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New River Library

There’s No Planned Community Like Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

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When families are looking for a new place to call home, they have several master-planned communities to choose from in Pasco County. But, there’s none quite like Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

“We are not just developers— we are building a brand new town,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for the Avalon Park Group. “We’re so much more than just another planned community – we’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy life today and in the future.”

Artist rendering of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has been welcoming families since 2012, when this community on State Road 54, about three miles east of Interstate 75, began building its first homes. Today, 1,000 homes have been completed or are underway, and residents enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and a convenient location with easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando.

Homebuyers can choose from several models from Avex Homes, and will soon have more floor plan available from DR Horton. Single family and townhomes are currently for sale, and apartments and senior housing are planned for future phases. Homes range in price from the mid $200s to over $400s.

“Our builders offer homes for everyone, from teachers to physicians to empty-nesters wanting the convenience of the no-fuss, townhome lifestyle,” said Lerret.

New K-6 Charter School
Few planned communities can boast of a tuition-free charter school at their main entrance. But, this bragging right goes to Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, which is proud to welcome Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel.

The school opened its doors this fall to over 600 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Students are immersed in new technologies, including robotics, and work in fully functioning STEM labs — something most schools do not offer. The school will be adding seventh and eighth grades in coming years.

All Pinecrest schools have an emphasis on high-quality instruction. Technology is an essential component of the new school, and laptops are provided for every student in grades two through six, as are iPads for first-graders and kindergartners.

New River Library Reopening Soon
Pasco County Libraries will soon reopen its New River branch, which is located at the west entrance of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

The library is being completely renovated, including expanding both the size of its building and outdoor areas. The county also is upgrading the library’s technology capabilities, and when it reopens, it will be a showpiece for all of Pasco County.

Visitors will love the library’s modern new look, covered walkway entry, much faster Internet speeds, expanded youth areas, and a makerspace that opens into a shaded classroom for outdoor activities.

Pasco Fine Arts Council Partnership
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has a unique partnership with the Pasco Fine Arts Council, including hosting the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery in the community’s Welcome Center. This arts partnership began in 2019, with Avalon Park Wesley Chapel offering its Welcome Center as a new gallery for residents on the east side of Pasco County. The developer also committed to building a permanent Arts Center in its downtown in coming years.

Before COVID restrictions, there were bi-monthly art shows exhibiting the works of local artists, and several workshops for beginning and experienced artists. These shows and workshops will resume in March with an exhibit by Peter Watrous. A reception is planned for March 26.

Downtown Avalon Park
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will offer places to shop and work in its downtown hub that will be connected to its residential neighborhoods by tree-lined streets, walkways and bike paths.

“We are building a traditional downtown, with stores located inside of our community on the boulevard road leading to our residences, parks and schools,” said Lerret. “We are creating a town that spreads out from the town center connecting to individual neighborhoods — very much like the footprints of small towns found across America.”

The first phase of downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will include 130,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space and apartments built above the storefronts.

“We’re building beautiful, multi-story buildings with commercial space designed for businesses our residents want close to home — restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars and entertainment, hair and nail salons, as well as activities like dance, gymnastic and karate studios,” said Lerret.

Construction on the first phase is expected to begin later this year, at the same time that the expansion of State Road 54 is completed. Eventually, Avalon Park’s downtown will have more than 560,000 square feet of retail, and 120,000 square feet of office space. At build out, this 1,650-acre master-planned community will have about 4,400 single and multi-family homes, and be home to 10,000 residents.

Published February 24, 2021

What A Year It Was in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel!

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There certainly were many challenges in 2020, but also many good things to reflect on, that we are proud to share with you. Here are some highlights of the year from the team at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Partnership with the Pasco Fine Arts Council
In 2020, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel continued its partnership with the Pasco Fine Arts Council and its East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery, which is located in the community’s Welcome Center.

Before the pandemic closed the gallery down in March, three shows were held for watercolor artists Joye Moon and Lionel Sanchez, as well as contemporary painter Richard Terrill, who also is a resident of Avalon Park.

Jo Baughman, longtime director of the Pasco Fine Arts Council, recently passed away. She was involved with the arts organization for 22 years.

This arts partnership began in 2019, led by Jo Baughman, longtime director of the Pasco Fine Arts Council (PFAC), who sadly died in September.

It was just a year earlier that Avalon Park’s executive team met with Baughman to offer their Welcome Center as a new gallery on the east side of the county. The developer also committed to building a permanent Arts Center in its downtown in coming years.

For Baughman, who was involved in the Pasco Fine Arts Council for 22 years, the invitation from Avalon Park Wesley Chapel to work together accomplished a long-held dream.

In the year that Baughman headed up activities at the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery, there were bi-monthly art shows exhibiting the works of local artists, and several workshops for beginning and experienced artists. And, when the pandemic changed how people could meet, Baughman organized virtual art shows and workshops.

The loss of Baughman was especially emotional for Stephanie Lerret, who worked closely with Baughman to set up the location of the East Pasco Fine Arts Council at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. “Jo had an unrivaled passion for the arts! Her desire to share that passion with others was an inspiration. We are blessed to have known Jo and to absorb her knowledge of the finer things,” said Lerret, senior vice president of the Avalon Park Group.

Pasco County Backs Downtown Avalon Park
In February, the Avalon Park Group received overwhelming support and backing from the Pasco County Commission to create a brand-new town center in its Wesley Chapel community.

Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is being established as a mixed-use development on 215 acres, and includes four freestanding office buildings that will have a mix of retail and commercial uses. The first phase is already under construction and, when completed, will have 75,000 square feet of commercial space within walking distance to residents living in the community’s single-family homes, townhomes and apartments.

“We are creating a real downtown with businesses offices, shops and restaurants, because we want to greatly reduce the need for our residents to drive outside their community to get to work, take kids to school, shop and dine, and enjoy indoor and outdoor activities,” said Lerret. “And now, with the full support of Pasco County, downtown Wesley Chapel will become a reality within the next few years.”

The Pasco County Commission unanimously voted to approve an incentive package totaling $33.5 million. The agreement outlines that in exchange, the Avalon Park Group will spend about $83.3 million to build roads, multi-story parking decks and transit-related infrastructure.

The project is expected to generate 1,065 full-time jobs and have a total economic output of $84.4 million, according to county documents.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will include 2,695 residences, 165,000 square feet of class A office and 190,000 square feet of commercial space. “Fifty percent of the residential trip generation on the site will stay on the site, once the project is complete,” said David Engel, manager of the county’s office of economic growth.

New Townhomes by Avex Homes
In April, Avex Homes introduced the first townhomes in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, with two-car garages and private alleys in the rear.

“Our townhomes are beautifully designed with upscale custom finishes and offer buyers a tremendous value for the Wesley Chapel area,” said Cheryl Gonzalez, sales representative for Avex Homes. “Plus, every home comes with a two-car garage — something you rarely find in townhomes that begin under $250,000.”

Three floor plans are available, ranging from 1,608 square feet to 1,834 square feet, each with three bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Homes are solidly built with families in mind, and rich in architectural design, with distinctive exteriors and open floor plans. Each home has a front porch, covered lanai or private breezeway that connects to the garage.

“Buyers love our townhomes’ cozy feel and old-fashioned, traditional look,” said Gonzalez. “Our buyers can upgrade their home’s finishes to their individual lifestyle and design preferences, including flooring, cabinetry, countertops and lighting. These are not cookie-cutter homes.”

New Avex Model Home
A beautiful new model home by Avex Homes opened in June. The new Clayton model is one of the builder’s most popular plans because its spacious floor plan is perfect for families of all kinds.

“This is my favorite floor plan because it’s very open, but at the same time, everything is very nicely tucked away, which makes it feel much larger than its 2,000 square feet,” said Carlie Meadows, a sales associate for Avex Homes.

Meadows explains that every home built by Avex Home comes standard with granite countertops, 42-inch kitchen cabinets and ceiling heights of 9 feet, 4 inches on both the first and second floors.

The home opens into its dining room, which shows off the open floor plan that flows into the great room and kitchen. The master bedroom suite is on the first floor — a very popular feature that is attractive to families with children, and empty-nesters. A huge walk-in closet is located through the master bath.

The two additional bedrooms upstairs are quite large, at 14.4 feet by 11.2 feet, and each has a large walk-in closet. A full bath is located between the two bedrooms.

D.R. Horton to Build 1,000 Homes
In July, D.R. Horton announced that it will be building 1,000 homes in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel as the exclusive builder in the third phase of this prestigious master-planned community.

Currently underway is the construction of several townhome and single-family home models, which will open in early 2021 in Avalon Park’s new Westgate Village community. Pre-sales are expected to begin soon.

Single-family homes will be built on 40-foot to 50-foot homesites, with nine floor plans ranging in size from 1,504 square feet to 2,601 square feet. Homes will offer three to five bedrooms, two to three baths, and two-car garages, giving families square-footage options that best meet their needs.

Townhomes will include three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, and a one-car garage with a two-car driveway. Two floor plans will be available at 1,673 square feet and 1,758 square feet.

The Westgate Village community will embrace its own set of amenities for residents, including a resort-style pool, open-air clubhouse with an outdoor kitchen, playground, open sports field, and picnic area with pavilions.

New K-6 Charter School Opens
Few planned communities can boast of a tuition-free charter school at their main entrance. But this bragging right goes to Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, which is proud to welcome Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel.

The school opened its doors on Aug. 10 to over 600 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Students in all grades are immersed in new technologies, including robotics, and work in fully functioning STEM labs — something most schools do not offer.

“All Pinecrest schools have an emphasis on high-quality instruction. We’ll continuously be monitoring the data so we know what each student needs, and have many different programs available to focus on the needs of the individual student,” said Principal Aimee Mielke.

The school, on State Road 54, has several sections at every grade level, and will be adding seventh and eighth grades in coming years. The school also offers self-contained classrooms for gifted students, where pacing will be faster and performance tests much more in-depth.

Technology is an essential component of the new school, Mielke explained, and everything purchased for classrooms was chosen for student engagement. Laptops are provided for every student in grades two through six, as are iPads for first-graders and kindergartners.

Blue and green colors brilliantly burst along the hallways of the modern building that has 49 large classrooms, oversized art and music rooms, and high-tech science labs. The school is visually notable with unusual windows in the shape of half-moons, circles and squares that give students and faculty stunning lake and conservation views.

“Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel, along with New River Elementary, are essential elements of building a brand-new town,” said Lerret, of the Avalon Park Group. “We are ecstatic to have both schools in our community to give our residents the best options and opportunities for themselves and their children.”

New River Library to Reopen in January
After months of work, Pasco County Libraries in January is reopening its New River branch, which is located at the west entrance of Avalon Park.

Having a library in the center of the community is something residents truly love and value. The New River Library is being completely renovated, including expanding both the size of its building and outdoor areas. The county also is upgrading the library’s technology capabilities, and when the library reopens, will be a showpiece for all of Pasco County.

Visitors will love the library’s modern new look, covered walkway entry, much faster Internet speeds, expanded youth areas, and a makerspace that opens into a shaded classroom for outdoor activities.

Makerspaces are do-it-yourself centers that foster hands-on discovery and stimulate imagination. An expanded garden makerspace will include programs hosted by Pasco County Extension agents and master gardeners.

Also, new at the library will be a unique children’s activity, Story Walk, which will encourage children to follow a winding path where they will stop at stations and read pages from a storybook.

Published December 30, 2020

Is a new library coming to Wesley Chapel?

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Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore recalls pedaling his bicycle to the local library when he was young, so he could get his hands on its books and magazines.

It was an enjoyable part of his youth, the commissioner said, and he wants the county to expand that opportunity to more people by building a new library in Wesley Chapel.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore is pushing to have a library built in Wesley Chapel. Libraries are community assets — having something to offer to people of all ages and walks of life, he said. (File)

He mentioned the importance of laying the groundwork to help make that happen, during a recent discussion of the Pasco County budget for fiscal year 2021.

Moore said he’s simply trying to move the idea forward by obtaining some money in the coming year’s budget to begin to identify what the project would cost.

The county already has a site, next to Seven Oaks Elementary School, at 27633 Mystic Oaks Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. It has owned that land since 2004, he said.

He said he understands the county’s current capital plan doesn’t have money for another new library.

The county is part of a partnership that is creating a new library, district park and cultural center on the campus of the new Starkey Ranch K-8 School, which is expected to open in 2021.

While the county doesn’t have the money to pursue a new library in Wesley Chapel now, Moore wants to work toward making something within the next few years.

“We need to really work hard, in my opinion, and find a way to pull some funding together and find a way to get this ball rolling,” Moore said.

Wesley Chapel needs a library, he said. It’s not only the fastest-growing area of the county, it’s also among the fastest-growing areas of the state, he added.

“New River Library does a great job, there’s a lot renovations going on there.” But, he added:  “It’s really not in the heart of Wesley Chapel. It’s really on the edge of Zephyrhills.

“A library is a huge, huge asset for our citizens — across the board. No matter what the demographic is, no matter what the income level is,” he added.

Libraries offer access to technology and Makerspaces, provide programming and entrepreneurial classes, and are a good place for groups to gather, among other things, Moore said.

So, the time has come to begin planning for a future Wesley Chapel library, Moore said, adding, “It doesn’t need to be the Taj Mahal.”

Published July 29, 2020

New River Library In The Heart of Avalon Park

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Having a library in the center of your community is something that residents of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel truly love and value. The New River Library, a branch of the Pasco County Libraries system, is located on State Road 54, at the west entrance to the Wesley Chapel community.

Rendering of the covered walkway being built at the New River Branch Library.

The New River Library is currently going through a complete renovation and expansion of its building and outdoor areas, and also is upgrading its technology capabilities. When completed this fall, it will be a showpiece for all of Pasco County.

When the New River Library re-opens, visitors will love its modern new look, covered walkway entry, much faster Internet speeds, expanded youth areas, and a makerspace that opens into a shaded classroom for outdoor activities.

Library patrons can expect “a complete re-imagining from top to bottom,” including space for do-it-yourself activities and gardening programs hosted by master gardeners or Pasco County Extension agents, said Bob Harrison, marketing program manager for Pasco County Libraries.

The New River Library will re-open with its garden area greatly expanded from six raised beds to 26 beds. About half will be used for workshops and demonstrations, and the rest will be available to people who want to grow flowers or vegetables.

“It’s really kind of neat that the library team gave us this opportunity,” said Judy Curran, the library’s youth services provider.

Curran made the first plantings at the original New River Library in 2014, when employees were encouraged to adopt a special project. Curran’s garden idea received an enthusiastic response as soon as she posted it on the library bulletin board, and flowers and vegetables soon sprouted with help from a dozen youth and adult volunteers.

Also, new at the library is a unique children’s activity, Story Walk, which will encourage children to follow a winding path where they will stop at stations and read pages from a storybook.

“I think Story Walk is going to bring even more people when we reopen,” Curran said. “This little idea I had has really expanded.”

To encourage full use of the library’s new capabilities, a new employee is being added who will be assigned to community outreach and helping organize library events.

Funding for the renovations is from General Obligation bonds approved by voters in November 2018. For information on New River and video on renovations, visit Facebook.com/newriverlibrary.

Published June 24, 2020

In Just Six Weeks, A Brand New School Opens

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Few planned communities can boast of a public library AND a tuition-free charter school at the main entrances to their development. But, these bragging rights go to Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, the only development in Pasco County to offer both.

First to open is Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel, when students will pour through its doors on Aug. 10, the first day of the 2020-2021 school year in Pasco County. And then, a few months later, the New River Library will be re-opening in a completely remodeled building just a few blocks west of the school.

There will be over 600 students in kindergarten through sixth grade at the new charter school — the first Pinecrest Academy in Tampa Bay. With 16 schools nationwide, Pinecrest Academy offers advanced programs for its students, including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) curriculum, and a dual English/Spanish language program.

At Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel, students in all grades also will be immersed in new technologies, including robotics, and will work in fully functioning STEM labs — something most schools do not offer.

“All Pinecrest schools have an emphasis on high-quality instruction. We’ll continuously be monitoring the data so we know what each student needs, and have many different programs available to focus on the needs of the individual student,” says Principal Aimee Mielke.

There are still openings for students, and Mielke encourages interested families to explore the school’s website and complete its application as soon as possible. Information and the application form can be accessed at PinecrestWesleyChapel.com.

Mielke has hired most of the school’s 27 teachers, including classroom, art, music, Spanish, and physical education, as well as an instructional coach and office staff.

“We have a nice combination of experienced teachers from both public and charter schools,” said Mielke, who adds that over half of her teaching staff have master’s degrees.

The school, which is located on State Road 54 about three miles east of Interstate 75, will have several sections at every grade level, with kindergarten and the lower grades having the most.

The school also is offering self-contained classrooms for gifted students, where pacing will be faster and performance tests much more in-depth.

Everything designed and purchased for the classrooms was chosen for student engagement, Mielke explains, and technology is an essential component of the new school. Laptops are being provided for every student in grades two through six, as are iPads for first-graders and kindergartners.

Blue and green colors brilliantly burst along the hallways of the modern building that has 49 large classrooms, oversized art and music rooms, and high-tech science labs. The school is visually notable with unusual windows in the shape of half-moons, circles and squares that give students and faculty stunning lake and conservation views.

The New River Library and Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel, along with New River Elementary, are all important elements of the goal to build a brand-new town, says Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing and community relations for the Avalon Park Group, the developer behind the community.

“We are ecstatic to have both a brand new library and charter school in our community to give our residents the best opportunities for themselves and their children,” said Lerret.

Pasco budget includes more library hours, park money

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Pasco County commissioners didn’t care for the lean 2018 budget, with no frills, they received at a June 13 workshop.

So, they added in about $7.6 million in reserve funds to pay for a litany of items for libraries, parks and public safety.

At about $1.34 billion, the proposed fiscal year budget is slightly more than the $1.3 billion offered up by Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles.

Children had fun at the ‘Play, Make Discover! Silly Dance Party’ at Land O’ Lakes Public Library in March. Library patrons often say they want more library hours, and Pasco County’s 2018 budget could give them want they want.
(File)

His version of the budget balanced revenues and expenses without dipping into reserves.

Even so, the budget path taken by county commissioners is

about $40 million lighter than the 2017 budget.

It also maintains the current property tax rate. Some owners, with homestead exemption, could see slight increases due to a 2.1 percent increase in property values.

“There’s a desire to maintain a level of service as we grow,” said Biles. “The issue is, how do we do that?”

Since 2011, more than 60,000 new residents have moved to Pasco.

A 2018 referendum on an additional $25,000 in homestead exemptions, if approved, could cost the county about $10 million in revenues beginning with the 2020 budget.

County commissioners met in a workshop in New Port Richey for their first look at the new budget. They must approve the property tax rate on July 11.

Two public hearings will be scheduled before a final vote in September. The fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.

County commissioners quickly zeroed in on initiatives that they wanted to restore to residents, including extended library hours, new ambulances, park upgrades and fire trucks, and new hires for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

“I am not happy with the amount of money we’re giving our parks,” said Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey. “Because at $9 million, we’re closing our parks. We can’t continue at this level…I’m not happy having our libraries closed.”

Starkey suggested creating taxing units to dedicate money to libraries and parks. But, budget deadlines stymied that idea, and county commissioners opted to go again, to the reserve funds.

Pay raises for county employees were a priority.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells said employees went for years without raises during the downturn of the economy.

“I hope we can eventually get to performance-based (pay raises),” Wells said. “There were some folks that were very, very, very underpaid.”

The initial budget, as presented by Biles, didn’t have money for more library hours or much for parks. It did have about $5 million for a third installment of promised pay raises to sheriff’s deputies. But, that left only about $557,000 in new revenue, and about $8 million in unfunded requests.

There is potential for additional revenues from property taxes when Pasco County Property Appraiser Gary Joiner gives his final numbers by July 1. The current budget proposal includes preliminary estimates of about $24.2 million in tax revenues. That is about $1.3 million more than last year, or about a 5.8 percent increase.

If final data exceeds that projection, commissioners can put money back into reserves, or opt to fund additional items.

The following items were among those added to the budget:

  • Additional 2 percent pay raise for county employees (for a total of 4 percent)
  • Upgrades for parks in danger of being closed
  • 14 new hires at the sheriff’s office, including a crossing guard and traffic control officers
  • Two new hires at property appraiser’s office and equipment upgrades
  • Six new hires at the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s office
  • A “One Stop Shop” for community services in Dade City
  • More library hours and design work to modernize the New River and Centennial libraries

• Four new hires to aid administration in rewriting land development codes

Published June 28, 2017

Halloween tricks, treats and traditions on tap

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If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Halloween, you’ll find plenty of options across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, at 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., is hosting a Family Fun Festival that it’s calling “Light the Night.”

The event will be from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Oct. 31.

Pumpkin patches are popping up all over Hillsborough and Pasco counties, as area residents prepare for Halloween and fall festivals. (File Photos)
Pumpkin patches are popping up all over Hillsborough and Pasco counties, as area residents prepare for Halloween and fall festivals.
(File Photos)

Cars will be decorated with favorite kid-friendly themes and will line up on the Yellow parking lot and grounds outside the church’s Gatheria.

The cars’ trunks will be full of candy for children through fifth grade.

Each car also will provide a game, face painting, puppet show or other opportunity for fun.

Other highlights will be inflatables, balloon animals and a hayride.

Bring a camera to take advantage of photo opportunities.

Admission is $3 per person, with a maximum charge of $15 per family.

Children age 2 and under will be admitted without charge.

Hungry Harry’s BBQ will be available for purchase for $5, and other food items also will be available through the church’s kitchen.

The trunks will be open for children to pick up candy from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The inflatables will be available the entire evening.

Register by Oct. 30 at Idlewild.org/children, to avoid waiting in long lines. To find out more, call (813) 264-1515, ext. 1561.

Meanwhile, in Pasco County, the 12th annual Wesley Chapel Fall Festival & Carnival is set for Oct. 28 through Oct. 30, at 6105 Wesley Grove Blvd.

This year, the event has added a day to give families more time to enjoy carnival food, midway games and rides.

These gourds add a splash of Halloween color.
These gourds add a splash of Halloween color.

The festival will be from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., on Oct. 28; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Oct. 29; and, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., on Oct. 30.

Highlights on Oct. 29 and Oct. 30 will include live music, a business expo, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, pony rides, fall foods and beverages, food trucks, interactive craft activities, arts and crafts exhibitors, vendors, a doggie fun area and pet adoption event.

Kids can celebrate Halloween in a safe environment on Oct. 29, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Trunk or Treat activity.

For more information on the festival, a Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce event, visit GroveShopping.com. Visit DreamlandAmusements.com for coupon savings on ride wristbands, ride tickets and carnival food.

Meanwhile, over in St. Leo, Saint Leo University’s Office of Residence Life is inviting the community to Haunted Marmion, an event set for Oct. 27, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Marmion-Snyder Hall, 33701 State Road 52.

All floors of the residence halls will be transformed into a themed haunted house. Trick-or-treating will occur on two floors of Snyder Hall. There will be games and other activities in the Lion’s Den (a common area for both halls) for those not participating in the haunted house or trick-or-treating.

The event is free; however, those attending are asked to donate one or more canned/nonperishable food items at check-in, which will be given to a local food bank for distribution to those in need in the community.

In Land O’ Lakes, those who enjoy a good scare may want to drop by the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., to experience The Haunted House on 41.

The event, slated for Oct. 27 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Oct. 28 and Oct. 29 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., promises three nights of bone-chilling terror.

Admission is $1 each. Some scenes, the organizers with Pasco County Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources say, may be too intense for young children.

For those who enjoy staying active, the Northdale 5K Pumpkin Run & 1 Mile Family Run/Walk may be just the thing.

The event is set for Oct. 29, at the Bob Sierra YMCA Youth & Family Center, 4015 Ragg Road in Tampa.

The chip-timed race will have a costume contest and is dog friendly. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Bob Sierra Y’s annual campaign to ensure the facility keeps its doors open to all, regardless of an individual’s financial hardship.

For more information, call (813) 962-3220.

Some area high schools are also hosting special events.

Sunlake High School, at 3203 Sunlake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, is holding a “Trick or Treat Around the Track” on Oct. 29, from 10:30 a.m. to 11: 30 a.m.

Wesley Chapel High School, at 30651 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel, is hosting a “Halloween Safe Zone,” on Oct. 29 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., in the school’s cafeteria and parking lot.

For more details about these events, contact Sunlake High and Wesley Chapel High.

Area libraries also are holding special events.

Land O’ Lakes Library, at 2818 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, is hosting a Pumpkin Fest for all ages on Oct. 29 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event involves decorating pumpkins, using a wide variety of techniques.

New River Library, at 34043 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills, has three Halloween events planned.

On Oct. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the library is welcoming infants through 5-year-olds to wear their favorite costume to the library’s Costume Story Time.

The library also is hosting a Halloween Movie & S’Mores for fourth-graders and older on Oct. 27 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

And, on Oct. 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., it’s hosting a Fall Family Night.  The evening will feature crafts, refreshments and a costume contest.

The Carrollwood Toastmasters are also getting into the Halloween spirit by hosting an open house on Oct. 26 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., in Tampa. There will be free food, fun and prizes. Feel free to wear a costume and bring a friend.

Published October 26, 2016

 

Pasco libraries to tackle identity theft

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The Pasco County Library System is offering a program to teach residents how to protect themselves from identity theft, and how to catch identity theft early.

The 45-program will be offered throughout November and part of December at library branches around the country.

It’s free, and also will explain what to do if someone feels they have become a victim of identity theft.

Upcoming programs include:

  • Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road in Holiday, Nov. 4 at 11 a.m.
  • South Holiday Library, 4649 Mile Stretch Road in Holiday, Nov. 6 at 2 p.m.
  • Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, Nov. 7 at 11 a.m.
  • Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m.
  • Regency Park Library, 9701 Little Road in New Port Richey, Nov. 13 at 2 p.m.
  • Hudson Regional Library, 8012 Library Road in Hudson, Nov. 20 at 2 p.m.
  • New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m.

For information, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Nearly 13,000 votes already cast in Pasco

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Political candidates on the Aug. 26 ballot are making last-minute preparations as they await to hear what voters have decided about their fate.

But nearly 13,000 people already have voted in the primary election — all by mail.

Pasco County supervisor of elections Brian Corley has been keeping a real-time update of turnout as votes come in. Since early voting doesn’t begin until Saturday, all the ballots so far have been by mail. And there’s some interesting tidbits about what’s come in so far.

As of Thursday night, the number of ballots separating registered Democrats and registered Republicans who have voted is just two — Republicans lead Democrats 5,445 to 5,443. Other party voters and independents have cast 1,919 ballots by mail so far.

That’s an interesting turnout, considering registered Republicans make up 38 percent of the county’s total electorate, while Democrats have 34 percent. The main primary race, however, is Republican in Pasco County Commission District 2. There is another primary in District 4 between Mike Wells Jr. and Henry Wilson Jr., but that is an open primary where anyone can vote, since no other candidates from different political parties have filed.

Voters also will have a chance to cast a vote in a school board race between incumbent Steve Luikart and challenger Marc Yacht, a non-partisan race. Judge candidates also are on the ballot, still looking for votes to get on the bench.

Despite the five-digit turnout so far, it’s still only a fraction of the overall number of people registered to vote. The 12,807 ballots cast so far is a little more than 4 percent turnout.

The most votes so far have come from Precinct 59 north at Timber Oaks in Port Richey with an 8 percent turnout so far. The worst turnout has been from Precinct 9 based at Darby Community Church in Dade City, where just 10 voters — or 1.3 percent of the registered voters — have cast ballots so far.

Early voting in Pasco County begins Aug. 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and continues Sunday at the same times. During the next week, early voting will be available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., before giving voters one last chance before actual voting day on Aug. 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Early voting is available at eight locations, including the East Pasco Government Center at 14236 Sixth St., in Dade City; the Land O’ Lakes Library at 2818 Collier Parkway; the New River Library at 34043 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills; and The Grove at Wesley Chapel, 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd.

For a complete list of early voting sites, click here.