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Good Morning From Lutz,

That breeze last night was a nice little reminder we still get a few cooler evenings this time of year. Looks like we’ll keep some of those comfortable nights ahead, with daytime temps settling into the 80s. Kind of that sweet spot before summer really takes over.

March Madness wrapped up, which always feels like it ends out of nowhere, but there’s still plenty going on. Hockey and basketball playoffs are right around the corner, and the Tampa Bay Rays are back at Tropicana Field, so things are starting to feel like a normal sports stretch again.

Around here, things are picking up too. There’s a lot happening this weekend and some interesting things popping up across the area, so it’s a good time to get out and enjoy it while the weather’s still this nice.

-Mike

Access local events three different ways:

Community Calendar
Full List of Events w/Links
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Kids Market at Carrollwood Market
Carrollwood Cultural Center, Carrollwood
Saturday, April 11 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

The Kids Market brings young entrepreneurs into the larger Carrollwood Market, with kid-run booths selling handmade goods, treats, and creative products. You’ll still get the full market experience with live music, food, and local vendors, just with a fun focus on supporting kids building their own businesses.

Street Bash: Vintage Night Market
Dade City Brew House, Dade City
Friday, April 10 | 5:00 PM–9:00 PM

Street Bash is back with a vintage theme this time, bringing in vendors with nostalgic finds, local goods, food trucks, and live music in the street. It’s a family-friendly setup with a kid zone, plus the ability to grab a drink and walk around while you check everything out.

Harvest Market at The Grove
The Grove at Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel
Sunday, April 12 | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

This one’s a bigger market setup at The Grove, with 100+ vendors covering everything from fresh produce and baked goods to clothing, home décor, and handmade items. It’s an easy stop with free entry and parking, especially if you’re already planning to be around the KRATE area.

Circus-Themed Dance Night for a Cause

Hope Services comes up quite often in the North Tampa Buzz, and for good reason. They’re consistently putting together events that bring people together while supporting a bigger mission, and their 5th Annual “Dance Your Dream” is right around the corner on Saturday, April 18 at Wesley Chapel District Park.

This year’s theme is “A Night at the Circus,” and it’s shaping up to be a fun, high-energy evening for ages 14 and up with dancing, food, games, entertainment, and a raffle. They’re also adding a Community Resource Room, which gives families a chance to connect with local organizations offering real support and services. Everything raised goes toward their Life Skills and Vocational Training Center, helping people build confidence and gain certifications for long-term careers.

Register here.

Whataburger Finally Opening in Lutz

Guys it’s finally happening! It has looked like it was ready for months now as we drive past it on 54, and now we’ve got a date. Whataburger is officially opening its new Lutz location on Thursday, April 16 at 11 AM on Sierra Center Blvd.

If you’re thinking about checking it out early, they’re doing a little kickoff giveaway. The first 80 people in line and first 20 cars in the drive-thru will get gift bags with merch. This marks their second Tampa Bay opening this year, with more locations planned across the area through 2027.

Cook Out Taking Over Dale Mabry Spot

That old Boston Market on Dale Mabry isn’t staying empty much longer. Cook Out is moving into the Carrollwood location, turning it into one of its first entries into the Florida market as it expands across the Southeast.

There’s no official opening date yet, but renovations are already underway. If you’ve never had it, they’re known for their burger trays, late-night hours, and a huge lineup of milkshakes. This is part of a bigger push into the area, with other locations in Temple Terrace and St. Pete also in the works.

Home Repair Waitlist Opens Ahead of Hurricane Season

With hurricane season about two months out, Hillsborough County has opened the waitlist for its home repair program aimed at helping residents handle critical fixes.

The program covers things like roofs, AC units, septic systems, and accessibility upgrades, with priority given to seniors and those with special needs. It’s available to homeowners in unincorporated Hillsborough County who meet income requirements, and there’s no deadline to apply, but applying sooner is encouraged.

Carrollwood Getting Exclusive KFC Drinks

Something a little different is coming to Carrollwood. KFC is introducing a new lineup of specialty sodas through its Saucy concept, and the local Tampa location is getting a flavor you won’t find anywhere else.

The new menu includes drinks like Mountain Dew Chili Chill, Pepsi Salted Caramel Fizz, Tropicana Rainbow Splash Lemonade, and PynkRaze Pop. The Carrollwood location will also have an exclusive called Tropical Energy Escape, only available there.

Temple Terrace Brewfest Is Back

If you like trying new brews and supporting local causes, this one’s worth circling. Temple Terrace is hosting its 10th Annual Craft Brewfest this Saturday, and it’s grown quite a bit, jumping from 11 brewers last year to 17 this time around, with more than 100 different beers to sample.

It’s not just about the drinks either. This is the Temple Terrace Junior Women’s Club’s main fundraiser, with proceeds going toward local schools, food pantries, and even helping fund a standout King High athlete heading to a national wrestling competition. Expect food trucks, live music, and a solid community turnout.

Event Details
• Who: Temple Terrace Junior Women’s Club
• What: 10th Annual Craft Brewfest
• When: Saturday, April 11
• Where: Woodmont Park, Temple Terrace
• Details: 17 brewers, 100+ brews, food trucks, live music (Black Velvet Band), rain or shine

Rays Stadium Vote Dates Taking Shape

Starting to feel real. The Tampa Bay Rays ballpark proposal in Hillsborough County is now eyeing early May for a decision, with a county vote tentatively set for May 6 and a Tampa City Council vote expected the next day.

Nothing is locked in just yet, but things are moving. The plan centers around a potential stadium near Hillsborough Community College’s Dale Mabry campus, with a target opening around 2029. Officials say there’s still work to finalize the proposal before it goes to a public debate, but progress is being made behind the scenes.

Big Names, Bigger Impact in New Tampa

That’s not something you see every weekend in New Tampa. The Bullard Family Foundation just wrapped its first-ever Celebrity Golf Tournament at Hunter’s Green, bringing in a pretty stacked lineup of athletes, entertainers, and local leaders for a two-day event focused on giving back.

Names like Julius Erving and Anthony Anderson headlined the weekend, alongside dozens of current and former pros. The event kicked off with a VIP night at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa before the tournament play, all raising money and awareness to support local kids and families through the foundation’s programs.

A Huge Thank You to our wonderful local partners!

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

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