The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Libraries bring summer fun across Hillsborough County

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TAMPA – Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative offers engaging, entertaining and informative free programs for the entire family in July. 

The events listed below are only a sampling of the many scheduled. Find more listings under the “Events & Classes” tab at HCPLC.org.

 

Shields Up! A Look in History

Learn about shields and armor that heroes carried into the battlefield.

  • July 1, 2-3 p.m., Seminole Heights Branch Library, 4711 N. Central Ave., Tampa 
  • July 8, 11 a.m.-noon, New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa 
  • July 9, 4-5 p.m., New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa 
  • July 13, 11 a.m.-noon, Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz 
  • July 16, 3-4 p.m., Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa 
  • July 29, 4-5 p.m., Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, 13619 N. 22nd St., Tampa 

 

Clay with Color Express

Teens will complete their clay masterpiece following step-by-step instructions. Materials provided. Registration recommended.

  • July 1, 3-4 p.m., 78th Street Community Library, 7625 Palm River Road, Tampa 
  • July 8, 3-4 p.m., Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd., Tampa 
  • July 9, 3-4 p.m., Riverview Public Library, 9951 Balm Riverview Road, Riverview 
  • July 11, 3-4 p.m., Egypt Lake Partnership Library, 3403 W. Lambright St., Tampa 
  • July 23, 2-3 p.m., Seminole Heights Branch Library, 4711 N. Central Ave., Tampa 

 

Creeping Cryptids – A Choose Your Own Adventure Story

Your family is off on an adventure to Revolutionary War tourist spots, but you are not as interested until you see clues that point to a hidden adventure with strange creatures around each corner. Recommended for teens. Registration recommended.

  • July 1, 3-4 p.m., Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa 
  • July 7, 3-4 p.m., Town ‘N Country Regional Public Library, 7606 Paula Drive, Tampa 
  • July 9, 3-4 p.m., C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, 2607 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tampa 
  • July 9, 4-5 p.m., Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd., Tampa 
  • July 9, 5-6 p.m., Brandon Regional Library, 619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon 
  • July 13, 6-7 p.m., Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 2910 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa 
  • July 17, 3-4 p.m., Port Tampa City Library, 4902 W. Commerce St., Tampa 
  • July 22, 4-5 p.m., Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, 13619 N. 22nd St., Tampa 
  • July 22, 7-8 p.m., Riverview Public Library, 9951 Balm Riverview Road, Riverview 
  • July 24, 2-3 p.m., North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 N. Boulevard, Tampa 

 

Medieval Chainmail Weaving

Learn the basics of chain mail and jump ring weaving and make a simple scale mail keychain to take home. Recommended for adults. Registration recommended.

  • July 1, 4-5 p.m., Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, 13619 N. 22nd St., Tampa
  • July 8, 2-3 p.m., Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 2910 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa
  • July 11, 2-3 p.m., Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd., Tampa 
  • July 16, 6-7 p.m., Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa 
  • July 23, 3-4 p.m., Seffner-Mango Branch Library, 410 N. Kingsway Road, Seffner 
  • July 28, 11 a.m.-noon, Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz 

 

Epic Music Theater Workshop!

Write and perform an epic musical with Shana Banana. Students will co-create a song and story to present a mini-musical to friends and family members. Recommended for teens. Registration recommended.

  • July 6, 2-4 p.m., New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa 

 

The Road to the Declaration of Independence

This lecture charts how protest became revolution from British taxes after the French and Indian War to Boston’s defiance, “Common Sense,” and Jefferson’s words that forged American Independence. Learn to create expressive portraits inspired by arts and culture. Work with colored pencils using an aromatherapy blending gel. No prior drawing experience necessary. Recommended for adults. Registration recommended.

  • July 7, 11 a.m.-noon, Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz 
  • July 24, 11 a.m.-noon, Charles J. Fendig Public Library, 3909 W. Neptune St., Tampa 

 

The Hero’s Journal

Learn about the hero’s journey and start to write your own tale with world-building activities. Record your adventure in a journal you can take home with you. Recommended for adults. Registration recommended.

  • July 8, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 N. Boulevard, Tampa 
  • July 8, 7-8 p.m., C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, 2607 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tampa 
  • July 11, 10:15-11:45 a.m., Austin Davis Public Library, 17808 Wayne Road, Odessa 
  • July 11, 3-4:30 p.m., New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa 
  • July 21, 6-7 p.m., Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa 
  • July 22, 2:30-4 p.m., John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa 
  • July 24, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Riverview Public Library, 9951 Balm Riverview Road, Riverview 
  • July 28, 3-4 p.m., Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 E. Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico 
  • July 28, 6:30-8 p.m., Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd., Tampa 

 

Art Conversation

A museum educator from the Tampa Museum of Art leads an interactive discussion. Recommended for adults. Registration recommended.

  • July 10, 11 a.m.-noon, C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, 2607 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tampa 
  • July 14, 11 a.m.-noon, Riverview Public Library, 9951 Balm Riverview Road, Riverview

 

Star Lab with MOSI

A portable planetarium recreates the night sky complete with stars and constellations. Listen to star stories and learn how to distinguish types of stars and navigate using the night sky. Recommended for teens. Registration recommended.

  • July 10, 2-3 p.m., Town ‘N Country Regional Public Library, 7606 Paula Drive, Tampa

 

Didgeridoo Adventure Down Under

Hear mythical Aboriginal Dreamtime stories and colorful Aussie tales that take you to explore Australia from the Great Barrier Reef to the Outback. Recommended for children. Tickets will be available at the marked service point 15 minutes prior to the event on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • July 13, 11 a.m.-noon, Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa
  • July 15, 3-4 p.m., Town ‘N Country Regional Public Library, 7606 Paula Drive, Tampa

 

Secrets of the Swamp with Florida Aquarium

What secrets could the swamp be keeping? Students will go on a virtual journey through Florida’s treasured wetlands with a live species ambassador native to the swamp. Recommended for children. Registration recommended.

  • July 15, 2-3 p.m., North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 N. Boulevard, Tampa
  • July 24, 3-4 p.m., Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, 13619 N. 22nd St., Tampa

 

Bits N Pieces Puppet Theater – “Rumpelstiltskin”

In this lively marionette adventure, Rumpelstiltskin spins more than straw into gold. With music, mischief and humor, the story becomes a celebration of honesty, teamwork and the magic of reading. Recommended for children. Registration recommended.

  • July 21, 3-4 p.m., Seffner-Mango Branch Library, 410 N. Kingsway Road, Seffner

 

Families receive keys from Hooters to Habitat townhomes 

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Photo courtesy of HMC Hospitality Group

CLEARWATER – Several employees from Tampa Bay-area Hooters locations and the corporate office attended Habitat’s townhome dedication block party on June 22 in Clearwater. 

The Original Hooters sponsored townhomes for the Sanchez and Xhokli families, making this their 11th home build with Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside. 

This year’s project marks the first townhomes they sponsored.

Representatives from Original Hooters presented this year’s donation of $151,500 to Habitat at The Original Hooters in Clearwater. HMC Hospitality Group’s Regional Training Coordinator Chelsea Vazquez presented the keys to the two homeowners.

“We are thankful to help the Sanchez Family and Xhokli Family make owning a home affordable and achievable,” said Denise Williams, chief marketing officer of HMC Hospitality Group. “We are honored to be a part of the community celebration when the families receive keys to their new townhomes.”

Over the past few months, the team at Hooters assisted with framing, window and door installation, floors, stove installation and painting. Employees from the Tampa Bay-area Hooters locations and the corporate office volunteered for a total of 252 hours between the two townhomes.

“A Habitat home will give me the stability and security I need to finally build the future I have been working toward,” said homeowner Ganimete Xhokli.

Homeowners Byron and Angelina Sanchez envision their 1-year-old daughter growing up in the new home. 

Mike Sutton, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside, said his organization is grateful for the partnership with Hooters and HMC Hospitality Group.

“Their long-standing support, generosity and hands-on volunteerism make a lasting impact for local families, helping turn the dream of homeownership into a reality,” Sutton said. 

Since 2016, HMC Hospitality Group has presented Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside a total of $1,034,100 and donated more than 2,970 hours of their time to build homes.

Business Digest (07/01/26): Service offers property protection

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Service helps protect homeowners and businesses

TAMPA – TampaSafe Home Documentation has launched in the Tampa Bay area, offering home and business inventory services to help property owners document belongings before disasters.

The locally owned company photographs rooms, records serial numbers and replacement values before providing clients with an insurance-ready inventory report. 

Proper documentation can help support insurance claims after hurricanes, fires or burglaries.

“The average Tampa Bay home contains $50,000 to $200,000 or more in personal contents that are completely invisible to an insurance company if a disaster strikes and there are no records,” Batchelder said. “We change that.”

TampaSafe serves residential and commercial clients across the Tampa Bay region and offers free consultations.

 

Local Infusion opens clinic in Lutz

LUTZ – Local Infusion recently opened its first Tampa Bay-area clinic.

The Lutz location features six private infusion suites, where patients have access to TV, Wi-Fi, snacks and comfortable seating. Officials say patients pay less for care and are scheduled faster than the industry average.

Local Infusion is located within the Cypress Creek Town Center at 25609 Sierra Center Blvd.

On the web: mylocalinfusion.com

 

UF/IFAS Pasco Extension hosts cottage foods webinar

DADE CITY – UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension will host a virtual Introduction to Cottage Foods in Florida webinar from noon to 1 p.m. July 20.

The $12.51 program will explain Florida’s cottage food law, including approved food products, labeling requirements, food safety practices and how to start a home-based food business.

Cottage foods include products such as cakes, breads, jams and popcorn that can be prepared in home kitchens under state law. Registration is required at https://mypas.co/IntroCottageFoods.

 

MarineMax promotes chief people officer

OLDSMAR – MarineMax has promoted Beth Garland to chief people officer.

Garland joined the company nearly five years ago as senior vice president of people strategy. MarineMax said she has helped lead employee-focused initiatives during a period of growth that included new divisions and brands.

“Beth has played an essential role in shaping our culture and strengthening team member engagement as MarineMax has grown,” CEO and President Brett McGill said. “Her passion for our people and her leadership make her the right choice to lead our people strategy as Chief People Officer, and we’re excited to see the continued impact she’ll have across the organization.”

 

FloridaCommerce: $27M available to rural communities

TALLAHASSEE – FloridaCommerce announced that $27 million in funding is available for Florida rural communities through the Rural Infrastructure Fund. 

The program facilitates the planning, preparation and financing of infrastructure projects in rural communities to encourage job creation, capital investment and strengthen rural economies. 

The deadline to apply is July 13 at 5 p.m.

Since 2019, more than $126 million has been awarded through this program.

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a ribbon cutting. 

  • Members celebrate the grand opening of Virtue Health Collective with a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 8 at 210 Crystal Grove Blvd., Lutz. 

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

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber will host the Greater Pasco Medical Roundtable, Veterans Roundtable, business exchanges and women’s programming. 

  • Dr. Michael Shafique, medical director of the Moffitt Speros Outpatient Center, speaks at the Greater Pasco Medical Roundtable from 8 to 9 a.m. July 2 at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, 6600 Madison St., New Port Richey. Register in advance. 
  • Members trade business materials during the Hudson Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 2 at Vitality Living Baypoint Village, 7927 State Road 52, Hudson. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Lunch costs $14. Register in advance. 
  • David McKinley, of Marines – Post 12186 VFW District 21, speaks at the Veterans Roundtable from 8 to 9:30 a.m. July 8 at Patriot Stogies, 6153 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance.
  • Members trade business materials during the Land O’ Lakes Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 9 at SpringHill Suites Tampa Suncoast Parkway, 16615 Crosspointe Run, Land O’ Lakes. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Lunch costs $14. Register in advance. 
  • The Professional Women in Business meet over lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 15 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance. 

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

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – The East Pasco Chamber will host After Hours Networking, Business Breakfast, Coffee & Networking and ribbon cuttings. 

  • Members celebrate Fast & Furriest Paw Walkers with a ribbon cutting from 2 to 4 p.m. July 1 at the chamber office, 14112 8th St., Dade City. The ribbon will be cut at 3 p.m. 
  • Members make connections during After Hours Networking from 4 to 5 p.m. July 2 at Dade City Tap House & Spirits, 37916 Pasco Ave., Dade City. 
  • Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. July 7 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.). Register in advance.
  • Members celebrate the grand reopening of the Zephyrhills Family Health Center with a ribbon cutting from 7 to 8 a.m. July 8 at 37920 Medical Arts Court, Zephyrhills. Register in advance. 
  • Members network during the Business Breakfast from 7 to 8:30 a.m. July 9 at Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills. Register in advance. 
  • Members make connections during After Hours Networking from 4 to 5 p.m. July 9 at Dade City Tap House & Spirits, 37916 Pasco Ave., Dade City. 
  • Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. July 14 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.). Register in advance.

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

 

Benedictine Sisters moving from monastery

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SAINT LEO – The Benedictine Sisters of Florida has decided to relocate from the current monastery location to American House – Zephyrhills to ensure the well-being, safety, health care and spiritual support of the sisters.

“This decision arises from the Sisters’ commitment to care for one another with the compassion and dignity that the Rule of St. Benedict asks of us,” said Sister Tonette Sperando, canonical administrator of the community. “Holy Name Monastery has been a place of prayer, hospitality and service for generations. As our Sisters’ needs change, we continue that same fidelity by choosing a setting where each sister can receive the level of care she requires while remaining united as a community.”

The transition will take place later this summer in phases. 

The Sisters will continue their daily rhythm of prayer, community and presence, carrying their Benedictine spirit into their new home. They remain committed to praying for the church and the world and to staying connected with oblates, friends and all who have shared life with them over the years.

For generations, the Benedictine Sisters of Florida have served the region through ministries of education, healthcare, parish service, retreat work and social outreach, offering hospitality, stability and a quiet witness of faith. The community expresses gratitude for the support it has received and for the relationships that have shaped members’ lives. 

“We carry forward the legacy entrusted to us,” said Sister Roberta Bailey, former prioress. “Our mission remains the same: to seek God in community, to pray for the Church and the world, and to offer a presence of peace wherever we are.”

Information about the future of the monastery property will be shared as it becomes available.

Pasco County moves closer to data center moratorium

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NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County commissioners are scheduled to discuss approving a  moratorium on data centers on July 14. 

Commissioners received a presentation from staff, listened to more than an hour of public comment and discussed the issue during the board’s June 16 meeting. 

“This is something that we feel strongly about,” Chairman Jack Mariano said. “I think we’ve anticipated it well. We’ve listened to a lot of feedback from citizens. We’ve also got a lot of other emails from other sources as well.”

The ordinance would impose a 12-month moratorium on accepting development applications for data centers, large-scale data centers and other large load customers within unincorporated Pasco County. This would include building permits, site plans, rezonings and comprehensive plan amendments.

The moratorium would give county staff time to research the impact data centers would have on the community and develop regulations. 

“The proposed moratorium would likely result in a number of potential revisions to the land development code to regulate data centers within Pasco County,” said Amandla Hill, of Pasco County Planning, Development and Economic Growth. “Existing conditions within our code do not specify data centers as a use within any zoning district, nor are there any standards that would regulate such a use.”

The moratorium wouldn’t apply to a server or computer room used to house IT or network equipment that are incidental to a site’s primary use. The ordinance specifies that the board may deem it public necessity to amend or adopt a development agreement for a data center that isn’t a large load customer. The data center would have to meet conditions that address things like water use, energy consumption, noise and other factors. 

“Sounds a little loose,” Commissioner Seth Weightman told staff. “I’m not so sure for the 12 months that that’s the catch-all language.”

Weightman and other commissioners were concerned about applicants finding loopholes within the moratorium ordinance.  

Commissioner Lisa Yeager threw out the idea of someone slipping a project through for a data hub or colocation facility. 

“If it meets the definition that you put in your ordinance, they can’t get it through no matter what the name,” County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder advised. “Even if they try and call it something else.”

Commissioner Jack Mariano left the discussion comfortable that the language of the ordinance, specifically “data center” and “large-scale data center,” was all-encompassing. 

“We’ve got everything blocked, so we’re in control,” he said. 

Sebring man’s story highlights prostate care awareness 

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Photo courtesy of Advent Health

SEBRING – Millions of men are living with an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. For some, like Edward Daughtry, the condition can lead to serious complications.

“I got to the point where I couldn’t urinate at all, and my bladder was full and it was painful,” Daughtry said.

The Marine Corps veteran said he also developed blood clots in his bladder, which led him to seek emergency care at AdventHealth Sebring. There, he was treated by Dr. Aravindh Rathinam, a urologist, who recommended he undergo a Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate procedure, a minimally invasive treatment that removes excess prostate tissue causing urinary blockage.

Rathinam said the procedure can provide long-lasting relief with fewer complications and shorter recovery times, while preserving normal sexual function.

“It’s a safe procedure that allows for more complete removal of the tissue causing the problem and reduces the risk of it coming back,” Rathinam said. “Recovery is typically faster, and in many cases, we can remove the catheter the same day or within 24 hours, compared to several days with other procedures.”

Daughtry said he has recovered well and has not experienced side effects. He also expressed appreciation for the care he received.

“I’m glad I had it done because I feel great now,” Daughtry said. “Dr. Rathinam is one of the best doctors I have ever had. He broke everything down for me, and I’d recommend anybody to him if they wanted to have that surgery or needed it done. He, the nurses and everybody from the sign-in point on the day of the surgery to the release date were great.”

Rathinam added that the procedure can also help detect other serious conditions.

“Because this procedure removes a large portion of the prostate, we can examine the tissue and sometimes identify cancer cells early,” he said.

With benign prostatic hyperplasia, some men may experience sleep disruption due to frequent nighttime urination, along with difficulty emptying the bladder. Without timely treatment, the condition can lead to more serious health problems, including permanent bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones and incontinence.

According to the American Cancer Society, men should begin prostate cancer screening at age 50. Those with a family history of prostate cancer should consider screening starting at age 45.

“We often hear from men who put off getting checked because they feel fine or don’t want to deal with it,” Rathinam said. “But taking a few minutes for a prostate exam can make a meaningful difference. It gives us the opportunity to catch issues early, provide reassurance when everything is normal or begin treatment before problems become more serious.”

 

Want to learn more?

Learn more about urological care available through AdventHealth in Sebring, Lake Placid and Wauchula at adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-sebring/urology-care.

Tampa Bay Sun FC announces 2026 fall season schedule

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Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Sun FC

TAMPA – Tampa Bay Sun FC has unveiled its 2026 fall season schedule, featuring seven home matches at Suncoast Credit Union Field as part of the Gainbridge Super League’s sprint fall campaign. 

The 2026 fall season serves as the league’s transition to a spring-to-fall calendar, which will begin in 2027.

Featuring 14 matches (seven home and seven away), every 2026 fall season match will carry added significance in the race for the Players’ Shield. The top four clubs in the final standings will advance to the playoffs, with the semifinals scheduled for Dec. 5 and the Final set for Dec. 12.

The Tampa Bay Sun open the fall campaign on the road against Dallas Trinity FC on Aug. 15 before continuing their season-opening road swing against Brooklyn FC on Aug. 28 and Lexington SC on Sept. 5.

The Sun return home on Sept. 12 for their home opener at Suncoast Credit Union Field against Fort Lauderdale United FC in the first Florida Derby of the season.

October features a slate of home matches, beginning with reigning Gainbridge Super League champion Lexington SC on Oct. 4 followed by Carolina Ascent FC on Oct. 10. The Sun then travel to Sporting Club Jacksonville on Oct. 16 before returning home to host DC Power FC on Nov. 1.

The final month of the regular season is packed with playoff implications as Tampa Bay hosts Dallas Trinity FC on Nov. 14 and Brooklyn FC on Nov. 21 before closing out the regular season at home against Sporting Club Jacksonville on Nov. 28.

Fans can view the complete schedule and buy tickets at tampabaysunfc.com.

 

The Florida Aquarium offers patriotic experience 

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A lemur chows down amid patriotic decorations. Photo courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

TAMPA – Families can enjoy a patriotic experience as The Florida Aquarium hosts “Sea to Shining Sea.” 

The three-day Fourth of July event will feature patriotic divers, special animal encounters, family entertainment and a chance to leave a conservation legacy under one roof.

“As America commemorates its 250th anniversary, we’re proud to provide a patriotic experience that unites us around animals, nature and fun,” said Roger Germann, president and CEO of The Florida Aquarium. “While our Sea to Shining Sea celebration runs throughout the summer, guests visiting over the holiday weekend will enjoy additional animal encounters, family-friendly entertainment and never-before-offered opportunities that bring our community together to celebrate our nation’s historic birthday.”

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, guests who buy tickets at the Aquarium’s ticket window after 2:50 p.m. each day of the celebration (July 3 to 5) will receive 25% off admission. 

Throughout the three-day event, guests can experience:

  • Patriotic décor throughout the aquarium
  • Animal ambassador appearances at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
  • Character meet-and-greets
  • “Dive into Adventure” performances at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
  • Holiday-themed stilt walkers
  • Costumed Divers making special underwater appearances dressed as Lady Liberty, Uncle • Sam, Captain America and a Bald Eagle
  • Holiday food and beverages, including picnic plates with hamburger or hot dog, watermelon slice and potato salad, themed drinks, festive desserts and candy jars at Café Seventy One
  • Themed caricatures and face painting by Goofy Faces
  • Commemorative photo frames from Photogenic
  • Exclusive America 250-themed merchandise in the aquarium’s gift shop

Guests can also help leave a living legacy for future generations by donating $25 to support the aquarium’s goal of planting 250 mangroves on World Mangrove Day, July 26. Guests can also  arrange behind-the-scenes experiences from close-up encounters with stingrays to a Wild Dolphin cruise and the SeaTREK underwater walking adventure. 

The Sea to Shining Sea celebration continues through Aug. 9. Guests can still experience patriotic décor, the popular “Dive into Adventure” show and extended hours.

On the web: flaquarium.org

Water shortage order extended for Pasco County

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PASCO COUNTY – The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board is extending the Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage through Oct. 1, due to ongoing water shortages causing drought conditions. Under the extended order, the irrigation window for potable, well and surface water remains between midnight and 4 a.m. or between 8 p.m. and midnight. Confirm your one assigned watering day at mypas.co/SaveWater and follow all watering guidelines.

  • Potable, well or surface water use – between midnight and 4 a.m. or between 8 p.m. and midnight
  • Reclaimed water use – between midnight and 8 a.m.
  • HOAs may not require more watering than restrictions allow, landscape replacement or pressure washing for aesthetic purposes.

“Irrigation often accounts for more than half of a homeowner’s water costs, and irrigating efficiently is one of the most effective ways to save water and save money,” said Sandra Anderson, customer information and services director for Pasco County Utilities. “Regardless of your water source, in Pasco, you can only water once a week on your assigned day.”

Tips for efficient landscape irrigation:

  • Know your single watering day and stick to your schedule: mypas.co/SaveWater
  • Get help programming your irrigation controllers: email
  • Have your irrigation system evaluated for free with UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County to ensure your system is operating properly and efficiently: mypas.co/FreeSprinklerCheck
  • This is also a good time to check your home for water leaks or drips. And if you’re considering upgrading your toilets or irrigation system, you might qualify for rebates.

Visit PascoCountyUtilities.com for more information about water conservation and Pasco County Utilities.

Pasco County offices to close for Independence Day

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PASCO COUNTY – Pasco Board of County Commissioners offices will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day.

The following Pasco County departments will remain closed through Saturday, July 4, 2026:

  • Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Offices, Recreation Complex Buildings and Community Centers will be closed; however, the parks and beaches will stay open to the public from dawn to dusk.
  • Pasco County Public Transportation (GoPasco) will provide regular transportation services (fixed‑route and demand response) on Friday, July 3; however, administrative offices will be closed. Bus service will not operate on Saturday, July 4.
  • All Pasco County Libraries will be closed.
  • Pasco County Animal Services Administration Office, Adoption Center, Intake/Reclaim Shelter and Field Services will be closed. An animal control officer will be available for emergencies.
  • The Pasco County Resource Recovery Facility, West Pasco Class III and the East Pasco Transfer Station will be open on Friday, July 3. They will be closed to the public on Saturday, July 4; however, they will be open to Pasco County licensed commercial haulers.

BCC government offices will reopen Monday, July 6.