The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Health & Wellness (11/19/25): State of Lung Cancer report

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Report: Florida ranks 45th in for untreated lung cancer cases

TAMPA – The American Lung Association in Florida released its 2025 State of Lung Cancer report, revealing that Florida ranks 45th in the nation for untreated lung cancer cases. 

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths statewide and nationally.

The report shows Florida ranks 22nd for new cases, 42nd for early diagnosis and 29th for screening, with only 18% of high-risk individuals screened annually.

“In the last decade, we have seen incredible progress, including increases in lung cancer survival and early detection rates across the nation,” said Ashley Lyerly, senior director of advocacy. “While this progress gives us hope, Florida still has higher than the average rate of residents diagnosed with lung cancer who are seeking no treatment.”

The Lung Association urges policies requiring comprehensive biomarker testing coverage.

Learn more at Lung.org/solc or register for the Fight For Air Climb Tampa at FightForAirClimb.org/Tampa.

 

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

  1. 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: 

  • Nov. 20 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel; 813-788-6375
  • Nov. 13 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City; 352-567-3576
  • Nov. 25 at 10:30 a.m. at the Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday; 727-834-3204.

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.

 

Western-themed fundraiser nets $8,000 for Better Together

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Laurell Jones celebrates winning prize drawing during Cowboy Boots & Community Roots event. Photo courtesy of Better Together

 

Attendees mingle and enjoy refreshments during Cowboy Boots & Community Roots event. Photo courtesy of Better Together

TAMPA – The Cowboy Boots & Community Roots Helping Hands Happy Hour, hosted by the Centre Club in Tampa, recently raised $8,151 for Better Together.

The western-themed event on Oct. 9 brought together community supporters and Centre Club members to learn about Better Together’s mission and how the nonprofit provides a safety net to help families in need. The evening consisted of cocktails, games and prize drawings.

Better Together works to prevent the need for foster care by building strong families and communities. When a parent needs support due to homelessness, a medical emergency or other crisis, Better Together volunteer host families provide a safe, loving home for the children short-term, while staff and mentors empower the parents to secure employment, housing and other needs. 

Because job loss is at the root of most family crises, Better Together’s workforce program provides opportunities for all job seekers through relational job fairs and volunteer job coaches.

“If you had a medical emergency right this minute and you opened your phone’s contact list, is there one person that you could call that would drop everything?” asked Isis LaRose, vice president of strategic partnerships and market development. “All of us have emergencies, but not all of us have someone to call. The heart of our mission is to help families build that support network so that they can thrive well into the future.”

To date, Better Together has served more than 15,000 children, and 98% of children served through mentoring and hosting remain out of the foster care system. 

The nonprofit has also connected more than 46,000 job seekers to employment opportunities through church-based job fairs across 24 states.

On the web: BetterTogetherUS.org

 

News Briefs (11/21/25): Woman’s club serves Sunrise

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Linda Campos, Leesa Fryer and Gail Howard hold a donation to Sunrise of Pasco County. Photo courtesy of Pennee Bowen

Woman’s club serves Sunrise

LAND O’ LAKES – The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club held a bunco and luncheon fundraiser to help support  Sunrise of Pasco County, a shelter for women and children victims of domestic and sexual violence.  

Club members also filled up the Sunrise representatives’ vehicle with supplies for the women and children at the shelter.  

Tamika Thomas Simpson, of the GFWC Plant City Woman’s Club, served as the guest speaker.  Visit gfwclutzlandolakeswomansclub.org to learn more about the club. 

 

Keep Pasco Beautiful collects 25-plus tons of trash

PASCO COUNTY – More than 1,100 volunteers rolled up their sleeves for the annual Keep Pasco Beautiful Cleanup in September.

According to the county, 1,170 volunteers cleared 51,320 pounds of litter from 52 locations in Pasco County, including roadsides, parks and waterways. The effort logged 3,499.25 volunteer hours, generating a cost-benefit of $121,738.90.

“Believe it or not, nearly 80% of the trash in our waterways actually starts on land,” Keep Pasco Beautiful President Alicia Hacker said. “When our volunteers collected around 25 tons of litter, they weren’t just tidying up. They were preventing all that debris from flowing through rivers and storm drains straight into the Gulf.  That kind of impact is huge.”

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

On the web: KeepPascoBeautiful.org.

 

Wesley Chapel establishing an Elks Lodge

WESLEY CHAPEL – Wesley Chapel made a major advance toward establishing an Elks Lodge when more than 134 potential members signed the petition for a Dispensation to Institute the Lodge.

The action was taken during a meeting held Oct. 1 in the Harley-Davidson of Wesley Chapel meeting room. The petition has been forwarded to the Florida State Central District Deputy and the Florida State Elks Association’s State Sponsor. After review and approval, it will be submitted to the Grand Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks for final approval, according to Jerry Bianchi, chairman of the organization committee.

Those who signed the petition included residents from Wesley Chapel, Land O’Lakes, Lutz and New Tampa. Once the dispensation is received, a date, time and location will be scheduled for the institution of the lodge.

Bianchi explained that everyone initiated at the time of the Institution will hold charter membership. He said membership rolls will stay open until then and meetings will continue to be held regularly to process membership applications.

The organizing committee voted to set the application/initiation fee at $25. The annual dues will be determined once the lodge’s by-laws are developed and approved. It was also announced that the new lodge will be officially sponsored by St. Petersburg Lodge No. 1224.

 

Business Digest (11/19/25): Duke Energy shares ways to save money

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Duke Energy shares ways to save money

  1. PETERSBURG – Duke Energy offers these tips to save money during the coldest weather: 
  • Set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting. Every degree lower means more money in your pocket, without sacrificing comfort.
  • Seal leaks and insulate. Prevent cold drafts and keep warmth inside – saving energy and reducing heating bills.
  • Have your heating system checked by a professional. Routine maintenance helps your system operate efficiently, prevents unexpected breakdowns and can extend its lifespan.
  • Change air filters regularly. Clean filters improve airflow and system performance, reducing energy consumption and keeping your home comfortable.
  • Let the sun help heat your home. Open blinds and curtains on sunny days to naturally warm your space, and then close them at night to keep the heat in.
  • Operate ceiling fans clockwise in winter. Push warm air down for greater comfort.

Duke Energy offers customers personalized usage alerts and dashboards to track energy use. 

On the web: duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.

 

Target lowers prices for holidays

MINNEAPOLIS – Target Corp. is helping families stretch their budgets this holiday season with price reductions on 3,000 essential items, including food, drink and household goods. 

The retailer is also bringing back its Thanksgiving meal for under $5 per person.

In addition, Target announced a $500,000 donation to Feeding America.

“It’s important work that will make a difference for families managing tight household budgets during the holidays,” said Lisa Roath, chief merchandising officer. “And it’s work that builds on Target’s legacy of strengthening communities through the way we run our business.”

On the web: Target.com

 

Companies partner on Dinner and Diamonds 

LARGO – Arnold Jewelers and E&E Stakeout Grill are partnering for a special “Black Friday Dinner and Diamonds” promotion. 

Customers who spend $500 or more on jewelry from Nov. 21 to 29 at Arnold Jewelers will receive a gift card to E&E Stakeout Grill in Belleair Bluffs.

“This collaboration is a celebration of two long-standing local businesses coming together to share what we love most – exceptional experiences that make life sparkle,” said Chef Erwin Scheuringer of E&E Stakeout Grill, a seafood-oriented steakhouse.

On the web: arnoldjewelers.com or stakeoutgrill.com

 

Florida among world’s 15th largest economy

ORLANDO – The Florida Chamber Foundation announced that if Florida were a nation, it would now rank as the 15th largest economy in the world, surpassing Spain with a GDP exceeding $1.7 trillion and just $25.5 billion behind Australia.

“Florida’s rise from 18th to 15th is the result of years of principled leadership, free enterprise, and smart policy,” said Mark Wilson, president and CEO.

The milestone was unveiled at the Future of Florida Forum alongside the forthcoming Florida 2030 Blueprint Halftime Report, showing gains in job creation, workforce growth and poverty reduction.

On the web: flchamber.com

 

AgTech designated as target industry  

BALM – FloridaCommerce designated agricultural technology as one of Florida’s target industries during the Nov. 10 groundbreaking of the UF/IFAS Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture.

“By investing in these emerging technologies and supporting institutions like the UF/IFAS Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture, Florida is ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovation that protects and powers our nation,” said J. Alex Kelly, secretary of commerce.

The announcement coincides with FloridaCommerce’s Rural Business Resource Tour, a statewide initiative supporting rural entrepreneurs and industry-specific growth.

On the web: floridasbdc.org/ruraltour.

 

Karens catch a break 

  1. PETE BEACH – Boulevard Burgers & Tap House is giving back to the Karens of the world who aren’t going viral.

From Nov. 15 to 30, Karens can score a free Boulevard burger with a valid ID. All spellings are accepted and the offer is dine-in only.

Boulevard Burgers & Tap House features an all-day happy hour every day with more than 10 local crafts on draft, free meals for kids on Wednesdays and live music on the weekends. Boulevard Burgers is pet-friendly, offering a Yappy Hour every Saturday afternoon. Private dining is also available in the nautically-acquainted dining room.

On the web: BLVDBurgers.com 

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will hold a coffee social and luncheon.

  • Members network during the Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Nov. 19 at Keystone Title, 4865 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Wesley Chapel. 
  • Steve Attard, CEO of ApertureAI, discusses “Unlocking Business Growth with Practical AI” during a Lunch N Learn from noon to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 20 at USF Credit Union New Tampa, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. The workshop costs $15. Register in advance. 

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

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a grand opening, brochure exchange and programming for women and young professionals. 

  • The Professional Women in Business group holds its networking lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 19 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance. 
  • Members celebrate the grand opening of Nova Dental Trinity from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 20 at 8925 Mitchell Blvd., New Port Richey. The ribbon cutting starts at noon. Register in advance. 
  • Members trade company literature during the Trinity Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 20 at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., Trinity. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Food costs $13. Register in advance. 
  • Michael Bertha talks about servant leadership at the next Young Professionals Group Coffee Connection from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 21 at Starkey Market, 3460 Starkey Blvd., Trinity. Register in advance. 

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

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host networking opportunities and a grand opening. 

  • New and prospective members learn about the perks of chamber membership during Core Connections from 8 to 9 a.m. Nov. 20 at East Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s Dade City Office, 14112 8th St., Dade City. Register in advance. 
  • Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Nov. 21 at the chamber’s Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.) and 8 to 9 a.m. Nov. 25 at the chamber’s Dade City location (14112 8th St.). Register in advance. 
  • Members celebrate the grand opening of The Presidential Barbershop from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 21 at The Presidential Barbershop & Salon, 7335 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills. The ribbon cutting starts at 11 a.m.

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

 

Community repairs veterans’ homes 

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Vet Housing 001 & 002: Volunteers work on a new roof for Linda Hardy. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough

 

TAMPA – Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough’s annual Veterans Build Week of Service brought volunteers together to fix and build homes for veterans and their families.

As part of the week, volunteers helped build a new home for U.S. Army veteran Brian Nakamura, who has been raising six children, ages 4 to 14 years, with his wife in a cramped townhouse. 

Nakamura worked alongside volunteers from Friends of Military Families wielding hammers, saws and power tools to construct the family’s new five-bedroom home in the Windhorst Commons community in Brandon. 

For some of the kids, it will be the first bedroom of their own.

“We are so grateful and honored to be standing here today, seeing the home taking shape with the support of Habitat, volunteers and our community,” Nakamura said. “They’re not just building a roof and walls, they’re showing support for veterans like me and building a foundation for our children’s future.”

Volunteers worked on essential home repairs and improvements for veteran homeowners across the county. 

Marine Corps veteran Elijah Straker-Gooden and U.S. Coast Guard veteran Henry Gauvreau, who both recently became Habitat for Humanity homeowners, worked alongside volunteers from Lowe’s, Johnson & Johnson, and West Florida Fence to build utility sheds and install security fencing for their homes.

Linda Hardy, whose late husband Alfonzo Hardy had served in the U.S. Army, was grateful to Southeastern Roofing, which spent a day replacing her aging roof that was badly damaged in last year’s hurricanes.

Support for the Veterans Build Week of Service was also made possible through the nonprofit’s seventh annual Veterans Inshore Slam Fishing Tournament. The event raised more than $130,000 to fund these home repairs and new builds for local veteran families.  

“Our generous sponsors and inspired volunteers really stepped up this week to show their respect and serve those who served,” said Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough CEO Tina Forcier. “This work reflects our commitment to housing and shows our veterans the gratitude and respect they deserve for their service to our country.”

 

Bikes For Christ reaches 3,000 bike milestone 

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TAMPA BAY – Bikes For Christ has reached its 3,000th bicycle milestone as it rolls into the 2025 holiday season, continuing its mission to change lives one bike at a time. The nonprofit is also closing in on serving 200 partner organizations across the Tampa Bay area.

Bikes For Christ provides bicycles to more than 150 organizations throughout Tampa Bay that directly assist clients in need. The ministry’s main focus is on veterans working to re-establish themselves, underprivileged children and individuals seeking a fresh start.

A simple gift of a bicycle can be life-changing, enabling a low-income parent to travel to work, attend parenting classes or visit a doctor. For children, it can mean a safe way to commute to school, attend tutoring sessions or reach their first job.

To celebrate the season and support its mission, Bikes For Christ will host its second annual Bicycles and Holiday Bells fundraiser from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 6 at Belleair Towers, 1100 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Clearwater.

The event will feature photos with Santa, food, drinks, raffles, silent auctions, and a Family Fun Ride on the Pinellas Trail at 2 p.m. The afternoon will bring joy to the senior residents of Belleair Towers, while all proceeds go directly to Bikes For Christ’s ongoing programs.

This year marks the seventh year that Bikes For Christ has provided bicycles to underprivileged children at Bailey Elementary School. Since the program’s start, the organization has brought joy and opportunity to roughly 150 children during the Christmas season.

Each year, Bikes For Christ provides approximately 100 bicycles to veterans who are working to rebuild their lives and regain independence.

As the year comes to a close, Bikes For Christ is calling on the community to help sustain its mission into 2026. With growing demand for bicycles and transportation assistance, financial donations are urgently needed to continue providing hope and mobility to veterans, children, and families in need.

“Every dollar truly makes a difference,” said Pat Simmons, founder and president of Bikes For Christ. “A single donation can help us purchase parts, repair donated bicycles, and deliver hope to someone ready to move forward.”

Donations can be made securely online at Bikes4Christ.com/donations. All contributions are tax-deductible and directly support local program services.

 

Tampa Theatre leader transitioning toward retirement 

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John Bell has led the Tampa Theatre for 40 years of its near century of existence. Photo courtesy of Tampa Theatre

TAMPA – Tampa Theatre President and CEO John Bell has announced plans to retire early next summer, marking the end of 40 years leading one of the nation’s most celebrated historic movie palaces.

The board of directors has retained Margaret Genovese of Genovese Vanderhoof & Associates to search for Bell’s successor. The new leader is expected to be announced next spring, ahead of the 100th anniversary in October 2026.

Under Bell’s leadership, Tampa Theatre has evolved from a once-struggling civic project into an internationally recognized cultural landmark, hosting more than 1,000 events and welcoming some 120,000 guests annually. 

“John has been the heart and soul of Tampa Theatre for four decades,” said Ann Shaler, board chair. “His love for this building and his unwavering commitment to its preservation and purpose have ensured that Tampa Theatre remains not just a Tampa treasure, but a world-class destination.”

When Bell arrived in Tampa in 1985, the theater had been saved from demolition nine years prior and was showing mostly classic films under the management of the Hillsborough County Arts Council. 

Bell expanded programming to include first-run independent films, creating the long-running Summer Classics movie series. 

He also transformed the 1,238-seat theater into one of the region’s most intimate live concert venues. Tampa Theatre welcomed artists ranging from Annie Lennox and Harry Connick Jr. to Jimmy Fallon and David Byrne.

In 2010, Bell led its evolution away from the arts council to governance under its own nonprofit to bolster fundraising.

“When I first arrived here, Tampa Theatre was a lonely beacon of light in an otherwise desolate downtown,” Bell said. “I’ve had a front row seat to see the transformation of our neighborhood and how Tampa Theatre has played a part in downtown Tampa’s renaissance.”

He has led Tampa Theatre through multiple major restoration and modernization projects, including the 2017 lobby restoration and 43-seat John T. Taylor screening room, as well as the current planning for the historic landmark’s full restoration through its Second Century Capital Campaign. 

The campaign has already raised 91% of its goal for $24 million worth of work to be completed ahead of the theater’s 100th anniversary in 2026, part of a plan to invest $30 million over the next several years.

Bell’s influence extends beyond the Bay area. During his tenure, Tampa Theatre has been named among the “World’s Most Beautiful Cinemas” by the BBC, one of “America’s 21 Wonders” by LIFE magazine, and one of the “10 of the World’s Best Movie Theaters” by the Motion Picture Association of America.

“Tampa Theatre has been my passion and my purpose,” Bell said. “It’s been the honor of a lifetime to be part of its story.”

 

Consumer data drives Sun-Ray Cinema’s approach 

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TAMPA – Sleeping Giant Fest and Sun-Ray Cinema are taking on the changing landscape of moviegoing, and they’ve brought the data to back it up. 

In a partnership with the University of South Florida, interns have spent the fall semester gathering insight into how audiences feel about going to the movies and what they’re asking for next.

Their findings were blunt: Moviegoing doesn’t feel personal anymore. Audiences are less respectful. Everything is too expensive. Blockbusters take all the oxygen. Communal energy is missing.

Sun-Ray Cinema is designed to answer those concerns point by point: 

  • “It’s not personal anymore.” – Sun-Ray leans hard into personal. No polished hype. Just a real, local crew who loves movies and treats moviegoers like they matter.
  • “Prices have gone up.” – Sun-Ray keeps tickets and concessions offers accessible prices.
  • “Audience behavior has gotten worse.” – Sun-Ray enforces respectful cinema: No seating after 30 minutes into a show, minors must be accompanied by a guardian and guest experience is protected.
  • “It’s all blockbusters.” – Sun-Ray programs repertory, cult classics, 35mm prints, movie marathons, and new releases from smaller studios, playing trailers (no more than 10 minutes) for all types of releases.

Founded in Jacksonville in 2011 and now open at 12332 University Mall Court in Tampa for just over a year, Sun-Ray Cinema is an independent space specializing in curated programming, a house-made menu and cocktails.

Sun-Ray Cinema has recently completed major upgrades, such as new reclining seating, laser projection for bright, crisp picture, and immersive sound.

“We aim to be the antidote to what moviegoers have come to expect,” said Shana David-Massett, board member of Sleeping Giant and co-owner of Sun-Ray Cinema. “The data from USF students affirms what we suspected: people want real connection. So we’re doubling down, both on the personal and on world-class presentation.”

 

Upcoming Events

  • Gorge of the Rings (Dec. 13): All “Lord of the Rings” films in order, with optional Hobbit-style dining.
  • Original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: (Jan. 17:) A slice-for-slice faceoff with local pizzeria Slicedelic.

 

WAVE of Tampa Bay gives families options

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WAVE has received positive feedback from families who appreciate the vibrant community atmosphere that Co-founders Dave and Emily Casale,and their staff have created. Photo courtesy of WAVE of Tampa Bay

BRANDON – WAVE (Wild And Victorious Education) of Tampa Bay has opened online registration for its third semester at waveoftampabay.com.

The 12-week semester runs from Jan. 5 to March 24. Families can explore more than 60 in-person drop-off classes. 

WAVE combines essential academics with more than 20 electives, covering physical education, performing arts and more for grades pre-K to 12. 

Co-founders Dave and Emily Casale, parents of three homeschooled children, envisioned WAVE as a haven where families could find everything they need under one roof. 

“We can’t wait to see our students flourish with new programs like High School Debate and our next theatrical production for our Theatre Lab + Performance students,” Emily Casale said. 

With extensive experience directing performances across North America, her passion for the arts shines through, making WAVE a hub for artistic expression and personal growth.

“Rather than spending valuable time and energy shuttling between various locations, like schools, dance studios, martial arts classes, acrobatics lessons, crafting sessions and a multitude of activities, homeschool families can enroll at WAVE, where all their children’s educational and enrichment needs are met in one place,” Dave Casale said. “This integration allows families to enjoy greater freedom in how they spend their time.”

His background in aviation and entrepreneurship fuels his commitment to providing innovative learning experiences. 

“The homeschool culture in Florida is turning a corner, embracing the community-building approach that WAVE embodies,” he said. 

The Casales aim to elevate homeschooling into the 21st century through innovative approaches while providing families with choice and freedom. 

“We intentionally positioned the WAVE homeschool community to leverage the stunning array of opportunities in the Tampa Metro area, from casual iced coffee meetups in the park to behind-the-scenes high-tech warehouse tours and live theatrical performances,” Dave Casale said. “WAVE stands apart from traditional homeschooling by offering classes led by professionals and facilitating genuine friendship-building.”

Emily Casale said God is at the center of what they do.
“This commitment leads us to incorporate biblical study and faith-based discussions into our daily routines, encouraging students to deepen their relationships with their Creator,” she said. “This foundation not only allows them to prioritize what truly matters, but also empowers them to build authentic relationships and actively contribute to their community in meaningful ways.”

WAVE is a Direct Pay Provider in Florida’s Step Up for Students (PEP, UA) program, eliminating the reimbursement process, which allows families to focus on the successful outcomes of their children’s homeschool education and opportunities. All of their classes are Direct-Pay approved for tuition and fees.

 

Need volunteer opportunities?

WAVE invites teenagers looking to fulfill volunteer hour requirements to join them. 

Whether you are interested in assisting with classes, helping to organize events or supporting community outreach initiatives, there are many ways to contribute while gaining experience.

Email or call 813-280-5553 for details. 

 

Winter Village returns for 10th anniversary season

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TAMPA – Downtown Tampa’s Winter Village returns from Nov. 21 to Jan. 4 at Curtis Hixon Park for its 10th anniversary season. 

The event transforms the Tampa Riverwalk into a waterfront winter destination with light shows, games and music.

This year’s Winter Village celebrates a decade of holiday magic with new attractions and a record number of local businesses, making it a destination to skate, shop and celebrate the spirit of the season.

Kenyetta Hairston-Bridges, president and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership, said the event also celebrates the people, small businesses and partnerships that make downtown vibrant and welcoming.

“Winter Village has grown from a small community gathering into a cherished Tampa tradition that brings families, friends and visitors together in Tampa’s Downtown,” Hairston-Bridges said. 

 

What’s New in 2025?

  • 10th Anniversary Time Capsule: Opening Day (Nov. 21) marks the start of the season with a time capsule celebration. Guests are invited to bring a photo from past visits or snap a new Polaroid onsite to include in a capsule that will be sealed until the event’s 20th anniversary in 2035.
  • River of Lights Boat Tours: In partnership with Pirate Water Taxi, guests can hop aboard the River of Lights cruise for a 45-minute journey down the Hillsborough River, departing from Winter Village (Stop #12). The cruise features sing-alongs with snow flurries, games and visits from Santa’s helpers. Kids can mail letters to Santa at the floating mail station, bringing awareness to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Tickets cost $35 for adults and $25 for children.

 

Skate, Sip and Shop Local

  • The real-ice skating rink returns as the centerpiece of Winter Village, offering 75-minute sessions for $17 per skater, which includes skate rental. Skating hours vary by school schedules and holidays, with extended hours during Hillsborough schools’ winter break. Tickets are available at WinterVillageTampa.com.
  • Guests can refuel at Icicles Craft Kitchen & Bar, Mi Cafecito Coffee, Gourmet Crepes and Whatever Pops.
  • The Shops of Winter Village will spotlight 70 local small businesses this year (up from 41 last season), with 10 full-season retailers, seven partial-season shops and more than 30 rotating vendors through the holidays. Visitors can shop for handmade gifts, apparel, art, and treats daily from Nov. 21 to Jan. 4 (hours vary by day).
  • Celebrate Shop Small Weekend from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 28 to 30 with 18 additional small businesses. The first 100 shoppers will receive a “I Shopped Small at Winter Village” tote bag.

 

Daily Programming

From themed skate nights to silent discos, Winter Village is packed with activities for all ages:

  • Tuesdays – Theme Skate Nights: Enjoy rotating themed nights like Grinchmas, Ugly Sweater and Lightning Bolts & Snowflakes, including photo ops by Tampa General Hospital.
  • Wednesdays – Trivia and Holiday Game Night: Test your knowledge at trivia from 2 to 4 p.m. and enjoy additional holiday games when the shops and cafe are open.
  • Thursdays – Thunderstruck Thursdays: Celebrate Tampa Bay Lightning pride by purchasing themed menu items for the chance to win tickets.
  • Fridays – Silent Disco: Dance under the stars with headset rentals from 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Saturdays – Shop Small Saturdays: Surprise tote giveaways and local vendor spotlights.
  • Ice Shows: Watch performances on select dates throughout the season.

Winter Village Express is back with milk, cookies and entertainment led by new characters Rudy and Holly. The  holiday train ride on the TECO Line Streetcar runs from Whiting Station to Ybor City. Tickets cost $10 and must be purchased in advance.

Winter Village will debut 10th anniversary merchandise for purchase.

On the web: WinterVillageTampa.com