Local News

CLEARWATER – As thousands of new residents continue to relocate to the Tampa Bay region each year, demand for professional moving services is growing alongside the area’s population. 

With nearly 124,000 additional residents projected to move to the region by 2026, according to the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, 2 College Brothers Moving & Storage is investing in a new training facility and expanded office space at its Clearwater headquarters to help meet the area’s growing workforce and moving needs.

Slated for completion in late July, the new facility will have a grand opening in fall 2026. It will feature a fully furnished one-bedroom model home inside the company’s office. 

Rather than learning solely in customers’ homes, new movers will be able to practice real-world moving techniques in a controlled environment before handling a family’s belongings.

“The first time a new employee experiences a home move should never be the first time they handle someone’s heirloom furniture or baby grand piano,” said Wade Swikle, CEO of 2 College Brothers Moving & Storage. “Customers deserve a team that has already developed those skills before they arrive.”

Swikle said the concept addresses one of the moving industry’s biggest areas of growth, which is that right now new employees at moving companies nationwide gain their first hands-on experience while moving customers’ most valuable possessions. Inside the new interactive training apartment, employees will learn how to properly protect furniture, navigate tight spaces, safeguard floors and walls, and work together as a professional moving team before entering a customer’s home.

The realistic setting allows trainers to coach employees through common moving scenarios without the pressure or risk of working inside a customer’s residence.

In addition to the hands-on training facility, Swikle co-founded Titan Up Training, an online education platform that includes “2 College Brothers University.” Titan Up Training is designed to help moving companies develop more skilled, consistent teams while enhancing their branding and procedures.

The platform also teaches other companies nationwide professional moving techniques to avoid injuries or damaging customer items, as well as courses on employee conduct, professionalism, moving terms, safety and procedures.

As more people relocate to the Tampa Bay region, Swikle believes companies must invest not only in trucks and equipment, but also in the people responsible for serving customers.

“We’re growing because Tampa Bay is growing,” Swikle said. “As more families choose to make this area home, it’s our responsibility to make sure we have well-trained professionals ready to serve them.”

On the web: 2CollegeBrothers.com

LAND O’ LAKES – The Moffitt Cancer Center dedicated the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Proton Center at Speros on July 23 during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The center features the ProteusONE proton therapy system, which delivers precise radiation treatment that targets tumors while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. 

“We are bringing the most advanced technology, the ProteusONE, in the Tampa Bay area,” said Kosj Yamoah, chair of Moffitt’s radiation oncology department. “We’re going to be able to treat people within Florida and across the world with cutting-edge technology that is destined to treat cancer effectively”

The center was made possible through a $15 million gift from Best Buy founder Dick Schulze and the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation.

Josh Carpenter, president of Speros, said the campus’s infrastructure and talent position it as a leader in America’s developing biotech economy. 

 

DADE CITY – Understanding how taxpayer dollars are managed should not be difficult. 

That’s why the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office publishes Common Cents, the office’s Popular Annual Financial Report, also known as the PAFR.

The annual report gives Pasco County residents a clear, easy-to-read overview of the county’s financial activity. Common Cents is designed to help citizens better understand where public dollars come from, where they go and how they support county services.

“Have you ever wondered where your tax dollars are going and what county leaders are doing with those dollars?” asked Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Pasco County clerk and comptroller. “Common Cents puts that information right at your fingertips in a way that is accessible, transparent and easy to understand.”

Alvarez-Sowles’ office plays a vital role in Pasco County’s financial operations, handling financial transactions that range from purchasing to payroll. The office also prepares several financial reports each year to provide accountability and oversight for county government.

Common Cents takes information from more detailed financial documents and presents it in a simplified format for the public. The report includes helpful charts, summaries and explanations that allow residents to review the county’s financial picture without needing a background in accounting or government finance.

“Common Cents gives residents a simplified look at the county’s finances without requiring them to sort through more technical financial documents,” said Matt Lazar, financial services director. “It is designed to be informative, transparent and easy to follow.”

The Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office has been recognized for 42 consecutive years for excellence in financial reporting.

“We are proud of the work our team does to ensure the public has access to accurate financial information,” Alvarez-Sowles said. “Common Cents is one more way we help citizens stay informed about their county government.”

View Common Cents at https://www.pascoclerk.com/Archive.aspx?ADID=2569.

 

TAMPA – Chief Deputy Tax Collector Jennifer Castro has been selected to join the Tampa Bay Chamber’s Leadership Tampa Class of 2027, according to the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office.

Castro is one of just 50 individuals chosen from hundreds of applicants for the 56th class of the program, presented in partnership with the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

Castro serves as second-in-command and chief of staff to elected Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan, providing strategic and operational leadership across an organization of more than 400 employees serving over 1 million customers annually at 10 service locations. The office oversees a $54 million budget, close to $4 billion in annual collections, and more than 2.5 million annual transactions.

“I am so proud to see Jennifer selected for this incredible program,” Millan said. “Her leadership has been instrumental in helping our office reach new levels of service and innovation, and I know she will represent HCTC well. I’m honored to support her on this journey and excited to see the impact she will continue to make, both within our organization and across our community.”

Castro brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in government administration, human resources and operations to her role. Since joining the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office in 2001, she has held positions spanning customer service, executive administration, strategic planning, organizational development and human resources, having served under two elected tax collectors before rising to her current position in 2021. 

Her tenure has included leading the office to Florida Governor’s Sterling Award recognition in 2008, 2011 and 2025, and helping expand public access to services through initiatives such as the opening of the MacDill Air Force Base satellite office, the Downtown Express Center, Student Saturdays and the office’s mobile services programs.

Leadership Tampa participants join a network of local leaders spanning more than 50 years of program alumni. 

“I am honored to be selected as part of the Leadership Tampa Class of 2027,” Castro said. “I look forward to learning alongside such an accomplished group of leaders from across our region, broadening my perspective, and building relationships that will help me better serve the residents of Hillsborough County.”

 

In Good Company

Jennifer Castro is among 50 business leaders accepted into the Leadership Tampa Class of 2007. Here are a few more leaders: 

• Cecile Bare, senior vice president at Private Relationship Manager at The Bank of Tampa
• Nellie Fidura, vice president of guest and member relations at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Lauren Watts, applications director at BayCare Health System
• Kim Northup Wright, president and CEO of Senior Connection Center Inc.
• Fred Hicks, CEO of The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County
• Taylor Johnston, president and CEO of USF Institute of Applied Engineering

Learn more at tampabaychamber.com.

ZEPHYRHILLS – Monin plans to purchase 70 acres of the Zephyrhills Airport Industrial Park Ready Site in the City of Zephyrhills.

The company, which provides flavoring products for creating specialty beverages and elevated culinary solutions, is expecting to invest over $100 million in a new facility where it will produce and distribute its product across the U.S.

“As we evaluated potential sites for our new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, we prioritized locations with a pro-business environment and a growing talent pool,” Monin CEO Bill Lombardo said. “Zephyrhills emerged as the ideal choice. With established food and beverage leaders like Zephyrhills Bottled Water and Bauducco Foods already calling the area home, we knew we were joining the right community. The Monin team is thrilled to expand our operations in Pasco County and bring even more quality jobs to the region.”

Greg Grabau, chief financial officer for Monin, described the decision as the “result of a disciplined process.”

“We assessed 10 candidate sites across four states before Zephyrhills rose to the top on labor availability, site readiness and long-term manufacturing potential,” Grabau said. “Its proximity to our original Clearwater facility is also a meaningful advantage as we ramp up, allowing both locations to share expertise and best practices.”

Duke Energy and Pasco EDC previously partnered to evaluate and market Zephyrhills Airport Industrial Park through two separate site evaluation programs.

“Monin’s investment is about much more than a new manufacturing facility; it’s about building long-term prosperity for our community. This project validates years of collaboration between Pasco EDC, Pasco County, the City of Zephyrhills, Duke Energy and our partners at the state to prepare and market competitive industrial sites,” said Bill Cronin, president and CEO of Pasco EDC. “The result is high-quality jobs, significant private investment and an expanded local and state tax base that will generate economic benefits for years to come.”

Grabau said Monin plans to hire more than 100 employees and invest more than $111 million in the initial phase.

The City of Zephyrhills recently approved incentives totaling $3,289,372. The incentive package is based on the company creating 100 new full-time positions which will have average annual wages of at least $46,760.

The city’s approved incentive package includes waiving or reimbursing transportation impact fees up to $252,750 and permit fees up to $435,060. Additionally, they will provide a job creation cash grant equal to the amount of 50% of ad valorem city property taxes for Years 1-5 and 25% for Years 6-10.

“The momentum in Zephyrhills continues to grow,” Zephyrhills Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson said. “Following several major investments in our industrial corridor, we’re proud to welcome Monin, Inc. as another globally recognized company choosing to invest in our community. At the City of Zephyrhills, we invite businesses to ‘Jump Right In,’ and Monin has done exactly that. Their decision to locate here reflects the strength of our workforce, our strategic location and our commitment to creating an environment where businesses can thrive. This investment will create quality jobs, strengthen our local economy, and reinforce that Zephyrhills is a place where opportunity springs.”

Construction is projected to generate 564 job-years locally and $148.4 million in economic output through 2026. Once the facility is fully operational, it’s anticipated to support 173 ongoing jobs and contribute $53.9 million in annual output. Beyond the immediate impact, the project will provide steady tax revenues for Pasco (about $1.09 million during construction and roughly $260,000 each year afterward) creating ongoing value for the community.

“Monin’s decision to invest here is a tremendous win for Pasco County,” Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley said. “This project brings high-quality jobs, new opportunities for our residents and continues the momentum we’re seeing across the Zephyrhills area. We’re proud to welcome Monin to our community.”

July 22

Handwork Circle

Land O’ Lakes Library offers Handwork Circle, a program intended for adults and teens who have previous handwork experience. Bring a project and meet with others who enjoy crocheting, knitting, counted cross stitch or hand sewing. All Makerspace programs require closed-toe shoes and a completed waiver. 813-929-1214

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

Baby Storytime

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

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

Storytime

Regency Park Library hosts a Storytime for children in early literacy stages. 727-861-3049

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

Preschool Storytime

Children, ages 3-5, listen to stories and songs during Preschool Storytime at Hugh Embry Library. 352-567-3576

10:15-10:45 a.m. or 11 a.m.-noon; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

Chair Yoga

Zephyrhills Public Library offers a chair yoga class. Call 813-780-0064 to register.

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

Ingenuity Lab

Hugh Embry Library offers an Ingenuity Lab for students in kindergarten through fifth grade with materials and activities that encourage children to create and explore. Waivers must be signed beforehand. 352-567-3576

2:30-7 p.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

Chess Club

New River Library hosts Chess Master-rated coach Rick McKnight for lessons and games. The program is geared for grades 4-12. Intermediate and advanced players can play from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Beginners can play from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Registration required. 813-788-6375

3:30-5:30 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

Mat Yoga

Zephyrhills Public Library invites adults to join instructor Michelle Mack for a mat yoga session. Bring a mat.  813-780-0064

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

Chess Club

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

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

Conversation Corner

Improve reading, writing and speaking with tutor support at Land O’ Lakes Library. 813-929-1214

6-7:30 p.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

Conversation Corner

Trained tutors help adults improve English reading, writing and speaking skills at Wesley Chapel Library. Designed for ESL learners and those wanting to build literacy skills. 352-518-5064

6-7:30 p.m.; 27531 Mystic Oak Blvd., Wesley Chapel

Book Club

The Ales and Tales Book Club discusses “Deacon King Kong” by James McBride at In the Loop Brewing. The club is recommended for ages 21 and older. 813-929-1214

6-7 p.m.; 3338 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

 

July 23

Woodworking

Land O’ Lakes Library invites adults (or youth 9+ with guardian) to use Makerspace tools for approved projects. Bring your own plans and materials. Closed-toe shoes and completed Foundry Waiver & Safety Playbook forms required. Registration required. 813-929-1214

9-10:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.-noon, noon-1:30 p.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

Storytime Fun!

Zephyrhills Public Library invites toddlers and preschoolers for a fun, interactive storytime filled with reading, singing and dancing. 813-780-0064

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

Preschool Storytime

Land O’ Lakes Library invites ages 3-5 and their caregivers for stories and songs. 813-929-1214

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

Preschool Storytime

Regency Park Library invites ages 3-5 and their caregivers for stories, songs and activities. 727-861-3049

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

Ingenuity Lab

Students in grades K-5  work on open art projects during Ingenuity Lab: Hot Air Balloon at Hugh Embry Library. 352-567-3576

2:30-5 p.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

Mat Yoga

Zephyrhills Public Library invites adults to join instructor Michelle Mack for a mat yoga session. Bring a mat. The library does not provide one. 813-780-0064

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

Yarn for a Cause

New River Library invites yarn enthusiasts to a weekly gathering to share projects, tips and conversation. 813-788-6375

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

 

July 24

Toddler Storytime

Land O’ Lakes Library presents stories and songs for toddlers ages 1-2 and caregivers. 813-929-1214

9:45-10:05 a.m., 10:15-10:35 a.m. and 11:15-11:35 a.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

Conversation Corner

Hugh Embry Library invites adults learning English, or English speakers seeking to improve, for practice with trained tutors. 352-567-3576

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

Escape Room

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center offers an escape room, Escape the Museum, for ages 9 and older. The escape room happens hourly. Register in advance at pascolibraries.libnet.info.

10:15 a.m.-5 p.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

Ingenuity Lab

Hugh Embry Library allows children to create crafts  at its makerspace. Waivers required. 352-567-3576

10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

Ukulele Jam

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

1-3 p.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

Spill the Tea Book Club

Zephyrhills Public Library hosts a discussion of “Home Sweet Homicide” by Craig Rice. Call 813-780-0064 for details.

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

 

July 25

Back to School

The Church at Myrtle Lake hosts its annual Back to School Drive Thru for children in kindergarten through high school. Free backpacks and school supplies will be distributed while supplies last. myrtlelake.org

9-11 a.m.; 2017 Reigler Road, Land O’ Lakes

Free Art Closet

Centennial Park Library opens its community art supply closet with free materials including beads, yarn, paint and brushes. Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Sponsored by Friends of the Library and community donations. Register in advance at pascolibraries.libnet.info.

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

Supersized Storytime

Land O’ Lakes Library hosts a storytime with stories, songs and dance. 813-929-1214

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

Escape Room

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center offers an escape room, Escape the Museum, for ages 9 and older. The escape room happens hourly. Register in advance at pascolibraries.libnet.info.

10:15 a.m.-5 p.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

Conversation Corner

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center hosts casual conversation practice for adults. Supplies provided. 727-815-7126

3-4:30 p.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

Conversation Corner

Trained tutors help English as a second language learners and English-speaking learners with English reading, writing and speaking skills at New River Library. Call 813-788-6375 to register.

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

Christmas in July

The GFWC Woman’s Club of Zephyrhills hosts a Christmas in July boutique, bake sale and community day in downtown Zephyrhills. Visit boutique vendors and buy baked goods. gfwcwomansclubofzephyrhills.com

4-9 p.m.; 38545 5th Ave., Zephyrhills

Lakeside Market

Lakeside Market offers vendors, craft beer, mimosas, food truck and music at In the Loop Brewing. intheloopbrewingcompany.com

6-10 p.m.; 3338 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

 

July 26

Tampa Theatre

Tampa Theatre’s Big Picture series screens the PG-13-rated film “Little Women” at Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. 727-815-7126

2-5 p.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

July 27

Handwork Circle

Land O’ Lakes Library offers Handwork Circle, a program intended for adults and teens who have handwork experience. Bring a project and meet with others who enjoy crocheting, knitting, counted cross stitch or hand sewing. All Makerspace programs require closed-toe shoes and a waiver. 813-929-1214

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

Baby Storytime

Ms. Becky leads stories and songs during Baby Storytime at Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. 727-815-7126

10:15-10:50 or 11-11:45 a.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

Ingenuity Lab

Hugh Embry Library offers an Ingenuity Lab with materials and activities that encourage children to create and explore. Waivers must be signed beforehand. 352-567-3576

10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

July 28

Medicare/Medicaid

Adults get help applying for the QMB state buy-in program to help pay for Medicare part B premium. Help is also available for applying for Medicaid and food stamps. Call José Rodríguez at 813-420-3013 for details.

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

TAMPA – The Tampa Museum of Art recently opened “Mysteries of the Nile: Ancient Egypt” in partnership with the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada.

The exhibition brings together a selection of artifacts drawn from the Royal Ontario Museum’s world-renowned Egyptian holdings alongside select pieces from the Tampa Museum of Art’s own permanent collection and private collectors. The works explore the Nile, pharaohs, gods, daily life, the afterlife and thousands of years of ancient Egyptian history.

“Making world-class collections accessible to everyone is at the heart of what we do at the Tampa Museum of Art, and this partnership is one of the finest expressions of that mission,” said Tom Hochhausler, the Penny and Jeff Vinik Interim Executive Director of the Tampa Museum of Art. “Our recently renovated galleries now allow us to present these extraordinary artifacts alongside treasures from our own permanent collection in a way that simply wasn’t possible before. We are deeply grateful to the ROM for their generosity, vision and trust in us as a collaborator.”

The exhibit will be on display through June 2028.

 

Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market staying busy this summer

GULFPORT – The Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market continues to be a great spot for finding unique items.

Discover wonderful treasures from local artisans and vendors for celebrations, such as Parents’ Day (July 26), National Sisters Day (Aug. 2), Senior Citizens Day (Aug. 21), summer birthdays and all of life’s special moments.

“The Tuesday Market is Gulfport’s prime spot for discovering truly unique items and supporting our local economy firsthand,” said Scott Linde, president of the Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce. “Whether you’re shopping for fresh goods, handcrafted art or that perfect, one-of-a-kind gift, you’re directly connecting with and uplifting the talented businesses who make our community thrive.”

The Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market is open every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gulfport’s Waterfront District, 3000 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport. Admission is free. Complimentary parking is available throughout the district.

On the web: visitgulfportflorida.com/gulfport-fresh-market

 

Live Oak Theatre announces its 2026-27 Season 

NEW PORT RICHEY – Live Oak Theatre is selling season passes for 2026-27.

Season passes allow patrons to buy multiple passes at a discount that can be used for Main Stage or Youth Theatre productions. The buyer may choose when they wish to attend a show.

Individual seats for each show cost $25 for adults, $10 for children 13 and under with the purchase of an adult seat. Season passes start at $70 for adults and $25 for children. 

The upcoming season includes: 

Main Stage Play

• “The Diary of Anne Frank” – Sept. 11-13, 2026

Main Stage Musical Productions

• “Anastasia” – Oct. 9-11, 16-18 and 23-25, 2026
• “My Fair Lady” – April 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18, 2027

Youth Theatre Musical Productions

• “Annie Jr.” – Nov. 12-15 and 19-22, 2026
• “Bye Bye Birdie Jr.” – May 6-9 and 13-16, 2027.

Youth Theatre Plays

• “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Jr.” – Dec. 10-13, 2026
• “The Hobbit Jr.” – March 19-21, 2027
• “A Little Princess Jr.” – May 27-30, 2027

Live Oak Theatre Company is located at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Go to liveoaktheatre.org/current-production to reserve seating. 

 

Sun-Ray Cinema announces summer pricing 

TAMPA – Sun-Ray Cinema is offering low prices on movies this summer. 

Regular screenings cost $5 Monday through Wednesday through Aug. 31. Sun-Ray also offers $8 matinees and $10 adult tickets Thursday through Sunday with more discounts for seniors, students, military, teachers and kids.

Sun-Ray Cinema is located at 12332 University Mall Court. 

On the web: sunraycinema.com

 

McCusker to perform at Tampa Theatre

TAMPA – Comedian Matt McCusker will perform Nov. 7 at Tampa Theatre. 

Known as “The Shaman,” Matt is the co-host of the comedy show “Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast” with Shane Gillis. In his debut Netflix special, “A Humble Offering,” the comedian discussed the homelessness crisis, opined on race relations and supplied best practices for seducing his wife.

As an actor, McCusker has played scene-stealing roles in the Netflix sitcom “Tires” and the hit web series “Gilly & Keeves.” His debut novel, “Overlook: A Story About Drugs, Disappointment, and the American Dream,” is a satirical and unflinching look at a blue-collar community in the throes of a missing person case.

Tickets range from $35.75 to $55.75 plus applicable taxes and fees. 

On the web: TampaTheatre.org

 

 

LAKE PLACID – AdventHealth is partnering with United Way of Central Florida through the United Way End Hunger Initiative to provide access to nutritious food and essential supplies for people living in the Highlands County area.  

AdventHealth employees, United Way representatives and community leaders came together recently at South Oak Church in Lake Placid to distribute more than 10,400 pounds of food and household necessities.

AdventHealth hospitals in Highlands County are fully funding the annual cost for all three United Way of Central Florida End Hunger Sites in the county.

“By coming together as community partners, we can help provide relief, hope and stability for our neighbors during difficult times,” said Jason Dunkel, president and CEO of AdventHealth Sebring, Lake Placid and Wauchula. “We are grateful for the opportunity to support families in our community and connect them with resources that can make a meaningful difference.”

Recent data shows Highlands County’s food insecurity rate is more than 13%, including more than 3,000 children, which is higher than the state average, according to United Way of Central Florida.

The United Way End Hunger Initiative features a large mobile food pantry, aiming to improve food insecurity in Highlands County in partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay. The biweekly distributions at three sites in Highlands County provide nearly 660,000 pounds of food annually to 55,000 residents, including 16,000 families, with the help of more than 2,000 volunteers.

“The hardest part about food insecurity is that so many people struggle with it in silence,” said Shawn Beumel, Highlands County director of United Way of Central Florida. “Our End Hunger sites give them a place where they are welcomed with kindness, and AdventHealth has made that possible. Their support means families leave with more than just groceries. They leave knowing they aren’t alone.”

This food distribution event is one of several held every month in Highlands County to help people in need. Local sites where the food is distributed include: 

• South Oak Church in Lake Placid: Every second and fourth Thursday at 9 a.m.
• Hands for the Homeless in Avon Park: Every first and third Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m.
• First Sebring Methodist Church in Sebring: Every first and third Saturday at 9:30 a.m.

On the web: uwcf.org/initiatives/endhunger/ and adventhealth.com