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TAMPA – Vinik Sports Group announced the opening of the Cabot Club, a new hospitality destination at Benchmark International Arena.

The nearly 8,500-square-foot space is the result of a multi-million-dollar renovation to elevate the guest experience for fans attending Tampa Bay Lightning games, concerts and other live events at the arena.

The Cabot Club was developed through a new partnership with Cabot Citrus Farms, a golf and lifestyle resort, and Oak View Group, a hospitality provider. 

“Together, we’ve created a destination that combines exceptional service, culinary excellence and exclusive amenities designed to create a truly memorable experience for our guests,” said Steve Griggs, CEO of Vinik Sports Group. 

The reimagined club offers expanded seating, new food options,a private dining room and upgraded technology.

“We’re always looking for ways to elevate the experience for our fans and guests and build on the energy and momentum happening around Benchmark International Arena and throughout the Water Street district,” Griggs said. “As the neighborhood continues to evolve, we’re committed to ensuring the arena evolves with it, and we’re proud to partner with Cabot and OVG Hospitality to bring this vision to life.”

 

DADE CITY – Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County broke ground on a new affordable home Sept. 10 on Coleman Avenue in Dade City.

Wesley Chapel Toyota, Wesley Chapel Mazda and Chevrolet of Wesley Chapel supported the project. 

“We are incredibly grateful to Wesley Chapel Toyota, Wesley Chapel Mazda and Chevrolet of Wesley Chapel for investing in our mission and in the future of families in Pasco County,” said Crystal Lazar, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County. “A Habitat home is about so much more than four walls. It provides stability, opportunity and a foundation that families can build upon for generations.”

Through Habitat’s homeownership program, qualified families partner with the organization throughout the homebuilding process. Habitat homeowners complete courses, contribute sweat equity hours and buy their homes with an affordable mortgage.

Officials said Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County is committed to expanding affordable homeownership opportunities in Dade City and communities throughout its service area.

TAMPA – The ghosts of Tampa Theatre have been waiting for the past seven months for the newly restored movie palace to reopen just in time for its 100th birthday and Halloween festivities. 

The 14th annual A Nightmare on Franklin Street series may be a little shorter this year, as it follows the Centennial Celebration mid-month, but it includes classic horror films, cult favorites, “Mummy & Me” family-friendly films, ghost tours and more Halloween-themed fun.

 

GHOSTS OF TAMPA THEATRE TOURS

Who was the man in seat 308? Where did Robert Lanier tear his final ticket? And what has led to Tampa Theatre being known as one of the most haunted buildings in town? Hear stories of the theater’s ghostly guests, preternatural patrons and eternal employees in a two-hour tour. Tampa Theatre members get in free. General admission tickets cost $15: 

• 3 p.m. Oct. 19, 22, 26 and 29
• 11 a.m. Oct. 23, 24, 30 and 31

 

“MUMMY & ME” FAMILY FILMS

The family-friendly screenings allow adults to bring children to age-appropriate film for free. 

Children 12 and younger are admitted free with a paid adult ticket for the following: 

• “Sing-Along KPop Demon Hunters” (2025, Rated PG) at 3 p.m. Oct. 24
• “Hocus Pocus” (1993, rated PG) at 3 p.m. Oct. 31

The first 200 guests to arrive for “KPop Demon Hunters” will receive a foam glow stick, courtesy of series sponsor Bank of America.

 

STAGE AND SCREAM… ER… SCREEN

Cozy up under the movie palace’s starlit sky for an evening of Campfire Stories at 7 p.m. Oct. 27. The Suncoast Storytellers are back with a program of PG tales appropriate for all ages. General admission tickets cost $10. Tampa Theatre members get in free.

The series includes plenty of specialty screenings for adults:

• On Oct. 23, the theater remembers the late Tim Curry in two of his most iconic roles with screenings of “Legend” (1985) at 7 p.m. and “Clue” at 9:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10 for members or $13 for others. 
• The theater welcomes back the “Beyond Any Measure” shadow cast for two screenings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975) at 7 and 11 p.m. Oct. 24. Audience participation is encouraged, but leave sticky/drippy props at home. Tickets cost $14 for members or $17 for others. The show is for adults. 
• Tampa Theatre and the Henry B. Plant Museum will co-host a screening of Bela Lugosi’s classic “Dracula” (1931) at 2 p.m. Oct. 25 in celebration of the museum’s new exhibit, “Cigar City Cinema.” The theater will also show the Spanish-language feature “Drácula” (1931) at 4 p.m. in the Taylor Screening Room.
• The theater welcomes actor Chandler Riggs (Carl from “The Walking Dead”) for an evening of conversation and a preview screening of his new short film, “Biohazard,” at 7 p.m. Oct. 29. Then join Tampa horror filmmaker and actor Joe Davison (“Stranger Things”) for the premiere of his new feature, “Demon Queen Pinball Machine.”

The Big Picture series is back as well. The series takes a look at some of the thrillers Tampa Theatre premiered in its earliest days: “Notorious” (1946) at 7 p.m. Oct. 21 and “The Third Man” (1949) at 7 p.m. Oct. 28. There is also a 30th anniversary screening of “Scream” (1996), classic titles like “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984), “Young Frankenstein” (1974) and “Halloween” (1978), cult films like “Gorgo” (1961), “Strait-Jacket” (1964) and “Burnt Offerings” (1976) and modern favorites like “Shadow of the Vampire” (2000), “The Mummy” (1999) and “The Shape of Water” (2017) – a total of 42 showtimes.

Times, titles and tickets are available at the Franklin Street Box Office and online at TampaTheatre.org/NIGHTMARE.

TAMPA – Silly socks were on display Sept. 17 across AdventHealth locations throughout Tampa Bay, but the message behind them was serious: supporting the mental health and well-being of the clinicians who care for others.

Staff at more than 14 AdventHealth hospitals and medical group locations participated in the Let’s Sock About It campaign in recognition of National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. 

The local initiative used colorful and mismatched socks as a simple conversation starter, encouraging colleagues to check in on one another and talk openly about stress, burnout and mental health.

The idea originated after a physician accidentally wore mismatched socks to work, leading to conversations throughout the day.

“Sometimes we just need a reason to start talking,” said Leila Durr, director of Physician and APP Well-Being Services for AdventHealth West Florida Division. “A colorful pair of socks can open the door to important conversations about mental health, stress and the support systems available when people need them.”

Those conversations matter to Dr. Arielle Ashkenazi, chief resident at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.

“Burnout is very real in medicine,” Ashkenazi said. “I’m grateful we’re talking about it more openly and that resources are available when people need support. We also need to remember to give ourselves the same grace and compassion that we give our patients.”

AdventHealth offers mental health and well-being resources for staff, including confidential counseling, peer support programs and wellness services.

WESLEY CHAPEL – Pasco-Hernando State College will expand and update nursing and allied health programs after receiving an $850,000 appropriation from the Florida Legislature. 

This is the third straight year lawmakers have funded the Institute for Nursing & Allied Health Advancement, which was formed to close the region’s health care staffing gaps.

PHSC established the institute with a $1.5 million appropriation secured by Rep. Randy Maggard and Sen. Danny Burgess in 2024. With an additional $750,000 last year and $850,000 this year, the state has now committed roughly $3.1 million to the effort.

PHSC has begun directing the state’s investment into the following initiatives:

• $800,000 to expand the college’s simulation center, providing students with realistic clinicals using advanced manikins, virtual reality and actors without risking real patient safety.
• $150,000 to provide 12 additional seats for prospective students in a future dental hygiene cohort.
• $300,000 to increase enrollment in nursing programs.
• $5,000 in scholarships for 25 students in grades 6-12 to attend health care career camps at no cost to their families.

These initiatives will assist in training the people who staff the exam rooms, operating rooms and emergency vehicles across Pasco and Hernando counties: registered nurses, radiographers, surgical technologists, medical assistants and phlebotomists. Most finish training to graduate in two years or less and go to work locally.

“It is inspiring to come together with health care leaders from across our community, recognize the challenges we share and partner with an institution so deeply committed to workforce development,” said Sally Seymour, CEO of HCA Florida’s Bayonet Point Hospital. “Together, we are helping build the systems and talent pipeline needed to ensure our communities continue to receive the care they need for years to come.”

PHSC President Eric Hall said the state’s continued investment allows the college to respond to one of the region’s most pressing workforce needs. 

“By expanding access to high-quality nursing and allied health education, we are creating more opportunities for students to enter meaningful careers while ensuring our local health care providers have the skilled professionals they need to serve a rapidly growing community,” Hall said. 

 

WESLEY CHAPEL – Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital announced a $40 million gift from Paychex founder Tom Golisano to support the construction of its new campus in Wesley Chapel. 

The gift is the largest donation in the 100-year history of Johns Hopkins All Children’s. In recognition of the gift, the new building will be known as Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Golisano Children’s Medical Center at Wesley Chapel.

The center also became part of the Golisano Children’s Alliance, a growing national network of 21 children’s hospitals advancing pediatric care.

“We are grateful to Mr. Golisano for seeing the promise of this investment, the strength of the Wesley Chapel and All Children’s communities, and the potential of what we can create together,” said Alicia Schulhof, president of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. “His generosity will be felt not only in the physical building, but in the young lives and healthier futures that unfold within it for generations.”

The five-story, 56-bed hospital is part of a more than $300 million investment on a 112-acre property near Interstate 75 and Overpass Road in Pasco County. The new campus is expected to open in fall 2027.

“As a father and grandfather, I’ve seen firsthand what it means for a family to have a great children’s hospital close to home in a difficult moment,” Golisano said. “My hope is that no family, no matter where they live or what they can afford, has to travel far or wonder if their child will get the best care available.”

Jenine Rabin, executive vice president of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, said the goal was to fund a large portion of the campus through philanthropy.

“This transformational donation is going to help accelerate the additional fundraising that’s needed to bring expert medical care to the Wesley Chapel area and surrounding communities,” Rabin said. 

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Golisano Children’s Medical Center at Wesley Chapel will feature a 17-room emergency department, four operating rooms, an infusion center, sleep laboratory, gastroenterology procedures suite and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services. The second floor will include 25,000 square feet of outpatient care space with 36 rooms. 

Construction on the campus began in 2025 and is currently on budget and on schedule to open in fall 2027. Exterior walls, windows and the roof are in place. Drywall, electrical work, plumbing and other interior work are underway. Johns Hopkins All Children’s has also started hiring staff for the new hospital.

“We will be able to weave the Golisano Children’s Alliance into the DNA of what we do in Wesley Chapel, and we are grateful that Mr. Golisano’s support will help us bring the pediatric expertise that this community needs,” said Joseph Perno, chief administrative officer for the new hospital. “We are excited to make the community and the Golisano organization proud.”

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Golisano Children’s Medical Center at Wesley Chapel is part of a broader era of expansion for the organization. Other projects underway include a 28,000-square-foot expansion of the Emergency Center and surgery suites at the St. Petersburg campus, expanded urgent care services in Tampa, obstetrics and gynecologic care and additional outpatient care along Florida’s west coast.