Happy Friday!

A 12-year-old student from Wesley Chapel just pitched a $1.75 million sidewalk project to county leaders — and they’re taking him seriously. It’s a good reminder for you and me that big ideas can come from anyone, at any age — and that local voices still matter.

Also in this week’s roundup: plenty of ways to enjoy the weekend ahead. Wine Down Wednesday, a major craft brewfest, and a beginner-friendly ukulele workshop are all on deck. We’re also tracking key shifts in the housing market, including a rise in single female buyers and signs that Tampa Bay is entering a more balanced phase. Let’s dive into what’s happening across the county and beyond.

Let’s dive in!

—Sean

🎉 Exciting Events You Can’t Miss This Weekend in Pasco County

Wine Down Wednesday’s

Treat yourself to a relaxing evening with fine wine and charcuterie. Your ticket includes two glasses of wine, beer, or sangria on tap, plus unlimited access to a gourmet grazing board filled with meats, cheeses, and more. It’s the perfect midweek escape.

📍 Location: Aspirations Winery, Clearwater
📅 Date & Time: Wednesday, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $20 (includes drinks + grazing charcuterie)
🌐 Website: aspirationswinery.com

Temple Terrace Craft Brewfest 2025

Sip, savor, and support local! Enjoy over 100 craft beers from 35+ breweries, live Irish music from The Black Velvet Band, and tasty bites from food trucks — all under the shady oaks of Historic Woodmont Park. Proceeds benefit local charities, making your good time do even more good.

📍 Location: Woodmont Park, Temple Terrace
📅 Date & Time: Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Early bird pricing available
🌐 Website: Map Location
📧 Vendor & Sponsor Info: [email protected] | 813-230-3389

Learn to Play the Ukulele Workshop

Join us for a music-filled day designed for total beginners and casual players alike! Learn basic chords, strumming patterns, and easy songs in a welcoming, hands-on workshop — no experience needed.

Featuring inspiring instructors like Mandy Harvey, a deaf America's Got Talent finalist, and The Pickin’ Pear, a dynamic husband-and-wife ukulele/banjo duo, you'll get expert tips, live demos, and plenty of fun. Ukuleles are available to borrow, and the event includes a refreshment break between sessions.

📍 Location: Nash Keys Dueling Piano Bar, 520 Cleveland Street, Clearwater, FL 33755
📅 Date & Time: April 12, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $30 per workshop | $50 All-Day Gold Pass
🌐 Website: https://www.pasconewsonline.com/

🧒 Pasco Kid Proposes $1.75M Fix for Dangerous School Route

Driving the news: A middle schooler from Wesley Chapel has proposed a $1.75 million sidewalk project to keep students safe on their way to school — and local leaders are listening.

Why it matters: Pasco County schools near Curley Road lack sidewalks, forcing students to walk or bike along a dangerous two-mile stretch. The push for sidewalks, led by 12-year-old Josh Patrick, could make daily commutes safer for hundreds of students — and it’s inspiring to see a young resident drive real change in his community.

Details:

• Josh Patrick, a student at Weightman Middle School, noticed classmates walking in drainage ditches or riding bikes on the road's edge.

• He presented a formal sidewalk plan to county commissioners, complete with a PowerPoint and firsthand observations.

• The proposed path would run along Curley Road near Wells Road, an area with three nearby schools and heavy traffic.

• The county lacks funds, but State Sen. Danny Burgess has requested a $1.5M state grant, while Pasco would chip in $250K if approved.

The big picture: Sidewalk construction isn't cheap, and local budgets are stretched thin. But this effort has caught lawmakers’ attention — not just because of the safety concerns, but because it’s driven by a young resident who took initiative.

What’s next: If the grant goes through in the current legislative session, construction could begin in time to wrap up before 2027.

The bottom line: This grassroots proposal is more than a sidewalk plan — it’s a sign of civic engagement at its best, and a step toward safer school routes in Pasco County.

🏡 Large Lot, Lake Views, and Endless Possibilities

✨ Highlights:

🌿 Spacious Lot – One of the largest in the community, offering privacy and room to grow.
🛏️ Flexible Layout – Three bedrooms plus a loft that can be a fourth bedroom, home office, or cozy retreat.
🔨 Updated Features – 2018 roof and hurricane impact windows for added peace of mind.
🍽️ Functional Kitchen – Corian counters, stainless steel appliances, and plenty of potential for customization.
🛋️ Comfortable Living Spaces – Separate living, dining, and family rooms, plus a convenient half bath downstairs.
🌅 Serene Outdoor Living – A screened lanai and a large backyard with tranquil lake views.
🏊 Community Perks – Low HOA, a pool, and a tot lot for added convenience and recreation.

📍13404 Hampton Park Ct, Fort Myers, FL 33913

🎵 Shamrocks, Kilts, and Medieval Merriment in Dade City

The Bay Area Renaissance Festival is back in Dade City, kicking off its 47th year with a lively “Shamrocks and Shenanigans” theme just in time for St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Visitors can expect a playful nod to Irish flair — think kilts, cold beer, and plenty of laughs — all set within a 16th-century European village recreated with 15 stages and more than 100 performers and artisans.

Beyond the pints and turkey legs, the family-friendly event offers petting zoos, live shows, and immersive experiences for all ages. Rain or shine, the festival runs every weekend through March from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering a chance to step back in time — with a little mischief along the way. Spring Housing Market Heats Up as Mortgage Rates Cool Down.

🏠 Older, Single and Female. Here's How The Market Has Shifted in 2025

Driving the news: Homebuyers in 2025 are older, more likely to be single — and more often female. New data shows a growing demographic reshaping the housing market.

Why it matters: With single women now making up 1 in 5 homebuyers, their preferences are influencing everything from home size to location. That shift brings more demand for smaller homes in safe, amenity-rich neighborhoods — and it's a major opportunity for communities and developers to better serve independent buyers across all age groups.

Details:

• Married couples made up 73% of buyers in 1973, but just 62% in 2024.

• Single female buyers rose from 11% to 20% in that time.

• Single male buyers dropped slightly from 10% to 8%.

The big picture: Higher education, financial independence, and changes in societal norms have enabled more women to delay marriage and invest in homeownership. Thanks to laws like the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974, those pathways are now more accessible — and reshaping the American dream along the way.

📊 Our Current Local Market Data:

The Tampa Bay housing market is settling into a more stable rhythm after years of sharp price spikes. As of early 2025, the median home price stands at approximately $430,000 — a modest 4.8% increase from last year. Inventory is finally catching up, rising 19% year-over-year, with single-family homes averaging 3.5 months of supply and condos sitting at 6 months. More than half of current listings — around 57% — have remained unsold for 60 days or longer, signaling a clear slowdown from the fast-paced pandemic-era market.

Still, Tampa remains one of Florida’s strongest housing markets, buoyed by robust job creation and population growth. Over 26,000 new jobs were added in the past year, helping to offset the impact of higher mortgage rates, now hovering between 6.5% and 7%. Buyer demand has cooled, but so has seller enthusiasm, keeping overall inventory in check. Suburban new construction is on the rise, particularly in Pasco and Polk counties, up 12% compared to last year — though rising prices and mortgage costs continue to stretch affordability.

Another pressure point for buyers is insurance. Florida’s average annual homeowners’ premium has reached nearly $8,770, driven by hurricane risks and tightening insurance markets. These factors have made pricing strategy and home presentation more critical for sellers, while giving buyers room to negotiate. With economic fundamentals strong and migration trends steady, Tampa’s housing market is expected to grow at a more measured pace — shaped by affordability, insurance concerns, and shifting buyer behavior.

If you’re curious how much your home could sell for now, then reply “What’s my home value” or you can get an estimated value here.

Or if you’re just curious about how the current market affects your situation & what’s going on in your specific neighborhood, just reply & ask.

📰 In Other News:

• Florida students showcase projects at National STEM FestivalFlorida students showcase projects at National STEM FestivalFlorida students showcase projects at National STEM Festival

• How to Set Boundaries So You Don’t Lose Your Mind (or Weekends)

• As Tampa’s Gasworx rises, here’s what’s in store for the development

That’s all for today, I hope you have an amazing week!

If there’s ever anything you need:

• a custom market or home value report

• a home services list for a reliable contractor or services professional

• feedback or a professional opinion on a home project

Just let me know! We’re here to help with all your home needs.

Talk soon,

- Sean, and the Bello Home Team

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