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

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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

 

Coke Florida helps housekeeper achieve homeownership

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Maria De Lourdes Perrotta receives the key to her new home after putting in hundreds of hours of sweat equity. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough
The family celebrates its new home with Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough and Coke Florida. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough

TAMPA – Maria De Lourdes Perrotta realized her longtime dream of stability and independence thanks to the support of Coca-Cola Beverages Florida LLC 

Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough hosted a dedication ceremony Aug. 20 to celebrate Maria and her son, Matias, receiving the keys to their new Tampa home.

“The dream: To have an affordable house,” said Maria, joined by family, community partners and volunteers who helped build her new home.

A key financial supporter of the Perrotta home is Coke Florida, a family-owned business serving Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami and Orlando. Coke Florida employees volunteered more than 200 hours to help build the new house.

“As we celebrated our company’s 10-year anniversary at the end of May, Coke Florida is proud to also celebrate our long-standing relationships with community partners, such as Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough,” said Percy L. Wells II, group vice president, government relations, public affairs and communications for Coke Florida. “We are proud to provide financial support, create economic empowerment opportunities for new homeowners and encourage our associates to support these impactful initiatives.”

Maria’s struggle to find affordable housing is one familiar to millions of Americans. 

Working as a housekeeper, she spent years renting apartments that were often plagued by mold, noise and ongoing rent hikes. 

“Home is where I feel secure, with peace and love,” Maria said. “Having our home means we are finally in a stable place.”

New homeowners like Maria put in hundreds of hours helping build Habitat houses, assisting at Habitat events and working in the Habitat ReStore home improvement store. They pay an affordable mortgage that never exceeds 30% of their income.

 

Habitat affiliates stay busy

  • Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside was scheduled Aug. 22 to celebrate the dedication of its 1,000th home during its 40th anniversary year. A single mom working as a certified nursing assistant is the recipient of the new home located in Lealman. 
  • Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco is registering teams for its Women Build: Rock the Block event on Oct. 24 in Dade City. The event dispatches teams of 10 to do things like landscaping, light construction, painting and working on beautification projects in the community.

News Briefs (8/27/25): Volunteers needed for countywide cleanup

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Volunteers needed for countywide cleanup

PASCO COUNTY – Keep Pasco Beautiful is partnering with Pasco County for its annual Keep Pasco Beautiful Cleanup. 

The annual countywide event takes place from 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 20 at various Pasco County locations. Register to volunteer through Sept. 8.  

Disposable gloves, trash bags and Keep Pasco Beautiful Cleanup T-shirts will be provided while supplies last.

This event is part of the International Coastal Cleanup coordinated by Ocean Conservancy.  

The Keep Pasco Beautiful Cleanup is a partnership among Keep Pasco Beautiful, Pasco County, the Rotary Club of New Port Richey, Reworld Pasco, the Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation and Tampa Bay Water. 

On the web: KeepPascoBeautiful.org

 

Chorus looking for members

SPRING HILL – Suncoast Harmony of Sweet Adelines International is a west-central Florida 4-part a cappella women’s chorus.

The group welcomes women who love to sing to come to its rehearsal on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm. at Salishan Retirement Living, Activities Room, 191 Astaire Lane in Spring Hill. Professional vocal training or the ability to read music are not prerequisites and all ranges of voices are welcome. 

Call Cindy 352-597-4376 for details. On the web: suncoast-harmony.com 

 

I Like it HOT! Festival to spice things up  

LARGO – Organizers say the 25th annual I Like It HOT! Festival is sure to spice things up. 

Expect award-winning hot sauce vendors, spicy food trucks, fiery eating challenges and live contests including the Extreme Lolli Lick-A-Thon by SaucyQueen (the hottest lollypop in the world, sponsored by Intensity Academy), The World’s Hottest Cinnamon Roll, Fiery Wing Contest and now an official League of Fire Challenge with contestants coming from all over the nation (apply at https://leagueoffire.com/).

The festival takes place Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Largo Event Center, 6264 126th Ave N, Largo. Admission and parking are free.  

On the web: https://instagram.com/ilihfest/

 

‘Oklahoma!’ debuts on stage Oct. 10

BROOKSVILLE – Seats are available for Live Oak Theatre’s production of  “Oklahoma!”

Set in the Oklahoma Territory in 1906, on the eve of statehood, “Oklahoma!” follows the love story of Curly McLain, a charming cowboy, and Laurey Williams, a fiercely independent farm girl. Their romance is complicated by Jud Fry, a dark and obsessive farmhand who also has feelings for Laurey.

The show will be performed Oct. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26 at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Friday and Saturday evening shows start at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees start at 2:30 p.m. Doors open approximately 30 minutes before showtime.

Seats cost $25 for adults and $10 for children 13 and younger with the purchase of an adult seat. 

Go to https://www.liveoaktheatre.org/current-production,  email or call 352-593-0027 to reserve seating. 

 

Pack meals for 9/11 National Day of Service

TAMPA – More than 1,200 volunteers will pack more than 367,500 healthy, non-perishable meals for those at risk of hunger to mark the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and Hunger Action Month.

Meals will be donated to Feeding Tampa Bay for distribution to people and families in need.

The service project will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Yuengling Center, 12499 USF Bull Run Drive.

Now in its third year, the Tampa Meal Pack for 9/11 Day is one of 24 large-scale volunteer service projects being organized throughout the nation by the nonprofit 9/11 Day.

 

Woman’s Club cleans up Lutz Memorial Park

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The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club members (back row, from left) Nancy Danner, Nancy Taylor, (front row, from left) Dee Knerr, Michelle Haskins, Pennee Bowen and Jean Olsen helped clean Lutz Memorial Park. Photo courtesy of Pennee Bowen
This was before the cleanup of Lutz Memorial Park. Photos courtesy of Pennee Bowen

LAND O’ LAKES – The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club continues to make a visible difference in the community. 

Members of the Civic Engagement Community Service Program, joined by other volunteers from the club, gave Lutz Memorial Park a facelift.

They cleared overgrown areas and removed debris. Neglected spaces now look refreshed and ready for the next phase of beautification.

With cleanup complete, the group is now shifting focus to the next step – choosing what to plant.

 

Hospitals support Pasco-Hernando State College

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A breakfast check presentation was held Aug. 14 at the PHSC West Campus Conference Center. Photo courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College recognized HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital, HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital and HCA Florida Trinity Hospital for their financial contributions totaling $20,000.

The support will enable PHSC to award up to 30 annual scholarships during the 2025-26 academic year.

In 2024, HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital provided the matching funds for the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund that enabled PHSC to award the Excellence in Achievement Scholarship to 10 PHSC Nursing students during the spring 2025 term. 

The hospital’s most recent gift will provide scholarships to students enrolled in a nursing program during the upcoming academic year.

“We are deeply grateful for the generous support for our healthcare students,” President Eric Hall said. “Investments in scholarships help ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way of developing the next generation of skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals.”

HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital designated its funds toward the HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital Medical Student Annual Scholarship, while HCA Trinity Hospital designated its funds toward the HCA Florida Trinity Hospital Scholarship, which benefits students enrolled in the nursing and allied health programs.

“We are grateful for the continued support of HCA Florida and our local hospitals,” said Lisa Richardson, vice president of advancement, innovation and strategic partnerships. “Their partnership and generosity over the years have provided financial support to countless students pursuing a career in the healthcare field.”

 

Small business advocates win statewide awards

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TAMPA – Several members of the Florida Small Business Development Center at University of South Florida were recognized during the 2025 Florida SBDC Network’s Performance Excellence Awards on Aug. 18 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.

The statewide event celebrates outstanding contributions across Florida’s nine regional small business development centers.

“It was a true honor to attend the Florida SBDC Network’s Annual Awards Celebration and recognize our incredible team members for their hard work, dedication and years of service,” said Carl Hadden, regional director of the Florida SBDC at USF. “Their commitment to supporting small businesses continues to make a lasting impact across our 10-county Tampa Bay region.”

 

Aubri Shauger-Haley won the Laura Subel Lifetime Achievement Award. Photo courtesy of Florida SBDC at USF

Laura Subel Lifetime Achievement Award: Aubri Shauger-Haley

Aubri Shauger-Haley won the Laura Subel Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to Florida’s small business community. 

Shauger-Haley serves as a business manager and procurement specialist for the Small Business Enterprise Program at Pinellas County. She also works as a business consultant for the Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development subcenter. 

She has helped Florida small businesses secure more than $75 million in government contracts. 

 

Stephanie Ordoñez won the Ambassador of the Year Award. Photo courtesy of Florida SBDC at USF

Ambassador of the Year Award: Stephanie Ordoñez

Stephanie Ordoñez, communications and marketing officer at the Florida SBDC at USF, has been named the Florida Ambassador of the Year. 

The award recognizes her advocacy and dedication to promoting the resources and services of the Florida SBDC at USF. Ordoñez leads efforts to raise awareness of the center’s no-cost consulting and training opportunities for small businesses. 

She helps amplify the impact of the Florida SBDC at USF in the entrepreneurial community through social media campaigns. 

 

Service Awards

Several team members were also recognized for their years of service: 

  • 15 years: Selma Canas, Kurt Forster and Yolanda Goodloe.
  • 10 years: Karen Krymski and Corey McCaster.
  • 5 years: Greg Manning. 

 

Community rallies around oak tree in Dade City

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DADE CITY – County Administrator Mike Carballa announced Aug. 19 that Pasco County will take steps to preserve an old oak tree outside the courthouse in Dade City. 

This comes after members of the community urged county leaders not to remove the tree in favor of updated landscaping. 

Carballa said county commissioners directed staff to employ a master arborist, who inspected the oak tree, provided a report on its condition and included options for removal, remediation or maintenance.

“Based on the arborist’s report and with the full support of this board, Pasco County will begin implementing a new maintenance plan to protect both the tree and surrounding property and we will reevaluate the tree’s condition biannually to ensure everyone’s safety,” Carballa said. “Pasco County appreciates the community’s patience as we move through the process of gaining a deeper understanding of the tree’s condition.”

County commissioners have received a lot of feedback from the community on the issue, including from Karen Menard of the Dade City Garden Club. Menard read a resolution from the club during the Aug. 19 public comment period urging the board to register Grand Oak No. 7 as a protected heritage tree. 

“This tree is estimated to be between 200 and 250 years old and represents one of the oldest and most significant natural landmarks in Dade City,” Menard said. “The tree has been a witness to the history and development of the community, serving as a gathering place for generations of residents and holding cultural, historic and sentimental value.”

The Dade City Garden Club explained that mature oak trees provide shade, habitat for native wildlife, stormwater management and carbon sequestration.

 

Hillsborough pet shelter takes steps to save pets

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TAMPA – Hillsborough County says 150,000 pets have been saved at the Pet Resource Center since the county improved the live-release rate at the shelter 13 years ago.

Back in 2012, about 12,000 dogs and cats were euthanized, nearly two-thirds of the pets brought to the shelter. Today, the Pet Resource Center’s live-release rate is above 90%.

It took 10 years to reach 100,000 pets saved, a milestone reached in October 2022. It has taken less than three years for that number to reach 150,000.  Of the 150,406 dogs and cats saved, 101,133 were adopted, 27,643 returned home and 21,630 were sent to rescue groups. 

These numbers stand out more when you consider the Pet Resource Center is an open-admission shelter, meaning it accepts all dogs and cats regardless of age, medical condition or breed.  

Among the policy and practical changes responsible for the dramatic improvement in live-release rates and the accompanying drop in euthanasia:

  • Creating a pet support team that helps residents keep their pets rather than turning them over to the shelter. Team members can help resolve issues with pet behavior, provide food and supplies, and even arrange medical care.
  • Actively working with more than 300 pet rescue groups.
  • Establishing a foster program that allows residents to take pets home for as little as a week. The program helps clear shelter space and provides information about the pets’ behavior and personality. Many of the pets are adopted by the foster parents or their friends or families.
  • Establishing pet-enrichment programs such as dog play groups.
  • Spaying, neutering and evaluating pets so most dogs and cats can go home the same day people decide to adopt them.
  • Allowing residents to view nearly all available dogs and cats at the shelter through an online kennel that includes photos, medical information and behavioral notes.
  • Matching people with the right pet, which increases owner satisfaction and reduces return rates.
  • Increasing the number and variety of medical issues that can be treated at the shelter. Animals with ailments that almost automatically resulted in euthanasia a decade ago are now routinely treated at the shelter by veterinary staff and ultimately adopted.

Because the Pet Resource Center does not euthanize for space, the shelter is almost always full. Currently, the shelter is at about 120% capacity for dogs and 300% capacity for cats. Residents interested in adoption, fostering or volunteering can visit HCFL.gov/pets for details. 

 

Kids’ stuffed animals can get checkups

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Back-to-school checkups don’t have to be stressful. The Florida Aquarium lets kids bring plushies for checkups. Photo courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

TAMPA – As kids across Tampa Bay get their back-to-school check-ups, The Florida Aquarium is offering a playful twist on wellness with a check-up for their favorite stuffed animals. 

On Aug. 23 and 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., families are invited to bring their beloved plush toys to the aquarium for the return of Cuddle Clinic, now open to the public for the first time and included with general admission.

The hands-on experience transforms the aquarium into a plush-toy hospital, where children can give their cuddly companions a full health check-up while learning about animal care. Children will guide their patients through different stations throughout the aquarium, including check-in with exam form and animal adoption, X-ray, dental exam, nutrition assessments, eye and ear exam, bandages or stitches, lab tests, treatment and prevention, and physical exam.

The Florida Aquarium’s staff and volunteers will be on call throughout the experience to provide personalized attention and support to make sure every stuffed animal leaves in tip-top shape. Whether it’s a well-loved teddy bear from home or a brand-new aquatic friend adopted onsite, all are welcome for a little extra care.

Don’t Have a Plushie? With the purchase of a general admission ticket for Aug. 23 or 24, guests can symbolically adopt a marine animal through the Aquarium’s Animal Adopt program for $40. The offer includes a plush version and fact sheet of the chosen animal as well as an official adoption certificate.

Registration is not required for the Cuddle Clinic. 

On the web: ​​flaquarium.org