WESLEY CHAPEL – Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital announced a $40 million gift from Paychex founder Tom Golisano to support the construction of its new […]
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This Week

Trans-Siberian Orchestra announces 30th anniversary winter tou
TAMPA – The Trans-Siberian Orchestra will celebrate its 30th anniversary at Benchmark International Arena with two events Dec. 20, featuring a reimagined staging of “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve,” followed by a second set. Trans-Siberian Orchestra pairs an audio/visual experience that includes lasers, pyrotechnics and special effects with fan-friendly ticket pricing. “Thirty years in, […]

The Warlock House Enchantment opens gates for Spookfest
By justin
WESLEY CHAPEL – Lewis VanDercar spent decades transforming his Wesley Chapel property into an unusual world of sculpture, statuary, artwork, unconventional architecture, gardens and peculiar creations. VanDercar was once known locally as the “Warlock of Wesley Chapel.” Halloween was part of family life at The Warlock House Enchantment during the 1970s, with costumes, tricks, treats […]
BayCare generates $13B in economic impact for Florida
CLEARWATER – A new report by Washington Economics Group found that BayCare has a $13 billion impact on Florida’s economy each year, including supporting jobs for more than 66,000 residents. Based on 2025 data, the economists found BayCare’s economic impact was up 30% since its last study based on 2022 data. The latest study found […]

Custom homebuilder incorporates models into sales approach
TAMPA – AR Homes by Custom Craft is expanding its presence in Tampa Bay. The custom homebuilder is taking a different approach to sales through a series of model and inventory homes designed to meet demand for high-end luxury homes. Included in the projects is a model storm-ready home in South Tampa that is designed […]

Local Wildlife: Parrot spreads its wings at aquarium
By justin
A double yellow-headed parrot helped the Florida Aquarium kick off 813 Day. The celebration, inspired by the city’s area code, featured special activities to encourage natural behaviors among the aquarium’s animals while keeping them active and engaged. Photo courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

Health & Wellness: Doctor performs 1,000th robotic surgery
By justin
Doctor performs 1,000th robotic surgery LUTZ – Dr. Louis Matherne IV, a general surgeon at Lutz’s St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, recently performed his 1,000th robotic surgery. A surgeon guides and controls the robot’s mechanical arms and surgical instruments from a console with a high-resolution 3-D screen. When the surgeon moves, the robotic arms respond precisely to […]
What’s Happening (Sept. 3-11, 2026)
Sept. 3 Caregiver Support Group A facilitator from the Alzheimer’s Association leads a monthly support group at Land O’ Lakes Library for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s. 813-929-1214 10-11:30 a.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes Menacing Mosquitoes A Master Gardener discusses mosquitoes at Wesley Chapel Library. Learn tips to keep them out of […]
Brainstorms NPR launches campaign for proposed STEAM center
NEW PORT RICHEY – Brainstorms NPR Inc. has launched 250 Neighbors, a community campaign inviting 250 people to put their names behind the proposed Brainstorms STEAM Discovery Center in downtown New Port Richey. Brainstorms is asking residents to give what they can, whether $10, $25, $50, $100 or more, because every person who participates becomes part […]

Hope Services expands with second vocational training center
HUDSON – Hope Services has purchased a second Life Skills and Vocational Training Center in Hudson. The nonprofit provides vocational training and employment support to people with disabilities and others facing barriers to employment. Its new center, formerly a GTE Financial building at 6901 Old County Road 52 in Hudson, will expand the nonprofit’s ability […]
This Week (cont)

Business Digest: GTE Financial hosts small business seminar
GTE Financial hosts small business seminar TAMPA – Representatives from 42 local businesses recently gathered at GTE Financial’s Tampa headquarters for a seminar focused on financial issues facing entrepreneurs. The event was held in partnership with Spectrum Reach and the Tampa Bay Chamber as part of Spectrum Reach’s Pay It Forward program. Business owners received […]
Officials urge precautions as dengue cases rise
PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco County Mosquito Control District is urging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites following an increase in dengue fever cases across the region. The most recent Florida Department of Health arbovirus surveillance data show locally acquired dengue transmission occurring in multiple Tampa Bay-area counties. The latest information available identifies 30 confirmed […]

Chalk Talk: Kids art program raises record $38,632
Kids art program raises record $38,632 for schools TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office raised a record $38,632 for local schools through its Kids Tag Art Program. Sixty-six Hillsborough County elementary schools participated this year, with each school receiving $585 to support its art programs. Tax Collector Nancy Millan brought the Kids Tag […]

Florida SBDC at USF team members win state awards
TAMPA – Several members of the Florida Small Business Development Center at University of South Florida were recognized Aug. 19 at the Sunseeker Resort during the Florida SBDC Network’s Performance Excellence Awards. The event celebrates outstanding contributions across Florida’s nine regional small business development centers. “We were honored to attend the Florida SBDC Network’s Annual […]
Local Sports & Rec
Pasco County to open cold weather shelters
By justin
NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County is opening cold weather shelters on both sides of the county Jan. 15 and 16. Anyone in need of a warm place to spend the night can head to either shelter. The shelters will open at 6 p.m. each day and close at 10 a.m. the following day. Shelters will […]
Dude Perfect running it back with Squad Games Tour
TAMPA – After a record-breaking 2025 tour, Dude Perfect is taking live entertainment to the next level with an all-new 360-degree arena layout during its Squad Games Tour. Dude Perfect will stop at Tampa’s Benchmark International Arena at 6 p.m. Aug. 1 for an action-packed night of competition and trick shots, complete with new, larger-than-life […]
Sports & Rec – Check This Out

Adopt a Pet (3/26/25): English Muffin is quite the treat
By justin
English Muffin is an incredibly loving 2-year-old who lives to spread happiness. The moment she sees you, she will joyfully roll onto her back, eagerly awaiting belly rubs. Her tail never stops wagging, showcasing her happy and affectionate nature. Although English Muffin was previously adopted, she was returned because she prefers to be the only […]
USF Women’s Basketball volunteers with Habitat for Humanity
The University of South Florida Women’s Basketball team volunteered with Habitat for Humanity on Aug. 24 in Safety Harbor. The players and coaches painted the exteriors of two Habitat Homes alongside the future homeowners, the Baker and Glazman families, according to a news release. This continues USF’s tradition of community service, as various USF sports […]
PHSC golf tournament
The Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) Foundation will host its annual golf tournament on Oct. 18, at the Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club in Dade City. Registration will be at 7:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. For more information, contact Jen Ferguson at 727-816-3431 or . For sponsorship opportunities, visit Giving.PHSC.edu/golf.
Reasons To Smile

Celebrate with your canine friend!
By Mary Rathman
National Dog Day is Aug. 26 — an opportunity to celebrate man and woman’s best friend, and to help find loving homes for dogs in the community. Here are five ways to make a difference: Adopt a new best friend Spay and neuter. Foster first. Not ready to adopt? Fostering is a great option to […]
