The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on new Dade City home

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Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County described the partnership among the three car dealerships as a significant investment in affordable housing and families throughout Pasco County. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County

 

The groundbreaking marked the beginning of an opportunity for a local family to achieve safe, stable homeownership. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County

DADE CITY – Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County broke ground on a new affordable home Sept. 10 on Coleman Avenue in Dade City.

Wesley Chapel Toyota, Wesley Chapel Mazda and Chevrolet of Wesley Chapel supported the project. 

“We are incredibly grateful to Wesley Chapel Toyota, Wesley Chapel Mazda and Chevrolet of Wesley Chapel for investing in our mission and in the future of families in Pasco County,” said Crystal Lazar, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County. “A Habitat home is about so much more than four walls. It provides stability, opportunity and a foundation that families can build upon for generations.”

Through Habitat’s homeownership program, qualified families partner with the organization throughout the homebuilding process. Habitat homeowners complete courses, contribute sweat equity hours and buy their homes with an affordable mortgage.

Officials said Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County is committed to expanding affordable homeownership opportunities in Dade City and communities throughout its service area.

The groundbreaking marked the beginning of an opportunity for a local family to achieve safe, stable homeownership. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County

Rate changes for Pasco County Utilities customers

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

The average residential water and sewer customer, using 6,000 gallons per month, will see a bill increase from $91.99 to $96.32 – a difference of $4.33.

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

  • Reclaimed water base charge: Increasing from $12.66 to $13.26 – a difference of $0.60 per month

– Includes the first 8,000 gallons

– Increasing from $1.27 to $1.33 for every additional 1,000 gallons – an increase of $0.06, up to 13,000 gallons

– Increasing from $2.17 to $2.27 for every additional 1,000 gallons over 13,000 gallons – an increase of $0.10.

  • Backflow prevention device fee: Increasing from $6.89 to $7.22 – a monthly difference of $0.33

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

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

As of Oct. 1, 2025, a four-year rate schedule took effect, based on changes adopted following a Cost-of-Service Rate Study approved by the Pasco Board of County Commissioners. This study outlines projected annual adjustments to service rates, fees and charges through Sept. 30, 2029.

On the web: PascoCountyUtilities.com

Tampa Theatre hosting 13 nights of Halloween frights

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Tampa Theatre becomes a macabre movie palace around Halloween. Photo courtesy of Tampa Theatre

TAMPA – The ghosts of Tampa Theatre have been waiting for the past seven months for the newly restored movie palace to reopen just in time for its 100th birthday and Halloween festivities. 

The 14th annual A Nightmare on Franklin Street series may be a little shorter this year, as it follows the Centennial Celebration mid-month, but it includes classic horror films, cult favorites, “Mummy & Me” family-friendly films, ghost tours and more Halloween-themed fun.

 

GHOSTS OF TAMPA THEATRE TOURS

Who was the man in seat 308? Where did Robert Lanier tear his final ticket? And what has led to Tampa Theatre being known as one of the most haunted buildings in town? Hear stories of the theater’s ghostly guests, preternatural patrons and eternal employees in a two-hour tour. Tampa Theatre members get in free. General admission tickets cost $15: 

  • 3 p.m. Oct. 19, 22, 26 and 29
  • 11 a.m. Oct. 23, 24, 30 and 31

 

“MUMMY & ME” FAMILY FILMS

The family-friendly screenings allow adults to bring children to age-appropriate film for free. 

Children 12 and younger are admitted free with a paid adult ticket for the following: 

  • “Sing-Along KPop Demon Hunters” (2025, Rated PG) at 3 p.m. Oct. 24
  • “Hocus Pocus” (1993, rated PG) at 3 p.m. Oct. 31

The first 200 guests to arrive for “KPop Demon Hunters” will receive a foam glow stick, courtesy of series sponsor Bank of America.

 

STAGE AND SCREAM… ER… SCREEN

Cozy up under the movie palace’s starlit sky for an evening of Campfire Stories at 7 p.m. Oct. 27. The Suncoast Storytellers are back with a program of PG tales appropriate for all ages. General admission tickets cost $10. Tampa Theatre members get in free.

The series includes plenty of specialty screenings for adults:

  • On Oct. 23, the theater remembers the late Tim Curry in two of his most iconic roles with screenings of “Legend” (1985) at 7 p.m. and “Clue” at 9:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10 for members or $13 for others. 
  • The theater welcomes back the “Beyond Any Measure” shadow cast for two screenings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975) at 7 and 11 p.m. Oct. 24. Audience participation is encouraged, but leave sticky/drippy props at home. Tickets cost $14 for members or $17 for others. The show is for adults. 
  • Tampa Theatre and the Henry B. Plant Museum will co-host a screening of Bela Lugosi’s classic “Dracula” (1931) at 2 p.m. Oct. 25 in celebration of the museum’s new exhibit, “Cigar City Cinema.” The theater will also show the Spanish-language feature “Drácula” (1931) at 4 p.m. in the Taylor Screening Room.
  • The theater welcomes actor Chandler Riggs (Carl from “The Walking Dead”) for an evening of conversation and a preview screening of his new short film, “Biohazard,” at 7 p.m. Oct. 29. Then join Tampa horror filmmaker and actor Joe Davison (“Stranger Things”) for the premiere of his new feature, “Demon Queen Pinball Machine.”

The Big Picture series is back as well. The series takes a look at some of the thrillers Tampa Theatre premiered in its earliest days: “Notorious” (1946) at 7 p.m. Oct. 21 and “The Third Man” (1949) at 7 p.m. Oct. 28. There is also a 30th anniversary screening of “Scream” (1996), classic titles like “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984), “Young Frankenstein” (1974) and “Halloween” (1978), cult films like “Gorgo” (1961), “Strait-Jacket” (1964) and “Burnt Offerings” (1976) and modern favorites like “Shadow of the Vampire” (2000), “The Mummy” (1999) and “The Shape of Water” (2017) – a total of 42 showtimes.

Times, titles and tickets are available at the Franklin Street Box Office and online at TampaTheatre.org/NIGHTMARE.

Silly socks spark conversations about mental health

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AdventHealth staff show off their silly socks in honor of National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

TAMPA – Silly socks were on display Sept. 17 across AdventHealth locations throughout Tampa Bay, but the message behind them was serious: supporting the mental health and well-being of the clinicians who care for others.

Staff at more than 14 AdventHealth hospitals and medical group locations participated in the Let’s Sock About It campaign in recognition of National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. 

The local initiative used colorful and mismatched socks as a simple conversation starter, encouraging colleagues to check in on one another and talk openly about stress, burnout and mental health.

The idea originated after a physician accidentally wore mismatched socks to work, leading to conversations throughout the day.

“Sometimes we just need a reason to start talking,” said Leila Durr, director of Physician and APP Well-Being Services for AdventHealth West Florida Division. “A colorful pair of socks can open the door to important conversations about mental health, stress and the support systems available when people need them.”

Dr. Arielle Ashkenazi of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel said burnout in medicine isn’t discussed enough and encourages physicians to continue finding points of connection. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

Those conversations matter to Dr. Arielle Ashkenazi, chief resident at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.

“Burnout is very real in medicine,” Ashkenazi said. “I’m grateful we’re talking about it more openly and that resources are available when people need support. We also need to remember to give ourselves the same grace and compassion that we give our patients.”

AdventHealth offers mental health and well-being resources for staff, including confidential counseling, peer support programs and wellness services.

Florida Moose Association gives back during convention

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About 10,000 pounds of peanut butter was collected during the Florida Moose Association’s 79th Annual Convention at the Rosen Plaza in Orlando. The drive was part of the UF/IFAS Peanut Butter Challenge, which officially begins in October. The peanut butter was donated to the Orange County 4-H Shooters Archery Club, giving the statewide challenge an early boost and demonstrating the power of Moose members working together to serve their communities. Photo courtesy of Florida Moose Association
John Reiter rolls up his sleeve to donate blood aboard the OneBlood Big Red Bus during one the Florida Moose Association’s Heart of the Community projects on September 10, 2026.

ORLANDO – The Florida Moose Association turned its annual convention Sept. 10 to 12 at the Rosen Plaza in Orlando into a weekend of community service.

Members collected 10,000 pounds of peanut butter for the annual Peanut Butter Challenge.

The convention’s Heart of the Community efforts also included 34 volunteers serving at Give Kids the World, 11 blood donors and the collection of 1,524 WISH pillowcases for Give Kids the World.

But it was the mountain of peanut butter that provided one of the weekend’s most visible examples of what can be accomplished when Moose members work together.

The Orange County 4-H Club played an important role in the effort, helping organize thousands of pounds of donations. 

“Moving 10,000 pounds of peanut butter was no easy task, and the Orange County 4-H Club kids were absolutely amazing,” said Kimberly Kelly, Florida Moose Association Heart of the Community chairman. “Their enthusiasm and willingness to jump in and help made them an important part of what we accomplished.”

The peanut butter collection is expected to provide a significant boost to this year’s UF/IFAS Extension Office Orange County’s Peanut Butter Challenge, which collects the popular pantry staple for distribution through local food pantries.

“When you first hear 10,000 pounds, you know it is a tremendous amount of peanut butter,” Kelly said. “But when you begin thinking about the people those donations can help, the number takes on an entirely different meaning. Every jar represents an opportunity to put food on someone’s table.”

Kelly hopes the association’s contribution helps the Orlando area. She described Heart of the Community as people helping people. 

“Whether someone volunteered an hour, donated blood, made a pillowcase or brought in a jar of peanut butter, every person contributed to something much bigger than any one of us could accomplish alone,” Kelly said. 

 

PULL QUOTE

“Our fraternity was built on the belief that a burden heavy to one is borne lightly by many. This weekend, we didn’t just repeat those words. We lived them. That is who we are. That is what the Moose does. That is the power of working together and that is the true heart of the community.” – Kimberly Kelly, Florida Moose Association Heart of the Community chairman

 

Community market coming to Saint Leo University in October

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Saint Leo University add activity to Kirk Hall Lawn with a recurring market. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University is partnering with Tampa Bay Markets to launch an open-air event featuring local makers, growers, artisans and small businesses this fall on its East Pasco campus. 

The Saint Leo University Market will debut Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Kirk Hall Lawn as part of Saint Leo University’s Family Weekend. The event will feature vendors, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.

The market is free and open to the public. Park is also free.

“Saint Leo University has always been a place where people come together, and this market gives us a new way to welcome our neighbors to campus,” said Stephen Kubasek, vice president of university advancement. “We’re excited to create an opportunity for our university and surrounding communities to begin new partnerships and experience our campus in a new way.”

The Saint Leo University Market will return on select Saturdays in November, February, March and April.

Each market will feature a curated mix of local vendors offering seasonal produce and plants, artisan and specialty foods, fresh-baked goods, handmade crafts and gifts, bath and body products, jewelry, clothing and accessories. A rotating lineup of acoustic musicians and DJs will provide entertainment at each market. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Saint Leo University to launch this new community market,” said Tiffany Ferrecchia, founder and CEO of Tampa Bay Markets. “It is a privilege to serve Saint Leo’s students, faculty and families, as well as residents throughout St. Leo and the surrounding communities. Our goal is to create a welcoming gathering place where people can connect, discover talented local makers and growers, support small businesses and enjoy the beautiful Saint Leo campus. We look forward to building a vibrant market that becomes a meaningful tradition for both the university and the community.”

 

Want to go?

Catch the Saint Leo University Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 17 and Nov. 14, 2026, and Feb. 13, March 13 and April 10, 2027, at Kirk Hall Lawn, Saint Leo University, 33701 County Road 52, St. Leo. Admission is free.

On the web: network.tampabaymarkets.com

 

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North urges women to get mammograms

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Technologists Rebecca Caplinger (left) and Kari Koch in an imaging mammography room at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North urges women to make a promise to get a mammogram. 

Patients can book a screening mammogram as soon as the next day at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s Shimberg Breast Center.

Dr. Diane Durgan

“Women of every age should know their risk for breast cancer,” said Dr. Diane Durgan, a BayCare Medical Group breast surgeon with an office in the Physician Office Building on the St. Joseph’s Hospital-North campus, 4211 Van Dyke Road, Lutz. “If you don’t know your risk for breast cancer, you should ask your doctor to calculate it for you. This will let us know how we’re supposed to watch you and screen you for breast cancer.”

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s Elaine Shimberg Breast Center uses 3-D technology to produce high-resolution mammograms. The technology can compare images side by side from year to year. Biopsies can also be performed with the patient sitting instead of lying on the stomach with the face downward. 

“Every woman over 40 should at least, at the minimum, be getting a mammogram every year,” Durgan said. “Every woman should also be doing monthly breast self-exams. This is also important for younger women. If you see something abnormal, let your doctor know. Let us know so you can see a specialist.”

Visit BayCareBreastHealth.org to schedule a mammogram screening.

Hillsborough Briefs: Water system earns AAA rating

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Hillsborough water system earns AAA rating
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Hillsborough County’s Water and Wastewater System credit rating has been upgraded from AA+ to AAA by S&P Global Ratings.
The AAA rating is the highest available and carries a stable outlook. The higher rating could allow the county to borrow money for water and wastewater projects at more favorable interest rates.
S&P cited the county’s investment in and expansion of its water and wastewater system, budgeting practices and growing customer base.
The upgrade comes as Hillsborough County prepares to sell up to $700 million in long-term bonds to fund construction of the One Water Campus in southern Hillsborough County. The financing would be the largest transaction undertaken by the county.
The county now has AAA ratings from Moody’s Investors Service, S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.
On the web: HCFL.gov/OneWaterCampus

 

Water disinfection change affects neighborhoods
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Some Hillsborough County water customers may notice changes in the taste and odor of their drinking water while the Tampa Water Department temporarily changes its disinfection process.
From Sept. 14 to Oct. 5, water distributed to East Lake, Fairview Mobile Home Park, Hershel Heights, Pebble Creek and Seaboard will be disinfected with chlorine instead of chloramine. The system is scheduled to return to chloramine by Oct. 6.
Users of dialysis machines and owners of aquarium fish are advised to seek professional guidance to ensure their pretreatment methods accommodate the change.
Customers with health concerns should contact their health care provider.
Call Hillsborough County Water Quality at 813-307-1000, ext. 43906 or 43783 for details.

 

Gunn Highway closure planned for culvert work
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – A portion of Gunn Highway near the Pasco County line is expected to close for up to 28 days for a culvert replacement project.
The closure near 18830 Gunn Highway is expected to begin on or after Oct. 12. Crews will replace an aging 5-by-10-foot box culvert with two reinforced concrete pipes.
Drivers will be detoured to Lutz Lake Fern Road, Dale Mabry Highway and Van Dyke Road. The Veterans Expressway may also be used, but regular tolls will apply.
Hillsborough County will hold an open house at 6 p.m. Sept. 15 at Walker Middle Magnet School, 8282 N. Mobley Road, Odessa.
Residents may also provide feedback virtually through Sept. 21 on HCFL.gov/Engagement.
On the web: publicinput.com/gunnculvertrepair

 

Pet Resource Center upgrades online kennel
TAMPA – Hillsborough County’s Pet Resource Center has upgraded its online kennel to make it easier for residents to find pets available for adoption or fostering.
The new platform allows users to search and filter available dogs and cats, view additional photos and learn more about individual animals. Residents can also search for lost pets that have been brought to the shelter.
The online kennel also provides shelter statistics and reports about animals entering the Pet Resource Center and their outcomes.
Residents can meet available animals in person at the Pet Resource Center, 440 N. Falkenburg Road, Tampa.
On the web: HCFL.gov/Pets

News Briefs: Thunderbug visit home; Pasco expands housing program

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GTE Financial helped connect the Tampa Bay Lightning with a fan on his 70th birthday. Team mascot ThunderBug visited the Land O’ Lakes fan and about 35 of his friends and family for a ThunderBolt House Party. Photo courtesy of GTE Financial

 

Pasco expands housing recovery program

ZEPHYRHILLS – Pasco County has reached two milestones in its Better Future Individual Housing Program.

Dawn Buley recently received the keys to a new manufactured home after her previous home was destroyed during the 2024 hurricane season.

The county also expanded eligibility for the program and is accepting applications from households with higher incomes. The new income limits include $96,360 for a one-person household and $137,640 for a four-person household.

Residents can apply if their household income meets these 120% Area Median Income limits and they need help repairing, rebuilding or replacing a home damaged by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene or Milton.

The Better Future Individual Housing Program is administered through Pasco County’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resources. On the web: mypas.co/IHPApp

 

Pasco County to give away up to 1,500 trees

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources will give away up to 1,500 trees Oct. 10 through a new lottery-based registration system.

Residents may register from Sept. 21 to Oct. 1 at mypas.co/FreeTreeRegistration. Those selected will be notified by Oct. 2.

Trees will be available for pickup from 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 10 at Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey, Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City and Crews Lake Wilderness Park in Shady Hills.

Available varieties include Dahoon holly, Little Gem magnolia, red cedar and red maple.

 

District seeks input on land use rules

TAMPA – The Southwest Florida Water Management District will hold a virtual public workshop at 5 p.m. Sept. 16 to discuss proposed updates to rules governing the use of district lands.

The district owns more than 461,000 acres, with more than 97% of its managed lands open to the public. The proposed changes are intended to promote fair and equitable use, improve the user experience, address emerging issues and provide consistency with other water management districts.

The public may participate through Microsoft Teams at bit.ly/4wAXz9e or by calling 786-749-6127 and entering conference code 149-562-370#.

Public comments on the proposed rules will be accepted through Sept. 23 at WaterMatters.org/recreation/land-use-rules-update-and-public-comments.

 

Starkey appointed to statewide policy committees

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey has been appointed to two Florida Association of Counties policy committees. The appointments are for one-year terms.

Starkey will serve on the Community & Urban Affairs Policy Committee and as chair of the Federal Policy Committee. FAC President and Pinellas County Commissioner René Flowers made the appointments.

The committees help develop policy positions that shape FAC’s legislative advocacy. The Community & Urban Affairs committee addresses issues including growth management, development and zoning, transportation and affordable housing. The Federal Policy Committee focuses on federal issues affecting Florida counties.

“I’m honored to represent Pasco County and contribute to statewide efforts that support smart growth, infrastructure and strong federal partnerships,” Starkey said. “These committee roles ensure local perspectives remain central in decisions that impact our communities and quality of life.”

 

Overman challenges Bilirakis to televised debates

TAMPA – Democratic nominee Kimberly Overman has challenged U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis to two televised debates ahead of the Nov. 3 general election for Florida’s 12th Congressional District.

Overman proposed holding one debate in Hillsborough County and another in Pasco County.

The National Organization for Women Political Action Committee has endorsed Overman in the race, her campaign announced Sept. 9. 

Overman served as a Hillsborough County commissioner from 2018 to 2022 and built advisory firm. 

 

U.S. Rep. Lee’s prison safety bill passes House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Laurel Lee’s legislation, the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act, passed in the U.S. House on Aug. 31. 

The bill will help improve the conditions for correctional officers, staff and inmates by enhancing oversight, promoting safer facility operations and addressing issues with sexual abuse and misconduct within prisons. This bill will help to ensure all allegations are properly investigated and strengthen protections for the prison employees when an inmate assaults an officer occurs.

“For far too long, too many Bureau of Prisons employees have faced sexual harassment and assault by inmates while they are just trying to do their job,” Lee said. “This bill is a very important step toward strengthening oversight, protecting our hardworking correctional officers, and ensuring the inmates who commit these horrific crimes are held accountable to the fullest extent.”

 

Couple marks 50th anniversary of escape from East Germany

NEW PORT RICHEY – Liane and Bertram Haupt recently marked the 50th anniversary of their escape from East Germany with a gathering at The Hacienda in downtown New Port Richey.

The couple arranged to meet at a train station Aug. 26, 1976. After avoiding police, they stopped beneath a bridge, where Liane climbed into the trunk of Bertram’s vehicle. He then drove through the East German border with Liane concealed inside, successfully reaching West Germany.

The couple later married and eventually built a life in the United States.

The couple invited friends and family to celebrate their anniversary in the restored 1927 landmark. 

“We love Florida, we love the free United States of America, and we love all of you,” Bertram wrote in remarks prepared for the anniversary.

 

FEMA awarding $22M+ for Florida disaster recovery

LAKE MARY – FEMA announced more than $22 million in funding for 28 recovery and mitigation projects to help Florida communities recover from hurricanes and other disasters.

The funding is part of more than $348 million that FEMA announced for almost 170 projects nationwide.

FEMA is awarding nearly $19 million for 21 Public Assistance projects to reimburse Florida for the costs of repairs to recreational facilities, public buildings and debris removal. 

Notable projects include:

  • $2.8 million to the state for recovery work, including emergency protective measures addressing flooding and extensive power outages following Hurricane Idalia.
  • Nearly $1 million to health care facilities across north, northwest and west Central Florida, including facility repairs, administrative support and emergency measures to protect public health during disasters.

FEMA is also awarding more than $3 million through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for projects in Florida that will prevent, eliminate or reduce future disaster-related damage.

 

Affordable housing project breaks ground in Tampa

TAMPA – Urban ReWorx has broken ground on The Vicente, a 20-unit affordable housing development in Tampa’s V.M. Ybor neighborhood.

The $9.5 million project will transform a former car wash site at 2914 N. Nebraska Ave. into 20 affordable rental homes and about 950 square feet of neighborhood-serving retail space.

Urban ReWorx is co-developing The Vicente with the CDC of Tampa. The project is supported by the East Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency and the City of Tampa Housing and Community Development Division.

“The Vicente demonstrates what thoughtful infill development can accomplish,” Urban ReWorx partner Thad Bereday said. “By reinvesting in an underutilized site, we are creating much-needed affordable housing while contributing to the continued transformation of Nebraska Avenue.”

 

Quick Hits

  • Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County broke ground on a new home on Coleman Avenue in Dade City. Wesley Chapel Toyota, Mazda of Wesley Chapel and Chevrolet of Wesley Chapel have partnered on the project. 

 

Tampa Theatre commemorates 100 years with events 

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Tampa Theatre is a protected landmark dating back to 1926. The building is owned by the City of Tampa and operated as a film and cultural center by the Tampa Theatre Foundation. Photo courtesy of Tampa Theatre

TAMPA – Tampa Theatre has much to celebrate next month. 

The movie palace is planning a week’s worth of events in October to kick off a year-long celebration of the iconic landmark’s centennial:

 

Oct. 10: Member Party

Tampa Theatre members are invited to be among the first to see the newly restored Duncan Auditorium with a special screening of the 1985 whodunnit “Clue.”

Activities and refreshments begin in the lobby at 1:30 p.m. At 2:15 p.m., President and CEO George Levesque will answer questions from the audience and share details on the work still to come, including ADA modifications to the stage, the restoration of the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ and The Peacock Room.

Attendance is limited to members and their guests. Admission is free. 

 

Oct. 11: Public Open House

The public will have their first opportunity to tour the restoration during an open house from 1 to 5 p.m. Volunteers will be stationed throughout the building to answer questions. Staff will be leading mini-tours starting from the lobby. A new Digital Guide – accessible on patrons’ own phones and tablets – will offer historic photos and information about the landmark building’s first 100 years.

At 3 p.m., retired CEO John Bell will join George Levesque onstage for a conversation about the restoration and to answer audience questions.

 

Oct. 12-14: Special Screenings

Having to skip Summer Classics while the Historic Duncan Auditorium was under construction was no fun for anyone, so Tampa Theatre is showing two of the most requested, highest-attended classic films in its programmatic history as the first two films in the newly restored auditorium:

  • Oct. 12: “Casablanca” (1942, 1h 42m, PG)
  • Oct. 13: “The Wizard of Oz” (1939, 1h 42m, PG)

Then on Oct. 14, Big Picture is back on the big screen with the Marx Brothers’ “A Night at the Opera” (1935, 1h 36m, Not Rated).

All of the film screenings are at 7 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.). Tickets cost $13.

 

Oct. 15: Tampa Theatre turns 100

On Oct. 15, 1926, Tampa Theatre opened its doors for the first time. One hundred years to the day later, the venue is throwing a birthday party, presented by Urban E Recycling, to thank the community that rescued this building 50 years ago and has supported it ever since.

The party starts on the sidewalk at 6 p.m. with live music and swing dancing with The Jazz Phools and professional portraits in front of the historic marquee (1920s-era attire is encouraged!) 

Inside, guests will receive complimentary champagne and a souvenir program similar to the opening night original from 1926. Limited-edition centennial merchandise will be available.

The program begins at 7 p.m. with comments from theater officers and Tampa’s mayor. 

Then, the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra and Tampa Theatre’s own Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ will present the 1924 silent comedy “Sherlock Jr.,” starring Buster Keaton as a humble movie projectionist who dreams of being a great detective. 

The evening’s finale, Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” was also part of the opening night performance in 1926 and will feature some spectacular special effects made possible by 2026 technology. Admission is $26.

Tickets for all of the Centennial Celebration events will go on sale to the public at noon Sept. 18.

Tampa Theatre’s Centennial Celebration is presented by Urban E Recycling. Additional support is provided by Amalie Oil Co., Anderson Bucklew Charitable Foundation, J.C. Newman Cigar Co., QC, Redstone Commercial LLC, Wolfe & Rochelle CPAs LLC, Smith & Associates Real Estate and the City of Tampa.