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Pasco Extension hosting 4-H open house

DADE CITY – UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service will host a 4-H open house to highlight 4-H clubs, projects, camps, workshops and community service opportunities.

Families can drop in during the event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Pasco County Extension Office, 36702 County Road 52.

Children ages 5 to 18 can participate in 4-H community clubs with adult volunteers. Project areas include animal science, environmental science, food and nutrition, leadership, citizenship, gardening and shooting sports.

Members can also participate in events at the county, district, state, regional and national levels.

Email for more information.

 

Pasco seeks input on West Port channel marker

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources will hold a community meeting to discuss the installation of a slow-speed channel marker in the West Port Channel.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. Aug. 31 at the West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive.

The meeting will give community members and stakeholders an opportunity to provide input on the proposed channel marker. Representatives from other government agencies have also been invited.

On the web: MyPasco.net

 

Water district seeks input on water priorities

BROOKSVILLE – The Southwest Florida Water Management District seeks public input on priorities for establishing minimum flows and levels for lakes, wetlands, rivers, streams and aquifers.

The district will hold a virtual workshop at noon Aug. 27 through Microsoft Teams.

The district plans to publish its draft 2026 priority list after the Governing Board’s Aug. 25 meeting. The board will consider approval in October.

Written comments may be submitted to by Sept. 7. 

On the web: watermatters.org

 

Hillsborough to mail out notices of proposed property taxes 

TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Office will begin mailing Truth in Millage Notices to property owners on Aug. 13.

The notice is not a tax bill. It contains information about a property’s market value, assessed value, exemptions and proposed property taxes.

The notice reflects proposed tax rates and budgets established by the various taxing authorities. The reverse side includes the dates, times and locations of public budget hearings at which comments regarding proposed tax rates and budgets may be presented directly to the appropriate taxing authorities.

Questions concerning a property’s market value, assessed value, exemptions or classification should be directed to the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Office. 

Reviewing the notice provides an opportunity to address questions or concerns before property tax bills are issued in November.

 

Hillsborough seeks applications for Neighborhood Awards

TAMPA – Applications are open for the 2026 Hillsborough County Neighborhood Awards.

The awards recognize projects, programs and events held in unincorporated Hillsborough County between July 2025 and June 2026.

Neighborhoods may apply in three categories: promoting conservation, environmental stewardship or healthy living; enhancing safety or boosting disaster preparedness; or building community spirit through volunteerism or communication. 

Each neighborhood may submit one application and compete in multiple categories.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. Sept. 11. One category winner will be named the 2026 Neighborhood of the Year and receive $500.

Visit HCFL.gov/NeighborhoodAwards for details.

 

HART offers discounted fares for young riders

TAMPA – Hillsborough Transit Authority has brought back its HART Youth Pass for the new school year.

The pass gives riders ages 6 to 18 a 50% discount on regular HART fares. A one-way ride costs $1, a one-day pass costs $2 and a monthly pass costs $32.50. Children ages 5 and younger ride free with a parent or guardian.

Eligible riders must register with a valid form of identification at the Marion Transit Center or University Area Transit Center.

The Youth Pass is available through Flamingo Fares, HART’s mobile app and smart card payment system.

On the web: goHART.org 

 

Quick Hits

• Pasco County Fire Rescue celebrated the grand opening of Station 2 at 32134 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Wesley Chapel.
• The Wesley Chapel Rotary Club will celebrate its 21st anniversary during the week of Aug. 19. 

Jonas Brothers expand concert series

TAMPA – The Jonas Brothers will bring The Burning Up Tour All Over Again to Benchmark International Arena at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11.

Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas expanded the concert series into a 45-city North American tour after sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden. Magnus Ferrell and Deleasa will join the band as special guests.

The tour revisits the Jonas Brothers’ original Burning Up Tour.

“The response was so overwhelming announcing the MSG shows that we knew we couldn’t stop at New York,” the Jonas Brothers said. “We’re taking The Burning Up Tour All Over Again on the road so we can relive it with all of you, city by city.”

 

Chelsea Handler books comedy show in Tampa

TAMPA – Comedian Chelsea Handler will bring The High and Mighty Tour to Tampa Theatre at 8 p.m. Dec. 18.

Handler hosted E!’s “Chelsea Lately” for seven years and later launched the Netflix documentary series “Chelsea Does” and talk show “Chelsea.” She has written seven New York Times best-selling books. Her latest is “I’ll Have What She’s Having.”

Handler earned a Grammy nomination for her 2020 comedy special “Evolution.” She also hosts the “Dear Chelsea” advice podcast. Her third Netflix comedy special, “The Feeling,” premiered in March 2025.

Tickets range from $99 to $139 plus taxes and fees. They go on sale at 10 a.m. Aug. 21 at the Tampa Theatre box office and online.

 

Public radio hits the Tampa Theatre stage

TAMPA – WUSF will present “This American Life” creator and host Ira Glass in “Stories for a Saturday Night” on Dec. 5 at Tampa Theatre.

The live show gives audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the public radio program and podcast. Glass will explain how producers find stories and create the show. He will also recreate its sound on stage through narration, prerecorded quotes and music.

“This American Life” reaches more than 3 million public radio listeners each week. It became the first radio show or podcast to win a Pulitzer Prize.

WUSF members can purchase tickets beginning Sept. 28. Remaining tickets go on sale to the public Oct. 5 through Tampa Theatre.

 

Suncoast celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

TAMPA – Suncoast Credit Union will present Juntos y con Ritmo, a concert celebrating Hispanic culture, Oct. 17 at the Yuengling Center.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. A pre-concert celebration begins at 5 p.m. with entertainment, nonprofit showcases and community activities.

Latin Grammy-winning Cuban duo Gente de Zona will headline. Grupo Manía and Alexandra “The Bachata Queen” will also perform.

Suncoast is partnering with Hispanic Chambers of Commerce across Florida. Participating chambers will nominate local nonprofits to receive a portion of concert proceeds.

“Juntos y con Ritmo is a phenomenal celebration of culture, connection and community impact,” Suncoast President and CEO Kevin Johnson said.

Suncoast members will receive 50% off eligible concert tickets.

 

GeckoFest returns to Gulfport on Sept. 5

GULFPORT – The 26th annual GeckoFest will bring live music, food, art and street performers to downtown Gulfport from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 5.

The free festival takes place along Beach and Shore boulevards. This year’s “Gecko Music Awards” theme celebrates Gulfport’s music and arts scene.

Activities include live music on two stages, street theater, artisan vendors, food trucks and Gecko Skateboard Races. Acrobats, magicians, dancers, aerialists and fire eaters will perform throughout the festival.

Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes and participate in a walking parade at 6 p.m. A birthday celebration for the G. Gordon McFly sculpture will follow.

Admission and parking are free. Courtesy shuttles will serve designated off-site parking areas.

 

Model train rolling into Brooksville

BROOKSVILLE – Regal Railways will host a model train show and sale with more than 70 tables of vendors offering model trains, toys and other items. 

The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Hernando Fairgrounds, 6436 Broad St. It will also feature a running train layout, test track and food vendor.

Admission costs $6 for adults. Children ages 12 and younger are admitted free. Credit cards will be accepted for admission.

Visit regalrailways.com for advance tickets, vendor information and additional details.

 

Steve Lacy to perform … Oh yeah?

TAMPA – Grammy Award-winning artist Steve Lacy will bring his Oh yeah? Tour to the Yuengling Center at 8 p.m. Oct. 28.

The North American tour marks Lacy’s first run of headlining shows since his sold-out Give You The World Tour in 2022.

Lacy recently released “Oh yeah?,” his first album in four years. The self-produced, 10-track album features collaborations with SZA, Erykah Badu and Cecile Believe.

The 28-year-old artist has two songs in Spotify’s Billions Club and has won two Grammy Awards.

Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster.

 

Stage West Playhouse hosting New Works Festival

SPRING HILL – Stage West Playhouse will showcase 11 original plays during its second annual New Works Festival Aug. 21 to 23.

The festival features nine 10-minute plays and two full-length productions written by members of the Stage West Playwriting Group. The short plays will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21 and 2 p.m. Aug. 22.

Brian Brijbag’s “One Seat Over” premieres at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 22. Lil Barcaski’s Dinner for Six closes the festival at 2 p.m. Aug. 23.

Other activities include an improv battle, showtune karaoke and food trucks.

Tickets cost $15 per show. An all-access pass costs $35. Stage West Playhouse is at 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd.

 

Live Oak Theatre staging ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’

BROOKSVILLE – Live Oak Theatre will present five performances of “The Diary of Anne Frank” from Sept. 11 to 13 at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd.

Matinees begin at 2:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The theater will offer a special Sept. 11 matinee for school and homeschool groups. Groups receive one additional seat for every 10 seats purchased.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning play is based on the diary of Anne Frank and was written by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett.

Tickets cost $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 13 and younger with the purchase of an adult ticket.

SPRING HILL – A deputy with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office killed his ex-girlfriend and then himself, according to the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. 

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco said the victim and her two children were returning home to Hudson from the beach around 5:30 p.m. Aug. 10 when they saw her ex-boyfriend standing in their yard. They started arguing over his TV. 

The victim tried calling 911, but the suspect took the phone from her hands. She told her children to go inside and call 911. One of the children identified the suspect to dispatch as Deputy Troy Savetz with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. 

Deputies arrived at the scene but Savetz and the victim were gone. The sheriff’s office learned that Savetz was using a rental vehicle. The Pasco Sheriff’s Office alerted neighboring jurisdictions to the kidnapping. 

A deputy spotted the rental vehicle around 7 p.m. on Platinum Drive in Spring Hill. Deputies found both bodies inside.

Savetz worked for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office for 14 years. Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri described the situation as horrific. 

“There is no reason to have a permanent solution to a temporary problem,” Gualtieri said. “The fact that he made that kind of a decision to leave two kids, 12 and 9 years old, without a mom for the rest of their lives is just awful. Our hearts go out to her family.”

Nocco praised the cooperation of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

“The moment this individual committed a crime, he was no longer a law enforcement officer,” Nocco said. “He was a criminal.”

Nocco credited the children for listening to their mother by going inside to call 911. After listening to the 911 audio, he was struck by how brave and calm they were as they relayed information to the dispatcher under pressure. 

“We’re so proud of you and I know your mom is,” Nocco said in a message to the children. “But know this entire community is praying for you and our arms go around you. We’re going to do everything we can because we know that you’re going to be going back to school and we’re going to make sure the resources are there for you.”

 

TAMPA – The Tampa Bay Sun Foundation is launching a new season of free soccer clinics across Tampa Bay, thanks to support from Tampa Electric.

Kids can turn their enthusiasm for soccer into opportunities to get active, learn skills, and create friendships through 19 free programs that develop character on the field. TECO’s support also powers Gear Goals, a year-round effort to get quality soccer gear into the hands of kids who need it.

“Soccer gives kids something powerful. It’s a sense of belonging and a little more confidence every time they step on the field,” said Rachel Jolley, director of the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation. “Thanks to TECO’s support, we get to share that fantastic feeling with even more kids across Tampa Bay this year.”

Last season, in the first year with TECO’s support, Tampa Bay Sun Foundation clinics reached 1,292 children.

Through the spring of 2027, TECO’s sponsorship will support:

• 10 Energize the Bay Youth Clinics: open to girls and boys ages 7 to 13 at fields throughout Tampa Bay, including Suncoast Credit Union Field.
• 6 Shine Soccer Clinics: bringing the game to girls and boys at Title I schools and youth-focused community organizations.
• 3 Rise Up Soccer Club School Sessions: four-week partnered program for girls at Title I schools, blending soccer education with leadership and life skills.
• Gear Goals: ongoing, year-round program that pairs coaches, players and teams in Tampa Bay with the soccer gear they need to participate.

Every clinic includes a free Tampa Bay Sun Foundation x TECO jersey. Kids can collect three different jerseys by attending three different clinics.

Players from Tampa Bay Sun FC will take part in some of the clinics. All programs are led by U.S. Soccer Licensed Coaches with support from the foundation’s team of volunteers, the Sunshine Squad.

“At TECO, we believe in investing in the communities we serve and that means investing in the next generation,” said Stephanie Smith, vice president of state and regional affairs at TECO. “These programs give kids a place to build friendships, stay active and grow as people, whether it’s in the classroom or on the field.”

 

Aug. 12

Handwork Circle

People bring in sewing and crocheting projects to work on during Handwork Circle at Land O’ Lakes Library. All Makerspace programs require closed-toe shoes and a completed waiver. 813-929-1214

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Baby Storytime

Land O’ Lakes Library offers a Baby Storytime, a lap-sit program suitable for babies up to age 1 and their caregivers. 813-929-1214

10:15-10:35 or 11:15-11:35 a.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Baby Storytime

Wesley Chapel Library hosts Baby Storytime, a lap-sit program for babies up to age 1 and a caregiver. 352-518-5064

10:30-11 a.m.; 27531 Mystic Oak Blvd., Wesley Chapel

 

Chair Yoga

Zephyrhills Public Library offers a chair yoga class. Call 813-780-0064 to register.

10:30-11:30 or 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Chess Club

New River Library hosts Chess Master-rated coach Rick McKnight for lessons and play. There are two sections for grades 4-12: Intermediate/Advanced (3:30-4:30 p.m.) and Beginners (4:30-5:30 p.m.). Registration required. 813-788-6375

3:30-5:30 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Mat Yoga

Zephyrhills Public Library invites adults to join instructor Michelle Mack for a mat yoga session. Bring a mat. 813-780-0064

4-5 p.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Conversation Corner

Trained tutors help adults improve English reading, writing and speaking skills at Wesley Chapel Library. Designed for ESL learners and those wanting to build literacy skills. 352-518-5064

6-7:30 p.m.; 27531 Mystic Oak Blvd., Wesley Chapel

 

Conversation Corner

Improve reading, writing and speaking English with tutor support at Land O’ Lakes Library. 813-929-1214

6-7:30 p.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Aug. 13

Woodworking

Land O’ Lakes Library invites adults (or youth 9+ with guardian) to use Makerspace tools for approved projects. Bring your own plans and materials. Closed-toe shoes and completed Foundry Waiver & Safety Playbook forms required. Registration required. 813-929-1214

9-10:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.-noon, noon-1:30 p.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Tech Help

Hugh Embry Library staff are available for help with computer or mobile device basics. Bring your own device or use a public computer. Registration required. 352-567-3576

10-11 a.m. or 11 a.m.-noon; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

813 Day

The Tampa Museum of Art offers $8.13 off admission for 813 Day. tampamuseum.org

10 a.m.-4 p.m.; 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa

 

Storytime Fun!

Zephyrhills Public Library invites toddlers and preschoolers for an interactive storytime filled with reading, singing and dancing. 813-780-0064

10-10:20 a.m. or 10:30-10:50 a.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Preschool Storytime

Children ages 3-5 listen to stories and songs during Preschool Storytime at Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. 727-815-7126

10:15-11 a.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Preschool Storytime

Land O’ Lakes Library invites ages 3-5 and their caregivers for stories and songs. 813-929-1214

10:15-10:45 a.m. or 11:15-11:45 a.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Mat Yoga

Zephyrhills Public Library invites adults to join instructor Michelle Mack for a mat yoga session. Bring a mat. 813-780-0064

4-5 p.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Art on the House

The Tampa Museum of Art hosts Art on the House on Thursdays. Admission is pay-as-you-will. tampamuseum.org

4-8 p.m.; 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa

 

Yarn for a Cause

New River Library invites yarn enthusiasts to a weekly gathering to share projects, tips and conversation. 813-788-6375

6-7 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Republican Club

Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells Jr. speaks at the next Wesley Chapel Republican Club meeting at Myrtle Lake Baptist Church. All are welcome. Coffee and dessert will be available.

6:30 p.m.; 2017 Reigler Road, Land O’Lakes

 

Aug. 14

Toddler Storytime

Land O’ Lakes Library presents stories and songs for toddlers ages 1-2 and caregivers. 813-929-1214

9:45-10:05 a.m., 10:15-10:35 a.m. and 11:15-11:35 a.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Sensory Event

Zephyrhills Public Library hosts Rocking in Our School Shoes, a sensory program with crafts. 813-780-0064

10-11 a.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Conversation Corner

Hugh Embry Library hosts trained tutors to help adults improve English reading, writing and speaking skills. Designed for ESL learners and English speakers wanting to strengthen literacy skills. 352-567-3576

10-11:30 a.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Toddler Storytime

Children and their caregivers listen to stories during Toddler Storytime at Wesley Chapel Library. 352-518-5064

10:30-11 or 11:15-11:45 a.m.; 27531 Mystic Oak Blvd., Wesley Chapel

 

Bingo

Zephyrhills Public Library invites the community to play free bingo games and win prizes. Space is limited; reservations recommended. Call 813-780-0064 to register. 

3-4 p.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Stage Reading

Powerstories Theatre presents a reading of “Conscience” at Stageworks Theatre. Tickets cost $37 for adults, $32 for seniors and $22 for students. powerstories.com

7:30 p.m.; 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa

 

Theater

The Village Players present “The Not So True Story of Cinderella Part 2” at James McCabe Theatre. General admission costs $23 with discounts for seniors, students and military. The show continues through Aug. 22. thevillageplayersvalrico.com

8 p.m.; 506 N. 5th St., Valrico

 

Aug. 15

Lit Club

The Lit Club discusses “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie at Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. 727-815-7126

10:30-11:30 a.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Read to Rover

Hugh Embry Library invites young readers and their families to read with therapy dogs from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. 352-567-3576

10:30-11:30 a.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Stage Reading

Powerstories Theatre presents a reading of “Conscience” at Stageworks Theatre. Tickets cost $37 for adults, $32 for seniors and $22 for students. powerstories.com

1 p.m.; 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa

 

Theater

The Village Players present “The Not So True Story of Cinderella Part 2” at James McCabe Theatre. General admission costs $23 with discounts for seniors, students and military. The show continues through Aug. 22. thevillageplayersvalrico.com

8 p.m.; 506 N. 5th St., Valrico

 

Aug. 16

Stage Reading

Powerstories Theatre presents a reading of “Conscience” at Stageworks Theatre. Tickets cost $37 for adults, $32 for seniors and $22 for students. powerstories.com

3 p.m.; 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa

 

Theater

The Village Players present “The Not So True Story of Cinderella Part 2” at James McCabe Theatre. General admission costs $23 with discounts for seniors, students and military. The show continues through Aug. 22. thevillageplayersvalrico.com

3 p.m.; 506 N. 5th St., Valrico

 

Aug. 17

Democratic Club

The East Pasco Democratic Club meets at the Genesis Center and on Zoom. They’ll discuss the midterm elections. Contact for details. All friends of the Democratic Party are welcome. Refreshments are provided. Come early to socialize. 

6:30 p.m.; 38112 15th Ave., Zephyrhills

 

Aug. 18

Medicare/Medicaid

Adults get help applying for the QMB state buy-in program to help pay for Medicare Part B premium at Zephyrhills Public Library. Help is also available for applying for Medicaid and food stamps. Call José Rodríguez at 813-420-3013 for details. 

9 a.m.-3 p.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

PulseFactor Cardio

Zephyrhills Public Library hosts PulseFactor Cardio, a program to improve heart health. Register in advance. 813-780-0064

9:30-10:30 a.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Toddler Storytime

Children ages 1-3 listen to stories and songs during Toddler Storytime at Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. Get a ticket at the service desk. 727-815-7126

10:10-10:40 or 10:50-11:20 a.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Preschool Storytime

Children ages 3-5 listen to stories during Preschool Storytime at Wesley Chapel Library. 352-518-5064

10:30-11 or 11:15-11:45 a.m.; 27531 Mystic Oak Blvd., Wesley Chapel

 

Arts & Crafts

Zephyrhills Public Library hosts Arts & Crafts with Denise & Optum Clinic. The program is for older adults. Call 813-780-0064 to register. 

Noon-2 p.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Yarn for More

Hugh Embry Library hosts a weekly gathering of yarn enthusiasts to share projects, tips and conversation. 352-567-3576

12:15-1:45 p.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Dungeons & Dragons

Teens and tweens play Dungeons & Dragons at Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. 727-815-7126

3-5 p.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

D&D Club

Teens and adults play Dungeons & Dragons at Zephyrhills Public Library. Call 813-780-0064 to register. 

3-5 p.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Hurricane Preparedness

Adults learn how to prepare for hurricanes at New River Library. 813-788-6375

6-7 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel