🌞 This Weekend Is Packed With Events!

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Good Morning Neighbors.

Naturally, the rain comes on the weekend when it just as well could have come during the week. With a cold front coming in, maybe it’s just time to settle into the Christmas spirit.

There are plenty of opportunities to see Santa this weekend and a darn near absurd amount of markets.

Stay warm, stay dry, and have a great weekend!

-Mike

In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:

📚 Pasco volunteers deliver hundreds of books on Giving Tuesday
🏗️ Whole Foods–anchored Wesley Chapel Station officially breaks ground
🧸 Kiddie Academy prepares to open in Land O’ Lakes this January
🏈 Carrollwood Day heads into Friday’s playoff showdown at 12–0
🏡 Pasco County opens housing aid applications for storm-affected residents

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

Share this with the dad who definitely would have gotten his son the Red Ryder BB Gun.

Nice work on Tuesday’s “trivia” question, if we can even call it that. Out of 163 voters, 139 of you correctly picked Max as the Grinch’s loyal sidekick.

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

Digest

Pasco Volunteers Deliver Hundreds of Books on Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday turned into a celebration of reading at Chester Taylor Elementary in Zephyrhills, where volunteers from Friends of the Library dropped off hundreds of donated books for students. Some of the titles will find a home on the shelves, while many will go straight into kids’ hands, a small but powerful boost for early literacy across Pasco. Volunteers say the joy in the students’ faces makes every hour of sorting and delivering worthwhile.

Friends of the Library groups support branches countywide through book sales, events, and year-round donation efforts, helping fund everything from early learning programs to author visits. Donated books are accepted at all Pasco County library locations and are either added to library collections, shared with families in need, or sold to raise money for community literacy projects. (More pictures here)

If you’d like to help or donate books, you can learn more at pascolibrariesfriends.com or through the Pasco County Library Cooperative at pascolibraries.org.

Businesses and Development

Whole Foods–Anchored Wesley Chapel Station Breaks Ground

We’ve touched on this before, but here’s a quick update from the Tampa Beacon on the mixed-use center taking shape in Wesley Chapel.

Construction is officially underway on Wesley Chapel Station, the new center anchored by a long-awaited Whole Foods at Bruce B. Downs and Aronwood. The 76,000-square-foot project will feature a mix of food, wellness, and everyday services, with early tenants including PopUp Bagels, Naked Farmer, CAVA, Tox Wesley Chapel, a vet clinic, and a nail salon.

The first wave of openings is expected in spring or summer of 2027, bringing a fresh dining and shopping hub to one of the fastest-growing corners of Wesley Chapel.

Kiddie Academy of Land O’ Lakes Opening in January

A brand-new Kiddie Academy is getting ready to open in Land O’ Lakes this January, bringing a state-of-the-art early learning center for children ages 6 weeks to 4 years old. The school features live video for parents, a full sign language curriculum, a splash pad, family-style dining, and safety tech like the ZONO sanitizing cabinet.

They are currently running a December enrollment promotion for families who sign up early. If you have been looking for childcare with strong communication, modern facilities, and a focus on cognitive, social, and emotional development, Kiddie Academy will be joining the neighborhood very soon.

Community

Carrollwood Day Takes Its 12–0 Run to Friday’s Playoff Showdown

Carrollwood Day is still undefeated at 12-0 and remains our only local team standing in the high school football playoffs. They hit the road this week for a huge matchup against Cardinal Newman, kicking off Friday at 7 p.m. in West Palm Beach. It’s a rematch of their 2024 meeting, and with a spot on the line and an unbeaten season to protect, the Patriots will look to keep the momentum rolling.

Quick Reminder: Pasco County Housing Aid Now Open

Pasco County is now accepting applications for its Better Future Individual Housing Program, which helps residents repair, rebuild, or replace homes damaged by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton. If you or someone you know is still dealing with storm damage, this is a good chance to get real assistance.

You can apply online anytime, but the county is also holding in-person application events across Pasco for anyone who prefers one-on-one help.

In-Person Application Locations & Times:

Friday, Dec 5
• 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. — West Pasco Government Center (Board Room), New Port Richey

Monday, Dec 8
• 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. — Historic Pasco County Courthouse, Dade City

Tuesday, Dec 9
• 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. — Alice Hall Community Center, Zephyrhills
• 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. — Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, Land O’ Lakes

Thursday, Dec 11
• 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. — J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex, Holiday

More details and the online application link:
https://www.pascocountyfl.gov/government/better_future.php

Events North of Tampa

Each newsletter comes loaded with local events to help answer the question we all ask at some point: “What can we do this week without driving to downtown Tampa?”

⭐ Feature Event: Pajama Jam at Escape Brewing

Pajama Jam is back this Saturday from 6–10 PM at Escape Brewing Company in Trinity, and it’s one of the most festive (and comfortable) holiday traditions around. Come in your coziest pajamas, enjoy craft beer and light bites, and help support two great local causes with a toy drive and silent raffle. It’s a fun, laid-back way to slip into the holiday spirit.

What to Expect:

• 🎁 Toy Drive benefiting Metropolitan Ministries

• 🎶 Live DJ and festive vibes all night

• 🍺 Craft beers & light bites from Escape Brewing

• 🧸 Silent raffle supporting the Empower Foundation

• 👘 Holiday pajamas encouraged (the comfier, the better)

• 🕕 Saturday, 6–10 PM at Escape Brewing Company, Trinity

Live Music

Friday, December 5

• Art’s Tap House, New Port Richey | TC & Sass | 8–11:59 PM
• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | No Idea Band | 8–11:55 PM
• Brass Mug, Tampa | Dead Things | 6–8 PM
• Brass Tap, Lutz | Live Music TBA | 7–10 PM
• Cigars International Superstore, Lutz | Live Music | 8–11:45 PM
• Collective at Escape, Trinity | Chris Poe | 5–9 PM
• Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Brandon Marshall | 8–11 PM
• Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Moonshine Abby | 7–11 PM
• Florida Cracker Fish Company, Citrus Park | Charles Goodwin | 7–10 PM
• Green Parrot Tiki Bar & Grill, Carrollwood | Buzz Factor | 8–11 PM
• Headbang 80’s (Day 1/2), O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | 9 PM–1 AM
• House of Brews, Lutz | Brack Harris | 7–10 PM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | 3 Foot Circle | 8–11:59 PM
• SouthernEaze Bar & Grill, Lutz | Misty Hall | 6:30–9:30 PM
• Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Maverick/Pasquini | 7–10 PM
• Thomas P’s Sports Bar & Patio, Citrus Park | Jerry Northrup | 5–8 PM
• Tiki Cove, Land O’ Lakes | Double Deez | 7–10 PM
• Twisted Oak, Dade City | Jacob Brown | 8–11 PM
• Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | 4X | 7:30–10:30 PM
• Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Streetwise Tampa Bay | 7–11 PM
• World of Beer, Westchase | Local Live Music | 8–11 PM

Saturday, December 6

• Art’s Tap House, New Port Richey | Jezabelle | 8–11:59 PM
• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | River Junction Band | 8 PM–12 AM
• BarrieHaus Beer Co., Trinity | Dan Riddell | 6–9 PM
• Brass Mug, Tampa | — (This entry had no performer listed. Do you want me to exclude it or label as “Live Music”?)
• Commandough’s Pizza, Zephyrhills | Copperwing Band | 6–9 PM
• Dade City Brew House, Dade City | Forrest McCurren | 7–10 PM
• Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | April Red | 8–11 PM
• Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Karaoke Night | 7–10 PM
• Florida Cracker Fish Company, Citrus Park | Chad Lambert | 7–10 PM
• Latte Vino, Lutz | Open Mic | 7–10 PM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | Headbang 80’s (Day 1/2) | 9 PM–1 AM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | Daniel Sprouse | 8–11:59 PM
• Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Grateful Dead Nite w/ Uncle John’s Band | 8 PM
• SouthernEaze Bar & Grill, Lutz | OMG | 6:30–9:30 PM
• The Orpheum, Tampa | The Spill Canvas & Mae | 7–11 PM
• The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Rearview Mirror | 8–11 PM
• Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Soulyard | 7:30–10:30 PM
• Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, Tampa | Live Music Saturdays | 5–8 PM

Sunday, December 7

• Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Acoustic Sunday Brunch w/ Rev Billy C Wirtz & Marvelous Marvin | 1–4 PM
• Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Gary Coco | 5–8 PM
• The Orpheum, Tampa | Young Culture | 7–11 PM
• Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Jimmy Griswold | 4:30–7:30 PM

Tuesday, December 9

• Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Open Mic Night | 7–10 PM

Markets

Friday, December 5

• That Place Down The Street, Land O’ Lakes | Friday Night Christmas – Free Santa Photos | 5–9 PM
• The Grove at Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | The Market Elaine | 5:30–9:30 PM

Saturday, December 6

• Agnes Lamb Park, Dade City | Historic Downtown Dade City Farmers Market | 10 AM–2 PM
• Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Holiday Downtown Market at Avalon Park | 10 AM–2 PM
• Explore Oldsmar, Oldsmar | Upper Tampa Bay Saturday Market | 9 AM–1 PM
• Farm at Bearss Groves, Tampa | Bearss Groves Artisan Market | 10 AM–2 PM
• Hampton Inn Odessa Trinity, Odessa | Jingle & Mingle Makers Market | 10 AM–3 PM
• Metals and Nature, Plant City | Holiday Sip and Sprout Plant Festival | 9 AM–2 PM
• Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, Dade City | Pioneer Christmas and Vintage Market | 10 AM–4 PM
• Raider Place, Plant City | Plant City Merry Market | 10 AM–3 PM
• Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | Fresh Market | 10 AM–2 PM

Events

Friday, December 5

• BarrieHaus Beer Co., Trinity | 12 Days of Beermas | 12 PM
• Commandough’s Pizza, Zephyrhills | Karaoke | 7–10:30 PM
• Florida Farm School & Animal Rescue, Dade City | Toddler Time | 10:30 AM–12 PM
• Keel Farms, Plant City | Sangria Night | 5–10 PM
• Keel Farms, Plant City | Country Fridays w/ Line Dancing | 6–10 PM
• Mad Dragon Studio, Zephyrhills | Sirius Black Friday | 11 AM–5 PM
• Main Theatre, Tampa | Jazz with Jim | 7:30–9 PM
• Raprager Family Farms, Odessa | Raprager Farms Winter Festival | 4–8 PM
• Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Sal Calanni | 6–7:45 PM
• Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Sal Calanni | 7:30–9:15 PM
• The Hub at Bexley, Land O’ Lakes | Pictures with Santa at Bexley | 5–9 PM
• Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Dueling Pianos | 7–11 PM
• Wesley Chapel – The Grove 16, Wesley Chapel | Senior Social 50+ | 3–5 PM

Saturday, December 6

• AdventHealth Center Ice, Wesley Chapel | Ugly Sweater Public Skate | 5:15–7:15 PM
• AdventHealth Center Ice, Wesley Chapel | 8th Annual Tree Lighting | 6:30–8 PM
• BarrieHaus Beer Co., Trinity | 12 Days of Beermas | 12 PM
• Beef 'O' Brady’s, Land O’ Lakes | Survey Says Trivia Game | 6–8 PM
• Cigars International Superstore, Lutz | Caribbean Night | 8–11:59 PM
• Cornerstone Community Church of Pasco County, New Port Richey | Winter Festival | 4–7 PM
• Escape Brewing Company, Trinity | Pajama Jam | 6–10 PM
• Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Brunch | 8 AM–2 PM
• Keel Farms, Plant City | Lutz Arts & Crafts Show | 10 AM–4 PM
• Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Ladies Night Out | 7–11 PM
• Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club, Dade City | 19th Annual 5K Reindeer Run | 7–9 AM
• Latte Vino, Lutz | Santa Claus Is Coming to Latte Vino | 12–3 PM
• Main Street Zephyrhills | Festival of Lights | 4–9 PM
• Park at Carrollwood Cultural Center, Tampa | Holiday Village | 11 AM–6 PM
• Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, Dade City | 13th Annual Corey Gillette Toys for Tots Mudfest | 10 AM–9 PM
• Raprager Family Farms, Odessa | Raprager Farms Winter Festival | 10 AM–8 PM
• Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Sal Calanni | 9:30–11:15 PM
• St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Dade City | Cookies with Santa | 3–5 PM
• Tampa Premium Outlets, Lutz | Stuff Your Stocking Drive Thru | 9 AM–12 PM
• The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | Fresh Market | 10 AM–2 PM
• Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Dueling Pianos | 7–11 PM
• Upper Tampa Bay Market, Oldsmar | Upper Tampa Bay Saturday Market | 9 AM–1 PM
• Wilderness Park Trout Creek, Thonotosassa | Group Run and Hike | 9 AM–12 PM

Sunday, December 7

• Agnes Lamb Park, Dade City | Breathe and Stretch Yoga | 1–2 PM
• Avalon Stables, Lutz | Avalon Family Charities Annual Horseshow | 10 AM–4 PM
• Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Snow Queen Ballet | 4–7 PM
• Cigars International Superstore, Lutz | Kevin's Car, Truck and Jeep Show | 11 AM–3 PM
• Dade City Farms, Dade City | Christmas on the Farm | 2–8 PM
• Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Brunch | 8 AM–2 PM
• Grace Family Church, Lutz | Free Movie Night | 5–7 PM
• Keystone Prep High School, Odessa | Lutz Arts and Crafts Show | 10 AM–3 PM
• Main Theatre, Tampa | Holiday Concert with New Horizons | 2–3:30 PM
• Main Theatre, Tampa | Holiday Concert with New Horizons | 2–3:30 PM
• Raprager Family Farms, Odessa | Raprager Farms Winter Festival | 10 AM–7 PM

Monday, December 8

• Dade City Brew House, Dade City | Trivia | 7–9 PM
• Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory, Odessa | Trivia Night | 6:30–8:30 PM

Tuesday, December 9

• Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Kids Night | 5:30–8:30 PM
• Hyatt Place Tampa Wesley Chapel, Lutz | Women Impact Network | 6:30–8:30 PM
• Main Theatre, Tampa | Snow Queen (Sold Out) | 10:45 AM–12 PM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | Trivia with Tucker | 7–9 PM
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Grill, Wesley Chapel | Trivia with Dang Yo | 7:30–10:30 PM
• Starkey Market, Trinity | Drum Circle | 7–10 PM
• Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Trivia and Taco Tuesday | 7–9 PM
• The Wexford Irish Pub and Grille, Lutz | Trivia Night | 7–9 PM
• Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Pool Tournament with Karaoke | 9–11 PM

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

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