The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Health & Wellness (12/04/24): Quattlebaum to lead AdventHealth Wesley Chapel

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Ryan Quattlebaum

Quattlebaum to lead AdventHealth Wesley Chapel

WESLEY CHAPEL – Ryan Quattlebaum will become president and CEO of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel on Dec. 29. He replaces Erik Wangsness who was recently named as the president and CEO of AdventHealth Tampa. 

“Ryan is a passionate leader, and it is a joy to see him grow and step into this new role,” said Jennifer Wandersleben, who provides market leadership for Hardee, Highlands, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties.

Since 2022, Quattlebaum has served as president and CEO for AdventHealth North Pinellas in Tarpon Springs. “I’m honored to return to AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and work with dedicated care teams, physicians and leaders who are committed to providing whole-person care,” Quattlebaum said. “As I step into this new role, I look forward to building and strengthening relationships in our Wesley Chapel facility and surrounding community to expand our faith-based care and services.”

 

AdventHealth seeks to buy Florida health care facilities  

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS – AdventHealth has signed an agreement to purchase ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte and certain assets of ShorePoint Health Punta Gorda from affiliates of Community Health Systems Inc.

The transaction includes related businesses, including physician clinic operations, outpatient services and ShorePoint Health Emergency Department in Cape Coral.  

“We are excited about the opportunity to bring whole-person care to these communities and look forward to partnering with the dedicated team members and physicians to meet the growing health care needs of Southwest Florida,” said Terry Shaw, president/CEO for AdventHealth.  

The transaction is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of next year. It is subject to standard regulatory approvals.  

 

AdventHealth Heart of Florida honored for heart failure treatment

DAVENPORT – The American College of Cardiology has recognized AdventHealth Heart of Florida for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with heart failure. AdventHealth Heart of Florida was awarded Heart Failure Accreditation in October based on an onsite review of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients with heart failure through pre-hospital care, early stabilization, acute care, transitional care, clinical quality measures and more.

Hospitals that employ an evidence-based, protocol-driven and systematic approach to managing heart failure reduce time to treatment and are able to identify and predict high-risk patients while also reducing length-of-stay and hospital readmissions.

 

DOH-Pasco offers tips regarding decorations 

PASCO COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County  

encourages residents and visitors to enjoy a safe and healthy holiday season. 

DOH-Pasco advises Floridians to follow these tips to ensure their safety regarding decorations. 

  • Avoid placing poisonous plants in areas accessible to children and pets. Holly berries, mistletoe, amaryllis and English ivy are a few poisonous plants that are popular around the holidays.
  • Secure and cover extension cords to prevent trips and falls.
  • Place candles where they cannot be knocked over. If a fire occurs, do not pour water on the candle. Have a fire extinguisher nearby to use instead.
  • Be cautious when using spray-on artificial snow. Inhalation can cause irritation to the lungs.
  • Keep fireworks away from people, houses and flammable material. Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

 

Health officials issue warning about Blanton Lake

PASCO COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County issued a Health

Alert on Nov. 22 for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in Blanton Lake. 

This is in response to a water sample taken on Nov. 19. 

The department advised people not to drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski or boat in waters where there is a visible bloom. It also advised people to wash skin and clothing with soap and water if they had contact with algae or discolored or smelly water.

 

Hillsborough Education Foundation raises $1.2M for hurricane relief

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The Hillsborough Education Foundation has been securing essential supplies for students, staff and schools. Photo courtesy of Hillsborough Education Foundation

TAMPA – The Hillsborough Education Foundation has been supporting students, staff and schools in need following damage left by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

Hundreds of employees with Hillsborough County Public Schools have been confirmed as displaced due to flooding. And upwards of 20 schools experienced flooding while others suffered storm-related damage.

“When we witnessed the heartbreaking impact these storms had on our students, teachers and schools here in Hillsborough County, we knew we couldn’t stand by,” said Anna Corman, president and CEO of Hillsborough Education Foundation. “The devastation demanded immediate action – not just to restore what was lost but to offer hope, stability and a sense of community during an incredibly challenging time.”

The Hillsborough Education Foundation established a hurricane relief fund, collaborating with donors and community partners to raise over $1.2 million to date. The funds are being directed to meet critical needs across impacted schools and for employees who have suffered significant personal losses.

Here are some ways the Hillsborough Education Foundation is supporting students, staff and schools: 

  • The foundation has already distributed nearly 500 Backpack Kits filled with core school supplies to students, with another 500 kits set to be distributed in the coming weeks. Requests for these kits are submitted by school administrators or social workers, with kits compiled by foundation staff and volunteers.
  • The foundation is using the hurricane relief fund to aid staff who have lost their homes, experienced significant damage or flooding, or lost primary vehicles. Financial support will assist with temporary housing, repairs, deductibles and the replacement of personal items. The foundation has received over 700 applications for financial assistance to date.
  • The foundation has replaced nearly $30,000 worth of elementary classroom rugs across 10 schools and provided $50,000 in essential school supplies, including whiteboard markers, copy paper and bulletin boards. Additional supplies continue to be distributed through the Teaching Tools Resource Center, a free store for teachers to get school supplies and classroom materials.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Hillsborough Education Foundation for stepping up to support our students, teachers and schools after Hurricanes Helene and Milton,” Superintendent Van Ayres said. “Their generosity and quick action made a real difference during a tough time, helping us get back on track and focus on what matters most – our students’ education.”

The foundation’s relief efforts have been made possible through the support of key donors, including the Lightning Foundation, Jarcarlene Foundation, Helios Education Foundation, Florida Disaster Fund/Volunteer Florida, Suncoast Credit Union, Spurlino Foundation, Generate, RaceTrac, Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Rays, Consortium of Florida Education Foundations and individual donors.

“Our mission has always been to ensure that students and teachers in Hillsborough County have the resources they need to thrive, and the damage caused by these hurricanes has only deepened our commitment,” Corman said. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors and partners – whether through financial contributions, donated supplies or volunteer time – we’ve been able to provide immediate relief and resources to help students, teachers, and schools begin the process of rebuilding and moving forward.”

 

AdventHealth debuts new mobile mammography bus

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Each year, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, but early detection dramatically improves survival rates, reaching nearly 100% when cancer is found at an early stage. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

TAMPA – The AdventHealth West Florida Division is bringing breast cancer screenings directly to communities across the Tampa Bay region thanks to a new mobile mammography bus.

Community leaders celebrated the launch of the bus Nov. 22 at the AdventHealth Care Pavilion New Tampa.

It will serve as a rolling medical office, staffed by experienced technologists and equipped with advanced 3D imaging technology. It will provide women with screenings from the comfort of their community or workplace.

“By offering mobile mammograms, AdventHealth is empowering individuals to prioritize their health,” said Genia Evarts,  outpatient imaging director for the AdventHealth West Florida Division. “This new bus not only represents our commitment to quality but also sets a high standard for the care we provide.”

Kristen McCall, president of the AdventHealth West Florida Foundation, described the addition as a “tremendous achievement.”

“We are grateful to our foundation donors who invested in lifesaving care and allowed this addition to be fully funded through local philanthropy,” McCall said. “The impact of enhancing access to early detection will be experienced for years ahead.”  

The AdventHealth West Florida Division performed more than 7,000 mobile mammography patient screenings in 2023 in partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools, Florida Department of Health and other agencies.

Of those screenings, 1,350 were with Hillsborough County Public Schools teachers and employees.

Hillsborough County teacher Heather Leitzke signed up for a screening when the mammogram bus visited her school last year. Leitzke said she needed a mammogram because her OB/GYN of 25 years had retired. 

“I got my mammogram and didn’t think much of it until I got a phone call a couple weeks later saying there were abnormal findings,” Leitzke said. “The results of a follow-up biopsy came back, and I heard the words no one wants to hear, ‘It’s cancer.’ 

“Fortunately, they also used words like ‘caught early’ and ‘treatable.’ I had a lumpectomy, followed by radiation and I am now six months cancer-free! Thanks to AdventHealth for having this program and making it easy for busy teachers to get this important test.”

Visit adventhealth.com/adventhealth-mobile-mammography to schedule the mobile mammography bus at a location. 

Student’s app helps people identify rip currents

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U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor congratulates Chilok Mak for his award-winning safety app RipGuard. Photo courtesy of Office of Kathy Castor

TAMPA – Chilok Mak, a sophomore at Berkeley Preparatory School, won the top prize in U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor’s (FL14) annual congressional app challenge with an entry designed to increase safety measures for swimmers. 

Chilok used artificial intelligence to create RipGuard, an app that helps beachgoers identify rip currents in the water.

“Living in Tampa and regularly hanging out at local beaches like Clearwater and Fort DeSoto, my mother always warned me to watch out for rip currents,” Chilok said. “ I learned to spot them and watch out for myself, but I realized that many beachgoers don’t know what rip currents are or how to identify them.”

While some beaches have lifeguards, Chilok thought about the need to help people who may not know how to identify such hazards at unsupervised beaches. 

“I started thinking about more efficient solutions and turned my attention to artificial intelligence and computer vision as potential tools to combat these threats,” he said. “What if every beachgoer had an AI-powered mobile app that could scan and identify rip currents, warning users and potentially saving lives? Thus, RipGuard was born.”

Chilok will be recognized at the U.S. Capitol for the House of Code celebration in the spring alongside other winners of congressional app competitions from throughout the country.

“Encouraging students to explore STEM fields through the app challenge is a great way to help younger generations learn about science and technology in a creative manner and spark their interest in the STEM workforce,” Castor said. “With the emerging integration of AI technologies in our everyday life, it is critical that our youth not only understand this technology, but can use it to positively impact our neighbors and our country. 

“I’m grateful for Chilok’s dedication to science, technology and the wellbeing of his neighbors in the Tampa Bay area and look forward to him representing our community in the halls of the U.S. Capitol in the spring.”

 

3 football teams advance to regional finals

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Armwood, Tampa Bay Technical and Wiregrass Ranch were high school football teams in Pasco and Hillsborough counties that had advanced to the third round regional finals in the state playoffs.

Below is a breakdown of how each team performed during the second round on Nov. 22. Third-round games are scheduled for Nov. 29.

 

7A Playoffs 

  • No. 2 Plant City lost to No. 3 West Orange, 26-25, in the second round. Plant City defeated No. 7 Riverview, 47-28, in the first round. 
  • No. 4 Newsome lost to No. 1 Venice, 56-17, in the second round. Newsome defeated No. 5 Sumner, 34-27, in the first round. 

 

6A Playoffs 

  • No. 1 Armwood defeated No. 4 Plant, 21-17, in the second round. Armwood will play No. 2 Osceola in the third round. The winner plays either No. 2 Buchholz or No. 5 Oakleaf in the state semifinals. Armwood previously defeated No. 8 Melbourne, 49-0, in the first round. 
  • No. 3 Durant lost to No. 2 Osceola, 35-6, in the second round. Durant defeated No. 6 South Lake, 35-17, in the first round. 
  • No. 4 Plant lost to No. 1 Armwood, 21-17, in the second round. Plant defeated No. 5 Barlow, 45-7, in the first round. 
  • No. 3 Wiregrass Ranch defeated No. 7 Largo, 38-7, in the second round. Wiregrass Ranch will play No. 1 West Boca Raton in the third round. The winner plays either No. 1 Southridge or No. 3 West Broward in the state semifinals. Wiregrass Ranch defeated No. 6 Royal Palm Beach, 42-7, in the first round.  
  • No. 4 Mitchell lost to No. 1 West Boca Raton, 38-7, in the second round. Mitchell defeated No. 5 Parrish Community, 29-7, in the first round. 

 

5A Playoffs 

  • No. 3 Tampa Bay Technical defeated No. 2 Edgewater, 28-17, in the second round. Tampa Bay Tech will play No. 1 Lakeland in the third round. The winner plays either No. 1 Niceville or No. 2 Lincoln in the state semifinals. Tampa Bay Tech previously defeated No. 6 Sebring, 35-14, in the first round. 
  • No. 5 Gaither lost to No. 1 Lakeland, 41-13, in the second round. Gaither defeated No. 4 Springstead, 42-0, in the first round.  

 

4A Playoffs 

  • No. 4 Zephyrhills lost to No. 1 Jones, 41-18, in the second round. Zephyrhills defeated No. 5 Rockledge, 35-15, in the first round.

 

3A Playoffs

  • No. 1 Jefferson lost to No. 5 Boca Ciega, 42-0, in the second round. Jefferson defeated No. 8 Hudson, 21-16, in the first round. 

 

First round qualifiers

  • 7A Playoffs: No. 5 Sumner lost to No. 4 Newsome, 34-27, in the first round. 
  • 7A Playoffs: No. 7 Riverview lost to No. 2 Plant City, 47-28, in the first round.
  • 6A Playoffs: No. 8 Steinbrenner lost to No. 1 West Boca Raton, 42-7, in the first round.
  • 5A Playoffs: No. 8 Spoto lost to No. 1 Lakeland, 51-6, in the first round. 
  • 5A Playoffs: No. 7 East Bay lost to No. 2 Edgewater, 35-7, in the first round.
  • 4A Playoffs: No. 7 River Ridge lost to No. 2 Naples, 44-0, in the first round. 
  • 3A Playoffs: No. 4 Chamberlain lost to No. 5 Boca Ciega, 52-13, in the first round. 
  • 3A Playoffs: No. 8 Hudson lost to No. 1 Jefferson, 21-16, in the first round. 

 

Adopt a Pet (11/27/24): Brody is quite the distinguished gentleman

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Brody is a 6-year-old gentleman with a heart as endearing as the touch of gray on his muzzle, which only adds a little extra charm. This sweet, laid-back guy is the perfect companion for anyone looking for a relaxed, easygoing friend. Brody is housetrained, well-mannered and loves to go on car rides – whether it’s a quick trip to the store or a scenic drive, he’s always up for the adventure! At the shelter, Brody enjoys playing in dog playgroups, but he prefers dogs that share his calm, steady energy. He’s the type of dog who loves a good romp but is just as happy to kick back and relax after some playtime. His friendly, easygoing nature makes him a great match for families, singles or anyone looking for a dog who will fit seamlessly into their routine. If you’re seeking a dog who’s ready to enjoy life at a more relaxed pace, Brody might just be your perfect match. Come meet this sweet, loyal guy at Pasco County Animal Services and see for yourself how wonderful life can be with Brody by your side.

If you would like to adopt Brody, be sure to make an appointment at Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, by calling 813-929-1212. The adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines. Email for more information.

Adopt a Pet (11/27/24): Barney Stinson knows how to have a good time

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Barney Stinson is a 2-year-old bundle of joy who’s sure to steal your heart! With his striking white and brindle coat and those soulful, expressive eyes, Barney is the kind of dog that will make you fall in love at first sight. He’s the life of the party, always bringing smiles wherever he goes, and he’s known for being an absolute joy to be around. This friendly, social guy loves spending time with people and is always up for some quality playtime. Whether it’s cuddling on the couch or playing in a lively playgroup with other dogs, Barney’s enthusiasm is contagious. His fun-loving spirit and sweet, affectionate nature make him a favorite among shelter staff, volunteers and fellow pups alike. Barney is a playful, well-adjusted dog who would thrive in an active home where he can get lots of attention, exercise and fun. If you’re looking for a loyal companion who’s sure to make your life brighter, visit Barney at Pasco County Animal Services today.

If you would like to adopt Barney Stinson, be sure to make an appointment at Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, by calling 813-929-1212. The adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines. Email for more information.

 

What’s Happening (11/27/24): Crist tells jokes for humans

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Photo courtesy of Tampa Theatre

 

TAMPA – Tampa Theatre and Outback Presents welcome John Crist back to the stage at 7 p.m. April 26 for a stop on his Jokes for Humans Comedy Tour.

Crist is one of today’s fastest-rising stand-up comedians, earning more than one billion video views, more than seven million fans on social media and sold-out shows from coast to coast.

Crist sold out the majority of his 2024 U.S. Emotional Support Tour dates and added multiple shows in select cities.

In 2023, Crist released his special, “John Crist: Would Like to Release a Statement,” on YouTube, garnering more than 2.8 million views, with more than 200 million views on social clips alone.

In 2022, Crist also independently released his What Are We Doing? special, and that compilation has more than 100 million views across platforms.

Crist also has a podcast titled “Net Positive,” which regularly charts on Spotify and Apple’s top podcast charts.

Additionally, John released his book “Delete That” in 2022.

Tickets range from $29.75 to $49.75 plus applicable taxes and fees. Buy them at the Franklin Street Box Office and online at www.tampatheatre.org.

 

Nov. 27

Toddler Storytime

Children, ages 0-2, listen to stories and songs during Toddler Storytime at Hugh Embry Branch Library. Call 352-567-3576 for details. pascolibraries.org

10:15-11 a.m.; 14215 4th St., Dade City

 

Baby Storytime

Babies up to 1 year old listen to stories in parents laps during Baby Storytime at Land O’Lakes Branch Library. pascolibraries.org

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

 

Preschool Storytime

Children, ages 3-5, listen to stories and songs during Preschool Storytime at Hugh Embry Branch Library. Call 352-567-3576 for details. pascolibraries.org

11:15 a.m.-noon; 14215 4th St., Dade City

 

Chair Yoga

A yoga instructor leads a chair yoga class at Zephyrhills Public Library. Call 813-780-0064 to register. pascolibraries.org

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

 

Mat Yoga

Michelle Mack leads a mat yoga class for adults at Zephyrhills Public Library. Bring a mat. pascolibraries.org

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

 

Nov. 28

Turkey Trot

The Rotary Club of New Tampa hosts the Wiregrass Turkey Trot at the Shops at Wiregrass. The event includes a 5K and 1-mile run. Register at raceroster.com.

7 a.m.; 28139 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel

 

Trivia Night

Beef “O’ Brady’s Wilderness Lakes hosts a Trivia Night in which participants can win prizes.

7-9 p.m.; 7040 Land O Lakes Blvd, Land O’ Lakes

 

Nov. 30

Indoor holiday fair

A Lutz Indoor Holiday Craft Fair includes unique handmade crafts made by local artisans. Visit the Facebook page for details. 

9 a.m.-1 p.m.;  2155 Northpointe Pkwy., Lutz

 

Nov. 30-Dec. 1

Arts & Crafts

The Thanksgiving Art & Craft Festival showcases art and craft exhibitors along with a wide selection of offerings from local independent business owners and encourages customers to shop locally. The festival is located on Court Street, adjacent to Downtown’s Main Street, which features many independently owned shops and restaurants. Admission and parking are free.  This event is pet and family friendly.

10 a.m.-5 p.m.; 1 N. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs

 

Dec. 1

Bikes and Brews

Trek Land O’ Lakes holds a monthly Bikes and Brews program. TAke a 6-mile ride through Bexley and have a beer at Thirsty Buffalo. Ride starts at 10:30 a.m. 

10-11:30 a.m.; 16671 State Road 54, Lutz

 

Classical Mashup

Klassika combines classically trained singers with pop music. Enjoy holiday favorites performed by this classical crossover group. The vocal ensemble has graced stages from Florida to South Africa. Chris Romeo, Jolanda Nel, Derek Roura, and Stephanie McCranie Kelly will be accompanied at the piano by Arnel Senson. Tickets cost $17.50 to $20 depending on seat selection. Buy them at NewTampaArtsCenter.org/Tickets.

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

 

Dec. 3

Medicare/Medicaid

Adults can get help applying to Medicare/Medicaid and food stamps at Zephyrhills Public Library. Call José Rodríguez at 813-420-3013 for details. pascolibraries.org

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

 

Tai Chi

Adults learn basic tai chi moves during a class at Zephyrhills Public Library. Call 813-780-0064 to register. pascolibraries.org

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

 

Bingo

Adults play Bingo for prizes at Zephyrhills Public Library. Call 813-780-0064 to register. pascolibraries.org

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

 

Dec. 4

Chair Yoga

A yoga instructor leads a chair yoga class at Zephyrhills Public Library. Call 813-780-0064 to register. pascolibraries.org

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

 

Mat Yoga

Michelle Mack leads a mat yoga class for adults at Zephyrhills Public Library. Bring a mat. pascolibraries.org

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

 

Grand Opening

MyJourneyMD hosts a grand opening celebration with opportunities to meet the team and learn about its aesthetic and weight loss services. Call or text 813-755-7430 to RSVP. 

5-7 p.m.; 19455 Shumard Oak Drive, Land O’ Lakes

 

Dec. 5

Storytime Fun

Toddlers and preschoolers listen to songs and stories during Storytime Fun at Zephyrhills Public Library. pascolibraries.org

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

 

Mom & Baby

The Mom & Baby Support Group provides insight and resources involving breastfeeding at the Zephyrhills Public Library. Call 813-345-3307 for details. pascolibraries.org

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

 

Mat Yoga

Michelle Mack leads a mat yoga class for adults at Zephyrhills Public Library. Bring a mat. pascolibraries.org

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

 

Dec. 6

Preschool Praise and Play

Dade City First United Methodist Church opens its sanctuary every first Friday of the month for a free community preschool playtime. The church offers a scripture story, music, craft and playtime with new friends. Activities are geared toward toddlers and preschoolers but all ages are welcome. Contact for questions.

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

 

Driving Course

Adults, ages 50 and older, learn defensive driving techniques, traffic laws and other safety techniques during AARP Smart Driver Safety Course at Zephyrhills Public Library. Bring a mat. Call Glenn Frances at 904-544-8734 to register. pascolibraries.org

9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Dec. 7

Holiday Arts & Crafts

Koren’s Quarters Arts & Crafts Show  includes vendors, food trucks, holiday shops, Christmas music and pony rides. Admission and parking are free. Vendor spots cost $50. Visit Koren’s Quarters Show Facility on Facebook for details. 

9 a.m.-3 p.m.; 1120 Swilley Road, Plant City

 

Crafty Creations

Children and tweens create holiday crafts during Crafty Creations at Zephyrhills Public Library. pascolibraries.org

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

 

Toys for Tots

Terlep Chiropractic holds its annual Toys For Tots event to help children in need in the Hernando County area. New patients who donate an unwrapped toy will receive a complimentary consultation, x-ray, and exam. Existing patients who donate an unwrapped toy receive a voucher for an adjustment and Hydrotherapy. This year’s event includes free Photos With Santa, Games, Face Painting, Photo Booth, Snow Scavenger Hunt and Local Vendors.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.; 8466 Northcliffee Blvd., Spring Hill

 

Arts & Crafts

Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club presents its 45th annual Arts & Crafts Show at Keystone Prep Academy. The show features over 175 vendors and food booths with artwork, handcrafts, jewelry, festive holiday and artisanal items plus lots for children.  

10 a.m.-4 p.m.; 18105 Gunn Hwy., Odessa

Comedy Night

Live Oak Theatre invites the public to a comedy night performance of the season. This is its very own family friendly comedy troupe, Troupe du Jour on Saturday evening at the Carol & Frank Morsani Center for the Arts. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $10 in advance or $15 within 24 hours before the show. Concessions will be available for purchase before the show and during intermission. Buy tickets go to LiveOakTheatre.org.

7:30 p.m.; 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville

Dec. 8

Arts & Crafts

Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club presents its 45th annual Arts & Crafts Show at Keystone Prep Academy. The show features over 175 vendors and food booths with artwork, handcrafts, jewelry, festive holiday and artisanal items plus lots for children.  

10 a.m.-4 p.m.; 18105 Gunn Hwy., Odessa

Big Band

Florida Jazz Express presents a Holiday Big Band Extravaganza at New Tampa Arts Center. The band performs modern and classic arrangements of holiday favorites. General admission tickets are $15. Buy them at NewTampaArtsCenter.org/Tickets.

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

Christmas in the Park

The San Antonio Founders Garden Club hosts its annual Christmas in the Park celebration with community Christmas cards, caroling, Christmas treats and raffles at San Antonio Park. All are welcome to this long standing community tradition.

7 p.m.; 32625 State Road 52, San Antonio

Dec. 21-23

Talk to Santa

The East Pasco Amateur Radio Society lets children talk to Santa via ham radio during the Church Street Christmas Walk in Dade City. The free event is open to the public. Kids will receive a card from Santa and a candy cane after they make contact with the North Pole.  Call Chris at 224-221-5064 or visit eparsonline.org for details. 

7-9 p.m.; 37744 Church Ave., Dade City 

 

Jan 25, 2025

Ham Radio

The East Pasco Amateur Radio Society hosts its Winter Field Day event at the San Antonio Train Depot Museum. Local amateur radio operators will be on the air for 24 hours straight. This is a practice for emergency radio communications. The free event is open to the public. Call Chris at 224-221-5064 or visit eparsonline.org for details. 

Noon; 32627 Railroad Ave., San Antonio

 

Jan. 31, 2025

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

 

Business Digest (11/27/24): Pasco County salutes longtime employee 

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Pasco County salutes longtime employee 

DADE CITY – Deirdre Weisman was honored Nov. 12 at the Pasco County commissioners meeting for working more than 23 years in the clerk & comptroller office.

Weisman was hired Dec. 10, 2012, as a collections clerk. She is scheduled to retire Dec. 20.

During her tenure, she served as collections clerk and courtroom clerk.

Commissioners adopted a resolution recognizing  Weisman for,  among other things, spending more than 5,000 hours in court and clerked arraignments, pre-trial conferences, motion hearings, ordinance and traffic hearings, and criminal trials. 

 

Landscaping pros can get training

LAND O’ LAKES – The UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service is offering Green Industry Best Management Practices Training on Dec. 13 at the Land O’ Lakes Library.

The program is designed for landscape professionals who apply fertilizers commercially.

The training takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy. Advance registration and payment are required by Dec. 11 by visiting mypas.co/GIBMPDec24.   

Training costs $30 for green industry professionals and $20 for Pasco County school board, Pasco County government and other municipal employees.

Participants must have a photo ID and a pre-paid ticket for admission.  

 

Tampa adds to skyline

TAMPA – After 16 years of planning, The City of Tampa was scheduled to celebrate the opening of the 31-story AER Tampa on Nov. 20. 

Tampa Bay’s newest skyscraper, developed by American Land Ventures and Gazit Horizons, and built by Coastal Construction.

Amenities include: 

  • A work-from-home lounge with private offices and conference rooms.
  • A chef’s demonstration kitchen for interactive cooking classes and private events.
  • A wellness spa with dry sauna, cold plunge pools and infrared yoga studio.
  • Podcast and content creator studios with professional-grade microphones and green screens.
  • Rooftop pool and cabana deck with a hot tub, lounge seating, grills and a Zen garden
  • Rooftop sky lounge with a wine bar, billiards and panoramic views.

 

Greater Pasco Chamber happenings

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Holiday Social and monthly Medical Roundtable in the next week. 

  • The chamber offers food and networking during its Holiday Social from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at 4&Co., 16703 Early Riser Ave., Land O’ Lakes. Register in advance. 
  • Adam Shoemaker facilitates the monthly Medical Roundtable from 8 to 9 a.m. Dec. 5 at Holiday Inn Express
    & Suites, 2125 Corporate Center Drive, Trinity. Register in advance. 

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

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber happenings

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will celebrate member businesses in the next week through its Annual Membership Breakfast Meeting as well as a ribbon cutting. 

  • 2024 Chairman Roberto Hiller hosts the Annual Membership Breakfast Meeting from 9 to 10 a.m. Dec. 3 at Pasco-Hernando State College, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Register in advance. 
  • Members hold a ribbon cutting to celebrate Shields Accounting Services LLC from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at the chamber’s Wiregrass Mall location, 28329 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel. 

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

 

Deal ensures affordable housing

DADE CITY – Pasco County commissioners approved a State Housing Initiatives Partnership funding agreement for $4 million with Holiday Leased Housing Associates, I, LLLP for construction of an affordable housing project in Holiday. 

The agreement will fund the construction of 16 affordable multifamily units. 

Cobia Cove will be constructed in Holiday and will be a 228-unit apartment complex restricted to income-eligible families at 60% of the Area Median Income.

County closes out library renovation

DADE CITY – Pasco County commissioners voted to close out a construction agreement with New Vista Builders Group, based in Tampa, for having done $1,643,899 in renovation work on the South Holiday Library.

The work on the 32-year-old library was paid for through General Obligation Bonds for Library Projects/Improvements.

The library is located at 4649 Mile Stretch Drive in Holiday. 

 

Pasco County approves subdivision plat

DADE CITY – Pasco County commissioners approved the recording of a plat with a performance guarantee requested by AG EHC II (LEN) Multi State 4, LLC for the development of 96 residential lots in phase 2 of the Bellamy Crossings subdivision. 

The detached, single-family residences will be built on 102.4 acres one mile north of State Road 52, abutting Bellamy Brothers Boulevard. 

The county has received a surety bond for $3,069,629.88 to cover the cost of the necessary improvements.