WESLEY CHAPEL – Miriam Cook, founder of Family-Friendly Tampa Bay, is bringing camps from Tampa and Pasco County to one place at the 9th […]
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This Week
Hillsborough County extends emergency ban on open burning
By justin
TAMPA – Hillsborough County extended an emergency burn ban March 12 on all outdoor open burning in all areas of the county for the ninth consecutive week. The overall dry conditions continue to increase the danger of wildfires in Hillsborough County with drought conditions expected to remain high to very high in March. Since the beginning of January, 1,249 forest and brush […]
PetSmart supports Rescue Pets of Florida with grants
By justin
TAMPA BAY – A new grant from PetSmart Charities will allow Rescue Pets of Florida to help more pets throughout the Tampa Bay area get healthy and adoption-ready. The grant will support National Adoption Week events at local PetSmart stores taking place March 23 to 29. Millions of pets find themselves in U.S. shelters each […]
Hope Services provides inclusive prom-style event
By justin
WESLEY CHAPEL – Hope Services is providing a prom-style celebration for young people with disabilities. The fifth annual Dance Your Dream will allow guests 14 and older to enjoy a night of music, dancing and fun – complete with a raffle and silent auction to raise funding in support of the nonprofit’s mission. The Land O’ Lakes […]

Campaign designed to keep mosquitoes at bay
By justin
ODESSA – Pasco County Mosquito Control District is rolling out a campaign to rid neighborhoods of discarded tires, which are ideal breeding habitats for species that can transmit viruses. Rainwater collects in tires, which creates the perfect home for Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Once water gets into tires, it does not drain. This wet, […]

Local Wildlife (03/11/26): Fluffy bat
This fluffy little creature is no morning person. If you find a bat like this, it’s best to watch from a safe distance to see if it moves. Do not touch it with your bare hands. Photo courtesy of Brenna Hicks
Pasco deputies trade fire with suspect in fatal shooting
By justin
NEW PORT RICHEY – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating a fatal shooting on March 9 that led to the suspect exchanging gunfire with Pasco Sheriff’s Office deputies. Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco said a man and woman were clearing land around noon at the intersection of Davista Avenue and Sawtell Street when they were […]

Edwards built jewelry brand that shines
LUTZ – Irine Edwards founded XMTX Collections after her battle with breast cancer with the intention to offer stylish, durable jewelry that women can confidently wear every day. With a strong local presence and a loyal customer following, XMTX Collections has become a trusted go-to for effortless, everyday luxury. XMTX Collections is located at 23110 State […]

Health & Wellness (03/11/26): Surgeons provide 17 free replacements
Surgeons provide 17 free hip, knee replacements TAMPA – AdventHealth Tampa and AdventHealth Carrollwood partnered with Florida Orthopaedic Institute and Pioneer Medical Foundation to provide 17 free hip and knee replacement surgeries for uninsured Tampa Bay residents through Operation Walk USA. Surgeries were completed over two days by volunteer orthopedic surgeons and care teams. Eight procedures […]

Business Digest (03/11/26): Chipotle Mexican Grill opens in Lutz
Chipotle Mexican Grill opens in Lutz LUTZ – Chipotle Mexican Grill opened a new location March 2 at 17995 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz, featuring the area’s first Chipotlane drive-thru pick-up lane for digital orders. The restaurant is open daily from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. Customers can try the limited-time Chicken al Pastor […]
This Week (cont)

AdventHealth Zephyrhills marks construction milestone
ZEPHYRHILLS – Progress on the AdventHealth Zephyrhills campus is leading to expanded, high-quality health care closer to home for Zephyrhills residents. AdventHealth and construction leaders signed the final beam during a topping out ceremony for a new medical office building. The milestone celebrates the placement of the building’s final structural beam and continued work on […]
Pigz in Z’Hills celebrates top BBQ cooks
ZEPHYRHILLS – The Greater East Pasco Chamber of Commerce announced cooking competition winners from the 2026 Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival on Feb. 28 in downtown Zephyrhills. The festival serves as one of East Pasco County’s signature events, blending competition, community, live music and family fun. Proceeds support the Greater East Pasco Chamber of […]

Local Wildlife (03/04/26): Sandhill Crane
This sandhill crane opted to escape the wetlands for a bit to stretch its long legs on some dry land. This yard should do the trick.

Krav Maga Martial Arts expanding into new space
LUTZ – After 25 years of forging “Blackbelt Leaders” in the community, Krav Maga Martial Arts is moving just a few doors down but miles ahead in technology and design. Krav Maga Martial Arts announced the upcoming grand re-opening of its Lutz headquarters, located at 1900 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in the former All About Kids […]
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 […]
