Special to The Laker/Lutz News

TAMPA – Tampa Theatre realizes there is something freeing about breaking the taboo of staying seated during a movie or raising your voice in unanimous (if not on-key) song with hundreds of fellow film-goers.

This is why Tampa Theatre has planned not one, but three different series for September, all centered around popular musical movies:

 

SEPTEMBER SING-ALONG SUNDAYS

Follow the bouncing ball sing along with the lyrics on the screen.

• 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7 – “Grease” (1978)
• 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14 – “Frozen” (2013)
• 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21 – “The Greatest Showman” (2017)
• 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28 – “Mary Poppins” (1964)

Tickets for September Sing-Along Sundays cost $11.50 for members and $14.50 for others.

 

REWIND RAVE-ALONGS

Most movie screenings expect you to sit still and stay quiet, but REWIND Rave-Alongs flip the script. Audiences are free to dance and get loud during the film. Extras like a live DJ pre-show, drink specials and glow merch add to the atmosphere.

• 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19 – “Pitch Perfect” (2012)
• 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19 – “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” (2007)
• 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 – “Mamma Mia!” (2008)
• 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 – “Repo! The Genetic Opera” (2008)

Members enjoy free REWIND screenings in September. Everyone else pays $14.50.

 

BIG PICTURE

Big Picture examines three films that incorporate popular music in particularly memorable ways.

• 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3 – “Mean Streets” (1973)
• 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10 – “Pulp Fiction” (1994)
• 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17 – “Boogie Nights” (1997)

Big Picture tickets cost $7 for members and $10 for others. 

 

Costumes are encouraged at all of these screenings. Tickets are available at the historic Franklin Street Box Office or at TampaTheatre.org.

ST. LEO – Members of the public are invited to a free open house to introduce the Saint Leo University-Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and lecture series this fall. 

The open house takes place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 3 at the Saint Leo University Wellness Center, 33701 County Road 52.

Saint Leo University and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute launched the outreach program in January. It is designed for adult lifelong learners in Pasco and Hillsborough counties. 

Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes are a network of university-based programs that offer non-credit courses and learning opportunities for people 50 and older.

At the open house, there will be brief overviews of each of the upcoming lectures by the faculty presenters and a keynote speech by Heather Parker, dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services.

The public is invited to the free open house and then to sign up for the interdisciplinary lectures on contemporary topics to be presented by Saint Leo University faculty members in fall 2025. 

The lecture series will include “Ireland and World War I Impact,” presented by Karen Hannel on Sept. 16; “Happiness Research: Living Our Best Lives,” presented by Randall Woodard on Oct. 21; “Science Fiction & Pop Culture,” presented by Dr. Burgsbee Hobbs on Nov. 18; and “New Testament and Women,” presented by Robert Imperato on Dec. 3.

Visit www.saintleo.edu/olli or call 813-974-5848 to register for the open house.

Comedian Jared Freid hits the road … single
TAMPA – Stand-up comedian and podcaster Jared Freid is following up his successful “The Family Business Tour” with “The Table For One Tour.”
Instead of traveling with his parents on this one, Jared is going at it alone … in Europe. This hour of standup is about the highlights and lowlights of traveling when you’re single and 40. Imagine explaining the reasons you’re traveling alone to your parents. Or telling your married friends it’s not the wild time they imagine. And figuring out why they don’t put enough ice in your drink abroad.
Millennials, parents of the Millennials and the Gen Z people who want a story from the ghost of single future will get something out of this hour when it hits Tampa Theatre at 7 p.m. Jan. 22.
Tickets range from $25 to $65 plus applicable taxes and fees. Get them at the Franklin Street Box Office or at TampaTheatre.org

 

Aug. 27

Paper Chase

South Holiday Library offers paper crafting for adults. Registration required. Call 727-834-3331 for details.

2-4 p.m.; 4649 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday

 

Mat Yoga

Zephyrhills Public Library invites adults to join instructor Michelle Mack for a mat yoga session. Bring a mat; the library does not provide one. Call 813-780-0064 for details.

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

 

Chess Club 

New River Library hosts Chess Master-Rated coach Rick McKnight for chess lessons and play. For grades 4-12. Registration required. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

4:15-5:30 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Chess Club

Hugh Embry Library hosts its weekly chess club, a U.S. Chess Federation affiliate, open to all ages and skill levels. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

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

 

Ales and Tales Book Club

Land O’ Lakes Library hosts its offsite Ales and Tales Book Club at In the Loop. The group will discuss “The Paris Apartment” by Lucy Foley. For ages 21 and up. Registration required. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

6-7 p.m.; I3338 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

 

Conversation Corner

Land O’ Lakes Library hosts trained tutors to help ESL learners and English-speaking learners improve reading, writing and speaking skills. Call 813-929-1214 to reserve a seat.

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

 

Aug. 28

Storytime Fun!

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

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

 

Tech Help

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

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

 

Mahjong

Hudson Regional Library hosts weekly Mahjong play for adults every Thursday. Call 727-861-3040 for details.

10 a.m.-noon; 8012 Library Road, Hudson

 

Tech Help

Regency Park Library offers one-on-one tech help appointments for questions about laptops, tablets, phones, resumes, or online applications. Appointments are one hour long, and registration opens seven days ahead of time. Bring materials you need help with. Registration required. Call 727-861-3049 for details.

10 a.m.-5 p.m.; 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey

 

Baby Storytime

Regency Park Library offers a lap-sit storytime for babies up to 1 year old and their caregivers. Call 727-861-3049 for details.

10:15-10:45 a.m.; 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey

 

Preschool Storytime

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

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

 

Book Club

Land O’ Lakes Library hosts a discussion of “A Living Remedy” by Nicole Chung. Copies available for pickup at the library. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

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

 

Preschool Storytime

Regency Park Library invites children ages 3-5 and their caregivers for stories, songs and activities. Call 727-861-3049 for details.

11:15 a.m.-noon; 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey

 

Medicare Basics

Hugh Embry Library welcomes SHINE representatives to share information on Medicare benefits and updates. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

Noon-1 p.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Recipe Readers

Regency Park Library hosts a cooking demonstration and discussion of Bri McKoy’s pasta recipe from “The Cook’s Book.” Registration required. Call 727-861-3049 for details.

2-3 p.m.; 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey

 

UF-IFAS Gardening 

New River Library welcomes Kate Kaste, Program Manager for the Florida-Friendly Landscaping program at UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County, for a talk on alternatives to invasive plants. Registration required. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

2-3 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; the library does not provide one. Call 813-780-0064 for details.

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

 

Full STEAM Ahead 

Regency Park Library invites students in grades K-5 to explore buoyancy and density by building boats in this fun STEAM program. Call 727-861-3049 for details.

5-6 p.m.; 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey

 

Yarn for a Cause

New River Library invites yarn enthusiasts to gather weekly, share projects, and exchange tips. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

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

 

Aug. 29

Toddler Storytime

Land O’ Lakes Library offers storytime for toddlers ages 1-2 and their caregivers. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

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

 

Conversation Corner

Hugh Embry Library offers English language support with trained tutors for adult ESL learners and English-speaking learners wanting to improve reading and writing. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

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

 

Friends of Library

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center hosts an information session on what it means to be a Friend of Starkey Ranch TLC. Hear about upcoming projects and ways you can get involved. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

11 a.m.-noon; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Tech Help

New River Library offers 30-minute one-on-one tech help sessions with a volunteer. Bring your device and passwords to receive assistance. Registration required. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

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

 

Creative Coloring

South Holiday Library invites adults to enjoy a weekly coloring program to spark creativity and reduce stress. Materials provided, including gel pens, colored pencils, markers and coloring pages. Presented by the Friends of the South Holiday Library. Call 727-834-3331 for details.

2-3 p.m.; 4649 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday

 

Book Club

The Spill the Tea Book Club discusses “I Found You” by Lisa Jewell at Zephyrhills Public Library Call 813-780-0064 for details.

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

 

Aug. 30

Studio Painting

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center invites kids to explore creativity and imagination during open studio painting. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

10 a.m.-noon; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

GeckoFest 

Gulfport’s waterfront village hosts a full day of family-friendly fun with live music, food and art vendors, and up-close street theater from acrobats, magicians, dancers, aerialists, fire performers, balloon artists and costumed characters. This year’s theme is “Still Weird” with a wacky walking parade at 6 p.m., followed by a birthday celebration for G. Gordon McFly, a new sculpture by local marine artist Ray Domingo. Admission and parking are free; courtesy shuttles available. visitgulfportflorida.com

10 a.m.-8 p.m.; 3101 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport

 

Supersized Storytime

Land O’ Lakes Library hosts a family storytime with stories, songs, dancing and more. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

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

 

Master Gardener 

Hugh Embry Library hosts UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener volunteers for a presentation on pollinators. Online registration required. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

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

 

Board Games

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center hosts an afternoon of board games for ages 16 and up, from classics like Monopoly and Scrabble to new favorites. Water and sodas provided. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

Noon-4 p.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Intermediate Pottery

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center offers a pottery class for participants ages 16 and up. Learn how to throw a slow feeder pet dish, with glazing two weeks later. Prior experience required. Safety and liability waiver must be completed before class. Registration required. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

2:30-4:30 p.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Conversation Corner

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center welcomes adults ages 18 and up to improve English skills through casual conversation with trained tutors. All supplies provided. No registration required. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

3-4:30 p.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Conversation Corner

New River Library hosts trained tutors to help ESL learners and English-speaking learners with reading, writing, and speaking skills. Call 813-788-6375 to reserve a seat.

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

 

Sept. 2

Medicare/Medicaid 

Zephyrhills Public Library hosts assistance with applying for the QMB state buy-in program to help pay Medicare Part B premiums, Medicaid and food stamps. Lunch break from noon to 1 p.m. Call José Rodríguez at 813-420-3013 for details. 

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

 

Career Source

Centennial Park Library hosts Career Source to provide assistance with employment searches, resume writing, interview preparation, EmployFlorida help and more. Call 727-834-3204 for details.

10 a.m.-noon; 5740 Moog Road, Holiday

 

Woodworking Build

Land O’ Lakes Library invites adults and youth ages 9 and older (with guardian) to work on approved woodworking projects in the Makerspace. Volunteers and staff will assist. Closed-toe shoes, a Foundry Waiver and Safety Playbook are required. Registration required. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

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

 

Book Sale

Land O’ Lakes Library hosts its weekly Friends of the Library book sale on the patio. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

10 a.m.-noon; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Toddler Storytime

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center invites toddlers ages 1-3 and their caregivers for stories, songs and imagination play. This ticketed program is first-come, first-served. Tickets available at the service desk. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

10:10-10:40 a.m., 10:50-11:20 a.m., or 11:30 a.m.-noon; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Storytime

South Holiday Library hosts stories, songs, games and a craft for children ages 3-5. Call 727-834-3331 for details.

10:15-11 a.m.; 4649 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday

 

Toddler Storytime

New River Library invites toddlers and caregivers for stories, songs and dancing. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

10:15-11 a.m. or 11 a.m.-noon; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Storytime

Hudson Regional Library invites families for stories, songs and dancing with two Tuesday sessions. Call 727-861-3040 for details.

10:15-11 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.; 8012 Library Road, Hudson

 

Tech Basics

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center teaches participants how to organize photos and albums on their iPhone. For one-on-one help, email to schedule an appointment. Registration required. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

11 a.m.-noon; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Book Club

Centennial Park Library invites readers to discuss Weyward by Emilia Hart. Copies available at the service desk. Call 727-834-3204 for details.

Noon-1 p.m.; 5740 Moog Road, Holiday

 

Yarn for More

Hugh Embry Library hosts a weekly yarn group where participants share projects and tips. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

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

 

BayCare Health Screening

South Holiday Library welcomes BayCare for free health screenings, including blood pressure, lipid, BMI and glucose checks via finger sticks. Screenings take 10-15 minutes. Walk-ins welcome. Call 727-834-3331 for details.

1-3 p.m.; 4649 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday

 

Friends of Library

Land O’ Lakes Library invites community members to join the Friends group that supports the library. New members welcome. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

1-3 p.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Mystery Book Club

Hugh Embry Library invites readers to discuss “The Butcher and the Wren” by Alaina Urquhart. Copies available at the library after Aug. 5. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

2-3 p.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Book Club

Regency Park Library hosts a discussion of “The Sisterhood: The Secret Society of Women at the CIA” by Liza Mundy. Call 727-861-3049 for details.

2-3 p.m.; 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey

 

Bingo 

Zephyrhills Public Library invites the community to play Bingo, win small prizes and connect with neighbors. Games are free. Reservations are recommended. Call 813-780-0064 to register.

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

 

Dungeons and Dragons Club

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center invites tweens and teens to explore the world of Dungeons and Dragons. Join for one-shots, character creation and more. Bring your own materials if desired; pre-made character sheets provided. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

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

 

Therapy Dogs

Regency Park Library invites children to practice reading skills with certified therapy dogs from Sharing Our World. Call 727-861-3049 for details.

4:30-5:30 p.m.; 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey

 

Paint & Draw

Centennial Park Library offers weekly adult art classes with Earthchild Sarah. September’s focus is learning to represent 3D form on a 2D surface. Materials provided. For adults 18 and older. Registration required. Call 727-834-3204 for details.

5:30-7:30 p.m.; 5740 Moog Road, Holiday

 

Eco Wonders

New River Library partners with UF Extension to share the wonders of nature with kids ages 7-11. Registration required. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

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

 

Chorus Rehearsal

Suncoast Harmony of Sweet Adelines International, a west-central Florida four-part a cappella women’s chorus, welcomes women who love to sing to attend Tuesday rehearsals. No prior vocal training or music-reading required; all voice ranges welcome. Call 352-597-4376 for details.

6:30 p.m.; 191 Astaire Lane, Spring Hill

 

Sept. 3

Lifelong Learning

St. Leo University hosts a free open house for OLLI at St. Leo. Keynote speaker Dean Heather Parker, Ph.D., will highlight a new community outreach partnership with OLLI-USF for lifelong learner retirees in Pasco and Hillsborough counties. Enjoy complimentary snacks and meet the fall instructors: Karen Hannel (Ireland & World War I: Cultural Impact), Woody Woodard (Happiness Research: Living Our Best Lives), Burgsbee Lee Hobbs (Science Fiction & Pop Culture), and Robert Imperato (New Testament and Women). The event is at the Saint Leo University Wellness Center. Call Pam Tyler at 575-779-1382 to register. 

10 a.m.; , 33701 County Road 52, St. Leo

 

Volunteers needed for countywide cleanup

PASCO COUNTY – Keep Pasco Beautiful is partnering with Pasco County for its annual Keep Pasco Beautiful Cleanup. 

The annual countywide event takes place from 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 20 at various Pasco County locations. Register to volunteer through Sept. 8.  

Disposable gloves, trash bags and Keep Pasco Beautiful Cleanup T-shirts will be provided while supplies last.

This event is part of the International Coastal Cleanup coordinated by Ocean Conservancy.  

The Keep Pasco Beautiful Cleanup is a partnership among Keep Pasco Beautiful, Pasco County, the Rotary Club of New Port Richey, Reworld Pasco, the Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation and Tampa Bay Water. 

On the web: KeepPascoBeautiful.org

 

Chorus looking for members

SPRING HILL – Suncoast Harmony of Sweet Adelines International is a west-central Florida 4-part a cappella women’s chorus.

The group welcomes women who love to sing to come to its rehearsal on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm. at Salishan Retirement Living, Activities Room, 191 Astaire Lane in Spring Hill. Professional vocal training or the ability to read music are not prerequisites and all ranges of voices are welcome. 

Call Cindy 352-597-4376 for details. On the web: suncoast-harmony.com 

 

I Like it HOT! Festival to spice things up  

LARGO – Organizers say the 25th annual I Like It HOT! Festival is sure to spice things up. 

Expect award-winning hot sauce vendors, spicy food trucks, fiery eating challenges and live contests including the Extreme Lolli Lick-A-Thon by SaucyQueen (the hottest lollypop in the world, sponsored by Intensity Academy), The World’s Hottest Cinnamon Roll, Fiery Wing Contest and now an official League of Fire Challenge with contestants coming from all over the nation (apply at https://leagueoffire.com/).

The festival takes place Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Largo Event Center, 6264 126th Ave N, Largo. Admission and parking are free.  

On the web: https://instagram.com/ilihfest/

 

‘Oklahoma!’ debuts on stage Oct. 10

BROOKSVILLE – Seats are available for Live Oak Theatre’s production of  “Oklahoma!”

Set in the Oklahoma Territory in 1906, on the eve of statehood, “Oklahoma!” follows the love story of Curly McLain, a charming cowboy, and Laurey Williams, a fiercely independent farm girl. Their romance is complicated by Jud Fry, a dark and obsessive farmhand who also has feelings for Laurey.

The show will be performed Oct. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26 at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Friday and Saturday evening shows start at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees start at 2:30 p.m. Doors open approximately 30 minutes before showtime.

Seats cost $25 for adults and $10 for children 13 and younger with the purchase of an adult seat. 

Go to https://www.liveoaktheatre.org/current-production,  email or call 352-593-0027 to reserve seating. 

 

Pack meals for 9/11 National Day of Service

TAMPA – More than 1,200 volunteers will pack more than 367,500 healthy, non-perishable meals for those at risk of hunger to mark the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and Hunger Action Month.

Meals will be donated to Feeding Tampa Bay for distribution to people and families in need.

The service project will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Yuengling Center, 12499 USF Bull Run Drive.

Now in its third year, the Tampa Meal Pack for 9/11 Day is one of 24 large-scale volunteer service projects being organized throughout the nation by the nonprofit 9/11 Day.