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WESLEY CHAPEL – Miriam Cook, founder of Family-Friendly Tampa Bay, is bringing camps from Tampa and Pasco County to one place at the 9th Annual Family Fun Fest & Summer Camp Expo.

The free community event helps parents discover summer camps, activities and family resources while enjoying a day of hands-on fun and entertainment from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 14 at The Shops at Wiregrass. 

Cook understands how challenging it can be for families to find the right summer opportunities for their children. The expo was created to simplify that process by bringing a variety of local camps and programs together in one place where parents and kids can meet program leaders face-to-face.

“As a teacher and a mom, I know parents want meaningful experiences for their kids, but finding the right summer camps can take hours of research,” Cook said. “This event makes it easier for families to explore options, ask questions, and discover opportunities that help kids learn, grow and have fun.”

The expo connects families with summer programs including STEM, sports, performing arts programs; specialty programs; day camps; and educational enrichment opportunities for children from preschool through the teen years. 

The expo transforms The Shops at Wiregrass into a community festival featuring interactive activity zones, live entertainment and hands-on experiences designed to keep kids engaged while parents explore summer camp options.

Event highlights include:

• Free mad science show (10:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.)
• Free foam bubble party (11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.) featuring Blaise Ryndes’ Sphere’s Foam Bubble Show (as seen on “America’s Got Talent”)
• Kids karaoke stage
• Princess and character meet-and-greets
• Balloon artist and face painting
• Easter treat trail scavenger hunt at exhibitor booths
• Hands-on crafts and cookie-decorating
• Toddler play area and lawn games
• Kids sports fun zone
• Giveaways and special summer camp discounts

Families who register in advance will have the chance to win $250 toward a summer camp, and the first 300 registered families will receive a free Kids Expo Bag while supplies last.

BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel is a presenting sponsor of the expo. Portions of event proceeds will support Uresteem, a nonprofit that empowers children through leadership and self-esteem programs.

 

LUTZ – Irine Edwards founded XMTX Collections after her battle with breast cancer with the intention to offer stylish, durable jewelry that women can confidently wear every day. 

With a strong local presence and a loyal customer following, XMTX Collections has become a trusted go-to for effortless, everyday luxury. XMTX Collections is located at 23110 State Road 54, #516, Lutz.

“Being a woman-owned business in my local community means everything to me because it’s rooted in connection and authenticity,” Edwards said. “I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible women through this journey, and it’s deeply rewarding to build something that not only supports my family but also inspires others to go after their goals. To me, it’s about showing up, supporting fellow small businesses, and pouring back into the same community that continues to support XMTX Collections.”

Edwards is grateful for the support the community has shown XMTX Collections. The brand was built from the ground up through local markets, word of mouth and relationships. 

“Tampa Bay isn’t just where my business operates,” Edwards said. “It’s the community that helped bring my vision to life, and I’m proud to continue growing here for years to come.”

LocalShops1 is highlighting Edwards and her shop in honor of Women’s History Month. 

“We wanted to bring awareness to our members during Women’s History Month and recognize Irine and her commitment to providing jewelry and being a part of our thriving local business community,” LocalShops1 founder Ester Venouziou said. 

On the web: xmtxcollections.com or localshops1.com

 

ZEPHYRHILLS – Progress on the AdventHealth Zephyrhills campus is leading to expanded, high-quality health care closer to home for Zephyrhills residents.

AdventHealth and construction leaders signed the final beam during a topping out ceremony for a new medical office building. The milestone celebrates the placement of the building’s final structural beam and continued work on a facility designed to improve access to care.

The nearly 35,000-square-foot medical office building will provide additional space for new and employed physicians. Once completed, the facility will house primary care and multiple specialty physician offices, including cardiology, gastroenterology, general surgery and urology.

“We’re excited to see this project take shape here on our Zephyrhills hospital campus. It’s a reminder of our long-term commitment to the Zephyrhills community,” said Mike Murrill, president and CEO of AdventHealth Zephyrhills. “For 40 years, AdventHealth Zephyrhills has grown alongside this community, and a new medical office building ensures we’re prepared to meet the needs of our neighbors for decades to come.”

The project responds to the area’s rapid growth, with Pasco County projecting a 40% population increase by 2045. Much of that growth is expected to occur in the South and Central Market Areas, increasing demand for accessible, comprehensive health care services.

The new medical office building is part of a broader series of investments AdventHealth has made across Pasco County in recent years: 

• Late last year, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel opened one floor of its expanded three-story North Wing bringing the hospital’s licensed beds from 169 to 193 and two-story South Courtyard Infill. The new floors allow for future growth.
• AdventHealth Zephyrhills is also getting ready to celebrate the one-year anniversary of AdventHealth Meadow Pointe ER, which has 12 patient beds and brought in more than two dozen jobs to the area.
• AdventHealth Sports Med and Rehab Zephyrhills is also close to celebrating its first year serving the rehabilitation needs of the East Pasco community, from injury recovery to post-surgical therapy.

AdventHealth is partnering with HuntonBrady Architects on the design of the new medical office building, with Robins & Morton serving as the construction partner.

“We’re proud to celebrate this important milestone alongside our longtime partner AdventHealth,” said Todd Watson, Robins & Morton Florida division manager. “Topping out this new medical office building is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of everyone involved. We look forward to delivering a facility that will expand access to high-quality health care and serve the needs of our community for years to come.”

 

LUTZ – After 25 years of forging “Blackbelt Leaders” in the community, Krav Maga Martial Arts is moving just a few doors down but miles ahead in technology and design. 

Krav Maga Martial Arts announced the upcoming grand re-opening of its Lutz headquarters, located at 1900 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in the former All About Kids children’s consignment shop storefront. 

The relocation marks a massive upgrade for the school, expanding into a 3,300-square-foot facility specifically engineered to house the next generation of martial arts excellence. 

“For over two decades, our mission at KMMA has been to develop confident, competent Blackbelt Leaders – students who are prepared to survive, thrive and lead in the real world,” said Grandmaster Stephen J. Del Castillo, founder and master instructor. “Now we are stepping into the next chapter. The next 25 years will be built in a new, state-of-the-art training facility – one that is designed to elevate the experience and inspire the next generation.”  

The new headquarters will feature: 

• Double Training Areas: Two distinct spaces to allow for more classes and specialized instruction. 
• Premium Swain/Zebra Flooring: Industry-leading mat systems for maximum safety and performance. 
• Full Professional Mirror Wall: To provide students with the visual feedback necessary for technical mastery. 
• State-of-the-Art Design: A sleek, modern aesthetic that reflects the school’s professional standards. 

The grand re-opening is scheduled for March 30. In celebration of the new facility, Krav Maga Martial Arts continues to offer its signature no-cost, no-obligation two-week trial at both the new Lutz headquarters and the Port Richey location. 

Since its inception, Krav Maga Martial Arts has focused on self-defense and on character development. The school builds confidence and competence in students. 

 

 

AdventHealth Tampa names medical education center

TAMPA – AdventHealth Tampa has named its graduate medical education facility the Glazer Center for Medical Education following a multimillion-dollar gift from the Glazer family to the AdventHealth Tampa Foundation.

The center serves as a hub for residency programs in obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, family medicine, general surgery and transitional year training. The expansion comes as Florida faces a projected physician shortage by 2035.

“Graduate medical education is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in the long-term health of our community,” said Erik Wangsness, president and CEO of AdventHealth Tampa. “By training physicians here, alongside the patients and families they will one day serve, we are expanding access to care, improving outcomes and helping ensure Tampa Bay has the physicians it needs.”

Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and chairman of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation, said the investment supports training skilled, compassionate physicians to serve the Tampa Bay community.

 

Tampa Bay home to unique recovery model

1. PETERSBURG – The 2026 Drug Free America National Prevention Summit marked the launch of Inclusive Recovery Communities of Tampa Bay, the first tri-county Inclusive Recovery Community model in the nation.

The initiative unites Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties to create recovery-supportive environments for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.

An Inclusive Recovery Community recognizes recovery as a community-wide process, ensuring that people in recovery are visible, respected and valued as neighbors, employees, parents and leaders. 

Beyond treatment and services, IRCTB emphasizes building recovery-supportive cultures across public systems, workplaces, healthcare, education, housing, faith communities and civic life.

“Recovery thrives when people feel seen, supported and connected,” said Ashly Neal, program coordinator of IRCTB. “This tri-county commitment sends a clear message that recovery belongs in every neighborhood and sector of our community. By working together, we create environments where long-term recovery is possible and stigma has no place.”

 

Author writes about child caregiver

1. PETERSBURG – Author Sue Lloyd-Davies is highlighting the often-overlooked role of child caregivers with her new middle-grade novel, “Pinkie’s Turnabout,” which received a starred review from Publishers Weekly.

Lloyd-Davies, who cared for her mother through dementia, notes that 1.4 million U.S. children ages 8 to 18 serve as caregivers for family members.

“Child caregivers are largely invisible, lost in the national conversation about caregiving,” she said. 

Her novel follows 11-year-old Pinkie as she helps care for her great-grandmother with dementia, exploring the emotional weight young caregivers carry.

“Support starts with recognition,” she said. “Many children are caregivers long before anyone truly sees what they do.”

On the web: Suelloyddavies.com

 

Portraits celebrate survivors

TAMPA – The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts recently showcased a portrait series by boutique photographer Liza Olivia Blecher in a moving exhibition, “Seen Again.”

The gallery was dedicated to people who navigated life’s hardest seasons, including cancer battles, mental health struggles, domestic violence, congenital heart defects, terminal illness and personal traumas.

“A portrait experience makes someone feel like a completely different person and gives them hope again,” Blecher said. “We are using our gifts to lift people up.”

Blecher is a boutique photographer specializing in relationship-based portraiture. Her mission is to move photography off of digital devices and onto the walls of homes. She is a 12-year Air Force veteran. 

 

Hospital offers breastfeeding support 

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers a free in-person breastfeeding support group and class in March.

Events are open to all, regardless of which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your children. The events will be held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North classrooms, 4211 Van Dyke Road.

• Breastfeeding Support Group: For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and an optional support person. The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. The support group will be held March 5 and 19, 10 to 11 a.m.
• Understanding Breastfeeding: Provides information to the expectant mother and an optional support person about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, tips for returning to work and when to call a health care provider or lactation consultant. The class will be held March 5, 1 to 5 p.m.
• Understanding Your Newborn: Provides information to the expectant mother and an optional support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. The class will be held March 19, 1 to 5 p.m.

Register for the free events by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the group or class you are interested in attending. Or, you can also register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.

 

Woman’s club supports veterans

LAND O’ LAKES – GFWC Lutz–Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club presented a $2,000 check to Operation Patriots from the proceeds of its Tombola fundraiser to support entertainment and cookouts for veterans at Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Home.

The presentation took place Feb. 7 at the veterans’ home in Land O’ Lakes.

Club leaders said the donation reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to community service and honoring local veterans who have served the nation.

 

Scrivener running for 12th Congressional District

LAND O’ LAKES — Branden Scrivener has announced an independent bid for Florida’s 12th Congressional District, saying his campaign will focus on government accountability, education and lowering living costs.

“I am running for Congress to put people over special interests,” Scrivener said. “Our current system is built to serve corporate and foreign interests while the working class is left behind. It’s time for a representative who is unowned by political parties, figureheads and special interests. One who is focused solely on our community.”

His platform includes term limits and limits on corporate donations, fully funding Title I public schools and addressing medical debt and housing affordability.

Learn more about his campaign at brandenscrivenerfl.info.

 

Fundraiser helps police officers

TAMPA – West Central Florida Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) will host its Blue Hope Gala on March 7 at the Firefighters Museum. 

The chapter is seeking sponsorships and auction items for the event, with all donations tax-deductible.

Donna Wudyka, a retired Detroit police officer and president of the West Central Florida chapter, said the organization supports families and co-workers of officers killed in the line of duty across nine counties, including Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas.

The nonprofit provides emotional support, financial and legal resources, training for agencies and travel assistance for survivors attending National Police Week.

National C.O.P.S. has served more than 80,000 survivors through over 50 chapters nationwide.

Contact Wudyka at 313-622-6048 for sponsorship information.

Register at https://qtego.us/qlink/wcfcops.

 

CEOs continue building Habitat home
LARGO – More than a dozen Tampa Bay-area CEOs volunteered Feb. 13 in the Ridgecrest community of Largo during Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside’s fifth annual CEO Build.

The event marked the third of four build days supporting a new home for the Wesley family. Participants laid sod and planted greenery. 

Brian Kleinschmidt and Mika Kleinschmidt, hosts of “100 Day Dream Home,” served as guest site supervisors.

Since launching in 2022, the CEO Build has grown from 50 leaders raising $160,000 to 100 leaders raising $250,000 this year to provide a safe, affordable home for Tyshawnna and Andre Wesley and their four sons.

On the web: habitattbg.org/ceobuild/

 

Duke Energy offers customers resources 

TAMPA – Floridians may see higher power bills following the recent cold snap as heating systems worked harder and used more energy.

Duke Energy Florida said rates are still declining overall. Residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours will see a $33 reduction on February bills compared to January, followed by another $11 decrease in March.

The company also warns scams may increase. Nearly 800 scam reports were made in February 2025 after a previous cold snap, and a similar spike is expected.

Customers can request installment plans, due date extensions and access programs such as Share the Light Fund. Free home energy assessments and rebates are also available.

“Duke Energy has a dedicated team ready to provide our customers with the individualized support they need,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president.

 

Golf tourney to raise scholarship dollars

WESLEY CHAPEL – The North Tampa Bay Chamber Foundation will host the inaugural Fairways to the Future: Scholarship Golf Tournament presented by AdventHealth Wesley Chapel on April 10 at Saddlebrook Resort.

The scramble-format tournament supports scholarships for local graduating seniors. Golfers of all skill levels can register as a team or individual. The event includes prizes, raffles, hole challenges and a post-play awards luncheon. Special guests and celebrity golfers will also participate.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by a 9 a.m. shotgun start.

Fees are $700 per team of four or $175 per individual player.

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details.

 

19 acres sell in Port Richey

PORT RICHEY – Hold-Thyssen, a commercial real estate firm based in Clearwater and Winter Park, has completed the sale of a 19-plus-acre vacant tract at Richey Drive and Wilkins Street.

Carol L. Kinnard, a transaction specialist in the firm’s Clearwater office, represented the seller, Jose Albert Kreijman of Malaga, Spain, and the buyer, Port Richey Drive LLC of Delray Beach.

“This sale reflects ongoing demand for well-positioned land in Port Richey and surrounding communities,” Kinnard said. “Large tracts like this are increasingly difficult to find, and buyers recognize the long-term value of securing land in growing corridors.”

Hold-Thyssen specializes in commercial sales, leasing and investment properties statewide.

 

Pasco County explains purchasing opportunities

WESLEY CHAPEL – The Pasco County Purchasing Department will host its “Doing Business with Pasco County” Vendor Workshop and Reverse Trade Show on March 2 at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex.

The event invites vendors interested in working with the Pasco Board of County Commissioners to learn how to bid on county projects and connect with departments, major vendors and other business owners.

Topics include the Vendor Preference Policy, RFP and RSQ processes, the Consultants Competitive Negotiation Act, and how to prepare and submit bids and proposals. Attendees will also learn about county operations and available resources.

The workshop runs from 2 to 4 p.m. at 7727 Boyette Road, Wesley Chapel.

On the web: mypas.co/VendorWorkshop.

 

Bilirakis visits tax prep site

HOLIDAY – U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis visited a federally funded free tax preparation site Feb. 6 in Pasco County operated by IRS-certified volunteers through Seniors in Service Tampa.

Free services are available at Regency Park Civic Center, 10240 Regency Park Blvd., Port Richey, and Holiday United Church of Christ, 4826 Bartelt Road, Holiday. 

The program, serving the community since 2005, assists low- and moderate-income residents, prioritizing households earning under $100,000. Returns are filed electronically, with refunds typically issued within 10 days to two weeks.

Bilirakis thanked volunteers and highlighted changes under the Working Families Tax Credit Act, including potential deductions for tips, overtime pay and an additional $6,000 deduction for seniors 65 and older.

Appointments are available at events.seniorsinservice.org/taxprep or by calling 813-819-9864.

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a New Member Orientation and Final Friday.

• Hope Kennedy, president and CEO, leads a New Member Orientation from 9 to 10 a.m. Feb. 25 at the chamber office, 28329 Paseo Drive, Suite 195, Wesley Chapel. 
• Members network during Final Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Feb. 27 at Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, 6034 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 100, Wesley Chapel. 

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

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber will host the New Port Richey Business Exchange and programming for women. 

• Members trade company literature during the New Port Richey Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 26 at Seafire Grill, 4927 U.S. 19, New Port Richey. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance. 
• Members celebrate the grand opening of High Trim LLC from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 27 at 15036 U.S. 19 N., Hudson. The ribbon cutting starts at 1 p.m. 
• The Young Professionals Group networks during Coffee Connections from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Feb. 27 at Starkey Market, 3460 Starkey Blvd., Trinity. 

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

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – The East Pasco Chamber will host Coffee & Networking and Core Connections. 

• Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Feb. 27 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.) and 8 to 9 a.m. March 3 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.). 

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

 

If you look at the food label (and hopefully you do), you’ll see that nuts are high in calories. 

For example, there are 170 calories in a one-ounce serving of mixed nuts, or 180 calories in a quarter cup of walnuts, while three small chocolate chip cookies come in at 160 calories. 

We tend to think that if something is high in calories, we should refrain from eating it if we are trying to lose weight. 

And while that is true, it’s also important to factor in the quality of calories, not just the quantity. 

Although nuts are high in calories (and excess calories can lead to weight gain), they have a lot of nutritional value and health benefits, making them a nutrient-dense food. Some of their health benefits include:

• Fiber.
• Monounsaturated fat, which lowers LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol levels, while maintaining the HDL, or “good” cholesterol.
• Protein.
• Vitamins E and B6, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, potassium and more.
• Phytochemicals that play a role in preventing heart disease.

Just a handful (about one ounce) five times a week is all it takes to pack a nutritional punch.

Did you know the peanut is not a nut? While we group peanuts in the nut category in the food and culinary world, botanically speaking, because they grow underground, they are a legume, which are edible seeds enclosed in pods. 

Therefore, they are in the same family as peas, beans and lentils, according to the International Food Information Council. 

Whereas nuts like cashews, almonds and walnuts grow on trees. 

This is why peanuts and peanut butter are cheaper than other nuts and nut butters. They cost less to cultivate and harvest.

Tree nuts take several years to harvest versus planting peanuts in the ground each year. 

Because peanuts and tree nuts have different proteins, people with an allergy to one aren’t necessarily allergic to the other. 

That’s why you’ll see on a food label’s allergy warning “contains peanuts and tree nuts,” since they are technically two different food types.

It’s best to avoid salted or honey roasted nuts, but if you don’t want them plain, go with lightly salted; the sodium difference is usually around 50% less per serving. 

We should not be consuming more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, and even less, at 1,500 mg per day, for those with hypertension. 

Another thing to note: plant-based milks, such as almond milk, don’t have the same nutrient levels as the actual whole nut. 

And for those prone to certain types of kidney stones, nuts and peanuts should be limited, so make sure to talk with your doctor or dietitian about your diet.

In addition to snacking on a handful of nuts, incorporate them in your meals too, such as adding cashews to a salad, adding walnuts to your bowl of oatmeal, topping peanuts onto stir fries or throwing in some nuts into the blender when making a smoothie. 

There are lots of ways to enjoy them.

 

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.

 

 

TAMPA – Nearly 120 fifth-graders ran an entire city recently within The Florida Aquarium.

Aquarium staff joined the students inside their storefront, stepping into their world of budgets, businesses and boardroom decisions. One student even served as CEO for the Day, shadowing Florida Aquarium President and CEO Roger Germann and gaining a firsthand look at what it takes to lead a major Tampa Bay organization.

The visit also marked a milestone for Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay: the 20th anniversary of BizTown (now officially Muma BizTown) and Partner Tribute Day, recognizing the aquarium for helping bring learning opportunities to life for students across the region.

After weeks of classroom preparation, students interviewed for jobs, got hired and ran their businesses like real professionals, marketing products, producing goods and making decisions that showed how leadership and financial choices shape a thriving community.

“By investing time, talent and leadership, students are connecting classroom learning to real-world careers,” said Richard George, president of Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay. “By showing up and engaging directly with kids, The Florida Aquarium is shaping the next generation of confident, capable leaders for the future of our community.”

Germann and 16 team members from the Aquarium worked alongside students in the aquarium’s BizTown storefront as part of the organization’s Day of Action.

“At The Florida Aquarium, we believe it’s our responsibility to make the world a better place. Whether we’re saving marine life or inspiring the next generation of leaders, investing in our youth through partnerships like Junior Achievement’s Muma BizTown makes a lasting difference,” Germann said. “Seeing these students confidently dive into professional roles, tackle real-world challenges and make meaningful decisions is energizing and a powerful reminder that anything is possible.”

The 20th anniversary also marks the official renaming to Muma BizTown, in honor of philanthropists Pam and Les Muma. Their decades of support, including a $5 million planned gift and $2 million to $3 million in operational funding, have impacted more than 300,000 students across Tampa Bay.

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