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Woman’s club serves Sunrise

LAND O’ LAKES – The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club held a bunco and luncheon fundraiser to help support  Sunrise of Pasco County, a shelter for women and children victims of domestic and sexual violence.  

Club members also filled up the Sunrise representatives’ vehicle with supplies for the women and children at the shelter.  

Tamika Thomas Simpson, of the GFWC Plant City Woman’s Club, served as the guest speaker.  Visit gfwclutzlandolakeswomansclub.org to learn more about the club. 

 

Keep Pasco Beautiful collects 25-plus tons of trash

PASCO COUNTY – More than 1,100 volunteers rolled up their sleeves for the annual Keep Pasco Beautiful Cleanup in September.

According to the county, 1,170 volunteers cleared 51,320 pounds of litter from 52 locations in Pasco County, including roadsides, parks and waterways. The effort logged 3,499.25 volunteer hours, generating a cost-benefit of $121,738.90.

“Believe it or not, nearly 80% of the trash in our waterways actually starts on land,” Keep Pasco Beautiful President Alicia Hacker said. “When our volunteers collected around 25 tons of litter, they weren’t just tidying up. They were preventing all that debris from flowing through rivers and storm drains straight into the Gulf.  That kind of impact is huge.”

This annual event is part of the International Coastal Cleanup coordinated by Ocean Conservancy.  

On the web: KeepPascoBeautiful.org.

 

Wesley Chapel establishing an Elks Lodge

WESLEY CHAPEL – Wesley Chapel made a major advance toward establishing an Elks Lodge when more than 134 potential members signed the petition for a Dispensation to Institute the Lodge.

The action was taken during a meeting held Oct. 1 in the Harley-Davidson of Wesley Chapel meeting room. The petition has been forwarded to the Florida State Central District Deputy and the Florida State Elks Association’s State Sponsor. After review and approval, it will be submitted to the Grand Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks for final approval, according to Jerry Bianchi, chairman of the organization committee.

Those who signed the petition included residents from Wesley Chapel, Land O’Lakes, Lutz and New Tampa. Once the dispensation is received, a date, time and location will be scheduled for the institution of the lodge.

Bianchi explained that everyone initiated at the time of the Institution will hold charter membership. He said membership rolls will stay open until then and meetings will continue to be held regularly to process membership applications.

The organizing committee voted to set the application/initiation fee at $25. The annual dues will be determined once the lodge’s by-laws are developed and approved. It was also announced that the new lodge will be officially sponsored by St. Petersburg Lodge No. 1224.

 

 

ZEPHYRHILLS – A new art initiative is taking shape in Zephyrhills, aiming to capture the city’s beauty and highlight its place within Pasco County’s cultural story. 

The Zephyrhills Art Heritage Project, led by local artist Abraham Albadawi, will feature two Impressionist-style oil paintings celebrating the city’s spirit. 

The first, “Pure Water,” reflects the calm of Zephyrhills’ natural springs, while the second, “Founders’ Day, Zephyrhills,” portrays the color and energy of the city’s annual heritage festival. 

The works are intended to serve as lasting tributes to Zephyrhills’ sense of place and pride. Albadawi said the goal is to keep local artistry visible and to show how creativity can help preserve the city’s story within the wider cultural landscape of Pasco County.

After showing early digital versions around the Historic District, Albadawi said the feedback was encouraging. “One person said it was refreshing to see something that truly represents Zephyrhills,” he said. “Another hoped the paintings would be displayed in a public space so everyone could enjoy them, and some mentioned they’d love to see familiar landmarks like the train depot or veterans park included in future works.”

Discussions with local organizations and community leaders are underway. Full oil versions are expected to be completed later this year.

“People care deeply about how their city is represented,” Albadawi said. “That kind of engagement shows how much pride Zephyrhills has in its story.” 

 

WESLEY CHAPEL – VantagePoint AI, LLC is expanding its footprint in Pasco County.

The trading software company specializes in artificial intelligence-driven financial market forecasting. 

VantagePoint is investing over $4.6 million in land acquisition, building renovations and equipment/technology infrastructure. It will begin renovations on its new location in Wesley Chapel in January 2026. 

Over the next three years, the company will hire 60 new full-time positions, more than doubling its current team of 51 employees.

“We’re thrilled to see VantagePoint AI continue to grow and invest right here in Pasco County,” said Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council. “Their expansion not only reinforces our region’s reputation as a hub for innovation and technology, but it also highlights how Pasco County companies are at the forefront of artificial intelligence. VantagePoint’s continued commitment to our community will bring high-quality jobs, cutting-edge technology advancements, and lasting economic impact to the area.”

The company was founded in 1979 by Louis B. Mendelsohn, a technical analyst and trading software pioneer, and has been headquartered in Wesley Chapel since 1987. 

VantagePoint was the first company to make commercially available AI-based trading software accessible to retail investors. It now serves over 160 countries globally.

The company is committed to giving back to the community by making quarterly charitable contributions to local nonprofits as part of its culture of accountability and community investment.

“After 38 years in this community, we’re more invested than ever in Pasco County’s future and ours is intertwined with it,” said Lane Mendelsohn, president of VantagePoint AI. “VantagePoint AI is experiencing growth, and we’re committed to ensuring that growth benefits Pasco County. With support from the Pasco EDC, we’re expanding our facilities and creating new opportunities for local talent.”

On Nov. 12, the Pasco Board of County Commissioners approved an economic incentive agreement which includes a job creation incentive for up to $240,000 for 60 new to Pasco County full-time jobs with salaries equal to or greater than 150% of the 2025 Pasco County average annual wage. 

The agreement includes a high impact job creation bonus not to exceed $61,047 over a 10-year period and discretionary training funds up to $30,000, which help to reimburse employers for training and upskilling their employees.

“Pasco County is proud to provide these types of economic incentives that support job creation and grow our property tax base,” Commissioner Seth Weightman said. “This agreement will help VantagePoint AI expand its economic footprint in Pasco through capital investment, high-paying, full-time jobs and a significant return on investment. I’m happy to support a local, family-owned business that’s such a great example of entrepreneurial heritage here in our business community.”

TAMPA – Hillsborough County’s Duffels of Dignity program is marking three years of providing hope, comfort and dignity to local children in the foster care system.

Launched in October 2022, Duffels of Dignity began as a simple idea: to replace the trash bags that many children in foster care use to carry their belongings with duffel bags filled with essential hygiene items and personal care products. Since then, the program has distributed thousands of duffel bags across Hillsborough County.

Since launching, Duffels of Dignity has collected 5,587 duffel bags and suitcases and helped thousands of children in foster care and those experiencing trauma.  

October also marked a record-breaking month for Duffels of Dignity:

• During the 2025 International City/County Management Association Conference in Tampa, Duffels of Dignity was selected as the official service project. Thanks to a generous donation from Tampa Electric, volunteers filled more than 300 duffels with personal hygiene items for local foster youth.
• Compassion met craftsmanship when The Sewing Group at Arise Church in Brandon dedicated weeks to creating and donating 25 handmade quilts. These quilts will be distributed to children entering foster care.
• Multiple duffels filled with personal care items were picked up by the local nonprofit Madi’s Movement and distributed to young adults ages 16 to 25 who are aging out of the foster care system.  

What started as a county initiative led by the children’s services department has evolved into a collaboration among public agencies, faith-based organizations and residents. The program’s success is driven by volunteers who fill the bags, businesses that provide supplies and donors who help ensure every child receives the same message of dignity and hope.

Community members and organizations interested in supporting Duffels of Dignity can learn more at HCFL.gov/DuffelsOfDignity. Donations of new or gently duffel bags and personal care items are always welcome.

WESLEY CHAPEL – Sarasota-based neighborhood hangout Food + Beer is heading north with its eighth location and first in Pasco County opening the week of Nov. 10 at 25026 Wesley Chapel Blvd.

The new restaurant will seat 150 guests and feature an outdoor patio and a TV wall.

Just like every Food + Beer, the kitchen is scratch-made, serving food until 1 a.m. (or later). 

Guests can dig into house staples like fresh-cut fries, hand-breaded boneless nuggets, specialty burgers and the Korean Beef Bowl, alongside creative comfort food with a twist like Red Velvet Chicken & Waffles during brunch or Crab Rangoon Mozzarella Sticks that hit all the right notes. 

Food + Beer offers daily lunch specials starting at $8, plus a lineup of weekly events and deals, including Burger Monday, Taco Tuesday, Trivia Wednesday, 89¢ Wing Thursday and Weekend Brunch. 

The team keeps things fresh by rolling out a seasonal menu four times a year, spotlighting new, scratch-made dishes and limited-time cocktails, paired with a signature cocktail list and a rotating selection of local beers. 

Food + Beer’s story started back in the early 2000s, when co-founders Mike Whalen and Casey Daniels first crossed paths working in restaurants. Mike was a server. Casey was a kitchen manager. 

What began as a solid working relationship turned into a real friendship and eventually a shared dream: to create a place that serves good, scratch-made food in a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. 

In 2018, they brought that vision to life in Sarasota’s Gulf Gate neighborhood. The brand is now expanding across the Gulf Coast with more locations on the way, including Ellenton and West Tampa coming in 2026.

 

Want to know more?

Stay tuned for updates, events and new openings at foodandbeer.com or on social @foodand.beer. 

 

LAND O’ LAKES – Land O’ Lakes resident Chris Garrido has released a book, “Fit by 50: My Yearlong Journey from Death to Life,” that explains how he transformed his health, mindset and faith to lose 130 pounds in one year.

A year before his 50th birthday, Garrido found himself at his lowest point. He was 440 pounds, exhausted and fearful for his future. 

With the support of his family, his faith and a commitment to change, he began a journey that would not only restore his body but also renew his purpose and spirit. 

“I called it ‘Fit by 50,’ but this wasn’t just about getting in shape,” said Garrido. “It was about coming back to life – physically, mentally and spiritually. I wanted to prove that no matter how far gone you think you are, there’s always hope. You’re not done yet.” 

The journey wasn’t glamorous. It was filled with setbacks, exhaustion, self-doubt and moments of pain that tested him. But with faith as his foundation and family as his motivation, Garrido pressed forward. 

As Garrido began sharing his progress publicly, something unexpected happened. His story began to spread beyond the gym. Messages started pouring in from people across the country who said they were inspired by his transformation and his honesty about the struggle. 

“That’s really where the idea for the book was born,” Garrido said. “The response has been overwhelming and humbling. I’ve had to learn to be OK with inspiring people in the very area I’ve failed at most of my life. But that’s where the redemption is – using your lowest moments to lift someone else up.” 

“Fit by 50” offers readers a look at how consistent actions guided by discipline, purpose and grace can lead to radical transformation. 

The book is available in paperback on Amazon (https://a.co/d/4ZeNDp7). Follow Garrido’s journey on social media at instagram.com/chrisgarrido_fit50. 

 

ZEPHYRHILLS – The City of Zephyrhills is taking a unique approach to fix flooding within the Park Hill subdivision, an area affected last year by Hurricane Milton. 

Staff recommended buying the home at 6109 16th Street so the city could expand the existing retention pond along the west side of the road. This will create additional stormwater capacity. 

“I happened to notice when we were looking at a complaint that that piece of property was up for sale,” Public Works Director Shane LeBlanc told the Zephyrhills City Council on Oct. 13. “We looked at it, and we thought we could double the capacity of this retention pond and maybe solve some of these flooding issues because these parcels don’t come up for sale very often. It just seemed like good timing.”

The city agreed on a price of $250,000. City council approved the sale, which will be paid through the Penny for Pasco Contingency line item. 

“I just think it’s a good first step because we’re going to be looking to do this probably in Henry Drive, 9th Avenue and different places,” Council Member Steve Spina said. “These are the kind of things we can do ourselves without waiting for huge grants and projects.”

City ordinances require two appraisals for buying property over $80,000. Tampa-based Lee Pallardy Inc. describes the ranch-style house as being in above-average condition given recent upgrades. The house was built in 1980.

LeBlanc said the city plans to demolish the house and dig the lot out just a little bit. The city will have to get a permit to design the retention pond. A consultant will provide engineering services. 

The Lee Pallardy appraisal noted Zephyrhills experienced “significant flooding impacts” from Hurricane Milton. 

“Most of the flooding issues occurred in the older residential communities, many of which have retention ponds that are not of the size needed to accommodate significant amounts of rainfall within a short period of time,” according to the appraisal. “The subject is located adjacent to the north of a retention pond that likely overflowed during the hurricane, but the subject home reportedly did not experience flooding within the living area of the home; there was reportedly some water accumulation in the garage.”

 

 

WESLEY CHAPEL – AdventHealth Center Ice presents “Hallowrink,” a themed public skate session from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 24. 

The family-friendly ice skate will include Halloween-themed party favors and treat bags, while supplies last. Come dressed up in costume and enjoy party lights, on-ice games, a costume contest, themed drinks and a DJ playing all the haunting hits.

AdventHealth Center Ice regularly hosts two-hour themed ice-skating sessions during its public skate times. These are open to all ages, whether you’re an avid skater or just looking for a fun way to ice skate for the first time. The center is located at 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel. 

While most public skate sessions at AdventHealth Center Ice are 1 hour, the monthly theme skate and the weekly “Friday Night Meltdown” showcase party lights, music DJ, and extended two hours of skating time.  

“Theme skates at AdventHealth Center Ice offer guests a unique way to express themselves and fully enjoy the community ice skating experience,” said Matthew Christopher, events director. “For the upcoming event, the in-house restaurant and bar, Top Shelf Sports Lounge, will serve kid and adult-friendly themed drinks like a Candy Corn Ice Cream Float.”