Local News

As we enter what’s predicted to be a dynamic hurricane season, many Tampa Bay residents may have an emergency plan, but it’s just as important to make sure you are financially ready.

Here are five tips to help you financially prepare ahead of the significant impacts of a storm:

• Create a financial first-aid kit. Put copies of any important physical financial documents that might be needed immediately in a waterproof “go-bag,” such as financial statements, utility bills, credit card statements, insurance policy account numbers, health insurance cards, medical records and more. Consider switching to secure electronic delivery for bank, credit card and other financial statements to prevent misplacing hard-copy financial records.  
• Protect and preserve important documents. Store other key papers you’re likely to need in the future, such as recent tax returns, property deeds, and brokerage and retirement account information, in a safe-deposit box or home safe that can resist fire, water or structural damage. You may also consider scanning important documents and uploading them to a reliable cloud-based storage service.
• Evaluate your insurance. Your current homeowner policies may not give adequate protection around certain natural disasters such as floods. Whether you rent or own, it’s good practice to take pictures or a video of the property – inside and out. Also note the make, model, serial number and purchase date of big-ticket items such as electronics, artwork or jewelry you may have to leave behind. Lastly, be sure to upgrade your insurance whenever you update your home.    
• Establish a source of ready cash. Even with insurance, disaster-related out-of-pocket costs – including unplanned living expenses, if you’re displaced for a time – can be high. To bolster your emergency savings, consider talking with a financial advisor about potentially opening a flexible line of credit such as a home equity line of credit that you can tap in the event of an emergency. You could also consider obtaining a line of credit secured with other assets, such as your investments, or see if your bank has low-cost, short term loan programs.
• Share information with family members. In many households, one person may manage most financial activities. It’s important that other family members know what expenses or bills have to be paid, where to locate the checking and savings accounts and how to access other important documents. Having regular family financial meetings to discuss where stuff is stored, and how your filing system works can prevent potential confusion and miscommunication.  

No one wants to consider the possibility of a hurricane disrupting their life, but taking practical steps and having a solid financial plan can help you stay resilient when the next storm hits.

Michael Esposito serves as president of Bank of America Tampa Bay.

TAMPA – For more than three decades, the community has flocked to Tampa Theatre on Sunday afternoons to enjoy Summer Classics as they were meant to be seen: on the big screen, with a bag of popcorn and a cold drink as a shared, communal experience.

Now in its 34th year, the Summer Classics Movie Series celebrates more than a century of extraordinary filmmaking.

The oldest offering, a collection of silent comedy shorts from the 1920s, takes Tampa Theatre back to its roots of presenting silent films with live musical accompaniment on its original Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ. Others, like “The Blues Brothers,” “Psycho” and “Monty Python” are celebrating milestone anniversaries. 

Most of these iconic favorites, like “The Wizard of Oz,” “Casablanca” and “The Princess Bride” have been named to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for their cultural, historical or aesthetic significance.

To kick off the season, Tampa Theatre will present a special engagement of Jaws (1975) over Memorial Day weekend, offering audiences a chance to experience “the original summer blockbuster” on the big screen, May 23 to 27.

After that, the Summer Classics lineup includes:

• “The Princess Bride” (1987) – 3 p.m. June 1
• “The Blues Brothers” (1980) – 3 p.m. June 8
• “Dr. Zhivago” (1965) – 3 p.m. June 15
• “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981) – 3 p.m. June 22
• “Moulin Rouge!” (2001) – 3 p.m. June 29
• “Top Gun” (1986) – 3 p.m. July 6
• “Psycho” (1960) – 3 p.m. July 13
• “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975) – 3 p.m. July 20
• “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” (1982) – 3 p.m. July 27
• “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” (1966) – 3 p.m. Aug. 3
• “The Wizard of Oz” (1939) – 3 p.m. Aug. 10
• “Roman Holiday” (1953) – 3 p.m. Aug. 17
• “Casablanca” (1942) – 3 p.m. Aug. 24
• “The Silent Clowns” – 3 p.m. Aug. 31

“The Silent Clowns” shorts provide a unique opportunity to see these silent films exactly as audiences saw them back in the 1920s, presented in their original format with live accompaniment on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ. Tampa Theatre’s Artist in Residence Steven Ball will write and perform an original score for each of the films.

Audiences are also invited to stick around after select shows for Film Talks with some of the community’s most knowledgeable movie experts. They will examine the films’ themes, structure and cultural significance as well as answer questions from the audience. 

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of Bank of America’s sponsorship of the Summer Classics Movie Series.

“At Bank of America, we are dedicated to supporting local cultural institutions that have a positive impact on our lives,” said Michael Esposito, president, Bank of America Tampa Bay. “For 10 years, we’ve supported Tampa Theater’s Summer Classics Movie Series and their goal to bring beloved classics to our community. This program has become a local tradition that brings people together each year.”

Tickets for “The Silent Clowns” event are $14.50 ($11.50 for Tampa Theatre members). The rest of the Summer Classics films are $10 ($7 for members).

With summer upon us, seasonal foods such as squash, watermelon, blackberries and peaches may come to mind.  

But another staple that is ubiquitous with summer is s’mores.  

My first s’mores experience was indoors, in Florida, roasting a marshmallow over the stove.  

But my true s’mores encounter was in upstate New York, using a firepit in a relative’s backyard one summer, surrounded by fireflies.  

I finally felt like I got to partake in a true summer tradition, as opposed to the makeshift firepit on the stove.  

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with indoor s’mores – you can make them in an air fryer, microwave, oven or even enjoyed raw (unroasted marshmallow).  

But the experience and memories of the outdoor version eclipsed the times I’ve made them indoors.  

Who can we thank for this delectable, addictive treat?  

The Girl Scouts of course – and the Industrial Revolution.

The Industrial Revolution allowed for marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers to be mass produced in the late 1800s and early 1900s, leading to chocolate and marshmallow treats, such as Mallomars and Moonpies, which are closely related to s’mores.  

Before that, marshmallows and chocolate were only for the wealthy because it took so long to make.  

With machinery, they could be cheaply made and became widely available.

But the history of the graham cracker is an interesting one.  

Their original taste and ingredients have no semblance to the version we know today, as they were actually considered a health food initially.  

They were invented by a Presbyterian minister from Connecticut, Sylvester Graham.  

He believed that one’s diet was connected to their moral purity, and therefore, encouraged people to eat cleanly to maintain a pure lifestyle.  

In the 1830s, he created an unsifted flour that used all the parts of the wheat (basically, a whole wheat flour).  

The graham cracker had this flour, bran, oil, molasses and salt.  

That was it – no honey, cinnamon, or other flavoring agents.  

He thought this bland cracker would be good for the soul.

However, they did not become popular until much later, once bakers started experimenting with other ingredients and adding cane sugar, brown sugar and cinnamon.  

Essentially, the opposite of what Mr. Graham was going for.  

By the 1890s, the National Biscuit Company (now Nabisco) introduced the first mass-produced graham crackers, according to Redstone Foods.    

Now we use graham crackers not just in s’mores, but in pie crust, cheesecake, topped with peanut butter, cream cheese, cookie bars, parfaits and so much more.  

I’m sure Sylvester Graham is rolling over in his grave.

As for s’mores, they came around about 30 years after the graham cracker was first mass produced.  

The original name was Some More, as described in a 1927 Girl Scout manual.  

A troop leader named Loretta Scott Crew is credited for the official recipe published in this book, and it took off from there.  

The name “s’more” was first found in the 1938 book “Recreational Programs for Summer Camps.”  

Today, there are s’mores flavored Pop Tarts, martinis, cereal, protein bars, ice cream and more.  

Clearly, Americans love their s’mores.

So the next time you’re making s’mores, whether it’s around a campfire or in your home kitchen, you have a little history lesson to share.

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County, An Equal Opportunity Institution.

Pasco publishes draft action plan for disaster recovery

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resources Better Future Action Plan is now available for public review. 

The plan outlines how nearly $586 million in federal funding will be used to rebuild and strengthen the community following Hurricanes Idalia, Helene and Milton.

The county was scheduled to hold public feedback workshops on May 19 and 20 but those who couldn’t attend can submit feedback before June 12 at mypas.co/BetterFuture.

 

Richey Suncoast Theatre launches Summer Fundraiser

NEW PORT RICHEY – Richey Suncoast Theatre has launched its 2025 Summer Fundraiser in hopes of raising $30,000 to safeguard summer operations, staff and youth programming. 

This year’s appeal comes at a critical moment for small community theaters. With state and federal arts and culture funding increasingly frozen, seasonal slowdowns and lingering impacts from recent hurricanes affecting local ticket sales, theaters like Richey Suncoast face pressure to continue delivering their mission with limited resources.

Funds raised will go toward retaining core staff, ensuring the stability required to maintain programs, including youth theatre camps and family productions.

“By contributing to our Summer Fundraiser, you’re investing in the dedicated team that powers this theater,” said Angela Saabia, board president. “Your support ensures we can continue to inspire, educate and entertain.”

Learn more and donate at https://ci.ovationtix.com/36105/store/donations/55670.

On the web: richeysuncoasttheatre.com 

 

10th annual Zephyrhills SummerFest returns June 28

ZEPHYRHILLS – Florida Penguin Productions is looking for sponsors and event partners for the 10th annual Zephyrhills SummerFest. 

The event takes place from 2 to 9 p.m. June 28 at Zephyr Lake Park, 38116 5th Ave. It will include DJs, children’s contests, vendor market, food trucks, games and fireworks at dark. 

Proceeds from the Kids Zone will benefit SVB Tennis Foundation.

Contact or 727-674-1464 for more information. 

 

Sign up for parade

LUTZ – This year’s Lutz 4th of July Celebration takes on the theme “Lutz Salutes You!! It’s a Star Spangled 2025!”

The celebration includes the Lutz Independence Day 5K (7:30 a.m.), Lutz Independence Day 1 Mile Fun Run (8:15 a.m.), 5K Race awards (8:30 a.m.), Flag Ceremony (9 a.m.) and parade (10 a.m.) at 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road. 

Organizers are registering participants and vendors. There is no charge to participate but there is a small fee for a vendor space. 

Parade float registration is at https://bit.ly/LutzParadeFloatEntry25.

Vendor registration is at https://bit.ly/LutzParadeVendors25

There is also a cake contest, sponsored by the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, with entries for best decorated and tasting as well as most patriotic. 

On the web: https://lutzparade.com

 

Nanjiani ain’t afraid of no ghosts or performing on stage

TAMPA – Comedian Kumail Nanjiani is bringing his Doing This Again Tour to Tampa Theatre.
The show starts at 7 p.m. Nov. 15 at Tampa Theatre. Tickets range from $38.50 to $58.50 plus applicable taxes and fees. 

Nanjiani recently won a SAG Award for his recurring role in the fourth season of the hit Hulu series “Only Murders in the Building” and earned an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Chippendales founder Somen “Steve” Banerjee in Hulu’s limited series, “Welcome to Chippendales,” for which he also served as an executive producer.

Recently, Nanjiani was seen in “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” alongside returning cast-members Paul Rudd and Carrie Coon, which hit theaters in March 2024. On the animation side, Nanjiani lent his voice to “Migration,” a Universal Pictures adventure-comedy. 

Additionally, Kumail participated in this year’s Netflix is a Joke Festival.

 

Acting Lab launches class

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Acting Lab is launching a six-week course, led by Cynthia White, to guide participants through professional acting techniques.

The class will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, June 26 to July 31. It culminates in a live performance Aug. 7 at Richey Suncoast Theater, 6237 Grand Blvd. It costs $300 plus fees. 

A free introductory class is offered 7 to 9 p.m. June 5. 

Participants will learn acting techniques, including movement, script analysis and scene work. The class is for ages 20 and older. 

Email to learn more.

 

Garden club discusses trends

DADE CITY – The Dade City Garden Club is not only celebrating National Garden Week from June 1 to 7 but also offering a free  program for the community June 2 at its headquarters. 

The club will explore the top gardening trends for 2025. The program will be rounded out with a plant swap. Bring a plant and take home a new one.

The event starts at 6 p.m. June 2 at the Dade City Garden Club, 13630 5th St. Email Becky Maxwell at or visit dadecitygardenclub.com for details. 

 

Blaustein to perform here 

TAMPA – Stand-up comedian Michael Blaustein will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 21 at Tampa Theatre.

Blaustein’s comedy clips have amassed more than 900 million views across social media. He has sold out venues across the world, most recently closing out his 2024 tour year with more than 72,000 tickets sold.

When he’s not performing, he’s co-hosting the comedy podcast “Stiff Socks” with Trevor Wallace, which has more than 70 million downloads. Blaustein has also worked with brands like Manscaped, Liquid Death and BetterHelp.

Tickets range from $38.50 to $103.50 plus taxes and fees. 

LAND O’ LAKES – Liza Olivia Blecher, owner of Liza Olivia Photography, is passionate about using photography to uplift and restore dignity to the women and children escaping human trafficking, domestic violence and complex trauma. 

These are the very people that Solo Moms Recovery & Healing serves.

The Look Good Do Good project was designed by a group of photographers who were looking to pour back into their communities while helping small businesses who support them. On April 30, Liza Olivia Photography partnered with Purposeful Living Women on Look Good Do Good. The business portrait event focused on

creating updated business portraits of area business women during their annual Leveling Up Event.

Liza Olivia photographed area business women who donated $75 to Solo Moms Recovery and Healing. In exchange for their donation, they received an updated business portrait to use on their website, business card and social media.

Liza Olivia plans to present a check of $775 on May 27 to Solo Mom’s Recovery and Healing.

“I look around and so many business professionals in our area have outdated portraits.

In today’s world people research businesses online before they become a client and can unfairly judge your abilities based on your portrait,” she said. “An outdated or unprofessional business portrait can disqualify you from getting business you deserve. I believe people should update their business portraits annually. This is a way you can do it. Affordably, while also giving back to our community.”

 

Woman’s club delivers Easter treats to older adults

LAND O’ LAKES – The Health and Wellness Community Service Program of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club delivered Easter treats to the residents of Angels Senior Living in North Tampa.

The gesture brought smiles and seasonal cheer to the seniors, reflecting the club’s ongoing commitment to serving the community and the well-being of the elderly residents in the area.

 

Theater presents ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

BROOKSVILLE – Live Oak Theatre is proud to announce that seats are available for Live Oak Theatre’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Twenty-eight students, ages 8 to 19, have enrolled in the Conservatory’s Youth Théâtre’s class’s production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  

The play will be performed May 15 to 18 at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows start at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees begin at 2:30 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. 

Seats cost $25 for adults or $10 for children 13 and younger with the purchase of an adult seat. Visit liveoaktheatre.org/current-production, email or call 352-593-0027 to reserve seating.

The classic play has been slightly abridged by Ron Dykes to ensure its compliance with the theater’s family-friendly mission. It is still considered a full-length play, with all the characters.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare is a whimsical comedy set in Athens and a nearby forest. The play follows intertwining storylines of four young lovers, a group of amateur actors and a magical fairy world.

 

‘Little Shop of Horrors’ coming to stage

NEW PORT RICHEY – Richey Suncoast Theatre presents “Little Shop of Horrors,” the cult-classic horror comedy rock musical directed by Landon Green. 

This Broadway-style production combines rock, R&B and Motown. Fans will experience a stunning visual experience, complete with immersive set design and a larger-than-life Audrey II.

Catch the show at 7 p.m. May 30, May 31, June 6 and June 7 as well as 2 p.m. June 1 and 8 at 6237 Grand Blvd. Tickets cost $25 for general admission or $160 for VIP.

 

Comedian Zachariah Porter to perform at Tampa Theatre

TAMPA – Tampa Theatre and AEG Presents welcome Zachariah Porter to the theater’s stage at 7 p.m. Aug. 23 for a stop on The Florida Shows Tour.

Tickets range from $25 to $55 plus applicable taxes and fees. 

With more than 5 million followers, Porter is back on the road performing a new show.

Porter is a comedic creator based in Brooklyn, New York. He enjoys experimenting with his content and

does everything from character bits to testing kitchen gadgets to offering unsolicited advice. 

In 2021, Porter was a guest on the Drew Barrymore Show, where he taught Vanessa Hudgens and Drew how to make puff snacks. 

Porter plans to launch a podcast and is working on a one man show.

 

NEW PORT RICHEY – Richey Suncoast Theatre is turning up the spotlight on young talent this summer thanks to a grant from Duke Energy.

Programs for children and teens include Kids Night Out Parties and the RST Kids Summer Theatre Camp. 

Families are encouraged to register early as spots are limited.

 

Kids Night Out (Ages 6-12)

Kids Night Out is a series of themed one-night events designed for children ages 6 to 12. 

These supervised evening programs provide a safe, engaging space for kids to enjoy creative activities, meet new friends and experience the magic of live theatre – even when it’s not on stage.

The first event, “Party at the Movies,” is set for 6 to 9 p.m. May 22 at Richey Suncoast Theatre,  6237 Grand Boulevard, New Port Richey.

Highlights of the evening include:

• Screenings of three short, kid-friendly films.
• Movie-themed imagination games to spark creativity.
• Pizza, popcorn and snack breaks.

Advance registration is encouraged, as space is limited.

Additional Kids Night Out events are scheduled for June 26 and July 24.

Each event is themed to ensure returning participants enjoy a fresh, memorable experience.

“This program isn’t just fun,” Producing Director Jess Glass said, “it helps kids build social confidence and gives parents a night off. It’s a win-win for families.”

Visit richeysuncoasttheatre.com to reserve a spot.

 

RST Kids Summer Theatre Camp

Richey Suncoast Theatre offers weekly, full-day themed camps packed with creativity and fun.

The lineup includes: 

• Seussical Musical Theatre (ages 6–9): June 16-20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• The Little Mermaid (ages 10–12): June 23-27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• A Pirate’s Life for Me (ages 9–15): July 7-11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Beauty & the Beast (ages 13–18): July 14-18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Each week ends with a Final Friday Showcase & Pizza Karaoke Party.

Camps cost $250 per week. Limited scholarships available for those with financial hardships. Limited to 30 students per week Register at richeysuncoasttheatre.com