The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Pasco County leaders explore funding strategies for parks

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Pasco County is discussing the possibility of a new Parks Municipal Services Taxing Unit. That source of funding would help address a shortage of playing fields, parks and recreational facilities.

DADE CITY – Pasco County commissioners are considering setting parks and recreation funding aside from the general fund to better support park operations and maintenance. 

As the county prepares its annual budget, the needs of parks and recreation compete with the needs of other departments. This has caused parks and recreation to fall behind.

Amielee Farrell, director of the Pasco County Office of Management and Budget, introduced the idea March 11 of creating a Municipal Service Taxing Unit for parks and recreation. 

The department would have its own millage rate placed on property tax bills, much like the fire department. Its revenue may increase over time as the county experiences growth. 

District 2 Commissioner Seth Weightman was the biggest supporter of going this route. 

Weightman appreciated the transparency of a separate fund. If commissioners wanted to adjust the budget to manage growth, he said the public would have an opportunity to advocate for or against. 

District 3 Commissioner Kathryn Starkey favored this approach as well.

“It doesn’t matter to me as long as we get the money to safely and professionally operate and maintain our parks,” Starkey said. “We have more parks coming online with no money to maintain them.”

District 5 Commissioner Jack Mariano initially pushed back on the idea. 

“The bottom line is we control the budget,” Mariano said. “If we want to increase the budget, I don’t need an MSTU to increase the budget.”

Mariano also had concerns about getting buy-in from cities. He felt like if the county goes in this direction, it needs buy-in from all cities to make it fair. About 91% of the county is unincorporated. 

County officials acknowledged there has been mixed reaction from cities about this idea. 

One potential equalizer that may be explored is charging fees to use county parks. 

 

BayCare offers new resource to combat mental health crisis

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NEW PORT RICHEY – BayCare has opened a behavioral health urgent care center, the first of its kind in Florida. 

The new outpatient facility offers walk-in and same-day appointments for Pasco-area adults in urgent need of mental health and substance use services.

Made possible by a $3.6 million grant from Pasco County commissioners, the center is part of BayCare’s extended behavioral health campus at 8005 King Helie Blvd., New Port Richey.

“When we evaluated how we could better deliver mental health services to the community, we recognized that there was a piece of the puzzle missing,” said Tracey Kaly, clinical operations director at BayCare. “Often, people do not seek help until they are in crisis and feel their only options are to call law enforcement or visit the ER. This center is a bridge – a safe space where people in urgent need of mental health or addiction care, can be seen in a timely manner by a trained professional who can evaluate their needs and connect them with ongoing services in their area, hopefully mitigating the need for hospitalization.”

Visitors to the new BayCare Behavioral Health Urgent Care are welcomed into a calming environment where they undergo a screening and clinical evaluation to determine which short-term interventions are needed. Patients may also work with recovery support specialists whose personal lived experiences offer hope and guidance during times of struggle.

Support from Pasco County commissioners, which awarded BayCare the largest portion of the county’s opioid settlement funds, was essential to bringing the project to fruition. 

Commissioners Jack Mariano, Kathyrn Starkey and Lisa Yaeger joined BayCare leadership Feb. 26 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“It means so much for our Pasco County residents to have a place to seek help for their mental health needs,” Mariano said. “With BayCare’s experience, people will get the help they need, and it will save lives. It’s a benefit to the taxpayers as well because it will keep people out of jail, which will save our taxpayers money.”  

 

Need to go?

The new BayCare Behavioral Health Urgent Care center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Same-day appointments can be made by calling 727-281-3350.

 

Saint Leo University begins Lent with Ash Wednesday observances

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Michael Bogush makes the sign of the cross in ashes on the forehead of fellow student Kristina Arwady, a senior women’s soccer player, at Saint Leo University on Ash Wednesday, March 5. Caroline Jorgensen/Saint Leo University
Kevin Floyd, director of University Ministry, marks Dr. Craig Cleveland, associate vice president of Academic Affairs, at Saint Leo University on Ash Wednesday, March 5. Caroline Jorgensen/Saint Leo University

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University students say they are committing to nurturing their relationship with God this Lenten season as they joined with faculty, staff and the public on Ash Wednesday, March 5. 

Lent is a time when Catholics and many Christians prepare to celebrate Christ’s Resurrection at Easter. It is marked by prayer, fasting and giving.

University Ministry team members Kevin Floyd, Michael Bogush and Arielle Jacus made the sign of the cross on the foreheads of those who stopped by their tent outside of the Student Activities Building on Ash Wednesday. 

“Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel,” they said as they imposed the ashes.

This is a call to remind everyone of the importance of rejecting sin and that life on Earth does not last forever.

Bryannah Valcourt, a freshman psychology major from Haiti, said she is focusing on improving her faith this Lent. 

“I’m also fasting from TikTok,” Valcourt added.

Ariella Jacus, a member of the University Ministry team, and her fellow women’s soccer team players, Kristina Arwady and Elise McDonald, on Ash Wednesday, March 5. Caroline Jorgensen/Saint Leo University

Having grown up in the Catholic faith, student Elise McDonald said taking part in the receiving of ashes is a tradition for her.
“My grandma and I would do it together,” McDonald said, noting her grandmother passed away last year. “It was a very special time for us.”

This Lent, “I’ll be getting closer again to my faith,” McDonald added.

Junior marketing major Brennan Roohan said Ash Wednesday is a time to “repent, live a virtuous life, live in the grace of God and love your neighbor.”

Darwin Marrero, a sport business major and member of the Saint Leo Lions baseball team, said he hopes to “have a better relationship with God,” this Lent. “This is a new opportunity to grow in my beliefs and in my faith.”

The Saint Leo community had opportunities throughout the day to join in Ash Wednesday observances with Mass and ashes distributed at noon by the Benedictine Monks of Saint Leo Abbey and then the imposition of ashes from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., also at the Saint Leo Abbey Church.

NFL QB Baker Mayfield gifts luxury watches to offensive line

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NFL quarterback Baker Mayfield bought luxury watches for members of his offensive line recently at the TAG Heuer boutique at Tampa International Plaza. Photo courtesy of TAG Heuer

 

TAMPA – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not win Super Bowl rings this past season but quarterback Baker Mayfield made sure his lineman felt appreciated with the next best thing. 

Mayfield stopped by the TAG Heuer boutique at Tampa International Plaza recently to buy his teammates the latest Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport timepieces. 

Tampa Bay center Graham Barton just finished a rookie season in which he started 16 games for the Buccaneers. Barton shows off his new TAG Heuer timepiece next to the boutique’s new Buccaneers autograph board. Photo courtesy of TAG Heuer

Luke Goedeke, Tristan Wirfs, Robert Hainsey, Cody Mauch and Graham Barton were among teammates to receive the luxury watches, each featuring a skeleton dial to display its mechanics.

TAG Heuer Carrera’s brand pays tribute to the Carrera Panamericana auto race of the 1950s. And its Chronograph Extreme Sport watches are “inspired by the thrill of high-performance and adrenaline-fueled excellence” – something NFL players on the line of scrimmage can relate to.

Mayfield is coming off the best season of his career. His 4,500 passing yards ranked third among all quarterbacks while he threw the second most touchdown passes at 41. 

Tampa Bay’s 10-7 record was the best in the NFC South Division. The Buccaneers returned to the NFL Playoffs for the fifth consecutive year.

The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport’s skeleton dial showcases the timepiece’s mechanics. Photo courtesy of TAG Heuer

This was in spite of losing receiver Chris Godwin in Week 7 for the rest of the season to an ankle injury. Receiver Mike Evans also was sidelined for three games as he nursed an injured hamstring from that same game. Other players also made the injury report. 

“To me, it still goes up to the guys up front,” Mayfield told reporters at the end of the season about his team’s success. “Relying on those guys, leaning on them and trusting everybody else – just doing our job trying to find ways to win.”

Heading into the NFC Wild Card Round against the Washington Commanders, Mayfield shared with reporters his thoughts on his offensive line.

Mayfield described Wirfs’ growing comfort in his second year at left tackle as huge for the team. Wirfs earned his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection this past season. 

Rookie center Barton and second-year Mauch showed growth over the season while Mayfield believes third-year tackle Goedeke is one of the most underrated linemen in the NFL. 

Tampa Bay center Robert Hainsey has played four years with the Buccaneers. He shows off his new timepiece at the Tampa TAG Heuer Boutique. Photo courtesy of TAG Heuer

Mayfield also credited fourth-year center Hainsey for helping everyone behind the scenes with communication. 

“It’s a full group effort,” Mayfield said. “It’s fun to see the chemistry and how they work together.”

Mayfield surprised his offensive line with timepieces to thank them for protecting him throughout the season. 

Barton and Hainsey liked the gifts so much, they visited the TAG Heuer boutique for themselves to see the collection. Their signatures joined Mayfield’s in what has become the Buccaneers autograph board.  

 

Zephyrhills celebrates opening of Hercules Park

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Children enjoyed playing at the splashpad after the park opened. Photos courtesy of Joe Potter
City Manager William C. “Billy” Poe Jr. talks about the cost to plan, develop and build Hercules Park. Photos courtesy of Joe Potter

ZEPHYRHILLS – The City of Zephyrhills held a grand opening Feb. 13 for its first new community park in 40 years.

Hercules Park is adjacent to Zephyrhills High and Woodland Elementary schools at 38100 County Road 54. 

Entrances to the park are from U.S. 30 (Gall Boulevard) northbound near Culvers and from east- or westbound County Road 54 near Zephyrhills High School. 

Hercules Park features a nature-based playground, splashpad, open play field, restroom, sidewalk around scenic trails, bike trails, picnic areas and enough parking spaces to accommodate 54 vehicles.

It cost $7.6 million to plan, develop and build what City Manager William Poe Jr. called the “showcase park.” Poe said Zephyrhills’ citizens would say, “wow,” after they saw the park and all that it had to offer.

Most of the funding for the park came from the federal government through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, Poe said.

“I could have never dreamed what I’m seeing today,” Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson said during the grand opening. 

Monson described Hercules Park as a place where families could come together to build stronger bonds; a place where kids could create memories that last a lifetime; and a place where people could gather to commune with nature, to step away from the stresses of the world and to renew and refresh their lives.

“It’s been truly a team effort for all of us to work together,” said James Pankonin, vice president of Kimley-Horn, the company that designed the park. “Without the participation of everyone working together and working as a team we couldn’t really done what we did here.”

Johnny Santos, of Wharton-Smith, emphasized the commitment the company made to build Hercules Park. He said the company put some extra benches into the park so parents would have a place to sit and watch their children play.

Pasco County had previously operated Hercules Aquatic Center where Hercules Park is now located. That facility, including its swimming pool, was closed in 2009 due to budgetary constraints. 

The property’s ownership was then turned over to Pasco County Schools. Zephyrhills obtained control of the 12-acre site in June 2018.

The actual planning for Hercules Park began in late 2022 when Kimley-Horn sat down with city officials and came up with designs that would honor the history of the land.

Hercules Powder Company’s Camp #39 had produced pine oil, resin and turpentine from trees on the site while in business from 1946 to 1962. It was at one time the city’s largest employer with 150 people. 

Several of the employees rented rooms in company-built prefabricated homes on the property. There was also a commissary on the site and Hercules Park Camp #39 even had its own baseball team.

Saint Leo University celebrates opening of nursing floor

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Bella Romeo, a junior nursing student, gives Saint Leo University trustees, donors, county commissioners, health care representatives and other guests a tour of the nursing floor in Benedictine Hall. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

 

Kathleen Van Eerden, Ed Narain, Ed Dadez, John Picciano, Dewey Mitchell and Susan Kinsella cut a ceremonial ribbon Feb. 6 for Saint Leo University’s nursing floor. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University celebrated the grand opening of its new nursing space Feb. 6 on the second floor of Benedictine Hall.

The grand opening featured a ribbon-cutting, prayer, blessing, opening remarks and tours.

“Our repurposed, state-of-the-art simulation and learning space on the second floor of Benedictine Hall continues the caring legacy of the Benedictine Sisters [of Florida] who once resided here [Holy Name Priory, 1960-2014],” said Dr. Kathleen Van Eerden, dean of the College of Health Professions. “The new high-tech nursing classrooms and simulated clinical settings provide immersive learning environments that prepare graduates for safe practice.”

The second floor is devoted to the university’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program with 2,158 square feet renovated out of 4,256 square feet, allowing for more spaces to be created and dedicated to health care in the future. 

The second floor includes two conference rooms, two classrooms, five offices, three simulation rooms, one assessment room and one simulation control room.

The simulation rooms are complete with human patient simulators including a child, a pregnant mother and newborn, and an adult model that Saint Leo nursing students use to practice their skills. The  life-size simulators mimic human appearance. They are mechanical and computer-controlled to show symptoms and the way diseases affect a body.

“The simulators have blinking eyes; heart, lung and bowel sounds; pulses; blood pressure; and more,” Van Eerden said. “Faculty can adjust the simulator to mimic various diagnoses and conditions.”

The mom simulator can go into labor, experience difficulties and give birth to the newborn simulator.

Bella Romeo, a junior nursing student, describes the new nursing floor as “home.”

“I feel welcomed and at home here,” Romeo said. “We all come together here, we share ideas and we work as one. This is a no-judgement zone. We know we can make mistakes and learn from them.”

Romeo is interested in becoming a geriatric nurse with the hopes of one day owning a small facility for those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

State funding as well as private donations helped build the nursing program and pay for renovation costs as well as equipment, hiring of faculty and staff, and other needs. 

The university recognized the need for nurses and launched the bachelor’s degree program in 2021. It also created the College of Health Professions, which includes the bachelor’s and master’s programs in social work. 

The Florida Legislature designated $740,000 for the nursing program and building in its 2023-24 budget.

Data from the Florida Hospital Association shows Florida is experiencing a shortage of nurses and projects a deficit of about 59,000 by 2035 while the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the country will need more than 200,000 registered nurses from now through 2031. 

By the end of its first five years of operation, Saint Leo’s nursing program is expected to add nearly 200 nurses to the workforce.

“Thank you for helping us strengthen the future of health care, one nurse at a time,” University President Ed Dadez said to those gathered for the grand opening.

Saint Leo has introduced measures to help nursing students succeed. 

The university provided free housing to more than 70 students during the fall 2024 semester through its Nursing Housing Award.  An annual financial aid award of $7,680 covers on-campus housing costs. Saint Leo is accepting applications for the Nursing Housing Award for fall 2025. Students must meet eligibility criteria to qualify. 

In spring 2024, Saint Leo University’s nursing program formed a partnership with AdventHealth Zephyrhills, creating a Dedicated Education Unit to train future nurses. Students were paired with a nurse preceptor or mentor from AdventHealth. The students worked side-by-side for 12-hour shifts with their mentors and university nursing instructor Paige Porter.

The DEU program has expanded this year, and Saint Leo nursing students now are assigned to AdventHealth Dade City in addition to AdventHealth Zephyrhills. 

“AdventHealth has such a culture of care, for the employees as well as the patient,” Porter said. “This pairs with the core values of Saint Leo.”

With the opening of the new dedicated nursing space, “Saint Leo is positioned to prepare a new generation of nurses for our region, state and nation,” Van Eerden, the dean said. “With our new contemporary learning space and our program focus on the core values and caring, we know that our Saint Leo nursing graduates will make a difference.”

 

Project Vendors

Vendors who assisted with the project were S3 Design Inc. & Consultants, Cooperative Building Solutions, Sound Interiors Inc., GreenTeam Building Services (Plumbing), A&G Electrical Technologies, Total Building Solutions Inc., Skywatch Signs, Cintas, Prodigy Flooring Inc., Miller Electric Co., and AVI-SPL.

Tax collector’s office spotlights Special Olympics

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Tax Collector Mike Fasano, Special Olympics of Pasco Director Val Lundin, athletes, family members and tax collector staff were all on hand to deliver a check for $9,382.04 to the Special Olympians in April 2024. Photo courtesy of Greg Giordano

NEW PORT RICHEY – Special Olympics of Pasco is the featured charitable giving organization at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office in February. 

Special Olympics of Pasco is a sports and training program for people with intellectual disabilities. In Pasco, 1,500 students participate in Special Olympics. Training in almost two dozen different sports is provided free of charge to participants.

Funds raised in a prior year helped the Pasco team attend the 2022 National Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando. The Pasco County flag football team, the Dolphins, won gold. 

All funds raised during this charitable giving effort will support the improvement of athletic programs for participants, including updating uniforms, and will help offset costs of trips to Special Olympics games.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano and everyone in his office,” said Jessica Ott, regional director for Special Olympics Florida. “The tax collector fundraiser helps provide uniforms, equipment and training for our amazing athletes. It also helps provide training for our volunteer coaches who make our work possible. The support for our athletes is truly inspiring, and we’re honored that Tax Collector Mike Fasano and his office has embraced our mission.”

Fasano said Special Olympics of Pasco holds a special place in his heart.

“I’m proud that our staff and our community support this organization that helps bring purpose to so many lives,” Fasano said. “The athletes and the volunteers who work with them are some of the kindest, most positive people I have ever met. So many of the athletes have intellectual challenges that make life difficult. To see the joy on the face of an athlete as they cross the finish line is indescribable. Special Olympics of Pasco provides a respite from the difficulties many face daily. It also provides a place to be with others who also aspire to do their very best.”

Donations can be made at any of the five tax collector locations in Pasco County. 

For those who would like to give online, the tax collector’s office’s charitable giving arm Pasco TC Gives has a webpage through which donations for the Special Olympics of Pasco (Charity of the Month) can be made: https://www.govhub.com/fl-pasco/tc-gives/donate

 

Want to learn more?

  • Contact Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, at 727-847-8179 or visit pascotaxes.com for details regarding the charitable giving program or services provided by the tax collector’s office.
  • Contact Amy Selvey, Pasco Special Olympics director, at 727-492-8413 or visit specialolympicsflorida.org/westcoast for details about Special Olympics of Pasco.

 

Tampa Bay Lighting honors dad that saved son’s life

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Derek Stock and his son, Levi, 11, received a signed Andrei Vasilevskiy jersey from AdventHealth. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
AdventHealth is also providing 100 CPR Anytime Kits for the American Heart Association in Derek Stock’s name. Derek stands with his family. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

TAMPA – Derek Stock was honored by the Tampa Bay Lightning as an AdventHealth Goal Getter for spreading awareness about the importance of CPR in the community, after he saved the life of his son, Levi.

Levi was struck by lightning 2.5 years ago while boating. 

The family was enjoying an afternoon on their boat but noticed storm clouds off in the distance, so they decided to be proactive and head back in. When they were getting ready to dock, Derek saw his son struck by lightning.

“I saw the strike go through him,” Derek said. “Never forget the moment, it’s the most powerful force I’ve ever felt in my life. It just rocked me back sitting on the little center console boat.”

Derek, who was CPR trained and certified, saved his son’s life.

“I started compressions and CPR immediately, he wasn’t breathing, he wasn’t responding. My wife dialed 911. In that time and it kind of felt like an eternity going through that, but it was only four minutes before the ambulance showed up,” Stock said. “My wife stayed there (at the hospital) and at 2 a.m. she texted me, ‘he said three words,’ so that was a blessing, and a prayer answered.”

AdventHealth was not only the presenting sponsor of Health and Wellness Night but the company also serves as the team’s health and wellness partner. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

Levi has since made a full recovery.

Since the incident, Stock has made CPR training and education his mission and he continues to work across the Tampa Bay area to share how important it is for people to know how to do it.

“You can watch a lot of videos online and see how CPR is done but I’m so thankful, it was almost like it was second nature,” Stock said. “I really support the goal of the American Heart Association to have one person in each household trained in CPR. There are things where a perfectly healthy person could need CPR and you just don’t want to not be equipped.”

The family received a standing ovation from the crowd of thousands in attendance to see the Lightning play the Ottawa Senators on Feb. 4 at Amalie Arena. Levi was also surprised with an autographed jersey of star goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, his favorite player, from AdventHealth.

To further honor Derek, AdventHealth is also providing 100 CPR Anytime Kits for the American Heart Association in his name.

Hundreds of AdventHealth team members and their families came out to the Feb. 4 game, which was designated as Health and Wellness Night.  

 

Pasco County hospitals receive high recognition from Healthgrades

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AdventHealth Wesley Chapel in Pasco County made Healthgrades’ Best list. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

WESLEY CHAPEL – Pasco County’s AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Zephyrhills have received recognition for clinical excellence from Healthgrades. 

Both AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Zephyrhills are in the West Florida Division of AdventHealth.

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel is on Healthgrades’ America’s 250 Best Hospitals list for the second year in a row and is in the top 10% in the nation for Critical Care. 

Among its accolades, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel was named a Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Heart Failure for the third consecutive year, a Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Stroke for the sixth year in a row, named among the Top 10% in the Nation for Overall Pulmonary Services for the third year in a row, a Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of GI Bleed for the seventh consecutive year.

“There is nothing more important than providing the best medical outcomes for our patients,” said Dr. Robert Rosequist, chief medical officer for AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. “That is why we do what we do, and to be recognized for the hard work of our doctors, nurses, and staff is very special.”

AdventHealth Zephyrhills received accolades for neurosciences, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and critical care. Its honors include being named a Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Stroke for the second year in a row, honored among the Top 10% in the Nation for Overall Pulmonary Services for the third consecutive year, a Five-Star Recipient for Colorectal Surgeries for five years in a row, and it was named among the Top 10% in the Nation for Critical Care for the fourth consecutive year.

“Our community depends on us to deliver quality care in their time of need,” said Dr. Ryan Reed, chief medical officer for AdventHealth Zephyrhills. “All of us at AdventHealth Zephyrhills are proud to provide these life-saving services to our community each and every day.”

Healthgrades helps consumers find and select a hospital that excels in providing the care they need.

As part of its 2025 hospital assessment, Healthgrades evaluated risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates for over 30 of the most common conditions and procedures at 4,500 hospitals nationwide to determine the top performers in specialty care. 

On the web: healthgrades.com 

LEGOLAND Florida Resort has park, hotel upgrades in store

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One of the most popular attractions at LEGOLAND Florida Resort is the Water Park, which is reopening in February with some upgrades. Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND Florida Resort

WINTER HAVEN – LEGOLAND Florida Resort is rolling out new attractions and revamped hotel rooms in 2025.

In 2024, LEGOLAND Florida unveiled a new attraction, LEGO Ferrari Build & Race. Guests can hop into the driver’s seat of a life-size LEGO Ferrari 296 GTS model, made up of 424,000 LEGO elements. 

Families are also inspired to create their own LEGO Ferrari race car in the Build Zone. At several large building stations, children and adults can turn their ideas into reality with all the LEGO bricks possible. 

Ultimately, visitors can head to the Test Zone to race their car against three extreme test tracks, each with different obstacles plus participate in a virtual race by scanning the model they created. For the littlest builders, there’s a DUPLO section specially designed for tiny hands to engage with LEGO fun at their own pace.

LEGOLAND Water Park is making a comeback, bringing families waves of fun with fresh renovations in mid-February. The Joker Soaker and Twin Chasers are getting a vibrant new color scheme as part of its refurbishment. Experience the return of 14 epic slides and the chance to craft your own LEGO raft to float down the lazy river.

SEA LIFE Florida opens this spring at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. This immersive aquarium invites guests to explore vibrant exhibits featuring blacktip reef sharks, moon jelly fish and clownfish.

Highlights include the interactive rock pool, a sunken pirate treasure ship and the main ocean exhibit, a “Theme Park Under the Sea” complete with a coral castle and a sea-inspired Ferris wheel. 

Perfect for families and marine life enthusiasts, SEA LIFE Florida blends education with fun to inspire love for the ocean. Tickets will be launching soon.

 

LEGOLAND Florida Resort offers fun themed hotel rooms for adults and children. Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Hotel upgrades

The LEGOLAND Hotel is undergoing a creative refresh, with new room concepts debuting in the spring. 

This revamp will include 20 new themed rooms, designed to immerse families in the LEGO fun. 

Among the refreshed offerings, there will be:

  • Six DUPLO Rooms – Featuring an all-new concept that brings the colorful and creative world of DUPLO to life, designed especially for younger builders.
  • Six LEGO Friends Rooms – Updated with today’s LEGO Friends characters and stories, guests can step into the world of Heartlake City and have the ultimate sleepover inside a LEGO Friends Creative Clubhouse.
  • Eight LEGO NINJAGO Rooms – Newly themed rooms that take families into the action-packed world of NINJAGO, complete with bold designs inspired by Lloyd and his ninja friends.

 

Seasonal Events

All activities below are covered with general park admission.

  • LEGO NINJAGO Weekends (select dates in February) – Families can enjoy high-energy shows, interactive activities and meet LEGO® NINJAGO heroes. Master elemental powers on the Path of the Dragon, join the Thunderfang Scavenger Hunt and fuel up with ninja-inspired treats.
  • World Play Day (June 11) – LEGOLAND Florida Resort is creating a summer surprise. Follow the family theme park on social media for updates and get ready to play.
  • Red, White & BOOM! (July 4) – The summer heats up at LEGOLAND Florida Resort with a star-spangled 4th of July celebration: Red, White & BOOM! Throughout the day, kids of all ages can participate in all-American family picnic games and building activities. At night, the evening fireworks show combines patriotic music with dazzling pyrotechnics.
  • Brick-or-Treat (select dates in September and October) – 

Grab your costumes and get ready to “boo-gie” down! Brick-or-Treat is back and will bewitch LEGOLAND Florida Resort with sweet treats, spellbinding shows, exclusive LEGO characters, and more! LEGOLAND Florida will transform into the ultimate family-friendly Halloween celebration on select dates throughout September and October.

  • Holidays (select dates in November-December) – Jingle all the way to LEGOLAND Florida Resort this holiday season. Live entertainment, twinkling lights and festive cheer await! Families can meet the jolly LEGO Santa, enjoy a series of seasonal activities and embark on bricktastic holiday adventures throughout the resort. Don’t miss the resort’s three-story-tall LEGO Christmas tree – the perfect backdrop for capturing unforgettable family photos.

 

Want to go?

LEGOLAND Florida Resort is offering a $9.99 Bronze Pass Monthly. Enjoy unlimited visits, monthly perks and first-to-sea access to 2025’s newest attractions with a LEGOLAND Florida Annual Bronze Pass. Start the adventure today with a $30 down payment. Guests can also buy single-day tickets or annual passes with or without a hotel stay.