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Primrose School celebrates new location

WESLEY CHAPEL – Primrose School of Wesley Chapel celebrated the opening of its new location Jan. 22 on County Line Road. 

Deanne and Rob Fitzpatrick are the franchise owners of this location, which marks the second Primrose school in Wesley Chapel and the 15th in the Tampa metro area. The 23-classroom school will serve up to 215 children ages six weeks to five years as well as create about 30 jobs.

“Wesley Chapel is growing fast, and we’ve heard from so many families who are looking for an early learning environment that they can truly trust,” Rob said. “Deanne and I have spent decades investing in children and education, including homeschooling our own kids when strong options were hard to find, so opening this school feels deeply personal. We’re excited to bring the Balanced Learning curriculum to more local families, creating a safe, nurturing place where children build confidence, character and a genuine love of learning.”

The event included a community diaper drive that collected 750 diapers for West Lakes Early Learning Center. 

On the web: primroseschools.com/schools/wesley-chapel

 

PHSC converts program to degree  

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College announced the transition of its Surgical Technology certificate program to a full associate in science degree.

“The move to an AS degree ensures PHSC students receive a more comprehensive education that better supports their long-term success in the surgical technology field,” President Eric Hall said. 

The program combines classroom instruction, lab simulation and hands-on clinical experiences in local hospitals and surgical centers. Students are prepared to assist in surgical procedures as vital members of the operating room team.

“PHSC’s transition of the Surgical Technology program to an associate degree better prepares our graduates to meet our regional workforce needs and enhances educational opportunities for students,” said Billie Gabbard, dean of nursing and health programs.

The next cohort is scheduled to begin in August. Applications close on March 30.

On the web: phsc.edu/academics/programs/health/surgical-technology

 

Quick Hits

• Jacquelyn C. Abanses, of Lutz, made the dean’s list at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Abanses, a senior majoring in business administration, had a grade point average of 3.6 or higher. 
• Anna Adcock, of Lutz, and Keeton Burroughs, of Odessa, made the dean’s list at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
• Drew Balentine, of Wesley Chapel, made the president’s list at Riverland Community College. Balentine had a grade point average of at least 3.75.
• Robby S. Burton, of Lutz, made the dean’s list at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. Burton had a grade point average of 3.8 or higher.
• Alexander Noti, of Odessa, made the dean’s list at Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts. Noti earned a grade point average of 3.30 or higher.

 

LAND O’ LAKES – Hope Services is celebrating the graduation of its first Construction Training Class of 2026 at the organization’s Life Skills and Vocational Training Center. The nonprofit offers vocational training and job readiness for people with disabilities and others facing barriers to employment. 

Gabriel Quin, Bo Robinson, Diamante Dejesus and Terrance Hill completed the 80-hour National Center for Construction Education and Research certification course, which began on Jan. 5. 

Two of the graduates will be entering the workforce through on-the-job training opportunities. The other two have secured apprenticeships with Florida Masonry.

“Graduating four individuals from our NCCER Core Construction Program represents more than the completion of a class. It represents opportunity, confidence and a real pathway to employment,” said David Caldas, executive director of operations at Hope Services. “Each graduate has shown commitment, resilience and a willingness to invest in their future. We are incredibly proud of the progress they’ve made.”

The course, taught by Vocational Training Specialist Bobby Reyes, combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning. Students gained experience using tools, practicing safety protocols and completing 14 hours of on-site work with Habitat for Humanity. The NCCER certification demonstrates each graduate’s skills and readiness to employers in the construction industry.

Hope Services credited CareerSource Pasco Hernando and the Community Foundation Tampa Bay for sponsoring the construction program and covering training costs for participants. 

Caldas also played a key role in launching the organization’s Second Chance Program, which provides construction and culinary training opportunities to help break the cycle of incarceration.

In addition to its Construction and Culinary Arts programs, Hope Services offers certification in Retail and Hospitality using a similar hands-on and classroom-based approach. The organization also provides Pre-Placement Training and Self-Advocacy courses, as well as access to assistive technology through its partnership with the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology. Hope Services’ employment specialists work one-on-one with participants across West-Central Florida to help them identify their strengths and build meaningful careers.    

Hope Services also hosts an annual prom-style event called Dance Your Dream for individuals ages 14 and older from 5 to 8 p.m. April 18 at Wesley Chapel District Park. Proceeds benefit Hope Services’ Life Skills and Vocational Training Center, which provides hands-on certification programs.

Visit hopegetsjobs.org/news-events/dance-your-dream/dance-your-dream-2026.html to register or explore sponsorship opportunities.

 

PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco Economic Development Council announced that Bank OZK has donated $4,000 to the SMARTstart Microloan Program and became a Partner Investor in the organization. 

The microloan program gives entrepreneurs the funds they need to start or grow their business.

“At Bank OZK, we believe small businesses deserve more than capital. They deserve partners,” said Ehren McGeehan, senior vice president and business banking sales manager. “We’re committed to helping entrepreneurs by delivering flexible capital, trusted expertise and long-term partnerships so they grow sustainably and build lasting impact in their communities. We are so pleased that our donation to Pasco EDC will support technical assistance to small businesses as well as their microloan program.”

The microloan program helps entrepreneurs and small businesses in Pasco County diversify the economy and create opportunities for growth. The program has supported more than 85 businesses resulting in over 295 direct jobs, according to Pasco EDC. 

“We are very grateful for Bank OZK’s support and their recent generous donation to the microloan program,” Pasco EDC President/CEO Bill Cronin said. “The SMARTstart Microloan Program is an important resource for our community’s entrepreneurs as they establish and build a strong business foundation and continue to grow for years to come.”

Shaila Velazquez, owner of Pampano Coffee, is a recent microloan program recipient who is in the process of opening her brick-and-mortar facility in Zephyrhills. 

“We are incredibly grateful for the Pasco EDC microloan program. This funding will allow us to purchase the equipment and furnishings needed to open our doors,” Velazquez said. “It was the missing piece of our funding mix that will help turn our vision into reality.”

 

Want to learn more?

To qualify for a microloan, businesses must be headquartered in Pasco County. Funds can be used for purchasing inventory and machinery, working capital, supplies and more. Visit smartstartpasco.com/microloan or email Dan Mitchell at if your business is interested in learning more or making a donation to the microloan program. 

 

 

ZEPHYRHILLS – Lexa Duno has supported nearly 200 families and educators in the Tampa Bay area since opening LILLY Education Foundation in July 2024. 

LILLY’s Village in the Valley initiative transforms how Pasco County families access resources for students who benefit from nontraditional approaches to teaching and learning. 

“In many ways, the vision I have for LILLY and Village in the Valley was inspired by and developed under the mentorship of Pasco EDC and the SMARTstart program,” Duno said. “I realized this kind of community and support is exactly what parents, providers and ‘edupreneurs’ need right now.”

SMARTstart provides tools growing businesses need for long-term success in areas such as funding, education, guidance, collaboration and workspace. It has helped businesses create over 929 jobs and currently has 54 incubator members. 

“LILLY Education Foundation will be remembered as one of SMARTstart’s great success stories, not just because of its achievements as a venture, but even more so for the impact it will have on our community’s youth,” said Dan Mitchell, assistant vice president of entrepreneurship for Pasco EDC.

 

Families can find the right providers

LILLY is using a matchmaking approach to educational services with the Find Your Match: A Parent-Provider Speed Dating Event on Feb. 5 at SMARTstart at The Grove.

The Valentine’s Day-themed gathering will unite 11 specialists and professionals offering therapies, alternative education programs and support services with home families.

Unlike traditional resource fairs where providers compete for attention, Find Your Match structures genuine conversations through timed rotations, allowing families to meet each service provider for focused discussions about their child’s unique needs.

“Our LILLY provider speed dating event addresses a critical need among independent, field-based providers seeking professional support and collaboration with like-minded peers who are deeply committed to the children they serve,” said Zielia Crespo on behalf of Calmer Pathways Therapy LLC, one of the participating event providers. 

 

Want to go?

Find Your Match: A Parent-Provider Speed Dating Event starts at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at SMARTstart at The Grove. The free event is open to all home education families and those exploring educational alternatives.

It will feature providers offering a range of services, including occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, specialized tutoring, music therapy, executive function coaching and alternative education. 

Register in advance at eventbrite.com. Local businesses and providers interested in establishing community partnerships may contact .

Pasco Fire Rescue launches new shift

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Fire Rescue officially launching its new D‑Shift.

This new shift allows crews to move from the long-standing 24‑hours‑on, 48‑hours‑off rotation to a 24‑hours‑on, 72‑hours‑off schedule. That extra day off gives firefighters more time to recharge, spend time with their families and return to the job ready to respond at their best.

“We’re proud to be among the pioneers moving in this direction,” Fire Chief Ryan Guynn said. “Providing this benefit to our men and women aims to reduce fatigue, strengthen work-life balance and support the kind of readiness the community depends on.”

The move places Pasco County Fire Rescue among the first fire departments in the Tampa Bay region and one of only a handful in Florida to adopt the 24/72 model.

The idea took shape in 2023 through a collaborative effort between county commissioners and Pasco County Firefighters IAFF Local 4420. Since then, Pasco County Fire Rescue has brought on more than 100 new employees, promoted dozens of team members and invested in new equipment to make the transition possible.

 

Rescue Pets of Florida hosts Neuter Your Ex fundraiser

TAMPA BAY – Rescue Pets of Florida is bringing back the popular Neuter Your Ex fundraiser.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, the nonprofit is offering to name a community cat after a donor’s ex before spaying or neutering them, in exchange for a $20 donation. They’ll also give the exes a special shout out on their social media page with hilarious photos.

The nonprofit encourages the community to have fun with the fundraiser and use the names of grumpy bosses, cantankerous neighbors or annoying siblings instead of romantic partners.

And the best part? Every dollar donated goes toward the support of the rescue and its trap-neuter-return programs, which aim to spay and neuter cats in the community to stop overpopulation and reduce suffering.

 

District declares modified phase II water shortage 

BROOKSVILLE – The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board voted Jan. 27 to declare a Modified Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage due to dry conditions throughout the region.

This action requires all residents, including those on private wells, in several cities and counties, including Hillsborough and Pasco, to follow one-day-per-week watering restrictions from Feb. 8 to July 1.

The district received below average rainfall during its summer rainy season and currently has a 13-inch regional rainfall deficit compared to the average 12-month total. 

Water levels in the District’s water resources, such as aquifers, rivers and lakes, are continuing to decline and many are below normal. Public water supplies in the Tampa Bay area are lower than expected at this time of year.

On the web: WaterMatters.org/Restrictions or WaterMatters.org/Water101

 

Live Oak Theatre presents Winter Ball Fundraiser

BROOKSVILLE – Live Oak Theatre and Conservatory invites the public to “Once Upon a Time,” an evening of dining, dancing and entertainment. 

The event raises money for the installation of a fence to keep students and patrons safe.

The fundraiser starts at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26 in the ballroom of the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd. The suggested donation is $85 per person.

Buy a ticket, sponsor the event or make a donation by reaching out to , call the box office at 352-593-0027 or visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-once-upon-a-time-gala.

On the web: facebook.com/LiveOakTheatre

 

GFWC Woman’s Club organizes golf fundraiser 

SAN ANTONIO – The GFWC TampaBay Woman’s Club invites the community to hit the links for a great cause on Feb. 28 at the newly renovated Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club, 10641 Old Tampa Bay Drive.

The event takes on a mixed team scramble format. Mulligans and extra putts are available.

Highlights include: 

• Unique contests such as a Hit the Bottle putting contest.
• Big prizes such as cash for first-, second- and third-place teams, plus Closest to the Pin and Closest to the Line for men and women.
• High value drawings such as a two-night stay at the Sunset Chateau on Treasure Island or a date night that includes a $100 gift card to a restaurant from Parks Lincoln.
• Entry includes a BBQ buffet lunch.

Pick up a registration form at the pro shop or email . Make checks to GFWC TampaBay Woman’s Club (P.O. Box 604, San Antonio, FL 33576).

Proceeds support charities including the Veteran’s Depot, Joshua House and Sunrise Domestic Violence Center.

Organizers are also looking for hole sponsors and prize donations. 

 

Students make honor lists

Several area students made honor lists at universities across America: 

• Grace Schmitzer, of Odessa, made the president’s list at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia. Students must have a 4.0 GPA. 
• Isaiah Fudge, of Wesley Chapel, made the dean’s list at Quincy University in Quincy, Illinois. Students must earn at least a 3.5 GPA. 
• Royce Porter, of Odessa, made the dean’s list at the University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphi, Maryland. Students must have at least a 3.5 GPA. 
• Nicholas Wolfgang, of New Port Richey, made the dean’s list at Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont. Students must have at least a 3.4 GPA. 
• Arin Basu, of Lutz, Florida, made the dean’s list at University at Buffalo’s in Buffalo, New York. 

 

Quick Hits

• The Florida Strawberry Festival announced Jan. 16 that tickets for Forrest Frank’s headline performance on March 6 have sold out. The festival takes place from Feb. 26 to March 8 at 303 BerryFest Place, Plant City. 

 

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LARGO – Community leaders from across the Tampa Bay region traded boardrooms for hard hats Jan. 23 to build a home for a local family in the Ridgecrest community in Largo. 

This served as the second of four build days for Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside’s fifth annual CEO Build. More than 20 CEOs spent the day helping install windows, framing and insulation.

“I’m not an expert with nails or laying tile, but I’m having a great time,” said Rondé Barber, Pro Football Hall of Famer and chairman of Copperhead Charities. “Getting together with this group of people who dedicate their time and resources to help other people is pretty awesome.”

Other executives on site included: 

• David Bailey, Southern States Material Handling
• Jim Eisch, Pinch-A-Penny
• Robert Glaser, Smith & Associates Real Estate
• Mindy Grossman, Consello Group
• Joe Hamilton, Cityverse
• Elizabeth Interthal, EBI Law, PLLC
• Scott Kramer, Spartan Contracting Corporation
• Elizabeth Olguin, Xpress UrSelf Media, LLC
• Amanda Payne, Amplify Clearwater
• James Poulter, Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation
• Bill Roberti, Alvarez & Marsal
• Karyn Roeling, Seibert Insurance
• Heather Sanderson, Sanderson Firm PLLC
• Tracy West, Copperhead Charities and Valspar Championship
• Sarah Young, Zing Collaborative

“This is such an incredible opportunity to give back to the community and be out here with some incredible people to help some incredible people as well,” said Alicia Schulhof, president of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. “I think Habitat is such a great way to honor all the hard work of our team members, of our community, and bring it all together.”

In 2022, Habitat introduced the first annual CEO Build, where over 50 CEOs united to help raise more than $160,000 to sponsor the home build for a local family. Now in its fifth year, the CEO Build has grown in participation and impact, with 100 leaders raising $250,000 to provide a safe and affordable home for the Wesley family. 

“In just five years, this effort has raised over $1 million, engaged more than 140 CEOs, and transformed the lives of five families forever,” said Mike Sutton, president & CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside. “I think when you see the number of CEOs that have come together to support this initiative, it really speaks to the Tampa Bay region and how much our community rallies around organizations that are doing good work.”

On the web: habitattbg.org/ceobuild/.

 

TAMPA – MOSI has unveiled a new name and a massive expansion of its space.

The institution will continue to be called “MOSI” but those letters will stand for the Museum of Science & Innovation.

“Our new name, Museum of Science & Innovation, captures the trajectory and energy of MOSI as we look to the future,”  President and CEO John Graydon Smith said. “We’re in a rapidly changing world, and Tampa Bay can count on MOSI to help make sense of what’s happening now and what’s coming next.

MOSI has changed names before during its 64-year history. It began as the Museum of Science and Natural History in 1962 before becoming the Museum of Science & Industry in 1982.

The new name aligns with the focus of the museum and its surrounding area as significant investments in Tampa Bay’s innovation economy continue to transform the Uptown area.

“Beyond understanding innovation, MOSI is here to help harness it,” Smith said. “We’re here to inspire the thinkers of tomorrow with learning outside the classroom, and we’re here to be a crucial partner in making sure the jobs of the future will be coming to Tampa Bay.”

Campus expansion

MOSI also unveiled its expanded Center for STEAM Learning, adding 30,000 square feet of new classroom and lab space and allowing MOSI to serve four times the number of field trip visitors and school break campers each year.

The expansion features classrooms, a cooking lab, three computer labs and a makerspace with advanced hands-on tools like 3D printers.

“MOSI is the key anchor of an exciting redevelopment project coming to North Tampa, bringing in fresh opportunities for science, sports, entertainment, and more,” said Chris Boles, Hillsborough County commissioner and MOSI board member. “The concept of innovation will be at the core of this effort. Seeing MOSI take on a new name that matches this mission is a fantastic fit.”

MOSI also opened the doors to the new MOSI Digital Content Lab, where students will create immersive movies for giant dome screens like the one inside Saunders Planetarium. 

Developed with significant support from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Digital Accelerator for Arts and Culture, the lab will give students in MOSI science camps the power to bring their ideas to life.

Through a collaboration with the University of South Florida, the lab’s tools will be shared with USF students studying subjects ranging from film and art to medicine and engineering.

The Center for STEAM Learning expansion reactivates a portion of MOSI’s campus that was closed in 2017 when the museum made strategic changes to ensure financial sustainability.

“We’re not getting bigger simply for the sake of getting bigger. MOSI is evolving and growing strategically because we’re seeing the demand in our community for a first-class partner in science and innovation,” Smith said. “Our attendance has continued to climb, jumping up by nearly 35% with the opening of the Saunders Planetarium. The message is clear: MOSI is here to stay in North Tampa.”

 

ZEPHYRHILLS – Competitive barbecue is returning to the 16th annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival with the introduction of an FBA-sanctioned Backyard BBQ Competition on Feb. 28 in downtown Zephyrhills. 

Previously a professional-level competition, organizers are relaunching the contest with a Backyard division as they reintroduce competitive cooking to the festival. The competition will be sanctioned by the Florida Barbecue Association, ensuring official rules, certified judging and a structured competitive experience. 

The Backyard BBQ Competition is open to amateur and backyard pitmasters and will feature competition in pork, ribs and chicken. The People’s Choice, sponsored by Effie Mae’s Kitchen, will allow attendees to sample and vote for their favorite entries. 

The 16th Annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival is a signature East Pasco County event, drawing thousands each year for award-winning barbecue, live blues music, and family-friendly entertainment. 

2026 music performers will include LC Williams and The Driver, The Nightbumpers, Thunderbolt Brown and All Star Band featuring Chuck Riley, Ephraim Lowell, RJ Howson & Kid Royal

The event is sponsored in partnership with Florida’s Sports Coast, Suncoast Credit Union, AdventHealth, the City of Zephyrhills, Sonny’s BBQ, The Laker/Lutz News and Tampa Bay Times. 

Proceeds benefit the Greater East Pasco Chamber of Commerce and its foundation, which supports scholarships for Pasco County students. 

Team spots are limited and expected to fill quickly. More information and registration details are available at www.eastpascochamber.org/pigz-in-zhills-bbq-blues-festival/.