The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

U.S. Rep. Castor gives boost to veteran nonprofits

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U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) helped secure grants for The Society of St. Vincent de Paul South and Boley Centers Inc. Photo courtesy of St. Vincent de Paul CARES
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) helped secure grants for The Society of St. Vincent de Paul South and Boley Centers Inc. Photo courtesy of St. Vincent de Paul CARES

ST. PETERSBURG – Ahead of Veterans Day, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) announced two St. Petersburg nonprofits were awarded federal grants to hire and retain veteran case managers.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul South received two awards totaling $1,699,928 for four case managers and Boley Centers Inc. received $340,433 for one case manager.

“Every day is Veterans Day in Tampa Bay, and I am proud to have championed over $2 million for organizations that better the lives of those who have served our country selflessly. Our veterans deserve access to high-quality resources to find safe, affordable housing and mental health services. Community partners at St. Vincent de Paul South and the Boley Centers will be able to expand their already wide reach in our veteran community to continue ensuring our service members and their families have the tools to thrive when they return home from serving our country.”

Michael Raposa, CEO of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul CARES, said the investment represents action against homelessness. 

“With these resources, St. Vincent de Paul CARES will continue to provide safe housing, tailored case management and long-term stability for those we serve,” Raposa said. 

Kevin Marrone, president and CEO of Boley Centers Inc., said its grant will help veterans secure housing and mental health services. 

“Representative Castor’s continued advocacy reflects the belief that no veteran should be without a home or support system,” Marrone said. “We look forward to working together to ensure that those who have served our country receive the care and stability they deserve.”

 

News Briefs (12/05/25): Pasco holding waste collection

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Pasco County holding waste collection event

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County will host a free Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Collection event  from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 6 at the West Pasco Government Center. 

Residents may dispose of old cleaners, pesticides, chemicals and unwanted electronics. 

Fees are $5 for TVs, monitors, towers and laptops; $10 for TVs 36 inches or larger; and $3 for propane tanks. 

Commercial waste is not accepted. A full list of accepted items is available at mypas.co/hazardouswaste.

 

Water district officials declare shortage

TAMPA – The Southwest Florida Water Management District has declared a Phase I Water Shortage from Dec. 1, 2025 through July 1, 2026, affecting all or parts of 16 counties, including Pasco and Hillsborough.

The district received lower than normal rainfall during its summer rainy season and currently has a 13-inch regional rainfall deficit, as of Nov. 18, compared to the average 12-month total. In addition, water levels in the District’s water resources, such as aquifers, rivers and lakes, are declining. Public water supplies remain in relatively good shape.

While watering schedules do not change, wasteful water use is prohibited. 

Residents should follow local schedules, inspect irrigation systems, fix leaks and ensure timers and rain sensors work properly. Outdoor irrigation accounts for more than half of household water use. 

On the web: watermatters.org/restrictions

 

Church welcomes visitors during festival

ZEPHYRHILLS – First Methodist Church of Zephyrhills will open its decorated sanctuary during the city’s Festival of Lights. The community can enjoy holiday songs and carols during the open house.  

The Festival of Lights takes place from 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6 along 5th Avenue. 

Salvation’s Rock, the church’s contemporary praise band, will perform throughout the event. 

Guests can take in the historic church’s architecture, stained glass and Christmas tree photo spot while enjoying fellowship. The youth ministry will sell seasonal food and beverages from pop-up tents. 

Church members will be available to share information about ministries including the Community Food Pantry and Thrift Shops. The event takes place at The Big White Church on 5th Avenue.

 

Mike Alstott Foundation donates meals

TAMPA – Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers great Mike Alstott was preparing to deliver Thanksgiving groceries Nov. 24 to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue crews and Emergency Dispatch staff. 

The Mike Alstott Family Foundation planned to provide full Thanksgiving meals for all 47 fire stations and emergency dispatch for the seventh consecutive year. 

The donation ensures firefighters and dispatchers working the holiday can prepare a festive meal together while away from their families. 

 

Crisis center sending emergency vehicles to Ukraine

TAMPA – The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is donating two retired emergency vehicles to US Ambulances for Ukraine, an Illinois-based nonprofit supplying used American emergency vehicles to Ukrainian first responders. 

The vehicles will be shipped via Miami and put back into service abroad. 

“These vehicles have served our community for over 10 years,” said Clara Reynolds, president & CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. “They have helped thousands of people in our community who have experienced a medical or behavioral health crisis. We are so honored to be able to donate these vehicles so they can continue to save lives and replace emergency vehicles that have been destroyed during this devastating war.”

The organization expects to deliver 108 vehicles by mid-January 2026.

 

Hagan continues leading Hillsborough commissioners

TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners has voted to keep Ken Hagan as chair and Christine Miller as vice chair, with Gwen Myers continuing as chaplain. 

Chair Hagan, District 2, has served as a commissioner since 2002. This marks the ninth time he has been selected to serve as board chair. Hagan has served as the Board of County Commissioners’ representative on key economic development boards including Visit Tampa Bay, Tampa/Hillsborough Expressway Authority, and the Tampa Sports Authority, as well as the Florida Association of Counties and the Hospital Authority.

 

HART wins $32M transit grant

TAMPA – The Hillsborough Transit Authority has received $32 million through the Federal Transit Administration’s FY 2025-26 Low or No Emission and Bus & Bus Facilities Program.

The funding will allow HART to replace 33 aging diesel buses with low-emission Compressed Natural Gas  vehicles and expand vocational and apprenticeship training for fleet technicians. 

The investment supports federal goals to modernize transit fleets, improve reliability, reduce emissions, strengthen workforce development and expand access to equitable mobility. 

“With the addition of 33 new CNG buses, HART will be able to improve reliability, lower operating costs, and better serve the riders who depend on these routes every day,” U.S. Rep. Laurel Lee said. 

 

B2K & Bow Wow join forces

TAMPA – B2K is reuniting for the Boys 4 Life Tour, co-headlined by Bow Wow, marking the group’s 25th anniversary and more than 20 years since they last toured together. 

The 28-city tour stops at Tampa’s Benchmark International Arena on April 12 at 7 p.m. 

The lineup includes Jeremih, Waka Flocka, Amerie, Yung Joc, Crime Mob, Dem Franchize Boyz and Pretty Ricky. Tickets went on sale Nov. 21. Both B2K and Bow Wow will release new albums in February.

 

Kings of Leon bringing arena tour

TAMPA – Benchmark International Arena will host Grammy Award–winning rock band Kings of Leon for a one-night show on Jan. 31 at 8 p.m.

The concert is part of a major weekend of events that includes Bert Kreischer and the 2026 NHL Stadium Series. 

Kings of Leon, known for global tours, chart-topping albums and multiple Grammy wins, recently released “Can We Please Have Fun” and “EP #2.” 

Tickets went on sale Nov. 21.

 

Larry Fleet to perform at Tampa Theatre

TAMPA – Tampa Theatre and AEG Presents will welcome country artist Larry Fleet with special guest Dasher on Feb. 28 at 8 p.m. as part of Fleet’s Another Year Older Tour. 

Fleet is known for albums such as  “Workin’ Hard,” “Stack of Records,” “Earned It” and “Hard Work & Holy Water.”

Tickets range from $29.50–$69.50.

On the web: TampaTheatre.org.

 

Grey Bull Rescue saves stranded couple on honeymoon

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Tampa-based Grey Bull Rescue headed to Jamaica with more than 200 pallets of critical aid, including food, medical supplies, power generators and Starlink systems to restore communication on the island after Hurricane Melissa’s Category 5 destruction. Photo courtesy of Grey Bull Rescue
The nonprofit led emergency evacuations of hundreds of Americans trapped in the storm’s aftermath the week prior. Photo courtesy of Grey Bull Rescue

TAMPA – A couple celebrating a delayed honeymoon in Montego Bay, Jamaica, was evacuated with about 340 Americans Oct. 31 by Grey Bull Rescue, a veteran-led operation out of Tampa.

The couple survived the Category 5 Hurricane Melissa with winds in excess of 185 miles per hour by sheltering in the shower of their room at the hotel resort.

Carissa Lefley-McCauley and David McCauley, of Charlotte, arrived in Jamaica on Oct. 21 planning to enjoy some special time away together as a young, married couple – a time that had been interrupted for more than a year after their wedding vows on June 10, 2023. 

The couple’s honeymoon phase was cut short when Lefley-McCauley lost her ability to walk when her original spinal cord stimulator failed and it was forced to be surgically extracted shortly after their wedding. Lefley-McCauley has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a debilitating connective tissue disorder that affects joints, muscles, skin and blood vessels. 

It would take 12 months for McCauley, who works for the City of Charlotte, to shift roles into a caregiver; and for the couple to battle red tape to receive a new stimulator in May 2024.

The McCauleys were trying to make the most of their five-day, all-inclusive honeymoon trip to Montego Bay when their plans changed drastically and concern for Lefley-McCauley’s medical condition began to grow along with the approaching storm. They worried a prolonged power outage may interfere with the charging of her spinal cord device, making it difficult, if not impossible to walk.

Predictions as to the path of the hurricane were vague and based on past movement of other Caribbean storms. Many local sources and reports expected Melissa to turn north and move away from their small island. At that time, there was not a sense of urgency. Some of the catamaran excursions were canceled earlier in the week due to choppy waters but other guest activities continued up until Oct. 25.

When the couple received notice that their flight was canceled on Oct. 24, they, along with the 25,000 other visitors on the island, were left scrambling trying every option to re-book and get off the island.

“It was definitely not our choice to stay or be stranded as we’ve seen posted on social media,” McCauley said. “It was very misleading that some flights that were listed as available, were actually not even physically in Jamaica. They had been rerouted earlier but were still showing up on airline websites as departing outbound.”

Hopes of leaving early, however, faded Oct. 24 when the last two flights left the island for Toronto, Canada and London, England. All incoming flights were diverted. When the official hurricane warning was issued for Jamaica on Oct. 26, the airport officially closed.

McCauley said the couple took every precaution, completing all forms for the U.S. Embassy and ensuring Carissa had enough medications to ride out the storm.

“The sound was unimaginable as Melissa slammed into us on late Tuesday morning. It was so loud that it felt like my ears were splitting,” Lefley-McCauley described as they tried to keep calm on the shower floor. “We had the mattresses and furniture barricaded against the balcony sliding-glass doors and windows. We could see the frames and walls actually being sucked in and out with the gusts.”

The couple was able to notify family and friends on Oct. 29, in spite of no electricity, spotty cellular service and off-and-on again WiFi. The McCauleys described themselves as being safe but shaken. They, along with tourists from other countries, all faced yet another epic challenge as Jamaica began to assess the devastation. McCauley said they could see from the resort that the Sangster International Airport was severely damaged.

“The reality being in a foreign country and getting all of people like ourselves out before the hurricane made landfall was impossible no matter what people may think,” McCauley said. 

The Grey Bull Rescue team mobilized a complex rescue mission that landed in Jamaica on Oct. 29. They gathered approximately 340 Americans who were stranded at nearby resorts, used five buses to transport them from Montego Bay to Kingston, and finally chartered two aircraft.

The first aircraft carried about 170 passengers and the second one, carrying another 170 passengers, off the island for Tampa. Both flights arrived close to midnight Oct. 31.  

Grey Bull Rescue is a nonprofit that is experienced in mobilizing rescue missions around the world.

“Arriving in Charlotte Saturday morning, our hearts are with the Jamaicans whose lives and homes were lost so violently,” Lefley-McCauley added. “David and I had shelter, some communication and enough electrical power that enabled me to walk away stronger from the experience.”

 

Christmas-themed bar is full of joy 

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If Santa Claus were to pull up to a local bar after a draining day preparing for Christmas, he’d probably feel most at home at Joy Bar. Photo courtesy of Joy Bar
If Santa Claus were to pull up to a local bar after a draining day preparing for Christmas, he’d probably feel most at home at Joy Bar. Photo courtesy of Joy Bar

TAMPA – Joy Bar is the place to be this holiday season and beyond for Christmas décor and seasonal cocktails. 

The year-round Christmas-themed dive bar is serving holiday promotions, deals and events throughout December. 

Every Saturday in December, Joy Bar will host a Tequila takeover featuring a new brand. Guests can enjoy specials from different brands each week. Santa’s naughty elf will pour drinks and take photos with guests. 

Among the month-long promotions is a deal in which those wearing Christmas sweaters anytime in December will get a free Fireball shot. 

Whiskey enthusiasts have over 100 options to choose from, including Joy Bar’s personal single barrels. The whiskey selection is always changing and growing year-round.

Joy Bar also hosts music from DJs on several nights. Patrons can also play billiards, darts, giant Jenga and beer pong. 

Owner Trey Lawson launched the year-round Christmas concept in 2023. He took over the bar seven years ago from his father. They have been in business for 35 years.

“We want everyone to appreciate the magic of the holiday season,” said Trey Lawson, owner of Joy Bar and the six Liquor Depot Tampa locations. “Joy Bar is a year-round holiday staple. Join us for our festive holiday-inspired cocktails, photo ops and great deals while you enjoy the spirit of Christmas.”

The bar is open seven days a week from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. at 6905 N. Armenia Ave. 

On the web: LiquorDepotTampa.com.

If Santa Claus were to pull up to a local bar after a draining day preparing for Christmas, he’d probably feel most at home at Joy Bar. Photo courtesy of Joy Bar

Bucs players help build Habitat homes

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers players Lorenz Metz and Yaya Diaby with season pass members at a Habitat site. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough
The Bucs helped build homes in the Windhorst Commons community in Brandon. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough

TAMPA – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers turned teamwork on the field into life-changing impact in their community Nov. 18 by donning hard hats with Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough to build two new affordable, hurricane-resilient homes for Brandon families in need.

For Habitat’s third annual Holiday Home Build with the Bucs, rookie cornerbacks Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish kicked off the first volunteer shift that morning, with veteran players defensive lineman CJ Brewer, offensive lineman Lorenz Metz, safety Rashad Wisdom and tight end Devin Culp continuing construction into the afternoon.  

Rolling up their sleeves alongside the players were Buccaneers staff, members of the Player Community Impact Board, season ticket holders known as the Krewe and future homeowners themselves. 

“Tampa Bay’s team has always believed deeply in our community,” said Kourtney Sanchez, chief impact officer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “We’re proud to partner with Habitat of Tampa Bay Hillsborough to make a real and lasting impact for these families who deserve safe, stable homes.”

Future homeowner Raul Johnson, who works in food service, said without Habitat and the continued community spirit of the Bucs, there was little chance his family would have ever seen their dream of homeownership come true. 

“Thank you for volunteering to make someone else’s life better,” Johnson said.  

Nichol Faber, a financial counselor, said the new home will mean peace and stability for her three children. 

“I will forever be grateful,” Faber said.

The new homes are part of the Windhorst Commons community in Brandon, a Habitat neighborhood with 23 hurricane-resilient homes.  

Elijah Simmons, John Bullock, homeowners Raul and Dee Johnson, Jacob Parrish, Jayson Jones, Elijah Roberts, Benjamin Morrison and Tyler Thompson at a Habitat site. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough

Health & Wellness (12/05/25): Santa surprises patients

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Santa and his elves visit pediatric patients at AdventHealth Tampa. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
Santa and his elves visit pediatric patients at AdventHealth Tampa. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

Santa surprises AdventHealth Tampa patients

TAMPA – Youth at AdventHealth Tampa received a festive surprise when Santa and his elves delivered gift packages that included tickets to Busch Gardens Christmas Town and a Little Adventurer’s shirt. 

The visit marked the start of Busch Gardens Christmas Town and celebrated the partnership between AdventHealth and the park.

“It brought comfort and joy to our young patients, helping them feel whole and supported, while offering their siblings and parents a moment of light during a challenging time,” said Erica Brissette, pediatrics nurse manager. 

 

BayCare hits behavioral health milestone

TAMPA  – The State of Florida has designated St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa as the BayCare Behavioral Health Teaching Hospital at St. Joseph’s.

The new teaching hospital designation supports training future providers and expanding access to mental health services. It was made possible through a partnership with Florida State University College of Medicine’s Center for Behavioral Health Integration, 

The designation is renewable every two years.

BayCare offers inpatient, outpatient, residential and specialized programs. Recent investments include a behavioral health urgent care center, a Central Receiving Facility expansion and a psychiatry residency program.

“We know there’s no health without mental health,” said Stephanie Conners, president and CEO of BayCare Health System. “This honor reflects our unwavering commitment to improving the health of all we serve and to building a stronger, more resilient community.”

 

Castor reintroduces Frack Pack

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor and others reintroduced the Frack Pack, a set of five bills they say close loopholes that allow the oil and gas industry to skirt key environmental and public health protections. 

Bills include:

  • CLEANER Act: Make oil and gas companies responsible for cleaning up and disposing of hazardous waste generated by their operations.
  • FRAC Act: Require fracking companies to disclose the chemicals they are pumping into the ground and give the EPA the authority to regulate the process.
  • FRESHER Act: Closes a loophole in the Clean Water Act and establishes a study to better understand the effects of stormwater runoff from oil and gas operations.
  • SHARED Act: Require testing for water contamination near fracking sites.
  • CLOSE Act: Reduce toxic air pollution from oil and gas exploration and production activities and add hydrogen sulfide to the list of hazardous air pollutants regulated under the Clean Air Act.

 

Get answers on Medicare

ST. PETERSBURG – SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas.

Specially trained volunteers can assist with Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.

They’ll answer questions at the following Medicare Basics programs: 

  • Dec. 9 at 10:30 a.m. at the Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday. 727-834-3204.
  • Dec. 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St, Dade City. 352-567-3576
  • Dec. 18 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL 54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
  • Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214

SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential. Counselors do not sell anything. They can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.

 

News Briefs (11/26/25): Live Oak Theatre holding auditions

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001: The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club members, including Michelle Haskins, Patty Camunus, Jean Olsen, Deb Cardona and Beth Nevel, waved flags on Veterans Day in front of the Old Lutz School.  This annual event by the Civic Engagement CSP is held in honor of the sacrifices and service of our country’s veterans. Learn more about the club at gfwclutzlandolakeswomansclub.org. Photo courtesy of Pennee Bowen

 

Live Oak Theatre holding auditions for three productions

BROOKSVILLE – Live Oak Theatre announced auditions for the main stage performance of  Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” from March 13 to 29, 2026.

Everyone interested in being considered for the show must record a video performing the monologue and a song. Auditions must be emailed to by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 7. 

Callback dates will be Jan. 6 and 8. Go to liveoaktheatre.org/gallery for complete instructions. 

“Wizard of Oz Jr.” and “Romeo and Juliet” will be performed by Live Oak Theatre’s Youth Theatre class. A mandatory parent meeting and auditions will be held on Jan. 3 at 10 a.m. “Wizard of Oz” will be performed April 30 to May 10, 2026. “Romeo and Juliet” will be performed May 14 to 17, 2026.

 

Winter Jam shines light on Christian music

TAMPA – Winter Jam 2026 returns to Tampa’s Benchmark International Arena on Jan. 10, bringing all-star Christian music lineup back to the city. 

This year’s tour features Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, Katy Nichole, Hulvey, Disciple, Emerson Day and Newsong, with speaker Zane Black. 

Fans can also arrive early for the Pre-Jam Party with Jeremy Rosado, Heath Brothers and Cliff Preston.

“Each night of Winter Jam is an opportunity to experience how God is continuing to move and use this generation,” Tomlin said. 

Winter Jam remains “no ticket required,” with a $15 donation at the door. 

Fans may also join Jam Nation for early entry and exclusive perks. 

On the web: jamtour.com

 

Comedian Garg to perform in Tampa

TAMPA – Tampa Theatre and AEG Presents welcome comedian Zarna Garg to the historic stage at 8 p.m. Feb. 21. 

Garg, an Indian immigrant mom based in New York City, has become a breakout voice in comedy thanks to her sharp wit and fearless social commentary.

Her Amazon Prime special “One in a Billion” earned national praise.

Garg hosts “The Zarna Garg Family Show” podcast, has opened for Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, appeared on “The Tonight Show” and starred in the film “A Nice Indian Boy.” 

Tickets went on sale Nov. 21 at TampaTheatre.org. VIP tickets are available. 

 

New Toastmasters Club forming in Dade City

DADE CITY – Looking to become a more confident speaker or leader or just comfortable talking one-on-one with people? 

Join the new Toastmasters Club, a supportive, fun way to improve public speaking, leadership and communication skills. 

The group meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Fridays at Dade City Christian Church, Building B, 11800 Windsorwood Ave. Text 435-772-1151 for details to verify meetings during holidays. 

 

Health & Wellness (11/26/25): Castor speaks out on health affordability

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Castor speaks out on health affordability

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released a statement Nov. 13 on congressional Republicans’ spending bill.

“The fight to lower costs and ensure Floridians have access to the health care they need is not over,” Castor said. “To the four million Floridians who rely on the Affordable Care Act tax credits for affordable coverage, I pledge to keep standing up for you.”

She called on Republicans to embrace bipartisanship to solve the health care crisis. 

Castor shared a list of Florida ACA enrollees by congressional district: 

  • 141,151 – Rep. Laurel Lee (FL-15)
  • 136,535 – Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14)
  • 133,028 – Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL-16)
  • 112,261 – Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)
  • 4,735,472 – Statewide ACA enrollees

 

Hospital offers breastfeeding support  

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers a free in-person breastfeeding support group and class during December. 

Both events are open to all no matter which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your children. The events will be held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North classrooms,  4211 Van Dyke Road.

  • Breastfeeding Support Group: For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and one support person (grandmother, aunt, etc.) The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. The support group will be held Dec. 11, 10 to 11 a.m.
  • Understanding Breastfeeding: This class provides information to the expectant mother and her support person about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, tips for returning to work and when to call a health care provider or lactation consultant. The class will be held Dec. 11, 1 to 5 p.m.

 

Get answers on Medicare

ST. PETERSBURG – SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas.

Specially trained volunteers can assist with Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.

They’ll answer questions at the following Medicare Basics programs: 

  • Dec. 3 at noon at the Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-587-6715 ext. 2508
  • Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. at the New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-853-1279
  • Dec. 9 at 10:30 a.m. at the Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday. 727-834-3204.
  • Dec. 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St, Dade City. 352-567-3576
  • Dec. 17 at 11 a.m. at the Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669
  • Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1073
  • Dec. 18 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL 54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
  • Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214

SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential. Counselors do not sell anything. They can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.

 

Business Digest (11/26/26): AAA expects Floridians to travel

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AAA expects Floridians to travel

TAMPA – AAA projected that 4.65 million Floridians will travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, which runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 1. 

This marks a 2.6% increase over last year and sets a new record for Thanksgiving travel in the Sunshine State.

“Floridians are embracing the Thanksgiving spirit with record-breaking travel plans this year,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Whether it’s driving across the state or flying across the country, people are making time to connect with loved ones. Even with concerns about flight cancellations, travelers are showing flexibility and resilience and relying most on driving.”

According to INRIX, the afternoons of Nov. 25 and 26 will be the most congested travel times before Thanksgiving. Heavy traffic is expected all day Nov. 30 as travelers return home. 

 

Workers comp rates decreasing

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky issued a final order approving a statewide overall rate decrease of 6.9% for workers’ compensation policies. 

The reduction, proposed by the National Council on Compensation Insurance, applies to both new and renewal policies effective in Florida starting Jan. 1, 2026. 

This marks the ninth consecutive year Florida has lowered these rates, providing significant, sustained relief for employers across the state.

“This rate decrease directly translates to reduced operating costs for businesses, encouraging investment and growth throughout Florida’s economy,” Yaworsky said. 

On the web: floir.com

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will hold its Annual Meeting and a ribbon cutting.

  • The chamber celebrates the past year, welcomes a new board and charts goals during its Annual Meeting from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 2 at Pasco Hernando State College’s Porter Campus, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Members pay $25. Others pay $30. Register in advance. 
  • Members celebrate the grand opening of RoofElite from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at 19002 1st St. S.W., Lutz. The ribbon will be cut at 4:30 p.m. 

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

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a Medical Roundtable and Hudson Business & Brochure Exchange.

  • Adam Shumaker facilitates the latest Medical Roundtable from 8 to 9 a.m. Dec. 4 at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, 6600 Madison St., New Port Richey. Register in advance. 
  • Members exchange business materials during the Hudson Business & Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 4 at Vitality Living Baypoint Village, 7927 State Road 52, Hudson. Members get in free. Food costs $14. 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.

  • Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Dec. 2 at the chamber’s Dade City location (14112 8th St.). Register in advance. 

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

 

Pasco County hospitals earn top safety grades

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WESLEY CHAPEL – Hospitals across Pasco County earned top grades in the fall release of 2025 Hospital Safety Grades on Nov. 13. 

The Leapfrog Group collects and analyzes data about infections, accidents, injuries and errors at nearly 3,000 general hospitals. The nonprofit assigns grades ranging from A to F and releases them publicly in the fall and spring. 

“These safety grades represent peace of mind for the communities we are a part of,” said Dr. Raj Wadhawan, chief clinical officer of the AdventHealth West Florida Division. “When patients walk through our doors, they can trust that our teams are focused on preventing errors, maintaining the highest safety standards and delivering compassionate care that helps them heal and feel whole.”

Several AdventHealth West Florida Division hospitals earned an A grade, including AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, AdventHealth Zephyrhills and AdventHealth Dade City.

Eleven of BayCare’s acute-care hospitals received an A grade, including BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel in Wesley Chapel, Morton Plant North Bay Hospital in New Port Richey and St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz.

“BayCare’s outstanding fall 2025 Leapfrog Safety Grades reflect our daily commitment to protect patients and deliver the highest standards of care,” said Dr. Laura Arline, BayCare’s chief quality officer. “This achievement demonstrates what’s possible when every team member, physician and advanced practice provider takes ownership of safety and is a testament to our shared focus on Zero Harm.”  

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz scored a top grade for the seventh consecutive time, earning what’s known as Straight A status. 

“This recognition is evidence of our team’s unwavering commitment to patient safety and excellence in care. We are dedicated to providing our community with the safest possible environment and continuously striving to exceed the highest standards in health care,” said Sara Dodds, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North president. 

The safety grade is a composite score that comprises more than 30 national performance measures, a hospital survey and information gathered from other data sources. The grading system is peer-reviewed and free to the public at HospitalSafetyGrade.org.