🛑 Traffic Relief x2: Van Dyke and Collier Upgrades

Together With

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

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Good Morning From Lutz. It’s Friday, and the weekend’s so close you can taste it. But instead of fireworks in Zephyrhills, imagine spending a few hours digging through trash and finding an $80,000 lottery ticket. That’s exactly what happened to a Kentucky woman who rescued her winning scratch-off from the garbage.

I’m going to assume you’ll pass on trash rummaging.

So, here’s what to expect in your local Friday Fix:

💼 High schoolers earning real-world finance credentials this summer
🚧 Major Van Dyke Road upgrades (and that wild “infinity roundabout”)
🛍️ Patel Brothers grocery store breaking ground near Lexington Oaks

Please feel free to reply to this email with your anticipated plans for July 4th. I’ll be compiling a list and don’t want to miss anything. Or just reply and say hi, we are neighbors, after all. We also post extra local finds on Instagram.

Send this to your friend who takes fireworks just seriously enough to still have eyebrows.

“Schedule” view makes the calendar easier and everything is listed down below as well.

Digest

Teens Earn Financial Counselor Certifications, Start Summer Internships at Achieva
I think curriculums have improved since I was in high school. Four standout students from Angeline Academy of Innovation just became Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors After months of studying and passing a rigorous 100-question exam, they’re now interning at Achieva Credit Union branches in Land O’ Lakes, Odessa, and New Port Richey.

They’ll spend the summer helping customers with budgeting, saving, and financial planning, while learning real-world skills in banking and customer service. It’s part of a unique partnership led by teacher Chad Mallo.

Together with Harbourside!

Located just two blocks across the street from the beach, this welcoming resort is the perfect coastal getaway. Guests can enjoy easy beach access during the day and return to comfort in the evening. While the sound of waves may be faint, the ocean breeze still adds a refreshing touch.

One of the resort’s highlights is the relaxing lazy river, where visitors can float peacefully under the sun. The rooms are clean, spacious, and designed for comfort after a long day by the sea. Dining options nearby and friendly staff make the stay even more enjoyable.

Whether you're here for a family vacation or a quick weekend escape, the resort offers a laid-back, beachside experience without the crowds or the high price tag.

Call Katherine directly @ (615) 430-1919

Civic News

Collier Parkway Extension Could Ease Strain on Historic Ehren Cutoff
Pasco County is moving forward with plans to extend Collier Parkway 3.5 miles north to State Road 52. Engineers are studying three potential routes, all designed to include four lanes, bike lanes, sidewalks, and a multi-use path. A major focus is realigning the awkward intersection at Ehren Cutoff, which now poses safety issues due to limited visibility and heavy industrial traffic.

Ehren Cutoff began as a rural timber route serving the old sawmill town of Ehren. Today, it’s handling nearly 14,000 vehicles a day, which is far more than it was built for. The extension would provide much-needed relief while navigating floodplain and wetland impacts, all as part of Pasco’s long-term plan for smarter, safer growth.

Progress on Van Dyke Road Widening as Community Support Builds
We’ve mentioned it before, and now real movement is happening. Hillsborough County is advancing plans to widen and improve a 3.5-mile stretch of Van Dyke Road from Whirley Road to Tobacco Road. The $138 million project would expand portions to four lanes, add multi-use trails, and introduce two roundabouts, including a unique “infinity-shaped” (basically two circular roundabouts merged together) design near Grace Family Church.

Reports of this project go back as far as 2019, and it’s clear why. As someone who lives nearby, I can confirm the backups during rush hour are real, especially without the additional lanes. Residents are backing the plan, calling Van Dyke increasingly unsafe and congested. It’s also a vital route for major destinations like St. Joseph’s Hospital North. Locals are asking for added traffic lights at side road exits, and the county is still gathering community input through June 27.

Community

Retail Buzz in Wesley Chapel: Patel Brothers + More Coming to Lexington Oaks Crossing
Thanks to some sharp detective work from Neighborhood News, we’ve got the scoop on a major retail addition near 26871 Wesley Chapel Blvd, right across from Westbrook Estates. A brand-new Patel Brothers (the largest Indian grocery chain in the U.S.) is set to break ground by the end of the year. The plaza, Lexington Oaks Crossing, will also include a coffee shop, pizza spot, sandwich shop, smoothie café, pet hospital, and medical/dental offices.

It’s a big win for nearby neighborhoods like Sentosa Lexington Oaks and the Lexington Oaks golf community, adding walkable access to global groceries, local eats, and essential services.

Tampa Bay Makes “Top Cities People Are Leaving” List for the First Time
With all the growth we’ve seen lately, this one caught us off guard. A new PODS report ranks Tampa Bay No. 16 among U.S. cities with the most move-outs in 2025—a first for the area. One of the main reasons cited was hurricane concerns. After the past couple of seasons, it’s understandable, though not long ago, our storm track record was actually a draw for new residents.

Movers say top destinations include North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. That’s surprising too, considering those states have had their own share of major storms over the past decade.

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.

Featured Event

Live Music

Friday, June 27

Art’s Tap House, Trinity | Mark Anthony Band | 8 – 11 PM
Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Jaded | 8 – 11:59 PM
Dade City Brew House, Dade City | Joey Foley Duo | 7 – 11 PM
Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Brandon Marshall | 7:30 – 10:30 PM
Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Daniel Sprouse | 7 – 11 PM
In the Loop Brewing, Land O’ Lakes | LosDos Hybrid Acoustic Duo | 6 – 9 PM
Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | R&B Night w/ Mike Clark Jr | 7 – 11 PM
Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | J2 Duo | 8 – 11:59 PM
Pete’s Place North, Tampa | Sunny Situation | 7 – 11 PM
Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind | 8 – 11:59 PM
SouthernEaze Bar and Grill, Lutz | The Unwinding | 6:30 – 9:30 PM
Starkey Market, Trinity | Matt Knabe | 6 – 9 PM
Stonewater Bar and Grill, Land O’ Lakes | David Potts Duo | 7 – 10 PM
The Orpheum, Tampa | KPop Rave | 9 – 11:59 PM
The Tiki Cove, Land O’ Lakes | Wesley Wilson | 7 – 10 PM
The Twisted Oak, Dade City | John Johnson | 8 – 11 PM
Thomas P’s Sports Bar, Citrus Park | Markus Lee | 4 – 7 PM
Tom’s Tavern, Tampa | Michael Maverick | 8 – 11 PM
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Dueling Pianos | 7 – 11 PM
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Fat Tractor | 7:30 – 10:30 PM
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, Lutz | Patrick Foy | 6 – 10 PM

Saturday, June 28

Art’s Tap House, Trinity | Phoenix 5 | 8 – 11:59 PM
Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | JT Curtis & the Florida Scoundrels | 8 – 11:59 PM
Carrollwood Cultural Center, Tampa | Snowblind: A Black Sabbath Tribute | 7:30 – 9:30 PM
Commandough's Pizza, Zephyrhills | Tommy Keys | 5 – 8 PM
Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Kyle Velez | 7:30 – 10:30 PM
Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Moonshine Abby | 7 – 11 PM
House of Brews, Lutz | Brack Harris | 6:30 – 9:30 PM
O'Brien's Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | Matthew Dallas | 8 – 11:59 PM
Pete’s Place North, Tampa | Bad Chameleon | 7 – 11 PM
Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Van Ave | 8 – 11:59 PM
SouthernEaze Bar and Grill, Lutz | OMG | 6:30 – 9:30 PM
Starkey Market, Trinity | Jariah Higgins | 6 – 7 PM
Stonewater Bar and Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Girl Jupiter | 7 – 10 PM
The Tiki Cove, Land O’ Lakes | The Mojo Man | 7 – 10 PM
The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Emmet Stevens Jr | 8 – 11 PM
Thomas P’s Sports Bar, Citrus Park | Alan Rizzo | 4 – 7 PM
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Billy and Elton Tribute Night | 7 – 11 PM
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Shane Gang | 7:30 – 10:30 PM

Sunday, June 29

Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | The Classics w/ Wayne & Joey | 4 – 8 PM
Pete’s Place North, Tampa | Markus Lee | 2 – 6 PM
Pincher’s, Wesley Chapel | Josh Austin | 1 – 5 PM
Starkey Market, Trinity | Kris Mikhel | 1 – 4 PM
Stonewater Bar and Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Union West | 4 – 7 PM
Thomas P’s Sports Bar, Citrus Park | Chris Dupre | 1 – 5 PM
Tom’s Tavern, Tampa | Blue’s Benefit | 2 – 6 PM
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Brunch Dueling Pianos | 11 AM – 2 PM
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Phase III | 4:30 – 7:30 PM

Tuesday, July 1

Double Bogeys Tavern, Lutz | Open Mic w/ Fred Chandler | 7 – 10 PM

Markets

Friday, June 27

The Hub at Bexley, Land O’ Lakes | Friday Night Moonlight Market | 5 – 9 PM

Saturday, June 28

Bexley Lawn, Land O’ Lakes | Bexley Market on the Lawn | 5 - 8 PM

Events | Trivia | Karaoke

Friday, June 27

Commandough’s Pizza, Zephyrhills | Karaoke | 7 – 10:30 PM
Rice n Beans Puerto Rico, Wesley Chapel | Party En El Patio | 8 – 11:59 PM
Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Tommy Brennan | 7:30 – 9:15 PM
Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Tommy Brennan | 9:30 – 11:15 PM

Saturday, June 28

Beef 'O' Brady’s, Wesley Chapel | Survey Says | 6 – 8 PM
Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Latin Night w/ DJ Neko | 7 – 11 PM
Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Tommy Brennan | 7 – 8:45 PM
Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Tommy Brennan | 9:30 – 11:15 PM
Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, Odessa | Family Day | 10 AM – 1 PM
The Grove 16, Wesley Chapel | F1 Car Show | 12 – 3 PM
Tom’s Tavern, Tampa | Karaoke | 8 – 11 PM
Vision Ace Hardware, Odessa | Red, White & Blue BBQ Party | 11 AM – 2 PM
Walmart Supercenter, Wesley Chapel | Children’s Miracle Network Car Show | 8 – 11 AM
Waterplay at Zephyr Park, Zephyrhills | 10th Annual Zephyrhills Summerfest Fireworks | 2 – 9:30 PM

Sunday, June 29

Carrollwood Cultural Center, Tampa | Walk on By: The Music of Burt Bacharach | 2 – 4 PM

Monday, June 30

Carrollwood Players, Tampa | The Completely Unauthorized Sketch Comedy Troupe – Open Auditions | 7 – 9 PM
Dade City Brew House, Dade City | Trivia w/ Shelby | 7 – 10 PM
Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Soul Line Dancing | 7 – 9 PM

Tuesday, July 1

Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Wesley Chapel | Trivia – The Office | 7 – 9 PM
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, Wesley Chapel | Trivia | 7 – 9 PM

We’ll be on Instagram with updates wherever we end up. Feel free to DM us to let us know we’ve forgotten a venue.

Thanks for reading the North Tampa Buzzletter! I’ll see you Tuesday!

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