The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Saint Leo University observes Veterans Appreciation Month

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Saint Leo University’s 2023 Veterans Appreciation Ceremony by the For Those Who Serve statue. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

St. LEO – The public is invited to join Saint Leo University in honoring veterans throughout November with events that celebrate their service, sacrifice and strength. 

Veterans Appreciation Month events that are open to the public include:

  • Virtual 1M, 5K and 10K (Nov. 1-30): Hosted by the Office of Military Affairs and Services, this virtual race supports the university’s Military Excellence Fund. Participants may run, walk, or jog at their own pace and location. All registrants receive a race T-shirt and finisher medal. Register at https://your.saintleo.edu/virtual5k.
  • Opening Ceremony & Lunch (Nov. 6, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Student Community Center boardrooms): Celebrate veterans with keynote speaker Lt. Col. Anthony J. Pinto, U.S. Air Force (retired). Lunch is available at the dining hall. Online guests may join via Zoom.
  • Veterans Mass (Nov. 12, noon-1 p.m., Saint Leo Abbey Church): Join in prayer and reflection at this Catholic Mass with Benedictine Monks of Saint Leo Abbey. Mass will be streamed on Facebook live for online participants.
  • Conversations About Success Beyond Service Webinar (Nov. 12, 6-7 p.m.): This webinar will feature Julie Bryson, Saint Leo alumna (classes of 2007 and 2009), Army veteran, advocate, author and founder of the nonprofit organization, Boots 2 Benefits. Attend on Zoom (Meeting ID: 913 6689 0816).
  • 4th Annual Chili Cookoff (Nov. 20, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Student Activities Building loggia): Join students, faculty and staff for a competition and sample all the chili entrees.
  • Military Excellence Fund: Individuals can support Saint Leo University’s veteran and military-affiliated students by donating to the Military Education Excellence Fund to support scholarships and programs for military-affiliated students.

 

Did you know?

Saint Leo University was named by U.S. Veterans Magazine as a Veteran-Friendly Yellow Ribbon Program school, ranking it as one of the top Veteran-Friendly Institutions and a Premier Yellow-Ribbon School. The university was honored for not only meeting the criteria b

What’s Happening (10/29/25): RUSH adds Tampa date

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RUSH adds more dates to tour

TAMPA – RUSH co-founders Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson announced 17 additional cities on their 2026 headline tour, “Fifty Something,” due to demand.

The tour, celebrating RUSH’s music, legacy and the life of late drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, will stop at Tampa’s Benchmark International Arena at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9, 2026.

RUSH initially announced shows in seven major North American cities, all of which sold out. These new dates have been added due to the demand for tickets on those dates.

These shows mark the first time Lee and Lifeson have toured together in 11 years since the finale of RUSH’s R40 Tour in 2015 at the Forum in Los Angeles

For “Fifty Something,” Lee and Lifeson will be accompanied by German drummer, composer and producer Anika Nilles, who has performed as Jeff Beck’s drummer for more than 60 shows and has released four solo albums.

RUSH just revealed the 50-track super deluxe anthology, “RUSH 50.” The band has sold more than 45 million albums and earned seven Grammy Award nominations over the course of their career. 

Tickets for this event go on sale Oct. 31 at noon at Ticketmaster.com. Advance parking passes are available at ParkWhiz.com. Visit benchmarkintlarena.com or call 813-301-2500 for details. 

 

Oct. 29

Toddler Storytime

Join in stories, songs, movement and other fun activities with little ones at Hugh Embry Library. Designed for ages birth to 2 years. Space is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

10:15-11 a.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Preschool Storytime

Enjoy stories, songs and activities for preschoolers at Hugh Embry Library. Designed for ages 3–5. Space is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

11:15 a.m.-noon; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Chess Club 

Improve your chess game and strategy with Chess Master–rated coach Rick McKnight at New River Library. Open to kids and teens in grades 4–12 who are experienced chess players. Registration required. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

3:30-4:30 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Chess Club 

Learn and play chess with Chess Master–rated coach Rick McKnight at New River Library. Open to kids and teens in grades 4–12 who want to learn and play. Registration required. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

4:30-5:30 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Chess Club

Play in a weekly U.S. Chess Federation–affiliated club open to all ages and skill levels at Hugh Embry Library. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

5:15-7:45 p.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

English Conversation 

Improve English reading, writing and speaking skills with trained tutors at Land O’ Lakes Library. Designed for ESL learners and English speakers seeking to strengthen literacy. Call 813-929-1214 to save a seat.

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

 

Oct. 30

Storytime Fun

Read, sing and dance with little learners during Storytime Fun at Zephyrhills Public Library. Space is limited, but registration is not required. Recommended for toddlers and preschoolers. Call 813-780-0064 for details.

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

 

Tech Help

Get assistance with computer or mobile device basics from Hugh Embry Library staff. Bring your own device or use a public computer. Registration required. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

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

 

BayCare Health Screening

Receive free health screenings from BayCare at Hugh Embry Library, including blood pressure, lipid, BMI and glucose checks via finger sticks. Each screening takes about 10–15 minutes. Walk-ins welcome. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

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

 

Preschool Storytime

Ms. Christy leads a Preschool Storytime with stories, songs and other activities at Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. Space is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. For ages 3 to 5 years. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

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

 

Preschool Storytime

Enjoy stories and songs for children ages 3–5 and their caregivers at Land O’ Lakes Library. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

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

 

Book Club

Join the monthly Land O’ Lakes Book Club to discuss The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis at Land O’ Lakes Library. Copies of the book are available for pickup. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

10:30-11:30 a.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Book Discussion

The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System hosts discussions of Mary Roach’s “Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law,” an exploration of the curious intersection between wildlife and human behavior, at Ruskin Branch Library. Recommended for adults. Registration recommended. Call 813-273-3652 for details.

2 p.m.; 26 Dickman Drive S.E., Ruskin

 

Mat Yoga

Michelle Mack instructs a mat yoga session at Zephyrhills Public Library. Bring a mat. Space is limited. Call 813-780-0064 for details.

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

 

Yarn for a Cause

Join other yarn enthusiasts for a weekly gathering at New River Library. Participants share projects, tips and inspiration. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

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

 

Oct. 31

Toddler Storytime

Share stories and songs with toddlers ages 1–2 and their caregivers during Toddler Storytime at Land O’ Lakes Library. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

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

 

English Conversation 

Improve English reading, writing and speaking skills with trained tutors at Hugh Embry Library. Designed for adult ESL learners and English speakers seeking literacy support. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

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

 

Hay Bale

Celebrate the sixth anniversary of the Dade City Hay Bale Painting Project presented by the Dade City Center for the Arts. Enjoy colorful hay bale displays created by local artists throughout Dade City, on view through Veterans Day. Free trolley rides provided by the Dade City Heritage & Cultural Museum, departing hourly from The Welcome Center. Locations include Agnes Lamb Park, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Hardy Trail on Church Avenue, Le Garden Bistro, Price Park and Treehouse Mercantile.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.; 37800 Church Ave., Dade City

 

Tech Help 

Receive one-on-one tech assistance during Final Friday appointments at New River Library. Each session lasts 30 minutes and volunteers can help with personal devices and passwords. Registration required. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

1-2:30 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Costume Parade

Celebrate Halloween during a trick-or-treat costume parade at Zephyrhills Public Library and City Hall. Parades leave every 15 minutes starting at 2:15 p.m., with the last parade at 3:15 p.m. Kids can also enjoy crafts and games in the library meeting room. Call 813-780-0064 for details.

2-3:30 p.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Film Screening

Enjoy a special screening of the classic horror film “Halloween” (1978) at Bloomingdale Regional Public Library. Recommended for adults. Call 813-273-3652 for details.

3:30-5:30 p.m.; 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico

 

Nov. 1

Crafty Creations

Join a monthly themed craft program for children at Zephyrhills Public Library. Space is limited, but registration is not required. Call 813-780-0064 for details.

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

 

Read to Rover

Young readers can share stories and spend time with therapy dogs from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs at Hugh Embry Library. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

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

 

Book Club

Discuss “Sense and Sensibility” by Jane Austen at New River Library. Pick up a copy of the book at the branch or read digitally using Libby or CloudLibrary with your Pasco Library Card. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

10:30-11:30 a.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Ukulele Jam

Bring a ukulele and jam with the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society at New River Library. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

Noon-2 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Author Talk

The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System hosts New York Times best-selling author Mary Roach for a discussion of her book “Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law” at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. The first 150 attendees will receive a free copy. A book signing follows the talk. Call 813-273-3652 for details.

1:30-2:30 p.m.; 8550 Hunters Village Road., Tampa

 

English Conversation 

Improve English reading, writing and speaking skills with trained tutors at New River Library. Designed for ESL learners and English speakers seeking to strengthen literacy. Call 813-788-6375 to save a seat.

3-4:30 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Nov. 8

Fall Fest

Enjoy a community fall festival with a large yard sale, vendors, bake sale, and chili at Christ Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Activities take place indoors and outdoors. Email for details.

8 a.m.-2 p.m.; 19501 Holly Lane, Lutz

 

Plant Sale

Shop a wide variety of indoor and outdoor plants, including flowering and specimen plants, at the Fern Garden Club Annual Plant Sale at Keystone United Methodist Church. Enjoy a gourmet bake sale and enter raffles for gift baskets. ferngardenclub.com

9 a.m.-1 p.m.; 16301 Race Track Road, Odessa

 

Nov. 10

Zephyrhills Art Club

Meet fellow artists during the Zephyrhills Art Club meeting at First Baptist Church. Guests should use the back entrance. The club offers workshops and demonstrations. Call 352-523-1213 for details.

7 p.m.; 38231 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills

 

Nov. 22

Model Train Show

Explore more than 70 tables of vendors selling model trains, toys, and collectibles during the Regal Railways Model Train Show & Sale at the Hernando Fairgrounds. Enjoy a running train layout, a test track, and a chance for kids to be an engineer. Food will be available for purchase. Admission is $6 for adults and free for kids 12 and under. Credit cards accepted; prepay at www.regalrailways.com. Call 727-244-1341 for details about being a vendor. 

9 a.m.-2 p.m.; 6436 Broad St., Brooksville

Give feedback as Hillsborough tweaks long-term roadway plans

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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – The Florida Department of Transportation anticipates Hillsborough County’s population could increase by about 1 million people by 2070.  

To keep up with the growth, Hillsborough planners are mapping out future roadways to ensure the scale, location and rights-of-way are adequate to serve the needs of Hillsborough residents. To do so, an update is needed to the Corridor Preservation Plan, which is part of Hillsborough’s Comprehensive Plan.  

The last major update to the CPP was 15 years ago. 

As land use patterns and travel habits constantly change, county planners want to ensure transportation is safe and efficient in Hillsborough for years to come. In July, Hillsborough County hosted the first round of public feedback on the CPP. 

Using the feedback from that first engagement, county leadership has updated the plan further and is now collecting additional public comment from Oct. 29 to Nov. 30.  

The county will conduct a virtual engagement using the Hillsborough Engagement & Education Hub to collect feedback from the public on the Corridor Preservation Plan. 

Visit HCFL.gov/HCEngage to participate.  

 

Business Digest (10/29/25): Better Together to host job fair

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Better Together to host job fair at Crossover Church

TAMPA – Better Together is partnering with Crossover Church to host a community job fair for Tampa residents on Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Registration is now open for job seekers and employers to participate in the November event at BetterTogetherUS.org/Crossover or by texting “JOBS” to 844-987-3949.

Participating employers include Aqua Home Care, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Kane’s Furniture, Lutheran Services Florida and Suncoast Community Health Center. 

Local resource partners will also join Better Together in offering various on-site services. Free one-on-one job coaching sessions are available to job seekers to review resumes, and additional services will be available onsite.

Church-based job fairs empower job seekers by connecting them with local employers who are ready to hire, while offering services that foster meaningful connections and increase opportunities for lasting employment. 

Churches interested in hosting a Better Together job fair can visit BetterTogetherUS.org for details.

 

Seminar explaining finding business capital

TAMPA – The Florida SBDC at USF will host Finding Business Capital in Today’s Economy on Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to noon at the USF Research Park, 3814 Spectrum Blvd. 

The free event connects entrepreneurs with lenders and finance experts to explore funding options, including traditional loans, microloans and trade credit. Attendees will learn strategies to strengthen their business financing opportunities. 

Registration is required at bit.ly/SBDC_BusinessCapital.

 

Pro photographers share stories

TAMPA – In an increasingly digital world, high-quality photography is a valuable tool. Three local entrepreneurs who have transitioned their passion for photography into a small business were scheduled to take the stage for Hillsborough County’s October Local Stories Live.

Panelists for Local Stories Live were Matthew Bowie, Bowie Productions; Rita Bowie, Bowie Productions; and Pamella Lee, PamElla Lee Photography.

The panel discussions will also be available live on Hillsborough County’s Facebook Page: @HillsboroughFL.

On the web: HCFL.gov/ECCEvents.

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host Findlay Friday and Coffee & Conversations. 

  • Members network during Final Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 31 at Residence Inn Tampa Wesley Chapel, 2867 Lajuana Blvd., Wesley Chapel. 
  • Leaders at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel provide updates on the hospital’s growth during Coffee & Conversations from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Nov. 4 at Fairfield by Marriott, 2650 Lajuana Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Members pay $10. Others pay $15. Register in advance. 

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a ribbon cutting and young professionals programming. 

  • Michael Cox, of Coastal Bay Wealth Management, serves as the speaker for the Young Professionals Group Coffee Connections event from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 31 at Starkey Market, 3460 Starkey Blvd., Trinity. 
  • Members celebrate a ribbon cutting for Gulfside Hospice Dr. Jay Well Center for Hospice Care from 11 a.m. to noon Nov. 3 at 5229 Deer Park Drive, New Port Richey. The ribbon is cut at 11:30 a.m. Register in advance.

Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events. 

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host Coffee & Networking events. 

  • Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Oct. 31 at the Zephyrhills location (38550 5th Ave.) and from 8 to 9 a.m. Nov. 4 at the chamber’s Dade City location (14112 8th St.). Register in advance. 

Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events. 

 

Pasco MPO eyes regional transportation projects

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ZEPHYRHILLS – Metropolitan Planning Organizations in Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties are continuing talks about joining forces to secure more funding for larger transportation projects across the Tampa Bay region. 

Tania Gorman not only serves as executive director for the Pasco County MPO but she’s also a resident of Zephyrhills. She updated the Zephyrhills City Council on Oct. 13 about efforts to consolidate. 

“Tampa Bay is growing fast,” Gorman said. “I moved here in 2019 and all I saw were beautiful cows and now I can’t get out of my house on Chancey Road. So, we know we’re growing fast. We want to consolidate to be stronger, faster and efficient and also align with the regional goals of how we want to move our people, our services and our goods around the Tampa Bay area.”

The MPOs have enlisted Whitehouse Group to facilitate discussions, like the MPOs are scheduled to have at the Regional MPO Principals’ Workshop on Nov. 14 at St. Petersburg College. Gorman invited Zephyrhills leaders to that event so they could make their voices heard. 

Gorman said representatives have met with MPOs across the nation to discuss what it’s like to merge. Local leaders planned to meet with MetroPlan, a merged group of MPOs in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties, at the end of the month. 

She explained that some of the challenges of merging MPOs are consolidating data and deciding on a governing board. She said Tampa Bay leaders have been discussing joining forces for 30 or 40 years. 

 “Do you have any fears that Pasco, being the smallest county and kind of the crown of Tampa Bay, would be marginalized at all if we do join?” Council Member Steve Spina asked her. 

Gorman explained how there are ongoing talks about the makeup of the board. They’re leaning toward 25 members. There have been talks among Pasco County MPO members about the cities having a rotating seat. She said cities could also be represented as a board committee, though there are many ways to incorporate their interests. 

 “The advocacy reaches a whole other level when we talk about regionalism,” Gorman said. “The MPOs would be going to work every day not solely for each of their counties but for the regional good.”

Zephyrhills Council Member Lance Smith, who serves on the Pasco County MPO, said there was some concern among city reps on the board they would lose out by merging with larger counties.

“The way they explained it to us was we’d be a better contender for some really large federal dollars when they’re available for the region, like for a huge interchange on (Interstate) 275 or something going to the port,” Smith said. 

 

Gulf Coast Bike Trek raises nearly $120K 

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DUNEDIN – More than 125 cyclists from across the Tampa Bay area rode in the American Lung Association’s third annual Gulf Coast Bike Trek on Oct. 18 at the John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park. 

The participants have raised nearly $120,000, and counting, to support the American Lung Association’s efforts to save lives through research, education and advocacy.

The trek raises awareness for pediatric lung health. 

Here in Tampa, nearly 40,000 children have been diagnosed with asthma and many more are exposed to poor indoor air quality, respiratory illnesses and tobacco use. The Lung Association has resources and tools for parents and children on a variety of lung health-related topics at Lung.org.

“For the third year, the Tampa community has made every mile count by joining our Gulf Coast Bike Trek to raise awareness for pediatric lung health,” said Steven Riddle, executive director at the Lung Association in Florida. “Thank you to our participants, sponsors and partners who are helping fund our important work advocating for clean air in schools, homes and neighborhoods, protecting kids from the dangers of tobacco use and funding pediatric lung disease research. Every dollar makes a difference. Because when you can’t breathe, nothing else matters.”

Cyclists of all experience levels, from beginners to experienced riders, took to three scenic Pinellas Trail rides through Dunedin and Tarpon Springs: the 10-mile Alpha-1 Foundation Family Ride, a 40-mile ride and the 62-mile Metric Century ride. 

Dunedin Vice Mayor Jeff Gow and Commissioners Tom Dugard, Steven Sandbergen and Robert Walker addressed riders during the opening ceremonies.

Sponsors included Raymond James, LEAD, Alpha-1 Foundation, Emerald Engineering Inc. and Johnson & Johnson.

On the web: GulfCoastBikeTrek.org

Zephyrhills buying home to fix neighborhood flooding

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ZEPHYRHILLS – The City of Zephyrhills is taking a unique approach to fix flooding within the Park Hill subdivision, an area affected last year by Hurricane Milton. 

Staff recommended buying the home at 6109 16th Street so the city could expand the existing retention pond along the west side of the road. This will create additional stormwater capacity. 

“I happened to notice when we were looking at a complaint that that piece of property was up for sale,” Public Works Director Shane LeBlanc told the Zephyrhills City Council on Oct. 13. “We looked at it, and we thought we could double the capacity of this retention pond and maybe solve some of these flooding issues because these parcels don’t come up for sale very often. It just seemed like good timing.”

The city agreed on a price of $250,000. City council approved the sale, which will be paid through the Penny for Pasco Contingency line item. 

“I just think it’s a good first step because we’re going to be looking to do this probably in Henry Drive, 9th Avenue and different places,” Council Member Steve Spina said. “These are the kind of things we can do ourselves without waiting for huge grants and projects.”

City ordinances require two appraisals for buying property over $80,000. Tampa-based Lee Pallardy Inc. describes the ranch-style house as being in above-average condition given recent upgrades. The house was built in 1980.

LeBlanc said the city plans to demolish the house and dig the lot out just a little bit. The city will have to get a permit to design the retention pond. A consultant will provide engineering services. 

The Lee Pallardy appraisal noted Zephyrhills experienced “significant flooding impacts” from Hurricane Milton. 

“Most of the flooding issues occurred in the older residential communities, many of which have retention ponds that are not of the size needed to accommodate significant amounts of rainfall within a short period of time,” according to the appraisal. “The subject is located adjacent to the north of a retention pond that likely overflowed during the hurricane, but the subject home reportedly did not experience flooding within the living area of the home; there was reportedly some water accumulation in the garage.”

 

AdventHealth Center Ice hosts Hallowrink

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AdventHealth Center Ice is the largest ice-sports training facility in the Southeast. The 150,000 square-foot facility features five ice rinks (one Olympic-sized, three NHL format, and one studio rink), 18 locker rooms, an off-ice training area, full restaurant/bar, concession stand and a pro shop. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth Center Ice

 

WESLEY CHAPEL – AdventHealth Center Ice presents “Hallowrink,” a themed public skate session from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 24. 

The family-friendly ice skate will include Halloween-themed party favors and treat bags, while supplies last. Come dressed up in costume and enjoy party lights, on-ice games, a costume contest, themed drinks and a DJ playing all the haunting hits.

AdventHealth Center Ice regularly hosts two-hour themed ice-skating sessions during its public skate times. These are open to all ages, whether you’re an avid skater or just looking for a fun way to ice skate for the first time. The center is located at 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel. 

While most public skate sessions at AdventHealth Center Ice are 1 hour, the monthly theme skate and the weekly “Friday Night Meltdown” showcase party lights, music DJ, and extended two hours of skating time.  

“Theme skates at AdventHealth Center Ice offer guests a unique way to express themselves and fully enjoy the community ice skating experience,” said Matthew Christopher, events director. “For the upcoming event, the in-house restaurant and bar, Top Shelf Sports Lounge, will serve kid and adult-friendly themed drinks like a Candy Corn Ice Cream Float.”

 

Piccolo Buco Concept expands in Tampa

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TAMPA – Piccolo Buco, from the team behind Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, was scheduled to open its third location in Tampa on Oct. 20 at 14904 N. Dale Mabry Hwy.

This newest restaurant continues Cooper’s Hawk’s mission to bring exceptional culinary and wine experiences to guests’ backyards. Piccolo Buco is designed as an intimate dining destination that captures the essence of Rome. 

The restaurant brings authentic Italian traditions to Tampa in partnership with Chef Luca Issa, owner of the original Piccolo Buco in Rome.

Cooper’s Hawk founder Tim McEnery discovered Piccolo Buco while traveling in Rome and set out to bring its pizza experience to wine club members and guests.

“Tampa is a perfect fit for Piccolo Buco’s authentic approach to pizza and Italian dining,” McEnery said. “As we establish our presence in Florida for the first time, we’re excited to become part of this vibrant community. This third location reinforces our vision of crafting exceptional dining experiences that bring people together around great food and genuine hospitality.”

The Tampa location features 192 seats: 144 inside and 48 on an enclosed patio. 

Upon entry, guests are met with a grand tasting bar with a custom mantelpiece and light-framed shelving showcasing vintage treasures. Here, wine tastings come alive with subtle nods to Rome, local culture and the Piccolo Buco identity through bespoke artwork and wall features.

The dining room offers a mix of seating and a clear connection to the kitchen, all beneath a suspended industrial ceiling adorned with woven string lights, evoking an al fresco feel. A mural of Roman statues pays homage to the restaurant’s history.

The main bar features warm woods, vintage floral walls and a curated gallery of nostalgic pieces for a more intimate escape. 

The menu showcases traditional Italian favorites alongside interpretations prepared with a mix of authentic and local ingredients. 

Signature items include Luca’s Red, Yellow or White pizza that finishes with a crisp yet cloud-like dough and tall crust. 

Starters include Mama Luca’s Meatballs, Crispy Stuffed Squash Blossoms and Crispy Calamari. 

Roman-style entrees include Cacio e Pepe, Truffle Fondue Cappellacci and Braised Short Ribs. The dessert selection includes Mama Luca’s Tiramisu, Amalfi Pound Cake and Raffaello Gelato. 

An extensive wine selection features both Italian varietals and Cooper’s Hawk’s own wines.

The lunch menu features a collection of Sardinian sandwiches made with the brand’s signature pizza dough. 

Cooper’s Hawk wine club members can also enjoy the perks of their membership at all Piccolo Buco locations.

 

Want to go?

Piccolo Buco operates from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 14904 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa. 

On the web: piccolobuco.coopershawk.com

Make sure your spooky scary skeleton is in good shape

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With the skeletons coming out in full force this month, have you given much thought to your bones?

After all, your skeleton does so much. It provides structural support, allows us to move, protects vital organs, makes red and white blood cells and more.

We’ve all heard of calcium and Vitamin D for bone health, but phosphorus is a big one, too.  

Phosphorus and calcium make up the structure of our bones, where they are stored.  

The two have an inverse relationship: when one rises, the other drops.  

The concentration of calcium and phosphorus in the blood is tightly regulated through hormones as our bodies strive to stay in homeostasis.  

Many processed foods have phosphorus additives.  

You might see them on the ingredients list as phosphoric acid, sodium phosphate and polyphosphates.  

You’ll find these additives in sodas, baked goods, crackers, pizza, cured meats, candy and other food sources.

Meanwhile, you can get phosphorus naturally in dairy food, salmon, beef, poultry, pork, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole wheat products and certain vegetables, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance for phosphorus is 700 mg/day.  

When consumed from natural food such as milk, only 60% of it gets absorbed.  

But when consumed from processed food, 100% of it gets absorbed.  

Too much phosphorus, namely from processed food, causes the calcium in the blood to drop, and so your body pulls it from the bones to try to maintain the balance.  

Over time, this can lead to brittle and weak bones.  

The calcium to phosphorus ratio is crucial to bone health, and what we eat makes all the difference.  

If you’re already eating a healthy eating pattern, then you are probably getting enough of this mineral.  

Check the food label too to see if you’re getting enough calcium or Vitamin D (don’t forget the sun can help with Vitamin D levels too).  

Daily calcium requirements vary by age and gender:

  • 9 to 18 years old: 1,300 mg
  • 19 to 50 years old: 1,000 mg
  • Men 51 to 70 years old: 1,000 mg
  • Women 51 to 70 years old: 1,200 mg
  • All adults 71+: 1,200 mg

Dairy has high calcium levels that are well absorbed by the body, but there are other food sources that have calcium too, whether naturally or fortified.  

For example, look for grains fortified with calcium, such as cereals and bread.  

Among vegetables, dark leafy greens such as collards, kale and bok choy are good sources of calcium.  

While spinach does have calcium, it also has oxalates, which inhibit calcium absorption.  

And if you’re a fan of orange juice, make sure it’s fortified with calcium and vitamin D.  

Kumquats, oranges and dried figs also have some levels of calcium.  

Within protein, fortified tofu and certain beans and seafood have calcium.

As for Vitamin D, intake varies a bit by age:

  • 1-70 years: 15 micrograms per day
  • Over 70: 20 micrograms per day

You’ll find Vitamin D fortified in many foods and beverages, including milk, yogurt, cheese, cereal and orange juice.  

Naturally, you’ll find it in fatty fish and egg yolks.

Other habits matter too, like staying active with weight-bearing exercises such as walking and resistance training, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco.

So as you hang up the skeletons in your yard, don’t forget about your own skeleton.

 

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County, An Equal Opportunity Institution.