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Good Morning From Lutz,

The World Baseball Classic has come down to the finals, and it’s been nice having meaningful baseball on in March again. Around here, we’ve got spring training in full swing too, especially over at Steinbrenner Field, so baseball season is starting to feel real again.

We’re also getting a bit of that early spring mix this week. Cooler mornings with lows dipping into the 40s, and then warming up during the day. If your car looks like it turned yellow overnight, you’re not alone. Some of them are starting to look like the yellow Power Ranger out there.

There’s a lot happening around town this week, so let’s get into it.

-Mike

In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:

⚾ World Baseball Classic Finals
🛍️ Weekend Markets Around Town
🍝 Olive Garden and Seasons 52
🐶 Sweet Shelter Dog Virosa

…and more!

Access local events three different ways:

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

Main Events

Events we’re keeping an eye on this week.

Yuengling Draft Haus Night Market
Yuengling Tampa
Friday, March 20 | 6:00–10:00 PM

Over 60 local vendors, food, and drinks set up in the courtyard at Yuengling Draft Haus. Easy Friday night spot to walk around, grab a drink, and check out local businesses.

Under the Oaks Night Market
Under the Oaks Event Venue
Saturday, March 21 | 5:00–8:00 PM

A laid-back night market under the trees with local vendors, food, handcrafted goods, and wellness-focused booths. Easy spot to stroll, grab something to eat, and hang out for a bit.

Sunday Harvest Market at The Grove
Grove at Wesley Chapel
Sunday, March 22 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

One of the bigger local markets with 100+ vendors set up near The Krates. You’ll find everything from fresh produce and baked goods to clothing, home décor, and handmade items, plus it’s free to get in and park.

Easy Sunday stop if you just want to walk around, grab a few things, and support local vendors.

Which one’s hitting you the most right now?

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Highlight

Olive Garden + Seasons 52 Coming

We’ve got a ton of great local spots already, and now a couple more familiar names are on the way. Olive Garden and Seasons 52 are both planned for the new Gateway Plaza at Wesley Chapel Blvd. and Gateway Blvd., where construction is already underway.

The project will also include a dental office, and it adds two more Darden brands to the area’s growing restaurant lineup. There’s also ongoing speculation about what will replace Bahama Breeze nearby, with Yard House currently rumored but not confirmed.

New Airport Shuttles Now Running

There’s a lot going on with TSA right now, but at least TPA is still working for us. The airport just rolled out new “Blue Shuttles” at Airsides A and C starting March 13.

The rides will feel familiar, but everything behind the scenes is upgraded, including new tech, smoother systems, better lighting, and info screens. The older shuttles will keep running through early April during spring break before being phased out.

Together with

Tampa Tarpons

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Dive into fan-favorites like explosive Friday Fireworks, on-field Sunday Batting Practice, Brunch & Baseball, and beloved $2 Tail Waggin' Tuesdays—$2 tickets and pup-friendly fun!

Cheer on future Yankees stars—grab your Season Tickets or Mini Plan today and make 2026 epic!

Local Highlights

Naked Farmer Coming to Wesley Chapel

Not opening anytime soon, but this is one to keep in the back of your mind. Naked Farmer is planning a Wesley Chapel location, with an expected opening in early 2027.

It’s a fast-casual, farm-to-table restaurant that focuses on meals made with locally sourced ingredients. Think fresh, seasonal bowls and plates with a healthier, made-from-scratch approach. It’ll add another solid everyday dining option once it arrives.

Local Bulletin

A Huge Thank You to our wonderful local partners!

Community

Why Families Keep Choosing Pasco

You can really feel how fast this area is changing, and this article puts some numbers behind it. Pasco County’s population grew 15 percent over the last five years, and nearly 200,000 people have moved in over the last decade, with local leaders pointing to quality of life as a big reason why.

A lot of that growth is being driven by families and young professionals looking for newer homes, master-planned communities, and more space. The article also points to places like Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, and Dade City as communities that have grown beyond being just commuter towns for Tampa.

It also highlights why so many people keep landing here: new construction, relatively lower home prices, growing health care access, shopping, sports facilities, and major lifestyle amenities like Center Ice and the lagoon communities. In other words, more people around the country are noticing what locals here have already been seeing.

Burn Ban Still in Effect Locally

We did get a little rain the past couple days, but it hasn’t been enough to change the bigger picture. Hillsborough County has extended its emergency burn ban for the ninth straight week as dry conditions and wildfire risk remain high.

That means no outdoor burning, including fire pits, fireworks, or sparklers. Grilling is still okay as long as it’s contained and attended. The order lasts up to seven days at a time but can keep getting extended if conditions don’t improve.

Section 8 Waitlist Opening Soon

If you or someone you know has been trying to find more affordable housing options, this could be worth paying attention to. The Pasco County Housing Authority is opening its waitlist for Section 8 housing vouchers.

These vouchers help eligible residents cover a portion of their rent, but spots are limited and typically fill up quickly once the list opens.

Pasco County Animal Services Presents: Virosa

Virosa (A043966) is a 4 year old gray female spayed mixed breed who is unbelievably sweet, especially considering her backstory. She was left behind at a motel – abandoned by her owner. Since arriving at the shelter, Virosa has been an office foster. She relaxes in her bed, is potty trained, takes treats gently, and knows commands like “sit.” Vivi also walks calmly on a leash. She would make a great addition to a home where she can get snuggles & walks!

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

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