to 3 pm

If you’ve been thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, this might be the perfect day to do it.

A Huge Thank You to our wonderful local partners!

Taste of Carrollwood Draws Big Crowds

This was one of our highlights last weekend, and sure enough the Tampa Beacon was there to capture it.

The Taste of Carrollwood returned March 1 at Carrollwood Village Park, and the crowds showed up again. The Carrollwood Area Business Association sold 2,047 wristbands for $5, giving attendees unlimited samples from dozens of local restaurants and vendors.

There were long lines for spots like Chicken Salad Chick, Everglazed donuts, and New York New York Pizza, while families enjoyed scavenger hunts, cooling stations, and photos with Star Wars characters. Organizers say the event keeps growing every year.

Water Shortage Triggers New Restrictions

We haven’t exactly been getting our fair share of rain here in Florida lately. Hopefully that changes soon, especially now that we’re about to reset the clocks and the dog will start staring at the one above the entertainment center wondering why dinner suddenly moved.

In the meantime, water is becoming a real concern around Tampa Bay. The region has moved into a Phase 3 extreme water shortage, one of the worst drought conditions in about 50 years, and residents across Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties are limited to watering lawns just one day per week.

The Alafia River currently can’t be used as a water source because flows are too low, and the region is roughly 12 inches below normal rainfall over the past year. Drinking water is still stable, but cutting back now helps stretch supplies through the dry season.

Old Tires Love Florida Rainwater

Speaking of water lately, here’s another thing worth knowing.

If you’ve got old tires sitting around the yard or garage, next week is a good chance to get rid of them.

Pasco County Mosquito Control is hosting a free tire drop-off week from March 16 through March 20 to help eliminate mosquito breeding spots. Old tires easily collect rainwater, which quickly turns into the perfect place for mosquitoes to multiply.

Pasco residents can bring tires to designated drop-off locations during the week. Loads must be residential only, tires cannot have rims, and you’ll need photo ID showing Pasco residency.

Science After Dark At MOSI

Parents, this might be one to bookmark for a night out without the kids.

MOSI is hosting Science After Dark, an adults-only event on April 10 at 6 p.m. at the Museum of Science & Innovation on Fowler Avenue. The evening includes hands-on science experiments, food and drink samples, liquid nitrogen ice cream demonstrations, and access to the Saunders Planetarium & Digital Dome Theatre.

The event is 18+, with 21+ required for alcohol, and tickets are already on sale online. Buying in advance saves $5, and samples are available while supplies last.

I hope this answers the question, “What is there to do around town without having to drive down to Tampa?”

If you’re looking for everything happening around town, the full Community Calendar is still the best place to go. Or, you can find the full list here.

Street Bash: Spring Fling Night Market

Friday, March 13 | 5:00 PM
Dade City

A lively spring block party in downtown Dade City featuring vendors, food trucks, live music, a kid zone, and a wet-zone so you can stroll the street with a drink while you shop.

Kids Market at Carrollwood Market

Saturday, March 14 | 10:00 AM
Carrollwood

Young entrepreneurs take center stage at the Carrollwood Cultural Center’s monthly market, where kid-run businesses sell crafts and treats alongside 50+ local vendors, live music, and food.

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

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