Women’s club pitches in at charity
LAND O’ LAKES – GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes members enjoyed a “Day of Service” Jan. 29 at Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa.
Club members gave back by either working in the kitchen, thrift store or intake area handing out food to clients.
Visit lutzlandolakeswomansclub.org for details about the service organization or membership opportunities.
Zephyrhills ready to open park
ZEPHYRHILLS, FL – The City of Zephyrhills will celebrate the grand opening of Hercules Park, the first new community park built in the city in four decades.
The town invites the public to the grand opening ceremony from noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 13 at 38100 County Road 54.
The 12-acre park is designed to meet the recreational needs of Zephyrhills’ over 22,000 residents, featuring a nature-based playground, splash pad, scenic trails, open pavilions and restrooms.
Designed by Kimley-Horn and built by Wharton-Smith, Hercules Park honors Zephyrhills’ history by incorporating elements inspired by the Hercules Powder Company, which once operated Camp No. 39 on the site more than 70 years ago.
“This park is a testament to our city’s growth and commitment to providing quality recreational opportunities for all of our residents,” City Manager Billy Poe said. “Hercules Park will be a place where families can
create lasting memories while honoring our community’s rich history.”
Hillsborough reopens Lake Park
LUTZ – Hillsborough County has reopened Lake Park.
The park, located at 17302 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Lutz, was temporarily closed in October and later used as a countywide vegetative debris collection site to accommodate an unprecedented number of downed trees and other vegetation resulting from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Lake Park features five lakes, cypress swamps, pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks and abundant wildlife.
The marked pathways are popular with hikers, runners, mountain bicyclists and equestrians.
Lake Park includes a fitness trail with workout stations, an archery range, two horse arenas and a track for Tampa BMX and radio-controlled car racing.
Sterling Senior Strategies to host mobile device workshop
LAND O’ LAKES – Sterling Senior Strategies will offer a free workshop designed to help seniors navigate the world of mobile devices and stay connected with loved ones.
The event will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 22 at 2818 Collier Pkwy. Seniors are encouraged to RSVP by emailing or call 813-523-0545.
Participants will learn functions such as texting, attaching photos to messages, and understanding the basics of popular social media apps used to connect with family and friends.
“We understand that technology can be daunting for some seniors,” CEO Nikki Walsh said. “This workshop is designed to break down those barriers and provide hands-on guidance in a friendly and supportive environment. We want to empower seniors to use their devices to stay in touch with family and friends, access important information, and enjoy all the benefits that technology has to offer.”
Bilirakis appointed to House Select Committee on China
WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) has been appointed to the House Select Committee of Strategic Competition Between the United States and Chinese Communist Party.
The committee is responsible for assessing the threats to the economy and national security posed by the government of China and proposing plans to ensure a strong American future.
“The Chinese Communist Party represents the single most significant national and economic security threat of our generation,” Bilirakis said. “I look forward to working alongside Chairman (John) Moolenaar and my colleagues on the Select Committee to build upon efforts to protect American interests, strengthen our national security and combat the CCP’s growing influence around the world.
Bilirakis also chairs the Commerce Manufacturing and Trade Subcommittee.
Lee supports bipartisan legislation to help citrus industry 391
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Laurel Lee (FL-15) supports the bipartisan Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act, which aims to update regulations and support Florida citrus growers.
The measure is cosponsored by the entire Florida Delegation.
“In recent years, Florida citrus growers have faced a multitude of challenges that threaten the sustainability and profitability of the industry, including the relentless scourge of the citrus greening disease and extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and droughts. With the increasing importation of foreign orange juice, which often undercuts our domestic producers, we must take decisive action to uphold the integrity and quality of American-made orange juice,” Lee said. “The Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act will change the Brix standard set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to allow orange growers to continue to produce the loved Florida orange juice without making sacrifices that will affect the quality and taste.”
