The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Access East Pasco highlights growth, collaboration

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SAINT LEO – Local, county and state leaders joined the Greater East Pasco Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 23 for the annual Access East Pasco event at Saint Leo University’s Wellness Center. 

The program brought together business owners, elected officials and community partners to discuss economic growth, workforce development and policy priorities.

During the city panel, leaders shared how their communities are supporting small businesses.

Andrea Calvert, of St. Leo, highlighted social media outreach, the Leo Ledger publication, and plans for a new Town Center Project. 

Dade City Mayor Scott Black noted the city’s new Community Redevelopment Agency director.

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe announced Community Redevelopment Agency grants reimbursing up to $100,000, offered in partnership with Pasco Economic Development Council and Zephyrhills Economic Development Coalition.

The discussion also highlighted workforce development.

Zephyrhills shared successes from hiring events and targeted incentives that helped attract employers like Bauducco Foods and MiTek. 

St. Leo and Dade City emphasized internship programs and business partnerships to connect students with local jobs.

On the county level, Commissioner Seth Weightman reported Pasco’s population has grown 42% since 2010 and highlighted the county’s recently passed $2.12 billion budget to support infrastructure and services.

Jim Burkee, Saint Leo University’s new president, spoke about rebuilding online education programs and the vital role universities play in attracting employers.

The State of the State panel addressed broader challenges and opportunities. 

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson stressed the importance of planning redevelopment with transportation, emergency access and environmental protection in mind. 

Rep. Randy Maggard noted a $117 billion state budget, with discussions on tax policy and upcoming legislative committee meetings. 

Representing Sen. Danny Burgess, Jonathan Till pointed to rising costs, congestion and weather challenges, while emphasizing a focus on education.

The event closed with appreciation for speakers, sponsors, and hosts, and a call for continued collaboration across East Pasco.

 

Pasco EDC receives two economic development awards

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Pasco EDC left the IEDC 2025 Annual Conference from Sept. 14 to 17 in Detroit, Michigan with two awards. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC

LUTZ – Pasco Economic Development Council received two 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Bronze Awards from the International Economic Development Council. 

The awards recognized Pasco EDC in the categories of Email Newsletter and Recovery, Resiliency & Mitigation, which impacted over 500,000 residents. 

“Our team works hard to maintain relationships with Pasco County businesses through the Pasco EDC Business Retention and Expansion program, and it is exciting to see the Pasco Biz Connect campaign being recognized as a part of their efforts to support business growth in our community,” said Bill Cronin, president and CEO of Pasco EDC.

 

Email Newsletter Award 

Pasco EDC won in the bronze category for its Pasco Biz Connect campaign.

This campaign promotes the Pasco EDC Business Retention and Expansion program by using themed monthly email newsletters, social media and new website features, including a new blog page and resource library, to provide relevant content to the business community. The campaign has surpassed the previous year’s total social media engagement halfway through the campaign’s second year. The campaign maintained an email click-through rate of 16%, well over the industry average of 2.6%.

 

Recovery, Resiliency & Mitigation Award 

Pasco EDC won in the bronze category for emergency communication efforts during the 2024 hurricane season.

The team worked with local, state and federal agencies to share recovery and mitigation updates and resources with the community. 

The past year’s storms were the worst to hit the area in over 100 years, and Pasco EDC worked with its partners, including Pasco County Government and Florida SBDC at USF, to disseminate information in a timely manner to businesses. During the 2024 hurricane season, there were over 1,000 clicks in Pasco EDC emergency communication emails, which included links to various partner resources. During this same timeframe, Pasco EDC social media posts relating to emergency communications reached over 144,000 impressions.

 

“Pasco EDC is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its programs,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC president and CEO. “These awards shine a spotlight on Pasco EDC’s commitment to its community and showcase the significant impact of economic development.”

October Extension calendar includes meal planning classes 

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TAMPA – As residents begin to consider meal planning for the holidays, Hillsborough County Extension Service has two classes at the end of October that can help those at risk of diabetes and even cancer.

The virtual Cooking for a Lifetime of Cancer Prevention class begins at noon Oct. 2. Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers in Florida, with thousands of new cases diagnosed each year. This one-hour webinar will explore the latest American Cancer Society guidelines for cancer prevention and share practical nutrition tips to lower risk. Register for the event on eventbrite.com.

Later in October, residents with diabetes and their supporters can learn about managing diabetes through the virtual Dining with Diabetes series of classes on meal planning, cooking techniques and making delicious, nutritious meals. This four-part online series begins Oct. 27 and continues Nov. 3, 10 and 17 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The series will teach the keys to master delicious, diabetic-friendly meals. Cost to register is $15 for all four workshops. Register for the event on eventbrite.com.

Hillsborough County Extension Service, in partnership with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, offers a wide variety of additional educational classes in October listed below. For more information about any of these listings, visit the Local Events Calendar at eventbrite.com or call 813-744-5519.  

 

Gardening

  • Composting Workshops, in person Oct. 4 and virtual Oct. 8
  • Attracting Birds and Butterflies to Your Yard, in person Oct. 15

 

Water Conservation

  • Microirrigation Workshops, in person Oct. 4 and virtual Oct. 9
  • Rainwater Harvesting Workshop, in person Oct. 4
  • Florida Friendly Landscaping HC Webinar Series: Reduce Stormwater Runoff, virtual Oct. 16
  • Hillsborough County Water Use Restrictions Workshop, virtual Oct. 14

 

Health and Wellness

  • Navigating Medicare, virtual Oct. 8
  • Mental Health First Aid, in person Oct. 13
  • Medicare Part C, virtual Oct. 15
  • Medicare Part D, virtual Oct. 22

 

Financial Education

  • Greenbelt Classification and Farm Resource Seminar, in person Oct. 21
  • 1-1 Financial Education By Appointment, October 

Health & Wellnes (10/1/25): Hillsborough offers adult day services

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Hillsborough County offers adult day services

TAMPA – Hillsborough County Adult Day Services observed National Adult Day Services Week from Sept. 21 to 27 with numerous programs to educate and raise awareness.

These included open houses and education sessions on Alzheimer’s and fall prevention. 

Hillsborough County Adult Day Services Centers allow caregivers to receive respite or continue employment while their loved ones enjoy a supervised and socially stimulating setting. The centers offer mental, social and physical activities for people who have frailties, physical or cognitive impairments, or chronic health conditions. 

Call Hillsborough County Aging Services at (813) 272-5250 or visit HCFL.gov/Aging to learn more.

 

Seniors could get improved access to medical devices

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and others reintroduced the Ensuring Access to Critical Breakthrough Products Act to improve access to cutting-edge medical technology for seniors. 

The bill would require Medicare to provide coverage for medical devices approved under the FDA’s Breakthrough Devices Program, which is designed to accelerate the development and review of innovative technologies that offer more effective treatment or diagnosis for life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating conditions.  

Currently, Medicare does not automatically cover these breakthrough medical technologies, even when they have been approved or cleared by the FDA and granted breakthrough designation. Under the traditional process, it can take more than six years for Medicare to determine coverage.

 

Bill to protect seniors’ access to lab testing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and others introduced the Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services Act to protect seniors’ access to essential lab services. 

Legislators said without reform to the Medicare Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule, deep cuts under that payment system are set to begin in January 2026 and will threaten timely access to care for America’s seniors. 

“Strong clinical laboratories are vital to delivering high-quality care, especially for seniors who depend on timely testing to maintain their health,” Bilirakis said. “The RESULTS Act will protect access to these essential services and help ensure that families in Florida and across the country can continue to receive the care they need.”

 

Bilirakis bills advance out of committee 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced seven pieces of legislation Sept. 17, including two bipartisan initiatives led by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12). 

Both measures were poised for a vote on the House floor.

One of the measures, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025, directs the Department of Transportation to require automakers to include AM broadcast radio as standard equipment in all new motor vehicles, ensuring universal access to AM radio at no additional cost to consumers.

The second Bilirakis-led initiative is a comprehensive legislative package aimed at accelerating the development of pediatric cancer treatments and expanding access to life-saving therapies for children with rare diseases.

 

Bill seeks to prevent stillbirth

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL-14) introduced the Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education for Autumn Act to improve stillbirth research and data collection.

The SHINE for Autumn Act aims to bridge gaps in stillbirth data, research and education by:

  • Providing grants to states to support consistent, secure data collection, assessment and reporting on stillbirth and risk factors.
  • Strengthening privacy protections to ensure sensitive health data is protected.
  • Directing the Department of Health and Human Services, in coordination with health care providers, to develop best practices and educational materials for state health departments on stillbirth data collection and prevention strategies.

 

Castor votes no on health care cuts

TAMPA – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) voted no on the GOP budget bill.

She said millions of Floridians face devastating health care cost increases due to Congressional Republicans’ refusal to extend the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced Premium Tax Credits.

“If the tax credit expires, millions of people with chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes will struggle to afford health care or lose coverage altogether,” she said. “All Floridians will be saddled with higher costs due to uncompensated care at hospitals and crowded emergency rooms. Florida hospitals strongly support extension of the health care tax credits.”

 

Castor introduces health care amendments 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) introduced two amendments to keep health care costs and immunizations affordable during a markup of seven bills by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. 

Castor’s first amendment would permanently extend the Affordable Care Act enhanced Premium Tax Credits to keep health care premiums from skyrocketing at the end of the year. 

Castor’s second amendment would prevent any changes from being made to the current vaccine recommendations for children, teens and adults that would result in people losing access to no-cost coverage.

 

Chalk Talk (10/1/25): Saint Leo fast-tracks MBA degrees

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Saint Leo fast-tracks MBA degree

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University’s Tapia College of Business is offering three MBA pathways streamlined from 36 credits, making it possible to complete a graduate degree more quickly, affordably and with greater specialization.

  • 30-credit MBA in Management: This pathway teaches analytical and strategic skills for business management, helping students build on their professional experience to accelerate career growth. “This program offers a convenient and affordable way for working professionals to advance in their careers without putting them on hold,” said Pamela Lee, MBA program director.
  • 30-credit Flexible MBA: This pathway allows students to customize their degree with electives from varied fields, including human resources, project management, health care management, marketing and supply chain management. Students gain broader exposure to multiple business fields, helping them become more well-rounded and acquire skills beyond what a traditional MBA offers.
  • 33-credit Specialized MBA: Students can choose from specializations that align with the demand from fast-growing industries, including accounting, cybersecurity, data analytics, finance, marketing and health care management. “While we offered a specialized MBA in the past, this year we’ve updated it with new specializations that meet workforce demand in fewer credit hours,” Lee said.

 

PHSC Foundation offers concerts

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation has announced concerts for its 2026 Performing Arts Series. 

Concerts are as follows: 

  • Jan. 9 – Yacht Rock (late 1970s and early 1980s light rock)
  • Feb. 6 – Dwight Icenhower (Elvis Presley tribute)
  • Feb. 27 – Crystal Stark: Divas of Disco (disco hits)
  • March 20 – The Edge Effect (a capella group)
  • April 10 – Honky Tonk Chicks (country hits)

Single and season ticket packages are available. Buy them at phsc.tix.com

 

Student Achievements 

  • Tahlia Reynolds, of Lutz, graduated with a master’s degree in philosophy from Georgia State University in Atlanta. 
  • Jackson Preacher, of Lutz, made the spring 2025 president’s list and dean’s list as well as earned gold stars at The Citadel in Charleston, S.C. 
  • Jackson Reese, of Odessa, made the spring 2025 dean’s list and earned gold stars at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina.

 

Business Digest (10/1/25): CareerSource Tampa Bay hosts hiring events

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CareerSource Tampa Bay hosts hiring events

TAMPA – CareerSource Tampa Bay is kicking off October with a series of hiring events. 

These events will offer opportunities for on-the-spot interviews and a chance to learn more about available positions. Job seekers should dress professionally and bring several copies of their resume. 

Events at the Tampa Center (9215 N. Florida Ave.) include: 

  • Collab First Hiring Event (telecommunications technician apprentice): 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 1.
  • Hot Dogs Galore Hiring Event (general manager, assistant manager and crew members): 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 1.

Events at the South County Center (3420 8th Ave. S. St., Petersburg) include: 

  • Collab First Hiring Event (telecommunications technician apprentice): 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 8.
  • People Ready Hiring Event (skilled trade positions, including second shift mechanic, press operator and CNC machinist): 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 8.

Events at the Gulf to Bay Center (2312 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater) include: 

  • Goodwill Hiring Event (life skills trainer): 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 1.

Register for events at https://careersourcetampabay.com/.

 

Jobs up in Tampa metro area 

TAMPA – The Tampa metro area added 12,700 jobs (+0.9%) in the private sector over the year in August 2025, according to FloridaCommerce.

The area gained the third-highest number of private sector jobs over the year in August 2025 among all metro areas. The Tampa area led the metro areas in job gains over the year in August 2025 in the education and health services sector, adding 7,600 jobs; followed by 1,300 jobs in manufacturing and 600 jobs in information. 

The Tampa area unemployment rate was 4.4% in August 2025, up 0.6 percentage point from the August 2024 rate of 3.8%. The area’s labor force was up 3,755 (+0.2%) over the year in August 2025.

 

Comfort Airz to bless families

NEW PORT RICHEY – Comfort Airz has launched its 2025 Christmas Blessing Campaign to support families in need.

Instead of toy drives, the family-owned HVAC company is taking a new approach. The campaign will help nominated families with essentials, such as groceries, clothing, children’s gifts and assistance with household bills.

The community can nominate a family, donate to the Comfort Christmas Angels Fund, adopt a family as a sponsor, or volunteer time to help wrap and deliver gifts. 

Comfort Airz will match part of each donation to ensure contributions go even further.

“Our mission has always been to bring comfort to families,” co-owner Cat Macleish said. “This year, we want to extend that comfort beyond homes we service and into the lives of neighbors who need it most.”

Visit https://comfortairz.com/ to make nominations or donations. 

 

CEO wins 2025 Apogee Award

TAMPA – Tampa Bay Business & Wealth magazine honored GTE Financial President and CEO Brian Best with a 2025 Apogee Award.

The Apogee Awards recognize C-Suite leaders across Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties. Best was the overall winner in the CEO Large Company category.

Best, who became president and CEO in 2016, has guided GTE through economic and industry challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic and historic storms. Through his leadership, GTE implemented financial relief programs, expanded member services and introduced employee benefits that prioritize wellness, resilience and professional growth.

 

Pinellas Park earns kudos

PINELLAS PARK – The City of Pinellas Park earned distinction for its workplace policies by Family Friendly Tampa Bay.

Pinellas Park becomes only the third city in the Tampa Bay region to earn the “Platinum Distinguished Leader” recognition of this award, joining the City of Clearwater and City of St. Petersburg.

“This is a high honor for our city and the people who serve the citizens of Pinellas Park every day,” City Manager Bart Diebold said. “We have created a family atmosphere that empowers our team members to tackle their tasks with great enthusiasm and provide the best customer service to the City of Pinellas Park. This award will help us attract and retain good people that embody the highest level of character and public service.”

 

Better Together hires COO

FORT MYERS – Kayla Palacios has been promoted to chief operating officer of Better Together, an organization that works to prevent the need for foster care by building strong families and communities.

Palacios has been a vital part of the nonprofit for the past three years, first serving as executive director of its North Central Florida region. She later stepped into the role of vice president of operations.

Before joining the organization, Palacios worked 12 years at Marion County Public Schools.

“Kayla brings a proven record of strengthening operations, building teams and driving impact,” CEO Megan Rose said. 

 

Houck to lead downtown board

TAMPA – Jeff Houck will serve as chairman for the Tampa Downtown Partnership for 2025-26.

Houck serves as vice president of marketing for the 1905 Family of Restaurants, a hospitality group in Tampa that includes Columbia Restaurant, Ulele, Casa Santo Stefano, and Cha Cha Coconuts. He is also a board member for Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk, Friends of Tampa Union Station and the Ybor City Historical Society.

Other officers include: 

  • Vice Chairman: Rob Stern of Trenam Law
  • Treasurer: Braxton Williams of PNC Bank
  • Secretary: Christine Turner of ChappellRoberts
  • Immediate Past Chairman: Stephen Panzarino of AECOM

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a business luncheon and women’s programming. 

  • Dr. Kyle Bowers, breast surgeon with AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, talks about Breast Cancer Awareness Month during the Leading Ladies Network luncheon from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 3 at USF Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. Admission costs $15. Register in advance. 
  • Lisa Richardson, vice president of advancement, innovation and strategic partnerships for Pasco-Hernando State College, serves as keynote speaker for the Business Breakfast from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 7 at PHSC’s Porter Campus, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Members pay $25. Others pay $30. 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 ribbon cutting, Medical Roundtable, Veterans Roundtable and Hudson Business & Brochure Exchange.

  • A panel from Premier Community Healthcare, Cares Clinic and Good Samaritan Clinic discuss health topics during the Medical Roundtable from 8 to 9 a.m. Oct. 2 at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, 6600 Madison St., New Port Richey. Members get in free. Register in advance. 
  • Members exchange company literature during the Hudson Business & Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 2 at Vitality Living Baypoint Village, 7927 State Road 52, Hudson. Members get in free ($14 with taco bar lunch). Register in advance. 
  • Members celebrate the grand opening of Insurance Benefit Navigators from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 6 at 3436 U.S. 19, Holiday. A ribbon cutting starts at 11:30 a.m. Register in advance. 
  • The chamber holds its Veterans Roundtable from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Oct. 8 at The Collective at Escape, 14495 Trinity Blvd., Trinity. The event includes networking from 8 to 8:30 a.m. and a formal program from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance. 

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

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host a Coffee & Networking and a business workshop.

  • Brian Orr, of Kenavin Coaching & Consulting, talks about Branding For Your Small Business from 8 to 10 a.m. Oct. 3 at the Zephyrhills office, 38550 5th Ave. Register in advance. 
  • Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Oct. 7 at the chamber’s Dade City location, 14112 8th St. Register in advance. 

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

 

News Briefs (10/1/25): Woman’s club serves meals

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Once a month, Health and Wellness CSP volunteers serve meals at Trinity Cafe in Tampa. This is a free full-service restaurant serving those in need of a healthy meal.. The Green Shirt Ladies of the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, including (from left) Nancy Branham, Tanya Hightower, Michelle Haskins and Linda Buzzee, served 182 meals during a recent outing. Visit gfwclutzlandolakeswomansclub.org for details about the club. Photo courtesy of Pennee Bowen

 

Pasco County offers 4-H Teen Leadership Club

PASCO COUNTY –  Join UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County for this year’s 4-H Teen Leadership Club, now through Aug. 31, 2026. 

It’s a great opportunity for teens to gain hands-on experience and improve leadership techniques.

4-H members join community clubs where they work with adult volunteers to complete projects, community service, camps and workshops, including leadership, community service and citizenship.

The cost to join is $25. Email for specific dates/times/locations or to join any clubs. 

On the web: https://florida4h.ifas.ufl.edu/.

 

Timeline extended for Morris Bridge Road repair

ZEPHYRHILLS – Pasco County Public Works and Utilities crews continue to repair the intersection of Morris Bridge Road and Chancey Road.

An evaluation revealed the need for deeper structural repairs and the replacement of a large water main. Officials say these upgrades will help prevent future washouts and keep the intersection resilient for years to come.

Replacing the damaged water main is expected to take at least eight weeks for delivery and installation. Crews will then rebuild the road, which is expected to take an additional five to eight weeks.

 

New Port Richey presents Buccaneer Jam Fest

NEW PORT RICHEY – Local musicians and Gulf High School alumni Shadofax will take the stage during the City of New Port Richey’s inaugural Gulf High Buccaneer Jam Fest.

The event will showcase Gulf High School musicians and singers. Gulf High School alumni are encouraged to perform. Sign up to perform or volunteer at buccaneerjamfest.com. 

“This is an opportunity to honor the oldest high school in West Pasco County and its alumni,” said Peter Altman, councilman for the City of New Port Richey. “I am a proud alumnus of the Class of 1975, and my former classmates and I are celebrating our 50th reunion together. The Jam Fest will be great entertainment that should be enjoyed by all music lovers, and we hope that the entire community will come out to support our local talent.”

The event takes place from 7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 3 at Sims Park Amphitheater, 5547 Main St. The event is free and open to the public. 

 

Hillsborough County to unveil monument

TAMPA – Military families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice join a unique union known as Gold Star Families.

Hillsborough County Consumer & Veteran Services and the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County invite the community to the dedication event for the new Gold Star Family Monument at 10 a.m. Oct. 11 at Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Museum, 3602 N. U.S. Hwy. 301, Tampa.

The monument will be installed in front of the Veterans Resource Center with the ceremony held at the outdoor amphitheater a few steps away. The dedication ceremony and unveiling will feature Armwood High School JROTC Color Guard, rifle salute and taps, and remarks from Annette Kirk, national president of American Gold Star Mothers Inc.

 

Quick Hits

  • The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office recently thanked Pasco County Fire Rescue for saving a deputy trapped under a propane semi-truck in October 2024. Crews used the Jaws of Life to free the deputy in under 10 minutes.
  • Wesley Chapel District Park is registering vendors for its Spooktacular from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 25. Call 813-345-3145 for details. 
  • Main Street Zephyrhills is registering groups and floats for its 2025 Veterans Day Parade at 10 a.m. Nov. 8 in downtown Zephyrhills. Learn more at mainstreetzephyrhillsevents.org.

 

 

 

Jubilee Year concert to spread hope

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Saint Leo University students and faculty will perform at the Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee 2025 Concert on Oct. 8 at the Saint Leo Abbey Church. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

ST. LEO – In December 2024, the late Pope Francis declared 2025 a Jubilee Year of Hope, encouraging all to “look beyond the darkness of the world today to the hope that all find through a life in Christ, and to offer hope to others.”

Now, Saint Leo University will share songs and words of hope through its Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee 2025 Concert, at 7 p.m. Oct. 8, in the Saint Leo Abbey Church. 

The Abbey Church also is one of the six churches designated as official places of pilgrimage for the jubilee year for the Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg.

“The jubilee [year] we are now celebrating helps us to realize that hope is a constant source of joy,” said Pope Leo XIV.

Saint Leo University’s Department of English, Music and the Arts and the Catholic Identity Advisory Committees are hosting the event to spread that joy to the community through music as well as to showcase the talents of its students and faculty members.

 

What is a Jubilee Year?

The practice of observing a jubilee year has ancient roots with Pope Boniface VIII instituting the first Christian Jubilee in 1300. A jubilee year is a “special period of prayer, reflection and penance in the Catholic Church,” notes the U.S. Conferences of Catholic Bishops, and “for acts of mercy, forgiveness, and charity.”

In declaring 2025 the Jubilee Year of Hope, Pope Francis cited Romans 5:15: “And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

The 2025 jubilee is centered on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope” with participants traveling to Rome or making pilgrimages to local Catholic churches. But the key message is to spread hope and share the love of God. “During the Holy Year, we are called to be tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind,” noted the late Pope Francis in his announcement of the jubilee.

Much like the jubilee hymn Pilgrims of Hope which includes, “Like a flame my hope is burning, may my song arise to you: Source of life that has no ending, on life’s path, I trust in you,” the university is planning a concert that will uplift and inspire.

Under the direction of Cynthia Selph, director of music and music ministry, performances will feature all types of music, from classic hymns to songs by The Beatles and contemporary Christian artists.

 

Tickets and Donations

Seating in the Saint Leo Abbey Church will be first come, first seated. Those attending will find parking in the campus lots, 33701 County Road 52, St. Leo, FL 33574.

Admission donations of $5 will be accepted online (find this story on our website for the link, which is too lengthy for print). Funds will support Saint Leo’s music programs.

 

Utility rate changes take affect Oct. 1

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PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Utilities customers should anticipate rate changes to their water, wastewater and reclaimed water bills effective Oct. 1.  

The average residential water and sewer customer, using 6,000 gallons per month, will see a billing increase from $88.65 to $91.99, a difference of $3.34.

Changes are also coming for residential reclaimed water customers, including adjustments to rate structure, base charge and the backflow prevention device fee.

  • Reclaimed Water Base Charge: Increasing from $12.20 to $12.66, a difference of $0.46 per month, for the first 8,000 gallons. Increasing from $1.22 to $1.27 for every additional 1,000 gallons, an increase of $0.05, up to 13,000 gallons. A new charge of $2.17 for every additional 1,000 gallons over 13,000 gallons.
  • Backflow Prevention Device Fee: Increasing from $6.64 to $6.89, a monthly difference of $0.25.

A full list of rates and fees is available at mypas.co/PCU-Rates. 

The revenues collected through Pasco County Utilities’ rates, fees and charges directly support the operation, maintenance, repair and replacement of essential water, wastewater and reclaimed water systems. 

Starting Oct. 1, a new four-year rate schedule will take effect, reflecting changes adopted from the Cost-of-Service Rate Study approved by the Pasco Board of County Commissioners. 

This study outlines projected annual adjustments to service rates, fees and charges through Sept. 30, 2029.

Visit PascoCountyUtilities.com for more information.