The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Village welcomes former police officer, Navy fireman

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Brenda Arnaud and her family are welcomed into the Let Us Do Good Village. The community and amenity center have been designed and built to be accessible for all residents, creating a supportive environment for families who have sacrificed for our nation. Photo courtesy of The Tunnel to Towers

 

LAND O’LAKES – The Tunnel to Towers Let Us Do Good Village has welcomed two new heroes to its growing community.

Navy Fireman Brenda Arnaud and Industry Borough Police Officer Scott Morrison are among the 11 heroes who have moved into the village this year. Nearly 30 families call the village home.

The village will eventually feature nearly 100 homes gifted to catastrophically injured veterans, first responders and Gold Star and Fallen First Responder families. 

“Every smart home Tunnel to Towers delivers represents a new beginning,” said Frank Siller, chairman and CEO of Tunnel to Towers. “For Brenda and Scott, this means greater independence, peace of mind and the opportunity to focus on healing instead of the obstacles their injuries have created.”

 

Brenda Arnaud and her family are welcomed into the Let Us Do Good Village. The Tunnel to Towers Smart Home Program builds specially adapted smart homes to help severely injured veterans and first responders live more independently. Photo courtesy of The Tunnel to Towers

Brenda Arnaud

Brenda Arnaud enlisted in the Navy on May 5, 2013, inspired by her husband, a Marine Corps veteran. She worked on pre-commissioning ships, getting them ready to deploy around the world. 

During one of these assignments, she suffered a devastating fall that resulted in several serious injuries, including a spinal cord injury, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and frozen shoulder, which later spread. She developed hand contractures and drop foot that progressed to osteonecrosis. 

After years of surgery, she decided to amputate her leg nearly 10 years after the original injury. Dealing with her injury while living in a two-story home in Texas made everyday tasks difficult. 

“My kid’s bedrooms were upstairs, and I couldn’t always get upstairs,” Arnaud said. “I had to force myself to wear my prosthetic to get around my house, which kept me from healing properly.”

She is looking forward to her new smart home in the Let Us Do Good Village.

“I loved the fact that everyone there understands what you are going through because they have gone through the same thing,” Arnaud said. 

Her Tunnel to Towers smart home will give her greater mobility and safety. The financial relief has allowed Arnaud and her husband to focus more fully on her recovery and their children.

 

Scott Morrison gets a warm welcome to Let Us Do Good Village. Each smart home features zero thresholds, motorized doors and keyless entry for easier access. Photo courtesy of The Tunnel to Towers

Scott A. Morrison

Scott Morrison is a Gulf War veteran who served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the 1990s, working as a helicopter crew chief in Germany. 

He returned home and started a career in law enforcement working as a K-9 handler and patrolman. During an encounter with a suspect, he broke his ankle, an injury that he continued to worsen over the years on the job. Eventually, the injury and pain forced him to retire. He endured multiple surgeries to repair the damage to his legs and back. His injuries have left him with limited mobility. He often relies on a scooter to get around. 

Struggling physically and financially to make ends meet, Morrison admits he was in a low place when Tunnel to Towers came into his life. 

“I was a broken shell of a man, I was fighting, I never gave up or backed down…but everything Tunnel to Towers has done just blows me away,” Morrison said. “I can’t find the words of what it means and how it feels. It’s been a blessing.”

Now he’s moving from Pennsylvania to Florida and looking forward to his next chapter in the Let Us Do Good Village.

“It’s a community where I’ll know the guy next to me has my back, as I will have his back,” Morrison said. “That’s something I haven’t felt since I was in the service.” 

 

Want to help?

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, when FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller gave his life in the line of duty. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation continues to honor his legacy by providing mortgage-free homes to injured veterans and first responders nationwide.

The foundation has delivered more than 1,700 mortgage-free homes and committed over $1 billion to its programs.

On the web: T2T.org 

Local Wildlife: Skunk sisters enjoy frozen treat

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Ginger and Juniper celebrate the Fourth of July with a frozen treat. Photo courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

 

TAMPA – The Florida Aquarium recently welcomed striped skunk sisters Ginger and Juniper from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. 

Independence Day weekend marked their first appearances as part of the aquarium’s animal ambassador program, helping guests learn about one of North America’s most misunderstood native species.

Ginger and Juniper sampled patriotic American flag-shaped frozen treats made with blueberries, pears and red apples, encouraging their natural foraging behaviors while providing mental stimulation.

On the web: flaquarium.org

Have you taken a cool or cute animal photo? Email it to us at .

Chalk Talk (07/01/26): Art wins best of show

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Sebastian Romo’s award-winning artwork of a Florida bass and bluegill impressed judges at both the state and national levels. Photo courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Florida student’s art wins Best of Show in Fish Art Contest

TAMPA – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in collaboration with Wildlife Forever, recognized Sebastian Romo for his submission in the 2026 Fish Art Contest. 

Sebastian was named the Florida freshwater winner for grades 7-9 in April and advanced to the national competition, where he earned second place in the national grades 7-9 division before going on to receive Best of Show. Best of Show is the contest’s highest overall honor, recognizing the most exceptional artwork submitted across all grade levels.

The contest invites students in kindergarten through 12th grade to create illustrations of native fish species in their natural habitats. Participants learn about the fish they depict, including their habitat, diet and role in Florida’s aquatic ecosystems, to develop a deeper appreciation for the state’s fisheries and natural resources.

Follow Sebastian’s work on Instagram @sebastianinthewild and on his website,  Sebastianinthewild.com. 

On the web: MyFWC.com/Education.

 

Kiddie Academy of Land O’ Lakes opened on May 4. The brand offers comprehensive educational child care programs. Photo courtesy of Kiddie Academy

Kiddie Academy opens in Land O’ Lakes

LAND O’ LAKES – Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care celebrated the grand opening June 6 of a new franchise location at 17881 Aprile Drive.

Murali and Sireesha Katipalli own and operate the location. They have provided care and education to more than 1,000 families in five years at the Westchase location, Sireesha said. 

“We’re excited to bring that same vision to Land O’ Lakes, providing a nurturing, high-quality learning environment for children while creating more opportunities to employ local educators,” Sireesha said. 

Kiddie Academy of Land O’ Lakes will serve about 205 children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old and bring 30 jobs to the area.

The 11,300-square-foot location features 11 classrooms, a large outdoor learning center equipped with turf and a splash pad for water play, a multimedia room, Zono disinfecting cabinets and security cameras throughout. 

On the web: kiddieacademy.com/landolakes

 

Odessa students graduate from the University of Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Four students from Odessa earned degrees from the University of Alabama’s spring 2026 commencement at Coleman Coliseum in May. 

Local graduates include:

  • Logan Hinsberg received a Bachelor of Arts.
  • Graydon Horn received a Bachelor of Arts.
  • Avy Trevethan received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Information Sciences.
  • Bo Welch received a Bachelor of Science.

Some 7,000 degrees were awarded during the ceremony. 

 

Student achievements

The following students earned honors during the spring 2026 semester: 

  • Jackson Behuniak, of Lutz, was named to the Dean’s Honor Roll at University of Mississippi. Jackson, who is in the B.A. in History program, earned a semester GPA of 3.50-3.74.
  • Makenna Bellaire, of Lutz, was named to the Chancellor’s Honor Roll at the University of Mississippi. Makenna, who is in the B.A. in Political Science program, earned a semester GPA of 3.75 to 4.00.
  • Robert S. Burton, of Lutz, was named to first honors on the Dean’s List at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. Students must have a GPA of 3.8 or above for first honors.
  • Caitlyn Culpepper, of Odessa, was named to the Chancellor’s Honor Roll at the University of Mississippi. Caitlyn, who is in the B.A. in Biochemistry program, earned a semester GPA of 3.75 to 4.00.
  • Lillian Hilt, of Land O’ Lakes, made the Dean’s List at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee. Lillian earned a GPA of 3.5 to 3.9. 
  • Anthony Iserino, of Wesley Chapel, made the Dean’s List for the spring 2026 semester at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri. This honor recognizes students who have achieved a grade-point average of 3.5 or above.
  • Drew Pitts, of Lutz, made the Dean’s List at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee. Drew earned a GPA of 3.5 to 3.9. 

 

Cronin: Development isn’t the same as growth and it’s certainly not sprawl

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In recent years, Pasco County has been exporting its greatest natural resource. Not phosphate. Not citrus. Not timber. Our people.

For decades, communities like Pasco County carried the label of a “bedroom community.” People live here because housing was affordable but every morning thousands of talented residents leave the county to build the economy of neighboring counties before making the long commute home exhausted each evening. That wasn’t economic prosperity. It was economic dependence.

Today, as our county continues to grow, I often hear concerns that “economic development” simply means more traffic, more rooftops and more congestion. Those concerns are understandable but they also highlight an important distinction that deserves greater attention.

Economic development is not the same thing as growth. 

And it is certainly not the same as unmanaged growth or urban sprawl.

Growth happens whether we plan for it or not. People move to Florida because of our climate, our quality of life and our economic opportunity. New homes are built because families need places to live. That is population growth.

Economic development, however, is intentional.

It is the deliberate effort to create quality jobs, attract investment, diversify our economy and ensure that residents can build successful careers without leaving the community they call home.

The question isn’t whether Pasco County will grow. The question is whether we will create enough opportunity to grow wisely.

For years, Pasco exported its greatest asset – its workforce. Thousands of talented teachers, engineers, healthcare professionals, manufacturers, software developers, financial professionals and entrepreneurs left our county every day to earn a living elsewhere. That meant more congestion on our highways, more time away from families and fewer opportunities for our local businesses to thrive.

Creating local jobs changes that equation.

When a company chooses to locate in Pasco County, it doesn’t simply occupy a building. It creates careers. It generates tax revenue that supports public services. It strengthens local restaurants, retailers, professional service firms and small businesses. It provides opportunities for our graduates to stay close to home instead of relocating elsewhere.

That’s economic development.

It is also important to understand what economic developers mean when we talk about creating employment centers. An employment center is a concentration of businesses that provides significant job opportunities across multiple industries, whether advanced manufacturing, life sciences, corporate headquarters, logistics, research and development, healthcare or technology. A great example of how economic development terminology is not widely understood was a recent community discussion where many of the commentators were speaking about ’employment centers’ under the assumption that they were actually ‘data centers.’ While data centers serve a role in the digital economy, they generally employ relatively few people compared to the thousands of jobs created by business parks, innovation districts, medical campuses, manufacturing facilities and mixed-use employment hubs. When economic developers advocate for employment centers, we are advocating for places where people work, not simply where computers operate.

Projects like Moffitt’s SPEROS campus (an employment center), advanced manufacturing facilities, corporate headquarters, life science companies and food manufacturers aren’t examples of sprawl. They represent the type of investment that transforms a community from a place where people simply sleep into a place where they can build a career.

Strong communities require balance.

Housing without jobs creates long commutes.

Jobs without housing create affordability challenges.

Infrastructure without planning creates congestion.

The goal of economic development is to bring those pieces together in a thoughtful way.

That also means protecting the qualities that make Pasco County special. Smart economic development isn’t about paving over every open field. It means directing investment to appropriate locations, preserving natural resources, supporting existing businesses and ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with development. Responsible planning and economic development are partners, not competitors.

It’s also important to recognize that Pasco County has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to land conservation. Through initiatives such as the Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program, the county has permanently preserved thousands of acres of environmentally sensitive lands, wildlife habitat, wetlands and natural corridors. Those protected lands will remain part of Pasco’s landscape for generations to come. The choice has never been between economic development or conservation; the most successful communities embrace both. By protecting our natural resources while strategically developing employment centers and infrastructure in appropriate locations, Pasco can continue to enhance both its economy and its exceptional quality of life.

Communities that fail to pursue economic development don’t avoid growth. They simply lose the ability to shape it.

The employers (and the high-paying jobs they create) go somewhere else, while residents continue commuting longer distances to support someone else’s economy.

As someone who has worked in economic development for more than three decades, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when communities invest strategically in their future. They become more resilient during economic downturns. They offer greater opportunities for young people. They attract talent, innovation and entrepreneurship. They improve quality of life not just for today’s residents, but for generations to come.

Economic development isn’t about chasing growth. It’s about creating opportunity. It’s about ensuring that the next generation can live, work and raise a family in the same community they grew up in.

For a county that spent decades as a bedroom community, that isn’t just progress. That’s transformation. And it’s a future worth building together.

The future of Pasco County is not a choice between jobs and green space. It is a commitment to both. We can preserve the places that make people want to live here while creating the opportunities that allow them to work here. That’s not sprawl. That’s smart economic development.

Bill Cronin serves as president & CEO of Pasco EDC.

PHSC unveils Wilton Simpson Science & Innovation Center

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Wilton Simpson and trustees stand in front of the newly opened Wilton Simpson Science & Innovation Center. Photo courtesy of PHSC

 

DADE CITY – Pasco-Hernando State College recently celebrated the grand opening of the Wilton Simpson Science & Innovation Center. 

The 27,000-square-foot center provides a hub at East Campus for evolving technologies and will house classrooms, workspace and offices, as well as a two-story auditorium space.

PHSC president Eric Hall speaks at the grand opening of the Wilton Simpson Science & Innovation Center. Photo courtesy of PHSC

“PHSC is proud to celebrate the opening of the Wilton Simpson Science & Innovation Center, a transformative investment in the future of STEM education in our region,” said Eric Hall, PHSC president. “This state-of-the-art facility reflects our commitment to providing students with innovative, hands-on learning environments that align with the evolving demands of today’s workforce. By expanding access to cutting-edge technology and high-demand programs, we are creating new opportunities for student success while strengthening the economic vitality of our community.”

The center will be the new home of the emergency medical technician program and will include equipment to deliver exceptional learning experiences with a mock PHSC ambulance to provide students with realistic opportunities to practice within a confined space as they would in the workforce. 

The unmanned vehicle systems operation and the robotics instructional area will support the engineering technology associate degree and related automation and mechatronics college credit certificates.

The center leverages the college’s existing network infrastructure and provides a future-ready platform capable of supporting smart classrooms, hybrid learning, digital signage, lecture capture and video conferencing. This capability enables phased growth and modernization without the need for large-scale replacement of AV switching hardware.

“We’re almost fully operational with the ability to expand our program to its best potential,” said Megan Kostelnik, aviation instructor for the unmanned vehicle systems operation program. “This expansion allows us to bring in more advanced drones, student workstations and a fully equipped instructional space, cementing our program above the rest in the state.” 

Wilton Simpson, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, speaks at the grand opening of the Wilton Simpson Science & Innovation Center. Photo courtesy of PHSC

The building’s name was chosen in recognition of Wilton Simpson, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and PHSC alumnus. During Simpson’s time in the Florida Senate, he was instrumental in obtaining $25 million in funding for the college’s STEM building project. At PHSC’s March District Board of Trustees Meeting, the trustees unanimously voted to name the building the Wilton Simpson Science & Innovation Center to honor his long-standing positive impact on higher education, the college and Pasco and Hernando counties.

“PHSC has always played an important role in preparing students for successful careers, and this new facility takes that mission to the next level,” Simpson said. “As a proud PHSC alumnus, I’m honored to see this project come to life. The Wilton Simpson Science & Innovation Center will give students the hands-on training they need for high-demand careers while helping meet the workforce needs of our growing region.” 

 

Woodfield Development begins construction on apartments

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The project team includes Dynamik Design as architect of record and interior designer, with Summit serving as general contractor. Rendering courtesy of Woodfield Development

LAND O’ LAKES – Woodfield Development has started construction on Connerton Apartments, a 270-unit residential community within the Connerton master-planned community in Land O’ Lakes. 

The project further expands Woodfield’s Florida portfolio and introduces new rental housing to one of the state’s fastest-growing regions.

“Pasco County continues to attract residents, employers and investment at a remarkable pace,” said Ryan Studzinski, partner at Woodfield Development. “Connerton Apartments allows us to deliver a housing option that complements the area’s continued growth while offering residents direct access to the amenities, connectivity and quality of life that have made Connerton one of the region’s most successful master-planned communities.”

Located on 17.5 acres just off U.S. 41, Connerton Apartments will offer a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom residences totaling 252 apartment units, ranging from about 773 to 1,519 square feet. The community will also feature six carriage homes and 12 townhomes with private fenced-in backyards.  The residences will feature quartz countertops, energy-efficient stainless-steel appliances, wood-style vinyl plank flooring, and in-unit washer/dryer, to name a few.

Community amenities will include a resort-style zero-entry swimming pool with cabanas, a co-working center with private workstation offices, a pet spa and private dog park play area, multiple grilling hubs, a 24-hour fitness center with yoga/flex room, resident clubroom, community lounge and a pickleball court.

Residents will have access to the master-planned community’s extensive network of trails, boardwalks, parks, lakes and preserved natural areas.

Woodfield Development closed on the acquisition of the property on Connerton Boulevard in December 2025. First deliveries are anticipated in the second quarter of 2028.

Since establishing its Florida presence in 2020, Woodfield Development has expanded its footprint across the state, starting or completing construction on more than 3,000 residential units, representing over $1 billion in development over the past five years.

On the web: woodfielddevelopment.com

Hillsborough County Extension Service releases July programs

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TAMPA – Hillsborough County residents can improve their landscapes, strengthen financial wellness, explore healthy eating habits and learn sustainable living practices this July through Hillsborough County Extension Service’s lineup of educational classes and workshops offered both in person and online.

From tree pruning and pollinator gardening to retirement savings education and water conservation programs, Extension experts continue to provide research-based programs designed to help residents save money, protect natural resources, and build practical life skills. Many programs are beginner-friendly and open to residents across the county.

The programs listed below highlight just a portion of Extension Service offerings available throughout July. Advance registration is required for most classes. 

Call 813-744-5519 for details.

 

Gardening and Landscaping

  • Tree Pruning Basics, in-person July 7
  • Florida-Friendly Landscaping Webinar Series: Attract Wildlife, virtual July 16
  • Lunch & Learn: Pollinator Gardening and Insect Conservation – Part 1, virtual July 22
  • Lunch & Learn: Pollinator Gardening and Insect Conservation – Part 2, virtual July 29

 

Water Conservation and Sustainable Living

  • Microirrigation Workshop, virtual July 9
  • Composting Workshop, in-person July 11
  • Microirrigation Workshop, in-person July 11
  • Rainwater Harvesting Workshop, in-person July 11

 

Financial Education

  • One-on-One Financial Education Appointments, available throughout July
  • Financial Building Blocks Online Class, self-paced throughout July
  • Trump Accounts 101: The Who, The What, And The How, virtual July 8
  • Index Fund Investing, virtual July 15

 

Healthy Living and Nutrition

  • Cooking Up Health: The Mediterranean Way Virtual Series, begins July 27

 

Agriculture and Environmental Education

  • Introduction to Cottage Foods in Florida, virtual July 20

 

Professional Development and Industry Training

  • Summer Landscape Tune-Up, in-person July 16
  • UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Scouting Series Training, July 20

Local Wildlife (6/30): Aquarium returns sea turtle to gulf

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Rescued during a cold-stunning event, Purple nearly doubled in size before release off Anna Maria Island. Photo courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – A juvenile green sea turtle named Purple returned to the gulf on June 26 after months of rehabilitation at The Florida Aquarium following a cold-stunning event.

Purple was transferred to The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center on Feb. 11 after being found on North Longboat Key lethargic, underweight and with barnacles on its shell. The turtle weighed 2 pounds at intake and required antibiotics, fluids and ongoing veterinary care.

After more than four months of care, Purple nearly doubled in size to 3.9 pounds and was cleared for release. Before returning to the wild, it received a PIT tag and microchip for future identification. Manatee County sea turtle volunteers assisted The Florida Aquarium team during Purple’s release at Anna Maria Bayfront Park.

“Every sea turtle release reflects months of intensive care and collaboration,” said Alyssa Fessett, manager of The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center. “Purple’s recovery is a direct result of that work, and it’s always meaningful to see a patient return to its home healthy and strong.”

Purple’s release comes during a busy rehabilitation season at The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center, which has cared for 22 juvenile green sea turtles since the start of the season. Most arrived after cold-stunning events that left them weakened from prolonged exposure to cold water. Through intensive veterinary care and rehabilitation, the turtles have steadily improved. Following Purple’s release, 13 sea turtles will remain in rehabilitation, when they will continue receiving treatment and care before they are ready to return to the ocean.

 

PulteGroup donating mortgage-free homes to veterans

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RIVERVIEW – PulteGroup’s West Florida Division is gifting two mortgage-free homes at once through its Built to Honor program in partnership with Building Homes for Heroes. 

Army Specialist Ryan Heard and Army Sergeant Carson Shaw were selected because their stories were equally compelling, according to the company. 

“Every year, selecting a Built to Honor recipient is incredibly meaningful, but this year we found ourselves unable to choose just one,” said Sean Strickler, president of PulteGroup’s West Florida Division. “Ryan and Carson both represent extraordinary courage, resilience and sacrifice. Their stories impacted our entire team, and we knew the right decision was to honor both heroes.”

Army Sergeant Carson Shaw as received numerous military honors, including two Army Commendation Medals, the Joint Service Achievement Medal with Combat Device, two Army Achievement Medals, the Expert Infantry Badge, and the Parachutist Badge. Photo courtesy of PulteGroup

Shaw joined the U.S. Army in 2019, fulfilling a lifelong dream of becoming an Army Ranger. During his six years with the 1st Ranger Battalion, he earned his Airborne and Ranger tabs and completed deployments to Iraq, Syria and Africa. 

On Oct. 7, 2024, Shaw was involved in a line-of-duty motor vehicle accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. 

Shaw has received numerous military honors, including two Army Commendation Medals.

Army Specialist Ryan Heard is a recipient of the Purple Heart. Photo courtesy of PulteGroup

Heard enlisted in 2007, inspired by his family’s military legacy and a determination to serve his country. 

Heard served more than six years in the Cavalry, completing two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan while earning his golden spurs along the way. 

On July 7, 2013, Heard was injured in an IED blast during a counter-IED mission in Afghanistan’s Logar Province. He is a recipient of the Purple Heart. 

The families will receive adjacent homes at Pulte Homes’ Spencer Glen community in Riverview, becoming neighbors. The homes are expected to be move-in ready by Thanksgiving.

Across the country, PulteGroup has donated over 100 Built to Honor mortgage-free homes to wounded veterans since founding the program in 2013. The dual gift marks the seventh and eighth mortgage-free homes PulteGroup’s West Florida Division has built for veterans in the Tampa Bay area through its Built to Honor program and is the first time the division has honored two recipients at once.

 

Libraries bring summer fun across Hillsborough County

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TAMPA – Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative offers engaging, entertaining and informative free programs for the entire family in July. 

The events listed below are only a sampling of the many scheduled. Find more listings under the “Events & Classes” tab at HCPLC.org.

 

Shields Up! A Look in History

Learn about shields and armor that heroes carried into the battlefield.

  • July 1, 2-3 p.m., Seminole Heights Branch Library, 4711 N. Central Ave., Tampa 
  • July 8, 11 a.m.-noon, New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa 
  • July 9, 4-5 p.m., New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa 
  • July 13, 11 a.m.-noon, Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz 
  • July 16, 3-4 p.m., Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa 
  • July 29, 4-5 p.m., Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, 13619 N. 22nd St., Tampa 

 

Clay with Color Express

Teens will complete their clay masterpiece following step-by-step instructions. Materials provided. Registration recommended.

  • July 1, 3-4 p.m., 78th Street Community Library, 7625 Palm River Road, Tampa 
  • July 8, 3-4 p.m., Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd., Tampa 
  • July 9, 3-4 p.m., Riverview Public Library, 9951 Balm Riverview Road, Riverview 
  • July 11, 3-4 p.m., Egypt Lake Partnership Library, 3403 W. Lambright St., Tampa 
  • July 23, 2-3 p.m., Seminole Heights Branch Library, 4711 N. Central Ave., Tampa 

 

Creeping Cryptids – A Choose Your Own Adventure Story

Your family is off on an adventure to Revolutionary War tourist spots, but you are not as interested until you see clues that point to a hidden adventure with strange creatures around each corner. Recommended for teens. Registration recommended.

  • July 1, 3-4 p.m., Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa 
  • July 7, 3-4 p.m., Town ‘N Country Regional Public Library, 7606 Paula Drive, Tampa 
  • July 9, 3-4 p.m., C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, 2607 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tampa 
  • July 9, 4-5 p.m., Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd., Tampa 
  • July 9, 5-6 p.m., Brandon Regional Library, 619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon 
  • July 13, 6-7 p.m., Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 2910 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa 
  • July 17, 3-4 p.m., Port Tampa City Library, 4902 W. Commerce St., Tampa 
  • July 22, 4-5 p.m., Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, 13619 N. 22nd St., Tampa 
  • July 22, 7-8 p.m., Riverview Public Library, 9951 Balm Riverview Road, Riverview 
  • July 24, 2-3 p.m., North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 N. Boulevard, Tampa 

 

Medieval Chainmail Weaving

Learn the basics of chain mail and jump ring weaving and make a simple scale mail keychain to take home. Recommended for adults. Registration recommended.

  • July 1, 4-5 p.m., Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, 13619 N. 22nd St., Tampa
  • July 8, 2-3 p.m., Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 2910 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa
  • July 11, 2-3 p.m., Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd., Tampa 
  • July 16, 6-7 p.m., Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa 
  • July 23, 3-4 p.m., Seffner-Mango Branch Library, 410 N. Kingsway Road, Seffner 
  • July 28, 11 a.m.-noon, Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz 

 

Epic Music Theater Workshop!

Write and perform an epic musical with Shana Banana. Students will co-create a song and story to present a mini-musical to friends and family members. Recommended for teens. Registration recommended.

  • July 6, 2-4 p.m., New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa 

 

The Road to the Declaration of Independence

This lecture charts how protest became revolution from British taxes after the French and Indian War to Boston’s defiance, “Common Sense,” and Jefferson’s words that forged American Independence. Learn to create expressive portraits inspired by arts and culture. Work with colored pencils using an aromatherapy blending gel. No prior drawing experience necessary. Recommended for adults. Registration recommended.

  • July 7, 11 a.m.-noon, Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz 
  • July 24, 11 a.m.-noon, Charles J. Fendig Public Library, 3909 W. Neptune St., Tampa 

 

The Hero’s Journal

Learn about the hero’s journey and start to write your own tale with world-building activities. Record your adventure in a journal you can take home with you. Recommended for adults. Registration recommended.

  • July 8, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 N. Boulevard, Tampa 
  • July 8, 7-8 p.m., C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, 2607 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tampa 
  • July 11, 10:15-11:45 a.m., Austin Davis Public Library, 17808 Wayne Road, Odessa 
  • July 11, 3-4:30 p.m., New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa 
  • July 21, 6-7 p.m., Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa 
  • July 22, 2:30-4 p.m., John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa 
  • July 24, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Riverview Public Library, 9951 Balm Riverview Road, Riverview 
  • July 28, 3-4 p.m., Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 E. Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico 
  • July 28, 6:30-8 p.m., Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd., Tampa 

 

Art Conversation

A museum educator from the Tampa Museum of Art leads an interactive discussion. Recommended for adults. Registration recommended.

  • July 10, 11 a.m.-noon, C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, 2607 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tampa 
  • July 14, 11 a.m.-noon, Riverview Public Library, 9951 Balm Riverview Road, Riverview

 

Star Lab with MOSI

A portable planetarium recreates the night sky complete with stars and constellations. Listen to star stories and learn how to distinguish types of stars and navigate using the night sky. Recommended for teens. Registration recommended.

  • July 10, 2-3 p.m., Town ‘N Country Regional Public Library, 7606 Paula Drive, Tampa

 

Didgeridoo Adventure Down Under

Hear mythical Aboriginal Dreamtime stories and colorful Aussie tales that take you to explore Australia from the Great Barrier Reef to the Outback. Recommended for children. Tickets will be available at the marked service point 15 minutes prior to the event on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • July 13, 11 a.m.-noon, Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa
  • July 15, 3-4 p.m., Town ‘N Country Regional Public Library, 7606 Paula Drive, Tampa

 

Secrets of the Swamp with Florida Aquarium

What secrets could the swamp be keeping? Students will go on a virtual journey through Florida’s treasured wetlands with a live species ambassador native to the swamp. Recommended for children. Registration recommended.

  • July 15, 2-3 p.m., North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 N. Boulevard, Tampa
  • July 24, 3-4 p.m., Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, 13619 N. 22nd St., Tampa

 

Bits N Pieces Puppet Theater – “Rumpelstiltskin”

In this lively marionette adventure, Rumpelstiltskin spins more than straw into gold. With music, mischief and humor, the story becomes a celebration of honesty, teamwork and the magic of reading. Recommended for children. Registration recommended.

  • July 21, 3-4 p.m., Seffner-Mango Branch Library, 410 N. Kingsway Road, Seffner