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Memorial in Pasco County honors fallen law enforcement officers 

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DADE CITY – More than 100 people turned out Sept. 11 in downtown Dade City to witness the unveiling of a memorial honoring law enforcement officers who had lost their lives in the line of duty.

The ceremony on the grounds of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse was the result of nine years of fundraising efforts, according to attorney Craig Laporte, who was one of the speakers at the event.

Attorney Craig Laporte, District 1 County Commissioner Ron Oakley, Dade City Police Chief James Walters and Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco unveiled the Fallen Law Enforcement Memorial during a ceremony Sept. 11 on the grounds of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in downtown Dade City. Photo courtesy of Joe Potter

Laporte, who had been a Pasco Sheriff’s Office deputy in the 1970s and 1980s, said he understood the stress that families of law enforcement officers experienced when their loved ones were working. He added that the memorial is a good thing for families to relate to.

“Everybody chipped in to help to make this possible,” Ronald E. “Ron” Oakley said, adding that the memorial “was very much worth the wait.”

Oakley, who is chairman of the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners, was another one of the speakers at the event. He represents District 1, which is located in eastern Pasco County.

“We’re not only honoring those who gave their lives . . . we’re honoring their families as well,” Sheriff Chris Nocco said. 

He added the memorial would be a place families of fallen officers could find solitude and receive God’s comfort.

Nocco noted he was at The Pentagon in Washington, D.C., on the night of Sept. 11, 2001, when terrorists had attacked it along with both towers of the World Trade Center in New York. 

The demand for the memorial had been so great that it was actually ordered six years before the Pasco County Fallen Law Enforcement Memorial and Benefit Foundation Inc. had enough money to pay for it, according to Laporte.

Several donors combined their efforts to contribute $100,000 in a week and a half, Oakley said. 

The final cost of the memorial hasn’t been disclosed but it was completely funded through charitable contributions to Pasco County Fallen Law Enforcement Memorial and Benefit Foundation Inc., which is a 501c3 nonprofit.

Members of the foundation and its supporters were reportedly inspired to create the memorial after having seen one in Polk County honoring law enforcement officers who had died there in the line of duty.

Brian Brown, the sheriff’s office’s chaplain, said a prayer at the beginning of the ceremony. Part of what he said was that fallen law enforcement officers had put their lives on the line so that others might live.

Several people who assisted in raising funds for the Fallen Law Enforcement Memorial are shown in front of it after it was unveiled on Sept. 11. Photo courtesy of Richard K. Riley

Other things that occurred before the unveiling of the memorial included Jennifer Ferguson singing the National Anthem and Dade City Police Chief James Walters leading attendees in saying the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.

District 4 County Commissioner Lisa Yeager read a list of donors who had contributed toward the cost of the memorial.  

Donors recognized for their contributions were Adam Smith Enterprises, Barbara L. Wilhite P.A., BRW Contracting, Deeb Construction & Development, Deeb Family Homes, Heidt Design, JDR Properties of Pasco, members of the Maggard Family, Make A Difference (a 501c3 nonprofit), Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells, Pasco Office Park, PCS Civil, Randy & Shannon Blankenship, Ronald E. Oakley, Santo Carollo, Floria Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Sunrise Consulting Group, Tew & Associates, Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Waist-Aid Systems and Wiregrass Ranch Foundation.

The Laker Readers’ Choice Awards 2024

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The Laker has opened voting for its 2024 Readers’ choice awards.

Readers can nominate their favorite companies in more than 10 categories through Oct. 31.

The readers’ choice campaign allows local companies to get the recognition they deserve while also providing the community a resource in the form of a list of businesses that deliver exceptional products, services and experiences.

Imagine if Rocky Balboa bothered looking up the winners of Best Gym, Best Massage Therapy or Best Supplement Store. The Italian Stallion may have beaten Apollo Creed in their first boxing match.

The Griswold family in “National Lampoon’s Vacation” could have avoided a series of cross-country calamities had they consulted first with the Best Travel Agent.

And Anakin Skywalker probably would have made better decisions in “Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith,” if he had talked about his troubles with a bartender from the Best Bar or a server from the Best Wine Bar. Perhaps a trip to the Best Coffee House would have given Young Skywalker a bit more focus?

Time to give local businesses the spotlight they deserve. Here are the pages of categories where you can vote:

  • Animals (Best Dog Trainer, Best Pet Store etc.)
  • Beauty (Best Hair Salon, Best Hair Stylist etc.)
  • Drinks (Best Bar, Best Coffee Shop etc.)
  • Education (Best College Preparation Service, Best Day Care etc.)
  • Food (Best Bakery, Best Mexican Food etc.)
  • Health (Best Chiropractor, Best Dentist etc.)
  • Home (Best Hardware Store, Best Plumber etc.)
  • Shopping (Best Bookstore, Best Gift Shop etc.)
  • Sports (Best Gym, Best Dance Studio etc.)

Cancer battle inspires a new path for Jolie Dopa

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olie Dopa shifted from music to fashion as she battled Stage 4 breast cancer. Photo courtesy of Jolie Dopa

Jolie Dopa has been working in the fashion industry for the past couple of years. This is a new interest of hers that was inspired, in part, by surviving breast cancer.

Dopa, who lives in Land O’ Lakes, was originally diagnosed with the disease in November 2017. It was at stage 4 at that time.

Dopa said she has survived since then due to having had 78 rounds of chemotherapy treatments and through God’s help.

Dopa has accomplished two significant dreams during her lifetime.

Her most recent accomplishment was being able to work in the fashion industry.

Prior to that, the other dream she had shortly after graduating from Land O’ Lakes High School was to become a musician. She began accomplishing that dream in Atlanta, Ga., when she was 19 years old.

She’s now well known for her album, “Struggling 4 Thee Diamond Life,” which was released in December 2020. She traveled far and wide as a singer and songwriter. 

Having cancer resulted in her mind being “totally reprogrammed” to do things that would bring her happiness and help her to heal, Dopa said. 

Healing, for her, is an ongoing process because Dopa said she will have to receive cancer treatments for the rest of her life.

She started to focus on things that didn’t require her to be in the public eye after taking a break from the entertainment industry. It was during that time that she felt led to choose to create unique clothing. 

“I believe God gives us the vision and then we must act on that vision. So I did and do,” she told Bold Journey magazine in a Sept. 29, 2023, interview.

Her career in fashion designing originated as a jacket line but has since grown into mostly wire bras, bikini bras and vest/jackets, she previously told Bold Journey. 

She began to make money off of her clothing by offering them for sale on Instagram after her mother had suggested that she do that, Dopa previously told Bold Journey. This led to her being invited to do her first fashion show as a vendor, Dopa also previously told Bold Journey.

The first show she was talking about was during the annual 2023 SKIN! Art Show, which was held at the Art Institute of Tampa on July 14 and 15, 2023.

Some of her other displays have also been featured at The Armature Works and Hotel Haya, both of which are in Tampa; and at Coastal Creative – The Factory, which is in St. Petersburg.

The past two years working in the fashion industry have been wonderful, Dopa said. She does about two to three events a month as a vendor. 

And she has also been posting her unique clothing on various other social media platforms since 2021.

But her life isn’t just about being involved in the fashion industry, Dopa said. 

She’s a single parent who’s actively involved in the life of her son, Josiah, who’s 10 years old. 

 

Want to reach out?

Learn more about Dopa by visiting her Instagram @d0paminedreamz or by emailing her at .

 

Tentative Pasco County budget of $2.262 billion is approved

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Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco is on track to receive more resources in terms of deputies, vehicles, and investigations for the next fiscal year. Here, he is seen working with youth from the 2024 class of Leadership Pasco. Photo courtesy of Leadership Pasco

DADE CITY – The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners adopted a tentative budget of $2,262,949,228 for fiscal year 2025 during a Sept. 3 hearing.

Commissioners also adopted a tentative aggregate millage rate of 10.156 mills per $1,000 of assessed property value.

This is an increase of 9.61% over the roll back rate.

A public hearing will be held Sept. 17 in New Port Richey after which both the budget and the millage rate will be officially adopted by the board. 

The new fiscal year will begin Oct. 1.

The amount of the budget and millage rate will have to be adjusted downward before they are presented to the commissioners for final adoption. 

This is because a proposed Municipal Services Taxing Unit that would have funded capital maintenance on the county’s 37 parks wasn’t approved on Sept. 3. That MSTU would have raised $8,000,000 during 2025 if it had been approved. The proposed millage rate of 0.714 that would have funded that MSTU won’t be included in the county’s final aggregate millage rate for 2025.

The MSTU required a unanimous vote of 5-0 since it was a new tax that would be levied on the county’s property owners. Commissioners Seth Weightman and Jack Mariano both said they favored funding for parks maintenance to be obtained from elsewhere within the county’s budget. Vice Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey said she favored the MSTU because she didn’t want the county’s parks to fall into disrepair like they had during a recession that had occurred in 2008.

Meanwhile, commissioners tentatively approved fully funding the budget for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, which will receive $174,524,315 during fiscal year 2025.  This is a 15.6% increase over the sheriff’s office’s 2024 budget of $150,000,000. 

Sheriff Chris Nocco had requested the additional funds in June so that 40 additional deputies could be hired and trained. The amount his department will receive will enable 50 new deputies to be added to his staff. This has been made possible through the sheriff’s office receiving 40% of the new property taxes the county receives annually because of its growth. Also, an additional amount of $4,137.702 is being provided by the county from ad valorem revenue along with other money from tax incremental financing money obtained from its public works department.

The sheriff’s office’s budget will also enable it to obtain an armored Special Weapons and Tactics vehicle along with two armored vans for $725,000; upgrade its forensic unit resources for $650,000; have a pole barn built for $300,000 to provide shelter for vehicles and equipment; and $125,000 for the design of an armory for the department.

Budgets were also tentatively adopted for other constitutional officers, including those of:

  • Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Esq., who is requesting $9,250,747, which is an increase of 11.6%; 
  • Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley, who is requesting $6,256,432, which is a decrease of $645,922, or 9.36%, because only one election – the general election on Nov. 5 – will be held during fiscal year 2025; 
  • Property Appraiser Mike Wells, who is requesting $7,761,214, which is an increase of $501,370, or 6.9%. Part of that increase is needed to pay the salaries of two new employees who have been hired along with salary increases given to employees. 

The budget for Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s office remains to be determined because information hasn’t been received yet from the Florida Department of Revenue.

In other business on Sept. 3, commissioners:

  • Continued until Oct. 8 making decisions on a couple of requests that had been made by CPA Fletcher. The applicant is seeking to have a change in the county’s comprehensive plan for and rezoning of approximately 100.8 acres of property located adjacent to Pilot Country Airport in the area of U.S. Highway 41 and Leland Avenue. The applicant would like for 160 townhomes, 350 multi-family apartments and 100,000-square-feet of commercial to be developed on the property. These requests were delayed because residents of the airport’s community told commissioners that they hadn’t been consulted regarding the proposed project.
  • Approved a State Housing Initiatives Partnership funding agreement between Pasco County and Port Richey Leased Housing Associates, III, LLLP in the amount of $3,000,000 for The Anchors at Gulf Harbors. The Anchors will be a newly constructed 388-unit apartment complex in New Port Richey that will provide critically needed affordable housing that will be income restricted and dedicated for the elderly.
  • Approved a required local match of $64,900 for the Ekos at Bayonet Point II project. This will enable the project’s developer to apply for full funding from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation for a multi-apartment community for elderly housing in Pasco County. The project, Phase II of their master-planned community located along the west side of Lakeshore Boulevard in Hudson, consists of 160 units dedicated to seniors at 70% and below of the area median income. 

Cross Creek Park to get major upgrades

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These renderings show the future of Cross Creek Park, which is located at 19025 Basset Creek Drive. Photos courtesy of Hillsborough County

TAMPA – Hillsborough County broke ground Aug. 30 on a project that will transform Cross Creek Park.

The centerpiece of the $8.7 million upgrade will be a new 16,000-square-foot community center and gymnasium with a fitness room, multipurpose room, multiple classrooms and a covered outdoor space. The old playground will be replaced with a state-of-the-art one, and the project will add a new parking lot, walking path, pavilion, shelter and green space.

The park is in an area that also includes the popular New Tampa Performing Arts Center, John B. Sargeant Sr. Park and Flatwoods Park.

 

 

Pasco sheriff explains officer-involved shooting

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Sheriff Chris Nocco (Pasco Sheriff’s Office Facebook page)

NEW PORT RICHEY – A suspect wanted for a federal warrant was shot Aug. 29 as Pasco Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted to apprehend him. 

Deputies were part of a U.S. Marshals Task Force trying to locate suspect Tom Rose, 40. 

“Tom has a very long history of criminal history – a 35-page rap sheet,” Sheriff Chris Nocco said. “He has numerous gun and drug violations – spent over 10 years in state and federal prison. He is a very violent individual.”

Nocco said Rose warned others that if someone contacted the police about his whereabouts they would have to answer to him and that he would “take cops with him.”

“Clearly this individual is not going to go back to prison and clearly he didn’t care who he harmed to make sure that he did not go back to prison,” Nocco said, in explaining the heightened sense of awareness among his deputies. 

After surveillance and tracking, officers found Rose at the Home Depot at Ridge and Little roads. Rose was able to elude law enforcement but officers opted to reestablish surveillance instead of continuing their pursuit. 

A plain-clothes Pasco County detective later spotted Rose in the River Ridge neighborhood. Nocco said the detective was wearing a carrier issued by the sheriff’s office that had the word sheriff on it.

He said Rose attempted to strike the detective with his vehicle, prompting the detective to fire at the vehicle. Rose was taken to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, according to officials. 

“I thank God Almighty because the suspect, Tom Rose, tried to kill one of our detectives today,” Nocco told reporters. “I thank God Almighty that detective did a hell of a job ensuring that he was safe and ensuring the community was safe.”

Nocco reiterated that the detective thought his life was in danger and that it was obvious just listening to the radio traffic. 

“It’s a sad day in society where people think there is no consequences or negative actions,” Nocco said. “In our community, in our region, there absolutely is. And today, the Pasco deputies, the Pasco detectives did one hell of a job getting him off the street.”

The detective was placed on administrative leave. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is handling the investigation. 

 

Adopt A Pet: Madame is a social butterfly

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Meet Madame, our delightful 5-year-old tan and white beauty with those irresistibly adorable satellite ears. Madame is a social butterfly who thrives on playing with her canine friends at the shelter and has a knack for getting along with cats, too. This lovable girl is house-trained, enjoys car rides and has a heart full of affection for everyone she meets. With her friendly demeanor and playful spirit, Madame is ready to bring joy and companionship to her forever home. If you’re searching for a loyal and charming companion, Madame is the perfect match for you. Make an appointment to meet her at Pasco County Animal Services today.

If you would like to adoptMadame, be sure to make an appointment at Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, by calling 813-929-1212. The adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines. Email for more information.

Better Business Bureau tallies 4,000 investment scam reports

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Since 2020, investment scam reports to BBB Scam Tracker totaled more than 4,000, reaching a three-year high in 2023. Scammers blended aspects of various scams, including romance and cryptocurrency, to trick targets into handing over large sums of money.

Reports to Better Business Bureau show that investment scams often take the form of long-term confidence scams, where fraudsters pursue romantic and platonic relationships to gain the trust of their targets. That has caused losses to rise, with the median report increasing from $1,000 in 2021 to almost $6,000 this year.

In “Investment Scams: Scams linked to crypto and romance rise, according to BBB study” BBB examines patterns of reports, reviews the amount of money lost and shares stories from those caught up in the scams so the public can avoid them.

 

Key findings

  • Investment scammers target victims throughout North America, eyeing targets with existing investments and retirement accounts.
  • Fraudsters use the dense and sometimes misunderstood world of cryptocurrency to evade suspicion and lure in victims.
  • These scams can go on for months at a time before being detected, allowing scammers to steal thousands of dollars.
  • These scams largely originate in Southeast Asia due to organized crime, but a growing response to fraud in this region has led fraudsters to move their scam operations to other countries.
  • Many low-level scammers are victims of forced labor, complicating the problem of prosecuting those involved.

 

Investment Scam reports across North America (2021-2023)

  • 3,352 – BBB Scam Tracker
  • 301,840 – Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel Network
  • 12,573 – Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

 

Red flags

  • Little-known cryptocurrencies
  • Requests to share your cryptocurrency wallet with someone you don’t trust completely ● Strategies offering guaranteed returns
  • An investment that takes little effort or time to pull off
  • Someone offers their secret strategy
  • Someone says not to research their claims
  • Too-good-to-be-true claims
  • A stranger suddenly wants to befriend you

 

Tips to Spot This Scam

  • Be very wary of buzz words. Certain phrases should raise a red flag for an investment opportunity. Don’t believe anything that is “guaranteed” to do well, or that offers low or no risk with a high return.
  • The investment industry is highly regulated. Be wary if investments are unregistered with the SEC or other investment industry regulators. Also, check licensing for the sellers.
  • High-pressure sales tactics are also a big warning sign. Many risky investments are sold at “opportunity meetings” or other high-pressure situations. A similar tactic is the use of a “shill,” a decoy who offers a fictional success story but is really being paid by the promoter of the plan. Some pitches leverage a shared connection such as the same ethnicity, church, profession, etc. Be on the lookout for attempts to prey on an affinity.
  • How do you make money? If you find that the reward for recruiting new distributors and selling them products and training materials is more than the reward for selling products, you may be dealing with a pyramid scheme.

Visit BBB.org to check out a business or register a complaint, BBB Scam Tracker to report a scam and BBB.org/scamstudies for more on this and other scams.

 

What’s Happening (09/04/24)

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File photo

9/11 Memorial Mile & 5K

The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel will pay tribute to the heroes that responded to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks through the 9/11 Memorial Mile & 5K Run/Walk. The event will be held Sept. 7 at Tampa Premium Outlets, 2300 Grand Cypress Drive, Lutz. The club uses proceeds for projects, such as its scholarship fund.  Register at https://runsignup.com.

 

Community theater

Ampersand Theatre Troupe will present “You’re a Good Man, Charlies Brown” at 7 p.m. Sept. 7 and 3 p.m. Sept. 8 at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center, 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa. New Tampa Players hosts the troupe for adults with disabilities. Tickets cost $20. Buy them at https://newtampaplayers.thundertix.com.

 

Native Plant Society

The Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society will meet at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park community center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The topic will be “Common Bird Species of Pasco County.” Chapter meetings are free and open to the public. Email with questions. Visit PascoNativePlants.org or Facebook.com/groups/PascoNativePlants for details.

 

Give community feedback

The New Tampa Performing Arts Center is looking for feedback through a brief online survey. The survey aims to capture people’s experiences at the center or suggestions on the types of events and programs that should be offered. Visit PublicInput.com/NTPAC to view the survey.

 

Plant clearance

Kessler’s Cacti and Things at Bearss Groves, 14316 Lake Magdalene Blvd., in Tampa, is in its final weeks of a summer plant clearance. There are large overgrown plants, stock plants for propagation and scratch-and-dent collector plants. Costs range from $2 to $20. Visit Kessler’s on Facebook for details.

 

September Sing-Alongs

The Tampa Theatre will host its September Sing-Along Series with these shows, all at 3 p.m.:

  • Sept. 8: “The Greatest Showman”
  • Sept. 15: “Labyrinth” (quote-along)
  • Sept. 22: “Bohemian Rhapsody”
  • Sept. 29: “Encanto”

The theater is located at 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa.

Costumes are encouraged. Tickets cost $14.50 ($11.50 for theater members) and are available at the Franklin Street Box Office or online at TampaTheatre.org.

 

Intro to photography

The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center will present “Intro to Photography & Exposure” from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 7 at 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa. The hands-on class is for ages 15 and older. Participants should bring a digital camera and lens 50mm focal length or similar. No wide angle or telephoto zoom. Those attending can learn how to use aperture, shutter speed and ISO. If you are not familiar with your camera, bring the manual to class, too. The guest speaker will be Noriko Buckles of the Chasco Camera Club. Registration is required. Call 727-815-7126 for details. 

 

Houseplants seminar

UF/IFAS Pasco Extension will offer a houseplants seminar at 2 p.m. Sept. 10 at the New River Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel. Register at www.eventbrite.com.

 

Grocery store tour

UF/IFAS Pasco Extension will offer a “Healthy Habits Grocery Store Tour” at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 10 at the Walmart Supercenter, 7631 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills. Register at www.eventbrite.com.

 

Fall Festival

The New Tampa Performing Arts Center will host its annual Fall Festival from Sept. 12 to 15 at 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa. The festival will feature performances from Tampa Bay-area artists and interactive events for all ages. The performance lineup spans music, theater, dance and comedy. Family-friendly activities include a free screening of Disney’s live action “Aladdin,” arts and crafts, and the Florida Orchestra’s instrument petting zoo. Admission is free. Visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/2024fallfestival to see a schedule of events.

 

Fall Flea Market

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club will host its annual Fall Flea Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 14 at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. Drop off donations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 13 at the park. The club will accept antiques, art/décor, crystal, china, household items, small appliances, kitchenware, clothing, shoes, kids’ stuff, books, toys and tools. Larger appliances and furniture items cannot be accepted. All donations must be clean and in working order. Proceeds will benefit club projects and local nonprofits. Call 813-838-2974 or visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org for details. 

 

Cooking with herbs

UF/IFAS Pasco Extension will offer a “Cooking with Herbs” seminar at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 14 at the New River Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel. Register at www.eventbrite.com.

 

Environmental Action weekend

The Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots & Shoots program will welcome its namesake for a live appearance amid a weekend of events.

Goodall will speak at 7 p.m. Sept. 14 at Tropicana Field  The event, “An Evening with Dr. Jane Goodall,” is open to the public.

Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, will share her message of hope in a talk tailored for the Youth Environment Summit.

Tickets range from $10 to $20 and can be purchased on EventBrite.com.

On Sept. 15, the “Day of Action around Tampa Bay,” will host environmental organizations that are part of the Roots & Shoots Alliance. Students, families and community members can sign up at https://rootsandshoots.org/take-action/events/yes-2024/ for a service project around the Bay area. 

 

Dance student discount

The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts’ exhibition “TutuTango: A Photographic Ballet in Four Acts” features the works of Dorothee Elfring of Barcelona, Spain, and Michael Sheehan of Tampa. See the exhibition through Sept. 15 in FMoPA’s Gallery 2, 1630 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa. Local dance students, with proof of enrollment, can receive a special discounted admission price of $6 throughout the showing. Visit FMoPA.org for details.

 

Beekeeping seminar

UF/IFAS Pasco Extension will offer a beekeeping seminar at 11 a.m. Sept. 18 at the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa. Register at www.eventbrite.com.

 

Parents’ Night Out

Better Together, a nonprofit for families and children, will host a Parents’ Night Out for families in the Tampa Bay area from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at Faith Life Church, 2702 E. Bearss Ave., Tampa. The program offers parents, grandparents and caregivers access to a couple hours of no-cost care for children from infant to 17 years old. Better Together will provide background-checked volunteers in addition to dinner, games and fun for children while the parents are away. Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m. Visit BetterTogetherUS.org/PNO-Registration or call 239-470-2733 to register. Visit BetterTogetherUS.org/Better-Families/Volunteer/Learn-More for information about how to volunteer.

 

Fall Family Fest

The Tampa Bay Moms Group will host a Fall Family Fest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 22 at Water Works Park, Tampa. There will be interactive exhibits, vendors, family resources, games, food trucks, character visits, entertainment and giveaways. Admission is free. Visit TampaBayMomsGroup.com/fallfamilyfest for details. 

 

Compost Happens

UF/IFAS Pasco Extension will offer “Compost Happens” at 2 p.m. Sept. 26 at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. Register at www.eventbrite.com.

 

UNDead in the Water

“UNDead in the Water VII: At Close Quarters,” Tampa’s premier nautical haunted attraction, will be back aboard the American Victory Ship, docked at 705 Channelside Drive in Tampa, starting Sept. 27, for select 14 nights. First Fright discounts are available. Tickets start at $19. Visit www.eventbrite.com for details.

 

Cheval Cares 5K

The Cheval Cares 5K Family Fun Run will benefit the National Pediatric Foundation, which supports research and hope for children battling cancer. The community can enjoy music by DJ Tommy Who, inflatables, food, face painting, balloon animals and a silent auction. The 18th annual event will start at 8 a.m. Sept. 28 at the Cheval Athletic Club, 4142 Cheval Blvd., Lutz. Pick up packets at 7 a.m. Registration costs $45 for adults and $35 for youth 12 and younger at www.chevalcares5k.com. Awards go to the top 10 male and female adults finishers; top five youth boys and girls; and top individual and team fundraisers.

 

Stencil workshop

The West Pasco Art Guild will present a “Making Your Own Stencils” workshop with Nancy Janovsky from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 28  at 6206 Jefferson St., New Port Richey. The guild’s Summer Special Show and Sale of its artists’ original artwork runs through Sept. 28. Register by emailing .

 

All about pollinators

UF/IFAS Pasco Extension will offer a seminar on pollinators at 11 a.m. Sept. 28  at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., Dade City. Register at www.eventbrite.com. 

 

East Pasco Republican Club

The East Pasco Republican Club will meet on Oct. 1 at the Academy of Spectrum Diversity, 5320 First St., Zephyrhills. Guest speakers will be John Legg, candidate for Pasco superintendent of schools; Peter Castellani, founder/director of Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers; and Amy Yarborough, director of Pregnancy Care Center. A social begins at 6 p.m., followed by the meeting at 6:30 p.m.

 

Orchid Club Expo

The Tampa Orchid Club will host an Orchid Expo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 5 and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 6 at Northdale Park, 15510 Hooting Owls Place, Tampa. American Orchid Society judged winners will be on display, too. Potting supplies will be available. Admission costs $5. Visit TampaOrchidClub.com for details. 

 

Italian American Festival

The Italian American Club of Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club will host its annual Italian American Fall Festival from 3 to 7 p.m. Oct. 6 at the club’s community center, 11245 Old Tampa Bay Drive. The event will feature vendors with crafts, stained glass, handmade greeting cards and food specialties. Club members will sell their favorite Italian foods. The event is cash only and proceeds will benefit local charities. Call 267-261-1809 for details. 

 

The Moth comes to Tampa

“The Moth,” a show that features a diverse lineup of guests telling their personal stories of adventure, struggle, redemption and creativity, will return Oct. 10 to Tampa Theatre at 711 N. Franklin St., on Oct. 10. Guest storytellers will deliver their stories on stage, without notes, in the long tradition of community gathering around the fire to share their experiences and their culture. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 800-741-9090 or visit WUSF.org/TheMoth for details. 

 

Haunted History of Pasco

The West Pasco Historical Society will present “A Haunted History of Pasco County” at 6 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Seven Springs School House (Peace Hall), 6431 Circle Blvd., New Port Richey. Pasco historian, genealogist and author Madonna Wise will talk about the folklore of haunted places. Admission costs $5 at the door. Historical Society members get in free.

 

Boo Barn Bash

Old McMicky’s Farm will host a “Boo Barn Bash” from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 19 at 9612 Crescent Drive, Odessa. There will be a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, bounce house, face painting, food, games and music. The cost is $15 per person; ages 2 and younger get in free. Free and annual passes cannot be used for this event. Visit TicketTailor.com/events/oldmcmickysfarm/1364892 for details. 

 

Forest Hills bazaar

Forest Hills Presbyterian Church will host its 25th Holiday Bazaar from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 19 at 709 W. Lambright Ave., Tampa. The bazaar features items donated or created by volunteers. Church crafters make holiday wreaths, Christmas tree ornaments, Halloween and Thanksgiving centerpieces, lawn ornaments and other home décor. A variety of planters and yard art also will be available. Volunteers vote on organizations to receive grants from the total raised at the sale. 

 

Candy Crawl

The Tampa Bay Moms Group will host a Candy Crawl from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 20 at Water Works Park in Tampa. Dress up or come as you are to stroll through decorated vendor booths, play games, make crafts, and collect candy from local businesses and community sponsors. There also will be a costume contest, food trucks and entertainment. Kids will receive trick-or-treat bags, while supplies last. Visit TampaBayMomsGroup.com/candycrawl for details. 

 

Veterans Outreach Court

Veterans Outreach Court is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 8 at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, Primary Care VA Annex, 13515 Lake Terrace Lane, Tampa, for Hillsborough County veterans. Legal issues may be addressed: active misdemeanor warrants, fines, legal fees, court costs and ordinance violations. Register at www.HillsClerk.com. Call the public defender’s office at 813-277-1364 for details. 

 

St. Timothy’s boutique

The St. Timothy’s Women’s Club Holiday Boutique will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 9 at 17512 Lakeshore Road, Lutz. The event will feature more than 100 vendors, a plant sale, food, music and raffles. Interested vendors only should email . Visit the women’s club on Facebook for details. 

 

East Pasco Republican Club

The East Pasco Republican Club will meet on Nov. 12 at the Academy of Spectrum Diversity, 5320 First St., Zephyrhills. The guest speakers will be Danny Burgess, state senator; and Mike Wells Jr., Pasco County property appraiser. A social begins at 6 p.m., followed by the meeting at 6:30 p.m.

 

Pasco Flea Fest

The Pasco Flea Fest: Fall Edition will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 16 at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The event will include  vendors, a flea market, food vendors, a swap meet and live entertainment. Tents, tables, tarps and tailgates cost $30 for a 10-by-10-foot space. Call Community Market & Events at 727-365-6411 or email FleaFest@CommunityMarkets for vendor and swap information.

 

Indoor holiday fair

A Lutz Indoor Holiday Craft Fair is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 30 at 2155 Northpointe Parkway, Lutz. The event will include unique handmade crafts made by local artisans. Visit the Facebook page for details. 

 

Holiday Arts & Crafts

Koren’s Quarters Arts & Crafts Show is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec.7 at 1120 Swilley Road, Plant City. The rain-or-shine event will include vendors, food trucks, holiday shops, Christmas music and pony rides. Admission and parking are free. Vendor spots cost $50. Visit Koren’s Quarters Show Facility on Facebook for details. 

 

Hillsborough County hosting 9/11 Remembrance event

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Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, Consumer & Veteran Services, and the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County invite the community to Patriot Day: 9/11 Remembrance.

The annual event starts at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 11, at Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Museum, 3602 U.S. Highway 301 N., Tampa.

In honor of Patriot Day, first responders, military veterans and civic leaders aim to inspire a generation too young to recall the historic events of 9/11 with the spirit of service and duty. 

The ceremony will include a giant American flag hoisted by ladder trucks, a traditional fire service ringing of the bell and a solemn escort of a solid 135-pound section of steel salvaged from New York’s Twin Towers that resides at Veterans Memorial Park.

In the spirit of the National Day of Service and Remembrance, students and attendees are encouraged to interact with various service professionals following the 9/11 ceremony. 

First responders, military members and veterans will be on hand to meet, greet, take photos and enjoy refreshments. 

The U.S. Coast Guard will display a 29-foot rescue response boat. The U.S. Marine Corps will exhibit a military vehicle, and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and the U.S. Army Reserve will present department trailers.  

Visit HCFL.gov/Veterans for details.