Two back-to-school giveaways, a candidate forum in Odessa and a Friday night market in Land O' Lakes headline a busy week of community events across the area July 23–29.

Candidate forum in Odessa — Thursday, July 23

The Keystone Civic Association is hosting a County Commission and School Board Candidate Forum at American Legion Post 147, 17383 Gunn Highway, Odessa. A meet-and-greet begins at 6:30 p.m., with the forum starting at 7 p.m. Questions can be directed to Barbara Aderhold at [email protected]. The association, organized in the 1930s as the Odessa Lake Region Civic Association, serves the Keystone-Odessa community in northwest Hillsborough County.

Friday Moonlight Market — Friday, July 24

The Hub at Bexley, 16954 Focus Loop, Land O' Lakes, hosts its biweekly Friday Moonlight Market from 5 to 9 p.m. The kid-friendly and pet-friendly evening features live music, food trucks and vendors selling jewelry, soaps, pastries and handmade decorations.

Sewing 101: American BBQ Aprons — Friday, July 24

The Land O' Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, offers a free sewing class from 1 to 4 p.m. All materials are provided. The class is open to ages 9 and older, including adults; 9-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult. Close-toed shoes and a signed safety waiver are required. Registration is required online.

Back to School Drive-Thru — Saturday, July 25

The Church at Myrtle Lake, 2017 Reigler Road, Land O' Lakes, will distribute free backpacks and school supplies from 9 to 11 a.m. to children in kindergarten through high school. Supplies are first-come, first-served. Details at myrtlelake.org.

Back to School Blast — Saturday, July 25

Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel, hosts a free back-to-school event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with backpacks, school supplies and books for kids while supplies last. The day also includes touch-a-truck, health screenings, inflatables and family entertainment.

Fourth Saturday Gathering — Saturday, July 25

Car enthusiasts can meet from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Kohl's parking lot at 3979 Van Dyke Road, Lutz (Northgate Square Plaza). The informal monthly meet-up welcomes all vehicles, including project cars.

American Legion Post 108 meeting — Monday, July 28

The post meets at 7 p.m. at Plantation Palms Golf & Country Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., Land O' Lakes. Contact Commander Don Hinst at 813-786-4965.

Bingo night — Tuesday, July 29

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 29, 4300 Land O' Lakes Blvd., Land O' Lakes, holds weekly bingo with an early bird game at 5:30 p.m. and the regular session at 6 p.m. A snack bar is available. Call 727-992-1499 for details.

Looking ahead

  • Thursday, July 30: "A Matter of Balance" fall-prevention series begins at 1 p.m. at Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa. The eight-week program, offered by the Area Agency on Aging, is for adults 60 and older. Registration required.
  • Saturday, August 1: Back to School Bash at Main Event, 2839 Creek Grass Way, Lutz, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pre-register children for a free backpack and participate in a scavenger hunt for school supplies.

Events listed as reported by the Tampa Bay Beacons community calendar, published July 20, 2026.