The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Podcast series highlights community collaborations

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TAMPA – Government services are seeing a major upgrade through innovative partnerships. Tax Collector Nancy Millan is highlighting these efforts in Season 3 of “Conversations with Nancy,” a podcast from the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office. 

Available in both English and Spanish, this season features special guests from partner organizations who share how their collaborations benefit Hillsborough County residents.

Season 3 showcases the diverse partnerships that make government services more accessible and convenient for the community. 

English episodes, hosted by Tory Davis, highlight initiatives including government day events featuring the mobile ID unit, enhanced online service options and property tax workshops for local Realtors and title companies. 

Spanish episodes, hosted by Marco Villarreal, focus on property tax workshops, fleet vehicle registration services for businesses with 25 or more vehicles and expanded online service capabilities.

Each episode features Millan and special guests discussing how these partnerships create innovative solutions that better serve community needs. The conversations provide insight into how collaborative efforts between government agencies and community organizations result in more efficient and accessible services for all residents.

“Season 3 of ‘Conversations with Nancy’ allows us to showcase the incredible partners who help us reach people in new and innovative ways,” Millan said. “These partnerships are essential to our mission of providing exceptional service. By highlighting these collaborations, we demonstrate how working together creates positive impacts throughout our community and ensures that every resident has convenient access to the services they need.”

Season 3 of “Conversations with Nancy” premiered Sept. 16. New episodes will be released every other Tuesday throughout the season. Watch them on the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s YouTube channel and listen to them on Spotify.

 

A New Generation raising money with clay shoot

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SPRING HILL – A New Generation has opened registration for its ninth annual Sporting Clay Shoot.

For 26 years, A New Generation has provided free and confidential health education and services in the areas of prevention, early pregnancy decision, sexual health, parenting and relationships. 

“As we serve our clients, we are committed to this philosophy: ‘Be Seen, Be Heard and Be Valued.’ We want to show each person who comes to us for services that their well-being is our priority,” said Cheryl Bennett, the Spring Hill organization’s executive director.  “The Clay Shoot not only helps us with our financial needs, but it also serves to inform people in our area about A New Generation and its mission.”

The clay shoot will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 25 at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, 10514 Ehren Cutoff, Land O’ Lakes. Register for the Clay Shoot at anewgenerationclayshoot.com.

Participants may register individually or with a team of four.  The cost is $170 for an individual shooter or $640 per team of four and includes 50 targets, 50 ammo shots, golf cart, raffle tickets, awards ceremony, breakfast and lunch. 

“Each year of the Clay Shoot has shown increased interest, and this year we are confident we can double the participation in the event,” Bennett said. “It’s also a lot of fun.”

Christian Brothers Automotive of Land ‘O Lakes is this year’s presenting sponsor.  

Any business or individual may get involved by registering a team and by being a Gold Sponsor ($2,750), Silver Sponsor ($1,750) or a Shooting Station Sponsor ($150 for 1 station, $350 for 3 stations). 

Visit anewgenerationclayshoot.com for details about sponsorship opportunities

 

Congregation breaks ground on temple

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Elder Neil L. Andersen, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his wife, Kathy Andersen, greet  the Rev. Glenn Dames, senior pastor at Allen Temple AME Church. Photo courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

 

Kathy Andersen, wife of Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, shares her personal message of Jesus Christ and her ties to the local community. Photo courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

TAMPA – Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, along with government, interfaith and community leaders, gathered Aug. 23 for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Tampa Florida Temple. Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, presided at the event and Elder Brook P. Hales, General Authority Seventy, conducted. The Apostle and longtime Tampa resident offered a dedicatory prayer over the land and all who will be influenced by it.

“We ask that Thou might bless this land and this sacred house once constructed, that it might be a light and strength to the Latter-day Saints and to all the community,” Elder Andersen prayed. “Let our friends and neighbors feel Thy Spirit and increase their faith in Thy Son as they sense what has come to this place.”

The Andersens have deep roots in the Tampa area. Elder Andersen’s wife, Kathy, was born and raised in Florida, much of it in Hillsborough County. They lived in the Tampa area from 1977 to 1993 raising their family, until church service moved them elsewhere.

Sister Andersen reflected on the growth of the church in the Tampa area since she was a young girl where she was taught about Jesus Christ. “I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. I love to listen to His words. ‘Come follow me,’ he said.”

Five hundred members and friends gathered at the 12-acre site at 9445 Camden Field Parkway in Riverview. Among the honored guests were Florida State Representative Michele Rayner, the Rev. Glenn Dames of AME Church and leaders from Metropolitan Ministries.

Major Colleen Handrick, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office; Florida State Representative Michele Rayner; Kathy Andersen; Elder Neil L. Andersen, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Elder Brook P. Hales, General Authority Seventy; and Denise Hales break ground on the site. Photo courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“The temple is going to touch the lives of tens of thousands of people,” said Patrick Davis, Associate Director of Development at Metropolitan Ministries. “I understand the importance of the temple in the community. I do feel very blessed, because we all bring our blessings to this temple.”

Florida is currently home to more than 176,000 Latter-day Saints in nearly 280 congregations. The first congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ was created in 1897. The Tampa Florida Temple will serve more than 27,000 members in and around the Southwest Florida Gulf Coast.

Local members Ikwo and Dinah Ibiam explained that having a temple in the area sends a message that this is a place where people strive to be good.

Latter-day Saints consider each temple a house of the Lord and the most sacred place of worship on earth. Temples differ from the Church’s meetinghouses (chapels). All are welcome to attend Sunday worship services and other weekday activities at local meetinghouses. The primary purpose of temples is for faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ to participate in sacred ceremonies, such as marriages, which unite families forever, and proxy baptisms on behalf of deceased ancestors who did not have the opportunity to be baptized while living.

Business Digest (9/24/25): Florida’s Sports Coast seeks tourism pro

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Florida’s Sports Coast seeks tourism professional

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County’s Destination Management Organization, Florida’s Sports Coast, is seeking a hotel/motel professional to join the Tourist Development Council.

Applications are accepted online through Sept. 30: mypas.co/AdvisoryBoards

The TDC is an advisory council to the Pasco Board of County Commissioners and consists of elected officials and tourism industry professionals. They provide recommendations to the staff of Florida’s Sports Coast on promotional/partnership proposals, marketing opportunities and oversight of tourism tax expenditures, also known as the “bed tax.”

Members serve staggered, four-year terms. They meet monthly, alternating between New Port Richey and Dade City. Applicants must live and be registered to vote in Pasco County. Positions are voluntary, with no financial compensation.

“We continue to move Florida’s Sports Coast into the next chapter of the brand,” Executive Director Adam Thomas said. “We look forward to finding a council member who’s committed to the development and future of Pasco County as a destination.”

 

CSEI expands into Land O’ Lakes 

LAND O’ LAKES – Campbell Spellicy Engineering Inc. opened a new office in Land O’ Lakes, marking a significant step forward in the company’s three-year plan.

The mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering firm specializes in commercial, educational, municipal renovation and new construction projects. Its expansion into Land O’ Lakes strengthens its ability to serve clients across the region, while investing in the people and communities that drive its growth. 

“Our expansion into Land O’ Lakes strengthens CSEI’s ability to deliver people-centered, reliable engineering solutions while deepening our investment in the communities where we live and work,” Principal Kevin Spellicy said. 

The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce welcomed CSEI as an official member. CSEI also supports the Pasco Education Foundation.

On the web: campbellspellicy.com

 

CareerSource Tampa Bay to host fall job fair 

TAMPA – CareerSource Tampa Bay will host a Career Connect Fall Job Fair in celebration of Workforce Development Month.

This job fair takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 25 at the EpiCenter at St. Petersburg College,  13805 58th St. N., Clearwater. Register in advance at https://careersourcetampabay.com/events/career-connect-fall-job-fair/.

Attendees can expect to find over 200 job openings across various industries, including healthcare, technology, hospitality and finance. Job seekers can engage with hiring managers, network with industry professionals and participate in on-the-spot interviews for select positions. Bring multiple copies of your resume.

“Workforce Development Month is the perfect time to highlight the resources and opportunities available to both job seekers and businesses in our community,” said Maria Suarez, business development manager. “The Career Connect Fall Job Fair is a direct reflection of our mission to build a skilled workforce and support local businesses.”

 

CUTLINE

The Tampa sign on Water Street near The Florida Aquarium took on a bold makeover, featuring colorful fish, a lemur and an otter. The new design highlights Tampa’s role in wildlife and conservation and reflects the aquarium’s impactL “It stays with you,” reminding guests that the memories of a visit linger long after they leave. Photo courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

 

Tampa makes a splash for zoo conference

TAMPA – Downtown Tampa welcomed nearly 3,000 zoo and aquarium professionals for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Annual Conference.

The conference, held Sept. 13 to 18 at the Tampa Convention Center, was hosted by The Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa at Lowry Park and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. 

Tampa is one of only three U.S. cities with three AZA-accredited facilities. The city last welcomed the conference in 2006. This year’s event was expected to bring more than $4.5 million into the local economy.

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host orientation, Economic Development Briefing and Final Friday.

  • New members go through an orientation session to learn about membership benefits from 9 to 10 a.m. Sept. 24 at North Tampa Bay Chamber, Wiregrass Mall, 28329 Paseo Drive, Suite #195, Wesley Chapel. Register in advance. 
  • Leaders at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital talk about health care in the Tampa Bay area during the chamber’s Economic Development Briefing from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 24 at Pasco Hernando State College – Porter Campus (third floor conference room), 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Members pay $25. Others pay $30. Register in advance. 
  • Members let loose during Final Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 26 at Bubba’s 33, 26340 Silver Maple Pkwy., Wesley Chapel. 

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

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host Chamber of Tap and the New Port Richey Brochure Exchange.

  • Members exchange company literature during New Port Richey Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 25 at Catered By VESH, 5811 Richey Drive, Port Richey. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Food costs $15. Register in advance. 
  • The chamber holds networking and a ribbon cutting for up to 10 member businesses during Chamber of Tap from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 25 at Residence Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway at NorthPointe Village, 2101 Northpointe Pkwy., Lutz. Members get in free. Guests pay $25. Register in advance. 

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

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host Coffee & Networking events. 

  • Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Sept. 26 at the chamber’s Zephyrhills location, 38550 5th Ave., or 8 to 9 a.m. Sept. 30 at the chamber’s Dade City location, 14112 8th St. Register in advance. 

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

Mom of three obtains more stable housing

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Lashundranette Sanders (left) is grateful for the community support in helping build her new home. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough

TAMPA – Lashundranette Sanders spent years raising her three children in a crowded, termite-ridden house, where temperatures inside often rivaled the Florida heat outside. 

To make matters worse, police were at times called to respond to gunfire in the neighborhood. 

Despite working as a billing specialist at an insurance company, finding safe, affordable housing remained out of reach. All that changed when Lashundranette and her family received the keys to their newly built Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough home in East Tampa. Volunteers, community supporters and Habitat leaders celebrated the home’s dedication.

“I have wanted a home of our own for as long as I can remember. Home means mine, ours, us,” Lashundranette said. “I knew that with hard work and determination, I could apply and get a home and still be able to support my kids. I have been telling them: ‘Give momma some time, and we will have a home to call our own.’”

Habitat homeowners and their families invest hundreds of “sweat equity” hours helping build homes, volunteering at events, and working at Habitat’s ReStore home improvement store. Mortgage payments fit the family’s budget and never exceed 30% of the homeowner’s income.

“In Tampa Bay, the shortage of affordable housing is real,” said Tina Forcier, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough. “But when families secure a safe, stable home they can afford, it transforms everything: their sense of security, their ability to thrive and their hope for the future.”

Lashundranette had a message for the volunteers who helped build her new home.

“I cannot thank you enough,” she said. “This home is a dream come true and will always be what I have wanted for life.”

 

Health & Wellness (9/24/25): Pasco Extension kicks off wellness program

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Pasco Extension kicks off wellness program

PASCO COUNTY –  UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County is now offering Let’s Walk Florida, a six-week online program designed to improve your health through physical activity.  

Walk or exercise anywhere you choose, while tracking your progress for accountability and support through a virtual community.

Walking reduces the risk of heart disease and some cancers, improves blood pressure, blood sugar levels, energy, mood and more. Everyone is welcome to participate in the program aimed at promoting physical wellness among Floridians.

The program spans from Sept. 29 to Nov. 12. Register by Sept. 29 at mypas.co/LetsWalkFlorida2025 

Choose from health and maintenance tracks within the program, including optional Wednesday check-ins with dietitians and personal trainers, while pursuing goals on your own time. 

Program registration costs $10. All ages are welcome. Team up with friends, register solo or ask to be matched with a group. Then get ready to compete for prizes and connect with others in the community.

 

Pasco County opens Dade City Senior Center

DADE CITY – Pasco County Senior Services has opened the new Dade City Senior Center.

“We love our senior community,” said Brian Hoben, community services director. “The new look and location opens the door for our seniors looking for a convenient place to engage with others in food, fun and fellowship.”

The Dade City Senior Center operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 13900 4th St., Dade City. It replaces the 15th Street location in Dade City.

Adults 60 and older can register for activities and a free weekday meal by calling 352-521-5151. 

The center offers several activities, including arts and crafts, bingo, birthday celebrations, games, holiday celebrations, karaoke, live entertainment and volunteering.

On the web: mypas.co/SeniorServices.

 

Hospital offers breastfeeding, newborn support 

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers free in-person support groups and classes during October about breastfeeding and newborn care. 

The events are open to all no matter which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your baby. All events are 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. Offered Thursdays, Oct. 9 and 23, 10 to 11 a.m.
  • Understanding Your Newborn: Provides information to the expectant mother and one support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. Offered Thursday, Oct. 9, 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Understanding Breastfeeding: Provides information to the expectant mother and her support person about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, tips for returning to work and when to call a health care provider or lactation consultant. Offered Thursday, Oct. 23, 1 to 5 p.m.

 

BayCare makes workplace ranking

CLEARWATER – Great Place To Work and Fortune magazine have selected BayCare Health System for the 2025 Fortune Best Workplaces in Health Care list, ranking No. 22 in the large category. 

This marks BayCare’s ninth consecutive year earning a spot on the national list.

“To be named one of the best workplaces in the health care industry for nine straight years is not only an incredible honor, but a powerful validation of our people-first approach to health care,” said Stephanie Conners, BayCare president and CEO. “I’m so proud of our team members for making BayCare the best place to work, receive and provide care.”

Great Place To Work determines its lists using its proprietary Trust Index Survey to evaluate and certify thousands of organizations. 

 

AdventHealth hospital earns Best Hospitals Award

DAVENPORT – AdventHealth Heart of Florida in Davenport has been named among U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Hospitals edition as a High Performing hospital for Knee Replacement. 

This is the highest distinction a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings. It is the second year in a row that AdventHealth Heart of Florida earned this award.

“This distinction reflects the dedication of our entire care teams and their commitment to delivering exceptional orthopedic care and ensuring our patients receive the highest quality outcomes to help live pain-free, active lives,” said Dr. Angela Alfaro, interim chief medical officer.

 

BayCare building emergency care facility

CLEARWATER – BayCare is expanding access to its emergency care with plans to build a new freestanding emergency department in Davenport.

The 12,000-square-foot facility at the southeast corner of U.S. 27 and Ridgewood Lakes Boulevard will house 15 spaces for treating patients.

In September 2024, BayCare announced plans for a freestanding emergency department in partnership with Metro Development Group’s master-planned Connected City community in Wesley Chapel, followed in December by plans for another location in South Lakeland. Last month, BayCare also unveiled plans for a facility in Valrico.

“At a freestanding emergency department, we can often see patients within just a few minutes of their arrival,” said Todd Jones, BayCare’s chief strategy officer and chief ambulatory services officer. “We know that patients are seeking out that level of convenience and efficiency for their care.”

The Davenport freestanding emergency department will have its primary affiliation with Winter Haven Hospital. 

Construction of the freestanding emergency department in Davenport is slated to begin in 2026.

 

Bill seeks to reauthorize transplant programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) was part of a bipartisan group of lawmakers to introduce legislation to reauthorize more than $280 million over five years for national cord blood and bone marrow transplant programs.

These initiatives provide lifesaving treatments for patients with leukemia, lymphoma and other serious diseases. The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 5160) ensures two federally funded programs do not expire at the end of Fiscal Year 2026. Specifically, the bill would:

  • Reauthorize the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program at $33 million annually for five years.
  • Reauthorize the National Cord Blood Inventory at $23 million annually for five years.

“These programs represent our nation’s unwavering commitment to advancing life-saving medical research and providing hope to millions of Americans battling chronic and life-threatening illnesses,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “By reauthorizing this legislation, we ensure continued federal support and oversight for adult stem cell research conducted under the highest ethical and scientific standards.”

 

Chalk Talk (9/24/25):University points to resources for birthworkers

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Raising Phoenix Temple University points to resources

WESLEY CHAPEL – Raising Phoenix Temple University held a free public workshop Sept. 16 at SMARTstart – The Grove at Wesley Chapel to help residents secure tuition support for doula certification and other vocational training programs. 

“People with a calling to serve as birthworkers or community wellness professionals often assume education is out of reach,” said Sheree D. Williams, principal chief and founding mother of RPTU. “Our goal is to show them that practical funding paths exist and how to use them.” 

RPTU is recognized by the Florida Department of Education’s Commission of Independent Education and accredited by the International Metaphysical Practitioners Association. 

The university offers live, online, and on-demand programs designed to provide flexibility for modern learners. 

Both RPTU and Williams are active members of SMARTstart, Pasco County’s entrepreneur and business incubator program, furthering their commitment to local economic development and community education. 

On the web: therptu.com  

 

Venue welcomes field trips

LAND O’ LAKES – Looking for a fun and engaging field trip where your students can discover a world of sustainable innovation and sustainable living, witness regenerative agriculture, renewable energy and recycling? Consider Rosebud Continuum, located at 22843 Hale Road. 

Rosebud Continuum provides an environmental science-focused field trip for students in grades K-12, where they learn about diverse topics regarding sustainability. Demonstration projects are available for each topic.

Rosebud’s living laboratories provide students with authentic learning experiences that connect academic concepts to real-world environmental challenges and solutions.

Field trips can be tailored to specific topics to enhance a grade’s curriculum. 

Email for details.

On the web: rosebudcontinuum.net

 

Students can enter Florida Bar competition

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Bar has launched its annual High School Appellate Brief Writing & Moot Court Competition, giving students a chance to gain firsthand experience in law and advocacy. 

Sponsored by the Bar’s Law Related Education Committee, the event is open to teams statewide who draft briefs and present arguments on a fictitious case. 

“This event not only provides an in-depth understanding of legal processes but also enhances critical thinking, research and public speaking skills,” said C. Erica White, competition subcommittee chair. 

Top teams will argue before the Florida Supreme Court.

Register at floridabar.org/flmootcourt

 

Student Achievement

  • Oumoukalcoum Seini Tahirou, of Lutz, earned the Master of Science in Psychology from Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia. 

Tampa Theatre’s Halloween series turns lucky 13

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Tampa Theatre offers way more than a few screenings of scary movies during the Halloween season. Photo courtesy of Tampa Theatre

TAMPA – Not to sound superstitious, but it doesn’t get much luckier than bringing back Tampa Theatre’s signature Halloween series, A Nightmare on Franklin Street, for its 13th year.

To celebrate, the theater will host an all-new lineup of classic horror films, creepy cult favorites, “Mummy & Me” family-friendly films, live shows and ghost tours on select dates all month long.

 

Ghosts of Tampa Theatre Tours

Who was the man in seat 308? Where did Robert Lanier tear his final ticket? And what has led to Tampa Theatre being known as one of the most haunted buildings in town? 

Hear stories of Tampa Theatre’s ghostly guests, preternatural patrons and eternal employees in a two-hour tour. Tickets cost $15 for general admission (free for theater members) at these times: 

  • 10 a.m. Oct. 2, 16 and 30.
  • 10 a.m. Oct. 3, 24 and 31.
  • 2 p.m. Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27.
  • 10 a.m. Oct. 7.
  • 2 p.m. Oct. 8, 22 and 29.
  • 10 a.m. Oct. 25.

Guests who want to go beyond the stories and explore Tampa Theatre’s supernatural claims for themselves will have the opportunity to review previously collected video, photo and audio evidence, experiment with professional-grade equipment and investigate alongside the experienced researchers from Genesis Paranormal Services during the Late Night, Lights Off Paranormal Investigation at 10 p.m. Oct. 17. Tickets cost $50 ($40 for theater members).

 

Stage & scream … er screen

This year’s Nightmare series schedule offers three opportunities to witness spooky stories told live on Tampa Theatre’s historic stage:

  • On Oct. 18, Hokus Pokus Live! conjures up a wickedly spoopy, fully scripted theatrical experience at 8 p.m. starring Ginger Minj (global drag superstar, actress, comedian, singer and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” icon), Jujubee (“RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “DRAG: The Musical”), and Sapphira Cristál (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”) as the legendary Sanderson Sisters and featuring Landon Cider (“Dragula”) as Billy. With hauntingly hilarious comedy, powerhouse vocals and a dash of magic, this live spectacle brings the cult classic to the stage like never before. Tickets start at $59.50 plus applicable taxes and fees. This show is limited to adults.
  • Victorian Horror Troupe Phantasmagoria returns to Tampa Theatre at 2 p.m. Oct. 26 with a very special journey through the tales of iconic artist and author Edward Gorey in celebration of his 100th birthday year! Hauntingly whimsical tales like “The Gilded Bat” and “The Gashlycrumb Tinies” come to life through Phantasmagoria’s signature blend of storytelling, dance, puppetry, projections and original music. The show is recommended for ages 8 and older. Tickets cost $30 ($20 for theater members).
  • Cozy up under the movie palace’s iconic star-lit sky for an evening of Campfire Stories at 7 p.m. Oct. 28. The Suncoast Storytellers are back with a family-friendly program of PG tales appropriate for all ages (who don’t mind having a chill sent down their spine). Tickets cost $10 for general admission and free for theater members.

 

Mummy & Me

Up on the silver screen, “Mummy & Me” screenings, sponsored by Tampa Electric, give grown-ups the perfect opportunity to bring their young ghouls and goblins to an age-appropriate screening for free. 

Kids 12 and younger get in free. Everybody else pays $10 ($7 for theater members):

  • ”Kiki’s Delivery Service” (1989, Rated G) at 1:45 p.m. Oct. 4.
  • ”Haunted Mansion” (2023, Rated PG-13) at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 5
  • “Scooby-Doo” (2002, Rated PG) at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 19
  • “Hocus Pocus” (1993, Rated PG) at 3 p.m. Oct. 25

 

Specialty Screenings

The series is splattered with plenty of specialty screenings for adults, too, including:

  • A century ago, Lon Chaney made audiences scream out loud with his ghastly visage as the “Phantom of the Opera” (1925). At 7 p.m. Oct. 24, world-renowned soprano Juliet Petrus and Tampa Theatre’s own artist-in-residence, Steven Ball will accompany the silent suspense film with an original score on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ. Tickets cost $14.50 ($11.50 for theater members).
  • The theater welcomes back the Beyond Any Measure shadow cast for two screenings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975) at 7 and 11 p.m. Oct. 25. Audience participation is encouraged, but leave the sticky/drippy props at home. Tickets cost $15 ($12 for theater members).
  • Once you’ve experienced “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” – be it for the first or 1,001st time – on Saturday night, come back Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. to learn where it all began. “Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror” (2025) is a joyful and wild ride through the tale of the cultural juggernaut. From its humble origins as a London fringe theater play, the new documentary tracks its meteoric rise, fall and resurrection to become the biggest cult film of all time, with intimate access to its creator Richard O’Brien and other major players such as Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Lou Adler. Tickets cost $12 ($9 for theater members).
  • October’s Big Picture series puts on its Halloween costume with Science Fiction Creature Feature films like “The Invisible Man,” “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” “Frankenstein,” “Doctor X” and “Forbidden Planet” every Wednesday evening. There are also anniversary screenings of “Prom Night” and “Scary Movie,” classic titles like “The Birds,” “Clue” and “An American Werewolf in London,” modern favorites like “Teen Witch,” “Tales from the Hood” and “The Conjuring,” and more – a total of 62 soul-shattering show times over the month-long series.

Times, titles and tickets are available now at the historic Franklin Street Box Office and online

at TampaTheatre.org/nightmare.

 

Woman’s club shows sweet gesture during 9/11

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Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club members gather outside Old Lutz School. Photo courtesy of Pennee Bowen
  • 003: Firefighters from Land O’ Lakes Fire Rescue Station 23 join Nancy Taylor in showing off their snack baskets. Photo courtesy of Pennee Bowen

 

 

Michelle Haskins, Nancy Taylor, Dee Knerr, Jean Olsen, Madeline McCulloh, Darlene Choe, Edna Gordon and Beth Nevel-Rader show off the snack baskets. Photo courtesy of Pennee Bowen

LUTZ – The Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club honored first responders on Sept. 11 and remembered those lost Sept. 11, 2001 by waving flags in front of the Old Lutz School.

As part of a Civic Engagement Community Service Project, the club assembled eight snack baskets from member donations. These baskets were delivered to local fire stations in Lutz and Land O’ Lakes in appreciation of their dedicated service to the community.  

 

Pasco County Public Works earns national recognition

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PASCO COUNTY – From filling potholes to cleaning coastlines, Pasco County’s Public Works team keeps the community running smoothly – so much so that it has earned national recognition.
The American Public Works Association has accredited Pasco County’s team. Pasco is only the seventh of Florida’s 67 counties to achieve this honor.
“This is transformational for Pasco County Public Works,” Director Jason Mickel said. “This APWA accreditation confirms the department has implemented the necessary tools and requirements to help us maintain the infrastructure that everyone in Pasco relies on every day.”
The accreditation requires departments to meet high standards in operations, planning and service delivery. It opens the door to top-tier education and training programs, along with access to a national network of public works professionals sharing the latest technologies and management strategies.
Assistant County Administrator Branford Adumuah launched the three-year accreditation journey during his previous tenure as public works director.
“This is an outstanding accomplishment for our public works team,” Adumuah said. “It’s an in-depth process, and we’re incredibly proud of our team’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in making Pasco County a great place to work and live.”
Pasco’s APWA accreditation is valid for four years, with semiannual updates required to ensure ongoing compliance and continued excellence.
On the web: mypas.co/publicworks