🐂The Great Carl Escape

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Good morning, neighbor! A runaway bull named Carl caused a bit of excitement in Massachusetts over the weekend. Fire crews and police helped corral the curly-haired escape artist after he wandered onto Route 78, safely returning him to his pasture. Then Carl led you on a safari.

In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:

🍰 Cheesecake Factory Nears Opening
🛍️ Markets Power Local Economy
⛽ New Wawa Planned on SR 52

Reply and share which venue you feel works best for a market in our area. Feel free to follow us on Instagram for more local updates.

Share this with your neighbor who has been testing their fog machine…and ask if I can borrow it.

Check out our very own community calendar! Leave some feedback, we’d love to hear from you👇

If you would like to showcase your brand or event in front of thousands of locals, feel free to reply or reach out through the link above.

Partnering With Selah App

Built by your neighbor in Wesley Chapel.

Discover Selah — Where Faith Meets Fun in Wesley Chapel

Meet Selah, a local app bringing families, youth groups, and trivia lovers together in a whole new way. Imagine the joy of game night mixed with the inspiration of Scripture. Selah turns Bible study into a fast, fun, and friendly challenge for all ages.

Whether you’re relaxing at home, hosting a small group, or joining your church’s fall festival, Selah helps you pause, reflect, and reconnect through play. It’s an uplifting way to learn, laugh, and grow in faith — right alongside your family and friends.

Join hundreds of Wesley Chapel players who are already testing their Bible knowledge and having a blast in the process.

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Selah. Pause and Reflect.

Pasco County Animal Services Presents: Rockie

ROCKIE (A037593) - Rockie is a 4-year old female spayed pittie, weighing 56 pounds and is heartworm negative. She was part of an 8-dog confiscation case a few months ago. Six of the 8 have received placement or adoption – leaving Rockie & her brother Finch still waiting for a home. Rockie is energetic, and sometimes that works against her - she's pretty barky when you approach her kennel. However, Rockie has also been an office foster & she is sweet, loving and walks well on a leash when out of her kennel. While Rockie lived with a pack, we always recommend a meet and greet with any existing dogs within your home.

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

Local Businesses & Restaurants

The Cheesecake Factory Opening at Tampa Premium Outlets

The Cheesecake Factory is opening at Tampa Premium Outlets in Lutz this year. We don’t have an official date yet, but there aren’t too many days left in 2025. The restaurant will feature both indoor and patio seating and that familiar menu of more than 250 dishes and desserts. Make sure you bring your reading glasses for that menu.

It’s expected to open before the year ends, but no exact date has been announced.

New Italian Restaurant Opening in Carrollwood

So we told you it was coming, and now the day is almost here. Just a little south in Carrollwood, Cooper’s Hawk is opening its new Italian concept, Piccolo Buco, on October 20 in the former Macaroni Grill spot on North Dale Mabry. It’s the first Florida location for the brand, which blends Cooper’s Hawk’s wine expertise with the authentic recipes of Rome’s Chef Luca Issa, known for his tall, crown-like Neapolitan pizza crust.

The space has been fully transformed and will feature handcrafted Italian dishes built around simplicity, quality, and perfect wine pairings. For anyone who’s been missing an Italian favorite in that plaza, this might be the one to put on your dinner list.

A New Wawa Coming to SR 52

A new Wawa is planned along State Road 52, just east of I-75 near the Double Branch area. The site plans were recently submitted to Pasco County as development continues to fill in along the busy corridor.

The newer Circle K’s and 7-Elevens around here have stepped things up, but Wawa is still a level above with its made-to-order meals and full convenience setup. No construction timeline has been announced yet.

The correct answer is Milky Way. The fun-size version was first introduced in the 1960s when Mars created smaller bars that were easier to share and perfect for lunchboxes.

Community

Local Markets, Big Impact

You and I alike love these markets, and there are plenty happening right in the heart of our corner of the state. A recent Tampa Bay Business & Wealth report showed just how much these local events matter. Across the region, markets collectively generate millions of dollars in economic activity each year, with one study from the University of Florida finding that a single market day can lead to about $33,000 spent with local vendors and another $177,000 at nearby shops and restaurants.

Beyond the sales numbers, markets serve as launchpads for small businesses and community connections. They give makers, farmers, and food vendors a place to test ideas, meet new customers, and keep money circulating close to home. Every handmade item you buy helps strengthen the local economy and support the people who make our community unique.

Events North of Tampa

If you have an upcoming event you'd like us to feature at the top of the newsletter, just let us know. You can also drop any suggestions or thoughts in the comment section below the calendar.

If you run into any trouble with the new calendar, the legacy version is included below as a backup.

Live Music

Tuesday, October 14

• Green Parrot Tiki Bar & Grill, Tampa | Michael Maverick | 6–9 PM
• Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Open Mic Night | 7–10 PM
• Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Open Mic w/ Fred Chandler | 7–10 PM

Wednesday, October 15

• Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Jamie O | 6:30–10 PM
• The Orpheum, Tampa | Mind’s Eye x Hot Flash Heat Wave | 7–11 PM
• The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Open Mic | 7–10 PM
• Tom’s Tavern, Tampa | Open Mic w/ Fred Chandler | 7–10 PM

Thursday, October 16

• Tom’s Tavern, Tampa | Open Mic w/ Fred Chandler | 7–10 PM

Friday, October 17

• Art’s Tap House, Trinity | Remedy | 8–11:59 PM
• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Whiskey Sonic | 8–11:59 PM
• Cigars International Superstore, Lutz | Live Music | 8–11:45 PM
• Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Emmet Stevens Jr. | 7–11 PM
• Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Moonshine Abby | 7–11 PM
• Escape Brewing Company, Trinity | Stick & Ditty | 7–10 PM
• Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Wesley Chapel | Matt Capps | 7–10 PM
• Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | Ben Meyer Band | 4–7 PM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Wesley Chapel | Captain Johnston | 8–11:59 PM
• Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Van Ave | 8 PM ($10/15)
• SouthernEaze Bar and Grill, Lutz | Jeff Odell | 6:30–9:30 PM
• Starkey Market, Trinity | Gone Coastal Oktoberfest | 6–9 PM
• The Brass Tap, Lutz | Live Music TBA | 7–10 PM
• The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | Caribbean Chillers Concert | 7–9 PM
• The Twisted Oak, Dade City | 13 Floors Below | 7–11:59 PM
• Tom’s Tavern, Tampa | The Shane Gang | 8–11:59 PM
• Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Fat Tractor | 7:30–10:30 PM

Markets

Friday, October 17

• Dade City Brew House, Dade City | Street Bash Night Market | 5–9 PM
• The Collective at Escape, Trinity | Haunted Collective Market | 6–10 PM

Saturday, October 18

• Farm at Bearss Groves, Tampa | Makers Market at Bearss Groves | 9 AM–1 PM
• Carrollwood Cultural Center, Tampa | Fall Fest | 10 AM–5 PM
• Hilton Garden Inn, Lutz | Harvest Handmade Market | 10 AM–3 PM
• The Grove at Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Fresh Market | 10 AM–2 PM
• Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Spooktacular Trick or Treating & Market | 5–9 PM

Events

Tuesday, October 14

• Main Theatre, Tampa | Florida Treasures | 10:45 AM–12 PM
• Hope City Church, Land O’ Lakes | Pumpkin Patch | 11 AM–7 PM
• Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Kids Night | 5:30–8:30 PM
• The Brass Tap, Lutz | Chunky Knit Pumpkins | 6:30–8:30 PM
• Hyatt Place, Lutz | Women Impact Network | 6:30–8:30 PM
• Starkey Market, Trinity | Drum Circle | 7–10 PM
• Cigars International Superstore, Lutz | Line Dancing w/ Simone | 7–9 PM
• Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Trivia and Taco Tuesday | 7–9 PM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | Trivia w/ Tucker | 7–9 PM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | Trivia w/ Dang Yo | 7:30–10:30 PM
• Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Pool Tournament w/ Karaoke | 9–11 PM

Wednesday, October 15

• Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, Land O’ Lakes | Line Dancing ($2) | 10–11:30 AM
• Hope City Church, Land O’ Lakes | Pumpkin Patch | 11 AM–7 PM
• Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Wesley Chapel | Got Jokes | 6:30–9 PM
• The Cozy Collective Studio, Dade City | Petals & Pumpkins | 6:30–7:30 PM
• Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Line Dancing w/ Grace | 7–9 PM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | Line Dancing w/ Simone | 7–9 PM
• Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Trivia | 7–9 PM
• House of Brews, Lutz | Trivia | 7–9 PM
• Top Shelf Sports Lounge, Wesley Chapel | Trivia | 7:30–9:30 PM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | Karaoke w/ Shaun Babb | 8–11 PM

Thursday, October 16

• Hope City Church, Land O’ Lakes | Pumpkin Patch | 11 AM–7 PM
• Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Wesley Chapel | Veterans Beer Club Tampa | 5–8 PM
• Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Throwback Thursday | 6–9 PM
• BayScape Bistro, Tampa | Trivia Night | 6:30–8:30 PM
• Art’s Tap House, New Port Richey | Karaoke w/ DJ TerryHD | 7–11 PM
• Commandough’s Pizza, Zephyrhills | Trivia | 7–10:30 PM
• Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Cornhole Tournament | 7–10 PM
• Bubba’s 33, Wesley Chapel | Trivia | 7–10 PM
• The Barn at Starkey Market, New Port Richey | Trivia | 7–9 PM
• Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Trivia | 7–9 PM
• The Collective at Escape, Trinity | Trivia | 7–9 PM
• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Line Dance Lessons / Ladies Night | 7:30–11 PM
• Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Karaoke | 7:30–10:30 PM
• Zephyrhills Brewing Company, Zephyrhills | Trivia | 7:30–9:30 PM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | Karaoke w/ Joe | 8–11:59 PM
• Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Todd Royce ($) | 8–9:45 PM

Friday, October 17

• Florida Farm School & Animal Rescue, Dade City | Toddler Time | 10:30 AM–12 PM
• Hope City Church, Land O’ Lakes | Pumpkin Patch | 11 AM–7 PM
• The Grove 16, Wesley Chapel | Senior Social (50+) | 3–5 PM
• Starkey Market, Trinity | 4th Annual Oktoberfest ($) | 5–9 PM
• Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Dueling Pianos | 7–11 PM
• Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Keepin’ It Country Night | 7–11 PM
• Commandough’s Pizza, Zephyrhills | Karaoke | 7–10:30 PM
• Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Todd Royce ($) | 7:30–9:15 PM
• Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Todd Royce ($) | 9:30–11:15 PM

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

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