The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

What’s Happening (01/29/25): Grossology exhibit gets extension

By

Grossology exhibit gets extension

TAMPA – The Museum of Science & Industry has decided to extend its Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body through April 27.

Grossology takes a fun and informative look at the ooey gooey things that go on inside our bodies, such as runny noses and body odor, using sophisticated animatronics and imaginative hands-on exhibits.

Climb a human skin wall with warts, hairs, wounds and pimples that act as hand and foot holds or pump burp man full of soda from a three-foot-tall can, then help him get gassy relief with a booming belch.

 

Jan. 29

Baby Storytime

Land O’ Lakes Library offers Baby Storytime, a lap-sit program meant to instill the love of reading in children at an early age. It is suitable for babies up to age 1 and their caregivers. Call 813-929-1214 for details. 

10:15-10:40 & 11:15-11:40 a.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Babytime

Children, ages 0-2, and their caregivers engage in a storytime with songs, stories and play at South Holiday Library. Call 727-834-3331 for details. 

10:15-10:45 a.m.; 4649 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday

 

Toddler Storytime

Children, ages 1-2, engage in stories, songs and activities during Toddler Storytime at Regency Park Library. Call 727-861-3049 for details. 

10:15-10:45 & 11:15-11:45 a.m.; 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey

 

Toddler Storytime

Ms. Shaina leads a Toddler Storytime for stories, songs and activities at Hugh Embry Library. Space is limited. Children, ages 3-5, and their grownups participate in playing, reading, singing, movement and other activities. Call 352-567-3576 for details. 

10:15-11 a.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Storytime

Children, ages 0-5, engage in songs, stories and crafts at Centennial Park Library’s children’s room. Space and supplies are limited. Call 727-834-3204 for details. 

10:15-11 a.m.; 5740 Moog Road, Holiday

 

Toddler Storytime

Ms. Laura leads a Toddler Storytime with stories, songs, and early literacy-based activities at New River Library. Space is limited. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

10:15-11 a.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Preschool Storytime

Ms. Laura leads a Preschool Storytime with stories, songs, and early literacy-based activities at New River Library. Space is limited. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

11 a.m.-noon; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Preschool Storytime

Ms. Shaina leads a Preschool Storytime with stories, songs and other activities at Hugh Embry Library. Space is limited. Children, ages 3-5, and their grownups participate in playing, reading, singing and movement. Call 352-567-3576 for details. 

11:15 a.m.-noon; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Dulcimer Jam

Bring a dulcimer and join fellow dulcimer enthusiasts for an informal jam session at Hugh Embry Library. The program is intended for those with (at least) basic skills. Call 352-567-3576 for details. 

2-3:30 p.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Creative Relaxation

A mental health professional leads a monthly class for adults that includes a short meditation followed by an expressive arts activity designed to help reduce stress at Regency Park Library. Registration is required. Call 727-861-3049 for details. 

2-3:30 p.m.; 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey

 

Paper Chase

South Holiday Library presents paper crafting for adults. Registration is required. Call 727-834-3331 for details. 

2-4 p.m.; 4649 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday

 

Mat Yoga

Michelle Mack leads a mat yoga session at Zephyrhills Public Library. Bring a mat. Library does not provide the mat. Space is limited. Call 813-780-0064 for details. 

4-5 p.m. & Jan. 30,  4-5 p.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Tween Craft

Join Centennial Park Library to make slime with instant snow inside during Tween Craft: Snow Slime. Registration is required. Call 727-834-3204 for details. 

4-5 p.m.; 5740 Moog Road, Holiday

 

Chess Club

Chess Master-Rated coach Rick McKnight explains how to play chess to youth in grades 4-12 at New River Library. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

4-5:30 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

ClayWorks Open Studio

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center offers open ClayWorks studio hours. Time in the studio is by registration only. Access to the pottery wheels is first come, first served. Glaze your piece on Jan. 29. Prior ceramics experience is recommended. Sign a waiver beforehand. Ages 16 and older are welcome. Call 727-815-7126 for details. 

5-7 p.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Chess Club

The Hugh Embry chess club, a U.S. Chess Federation affiliate, meets weekly and is open to all ages and skill levels at Hugh Embry Library. Call 352-567-3576 for details. 

5:15-7:45 p.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Jan. 30

Storytime Fun

Toddlers and preschoolers read, sing and dance in a fun, interactive storytime at Zephyrhills Public Library. Space is limited; however, registration is not required. Call 813-780-0064 for details. 

10-10:20 a.m. & 10:30-10:50 a.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Career Source

Career Source offers assistance with employment searches, resume writing, interviewing preparation, EmployFlorida assistance and more at Centennial Park Library. Call 727-834-3204 for details. 

10 a.m.-noon; 5740 Moog Road, Holiday

 

Preschool Storytime

Children join for a Preschool Storytime with songs, stories and crafts in the children’s room at Land O’ Lakes Library. Call 813-929-1214 for details. 

10:15-10:45 & 11:15-11:45 a.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Baby Storytime

Children, ages 0-1, and their caregivers develop a love of reading during a lap-sit Baby Storytime at Regency Park Library. Call 727-861-3049 for details. 

10:15-10:45 a.m.; 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey

 

Preschool Storytime

Ms. Becky leads a Preschool Storytime for children, ages 3-5, with stories, songs, and other fun activities at Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. Space is limited. Children and their grownups participate in playing, reading, singing, movement and other activities. Call 727-815-7126 for details. 

10:15-11 a.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Book Club

A book club discusses “Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner at Land O Lakes Library. Call 813-929-1214 for details. 

10:30-11:30 a.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Ingenuity Lab 

Hugh Embry Library offers an Ingenuity Lab with materials and activities that encourage children to create and explore. This week, participants will make whatever they want from the materials provided. Waivers must be signed beforehand. Call 352-567-3576 for details. 

10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Preschool Story Time

Children, ages 3-5, along with their caregiver engage stories, songs and activities at Regency Park Library. Call 727-861-3049 for details. 

11:15 a.m.-noon; 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey

 

Mountain Dulcimer

Learn to play a mountain dulcimer in an eight-part course at Hugh Embry Library. A limited number of dulcimers will be provided. Registration for all eight classes is required. Call 352-567-3576 for details. 

2-3 p.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Mat Yoga

Michelle Mack leads a mat yoga session at Zephyrhills Public Library. Bring a mat. Library does not provide the mat. Space is limited. Call 813-780-0064 for details. 

4-5 p.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Yarn for a Cause

Yarn enthusiasts meet to talk about projects and share tips and suggestions at New River Library. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

6-7 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Jan. 31

Toddler Storytime

Land O Lakes Library offers a Toddler Storytime for children, ages 1-2, and their caregiver. Call 813-929-1214 for details. 

9:45-10:10, 10:15-10:35 & 11:15-11:35 a.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Conversation Corner 

Trained tutors help improve English language skills at Hugh Embry Library. This program is for adult learners of English as a second or foreign language and English-speaking learners who want to improve their reading and writing skills. Call 352-567-3576 for details. 

10-11:30 a.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Tech Help

A staff member is available for one-on-one tech help at New River Library. You will be emailed your appointment time. Each appointment is 20 minutes long. Registration is required. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

1-2 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Ukulele Jam 

The Tampa Bay Ukulele Society hosts a jam session at Hugh Embry Library. This program is intended for intermediate to advanced players. Call 352-567-3576 for details. 

1-2:30 p.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Adult Coloring 

Friends of the South Holiday Library hosts Creative Coloring for Adults at South Holiday Library. Materials will be provided including gel pens, colored pencils, markers and many coloring pages. Call 727-834-3331 for details. 

2-3 p.m.; 4649 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday

 

Theatrical Performance

Richey Suncoast Theatre presents “Into the Woods.” Tickets for performances are available at richeysuncoasttheatre.com/event-calendar. Contact the box office at 727-842-6777 or for group bookings or special accommodations. 

7 p.m.; 6237 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey

 

Comedy Show

Comedian Becky Robinson brings her Members Only Club Tour to the Tampa Theatre. You may know her as the Entitled Housewife, the outspoken viral golf character Becky, or from her time as a regular on MTV’s “Wild ‘N Out with Nick Cannon.” Tickets cost $39.50-$59.50 plus taxes and fees. Buy them at tampatheatre.org.

8 p.m.; 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa

 

Feb. 1 

Woodturners 

Tri County Woodturners Turn & Learn takes place at Land O Lakes Library. The event is intended for adults. This month’s project is a wooden tulip. All materials will be provided. Some previous lathe experience is required to register. Waivers are required beforehand. Registration is required. Call 813-929-1214 for details. 

9 a.m.-noon or 12:30-3:30 p.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Crafty Creations

Children and tweens create a craft during Crafty Creations at Zephyrhills Public Library. Space is limited. Call 813-780-0064 for details. 

10-11 a.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Kids Open Studio

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center offers a Kids Open Studio where creativity and imaginations are encouraged to run wild. Call 727-815-7126 for details. 

10 a.m.-noon; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Supersized Storytime

Land O Lakes Library offers a Supersized Storytime with stories, songs and dance. Call 813-929-1214 for details. 

10 a.m.-noon; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Book Club

A book club discusses “The Diamond Eye” by Kate Quinn at New River Library. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

10:30-11:30 a.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Read to Rover

Young readers and their families can stop by Hugh Embry Library to read a book or offer a friendly pat to dogs from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Call 352-567-3576 for details. 

10:30-11:30 a.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Ingenuity Lab in the Teen Room: Kindness Wall

The maker cart in Hugh Embry Library’s teen room is set up with materials for a creative activity. This month, children in grades 6-12 contribute to a kindness wall. Call 352-567-3576 for details. 

10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Ukulele Jam

Bring a ukulele and jam with the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society at New River Library. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

Noon-2 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Chocolate Truffles

Learn how to make chocolate truffles for Valentine’s Day at Regency Park Library. Registration is required. Call 727-861-3049 for details. 

2-3 p.m.; 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey

 

ClayWorks D.I.Y.

Making a custom spoon rest and spoon set during ClayWorks D.I.Y. at Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. Sign a waiver beforehand. Ages 16+ are welcome. Patrons return Feb. 1 to finish their pieces. Registration is required. Call 727-815-7126 for details. 

2-4 p.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Conversation Corner 

Trained tutors will be at New River Library to help with English reading, writing and speaking skills, for English as a second language learners and English-speaking learners who want to read or write better. Call 813-788-6375 to save a seat. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

3-4:30 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Theatrical Performance

Richey Suncoast Theatre presents “Into the Woods.” Tickets for performances are available at richeysuncoasttheatre.com/event-calendar. Contact the box office at 727-842-6777 or for group bookings or special accommodations. 

7 p.m.; 6237 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey

 

Valentine’s Stroll Buy

The Friends of the Starkey Ranch Library will have a stroll buy from Feb. 1 to 12 with books, crafts, gifts and cards with a Valentine’s Day feel. Call 727-815-7126 for details. 

Various times; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Feb. 2

Theatrical Performance

Richey Suncoast Theatre presents “Into the Woods.” Tickets for performances are available at richeysuncoasttheatre.com/event-calendar. Contact the box office at 727-842-6777 or for group bookings or special accommodations. 

2 p.m.; 6237 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey

 

Feb. 4

Photography Club

The Land O Lakes Photography Club meets over Zoom. Members receive a link via email. Those with an interest in photography who would like to know more about the club may receive a one-time guest invitation by emailing . Membership costs $24/year and includes a spouse or significant other.

7 p.m.; Online

 

Tailo Drums

The New Tampa Performing Arts Center presents Taiko Drums of Japan with Tampa Taiko. Experience Asian culture and celebrations like Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year, and Matsuri Festivals with Tampa Taiko. They’ll bring traditional music and dancing styles to the stage, including The Chinese Lion Dance, a 3,000-year-old Chinese tradition that symbolizes prosperity, luck and happiness. Tickets cost $15. Buy them at NewTampaArtsCenter.org/Tickets.

7:30 p.m.; 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa

Feb. 7 

Preschool Praise and Play 

Dade City First United Methodist Church opens the Sanctuary every first Friday of the month for a free community preschool playtime. Enjoy a scripture story, music, craft and playtime with new friends. Activities are geared towards toddlers and preschoolers but all ages are welcome. Email for questions. 9:30-10:30 a.m.; 37628 Church Ave., Dade City

 

Feb. 10

Art Club

The Zephyrhills Art Club meets at the First Baptist Church. The club offers demonstrations and workshops.  Guests should use the back entrance.  Call Sandra Lallemand at 352-523-1213 for details.

7 p.m.; 38231 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills

 

Feb. 11

Garden Club

The Land O’ Lakes Garden Club meets at the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. facebook.com/lolgcfl/

10:30 a.m.; 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

 

Gardener Program

The Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society presents Fire: Florida’s First Gardener at  the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center. The presentation highlights some differences between fire-dependent and fire-tolerant plant communities and how lightning and indigenous people have used fire to shape the landscape for hundreds of years. Chapter meetings are free and open to the public. Email or visit PascoNativePlants.org for details. 

7 p.m.; 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

 

Feb. 13

Dance Company

The Jon Lehrer Dance Company brings its signature athletic and artistic brand of dance to New Tampa Performing Arts Center. The dance company showcases a fusion of jazz and modern dance. Tickets cost $15-$20 depending on the seat. Buy them at NewTampaArtsCenter.org/Tickets.

7:30 p.m.; 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa

 

Feb. 14

Tampa Bay Symphony 

The Tampa Bay Symphony performs “Scandinavian Romance” at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. The symphony consists of over 80 musicians. Buy tickets at NewTampaArtsCenter.org/Tickets.

8 p.m.; 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa

 

Feb. 21

Concerts

Greggie and The Jets performs during the Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation’s 2024-25 Performing Arts Series at the PHSC Performing Arts Center. Buy tickets at phsc.tix.com.

7 p.m.; 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey

 

Fleetwood Mac Tribute 

Fleatwood Mac performs the “The Premier Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show” at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. Tickets cost $20-$25, depending on the seat. Buy tickets at NewTampaArtsCenter.org/Tickets.

8 p.m.; 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa

 

Feb. 22

Sankofa 

Join Kuumba dancers and drummers to experience the rhythms, songs, and dances of the African diaspora at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. Tickets cost $15-$20, depending on the seat. Buy tickets at NewTampaArtsCenter.org/Tickets.  

8 p.m.; 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa

 

Feb. 23

Cinderella Tale

Kuumba dancers and drummers bring “TIMINI” to the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. Taking place in the village of Fadiout, Senegal, “TIMINI” is the classic tale of Cinderella reimagined and brought to life through African music, dance, storytelling and audience participation. Tickets cost $15-$20, depending on the seat. Buy them at NewTampaArtsCenter.org/Tickets.  

3 p.m.; 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa

 

Feb. 28

Pavlo in Concert

Pavlo performs a night of Spanish, Flamenco, and Mediterranean guitar at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. Tickets cost $50. Visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org for details. 

7:30 p.m.; 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa

 

March 21

Concerts

Rocky and The Rollers performs during the Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation’s 2024-25 Performing Arts Series at the PHSC Performing Arts Center. Buy tickets at phsc.tix.com.

7 p.m.; 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey

 

March 22

Plant Sale

Nature Coast Chapter of Florida Native Plant Society sponsors a Florida Native Plant Sale with a large selection of native plants and books for sale along with free literature about planting, landscaping and promoting all things native at Harvester Community Church. Email or visit PascoNativePlants.org for details. 

10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 2432 Collier Pkwy., Land O Lakes 

 

April 4

Concerts

Shades of Buble performs during the Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation’s 2024-25 Performing Arts Series at the PHSC Performing Arts Center. Buy tickets at phsc.tix.com.

7 p.m.; 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey

Public input wanted for GoPasco bus route changes

By

PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco County Public Transportation Department wants to hear from the public. 

GoPasco is hosting four public workshops between Jan. 29, and Feb. 5 to present key reasons for making changes to its fixed-route bus system.

A Comprehensive Operations Analysis is designed to identify unproductive service, improve reliability and provide detailed performance analysis.

Proposed bus route changes workshops will take place at the following times: 

  • Jan. 29, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., West Pasco Government Center Boardroom, 8731 Citizens Drive, New Port Richey.
  • Jan. 30, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Historic Pasco County Courthouse Boardroom, 37918 Meridian Ave., Dade City.
  • Jan. 30, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., City of Zephyrhills Council Chambers, 5335 8th St., Zephyrhills.
  • Feb. 5, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes.

Residents can also provide feedback on the Comprehensive Operations Analysis by taking a GoPasco Public Transportation Survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GoPascobusservice.

Visit gopasco.com to learn more about Pasco County Public Transportation, including bus routes, transportation news and schedules.

 

Get Rescued festival promotes animal rescues

By

Dogs compete for glory during the Florida Weiner Dog Derby. Photo courtesy of Get Rescued

GULFPORT – Gulfport’s Get Rescued Animal Rescue Festival & Fun-raiser is returning for its 21st year with up to 50 animal rescue groups.

The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 22 at 3000 Beach Blvd. S.

“We’re so excited to be back for our 21st anniversary,” Suzanne King said. “This event is a great way to learn about animal rescue, meet adoptable pets and support local businesses. We hope everyone will come out and join us for a fun-filled day.” 

The event will feature pet-friendly vendors, pet-care education, animal training demos, the Florida Weiner Dog Derby and raffles. 

All leashed people and well-behaved pets are welcome. There is no admission fee to attend and plenty of convenient complimentary parking will be available throughout the area.

Proceeds from the event support participating rescue groups. Last year’s event raised over $9,000 and was donated to 26 rescue groups.  Participation is free for 501c3 Animal Rescue Groups.

“Find your paw-fect match at Get Rescued because love is just a wag away,” said Francia Vogini of Husky Haven of Florida Inc.

Email or text 727-417-5494 for more information on Gulfport’s Get Rescued Animal Rescue Festival & Fun-raiser.

Hillsborough to unveil improvements at Branchton Park

By

Photos courtesy of Hillsborough County

NEW TAMPA – Hillsborough County was scheduled to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony Jan. 23 to show off the renovations that have transformed Branchton Park into the county’s newest destination park.

Located at 15504 Morris Bridge Road, Branchton Park has been expanded to 43 acres and will offer numerous recreational opportunities to the 45,000 residents who live within a 10-minute drive.

Photos courtesy of Hillsborough County

The revamped park is expected to draw residents from a much wider area.

The park’s amenities will include a large playground, splash pad, restrooms and changing rooms, six shelters, pickleball courts, public art, a dog park, and walking trails.

The ribbon cutting was designed to showcase the work that has been completed on the $10 million project, including the large playground that is accessible for children of all abilities, splash pad, picnic pavilions, lighting and parking lot improvements.

The park will be open from sunrise to sunset seven days a week. Work on the remaining park features will be completed in coming weeks.

 

Exhibit shows latest research on dinosaurs

By

Photos courtesy of American Museum of Natural History

TAMPA – Dinosaur Discoveries: Ancient Fossils, New Ideas opened Jan. 25 at MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry. 

The limited-time exhibition explores what living, breathing dinosaurs were really like – based on research from one of the world’s leading dinosaur research institutions, New York City’s American Museum of Natural History.

Visitors will explore how scientists use advanced tools, such as computer simulations and specialized X-rays, to reveal fascinating details about dinosaurs – their appearance, behavior and even their movement. The exhibition also invites guests to engage with a compelling question: Why did dinosaurs vanish or did they?

This limited-time exhibition at MOSI showcases a blend of fossil discoveries, technology and models, providing a connection to these magnificent creatures of the past.

“It’s a fantastic blending of artifacts from millions of years ago and brand new, cutting-edge science,” MOSI CEO John Graydon Smith said. “In Dinosaur Discoveries, history and science are working together, and that combination gives you new ways to explore this world of dinosaurs that we all find so fascinating.”

 

World-class dinosaur research

Guests will discover some of the most exciting and recent insights into how dinosaurs walked, ran, and lived their daily lives.

“This exhibition illustrates how scientists are using different ideas, discoveries and technologies to revolutionize our understanding of dinosaurs,” said Mark Norell, curator of Dinosaur Discoveries and curator emeritus in the Division of Paleontology at the American Museum of Natural History.

While studying dinosaurs still involves plenty of digging and work in the wilderness, Norell explains that understanding new fossils also depends on people with a passion for the career fields of STEAM – science, technology, engineering, art and math.

“Our work reaches across many disciplines involving paleontologists, biomechanical engineers, paleobotanists and others to showcase how we go about reconstructing the mysterious life of dinosaurs,” he said.

 

Want to go?

Included with MOSI admission, Dinosaur Discoveries: Ancient Fossils, New Ideas runs through April 27 on the third floor of MOSI’s blue dome building, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa.

On the web: mosi.org

Liquor Depot expands in Tampa area

By

Trey Lawson has seen success with the family business his father, Frank, created by respecting the past and seizing opportunities to grow.

TAMPA – Liquor Depot owner Trey Lawson continues in his father’s footsteps and is growing the family’s legacy as he recently opened the sixth Liquor Depot location in Tampa. 

The newest location is now open at 3611 Hillsborough Ave., Suite 210. Trey purchased the business while he was in his 20s from his father upon his retirement seven years ago.

Trey’s father, Frank, opened the first location in 1990 on Nebraska Avenue previously known as Interstate Lounge.  Upon retiring, Frank had four locations, each under different names (Liquor Depot, PIX Liquors, VIP Liquors and Interstate Lounge).   

“My dad was the king of funny marketing,” Trey said. “Mannequins that he dressed up for every holiday in front of the store and bought an old school VW bug and covered it in beer cans as a work vehicle and branded an entire fleet of old school vehicles in yellow paint with massive happy faces on them and had the slogan ‘Spirits Low? We Can Help.’”

Trey Lawson has seen success with the family business his father, Frank, created by respecting the past and seizing opportunities to grow.

Trey grew up around the business and went to work with his dad countless times, including Christmas and New Year’s. The business was always around but it was never a thought that it would be his path.  He graduated from Appalachian State in North Carolina with a degree in marketing.  After college he had a successful career selling real estate in North Carolina.    But he missed Tampa, so he moved back with his now wife, Talia.  

Since 2018, Trey has been growing and making the business better with the addition of social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, rebranding all the stores to one name and logo Liquor Depot, adding the single barrel market, opening two additional Liquor Depot stores and adding Joy Bar a 365 day a year Christmas Bar.

A trend that helped with Liquor Depot’s success was noticing the Whiskey business was booming, especially the single barrel market in 2019 and 2020.

“Single barrels are incredibly unique and once they are sold, they are gone forever, never to be replicated,” Trey said. “Even if it’s the same mash bill for the whiskey, the single barrels are all so different. Depending on where and how long it’s aged can really make the product taste night and day different. This was something dad never had interest in, since he was in the business when vodka was exploding.  One of my suppliers offered me a single barrel pick of Buffalo Trace. I promoted this on social media and sold it quickly. I will never forget calling my dad to get his advice on this. He said, ‘No way! Trey you are going to have cases of it just sitting in the store, but it’s your business now. You ultimately make the decision.’ I went for it, promoted it like crazy on social media and had a big release when it came in and within 28 minutes, sold out of the entire barrel of 200 bottles. I called my dad and told him how it went. He was blown away. I just selected my 110th select and will be releasing pick #100 this February 2025.”

As the stores gained popularity on social media and especially in the whiskey world, Trey was ready to expand and add more Liquor Depot locations in Tampa. In 2022, he purchased the fifth location, an existing liquor store in Town N Country on Waters Avenue. It quickly became a fan favorite and offers a huge selection of all spirits.  It is the largest square footage store and is used for bourbon releasing events and offers a tasting bar for customers to pre taste the available Liquor Depot single barrel picks. In December 2024, he purchased the sixth location at 611 Hillsborough Avenue only 1.5 miles from Raymond James Stadium. It is a smaller store but is a great location for the neighborhood and anyone visiting either stadium.

Trey is passionate about giving back to his community and launched a charity barrel fundraiser program.  He has donated almost $40,000 to former Buccaneers player Mike Alstott Family Foundation from 100% of the proceeds of three barrels they have done together. In addition, Trey was nominated by Max Miller, senior vice president of the Marsh McLennan Insurance agency, for Entrepreneur of the Year.

“My dad has been incredibly supportive and very hands on to help me get the stores up to the Liquor Depot quality,” Trey said. “Building shelves together and loading products. It is exciting to see the growth and I know I am still just getting started. I hope to continue adding locations and becoming the premier Tampa neighborhood liquor store. While the Liquor Depot locations might not be the 10,000-square-foot mega stores, they offer convenient competitive pricing, a wide selection and a smiling team member.”

 

Want to go?

Liquor Depot Tampa locations are as follows: 

  • Waters (7304 W. Waters Ave.)
  • Armenia (6905 N. Armenia Ave. – Liquor Depot and Joy Bar)
  • Nebraska (9403 N. Nebraska Ave.)
  • Bearss (2534 E. Bearss Ave.)

  • Florida (10005 N. Florida Ave.)
  • Hillsborough (3611 W. Hillsborough Ave., #210)


On the web: LiquorDepotTampa.com.

OB/GYN Residency Clinic to train, retain new doctors

By

AdventHealth Tampa celebrated the grand opening of its new Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) Residency Clinic, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Jan. 17.

 

TAMPA – AdventHealth Tampa has opened its new Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Clinic, a teaching facility where recent medical school graduates develop their clinical expertise in a real world setting.

This newly renovated 5,000-square-foot clinic, located on the hospital’s campus, provides future OB/GYN leaders with the latest research, techniques and state-of-the-art technology, ensuring they are prepared to deliver the highest-quality care and best patient outcomes.

The clinic is a critical addition to AdventHealth Tampa’s OB/GYN Residency Program, one of three accredited Graduate Medical Education programs on campus, alongside Internal Medicine and General Surgery.

State-of-the-art exam rooms inside the new OB/GYN Residency Clinic at AdventHealth Tampa.

Clinical educators at AdventHealth Tampa said clinics like these are helping bridge the gap in the American Association of Medical Colleges projected physician shortfall of up to 139,000 doctors by 2033.

“This program represents an incredible opportunity to address the growing physician shortage and improve the quality of women’s care in Florida,” said Dr. Francis Nuthalapaty, program director and maternal-fetal medicine physician at AdventHealth Tampa. “By training the next generation of OB/GYNs, we’re ensuring that more women in our region have access to evidence-based, whole-person care delivered with both compassion and expertise.”

By 2028, AdventHealth Tampa will expand to more than 100 residents across all its residency programs, making it a statutory teaching hospital.

The clinic comes with eight exam rooms equipped with mobile ultrasound machines for routine obstetric and gynecologic imaging, a non-stress testing suite for fetal heart rate monitoring and two procedure rooms for in-office services such as colposcopies and hysteroscopies. An in-house laboratory will provide patients same-day test results, streamlining the care process.

With three residents currently working under the supervision of staff physicians, the program is set to grow to its full capacity of 12 residents, creating even more opportunities for mentorship and collaboration. These programs are not only attracting top talent to the Tampa Bay area but also developing future AdventHealth physicians, many of whom are expected to continue practicing locally after completing their residency.

“Starting an OB/GYN residency program in Tampa allows us to directly address pressing issues such as maternal mortality and health equity,” Nuthalapaty said. “Our residents will be instrumental in advancing the quality of care for women across the state.”

 

Pasco County commissioners move forward on zoning projects

By

The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners authorized several developments this month.

  • The recording of a plat with Performance Guarantees in the amounts of $25,677,346.28 and $230,998.80 requested by Forestar (USA) Real Estate Group, Inc. was approved to cover the cost of incomplete infrastructure improvements remaining to be done for 261 single-family detached lots on 132.67 acres in the Wyndfields subdivision, approximately 1,200 feet south of State Road 56, west of Two Ridges Road in south Pasco County.
  • Also approved was the recording of a plat with a performance guarantee in the amount of $12,807,810 requested by Taylor Morrison of Florida, Inc. to cover the cost of incomplete infrastructure improvements remaining to be done for 274 single-family detached lots in the Esplanade at Wiregrass subdivision on the north side of Chancey Road, approximately 0.4 miles east of Wiregrass Ranch Boulevard in south central Pasco County.
  • Approved the recording of a plat with a performance guarantee of $6,952,863.50 requested by EPG Two Rivers Holdings X, LLC to cover the cost of incomplete infrastructure improvements remaining to be done for 183 single-family detached lots on 124.62 acres in the Two Rivers subdivision east of U.S. Highway 301 (Gall Boulevard, south of State Road 56, in southeast Pasco County.
  • Also approved was the recording of a plat with a performance guarantee in the amount of $5,617,365.31 requested by Caroline Drive SFR Owner, LLC, to cover the cost of incomplete infrastructure improvements remaining to be done for 150 attached townhomes on 40.22 acres in the Skymore Wesley Chapel subdivision on the north end of Caroline Drive, west of Bridleford Drive in south central Pasco County. 
  • Approved the recording of a plat requested by M/I Homes of Tampa, LLC for the replat of 42 single-family detached lots on 4.995 acres in the Cobblestone subdivision on the east side of U.S. 301 (Gall Boulevard), south of Chancey Road, in east Pasco County.
  • Agreed to contract the boundaries of the AR-1 Community Development District owned by LEN-Angeline LLC down from 2,441.787 acres to approximately 1,782.52 acres. The CDD, which is located entirely within the unincorporated portion of Pasco County, was created through an ordinance the commissioners adopted on June 30, 2020. 

The applicant said contracting the boundaries of the CDD would provide for a more efficient use of resources. The development’s contraction would also benefit Pasco County and its residents outside the District by increasing the ad valorem tax base of Pasco County and generating water and wastewater impact fees. This would assist Pasco County to meet its obligations to repay certain bonded indebtedness and transportation and other impact fees as well, the applicant said.

  • Agreed to expand the boundaries of the Mirada II Community Development District from approximately 801 acres to approximately 882.11 acres in total. This will be made possible by adding two parcels of land, which are approximately 64.97 acres and 15.55 acres, respectively into the district.

It is located entirely within the unincorporated portion of Pasco County and was created through an ordinance the County Commissioners adopted on Aug. 7, 2018. 

The development’s expansion would also benefit Pasco County and its residents outside the District by increasing the ad valorem tax base of Pasco County and generating water and wastewater impact fees. This would assist Pasco County to meet its obligations to repay certain bonded indebtedness and transportation and other impact fees as well, the applicant said.

  • Approved a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change the Future Land Use (FLU) classification from RES-6 (Residential 6 – Du/Ga) to COM (Commercial) on approximately 0.94 acres located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Veridian Way and State Road 54 that was requested by David Springstead, authorized representative for Rajasekaran Mani, agent of record. 

A physician’s office and supporting businesses consisting of a pharmacy and testing facility to provide a single destination for patients will be allowed on the site that will be known as the Wesley Chapel Professional Center.

  • Commissioners also confirmed the appointment of David Allen to the position of assistant county administrator, development services, with an annual salary of $205,000.00, and a start date of Dec. 26, 2024.

 

. 

 

Pasco Sheriff’s Office makes human trafficking arrest

By

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office said it arrested a man for human trafficking after learning that he was trying to get other men online to train a child in his custody to carry out sexual fantasies. 

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children passed on information about the suspect to the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. Detectives said the suspect was having conversations online with other individuals about a child, who was elementary school age, in his custody. 

The suspect told others online about his fantasies with the child and that he was offering her to them to train. The suspect had sent photos of the child in a bathing suit. 

Detectives intervened before anything happened to the child. Sheriff Chis Nocco said the other individuals were in New Jersey, Alabama, Illinois and the United Kingdom. 

The suspect, identified as Jean Cebollero-Arias, 46, was arrested on charges of human trafficking involving a minor in his custody. 

“The death penalty is never good enough for individuals who are arrested for this,” Sheriff Chris Nocco said. “I know it’s a life charge. But there’s worse things that these people deserve because what these children have to go through is horrendous.”

Nocco said human trafficking investigations generally pull staff from two areas: cybercrimes and missing persons. They call it the missing and exploited persons unit. 

To extend their resources, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office is starting a volunteer unit called Operation Phoenix. This group will work with detectives in going through open source information. Volunteer at https://joinpso.com/.

“You get a lot of young girls that run away,” Nocco said. “They go online. They go into a social media site. They believe they’ve fallen in love with somebody who’s their age. And what they find out is that person is not their age. They find out that person is now using them for sex, selling them.”

Another growing problem is sextortion. After sending nude photos, victims are forced into doing something they don’t want to do if they want to prevent their photo from being sent to all their friends on social media. 

Nocco encouraged families to have conversations with children about these online dangers. 

He also cautioned about getting caught up in the rumors spread on neighborhood sites about people getting swept up by human trafficking.

Nocco encouraged residents to seek the truth and ask those sharing such information if they have notified the sheriff’s office. He said people have told him they heard someone was kidnapped from a particular shopping location. If that were the case, Nocco said the community would see the largest police presence they’ve ever seen. 

“Let’s get to the truth,” Nocco said. “Let’s get to the reality because there’s already enough fear and anxiety out there, but really, if we can just use our power to go save people together, that makes us more efficient.”

 

Pasco County leaders outline priorities for 2025-30

By

PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco Board of County Commissioners envision a thriving community that offers enhanced quality of life and economic prosperity.

The Pasco County 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, developed over the past 18 months with community input, will guide the government’s actions and activities over the next five years as it works toward becoming Florida’s premier county.

“With input from our community, we identified the key challenges we’re facing now and will be facing in the future,” said Kathryn Starkey, who chairs the commission.  “Our Strategic Plan is designed to address these challenges, including long-term sustainability, while continuing our commitment to outstanding customer service.”

Three strategic priorities frame this work. Each is supported by strategic goals, accomplished through comprehensive strategies, detailed action plans and targeted initiatives:

 

Create a Thriving Community

Provide a sustainable foundation for health, safety, mobility

  • GOAL 1.1: Improve the capacity and capability of emergency service response.
  • GOAL 1.2: Protect vulnerable critical assets and communities from extreme conditions.
  • GOAL 1.3: Complete revisions to the Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) and expeditiously update priority portions of the Land Development Code.

 

Enhance Quality of Life

Provide equitable human services, social, cultural and recreational opportunities for all

  • GOAL 2.1: Make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurrent.
  • GOAL 2.2: Increase availability and access to cultural, educational, recreational and social opportunities for all.
  • GOAL 2.3: Ensure protection and conservation of natural ecosystems.

 

Drive Economic Growth and Prosperity

Support a sustainable increase in community income and investment, economic diversification and expanded opportunities for all

  • GOAL 3.1: Increase the supply of affordable and attainable housing inventory.
  • GOAL 3.2: Support the redevelopment of stressed communities.
  • GOAL 3.3: Increase support of small businesses and entrepreneurship.