Local News

Horse corral opens at YMCA Camp Cristina

RIVERVIEW – AdventHealth partnered with the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA to fund a new 50-by-120-foot horse corral at YMCA Camp Cristina.

The project provides shade and shelter for children participating in the camp’s equestrian program.

“We’re excited to create even more opportunities for young people to learn, grow and challenge themselves in an encouraging, engaging environment,” Matt Lewis, vice president of membership and programs at the Tampa Y, said. “This new shaded riding arena does just that, reinforcing our commitment to youth development at YMCA Camp Cristina for years to come.” 

YMCA Camp Cristina is located on 65 acres at 9840 Balm Riverview Road. The camp also offers youth sports, after-school care, camps, family activities and leadership development programs.

“We’re excited to partner with the YMCA to help create a space where children can experience the joy of horseback riding while gaining skills and confidence that will stay with them long after the lesson ends,” said Jason Newmyer, president and CEO of AdventHealth Riverview.

 

Pampers, AdventHealth celebrate Sept. 9 newborns

TAMPA – Families of babies born Sept. 9 at select AdventHealth hospitals in the Tampa and Orlando areas received coupons for a three-month supply of Pampers. The babies also had the opportunity to have newborn photographs taken. 

The collaboration between Pampers and AdventHealth recognizes Sept. 9 as the most common birthday of the year.

“At AdventHealth, we believe caring for a family begins even before a baby arrives,” said Dr. Michael Cacciatore, chief clinical officer. “Welcoming a new child is one of life’s most meaningful moments, and we’re honored to celebrate these growing families with a thoughtful gift that brings joy, preserves precious memories and supports parents during those first days together.”

 

AdventHealth reports rise in flu cases

ORLANDO – AdventHealth Centra Care reported a 67% increase in flu diagnoses at its Florida clinics during the first week of September, with influenza B accounting for most new cases.

COVID-19 diagnoses among Centra Care patients remained elevated but relatively stable during the same period.

“While it’s still early in the season, we’re seeing a notable increase in flu activity, particularly influenza B,” said Dr. Tim Hendrix, chief medical officer of AdventHealth Centra Care. “This is a good time for individuals and families to be aware of symptoms, take steps to help prevent illness and seek care when needed.”

Centra Care recommends preventive measures such as getting an annual flu vaccine when appropriate, washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when sick.

 

Registration extended for Active Life Games

TAMPA – Registration for the Tampa Bay Active Life Games has been extended through Sept. 18.

The Olympic-style competition for adults ages 50 and older will take place Sept. 28 through Oct. 9 at locations throughout Hillsborough County. Events include track and field, billiards, pickleball, shuffleboard and horseshoes.

Opening ceremonies begin at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 28 at Barksdale Senior Center, 1801 N. Lincoln Ave., Tampa, and include a Torch Lighting Walk. Closing ceremonies begin at 11 a.m. Oct. 9 at Northdale Recreation Center, 15510 Hooting Owls Place, Tampa. The games serve as a regional qualifier for the Florida Senior Games.

Registration costs $35 and allows participants to compete in multiple events. Visit HCFL.gov/ActiveLife for registration details.

 

Pasco residents urged to remain vigilant amid dengue activity

PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco County Mosquito Control District is urging residents to remain vigilant as dengue activity increases across the Tampa Bay region.

Two cases involve Pasco County residents with ties to affected areas in neighboring communities. State surveillance data announced Sept. 4 also identified 59 locally acquired cases in Hillsborough County, five in Pinellas County and one in Citrus County.

Pasco mosquito control is assisting Hillsborough County with its response, deploying a helicopter, specialized Wide Area Larvicide Spray equipment and personnel.

The treatment targets immature Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in water-holding containers. The regional response also includes surveillance, source reduction, mosquito control and public education.

 

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers support groups, classes

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers free in-person support groups and classes in October on breastfeeding, newborn and infant care and grandparenting. 

• Breastfeeding Support Group: Provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. Offered 11 a.m. to noon Thursdays, Oct. 1, 15, 22 and 29.
• Understanding Breastfeeding: Provides information to the expectant mother and an optional support person about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, tips for returning to work and when to call a health care provider or lactation consultant. Offered 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1.
• Grandparenting Class: Includes a discussion about the latest recommendations in newborn and infant care from the grandparenting perspective. Offered 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7.
• Understanding Your Newborn: Provides information to the expectant mother and an optional support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. Offered 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15 and 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29.

The events are free, but St. Joseph’s Hospital-North requests advance registration. Visit BayCareEvents.org and choose “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scroll to the group or class you are interested in attending. You can also get the schedule and register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing “2” at the prompt.

The hospital is located at 4211 Van Dyke Road, Lutz.

 

Chewy Vet Care opens Lutz location

LUTZ – Chewy Vet Care opened a veterinary practice Sept. 4 at 17637 Harpers Run.

The location offers veterinary care with features designed to make visits more comfortable and transparent for pet owners. These include a treatment viewing window, personalized monitors displaying information about a pet’s visit and online access to medical records, prescriptions and updates.

The practice also integrates with other Chewy health services, including its pharmacy, Connect With a Vet and PetMD.

The Lutz practice is Chewy Vet Care’s seventh Florida location, joining practices in Jacksonville, Coral Springs, Plantation, Delray Beach, Aventura and Boynton Beach.

 

MetroLagoons offers Football SUN-Days

SAN ANTONIO – MetroLagoons is offering football-themed specials every Sunday from Sept. 13 through Jan. 10, 2027.

Football SUN-Days multi-day tickets cost $99 through Sept. 20 before increasing to $149 Sept. 21. The ticket provides Sunday admission and a Splash Pass to one MetroLagoons location throughout the season.

Guests can watch football on screens at the lagoons while taking advantage of Sunday drink specials. Ticketed guests ages 21 and older can receive one complimentary draft beer per day from Sept. 13 to 20.

Pasco County locations include Mirada Lagoon in San Antonio and Epperson Lagoon in Wesley Chapel. Attractions include floating obstacle courses, kayaks, paddleboards, splash pads, water slides, mini-golf and cabana rentals.

 

Achieva Credit Union names cash management executive

DUNEDIN, Fla. – Achieva Credit Union has named Richard Martin assistant vice president of cash management.

Martin brings more than 20 years of banking experience, including expertise in cash management, commercial banking and client relationship management. He spent 17 years with JPMorgan Chase in retail banking, product management and cash management leadership roles before joining Encore Bank.

At Achieva, Martin will lead the growth of cash management services for business members. His responsibilities include helping businesses improve operational efficiency, strengthen fraud prevention and manage day-to-day financial operations.

 

Tampa Downtown Partnership marks 40 years

TAMPA – The Tampa Downtown Partnership marked its 40th anniversary Sept. 9 with its Annual Meeting & Luncheon at JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. 

The organization highlighted its work in Downtown Tampa and introduced its 2026-27 board leadership, including Robert G. Stern as incoming board chair. Its priorities include work involving the North End, Franklin Street and connections among Downtown neighborhoods.

 

Achieva names first chief deposit officer

DUNEDIN – Achieva Credit Union has appointed Nicole Tompkins as its first chief deposit officer.

Tompkins brings nearly 20 years of experience in the credit union and banking industries. She most recently served as senior vice president and chief experience officer at Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union in Kingston, New York.

She previously held leadership positions with Rhinebeck Bank, Orange Bank & Trust and Bank of America. She began her banking career as a teller.

At Achieva, Tompkins will oversee deposit strategy, consumer and business banking products and treasury management services.

“Nicole is an accomplished leader with a proven ability to build strong teams, deepen member relationships and drive sustainable growth,” President and CEO Eric Jenkins said.

 

Grand Oak proposal to preserve 70% of the natural habitat 

DADE CITY – A master-planned community plans to preserve about 70% of the green space at the recently purchased 1,745-acre Grand Bar Ranch property. The new development is called Grand Oak. 

GT USA is seeking county approval to rezone the property to create a low-density, 1,500 single-family-home neighborhood north of SR 52 in the corridor between U.S. 41 and Interstate 75, within Pasco’s Rural Transition Area. 

GT USA Vice President Mike Wolf said the developer plans to preserve a large part of the natural habitat. The rezoning request states that ranching and timberland operations will continue while the property is developed in phases. 

Wolf said the master-planned community will help meet the housing needs in Pasco County.

Grand Bar Ranch was owned by the Barthle family, descendants of ranch founder and cattleman J.A. Barthle, who established the property in the 1930s. 

GT USA also purchased an adjacent parcel owned by KATL. 

 

North Tampa Bay events 

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a Coffee Social, a Lunch N’ Learn, Foundation Fridays, Final Friday and ribbon cuttings.

• Members network during Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 16 at GTE Financial, 8040 Curley Road, Wesley Chapel. Register in advance.
• Members celebrate the opening of Ramsi Dental from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 16 at 26851 Tanic Drive, Wesley Chapel. 
• Michelle Stanaland, founder of Shark Branding Solutions, discusses “Is Your Business AI-Ready?” during Lunch N’ Learn from noon to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at The North Tampa Bay Chamber Office Conference Room, 28329 Paseo Drive, Suite 195, Wesley Chapel. Members pay $15. Register in advance. 
• Members celebrate the new location of Veteran Air Tampa from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 17 at 5801 Benjamin Center Drive, Suite 110, Tampa.
• The NTCB Foundation hosts a Glow & Give Event with skincare experiences and tips from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 18 at Face Foundrie, 28249 Paseo Drive, Unit 190, Wesley Chapel. Registration costs $85 and benefits the chamber foundation. Register in advance. 
• Captured Now leads a Headshot Day with bookable sessions (9 a.m.-noon) and walk-ins (1-2 p.m.) Sept. 23 at the chamber, 28329 Paseo Drive, Suite 195, Wesley Chapel. Members pay $89 for a headshot. Register in advance. 
• Members network during Final Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 25 at PopStroke, 25297 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz.

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

 

Greater Pasco events 

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber will host Coffee Connections, a Nonprofit Roundtable, ribbon cuttings, business exchanges and women’s programming.

• Marlene Velez, founder & CEO of MVPartners Group, speaks at the next Professional Women in Business Networking Lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 16 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance. 
• Members trade business materials during the Trinity Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 17 at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., Trinity. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Lunch costs $13. Register in advance. 
• Kate Lazzoratti, of KCL Wellness, speaks at the next Nonprofit Roundtable from 9 to 10 a.m. Sept. 22 at 4 & Co. Coworking Spaces, 16703 Early Riser Ave., Land O’ Lakes. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance. 
• Members celebrate the grand opening of 7 Brew Coffee from 2 to 3 p.m. Sept. 22 at 1937 U.S. 19, Holiday. Register in advance. 
• Members celebrate the grand opening of Drop & Fold from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 23 at 515 Brady Road, Unit 1, Tarpon Springs. Register in advance. 
• Members trade business materials during the New Port Richey Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 24 at Seafire Grill, 4927 U.S. 19, New Port Richey. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Lunch costs $18. Register in advance. 
• The Young Professionals Group networks during Coffee Connections from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Sept. 25 at Starkey Market, 3460 Starkey Blvd., Trinity. 
• The Professional Women in Business hosts its Social Mixer from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at Babe Coffee Lounge, 132 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Unit 101, Land O’ Lakes. Members get in free. Others pay $15. Register in advance. 
• Members hold a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 30 at AlphaGraphics Odessa, 2512 Success Drive, Odessa. Register in advance. 

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

 

East Pasco events 

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

• Members network and learn about chamber perks during Core Connections from 8 to 9 a.m. Sept. 17 at the Dade City office, 14112 8th St., Dade City. Register in advance. 
• Members mingle during After Hours Networking at 4 p.m. Sept. 17 at The ABL, 14135 7th St., Dade City. 
• Members interact during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Sept. 18 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.). 
• Members celebrate the new location for Stone Imaging Co. from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at Stone Imaging Co. Studio, 14121 7th St., Suite 201, Dade City. Register in advance. 
• Members interact during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Sept. 22 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.) and 8 to 9 a.m. Sept. 25 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.). 
• Members celebrate the grand opening of Ledbetter Mind + Body Restoration from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 22 at Lyman Professional Center, 2nd Floor, 36739 County Road 52, Suite 209, Dade City. 
• Members mingle during After Hours Networking at 4 p.m. Sept. 24 at The ABL, 14135 7th St., Dade City. 
• Members interact during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Sept. 29 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.). 

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

SAN ANTONIO – Throttle Before the Bottle is building a national network around mental health awareness, healthier outlets and conversations that are often hardest to begin. 

Army veteran Noah Gradillas founded the movement, which uses motorcycle culture as a kick-start for a broader message: People need something healthy to reach for before alcohol or other substances become the way they cope. 

“The bottle is a symbol. The choice is the point,” Gradillas said. “Your throttle may be a motorcycle, the gym, music, hiking, wrenching, creating or calling a friend. What matters is having something worth choosing.” 

Throttle Before the Bottle has assembled its Original 25 Founding Riders from communities around the country and grew to more than 1,500 Instagram followers during its opening weeks. Riders are invited to share their #WhyIRide stories and represent a culture built on encouragement and checking on one another. 

The organization is also building practical support around its message. Its website provides crisis direction and educational resources. 

Motorcycle gear company EKON has joined Throttle Before the Bottle as a founding partner and has offered product support for future community campaigns, giveaways and rides. Throttle Before the Bottle continues to pursue relationships with dealerships, veteran-serving organizations, mental health groups and other motorcycle brands. 

Throttle Before the Bottle publicly commits 20% of profits to mental health awareness initiatives and 90% of direct donations received to the mission. Its Giving Policy explains how those commitments work and how the remaining portion supports operations. 

“I want someone to see the message on a bike, a sticker or a shirt and realize it is OK to say they are not doing well,” Gradillas said. “Sometimes the first win is simply giving somebody a reason to start the conversation.”

 

DADE CITY – Chick-fil-A celebrated the opening of a new restaurant in Dade City on Sept. 2 by donating $35,000 toward local hunger-relief agencies. 

The restaurant donated $25,000 to Feeding Tampa Bay and $10,000 to Meals on Wheels of Pasco. 

Scott Amole has served as a Chick-fil-A local owner-operator since 2015. Amole now owns and operates both Chick-fil-A Dade City and Chick-fil-A Zephyrhills. The new Dade City restaurant will create about 80 jobs.

Since 2021, his Chick-fil-A Zephyrhills restaurant has supported Meals on Wheels of Pasco with surplus food through Chick-fil-A Shared Table. The program has helped provide nearly 7,000 meals, including more than 2,000 in 2026. 

Chick-fil-A Dade City will also participate in the program, allowing Amole to expand this support and help provide meals for homebound members of the community. 

“Over the years, I’ve learned that caring for a community starts with understanding how you can best care for its people,” Amole said. “It’s getting to know those we serve, showing up when there’s a need and finding ways our restaurant can help. Working with organizations like Meals on Wheels is one way we can provide food to neighbors in need, and I’m grateful this new restaurant gives us the opportunity to do even more for Dade City in the years ahead.”

Amole and his team surprised Meals on Wheels of Pasco volunteers with breakfast and a $10,000 donation to support their work.

“It takes a community coming together to make sure our neighbors don’t go without a meal,” said Beth Aker, executive director of Meals on Wheels of Pasco. “We’re truly grateful to have partners like Scott and Chick-fil-A who share that commitment and help us continue to make a difference in Pasco County.”

 

Hungry?

The new restaurant will serve guests Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with extended hours until 11 p.m. on Fridays at 12645 U.S. 301. It offers dine-in, drive-thru, carry-out, third-party delivery and mobile pickup.