The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

LEGOLAND Florida Resort has park, hotel upgrades in store

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One of the most popular attractions at LEGOLAND Florida Resort is the Water Park, which is reopening in February with some upgrades. Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND Florida Resort

WINTER HAVEN – LEGOLAND Florida Resort is rolling out new attractions and revamped hotel rooms in 2025.

In 2024, LEGOLAND Florida unveiled a new attraction, LEGO Ferrari Build & Race. Guests can hop into the driver’s seat of a life-size LEGO Ferrari 296 GTS model, made up of 424,000 LEGO elements. 

Families are also inspired to create their own LEGO Ferrari race car in the Build Zone. At several large building stations, children and adults can turn their ideas into reality with all the LEGO bricks possible. 

Ultimately, visitors can head to the Test Zone to race their car against three extreme test tracks, each with different obstacles plus participate in a virtual race by scanning the model they created. For the littlest builders, there’s a DUPLO section specially designed for tiny hands to engage with LEGO fun at their own pace.

LEGOLAND Water Park is making a comeback, bringing families waves of fun with fresh renovations in mid-February. The Joker Soaker and Twin Chasers are getting a vibrant new color scheme as part of its refurbishment. Experience the return of 14 epic slides and the chance to craft your own LEGO raft to float down the lazy river.

SEA LIFE Florida opens this spring at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. This immersive aquarium invites guests to explore vibrant exhibits featuring blacktip reef sharks, moon jelly fish and clownfish.

Highlights include the interactive rock pool, a sunken pirate treasure ship and the main ocean exhibit, a “Theme Park Under the Sea” complete with a coral castle and a sea-inspired Ferris wheel. 

Perfect for families and marine life enthusiasts, SEA LIFE Florida blends education with fun to inspire love for the ocean. Tickets will be launching soon.

 

LEGOLAND Florida Resort offers fun themed hotel rooms for adults and children. Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Hotel upgrades

The LEGOLAND Hotel is undergoing a creative refresh, with new room concepts debuting in the spring. 

This revamp will include 20 new themed rooms, designed to immerse families in the LEGO fun. 

Among the refreshed offerings, there will be:

  • Six DUPLO Rooms – Featuring an all-new concept that brings the colorful and creative world of DUPLO to life, designed especially for younger builders.
  • Six LEGO Friends Rooms – Updated with today’s LEGO Friends characters and stories, guests can step into the world of Heartlake City and have the ultimate sleepover inside a LEGO Friends Creative Clubhouse.
  • Eight LEGO NINJAGO Rooms – Newly themed rooms that take families into the action-packed world of NINJAGO, complete with bold designs inspired by Lloyd and his ninja friends.

 

Seasonal Events

All activities below are covered with general park admission.

  • LEGO NINJAGO Weekends (select dates in February) – Families can enjoy high-energy shows, interactive activities and meet LEGO® NINJAGO heroes. Master elemental powers on the Path of the Dragon, join the Thunderfang Scavenger Hunt and fuel up with ninja-inspired treats.
  • World Play Day (June 11) – LEGOLAND Florida Resort is creating a summer surprise. Follow the family theme park on social media for updates and get ready to play.
  • Red, White & BOOM! (July 4) – The summer heats up at LEGOLAND Florida Resort with a star-spangled 4th of July celebration: Red, White & BOOM! Throughout the day, kids of all ages can participate in all-American family picnic games and building activities. At night, the evening fireworks show combines patriotic music with dazzling pyrotechnics.
  • Brick-or-Treat (select dates in September and October) – 

Grab your costumes and get ready to “boo-gie” down! Brick-or-Treat is back and will bewitch LEGOLAND Florida Resort with sweet treats, spellbinding shows, exclusive LEGO characters, and more! LEGOLAND Florida will transform into the ultimate family-friendly Halloween celebration on select dates throughout September and October.

  • Holidays (select dates in November-December) – Jingle all the way to LEGOLAND Florida Resort this holiday season. Live entertainment, twinkling lights and festive cheer await! Families can meet the jolly LEGO Santa, enjoy a series of seasonal activities and embark on bricktastic holiday adventures throughout the resort. Don’t miss the resort’s three-story-tall LEGO Christmas tree – the perfect backdrop for capturing unforgettable family photos.

 

Want to go?

LEGOLAND Florida Resort is offering a $9.99 Bronze Pass Monthly. Enjoy unlimited visits, monthly perks and first-to-sea access to 2025’s newest attractions with a LEGOLAND Florida Annual Bronze Pass. Start the adventure today with a $30 down payment. Guests can also buy single-day tickets or annual passes with or without a hotel stay. 

Health & Wellness (02/05/25): Wellness Stations allow for health checks

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Brenden Haas, a South University physician assistant student, gets a screening at the Wellness Station in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s garden atrium. The Wellness Station there is used by visitors, team members, medical staff and others for quick health self-checks including blood pressure. Free Wellness Stations like this one are also located in local Publix super markets.

Wellness Stations allow for quick check on health

February is Heart Month, which raises awareness about cardiovascular disease prevention. Heart disease can take on many forms and often has subtle symptoms – chest pressure or discomfort, sluggishness and fatigue. 

It’s important not to ignore these subtle signs and symptoms. If you are experiencing pressure, heaviness or pain in the chest, arm or below the breastbone  or in combination with sweating, nausea, extreme shortness of breath or irregular heartbeats, you may be having a heart attack. Call 911 immediately.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz recommends that you regularly monitor your blood pressure. With support from your health care team, you can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. You can check your blood pressure at the doctor’s office, other medical locations, at home with a blood pressure monitoring device or for free at one of the BayCare Wellness Stations located in Publix Super Markets in Hillsborough County. 

The Wellness Stations conveniently provide you with free, interactive screenings giving you personal health statistics, including blood pressure, pulse, body weight and body mass index.

Learn more about St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s heart services at StJosephsNorthHeart.org

 

Hospital offers newborn support groups

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road, offers free in-person support groups and classes during February about breastfeeding and newborn care. 

The events are open to all no matter which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your babies. All events are held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North classrooms.

  • Breastfeeding Support Group – For breastfeeding mothers and their babies. The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. Offered Thursdays, Feb. 13 and 27, 9 to 11 a.m.
  • Understanding Breastfeeding – 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. Offered Thursday, Feb. 27, 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Understanding Your Newborn: Provides information to the expectant mother and one support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. Offered Thursday, Feb. 13, 1 to 5 p.m.

The events are free but St. Joseph’s Hospital-North asks you to register at BayCareEvents.org and choose “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter. Or, you can also register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.

 

Report: Florida could do more to prevent tobacco use

TAMPA – Florida continues to lag behind the rest of the country in policy efforts to prevent and reduce tobacco use, according to the American Lung Association’s “State of Tobacco Control” report.

The state received three failing grades, out of five, in this year’s report, including: 

  • Funding for State Tobacco Prevention Programs.
  • Level of State Tobacco Taxes.
  • Ending the Sale of All Flavored Tobacco Products.

The state earned a D in Coverage and Access to Services to Quit Tobacco and a C in Strength of Smokefree Workplace Laws.

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Florida and across the country, claiming the lives of 32,300 state residents each year. 10.5% of adults in Florida currently use cigarettes, and 17% of adults use tobacco products, which includes e-cigarettes. Additionally, 14.8% of high school students use tobacco products.

 

Business Digest (01/29/25): Bank to help restore hurricane survivor’s home

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Bank joins effort to restore hurricane survivor’s home

TAMPA – Sandra Lawless, a Tampa resident of 50 years, is facing an uphill battle to rebuild her life after Hurricanes Helene and Milton left her home severely damaged. 

The storms tore off her roof and caused extensive water damage, filling her house with sludge and the smell of sewage, forcing her to discard nearly all her belongings.

On Jan. 24, Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay, with critical support from TD Bank, was scheduled to provide painting and landscaping for Lawless’ home. 

“These storms left so many families displaced and overwhelmed by the extent of needed repairs,” said Jose Garcia, CEO of Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay. “We can’t thank the volunteers and our partners at TD Bank enough for helping us give this family a fresh start.”

Other work includes installing a new kitchen and adding insulation into the home. 

“It’s a privilege to contribute to Sandra’s home renovation journey and support Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay’s incredible work in the community as we continue to recover from last year’s hurricanes,” said Scott Daigle, commercial market president of North Florida, TD Bank. 

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber announces award winners

WESLEY CHAPEL – The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce announced winners of its 2024 Celebrating Excellence Awards.

The following winners were recognized Jan. 16 at PHSC Performing Arts Center:

  • Integrity: Pepin Academies.
  • Collaboration: Metropolitan Ministries. 
  • Innovation: Furr Wegman & Banks Architects.
  • Inclusivity: Hilton Garden Inn Wesley Chapel.

On the web: northtampabaychamber.com

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber happenings

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will take part in a Business Breakfast, Final Friday networking event and ribbon cutting in the coming days. 

  • Members celebrate the anniversary of the TriHealth Family Wellness with a ribbon cutting from 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 30 at 2253 Green Hedges Way, suite 101, Wesley Chapel. The ribbon cutting is at 4:30 p.m.
  • Members let loose during the monthly Final Friday networking event from 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 31 at Top Shelf Sports Lounge, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel. The event is free with a full-service cash bar and appetizers available. 
  • Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera serves as keynote speaker during a Business Breakfast from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 4 at Pasco Hernando State College – Porter Campus, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel.

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

 

Greater Pasco Chamber happenings

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber will take part in a Young Professionals Coffee Connections event in the coming days. 

  • Paul Micklow, of Amerikey Locksmith, serves as the keynote speaker during Young Professionals Coffee Connections from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 31 at The Daily Vibe Coffee Co., 5738 Main St., New Port Richey. Register in advance.

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

 

What’s Happening (01/29/25): Grossology exhibit gets extension

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Grossology exhibit gets extension

TAMPA – The Museum of Science & Industry has decided to extend its Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body through April 27.

Grossology takes a fun and informative look at the ooey gooey things that go on inside our bodies, such as runny noses and body odor, using sophisticated animatronics and imaginative hands-on exhibits.

Climb a human skin wall with warts, hairs, wounds and pimples that act as hand and foot holds or pump burp man full of soda from a three-foot-tall can, then help him get gassy relief with a booming belch.

 

Jan. 29

Baby Storytime

Land O’ Lakes Library offers Baby Storytime, a lap-sit program meant to instill the love of reading in children at an early age. It is suitable for babies up to age 1 and their caregivers. Call 813-929-1214 for details. 

10:15-10:40 & 11:15-11:40 a.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Babytime

Children, ages 0-2, and their caregivers engage in a storytime with songs, stories and play at South Holiday Library. Call 727-834-3331 for details. 

10:15-10:45 a.m.; 4649 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday

 

Toddler Storytime

Children, ages 1-2, engage in stories, songs and activities during Toddler Storytime at Regency Park Library. Call 727-861-3049 for details. 

10:15-10:45 & 11:15-11:45 a.m.; 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey

 

Toddler Storytime

Ms. Shaina leads a Toddler Storytime for stories, songs and activities at Hugh Embry Library. Space is limited. Children, ages 3-5, and their grownups participate in playing, reading, singing, movement and other activities. Call 352-567-3576 for details. 

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

 

Storytime

Children, ages 0-5, engage in songs, stories and crafts at Centennial Park Library’s children’s room. Space and supplies are limited. Call 727-834-3204 for details. 

10:15-11 a.m.; 5740 Moog Road, Holiday

 

Toddler Storytime

Ms. Laura leads a Toddler Storytime with stories, songs, and early literacy-based activities at New River Library. Space is limited. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

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

 

Preschool Storytime

Ms. Laura leads a Preschool Storytime with stories, songs, and early literacy-based activities at New River Library. Space is limited. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

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

 

Preschool Storytime

Ms. Shaina leads a Preschool Storytime with stories, songs and other activities at Hugh Embry Library. Space is limited. Children, ages 3-5, and their grownups participate in playing, reading, singing and movement. Call 352-567-3576 for details. 

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

 

Dulcimer Jam

Bring a dulcimer and join fellow dulcimer enthusiasts for an informal jam session at Hugh Embry Library. The program is intended for those with (at least) basic skills. Call 352-567-3576 for details. 

2-3:30 p.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Creative Relaxation

A mental health professional leads a monthly class for adults that includes a short meditation followed by an expressive arts activity designed to help reduce stress at Regency Park Library. Registration is required. Call 727-861-3049 for details. 

2-3:30 p.m.; 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey

 

Paper Chase

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

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

 

Mat Yoga

Michelle Mack leads a mat yoga session at Zephyrhills Public Library. Bring a mat. Library does not provide the mat. Space is limited. Call 813-780-0064 for details. 

4-5 p.m. & Jan. 30,  4-5 p.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Tween Craft

Join Centennial Park Library to make slime with instant snow inside during Tween Craft: Snow Slime. Registration is required. Call 727-834-3204 for details. 

4-5 p.m.; 5740 Moog Road, Holiday

 

Chess Club

Chess Master-Rated coach Rick McKnight explains how to play chess to youth in grades 4-12 at New River Library. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

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

 

ClayWorks Open Studio

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center offers open ClayWorks studio hours. Time in the studio is by registration only. Access to the pottery wheels is first come, first served. Glaze your piece on Jan. 29. Prior ceramics experience is recommended. Sign a waiver beforehand. Ages 16 and older are welcome. Call 727-815-7126 for details. 

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

 

Chess Club

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

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

 

Jan. 30

Storytime Fun

Toddlers and preschoolers read, sing and dance in a fun, interactive storytime at Zephyrhills Public Library. Space is limited; however, registration is not required. Call 813-780-0064 for details. 

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

 

Career Source

Career Source offers assistance with employment searches, resume writing, interviewing preparation, EmployFlorida assistance and more at Centennial Park Library. Call 727-834-3204 for details. 

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

 

Preschool Storytime

Children join for a Preschool Storytime with songs, stories and crafts in the children’s room at Land O’ Lakes Library. Call 813-929-1214 for details. 

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

 

Baby Storytime

Children, ages 0-1, and their caregivers develop a love of reading during a lap-sit Baby Storytime at Regency Park Library. Call 727-861-3049 for details. 

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

 

Preschool Storytime

Ms. Becky leads a Preschool Storytime for children, ages 3-5, with stories, songs, and other fun activities at Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. Space is limited. Children and their grownups participate in playing, reading, singing, movement and other activities. Call 727-815-7126 for details. 

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

 

Book Club

A book club discusses “Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner at Land O Lakes Library. Call 813-929-1214 for details. 

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

 

Ingenuity Lab 

Hugh Embry Library offers an Ingenuity Lab with materials and activities that encourage children to create and explore. This week, participants will make whatever they want from the materials provided. Waivers must be signed beforehand. Call 352-567-3576 for details. 

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

 

Preschool Story Time

Children, ages 3-5, along with their caregiver engage stories, songs and activities at Regency Park Library. Call 727-861-3049 for details. 

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

 

Mountain Dulcimer

Learn to play a mountain dulcimer in an eight-part course at Hugh Embry Library. A limited number of dulcimers will be provided. Registration for all eight classes is required. Call 352-567-3576 for details. 

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

 

Mat Yoga

Michelle Mack leads a mat yoga session at Zephyrhills Public Library. Bring a mat. Library does not provide the mat. Space is limited. Call 813-780-0064 for details. 

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

 

Yarn for a Cause

Yarn enthusiasts meet to talk about projects and share tips and suggestions at New River Library. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

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

 

Jan. 31

Toddler Storytime

Land O Lakes Library offers a Toddler Storytime for children, ages 1-2, and their caregiver. Call 813-929-1214 for details. 

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

 

Conversation Corner 

Trained tutors help improve English language skills at Hugh Embry Library. This program is for adult learners of English as a second or foreign language and English-speaking learners who want to improve their reading and writing skills. Call 352-567-3576 for details. 

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

 

Tech Help

A staff member is available for one-on-one tech help at New River Library. You will be emailed your appointment time. Each appointment is 20 minutes long. Registration is required. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

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

 

Ukulele Jam 

The Tampa Bay Ukulele Society hosts a jam session at Hugh Embry Library. This program is intended for intermediate to advanced players. Call 352-567-3576 for details. 

1-2:30 p.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Adult Coloring 

Friends of the South Holiday Library hosts Creative Coloring for Adults at South Holiday Library. Materials will be provided including gel pens, colored pencils, markers and many coloring pages. Call 727-834-3331 for details. 

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

 

Theatrical Performance

Richey Suncoast Theatre presents “Into the Woods.” Tickets for performances are available at richeysuncoasttheatre.com/event-calendar. Contact the box office at 727-842-6777 or for group bookings or special accommodations. 

7 p.m.; 6237 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey

 

Comedy Show

Comedian Becky Robinson brings her Members Only Club Tour to the Tampa Theatre. You may know her as the Entitled Housewife, the outspoken viral golf character Becky, or from her time as a regular on MTV’s “Wild ‘N Out with Nick Cannon.” Tickets cost $39.50-$59.50 plus taxes and fees. Buy them at tampatheatre.org.

8 p.m.; 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa

 

Feb. 1 

Woodturners 

Tri County Woodturners Turn & Learn takes place at Land O Lakes Library. The event is intended for adults. This month’s project is a wooden tulip. All materials will be provided. Some previous lathe experience is required to register. Waivers are required beforehand. Registration is required. Call 813-929-1214 for details. 

9 a.m.-noon or 12:30-3:30 p.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Crafty Creations

Children and tweens create a craft during Crafty Creations at Zephyrhills Public Library. Space is limited. Call 813-780-0064 for details. 

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

 

Kids Open Studio

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center offers a Kids Open Studio where creativity and imaginations are encouraged to run wild. Call 727-815-7126 for details. 

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

 

Supersized Storytime

Land O Lakes Library offers a Supersized Storytime with stories, songs and dance. Call 813-929-1214 for details. 

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

 

Book Club

A book club discusses “The Diamond Eye” by Kate Quinn at New River Library. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

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

 

Read to Rover

Young readers and their families can stop by Hugh Embry Library to read a book or offer a friendly pat to dogs from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Call 352-567-3576 for details. 

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

 

Ingenuity Lab in the Teen Room: Kindness Wall

The maker cart in Hugh Embry Library’s teen room is set up with materials for a creative activity. This month, children in grades 6-12 contribute to a kindness wall. Call 352-567-3576 for details. 

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

 

Ukulele Jam

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

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

 

Chocolate Truffles

Learn how to make chocolate truffles for Valentine’s Day at Regency Park Library. Registration is required. Call 727-861-3049 for details. 

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

 

ClayWorks D.I.Y.

Making a custom spoon rest and spoon set during ClayWorks D.I.Y. at Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. Sign a waiver beforehand. Ages 16+ are welcome. Patrons return Feb. 1 to finish their pieces. Registration is required. Call 727-815-7126 for details. 

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

 

Conversation Corner 

Trained tutors will be at New River Library to help with English reading, writing and speaking skills, for English as a second language learners and English-speaking learners who want to read or write better. Call 813-788-6375 to save a seat. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

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

 

Theatrical Performance

Richey Suncoast Theatre presents “Into the Woods.” Tickets for performances are available at richeysuncoasttheatre.com/event-calendar. Contact the box office at 727-842-6777 or for group bookings or special accommodations. 

7 p.m.; 6237 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey

 

Valentine’s Stroll Buy

The Friends of the Starkey Ranch Library will have a stroll buy from Feb. 1 to 12 with books, crafts, gifts and cards with a Valentine’s Day feel. Call 727-815-7126 for details. 

Various times; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Feb. 2

Theatrical Performance

Richey Suncoast Theatre presents “Into the Woods.” Tickets for performances are available at richeysuncoasttheatre.com/event-calendar. Contact the box office at 727-842-6777 or for group bookings or special accommodations. 

2 p.m.; 6237 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey

 

Feb. 4

Photography Club

The Land O Lakes Photography Club meets over Zoom. Members receive a link via email. Those with an interest in photography who would like to know more about the club may receive a one-time guest invitation by emailing . Membership costs $24/year and includes a spouse or significant other.

7 p.m.; Online

 

Tailo Drums

The New Tampa Performing Arts Center presents Taiko Drums of Japan with Tampa Taiko. Experience Asian culture and celebrations like Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year, and Matsuri Festivals with Tampa Taiko. They’ll bring traditional music and dancing styles to the stage, including The Chinese Lion Dance, a 3,000-year-old Chinese tradition that symbolizes prosperity, luck and happiness. Tickets cost $15. Buy them at NewTampaArtsCenter.org/Tickets.

7:30 p.m.; 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa

Feb. 7 

Preschool Praise and Play 

Dade City First United Methodist Church opens the Sanctuary every first Friday of the month for 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. Email for questions. 9:30-10:30 a.m.; 37628 Church Ave., Dade City

 

Feb. 10

Art Club

The Zephyrhills Art Club meets at the First Baptist Church. The club offers demonstrations and workshops.  Guests should use the back entrance.  Call Sandra Lallemand at 352-523-1213 for details.

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

 

Feb. 11

Garden Club

The Land O’ Lakes Garden Club meets at the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. facebook.com/lolgcfl/

10:30 a.m.; 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

 

Gardener Program

The Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society presents Fire: Florida’s First Gardener at  the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center. The presentation highlights some differences between fire-dependent and fire-tolerant plant communities and how lightning and indigenous people have used fire to shape the landscape for hundreds of years. Chapter meetings are free and open to the public. Email or visit PascoNativePlants.org for details. 

7 p.m.; 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

 

Feb. 13

Dance Company

The Jon Lehrer Dance Company brings its signature athletic and artistic brand of dance to New Tampa Performing Arts Center. The dance company showcases a fusion of jazz and modern dance. Tickets cost $15-$20 depending on the seat. Buy them at NewTampaArtsCenter.org/Tickets.

7:30 p.m.; 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa

 

Feb. 14

Tampa Bay Symphony 

The Tampa Bay Symphony performs “Scandinavian Romance” at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. The symphony consists of over 80 musicians. Buy tickets at NewTampaArtsCenter.org/Tickets.

8 p.m.; 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa

 

Feb. 21

Concerts

Greggie and The Jets performs during the Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation’s 2024-25 Performing Arts Series at the PHSC Performing Arts Center. Buy tickets at phsc.tix.com.

7 p.m.; 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey

 

Fleetwood Mac Tribute 

Fleatwood Mac performs the “The Premier Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show” at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. Tickets cost $20-$25, depending on the seat. Buy tickets at NewTampaArtsCenter.org/Tickets.

8 p.m.; 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa

 

Feb. 22

Sankofa 

Join Kuumba dancers and drummers to experience the rhythms, songs, and dances of the African diaspora at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. Tickets cost $15-$20, depending on the seat. Buy tickets at NewTampaArtsCenter.org/Tickets.  

8 p.m.; 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa

 

Feb. 23

Cinderella Tale

Kuumba dancers and drummers bring “TIMINI” to the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. Taking place in the village of Fadiout, Senegal, “TIMINI” is the classic tale of Cinderella reimagined and brought to life through African music, dance, storytelling and audience participation. Tickets cost $15-$20, depending on the seat. Buy them at NewTampaArtsCenter.org/Tickets.  

3 p.m.; 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa

 

Feb. 28

Pavlo in Concert

Pavlo performs a night of Spanish, Flamenco, and Mediterranean guitar at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. Tickets cost $50. Visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org for details. 

7:30 p.m.; 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa

 

March 21

Concerts

Rocky and The Rollers performs during the Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation’s 2024-25 Performing Arts Series at the PHSC Performing Arts Center. Buy tickets at phsc.tix.com.

7 p.m.; 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey

 

March 22

Plant Sale

Nature Coast Chapter of Florida Native Plant Society sponsors a Florida Native Plant Sale with a large selection of native plants and books for sale along with free literature about planting, landscaping and promoting all things native at Harvester Community Church. Email or visit PascoNativePlants.org for details. 

10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 2432 Collier Pkwy., Land O Lakes 

 

April 4

Concerts

Shades of Buble performs during the Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation’s 2024-25 Performing Arts Series at the PHSC Performing Arts Center. Buy tickets at phsc.tix.com.

7 p.m.; 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey

Public input wanted for GoPasco bus route changes

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PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco County Public Transportation Department wants to hear from the public. 

GoPasco is hosting four public workshops between Jan. 29, and Feb. 5 to present key reasons for making changes to its fixed-route bus system.

A Comprehensive Operations Analysis is designed to identify unproductive service, improve reliability and provide detailed performance analysis.

Proposed bus route changes workshops will take place at the following times: 

  • Jan. 29, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., West Pasco Government Center Boardroom, 8731 Citizens Drive, New Port Richey.
  • Jan. 30, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Historic Pasco County Courthouse Boardroom, 37918 Meridian Ave., Dade City.
  • Jan. 30, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., City of Zephyrhills Council Chambers, 5335 8th St., Zephyrhills.
  • Feb. 5, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes.

Residents can also provide feedback on the Comprehensive Operations Analysis by taking a GoPasco Public Transportation Survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GoPascobusservice.

Visit gopasco.com to learn more about Pasco County Public Transportation, including bus routes, transportation news and schedules.

 

Hillsborough to unveil improvements at Branchton Park

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Photos courtesy of Hillsborough County

NEW TAMPA – Hillsborough County was scheduled to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony Jan. 23 to show off the renovations that have transformed Branchton Park into the county’s newest destination park.

Located at 15504 Morris Bridge Road, Branchton Park has been expanded to 43 acres and will offer numerous recreational opportunities to the 45,000 residents who live within a 10-minute drive.

Photos courtesy of Hillsborough County

The revamped park is expected to draw residents from a much wider area.

The park’s amenities will include a large playground, splash pad, restrooms and changing rooms, six shelters, pickleball courts, public art, a dog park, and walking trails.

The ribbon cutting was designed to showcase the work that has been completed on the $10 million project, including the large playground that is accessible for children of all abilities, splash pad, picnic pavilions, lighting and parking lot improvements.

The park will be open from sunrise to sunset seven days a week. Work on the remaining park features will be completed in coming weeks.

 

Exhibit shows latest research on dinosaurs

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Photos courtesy of American Museum of Natural History

TAMPA – Dinosaur Discoveries: Ancient Fossils, New Ideas opened Jan. 25 at MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry. 

The limited-time exhibition explores what living, breathing dinosaurs were really like – based on research from one of the world’s leading dinosaur research institutions, New York City’s American Museum of Natural History.

Visitors will explore how scientists use advanced tools, such as computer simulations and specialized X-rays, to reveal fascinating details about dinosaurs – their appearance, behavior and even their movement. The exhibition also invites guests to engage with a compelling question: Why did dinosaurs vanish or did they?

This limited-time exhibition at MOSI showcases a blend of fossil discoveries, technology and models, providing a connection to these magnificent creatures of the past.

“It’s a fantastic blending of artifacts from millions of years ago and brand new, cutting-edge science,” MOSI CEO John Graydon Smith said. “In Dinosaur Discoveries, history and science are working together, and that combination gives you new ways to explore this world of dinosaurs that we all find so fascinating.”

 

World-class dinosaur research

Guests will discover some of the most exciting and recent insights into how dinosaurs walked, ran, and lived their daily lives.

“This exhibition illustrates how scientists are using different ideas, discoveries and technologies to revolutionize our understanding of dinosaurs,” said Mark Norell, curator of Dinosaur Discoveries and curator emeritus in the Division of Paleontology at the American Museum of Natural History.

While studying dinosaurs still involves plenty of digging and work in the wilderness, Norell explains that understanding new fossils also depends on people with a passion for the career fields of STEAM – science, technology, engineering, art and math.

“Our work reaches across many disciplines involving paleontologists, biomechanical engineers, paleobotanists and others to showcase how we go about reconstructing the mysterious life of dinosaurs,” he said.

 

Want to go?

Included with MOSI admission, Dinosaur Discoveries: Ancient Fossils, New Ideas runs through April 27 on the third floor of MOSI’s blue dome building, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa.

On the web: mosi.org

Liquor Depot expands in Tampa area

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Trey Lawson has seen success with the family business his father, Frank, created by respecting the past and seizing opportunities to grow.

TAMPA – Liquor Depot owner Trey Lawson continues in his father’s footsteps and is growing the family’s legacy as he recently opened the sixth Liquor Depot location in Tampa. 

The newest location is now open at 3611 Hillsborough Ave., Suite 210. Trey purchased the business while he was in his 20s from his father upon his retirement seven years ago.

Trey’s father, Frank, opened the first location in 1990 on Nebraska Avenue previously known as Interstate Lounge.  Upon retiring, Frank had four locations, each under different names (Liquor Depot, PIX Liquors, VIP Liquors and Interstate Lounge).   

“My dad was the king of funny marketing,” Trey said. “Mannequins that he dressed up for every holiday in front of the store and bought an old school VW bug and covered it in beer cans as a work vehicle and branded an entire fleet of old school vehicles in yellow paint with massive happy faces on them and had the slogan ‘Spirits Low? We Can Help.’”

Trey Lawson has seen success with the family business his father, Frank, created by respecting the past and seizing opportunities to grow.

Trey grew up around the business and went to work with his dad countless times, including Christmas and New Year’s. The business was always around but it was never a thought that it would be his path.  He graduated from Appalachian State in North Carolina with a degree in marketing.  After college he had a successful career selling real estate in North Carolina.    But he missed Tampa, so he moved back with his now wife, Talia.  

Since 2018, Trey has been growing and making the business better with the addition of social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, rebranding all the stores to one name and logo Liquor Depot, adding the single barrel market, opening two additional Liquor Depot stores and adding Joy Bar a 365 day a year Christmas Bar.

A trend that helped with Liquor Depot’s success was noticing the Whiskey business was booming, especially the single barrel market in 2019 and 2020.

“Single barrels are incredibly unique and once they are sold, they are gone forever, never to be replicated,” Trey said. “Even if it’s the same mash bill for the whiskey, the single barrels are all so different. Depending on where and how long it’s aged can really make the product taste night and day different. This was something dad never had interest in, since he was in the business when vodka was exploding.  One of my suppliers offered me a single barrel pick of Buffalo Trace. I promoted this on social media and sold it quickly. I will never forget calling my dad to get his advice on this. He said, ‘No way! Trey you are going to have cases of it just sitting in the store, but it’s your business now. You ultimately make the decision.’ I went for it, promoted it like crazy on social media and had a big release when it came in and within 28 minutes, sold out of the entire barrel of 200 bottles. I called my dad and told him how it went. He was blown away. I just selected my 110th select and will be releasing pick #100 this February 2025.”

As the stores gained popularity on social media and especially in the whiskey world, Trey was ready to expand and add more Liquor Depot locations in Tampa. In 2022, he purchased the fifth location, an existing liquor store in Town N Country on Waters Avenue. It quickly became a fan favorite and offers a huge selection of all spirits.  It is the largest square footage store and is used for bourbon releasing events and offers a tasting bar for customers to pre taste the available Liquor Depot single barrel picks. In December 2024, he purchased the sixth location at 611 Hillsborough Avenue only 1.5 miles from Raymond James Stadium. It is a smaller store but is a great location for the neighborhood and anyone visiting either stadium.

Trey is passionate about giving back to his community and launched a charity barrel fundraiser program.  He has donated almost $40,000 to former Buccaneers player Mike Alstott Family Foundation from 100% of the proceeds of three barrels they have done together. In addition, Trey was nominated by Max Miller, senior vice president of the Marsh McLennan Insurance agency, for Entrepreneur of the Year.

“My dad has been incredibly supportive and very hands on to help me get the stores up to the Liquor Depot quality,” Trey said. “Building shelves together and loading products. It is exciting to see the growth and I know I am still just getting started. I hope to continue adding locations and becoming the premier Tampa neighborhood liquor store. While the Liquor Depot locations might not be the 10,000-square-foot mega stores, they offer convenient competitive pricing, a wide selection and a smiling team member.”

 

Want to go?

Liquor Depot Tampa locations are as follows: 

  • Waters (7304 W. Waters Ave.)
  • Armenia (6905 N. Armenia Ave. – Liquor Depot and Joy Bar)
  • Nebraska (9403 N. Nebraska Ave.)
  • Bearss (2534 E. Bearss Ave.)

  • Florida (10005 N. Florida Ave.)
  • Hillsborough (3611 W. Hillsborough Ave., #210)


On the web: LiquorDepotTampa.com.

OB/GYN Residency Clinic to train, retain new doctors

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AdventHealth Tampa celebrated the grand opening of its new Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) Residency Clinic, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Jan. 17.

 

TAMPA – AdventHealth Tampa has opened its new Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Clinic, a teaching facility where recent medical school graduates develop their clinical expertise in a real world setting.

This newly renovated 5,000-square-foot clinic, located on the hospital’s campus, provides future OB/GYN leaders with the latest research, techniques and state-of-the-art technology, ensuring they are prepared to deliver the highest-quality care and best patient outcomes.

The clinic is a critical addition to AdventHealth Tampa’s OB/GYN Residency Program, one of three accredited Graduate Medical Education programs on campus, alongside Internal Medicine and General Surgery.

State-of-the-art exam rooms inside the new OB/GYN Residency Clinic at AdventHealth Tampa.

Clinical educators at AdventHealth Tampa said clinics like these are helping bridge the gap in the American Association of Medical Colleges projected physician shortfall of up to 139,000 doctors by 2033.

“This program represents an incredible opportunity to address the growing physician shortage and improve the quality of women’s care in Florida,” said Dr. Francis Nuthalapaty, program director and maternal-fetal medicine physician at AdventHealth Tampa. “By training the next generation of OB/GYNs, we’re ensuring that more women in our region have access to evidence-based, whole-person care delivered with both compassion and expertise.”

By 2028, AdventHealth Tampa will expand to more than 100 residents across all its residency programs, making it a statutory teaching hospital.

The clinic comes with eight exam rooms equipped with mobile ultrasound machines for routine obstetric and gynecologic imaging, a non-stress testing suite for fetal heart rate monitoring and two procedure rooms for in-office services such as colposcopies and hysteroscopies. An in-house laboratory will provide patients same-day test results, streamlining the care process.

With three residents currently working under the supervision of staff physicians, the program is set to grow to its full capacity of 12 residents, creating even more opportunities for mentorship and collaboration. These programs are not only attracting top talent to the Tampa Bay area but also developing future AdventHealth physicians, many of whom are expected to continue practicing locally after completing their residency.

“Starting an OB/GYN residency program in Tampa allows us to directly address pressing issues such as maternal mortality and health equity,” Nuthalapaty said. “Our residents will be instrumental in advancing the quality of care for women across the state.”

 

Pasco County leaders outline priorities for 2025-30

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PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco Board of County Commissioners envision a thriving community that offers enhanced quality of life and economic prosperity.

The Pasco County 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, developed over the past 18 months with community input, will guide the government’s actions and activities over the next five years as it works toward becoming Florida’s premier county.

“With input from our community, we identified the key challenges we’re facing now and will be facing in the future,” said Kathryn Starkey, who chairs the commission.  “Our Strategic Plan is designed to address these challenges, including long-term sustainability, while continuing our commitment to outstanding customer service.”

Three strategic priorities frame this work. Each is supported by strategic goals, accomplished through comprehensive strategies, detailed action plans and targeted initiatives:

 

Create a Thriving Community

Provide a sustainable foundation for health, safety, mobility

  • GOAL 1.1: Improve the capacity and capability of emergency service response.
  • GOAL 1.2: Protect vulnerable critical assets and communities from extreme conditions.
  • GOAL 1.3: Complete revisions to the Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) and expeditiously update priority portions of the Land Development Code.

 

Enhance Quality of Life

Provide equitable human services, social, cultural and recreational opportunities for all

  • GOAL 2.1: Make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurrent.
  • GOAL 2.2: Increase availability and access to cultural, educational, recreational and social opportunities for all.
  • GOAL 2.3: Ensure protection and conservation of natural ecosystems.

 

Drive Economic Growth and Prosperity

Support a sustainable increase in community income and investment, economic diversification and expanded opportunities for all

  • GOAL 3.1: Increase the supply of affordable and attainable housing inventory.
  • GOAL 3.2: Support the redevelopment of stressed communities.
  • GOAL 3.3: Increase support of small businesses and entrepreneurship.