Tampa City Council approved an alcoholic beverage special use permit on first reading for the Thirsty Wizard, a proposed beer‑and‑wine bar at 1301 West Cass Street in North Hyde Park. The council also approved several changes between first and second reading: the applicant agreed to add bike parking and to adjust the Monday hours on the site plan to match the Tuesday–Thursday closing time.

Development coordination staff introduced the application (AB22504), describing the request as beer and wine sales for a 1,475‑square‑foot indoor area and an 812‑square‑foot outdoor area; the applicant requested several waivers, including reduced on‑site parking and a reduction in the distance separation from other alcoholic beverage establishments. Staff noted the request was inconsistent with some land development regulations and that minor site plan modifications would be required between first and second reading if approved.

Applicant Liam O'Dowd told council the Thirsty Wizard is a family‑rooted reuse of an older building the family has owned for decades. “My name is Liam O'Dowd, and I'm here to respectfully request approval for the a b 2 permit to serve beer and wine at the Thirsty Wizard,” he said. O'Dowd described the concept as a small, community‑focused wine and craft beer bar and said he had secured letters of support from the North Hyde Park Civic Association and neighborhood business groups.

During the hearing councilmembers asked for covered and secure bike parking and for the applicant to clarify operating hours. The applicant agreed on the record to add bike parking and to make the Monday hours consistent with the Tuesday–Thursday hours on the site plan between first and second reading. The council explicitly noted a commitment from the applicant on the record: when asked about including additional bike parking, the applicant said, “My name is Liam O'Dowd, and yes. I do. I will.”

Councilmember Viera moved an ordinance approving the special use permit on first reading, including the changes to hours and the commitment to add bike parking; council approved the motion unanimously. The item will return for second reading and adoption on Aug. 28, 2025. Between readings, staff will circulate a revision sheet and the applicant will submit an updated site plan showing the agreed changes.