Mary Rathman

Pasco Citizens’ Academy is accepting applications until July 31 for its fall program. The next academy starts Sept. 29, with graduation set for December. The sessions acquaint citizens with the aspects of county government, emergency management, fire rescue, the supervisor of elections, the property appraiser, libraries, the sheriff, the school board, parks and recreation, the tax collector, planning and development, code compliance, community services and public works. For information, including application and a full list of class topics, visit PascoCountyFL.net/index.aspx?nid=1914.

The New Tampa Players, in collaboration with the University Area Community Development Corporation, will present “Beauty and the Beast,” at 14013 N. 22nd St., in Tampa. Show times are July 29 at 8 p.m., July 30 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., July 31 at 2 p.m., Aug. 5 at 8 p.m., Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Aug. 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for students and seniors, $15 for presale, and $15 each for groups of 10 or more. For information and tickets, call (813) 644-8285, or visit NewTampaPlayers.org.

Grove 16 Cobb Theatres, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will host its final free summer kids’ movies at 10 a.m., on Aug. 2, Aug. 3 and Aug. 4. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Same day ticketing only. The movies will be “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and “Happy Feet.” Large groups, schools and camps are welcome. For information, call (813) 948-5444.

The Temple Terrace Public Library, 202 Bullard Parkway, will present “The Tortoise and the Hare: The Musical” on July 26 at 6:30 p.m., for kindergarten through fifth grade. The musical will be presented by the Atlantic Coast Theatre for Youth. For information, call (813) 273-3652, or visit HCPLC.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is now offering monthly orientation and training sessions to expedite the process of becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister. There will be an orientation on July 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Wesley Chapel Honda, 27750 Wesley Chapel Blvd. Volunteer mentors commit to four to eight hours a month. For a complete list of upcoming orientation dates and locations, visit BBBSTampaBay.org, and follow the volunteer links. Or, contact Deb Kristol-Irwin at (813) 997-6881 or .

Hillsborough County Public Works will host a meeting on proposed master plan updates and conceptual drainage projects for the Cypress Creek Watershed on July 26 at 6:30 p.m., at the Lutz Civic Center, 98 First Ave., N.W. There will be a brief presentation by Public Works representatives and an open house format with project displays. Residents can provide feedback. Information presented at this meeting also will be available at HillsboroughCounty.org, by searching for Cypress Creek Watershed. For questions about the meeting, call Citizen Engagement at (813) 272-5275.

The Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., in Tampa, will host a National Dance Day celebration on July 30 at 11 a.m. Participants can learn how to line dance and swing dance with beginner’s instructional classes. There also will be a dancer showcase. The event is for all ages and all dance experience levels. For information, call (813) 273-3652, or visit HCPLC.org.

The Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., in Tampa, will host a ukulele workshop on July 25 at 6:30 p.m., for all ages. Members of the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society will introduce ukuleles, along with a strum-and-sing session. Guests can use a provided ukulele or bring their own. For information, call (813) 273-3652, or visit HCPLC.org.

The City of New Port Richey’s Environmental Committee will host its second annual “Okra Occasion” on July 25 at 6 p.m., at the New Port Richey Public Library, 5939 Main St. The event is “less than a festival, but more than an ordinary day.” There will be samples of okra dishes, brief lectures, fresh okra for sale, an okra recipe mini booklet and more. For information, call Dell deChant at (727) 849-1626, or send an email on the Friendship Farms & Fare website, FFFsite.org.

Hillsborough County’s annual Neighborhoods Conference will be on July 23 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Sheraton Tampa East Hotel, 10221 Princess Palm Ave., in Tampa. The event is for neighborhood and community leaders who want to learn how to enhance leadership skills, and learn new ideas for making communities more attractive, friendly, safe and sustainable. Admission is free and includes breakfast, giveaways, access to all exhibits, workshops and a luncheon. There also will be a program for ages 12 to 18 with topics on money management, social media, career planning, computer literacy, bullying and anger management, and team building. For information or to register, call the Office of Neighborhood Relations at (813) 272-5860, or visit HillsboroughCounty.org.