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Good Morning From Lutz,

Hope you're still afloat out there. I'll bring the kayak if needed.

We've got a pretty thorough update on Double Branch, the massive little city taking shape east of I-75 in Wesley Chapel. And don't forget to grab the free sandwich from Einstein Bros. while you're scrolling.

If you have any questions about the Dinner Club, just send me an email. I'm reachable and happy to help.

Have a fantastic weekend!

-Mike

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Each newsletter includes the latest event information available at the time of publication.

Massive Double Branch Update, Directly From the Horse's Mouth

Well, I know we've gotten some updates and projections in the past, but Hope Kennedy with the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce sat down with the developers, and we've got a much juicier update on Double Branch. If you have the time, it was a very encouraging podcast!

The 1,000-acre project along I-75 between Overpass Road and State Road 52 is shaping up to be far more than another neighborhood or shopping center. In fact, the developers repeatedly described it as a "small city" that will take shape over the next decade and beyond.

Here's what's planned so far:

• Sprouts and Harris Teeter, which would be the grocery chain's first Tampa-area location

• Salt Shack, EOS Fitness, H&H Bagels, plus additional restaurants, coffee shops, and retailers

• Apartments, townhomes, hotels, office space, medical facilities, and entertainment venues

• A waterfront boardwalk district with parks, live music, farmers markets, and community events

The residential portion is expected to include roughly 2,500 units, with an emphasis on walkability, golf-cart access, green space, and connecting residents directly to shops and restaurants. Traditional single-family homes are not currently part of the plan.

Construction is already underway in some areas, with about 500,000 square feet of warehouse and light industrial space already completed and major infrastructure work continuing. Townhomes could begin construction later this year, while apartments and retail are expected to follow.

The developers also highlighted the long-term job potential, pointing to future retail, office, warehouse, and medical jobs as the project continues to expand.

The biggest takeaway? Double Branch isn't being designed as a standalone shopping plaza. The vision is to create an entirely new destination for the rapidly growing State Road 52 corridor.

Free Breakfast Sandwich At New Einstein Bros.

To celebrate its new location in Land O' Lakes, Einstein Bros. Bagels is giving customers a free egg sandwich with any purchase through Sept. 19. The new shop is located at 22427 State Road 54, near Catfish Lane, and serves fresh-baked bagels, breakfast sandwiches and coffee. I’m sure you’re already familiar with Einstein.

To claim the deal, stop by the bakery and use promo code 9080 when ordering in person. The offer isn't available through the app or online ordering, and is limited to one free sandwich per order.

Welcome to the neighborhood again, Einstein. Free is good.

Thirsty Buffalo Closing

After three years with Thirsty Buffalo and 15 years in the craft beer industry, owners Mike and Erin Bishop announced that Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory, Craftek and the taproom will close on Aug. 29. In a message to customers, the Bishops thanked the community and their staff for helping build the business and invited supporters to stop by for one last beer and a chance to celebrate the memories made along the way.

New Holiday Light Attraction Coming To Pasco

“Alexa, play Christmas music”. Ok, it’s too early for that, but there’s still room for good news. The team behind Snowcat Ridge is opening a new holiday attraction in Dade City this November. Called Wunder Glow, the $10 million experience will feature a mile-long walking trail through 50 acres of oak forest filled with large-scale light displays, music, interactive exhibits and a Christmas village.

Wunder Glow will operate separately from Snowcat Ridge at the same Saint Joe Road property and will also include photo opportunities and appearances from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Ticket prices, operating dates and hours are expected to be announced in September, along with early-access perks through the attraction's new Wunder Club membership program.

Saint Leo Launches Executive Cybersecurity Program

Tech entrepreneur Arnie Bellini and his wife, Lauren, have committed $2 million to help Saint Leo University launch a new executive-level cybersecurity master's program. The accelerated Cybersecurity Executive Track, which begins in January 2027, is designed to train leaders in business, government, health care and defense to manage cybersecurity strategy and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

The gift includes $1.6 million in funding and about $400,000 in technology resources for hands-on training and simulations. The program will be housed in Saint Leo's new Tapia College of Business and Technology and is one of the first executive-focused cybersecurity degrees of its kind in the country.

Long-Awaited Road Project Gets Rolling

The City of Tampa is getting a long-awaited project rolling, with crews starting a $1 million repaving of about 1.8 miles of New Tampa Boulevard between Meadow Pointe Drive and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. Overnight work is underway to reduce traffic disruptions, and the project is expected to take six to eight weeks.

The construction comes after years of complaints about potholes and deteriorating pavement along one of New Tampa's busiest roads, which carries nearly 12,000 drivers each day. Residents say the improvements are overdue and hope the project will finally address safety concerns for both drivers and cyclists.

Local Community Feature

Chef Fernando Rodriguez and his wife, Wendy Rodriguez, are the Founders of Revolution Catering & Meal Prep, bringing more than 25 years of culinary experience and over two decades as proud Pasco County residents. After serving as Executive Chef for Old Memorial Golf Club, Power Design, and 1916 Irish Pub, Fernando built Revolution to deliver restaurant-quality cuisine with personalized hospitality. Inspired by both local roots and global flavors, they believe great food brings people together and strengthens communities. Whether catering weddings, corporate events, family celebrations, or preparing chef-crafted meals, Fernando and Wendy are committed to serving Pasco County and the Tampa Bay region with excellence, supporting local organizations, building lasting relationships, and creating memorable dining experiences that give back to the community they proudly call home.

Take a look at what they’ve built!

A Huge Thank You to our wonderful local partners!

Events reminder:

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

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