Did a neighbor share this with you? Subscribe for free!
Happy Haunting! A baby elephant named Tula-Tu at the Oregon Zoo in Portland stole the show during the zoo’s annual “Squishing of the Squash” event, where adult elephants crush giant pumpkins. Too small to smash one herself, the playful calf rolled a smaller pumpkin around like a soccer ball instead, entertaining the crowd while her 10,000-pound relatives handled the heavy lifting. I say we bring some pumpkins to Busch Gardens and see what happens.
In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:
📸 Pasco expands Flock camera network
🏈 Tampa lands 2029 CFP Championship
🛍️ Belk returns to The Grove
Feel free to follow us on Instagram for more local updates.
🎃 Forward this to your neighbor who turns their front yard into a full-blown haunted house every year.
Check out our very own community calendar! Leave some feedback, we’d love to hear from you👇
If you would like to showcase your brand or event in front of 10,000+ families, feel free to reply or reach out through the link above.
Click for link
Digest
Wiregrass Growth in Full Force
Things are still progressing on 56 as Wiregrass Ranch keeps growing with new apartments, medical offices, and restaurants on the way. A great breakdown from Neighborhood News.
A new Publix is preparing to break ground east of Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. across from Walmart. It’ll include a liquor store, but there’s no confirmation yet on whether the nearby Hollybrook Plaza Publix will close.
Just behind that, Arcadia at Wiregrass Ranch will add 320 luxury apartments with a resort-style pool, EV charging, and modern finishes.
Rendering from thirdlakedevelopment.com
On the healthcare side, Orlando Health’s new hospital is targeting an April 2026 opening, along with two medical office buildings and the first Wiregrass Ranch Medical Pavilion, set to break ground before year’s end.
Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital
Developers are also coordinating road connections with Mast Capital as part of the Saddlebrook redevelopment, and several upscale restaurants are being planned along SR-56.
And yes, The Legacy at Wiregrass Ranch, the long-envisioned downtown district for Wesley Chapel, is still moving forward in planning stages. Can’t wait to see what comes of this.
Civic News
Pasco Expands Flock Camera Network to Boost Public Safety
There are definitely mixed opinions about this one, but there’s some good to it too. Pasco County is expanding its network of Flock Safety cameras to help deputies solve crimes faster and keep neighborhoods safer. The solar-powered cameras capture license plates and vehicle details like make, model, and color, helping locate stolen cars, find missing persons, and identify suspects. Each use requires a valid case number and is logged for oversight, and the Sheriff’s Office says the system has already helped recover vehicles and close cases across the county.
Community
Tampa Scores the 2029 College Football Championship
The nation will have its eyes on Tampa once again, and who knows, maybe this time it’ll be the USF Bulls taking the field for the national title at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa has officially been selected to host the 2029 College Football Playoff National Championship, with a formal announcement expected this week.
City and county leaders, along with local sports figures like Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks and USF’s athletic CEO Rob Higgins, are expected to attend the event.
Belk Returns to Wesley Chapel
Belk’s return to the Tampa area will be happening at The Grove in Wesley Chapel. The longtime department store, once known as Belk Lindsey when it was here more than 30 years ago, is taking over the former HobbyTown space between Cost Plus World Market and Ross. It’ll bring another big-name shopping option to The Grove, which has been on quite a streak lately with major retailers moving in.
Belk is known for its wide mix of clothing, shoes, jewelry, and home goods, similar to Macy’s or Dillard’s. The company has nearly 300 stores across the Southeast, including locations in Spring Hill, Lakeland, and an outlet in Land O’ Lakes. The new Wesley Chapel store is expected to open in the next three to six months.
This is not the same as the Belk Outlet discount store in Land O’Lakes.
Events North of Tampa
Featured Event
🎉 Downtown Dade City Farmers Market 🌽🧺
🥕🌻 Saturday, Nov 1 | 10 AM – 2 PM
📍 Agnes Lamb Park, Dade City
✨ A fresh new tradition in the heart of downtown Dade City! Enjoy 🍎 farm-fresh produce, 🍞 baked goods, 🍯 local honey, 🎨 artisan crafts, and 🧼 handmade soaps.
🎶 Live music, 🐾 pet-friendly fun, 🍋 fresh lemonade, and 👪 family activities make this market the perfect weekend outing.
🤝 Presented by Community Markets & Events + Dade City Merchants Association 🌞
If you run into any trouble with the new calendar, the legacy version is included below as a backup.
Live Music
Friday, October 31st
Art’s Tap House, Trinity | Kristina Lynn | 8–11:59 PM
Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Sticks and Stones Band | 8–11:59 PM
Cigars International Superstore, Lutz | Live Music | 8–11:45 PM
Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Red Sunday | 7–11 PM
Green Parrot Tiki Bar & Grill, Tampa | Live Band | 7–11 PM
Jerry’s Crystal Bar, Zephyrhills | Atomic Brew | 9 PM–1 AM
MDP Liquor 2.0 + The Drinks @ 9, Lutz | Sunny Situation | 7–10 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Daniel Sprouse | 9 PM–1 AM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Wesley Chapel | Aloha Kev | 8–11:59 PM
Pat’s Place, Zephyrhills | April Red Rocks | 8 PM–1 AM
Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Roger and Todd | 7–10 PM
Tampa Wine Room, Tampa | Katie Lombardo | 7–10 PM
The Brass Tap, Lutz | Live Music TBA | 7–10 PM
The Orpheum, Tampa | K-Pop Rave: Halloween | 7–11:59 PM
The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Maygen Navarro | 7–11:59 PM
Thomas P’s Sports Bar & Patio, Citrus Park | Gary Coco | 5–8 PM
Tom’s Tavern (Forest Hills), Tampa | Magnum Opus | 8–11:59 PM
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Shane Gang | 7:30–10:30 PM
Saturday, November 1st
Art’s Tap House, Trinity | Dig A Pony | 8–11:59 PM
Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Brittany Baldwin and The Bee Stings | 8–11:59 PM
BarrieHaus Beer Co Trinity, Trinity | Charles Goodwin | 6–9 PM
Brass Mug, Tampa | 3-4-1 Tribute Night | 7–11:59 PM
Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Kyle Velez | 7:30–11:30 PM
Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Sobriety X | 7–11 PM
Escape Brewing Company, Trinity | Gary Coco | 5–9 PM
Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Petty Experience | 8 PM
SouthernEaze Bar and Grill, Lutz | John Nunes | 6:30–9:30 PM
Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | David Potts Duo | 7–10 PM
The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Ethan Rich | 8–11:59 PM
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Moonshine Abby | 7:30–10:30 PM
Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, Tampa | Live Music Saturdays | 5–8 PM
Sunday, November 2nd
Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Acoustic Sunday Brunch w/ Gracie Topping | 1–4 PM
Stonewater Grill, Land O’ Lakes | Fred Chandler | 5–8 PM
Ukulele Brand’s, Land O’ Lakes | Buddy Fitz | 4:30–7:30 PM
Markets
Saturday, November 1st
Agnes Lamb Park, Dade City | Historic Downtown Dade City Farmers Market | 10 AM–2 PM
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Downtown Market at Avalon | 10 AM–2 PM
The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | Fresh Market | 10 AM–2 PM
Under the Oaks Wellness and Events, Carrollwood | Under the Oaks Night Market | 5–8 PM
Events
Friday, October 31st
Commandough’s Pizza, Zephyrhills | Karaoke | 7–10:30 PM
East Pasco Chamber of Commerce, Zephyrhills | Coffee & Networking | 8–9 AM
Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Wesley Chapel | Halloversary 9! Boos, Booze and Brews! (21+) | 7–11 PM
Florida Farm School & Animal Rescue, Dade City | Toddler Time | 10:30 AM–12 PM
Green Parrot Tiki Bar & Grill, Tampa | Halloween Party | 7–11:59 PM
Heritage Baptist Church, Thonotosassa | Fall Festival | 5:30–7:30 PM
Jerry’s Crystal Bar, Zephyrhills | Halloween Party at the Crystal | 9 PM–1 AM
Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | ONLY R&B’s 2nd Annual Halloween Party | 7–11 PM
Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, Land O’ Lakes | Swampfest 2025 ($30 Single Day) | 5–11 PM
MDP Liquor 2.0 + The Drinks @ 9 Bar & Grill, Lutz | Halloween Costume Contest | 6–9 PM
Milestones Children & Family Dentistry, Lutz | BOOey Halloween Party | 10–11:30 AM
Molly Malone’s Irish Pub and Eatery, New Port Richey | 2nd Annual Holiday Food Drive for Messengers | 8:30 AM
Noe Worries Ranch, Zephyrhills | Little Farmers STEAM Class: Halloween Fun | 11 AM–1 PM
Scenthound, Lutz | Howl-o-Ween Trick or Treating – Dog Costumes! | 1–4 PM
Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Helen Keaney | 7:30–9 PM
That Place Down The Street, Land O’ Lakes | Mommy and Me Play Date | 9 AM–12 PM
The Brass Tap, Lutz | Final Friday – Halloween Edition | 6–10 PM
The Brass Tap, Wesley Chapel | 17th Anniversary Halloween Party | 9 PM–1 AM
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Halloween Party – Dueling Pianos | 7–11 PM
Wesley Chapel – The Grove 16, Wesley Chapel | Senior Social – 50+ | 3–5 PM
Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Whiskey Willy’s Halloween Party | 9 PM–1 AM
Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, Tampa | Boos & Brews Movie Night | 7–11 PM
Saturday, November 1st
8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa | Author Event: Mary Roach | 1:30–3:30 PM
Beef 'O' Brady’s, Land O’ Lakes | Survey Says Trivia Game | 6–8 PM
Black Sheep American Pub, Lutz | Halloween Party | 8–11:59 PM
Chick-fil-A, Odessa | Fall Festival Grand Opening Celebration | 9 AM–12 PM
Dade City Woman’s Club, Dade City | 27th Annual “Moonlight and Ivory” | 2–5 PM
Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Brunch | 8 AM–2 PM
Gregory Veterinary Clinic, Tampa | Paws & Pumpkins Fall Festival and 40th Anniversary | 4–7 PM
Keystone Bible Church, Odessa | Fall Festival | 3–6 PM
Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Ladies Night Out | 7–11 PM
Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, Land O’ Lakes | Swampfest 2025 ($30 Single Day) | 12–11 PM
Main Theatre, Tampa | Cypress Creek Jazz Band | 7:30–9:30 PM
Molly Malone’s Irish Pub and Eatery, New Port Richey | 2nd Annual Holiday Food Drive for Messengers | 8:30 AM
Online | Online Silent Auction for ToyMakers of East Lake | 5–9 PM
Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, Lutz | Car Meat @ Rodizio | 10 AM–1 PM
Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Helen Keaney | 7–8:30 PM
Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Helen Keaney | 9:30–11 PM
The Studio, Tampa | Life Amplified Purrrfect | 8–10 PM
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Dueling Pianos | 7–11 PM
Sunday, November 2nd
8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa | Pavlo Presents: Angelo Tsarouchas – The Funny Greek Live | 7–9 PM
Agnes Lamb Park, Dade City | Breathe & Stretch Yoga | 1–2 PM
Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Brunch | 8 AM–2 PM
Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, Land O’ Lakes | Swampfest 2025 ($30 Single Day) | 12–6 PM
Main Theatre, Tampa | A Fall Concert with the Carrollwood Winds | 3–4:30 PM
Molly Malone’s Irish Pub and Eatery, New Port Richey | 2nd Annual Holiday Food Drive for Messengers | 8:30 AM
Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Comedian Hamburger | 6:30–8 PM
Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | Slowdown Sunday – Donation-Based Slow Flow Yoga in the Skipperdome | 11 AM–12 PM
Monday, November 3rd
Dade City Brew House, Dade City | Trivia | 7–9 PM
Molly Malone’s Irish Pub and Eatery, New Port Richey | 2nd Annual Holiday Food Drive for Messengers | 8:30 AM
Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory, Odessa | Trivia Night | 6:30–8:30 PM
Tuesday, November 4th
Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Kids Night | 5:30–8:30 PM
Molly Malone’s Irish Pub and Eatery, New Port Richey | 2nd Annual Holiday Food Drive for Messengers | 8:30 AM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Carrollwood | Trivia w/Tucker | 7–9 PM
O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Wesley Chapel | Trivia w/Dang Yo | 7:30–10:30 PM
Starkey Market, Trinity | Drum Circle | 7–10 PM
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Trivia and Taco Tuesday | 7–9 PM
Whiskey Willy’s, Lutz | Pool Tournament w/Karaoke | 9–11 PM
We’ll be on Instagram with updates wherever we end up. Feel free to slide into our DM’s.
Thanks for reading the North Tampa Buzzletter!
If you loved it, send it to a friend.
