The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

What’s Happening (9/17/25): Saddle up for Country Night on ice

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WESLEY CHAPEL –  AdventHealth Center Ice will present “Country Night, a themed public skate session with on and off-ice games, themed party favors and two-stepping to your favorite hits by DJ Reign.

The event takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel.

AdventHealth Center Ice regularly hosts two-hour themed ice skating sessions during its public skate times. 

While most public skate sessions at AdventHealth Center Ice are 1 hour, with a schedule posted at AHCenterIce.com, the monthly two-hour theme skate and the weekly “Friday Night Meltdown” showcase party lights, music DJ and extended skating time.

“Theme skates at AdventHealth Center Ice give guests a different way to express and immerse themselves while participating in a community ice skate,” events director Matthew Christopher said. “For the upcoming event, the in-house restaurant and bar, Top Shelf Sports Lounge, will have kid and adult-friendly themed drinks like a Rootin’ Tootin’ Root Beer Float.”

 

Sept. 17

Master Gardeners

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center hosts a seminar with Master Gardeners on best practices for growing a bountiful fall harvest of vegetables and herbs. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

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

 

Chess Club for Kids & Teens

New River Library invites grades 4-12 to learn and play chess with Chess Master-rated coach Rick McKnight. Beginners meet 3:30-4:30 p.m. and intermediates 4:30-5:30 p.m. Registration required. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

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

 

Marvel Comic Workshop 

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center welcomes illustrator Jerry DeCaire, known for his work on Deadpool, Wolverine and Thor, for a live drawing demonstration and comic workshop for all ages. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

4-7 p.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Mat Yoga

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

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

 

ASL Social

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center invites the community to socialize in American Sign Language. Refreshments and board games provided. Adults, teens and children are welcome. Please refrain from speaking. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

5-7 p.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Chess Club

Hugh Embry Library hosts its weekly U.S. Chess Federation–affiliated club for all ages and skill levels. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

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

 

Writer’s Corner

Land O’ Lakes Library hosts a monthly writing workshop with peer review and feedback. Best for adults; high school students (grades 9+) welcome. Registration required. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

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

 

Conversation Corner

Land O’ Lakes Library offers reading, writing and speaking practice with trained tutors for ESL learners and English speakers wanting to improve. Call 813-929-1214 to save a seat.

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

 

Sept. 18

Storytime Fun!

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

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

 

Tech Help

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

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

 

Preschool Storytime

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center invites ages 3-5 and caregivers for stories, songs and activities with Ms. Christy. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

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

 

SHINE: Medicare 101

New River Library hosts a Medicare information session with SHINE. Call Geralyn at 727-570-9696 ext. 234 for questions. 

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

 

Library Social

Land O’ Lakes Library hosts the Friends of the Library for refreshments and conversation. Drop in any time. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

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

 

BayCare Health Screening

BayCare offers free cholesterol, blood pressure, BMI and glucose screenings at Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. Walk-ins welcome. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Mahjong

Adults play Mahjong at New River Library. Registration required. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

11 a.m.-1 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Preschool Storytime

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

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

 

Mat Yoga

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

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

 

Open Craft Studio

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center offers an open studio with supplies for painting, sewing and fiber arts. For ages 16+. Registration required. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

5-7 p.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Yarn for a Cause

Yarn enthusiasts share projects, tips and conversation at New River Library. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

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

 

Sept. 19

Toddler Storytime

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

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

 

Dance, Dance, Freeze!

Zephyrhills Public Library hosts a children’s dance party with songs, shaker eggs and bubbles. Caregivers are welcome. Call 813-780-0064 for details.

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

 

Conversation Corner

Hugh Embry Library hosts trained tutors to help adult ESL learners and English speakers who want to improve reading and writing skills. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

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

 

Marvel Comic Workshop  

Land O’ Lakes Library welcomes illustrator Jerry DeCaire, known for Deadpool, Wolverine and Thor, for a live comic drawing demonstration and workshop. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

1-4 p.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Sept. 20

Genealogy Society Meeting

The Pasco County Genealogy Society meets at Zephyrhills Public Library. Call 813-780-0064 for details.

9:30-11:30 a.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

SHINE: Medicare 101

Land O’ Lakes Library hosts a Medicare information session with SHINE. Call Geralyn at 727-570-9696 ext. 234 for details.

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

 

Girl Scouts

Girl Scout troops are forming in Lutz. Now is a good time to start a troop or join an existing one. Learn more at an information session at Lutz Branch Library.

10-11:30 a.m.; 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz

 

Garden Club

New River Library hosts the New River Garden Club with Master Gardener Kate Kaste sharing fall vegetable gardening tips from UF/IFAS Extension. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

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

 

Read to Rover

Hugh Embry Library invites young readers and families to read to or visit therapy dogs from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

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

 

Tataki-zome “Flower Prints”

Adults make flower prints using fresh flowers, hammers and fabric at Land O’ Lakes Library. Materials provided. Registration required. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

2-3 p.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

DIY Fall Flower Crowns

Adults create fall-themed flower crowns at Land O’ Lakes Library. Materials provided. Registration required. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

2-3:30 p.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

English Conversation Corner

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center invites adults to practice English skills with trained tutors. Supplies provided. Call 727-815-7126 or email for details.

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

 

Piano Concert

Pianist Fraz Mantini performs works by Mozart, Debussy, Chopin, Liszt, and Villa-Lobos at Carrollwood Cultural Center. Tickets cost $15 for members and $20 for general admission. Get them at carrollwoodcenter.org.

7-8:30 p.m.; 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa Cultural

 

Sept. 21

Miss Latina Tampa presents the Youth Latin America Festival at Centennial Park. The event includes live music, folk dances and food. Get tickets at eventbrite.com.

11 a.m.-6 p.m.; 1800 E. 8th Ave., Tampa

 

Novels on Tap

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center invites the community to Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory to discuss “The Women They Could Not Silence” by Kate Moore. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

2-3:30 p.m.; Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory, 2330 Success Dr., Odessa

 

Sept. 22

Baby Bookworms Story Time

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center hosts a lap-sit program with rhymes, songs and play for infants up to 18 months and caregivers. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

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

 

Ingenuity Lab: UFOs (multi-day)

Hugh Embry Library’s Ingenuity Lab invites children to design and build UFOs with provided materials. Waivers signed by a parent or guardian are required. Participants have one hour, including cleanup. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

Sept. 22-25, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Teen Volunteer Orientation

Hugh Embry Library hosts an orientation for ages 13-18. Complete the online application beforehand at pascolibraries.org/supporters/volunteering. Call 352-567-3576 or email for details.

3-4 p.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Sept. 23

Medicare/Medicaid & SNAP Help

Zephyrhills Public Library offers help applying for the QMB state buy-in program, Medicare Part B premium support, Medicaid and SNAP. Contact José Rodríguez at 813-420-3013 for details. \

9 a.m.-3 p.m. (lunch break noon-1 p.m.); 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Praise and Play at the Park

Dade City First United Methodist Church invites you to meet up at the Dade City Splash Pad for friends and outdoor playtime. All ages are welcome. Contact with questions or text 833-374-4043 for a text reminder.

9:30-10:30 a.m.; 14042 10th St., Dade City

 

CareerSource Workshop

Hugh Embry Library invites job seekers to connect with CareerSource staff and explore employment resources. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

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

 

Woodworking Open Build

Land O’ Lakes Library offers an open session to use Makerspace tools for approved projects. Ages 18+, or 9+ with a guardian. Closed-toe shoes and completed Foundry waiver required. Registration required. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

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

 

Friends of the Library Book Sale on the Patio

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

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

 

Toddler Storytime – Toddler Tuesday

New River Library invites toddlers and caregivers for stories, songs and dancing. First-come basis; limited to 25 children with caregivers (50 total). Call 813-788-6375 for details.

10:15-11 a.m. and 11-11:45 a.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Toddler Storytime

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center invites ages 1-3 and caregivers for stories, songs and play. Tickets required; available at the service desk on a first-come basis (one per child). Call 727-815-7126 for details.

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

 

Mystery Book Club: The Only One Left

The Mystery Book Club discusses “The Only One Left” by Riley Sager at New River Library. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

2-3 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Tween/Teen Gaming!

Zephyrhills Public Library invites ages 9 and up to enjoy video and board games. Snacks provided. Call 813-780-0064 for details.

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

 

Sept. 24

Toddler Storytime

Hugh Embry Library invites ages birth to 2 and caregivers for stories, songs and play. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

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

 

Preschool Storytime

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

10:15-11 a.m. and 11-11:45 a.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Preschool Storytime

Hugh Embry Library invites ages 3-5 and caregivers for stories, songs and play. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

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

 

Chair Yoga

Zephyrhills Public Library invites adults to practice an accessible form of yoga using a chair for support in modified poses. Space is limited. Call 813-780-0064 to register.

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

 

Chess Club for Kids & Teens

New River Library invites grades 4-12 to learn and play chess with Chess Master-rated coach Rick McKnight. Beginners meet 3:30-4:30 p.m. and intermediates 4:30-5:30 p.m. Registration required. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

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

 

Decoupaged Oyster Shells

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center invites adults to create decoupaged oyster shell trinket holders. All materials provided. Registration required. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

5-7 p.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Sept. 27

Oktoberfest

Plant City Main Street presents the 4th annual Oktoberfest with live music, beer garden, children’s zone, stein-holding, axe-throwing, rides and games in downtown Plant City. plantcitymainstreet.org

3-10 p.m.; 100 N. Collins St., Plant City

 

Sept. 30

Preschool Praise and Play

Dade City First United Methodist Church invites you to a free community preschool playtime. Enjoy a scripture story, music, craft, and playtime with new friends! Activities are geared towards toddlers and preschoolers, but all ages are welcome. Contact with questions or text 833-374-4043 for a text reminder.

9:30-10:30 a.m.; 37628 Church Ave., Dade City

 

Oct. 1-26

Romantic Comedy

Theatre Winter Haven presents “Love Quest,” a romantic comedy starring Hollywood icons Patrick Duffy (Dallas, Step by Step) and Linda Purl (Happy Days, The Office), at the Norman and Linda Small SecondStage at AdventHealth Fieldhouse. The play explores the humorous and heartfelt experiences of two women navigating online dating in the digital age. Call Theatre Winter Haven at 863-294-7469 for details.

Various times; 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven

 

Oct. 3

Belfry Tween Night

Belfry is a fun night just for fourth through eighth-graders filled with music, pizza, games, dancing and making friends, supervised by background checked adults in a cell phone free zone. Hosted by Dade City First United Methodist Church. Entry costs $10. Registration required. Email to register.

6-8 p.m.; 37628 Church Ave., Dade City

 

Oct. 4

Fall Festival

The ninth annual Fall Festival takes place at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dade City. Free parking and admission to the festival. The festival features kids’ games, bounce houses, face painting, cotton candy and sand art with purchase of a wrist band. Come experience a touch-a-tractor section, fire department, sheriff’s posse, arts and crafts, local entertainment, food, food trucks, 50/50 drawings and basket raffle.

9 a.m.-3 p.m..; 32145 St. Joe Road, Dade City

 

Orchid Expo

The Tampa Orchid Club features hundreds of orchids for sale as well as potting supplies, at the Orchid Expo at Northdale Park. American Orchid Society judged winners will be on display. Admission costs $6. The event continues Oct. 5.  tampaorchidclub.com

10 a.m.-4 p.m.; 15510 Hooting Owls Place, Tampa

 

Oct. 5

Orchid Expo

The Tampa Orchid Club features hundreds of orchids for sale as well as potting supplies, at the Orchid Expo at Northdale Park. American Orchid Society judged winners will be on display. Admission costs $6. tampaorchidclub.com

10 a.m.-3 p.m.; 15510 Hooting Owls Place, Tampa

 

 

Alive Ride attracts 150-plus riders in support of veterans

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Pinellas Park students greet Mike Delancey Jr., founder of Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch, during his foundation’s ninth annual Alive Ride on Aug. 28 in Pinellas Park. Photo courtesy of City of Pinellas Park

PINELLAS PARK – More than 150 riders got on their bikes and rode 11 miles Aug. 28 throughout Pinellas Park in support of the Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch’s ninth annual Alive Ride. 

The race began and ended at Quaker Steak & Lube on 49th Street. Riders received a police escort courtesy of the Pinellas Park Police Department with assistance from the Pinellas Park Fire Department. 

Stops included Pinellas Park Fire Station 33, Pinellas Park Elementary, Morgan Fitzgerald Middle School and Pinellas Park High School.

Mike Delancey Jr. began the Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch in 2015 in Pinellas Park. The nonprofit was inspired by his desire to help other wounded veterans get out and get active in the community. 

While on tour in Iraq as a Marine on Sept. 1, 2006, Delancey was shot by an enemy sniper. Delancey became paralyzed from the chest down. 

Delancey and his family refused to let this be his defining moment. It would be a launching point to a whole new outlook on life. 

The City of Pinellas Park helped Delancey start Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch with available land in the city. Delancey uses every day to help those who feel lost and forgotten after sacrificing so much for their country.

“I talked to one woman whose husband was in Vietnam and she told me he hadn’t left the house in over 20 years,” Delancey said. “We started this foundation mainly to get veterans out of the house and just doing something. Don’t stare at a wall. Don’t get in your own head. Go out and meet friends and get reintegrated back in the community.”

Delancey and his family believe their foundation is thriving because of the community support from the people in Pinellas Park and the efforts from businesses and the city to help make the Alive Ride a can’t-miss event. 

“It means a lot to have people from public works, the city manager, the police and fire departments,” Delancey said. “This area is extremely patriotic and seeing all of us ride by schools and the kids are all chanting ‘USA.’ It’s a cool feeling and the message is you can accomplish a lot when you have great support.”

 

A space for budding doctors to grow 

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AdventHealth Wesley Chapel CEO Ryan Quattlebaum cuts the ribbon on the new space for the graduate medical education program. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

 

A new space for the AdventHealth Wesley Chapel graduate medical education program. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

WESLEY CHAPEL – AdventHealth Wesley Chapel has opened a new expanded space for its graduate medical education program. The new space will be used to train the next generation of physicians. 

It is part of a larger, ongoing expansion at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.

The newly expanded Family Medicine Residency program space includes eight new exam rooms, a procedure room, workstation and office space for faculty and staff. These new facilities were designed to provide medical residents with an optimal environment for hands-on learning, collaboration and high-quality patient care.

“With the opening of our expanded GME program space, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel solidifies its role as a destination for top-tier patient care as well as a center for academic medicine,” said Dr. Omari Hodge, founding graduate medical education program director. “We’re excited to have our second year of Wesley Chapel resident physicians use this new space to learn and grow alongside our experienced clinical teams.”

Construction of the full AdventHealth Wesley Chapel hospital expansion will be completed in December and will add more than 80,000 square feet of new hospital space and increase the licensed bed count from 169 to 193. This includes new inpatient units, surgical suites, advanced imaging services and patient recovery areas.

 

Chalk Talk (9/17/25): University designated as veteran-friendly

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University designated as veteran-friendly

ST. LEO – U.S. Veterans Magazine recently recognized Saint Leo University as a Veteran-Friendly Yellow Ribbon Program school.

Saint Leo was assessed on key criteria such as offering veteran resource centers, student-veteran organizations, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs certifying officials, academic credit for military training or experience, and career services tailored to veterans’ needs.

Saint Leo was one of the first universities to bring college degree programs to military bases so that active duty personnel and veterans could study on base. Now, Saint Leo offers degrees as well as support services at University Campus, online, and at regional education centers including MacDill AFB and Naval Air Station Key West.

“Our mission is to foster an environment where veterans as well as service members and their families thrive academically and personally,” said Anthony DeSantis, director of the Office of Military Affairs & Services. “We want to make their transition to the classroom easy, affordable, fun and life-changing.”

 

Tax office finds that generosity adds up

TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office collected 34,221 supplies for students through its July school supply drive. 

The donated supplies, collected at all tax collector locations throughout July, will be distributed through the Hillsborough Education Foundation’s Teaching Tools Store. The store provides free resources to teachers to ensure every student has the tools they need to be successful.

“When we come together to invest in our students’ education, we’re investing in our community’s future,” said Nancy Millan, Hillsborough County tax collector. “Every pencil, every notebook, and every backpack donated represents our collective commitment to ensuring that all children, regardless of their economic circumstances, have the tools they need to learn, grow, and thrive.”

 

SNHU names president’s list

MANCHESTER, NH – Southern New Hampshire University named students from the area to its summer president’s list. 

The following students earned a grade point average of 3.7 or higher: 

  • Odessa: Piper Ray and Braxton Smith.
  • Lutz: Cortni Coffin, Leanne Hayes and Holly Hsu.

The summer terms run from May to August.

 

Quick Hits

  • Hillsborough County Public Schools shared moments Capt. Edwin Smith reunited with his children at York PreK-8 and East Bay High School after being deployed with the Navy for 18 months. 
  • Tampa Bay Rays players delivered school supplies to students at Tampa Bay Boulevard Elementary School. 
  • Coach Andy Schmitz (Head Coach) and defensive coordinator Justin Fenton tallied their 100th win with the J.W. Mitchell High School football program.
  • Arshiya Ghosh, of Starkey Ranch K-8, made the Top 300 in the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.
  • River Ridge Middle School’s 2025 yearbook won awards from the Florida Scholastic Press Association and National Scholastic Press Association.
  • Matthew Higgins, of Lutz, made the summer dean’s list at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, New Hampshire. Higgins earned a grade point average of 3.5 to 3.699.
  • Grayson Gilmore, of Lutz, has enrolled at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia for the fall semester. Gilmore is majoring in kinesiology.
  • Kevin Perez, a University of South Florida student and a member of the Suncoast Battalion of Army ROTC, finished first in the In Their Honor 5K on Sept. 8 at Saint Leo University. Austin Curtis, a USF student and ROTC member, finished second.

Glazer Children’s Museum celebrates 15 years of play

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There will be plenty to do during Glazer Children’s Museum’s upcoming Birthday Bash. Photo courtesy of Glazer Children’s Museum

TAMPA – The Glazer Children’s Museum is marking a milestone this month: 15 Years of Play. To celebrate, Florida residents can get in with $15 admission all September long. Families are invited to join in a month packed with birthday-themed activities, special performances and a giant free Birthday Bash in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on Sept. 27.

“Play is the foundation for curiosity, confidence and lifelong learning,” said Sarah Cole, president and CEO of the Glazer Children’s Museum. “When a child plays, they’re not just having fun, they’re discovering new skills and building imagination that will carry them into the future. More than three million children and families have discovered that joy within our walls, each experiencing the growth and connection that play makes possible. That’s the true impact of play, and it’s what makes this milestone so meaningful to celebrate with our community.”

 

Throughout September, families can:

  • Get creative making party headbands and glasses in Make Space Craft; the perfect accessories to wear to the big Birthday Bash.
  • Cozy up for birthday-themed story times.
  • Play together with classic games like Pin the Cherry on the Cupcake, limbo, charades and dance parties.
  • Experience live theater, including special performances of Quince by Victoria Rios on Sept. 20, 21 and 28, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

 

The Big Birthday Bash

This year’s Birthday Bash is extra special. It’s part of Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play, a global initiative encouraging kids and families to step away from screens, head outdoors and discover the joy of play. 

The free community celebration will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 27 at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. 

Activities include live performances, touch-a-truck experiences, bounce houses, local artisans and kid-run vendor booths, costumed characters and food trucks.

Diocese completes 1,000,000 Acts of Mercy

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Volunteers made sandwiches for homeless people in St. Petersburg, pitched in at food pantries in New Port Richey and Trinity, and helped hurricane victims in Dade City. Photos courtesy of Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg

SAINT PETERSBURG – The Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg has exceeded its ambitious goal of completing 1,000,000 Acts of Mercy (kindness) in 2025. 

The diocese completed the challenge three months ahead of its Dec. 15 deadline.

“My heart is full of gratitude for all who have worked together to achieve this remarkable milestone that reflects our call to love as God loves and serve as Christ serves,” said Bishop Parkes, who established the Mercy Challenge in response to the Jubilee Year of Hope that was launched by the late Pope Francis.

The challenge encouraged Catholics to go above and beyond traditional efforts to show kindness and compassion. 

Participants were asked to record all acts of service on the diocesan website (Mercy2025.org). They were challenged to focus on 14 categories of service that the Catholic Church describes as Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. These categories range from visiting the sick and sheltering the homeless to comforting the afflicted. 

Volunteers made sandwiches for homeless people in St. Petersburg, pitched in at food pantries in New Port Richey and Trinity, and helped hurricane victims in Dade City. Photos courtesy of Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg

Examples include:

  • Helping flood victims clean out their homes
  • Bringing flowers to those who are ill
  • Showing gratitude to veterans for their sacrifices
  • Feeding the hungry
  • Donating clothes to people in need
  • Praying for people who are suffering
  • Cleaning up gravesites

By the Numbers:

  • 73 parishes participated
  • 35 schools participated
  • 2 mission churches participated
  • 7 diocesan ministries participated

 

Museum Mashup brings Salvador Dalí to MOSI

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TAMPA BAY – St. Petersburg’s Dalí Museum and Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry are teaming up for a museum mashup this fall. 

The crossover between the two museums will bring to life STEAM topics (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) in new, interactive, hands-on ways.

 

The man behind the mustache

A reimagined Salvador Dalí will make his way across the Bay, on loan from The Dalí, to complement MOSI’s special exhibition “Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine.”

“Dalí Lives” is a digital experience that allows visitors to hear about the legendary artist’s inspirations and motivations as they talk with an AI-generated Salvador Dalí on an interactive life-size screen.

“At MOSI, we love that ‘aha’ moment when a guest discovers that science and art are connected and you can’t have one without the other,” said John Graydon Smith, President and CEO of MOSI. “And who better to help you come to that realization than a re-creation of Dalí, an artist who was so passionate about science and discovery?” 

The virtual re-creation of Dalí enhances the  already engaging “Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine,” a traveling exhibit that explores the real impact of artificial intelligence.

 

Hands-on science

Science educators from MOSI will present engaging, hands-on experiments and activities at The Dalí on the second Thursday of each month, September through December, from 5 to 7 p.m. Additionally, this fall, visitors will have the opportunity to join a conversation on art and technology at MOSI, hosted by The Dalí.

“Salvador Dalí was endlessly inspired by the world around him, including science, which shaped his art,” said Kathy Greif, chief operating officer of The Dalí Museum. “This collaboration gives audiences at both museums a unique opportunity to experience that connection between art and science in a new and meaningful way.”

This Dalí Museum/MOSI mashup will continue through the fall. 

Learn more about MOSI’s “Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine” at mosi.org and see The Dalí Museum’s events calendar for upcoming activities at TheDali.org.

News Briefs (9/10/25): Arrest made in fatal shooting

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Arrest made in fatal shooting

DADE CITY – The Pasco Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in a Sept. 1 shooting that resulted in two deaths. 

The sheriff’s office said three men were shot around 9:30 p.m. in the Blanton Road area. Two of the men died from their injuries. The other was taken to a hospital for treatment. 

The sheriff’s office said Sept. 1 the suspect and victims had an argument that led to the shooting. 

The next day, deputies arrested 35-year-old Miguel Angel Hernandez on Sept. 2 on charges of murder/homicide premeditated. The sheriff’s office described the incident as isolated with no threat to the public. 

 

Sheriff’s office finds gun on campus

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Pasco Sheriff’s Office said on Aug. 26 that a 17-year-old student at Gulf High School was charged with possession of a firearm and possession of a weapon on school grounds. 

The sheriff’s office investigated after receiving a report of a weapon on campus. A handgun was found. 

Deputies also investigated reports of a potential weapon at Chasco K-8 on Sept. 2 but said there was no weapon on campus. 

 

Rep. Lee works to improve airline transparency

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Laurel Lee announced the introduction of the Frequent Logistics Information for Grounded and Held Travelers (FLIGHT) Act. 

Sen.Rick Scott is leading the companion bill in the Senate.

This legislation would require airlines to notify passengers when a flight is delayed by more than 15 minutes and provide updated status notifications every 15 minutes thereafter.

“Every traveler knows the frustration of sitting at the gate with little or no information about when their flight will take off. Too often, passengers are stranded at airports or even stuck on the tarmac for hours, without meaningful updates. While some delays are unpreventable, airlines can do more to keep customers informed,” Lee said. “The FLIGHT Act is a commonsense step to require airlines to provide timely updates so families can adjust their plans accordingly.”

 

It’s a Fall Y’all Festival offers family fun

CLEARWATER – The Fall Y’all Festival celebrates all things autumn with festivities for the entire family. 

The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 4 and 5 at Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St. Admission is free.

Activities include “Lil Miss and Sir” pumpkin contests, a corn maze, food trucks featuring fall treats and more than 150 vendors. Children will enjoy the kids’ zone with contests and more fun. There will be pumpkins available to purchase. Plus, plenty of fall photo opportunities.  

Clearwater Downtown Development Board sponsors the event. 

Visit https://www.saucyqueen.com/products/fall for vendor and sponsorship opportunities.

 

Chamber hosting Fall Fest and Carnival

WESLEY CHAPEL – The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce presents the 21st anniversary Wesley Chapel Fall Fest and Carnival.

The festival takes place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 25 and 26 at The Grove at Wesley Chapel. The carnival opens Oct. 23 to 26 until 11 p.m. 

Attractions include a fall pageant, trunk or treat, carnival, costume contests and games.

Sponsorships are available. Call 727-674=1464 for details. 

 

Congregation breaks ground on temple

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Elder Neil L. Andersen, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his wife, Kathy Andersen, greet  the Rev. Glenn Dames, senior pastor at Allen Temple AME Church. Photo courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

 

Kathy Andersen, wife of Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, shares her personal message of Jesus Christ and her ties to the local community. Photo courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

TAMPA – Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, along with government, interfaith and community leaders, gathered Aug. 23 for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Tampa Florida Temple. Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, presided at the event and Elder Brook P. Hales, General Authority Seventy, conducted. The Apostle and longtime Tampa resident offered a dedicatory prayer over the land and all who will be influenced by it.

“We ask that Thou might bless this land and this sacred house once constructed, that it might be a light and strength to the Latter-day Saints and to all the community,” Elder Andersen prayed. “Let our friends and neighbors feel Thy Spirit and increase their faith in Thy Son as they sense what has come to this place.”

The Andersens have deep roots in the Tampa area. Elder Andersen’s wife, Kathy, was born and raised in Florida, much of it in Hillsborough County. They lived in the Tampa area from 1977 to 1993 raising their family, until church service moved them elsewhere.

Sister Andersen reflected on the growth of the church in the Tampa area since she was a young girl where she was taught about Jesus Christ. “I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. I love to listen to His words. ‘Come follow me,’ he said.”

Five hundred members and friends gathered at the 12-acre site at 9445 Camden Field Parkway in Riverview. Among the honored guests were Florida State Representative Michele Rayner, the Rev. Glenn Dames of AME Church and leaders from Metropolitan Ministries.

Major Colleen Handrick, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office; Florida State Representative Michele Rayner; Kathy Andersen; Elder Neil L. Andersen, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Elder Brook P. Hales, General Authority Seventy; and Denise Hales break ground on the site. Photo courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“The temple is going to touch the lives of tens of thousands of people,” said Patrick Davis, Associate Director of Development at Metropolitan Ministries. “I understand the importance of the temple in the community. I do feel very blessed, because we all bring our blessings to this temple.”

Florida is currently home to more than 176,000 Latter-day Saints in nearly 280 congregations. The first congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ was created in 1897. The Tampa Florida Temple will serve more than 27,000 members in and around the Southwest Florida Gulf Coast.

Local members Ikwo and Dinah Ibiam explained that having a temple in the area sends a message that this is a place where people strive to be good.

Latter-day Saints consider each temple a house of the Lord and the most sacred place of worship on earth. Temples differ from the Church’s meetinghouses (chapels). All are welcome to attend Sunday worship services and other weekday activities at local meetinghouses. The primary purpose of temples is for faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ to participate in sacred ceremonies, such as marriages, which unite families forever, and proxy baptisms on behalf of deceased ancestors who did not have the opportunity to be baptized while living.

Hospital offers fresh approach to lowering blood pressure

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Holly Hutchinson, Kimberly Wright, Ron Wical, Gerald Grabowski and Denise Lentine stand in a St. Joseph’s Hospital-North procedure room set up for a renal denervation procedure. Photo courtesy of BayCare Health System

 

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is performing an innovative procedure that can lower patients’ blood pressure with less medication or no medication at all.

The procedure is called a “renal denervation” and performed by a specialist in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology.

“Patients with resistant hypertension defined as blood pressure over 130 systolic or 80 diastolic on three medications or higher are candidates for renal denervation,” said Dr. Muthusamy Velusamy, a cardiologist who performs the procedure at the Lutz hospital.

Renal denervation is a one-time procedure that targets nerves near the kidneys that can become overactive and cause elevated blood pressure. During the minimally invasive procedure, the doctor inserts a thin tube into the renal arteries and applies thermal energy to disrupt the nerves. The tube is removed, leaving no implant behind. The patient is under mild sedation during the procedure and expected to go home the same day.

“Renal denervation can be very effective, the outcomes can be good in managing blood pressure resulting in less medications or no medications for some patients,” Velusamy said. “It is nice to have this treatment locally and make it available to patients to help achieve good control of blood pressure.”

High blood pressure is a common condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure and only about one in four have it under control.

The prevalence of the condition makes the innovative solution of renal denervation all the more compelling.

“Renal denervation is a proven approach to lower blood pressure and reduce the amount of medications patients need to have,” said Kimberly Wright, manager of interventional services and noninvasive cardiology at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North.

Clearwater’s Morton Plant Hospital, Safety Harbor’s Mease Countryside Hospital, Tampa’s St. 

Joseph’s Hospital and Winter Haven Hospital are also performing this procedure. 

Other BayCare hospitals will offer renal denervation in the future.