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Good Morning Neighbors.
It looks like the weather will be nice for Christmas and there are plenty of opportunities still to see Santa. Be sure to check out some light shows, light displays and enjoy your family time.
Quick reminder there will not be a Friday edition of NTB this week. We will be back Tuesday. Merry Christmas!
-Mike
In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:
🏡 Tunnel to Towers Expands Its Village in Land O’ Lakes
🍗 Bonchon Brings Full-Service Korean Fried Chicken to Wesley Chapel
🌿 Bearss Groves Market Pauses While New Plans Take Shape
🎄 Christmas Town Continues at Busch Gardens
Feel free to follow us on Instagram for more local updates.
Share this with that family member who cooks your favorite dish every year!
Ralphie's dad in, A Christmas Story, wins an award. What is it?
Friday’s Christmas trivia question asked what the Grinch wins during the Whoville Holiday Cheermeister competition in How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). The correct answer was a shaving kit, which received 42 out of 85 votes (49.41%). The other answers were more evenly split: a box of lights received 17 votes (20.00%), a wreath had 16 votes (18.82%), and a car came in last with 10 votes (11.76%).
Check out our community calendar and leave some feedback. We’d love to hear from you 👇
Digest
Tunnel to Towers Opens New Amenity Center at Let Us Do Good Village
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has opened a new 21,000 square foot amenity center at Let Us Do Good Village in Land O’ Lakes, expanding the first-of-its-kind community built for injured veterans, Gold Star families, and first responders. The new center is designed to bring residents together and provide accessible spaces for recreation, therapy, and everyday connection.
Source: Fox 13 News
Amenities include an ADA-accessible swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, playground, basketball and pickleball courts, fitness center, movie theater, game room, business center, and physical therapy space. Foundation CEO Frank Siller said the goal is to create a place that helps families heal, connect, and find joy after loss, especially for children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.
The Let Us Do Good Village has already completed more than 40 homes, with a long-term goal of building 100 mortgage-free homes for qualifying families. The new amenity center is expected to serve as a central gathering space for residents for years to come.
P.S. If you’d like to partner up to reach 12,500+ local, engaged families, let’s talk. You can also email me at [email protected]
Local Business
Bonchon Is Going Full Service in Wesley Chapel
Some unique new cuisines have opened up around town recently. Bonchon is next with a new full-service Korean fried chicken restaurant in Wesley Chapel, and this one will be different from the fast-casual locations you may already know. The restaurant is planned for 27093 Halter Loop with table service, a full bar including beer, sake, and soju, plus indoor seating and an outdoor patio. They’re targeting an April to May opening, with doors opening daily at 11 a.m. and later hours on weekends.
Bojangles is now open!
The new Bojangles on 54 at Sunlake is now open and ready for your order!
Pasco County Animal Services Presents: West
West (A036100) is a 2-year old male tan Staffy, weighing 47 pounds. When West arrived as a stray, he truly was a little unruly outlaw… West was reactive & afraid. He became an office foster, and his personality and behavior bloomed. West went from Wild Bronco to chilling out with PCAS staffers. While West is a good boy, he still has some unbridled energy - West is young and active, so he will thrive in a home that will be able to be sure he gets exercise & play time. He has participated in small play groups with other dogs, too.
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
Community
Bearss Groves Market Pauses While New Plans Take Shape
The Bearss Groves market in Carrollwood is temporarily closed as owner Barry Lawrance steps back to reassess the future of the longtime property. After recovering from stage 4 colon cancer and dealing with significant damage from last year’s hurricanes, Lawrance decided it was time to slow down and rethink the direction of the market after parting ways with the previous tenants.
For now, his focus has shifted to Weck Farms in Lutz, where he’s launched a seasonal U-pick strawberry operation with plans to add more crops over time. As for Bearss Groves, Lawrance says he’s open to new ideas and the right tenants, including the possibility of a reimagined market with food, drinks, and family-friendly space similar to Starkey Market.
Busch Gardens Christmas Town Is Still Going Strong
Just a reminder as we get closer to the end of the run, Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town continues on select dates through January 5.The park is transformed into a holiday-themed winter wonderland with seasonal food and treats, festive shows, holiday shopping, character meet-and-greets, and Christmas twists on many of the rides. Entry is included with regular park admission, making it an easy add-on if you’re already planning a visit. See the calendar here.
Pasco County Greenlights Backyard Guest Homes
Pasco County has expanded its rules to allow homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling Units, often called granny flats or in-law suites, on properties already zoned for single-family homes. These secondary living spaces can be created by converting a garage or attic, adding an extension, or building a small detached unit on the property.
The units can be used for family members or rented long-term, but they must meet zoning requirements, be permanently built, and go through the county’s full permitting process. County leaders say the change is meant to create more housing flexibility while helping families stay closer together and manage rising living costs.
Events
I hope this answers the question, “What is there to do around town without having to drive down to Tampa?”
Featured Event
Harvest Markets at the Grove at Wesley Chapel
It’s back this Sunday at The Grove at Wesley Chapel from 11am to 3pm.
80+ local vendors with cottage goods, handmade art, and unique finds
Free entry and free parking
Located at The Grove near KRATE at the Grove
Hosted by Florida Penguin Productions every 2nd and 4th Sunday from fall through spring
Live Music
Tuesday, December 23
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Open Mic Night | 7:00–10:00 PM
Wednesday, December 24
The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Open Mic | 7:00–10:00 PM
Tom’s Tavern (Forest Hills), Tampa | Open Mic w/Fred Chandler | 7:00–10:00 PM
Thursday, December 25
Tom’s Tavern (Forest Hills), Tampa | Open Mic w/Fred Chandler | 7:00–10:00 PM
Friday, December 26
Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Tyler Dusek | 8:00–11:00 PM
The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Emmet Stevens Jr | 8:00–11:59 PM
Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Gary Coco | 7:00–10:00 PM
Green Parrot Tiki Bar & Grill, Tampa | Justin Alderman Band | 8:00–11:59 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | Downside Up | 9:00 PM–1:00 AM
Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | The Twisted Oak Band | 8:00–11:59 PM
The Collective at Escape, Trinity | Chris Poe | 5:00–8:00 PM
Starkey Market, Trinity | Lock & Key | 6:00–9:00 PM
Art’s Tap House, New Port Richey | Highway 41 Band | 8:00–11:55 PM
Cigars International Superstore, Lutz | Live Music | 8:00–11:45 PM
Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Soulyard | 7:00–11:00 PM
SouthernEaze Bar and Grill, Lutz | Travis White and Swamp Rose | 6:30–9:30 PM
The Brass Tap, Lutz | Live Music TBA | 7:00–10:00 PM
Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Ronnie Lewis Duo | 7:00–10:00 PM
Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Wesley Chapel | Tim Balajadia | 7:00–11:00 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Captain Johnston Band | 8:00–11:55 PM
Saturday, December 27
BarrieHaus Beer Co Trinity, Trinity | Wicked Muse | 6:00–9:00 PM
Commandough's Pizza, Zephyrhills | Louie B | 5:00–8:00 PM
Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Ben Meyer | 8:00–11:00 PM
Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Daniel Sprouse | 7:00–11:00 PM
Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Lowell Everly | 7:00–10:00 PM
Keel Farms, Plant City | Live Music @ Keel | 1:30–8:30 PM
O'Brien's Irish Pub, Tampa | Twisted Revolver | 9:00 PM–1:00 AM
SouthernEaze Bar and Grill, Lutz | Wade Williams | 6:30–9:30 PM
Starkey Market, Trinity | Roy Applebaum | 6:00–9:00 PM
Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Gary Coco | 7:00–10:00 PM
The Collective at Escape, Trinity | Carl Motkya | 5:00–8:00 PM
The Orpheum, Tampa | A Merry Trash Panda Christmas | 7:00–11:00 PM
White Room Bar & Lounge, Land O’ Lakes | The Beards | 8:30–11:30 PM
Whiskey Willy's, Lutz | Jaded | 9:00 PM–1:00 AM
Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, Tampa | Live Music Saturdays | 5:00–8:00 PM
Sunday, December 28
Keel Farms, Plant City | Live Music @ Keel | 12:30–4:30 PM
Skipper's Smokehouse, Tampa | Acoustic Sunday Brunch w/ Wade Williams | 1:00–4:00 PM
Starkey Market, Trinity | Kris Mikhel | 1:00–4:00 PM
Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Union West | 5:00–8:00 PM
The Orpheum, Tampa | Deserted Will | 6:00–11:00 PM
Tuesday, December 30
Ukulele Brand's, Land O’ Lakes | Open Mic Night | 7:00–10:00 PM
Markets
Saturday, December 27
Bexley Market on the Lawn, Land O’ Lakes | Market | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Sunday, December 28
Community Market at Starkey, New Port Richey | Market | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Harvest Markets, Wesley Chapel | Market | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Events
Tuesday, December 23
Beauty Aesthetics, Lutz | Networking with WPBA’s Tuesday Morning Focus Group | 8:30–9:30 AM
Golden Corral, Zephyrhills | Grinchmas Kids Night w/Santa | 4:00–8:00 PM
Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Kids Night | 5:30–8:30 PM
Chick-fil-A, Odessa | Ugly Sweater Contest | 6:00–7:00 PM
Starkey Market, Trinity | Drum Circle | 7:00–10:00 PM
Dade City First United Methodist Church, Dade City | 9th Annual Gingerbread House Contest | 7:00–9:00 PM
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Trivia and Taco Tuesday | 7:00–9:00 PM
The Wexford Irish Pub & Grille, Lutz | Trivia Night | 7:00–9:00 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | Trivia w/Tucker | 7:00–9:00 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Trivia w/Dang Yo | 7:30–10:30 PM
Wesley Chapel – The Grove 16, Wesley Chapel | Christmas Movies Trivia | 7:30–9:30 PM
Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Pool Tournament w/Karaoke | 9:00–11:00 PM
Wednesday, December 24
Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, Land O’ Lakes | Line Dancing ($2) | 10:00–11:30 AM
The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | Santa Photos at The Shops at Wiregrass | 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | 2 Wheels 1 Love Bike Night | 5:00–7:00 PM
Dade City Brew House, Dade City | Hardy Trail & Ales Run Club | 6:00–8:00 PM
BarrieHaus Beer Co Trinity, Trinity | Big Trophy Trivia | 7:00–9:00 PM
Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Trivia | 7:00–9:00 PM
House of Brews, Lutz | Trivia | 7:00–9:00 PM
Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, Tampa | Trivia & Music Bingo | 7:00–9:00 PM
Top Shelf Sports Lounge, Wesley Chapel | Trivia | 7:30–9:30 PM
Green Parrot Tiki Bar & Grill, Tampa | Karaoke | 8:00–11:59 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Karaoke w/Shaun Babb | 8:00–11:00 PM
Thursday, December 25
BayScape Bistro, Tampa | Trivia Night | 6:30–8:30 PM
Art’s Tap House, New Port Richey | Karaoke w/DJ TerryHD | 7:00–11:00 PM
Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Line Dance Lessons/Ladies Night | 7:00–11:00 PM
Commandough's Pizza, Zephyrhills | Trivia | 7:00–10:30 PM
Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Cornhole Tournament | 7:00–10:00 PM
Bubba’s 33, Wesley Chapel | Trivia | 7:00–10:00 PM
The Barn at Starkey Market, New Port Richey | Trivia | 7:00–9:00 PM
Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Trivia | 7:00–9:00 PM
The Collective at Escape, Trinity | Trivia | 7:00–9:00 PM
Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Line Dance Lessons/Ladies Night | 7:30–11:00 PM
Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Karaoke | 7:30–10:30 PM
Zephyrhills Brewing Company – ZBC, Zephyrhills | Trivia | 7:30–9:30 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | Karaoke w/Joe | 8:00–11:59 PM
Friday, December 26
Florida Farm School & Animal Rescue, Dade City | Toddler Time | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
Wesley Chapel – The Grove 16, Wesley Chapel | Senior Social – 50+ | 3:00–5:00 PM
Keel Farms, Plant City | Country Fridays w/Line Dancing | 6:00–10:00 PM
Old Lutz School, Lutz | Santa’s Workshop @ Old Lutz | 6:00–8:30 PM
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Dueling Pianos | 7:00–11:00 PM
Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | R&B @ Krate | 7:00–11:00 PM
Commandough's Pizza, Zephyrhills | Karaoke | 7:00–10:30 PM
Side Splitters Comedy Club – Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Forrest Shaw | 7:00–9:00 PM
Side Splitters Comedy Club – Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Forrest Shaw | 9:30–11:30 PM
Saturday, December 27
Beef ’O’ Brady’s, Land O’ Lakes | Survey Says Trivia Game | 6:00–8:00 PM
Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Brunch | 8:00 AM–2:00 PM
Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Noche Latina | 7:00–11:00 PM
Side Splitters Comedy Club – Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Michael Winslow | 7:30–9:00 PM
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Dueling Pianos | 7:00–11:00 PM
Sunday, December 28
Agnes Lamb Park, Dade City | Breathe & Stretch Yoga | 1:00–2:00 PM
Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Brunch | 8:00 AM–2:00 PM
Monday, December 29
Dade City Brew House, Dade City | Trivia | 7:00–9:00 PM
The Cozy Collective Studio, Dade City | Kids Craft Camp Winter Break (Full Week) | 2:00–4:00 PM
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Kids New Years Celebration Dueling Show | 5:00–8:00 PM
Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory, Odessa | Trivia Night | 6:30–8:30 PM
Tuesday, December 30
East Pasco Chamber of Commerce, Dade City | Coffee & Networking East Pasco | 8:00–9:00 AM
Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Kids Night | 5:30–8:30 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Tampa | Trivia w/Tucker | 7:00–9:00 PM
Starkey Market, Trinity | Drum Circle | 7:00–10:00 PM
Ford’s Garage Wesley Chapel, Lutz | Divine Inspired Women Networking | 11:30 AM–1:30 PM
The Wexford Irish Pub & Grille, Lutz | Trivia Night | 7:00–9:00 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Trivia w/Dang Yo | 7:30–10:30 PM
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Trivia and Taco Tuesday | 7:00–9:00 PM
Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Pool Tournament w/Karaoke | 9:00–11:00 PM
We’ll be on Instagram with updates wherever we end up. Feel free to slide into our DM’s.
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