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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Local News

Goal Getter: Doctor honored for mission work

September 3, 2025 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Dr. Rainer Chan was recognized for his commitment to global medical mission work. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
Dr. Rainer Chan joined a team of AdventHealth clinical and non-clinical members on a mission trip to the Galápagos Islands. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

TAMPA – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers recognized Dr. Rainer Chan as a Goal Getter during the Aug. 24 game for his dedication to medical mission work that brings hope and healing to underserved communities around the world.

Dr. Chan most recently joined a team of AdventHealth clinical and non-clinical members on a mission trip to the Galápagos Islands, where they cared for more than 1,000 patients ranging from infants to seniors.

“I love going on these mission trips, not only to provide service and helping others but seeing how things are done in other countries teaches me a lot as well,” said Chan, who serves as chief medical officer for AdventHealth Riverview. “So it goes both ways, where we are out there helping them, but they are also helping us.”

Through global missions, AdventHealth team members provide important health care services, supplies and education in communities with limited access to care, working to fulfill the organization’s mission of “extending the healing ministry of Christ.”

Ybor City Historical Society to host soiree  

September 2, 2025 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

YBOR CITY, FL – The Ybor City Historical Society is excited to take Tampa Bay back in time with its third annual celebration of Ybor City history with ¡VIVA!: Speakeasy Soiree.

¡VIVA! pays tribute to the rich, vibrant history of Ybor, while also showcasing some of the local flavors that helped found the city and make Tampa what it is today.

¡VIVA! transports guests back to Ybor City in the 1920s when the cigar industry and social scene were booming, and prohibition wasn’t slowing anyone down. This costume-optional, all-inclusive event will give patrons a taste of history, all in support of the Ybor City Historical Society, dedicated to preserving, promoting and celebrating Ybor’s unique cultural heritage.

¡VIVA! will feature live entertainment, including a live band and a 1920s dance performance by the HCC Ybor City Campus. It will also take guests back in time with cigar rolling and the chance to play bolita, just like people did in 1920s Ybor. The event will also have a wine pull and silent auction.

The event, presented by Hattricks, takes place from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at the J.C. Newman Cigar Factory. Buy tickets at https://www.ybormuseum.org/events-programs.

General admission tickets cost $75 ($65 for members). Each ticket includes a password into the speakeasy, all-you-can-eat and drink from local restaurants featuring the tastes of Ybor, breweries and distilleries, commemorative cigar and pass to visit the Tampa Baseball Museum.

VIP tickets cost $125 ($115 for members) and include exclusive early access to the speakeasy for a special reception, as well as all the food and beverage tastings. 

Students with disabilities develop skills at Public Defender’s Office 

September 2, 2025 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

TAMPA – Students with learning disabilities are gaining essential life and job skills in a real-world environment at the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office.

They have a supportive bridge between school and adulthood thanks to a nearly 20-year partnership between Pepin Academies and the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office.

Through the Pepin Academies Transition Program, students ages 18 to 22 help digitize legal files, learn professional etiquette and take part in hands-on training for independent living, all within the walls of the legal office that represents people charged with crimes who can’t afford to hire their own attorneys.

What started with a cold call from a Pepin Academies administrator to then-Public Defender Julianne Holt has grown over the past two decades into a model of community collaboration. 

“It just made sense,” said Holt, who immediately embraced the opportunity to support students with disabilities. “This has always been a true partnership and a powerful one.” 

Jonathan Temaul, a Pepin graduate who started in the program years ago, now works in mail operations for the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office. Other graduates have landed jobs at Publix, Macy’s, Embassy Suites, University of South Florida, AdventHealth, Tampa General Hospital and The Florida Aquarium.

Now under the leadership of newly elected Public Defender Lisa McLean, the partnership is entering a new chapter. Hillsborough County has allocated $800,000 for a first-floor renovation project, and plans include a fully equipped teaching kitchen to enhance students’ hands-on learning experience.

“This partnership shows what’s possible when public institutions work together to invest in people,” McLean said. “We’re proud to support the students of Pepin Academies and help empower them to thrive.”

Set for completion next year, the new space will allow students to practice meal preparation and household tasks.

“This program is about building confidence, instilling responsibility and giving opportunity for independent, productive futures,” said Jeff Skowronek, executive director of Pepin Academies. “Parents often tell us they never imagined their child would hold a job or live on their own. Through this program, those things that are commonplace for many can be realized for them, too.”

 

Tips to prevent students from becoming sick

September 1, 2025 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

TAMPA – As students return to classrooms, parents and pediatricians will most likely notice the familiar pattern of seasonal illnesses. While CDC data shows that acute respiratory illnesses are currently at a very low level, this can shift quickly as children gather in classrooms. Meanwhile, hand-foot-and-mouth disease is among the most commonly reported pediatric illnesses right now, according to pediatricians.

“Even before the start of school we were seeing the usual uptick in hand-foot-and-mouth disease,” said Dr. Rosa Taveras, a pediatrician at AdventHealth. “Right now, respiratory viruses remain under control nationally, but as kids spend more time indoors and share surfaces, parents should watch for signs of cold, flu, or stomach bugs coming up in the weeks ahead.”

Taveras offers these proactive strategies to help keep kids healthy now and for the rest of the school year:

 

Take Precautions

  • Keep up with routine immunizations including flu, DTaP (for whooping cough) and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella).  
  • Encourage frequent, thorough handwashing with soap and water or use hand sanitizer when needed.
  • Teach and remind kids to cover coughs and sneezes into their elbow or tissue, then wash hands.  

 

Stay Informed and Monitor Symptoms

  • Parents should monitor for classic signs of fever, sore throat, cough, rash (for HFMD or measles) or prolonged coughing fits (whooping cough).
  • If symptoms emerge, keep children home until fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication and follow school policy guidelines.

 

Act Early if Illness Strikes

  • For flu or COVID-19, antiviral treatments work best when started early, ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset.
  • Those at higher risk or with infants should contact their pediatrician promptly for testing and possible treatment.

 

Boost Wellness Year‑Round

  • Encourage balanced nutrition, plenty of rest, regular physical activity and stress management to reinforce immune health.

 

MOSI launching eye-opening AI exhibit

August 31, 2025 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

“Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine” is an exhibit created by The Relayer Group. The company creates opportunities that bring innovation and technology to consumers of all ages through enriching and educational experiences. Photo courtesy of The Relayer Group

TAMPA – Can a machine think like you? Learn like you? Paint your portrait like Picasso?  

Visitors at Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry will soon be able to find out with the Sept. 6 opening of “Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine.”

The interactive, traveling exhibit explores the effects of artificial intelligence. 

Forget the killer robots of science fiction. This is about the everyday technology shaping how people live, work and learn. With games, smart machines and hands-on challenges, it shows how AI works and how it learns to “think” like a human, without getting lost in computer jargon and techno-talk.

“AI might sound mysterious, but at MOSI, we break it down to the basics, so anyone, at any age, can grasp how it works and what it can do in the future,” said John Graydon Smith, president and CEO of MOSI. “It’s already in your pocket, your home and your job, whether you realize it or not. This exhibit makes it fun to see how machines learn, sometimes even better than we do, and why that matters. You’ll leave with a whole new perspective.”

Guests will be immersed in a futuristic playground filled with activities for all ages. Train an AI to recognize your face. Paint a selfie in the style of Van Gogh or Picasso. Press a few keys and hear a piano compose new music using the sounds of 1,400 instruments. Take on stacking puzzles that challenge you to learn like an AI system does.

“Our goal is to give every visitor an introduction to AI that helps them understand what the technology will mean to them,” said HP Newquist, the AI historian and author who created the exhibit. “Kids are certain to work with AI in the years to come, from self-driving cars to digital personal assistants that will help them with their homework. Adults are already trying to make sense of it.”

 

Exhibit highlights

  • Giant Simon game: A huge version of the classic handheld electronic game that challenges you to remember and repeat a pattern of colors and sounds.
  • Spot the fake: Compare real photos to AI-generated ones and see if human eyes can still tell the difference.
  • AI at the movies: Explore how AI is used in films for everything from creating lifelike special effects to bringing digital characters to life.
  • Voice mimic: Record a short message and let the AI recreate it in different voices or accents.
  • Guess that object: Show the AI different items and see if it can correctly identify them or hilariously miss the mark.
  • Cat vs. Not Cat: Try the AI’s original “training” game based on thousands of internet cat photos, then test if it can spot a cat in unusual places.
  • Talk to a translator: Type a sentence and watch as AI instantly translates it into multiple languages. See which ones sound closest to the original meaning.
  • Pattern detective: Give the AI clues and watch it solve mysteries by finding patterns in huge sets of data faster than any human could.

On the web: mosi.org

 

Tips for parents navigating back-to-school finances

August 30, 2025 By Jeff Crabtree

  • Passing on Financial Education to Students: Money management is a muscle you have to build, and starting early can help children establish a strong foundation. From learning how to build a budget, to understanding the benefits of compound interest, instilling smart spending, saving and budgeting habits before and during the college years will help your student be well-prepped for long-term financial success.

 

  • Mastering Your Back-to-School Budget: Starting a new school year is always a time of change, which can often be accompanied by financial strain for parents and students alike. Creating a budget that covers essentials like textbooks, supplies and tuition is key. Set a spending limit and track your variable purchases (new clothes, locker or dorm decor, etc.) to keep yourself on track and avoid overspending when you hit the stores.

 

  • Pro Tip: Help your children build healthy habits by using free budgeting apps and digital tools to stay on track. Bank of America’s Better Money Habits website offers easy-to-follow guides for students, helping them manage their money and track expenses as they go. Remember, budgeting doesn’t have to be all about sacrifice. Maintain some flexibility to help your financial life’s impact be positive, not overwhelming.

 

  • Building Credit as a Student: College is a great time to start building credit. In the future, your child might want to rent an apartment or apply for a car loan. Having a good credit score can make a big difference. Consider setting them up with a student-friendly credit card, and make sure to set up automatic payments to avoid missing any payments. Maintaining a positive credit score is an excellent way to open doors for future financial engagements.

 

Jeff Crabtree works at Bank of America Tampa Bay.

 

Hillsborough County to host Patriot Day

August 29, 2025 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Twenty-four years after the attacks that sparked the nation’s longest war, Americans continue to honor the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, by commemorating a National Day of Service and Remembrance.  

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, Hillsborough County Consumer & Veteran Services, and the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County invite the community to their annual Patriot Day: 9/11 Remembrance event at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 11 at Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Museum, 3602 N. U.S. Hwy. 301, Tampa.

In observance of the National Day of Service and Remembrance, first responders, military veterans, and civic leaders aim to inspire a generation too young to recall the historic events of 9/11. Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps members from Hillsborough County high schools and Junior Fire Academy graduates will lead the annual Patriot Day ceremony featuring:  

  • An honor guard, saber team, rifle salute, and taps.
  • A solemn escort of the beam: a solid 135-pound section of steel salvaged from New York’s Twin Towers that resides at Veterans Memorial Park, representing the supreme sacrifices on 9/11.
  • A traditional fire service ringing of the bell.

Immediately following the ceremony, students and attendees can enjoy interactive demonstrations and photos with active-duty military members and first responders:  

  • HCFR.
  • MacDill Air Force Base Military Working Dogs (MWD), 6th Security Forces Squadron.
  • Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR 1).
  • U.S. Coast Guard St. Petersburg Station.
  • U.S. Marine Corps 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion.

The 24th Anniversary Patriot Day: 9/11 Remembrance event is free and open to the public at Veterans Memorial Park’s outdoor amphitheater. Attendees are invited to enjoy the park’s many memorials.

On the web: HCFL.gov/Veterans

 

Tampa Theatre showing musical movies in September

August 28, 2025 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

TAMPA – Tampa Theatre realizes there is something freeing about breaking the taboo of staying seated during a movie or raising your voice in unanimous (if not on-key) song with hundreds of fellow film-goers.

This is why Tampa Theatre has planned not one, but three different series for September, all centered around popular musical movies:

 

SEPTEMBER SING-ALONG SUNDAYS

Follow the bouncing ball sing along with the lyrics on the screen.

  • 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7 – “Grease” (1978)
  • 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14 – “Frozen” (2013)
  • 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21 – “The Greatest Showman” (2017)
  • 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28 – “Mary Poppins” (1964)

Tickets for September Sing-Along Sundays cost $11.50 for members and $14.50 for others.

 

REWIND RAVE-ALONGS

Most movie screenings expect you to sit still and stay quiet, but REWIND Rave-Alongs flip the script. Audiences are free to dance and get loud during the film. Extras like a live DJ pre-show, drink specials and glow merch add to the atmosphere.

  • 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19 – “Pitch Perfect” (2012)
  • 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19 – “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” (2007)
  • 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 – “Mamma Mia!” (2008)
  • 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 – “Repo! The Genetic Opera” (2008)

Members enjoy free REWIND screenings in September. Everyone else pays $14.50.

 

BIG PICTURE

Big Picture examines three films that incorporate popular music in particularly memorable ways.

  • 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3 – “Mean Streets” (1973)
  • 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10 – “Pulp Fiction” (1994)
  • 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17 – “Boogie Nights” (1997)

Big Picture tickets cost $7 for members and $10 for others. 

 

Costumes are encouraged at all of these screenings. Tickets are available at the historic Franklin Street Box Office or at TampaTheatre.org.

Get a taste of upcoming lifelong learning lectures 

August 27, 2025 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

ST. LEO – Members of the public are invited to a free open house to introduce the Saint Leo University-Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and lecture series this fall. 

The open house takes place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 3 at the Saint Leo University Wellness Center, 33701 County Road 52.

Saint Leo University and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute launched the outreach program in January. It is designed for adult lifelong learners in Pasco and Hillsborough counties. 

Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes are a network of university-based programs that offer non-credit courses and learning opportunities for people 50 and older.

At the open house, there will be brief overviews of each of the upcoming lectures by the faculty presenters and a keynote speech by Heather Parker, dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services.

The public is invited to the free open house and then to sign up for the interdisciplinary lectures on contemporary topics to be presented by Saint Leo University faculty members in fall 2025. 

The lecture series will include “Ireland and World War I Impact,” presented by Karen Hannel on Sept. 16; “Happiness Research: Living Our Best Lives,” presented by Randall Woodard on Oct. 21; “Science Fiction & Pop Culture,” presented by Dr. Burgsbee Hobbs on Nov. 18; and “New Testament and Women,” presented by Robert Imperato on Dec. 3.

Visit www.saintleo.edu/olli or call 813-974-5848 to register for the open house.

What’s Happening (8/27/25): Comedian Jared Freid hits the road

August 27, 2025 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Comedian Jared Freid hits the road … single
TAMPA – Stand-up comedian and podcaster Jared Freid is following up his successful “The Family Business Tour” with “The Table For One Tour.”
Instead of traveling with his parents on this one, Jared is going at it alone … in Europe. This hour of standup is about the highlights and lowlights of traveling when you’re single and 40. Imagine explaining the reasons you’re traveling alone to your parents. Or telling your married friends it’s not the wild time they imagine. And figuring out why they don’t put enough ice in your drink abroad.
Millennials, parents of the Millennials and the Gen Z people who want a story from the ghost of single future will get something out of this hour when it hits Tampa Theatre at 7 p.m. Jan. 22.
Tickets range from $25 to $65 plus applicable taxes and fees. Get them at the Franklin Street Box Office or at TampaTheatre.org

 

Aug. 27

Paper Chase

South Holiday Library offers paper crafting for adults. Registration required. Call 727-834-3331 for details.

2-4 p.m.; 4649 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday

 

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. Call 813-780-0064 for details.

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

 

Chess Club 

New River Library hosts Chess Master-Rated coach Rick McKnight for chess lessons and play. For grades 4-12. Registration required. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

4:15-5:30 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Chess Club

Hugh Embry Library hosts its weekly chess club, a U.S. Chess Federation affiliate, open to all ages and skill levels. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

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

 

Ales and Tales Book Club

Land O’ Lakes Library hosts its offsite Ales and Tales Book Club at In the Loop. The group will discuss “The Paris Apartment” by Lucy Foley. For ages 21 and up. Registration required. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

6-7 p.m.; I3338 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

 

Conversation Corner

Land O’ Lakes Library hosts trained tutors to help ESL learners and English-speaking learners improve reading, writing and speaking skills. Call 813-929-1214 to reserve a seat.

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

 

Aug. 28

Storytime Fun!

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

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

 

Tech Help

Hugh Embry Library staff provide assistance with computer or mobile device basics. Bring your own device or use a public computer. Registration required. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

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

 

Mahjong

Hudson Regional Library hosts weekly Mahjong play for adults every Thursday. Call 727-861-3040 for details.

10 a.m.-noon; 8012 Library Road, Hudson

 

Tech Help

Regency Park Library offers one-on-one tech help appointments for questions about laptops, tablets, phones, resumes, or online applications. Appointments are one hour long, and registration opens seven days ahead of time. Bring materials you need help with. Registration required. Call 727-861-3049 for details.

10 a.m.-5 p.m.; 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey

 

Baby Storytime

Regency Park Library offers a lap-sit storytime for babies up to 1 year old and their caregivers. Call 727-861-3049 for details.

10:15-10:45 a.m.; 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey

 

Preschool Storytime

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

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

 

Book Club

Land O’ Lakes Library hosts a discussion of “A Living Remedy” by Nicole Chung. Copies available for pickup at the library. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

10:30-11:30 a.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Preschool Storytime

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

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

 

Medicare Basics

Hugh Embry Library welcomes SHINE representatives to share information on Medicare benefits and updates. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

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

 

Recipe Readers

Regency Park Library hosts a cooking demonstration and discussion of Bri McKoy’s pasta recipe from “The Cook’s Book.” Registration required. Call 727-861-3049 for details.

2-3 p.m.; 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey

 

UF-IFAS Gardening 

New River Library welcomes Kate Kaste, Program Manager for the Florida-Friendly Landscaping program at UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County, for a talk on alternatives to invasive plants. Registration required. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

2-3 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; the library does not provide one. Call 813-780-0064 for details.

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

 

Full STEAM Ahead 

Regency Park Library invites students in grades K-5 to explore buoyancy and density by building boats in this fun STEAM program. Call 727-861-3049 for details.

5-6 p.m.; 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey

 

Yarn for a Cause

New River Library invites yarn enthusiasts to gather weekly, share projects, and exchange tips. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

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

 

Aug. 29

Toddler Storytime

Land O’ Lakes Library offers storytime for toddlers ages 1-2 and their caregivers. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

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

 

Conversation Corner

Hugh Embry Library offers English language support with trained tutors for adult ESL learners and English-speaking learners wanting to improve reading and writing. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

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

 

Friends of Library

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center hosts an information session on what it means to be a Friend of Starkey Ranch TLC. Hear about upcoming projects and ways you can get involved. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

11 a.m.-noon; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Tech Help

New River Library offers 30-minute one-on-one tech help sessions with a volunteer. Bring your device and passwords to receive assistance. Registration required. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

1-2:30 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Creative Coloring

South Holiday Library invites adults to enjoy a weekly coloring program to spark creativity and reduce stress. Materials provided, including gel pens, colored pencils, markers and coloring pages. Presented by the Friends of the South Holiday Library. Call 727-834-3331 for details.

2-3 p.m.; 4649 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday

 

Book Club

The Spill the Tea Book Club discusses “I Found You” by Lisa Jewell at Zephyrhills Public Library Call 813-780-0064 for details.

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

 

Aug. 30

Studio Painting

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center invites kids to explore creativity and imagination during open studio painting. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

10 a.m.-noon; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

GeckoFest 

Gulfport’s waterfront village hosts a full day of family-friendly fun with live music, food and art vendors, and up-close street theater from acrobats, magicians, dancers, aerialists, fire performers, balloon artists and costumed characters. This year’s theme is “Still Weird” with a wacky walking parade at 6 p.m., followed by a birthday celebration for G. Gordon McFly, a new sculpture by local marine artist Ray Domingo. Admission and parking are free; courtesy shuttles available. visitgulfportflorida.com

10 a.m.-8 p.m.; 3101 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport

 

Supersized Storytime

Land O’ Lakes Library hosts a family storytime with stories, songs, dancing and more. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

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

 

Master Gardener 

Hugh Embry Library hosts UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener volunteers for a presentation on pollinators. Online registration required. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

11 a.m.-noon; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Board Games

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center hosts an afternoon of board games for ages 16 and up, from classics like Monopoly and Scrabble to new favorites. Water and sodas provided. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

Noon-4 p.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Intermediate Pottery

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center offers a pottery class for participants ages 16 and up. Learn how to throw a slow feeder pet dish, with glazing two weeks later. Prior experience required. Safety and liability waiver must be completed before class. Registration required. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

2:30-4:30 p.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Conversation Corner

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center welcomes adults ages 18 and up to improve English skills through casual conversation with trained tutors. All supplies provided. No registration required. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

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

 

Conversation Corner

New River Library hosts trained tutors to help ESL learners and English-speaking learners with reading, writing, and speaking skills. Call 813-788-6375 to reserve a seat.

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

 

Sept. 2

Medicare/Medicaid 

Zephyrhills Public Library hosts assistance with applying for the QMB state buy-in program to help pay Medicare Part B premiums, Medicaid and food stamps. Lunch break from noon to 1 p.m. Call José Rodríguez at 813-420-3013 for details. 

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

 

Career Source

Centennial Park Library hosts Career Source to provide assistance with employment searches, resume writing, interview preparation, EmployFlorida help and more. Call 727-834-3204 for details.

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

 

Woodworking Build

Land O’ Lakes Library invites adults and youth ages 9 and older (with guardian) to work on approved woodworking projects in the Makerspace. Volunteers and staff will assist. Closed-toe shoes, a Foundry Waiver and Safety Playbook are required. Registration required. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

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

 

Book Sale

Land O’ Lakes Library hosts its weekly Friends of the Library book sale on the patio. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

10 a.m.-noon; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Toddler Storytime

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center invites toddlers ages 1-3 and their caregivers for stories, songs and imagination play. This ticketed program is first-come, first-served. Tickets available at the service desk. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

10:10-10:40 a.m., 10:50-11:20 a.m., or 11:30 a.m.-noon; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Storytime

South Holiday Library hosts stories, songs, games and a craft for children ages 3-5. Call 727-834-3331 for details.

10:15-11 a.m.; 4649 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday

 

Toddler Storytime

New River Library invites toddlers and caregivers for stories, songs and dancing. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

10:15-11 a.m. or 11 a.m.-noon; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Storytime

Hudson Regional Library invites families for stories, songs and dancing with two Tuesday sessions. Call 727-861-3040 for details.

10:15-11 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.; 8012 Library Road, Hudson

 

Tech Basics

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center teaches participants how to organize photos and albums on their iPhone. For one-on-one help, email to schedule an appointment. Registration required. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

11 a.m.-noon; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Book Club

Centennial Park Library invites readers to discuss Weyward by Emilia Hart. Copies available at the service desk. Call 727-834-3204 for details.

Noon-1 p.m.; 5740 Moog Road, Holiday

 

Yarn for More

Hugh Embry Library hosts a weekly yarn group where participants share projects and tips. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

12:15-1:45 p.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

BayCare Health Screening

South Holiday Library welcomes BayCare for free health screenings, including blood pressure, lipid, BMI and glucose checks via finger sticks. Screenings take 10-15 minutes. Walk-ins welcome. Call 727-834-3331 for details.

1-3 p.m.; 4649 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday

 

Friends of Library

Land O’ Lakes Library invites community members to join the Friends group that supports the library. New members welcome. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

1-3 p.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Mystery Book Club

Hugh Embry Library invites readers to discuss “The Butcher and the Wren” by Alaina Urquhart. Copies available at the library after Aug. 5. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

2-3 p.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Book Club

Regency Park Library hosts a discussion of “The Sisterhood: The Secret Society of Women at the CIA” by Liza Mundy. Call 727-861-3049 for details.

2-3 p.m.; 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey

 

Bingo 

Zephyrhills Public Library invites the community to play Bingo, win small prizes and connect with neighbors. Games are free. Reservations are recommended. Call 813-780-0064 to register.

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

 

Dungeons and Dragons Club

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center invites tweens and teens to explore the world of Dungeons and Dragons. Join for one-shots, character creation and more. Bring your own materials if desired; pre-made character sheets provided. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

3-5 p.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Therapy Dogs

Regency Park Library invites children to practice reading skills with certified therapy dogs from Sharing Our World. Call 727-861-3049 for details.

4:30-5:30 p.m.; 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey

 

Paint & Draw

Centennial Park Library offers weekly adult art classes with Earthchild Sarah. September’s focus is learning to represent 3D form on a 2D surface. Materials provided. For adults 18 and older. Registration required. Call 727-834-3204 for details.

5:30-7:30 p.m.; 5740 Moog Road, Holiday

 

Eco Wonders

New River Library partners with UF Extension to share the wonders of nature with kids ages 7-11. Registration required. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

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

 

Chorus Rehearsal

Suncoast Harmony of Sweet Adelines International, a west-central Florida four-part a cappella women’s chorus, welcomes women who love to sing to attend Tuesday rehearsals. No prior vocal training or music-reading required; all voice ranges welcome. Call 352-597-4376 for details.

6:30 p.m.; 191 Astaire Lane, Spring Hill

 

Sept. 3

Lifelong Learning

St. Leo University hosts a free open house for OLLI at St. Leo. Keynote speaker Dean Heather Parker, Ph.D., will highlight a new community outreach partnership with OLLI-USF for lifelong learner retirees in Pasco and Hillsborough counties. Enjoy complimentary snacks and meet the fall instructors: Karen Hannel (Ireland & World War I: Cultural Impact), Woody Woodard (Happiness Research: Living Our Best Lives), Burgsbee Lee Hobbs (Science Fiction & Pop Culture), and Robert Imperato (New Testament and Women). The event is at the Saint Leo University Wellness Center. Call Pam Tyler at 575-779-1382 to register. 

10 a.m.; , 33701 County Road 52, St. Leo

 

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