Dade City Garden Club to discuss school’s plants
DADE CITY – The Dade City Garden Club will present Gardening at East Pasco Education Academy during its January general membership meeting.
The speaker for the program is Marisa Crane, a Master Gardener Volunteer with the UF/IFAS extension office and the school’s Student Services Assistant and Garden & Wellness Coordinator.
Working with the students, she maintains 30 EarthBoxes, eight raised vegetable garden beds, 20’X20′ wildflower garden, greenhouse with 96 vertical growing pots and a courtyard butterfly garden.
The meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 12 at the garden club, 13630 5th St., Dade City.
Light refreshments will be served at 9 a.m. The membership meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. Guests are welcome and can visit dadecitygardenclub.com or contact the DCGC Membership Chair at for details.
Pasco County offices to close for New Year’s holiday
PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Board of Commissioners offices will be closed Thursday, Jan. 1, and Friday, Jan. 2, in observance of New Year’s. Government offices will reopen Monday, Jan. 5.
Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources offices, recreation complexes and community centers will be closed through Saturday, Jan. 3, though parks and beaches remain open dawn to dusk.
GoPasco will not operate Jan. 1 and will resume regular service Jan. 2, with administrative offices closed.
Libraries will close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, through Jan. 2.
Animal Services facilities will be closed, with emergency response only; adoption services reopen Jan. 3.
Solid waste facilities will be closed Jan. 1. They will be closed to the public Jan. 2; however, they will be open to Pasco County licensed commercial haulers.
The Blues Is Alright Tour returns to Tampa
TAMPA – The Blues Is Alright Tour returns to Tampa on Feb. 14, bringing Southern Soul and modern blues to the Yuengling Center at 7 p.m.
The show blends classic storytelling with contemporary R&B grooves, rooted in dance-floor energy and heartfelt lyrics.
The 2026 lineup features King George, Sir Charles Jones, West Love, Pokey Bear and Mike Clark Jr., with hosting duties by Henry Welch.
Art & Craft Festival returns for 32nd season
- PETE BEACH – The Corey Avenue Art & Craft Festival celebrates its 32nd annual season in the heart of St. Pete Beach.
The free, family- and pet-friendly event transforms Corey Avenue into an open-air marketplace featuring contemporary crafts and fine art from skilled artisans.
The Corey Area Business Association hosts the event, which is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 3 and 4 at 300 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach.
“For over three decades, the Corey Avenue Art & Craft Festivals have been a cornerstone of our community, bringing world-class artistry right to our doorstep,” CABA event organizer Suzanne King said.
The two-day festival showcases handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fine art, clothing and home décor, with a Green Market on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event also supports local shops and restaurants throughout the district.
Additional 2026 dates include April 4 and 5, June 6 and 7, Oct. 3 and 4 and Dec. 5 and 6.
MOSI to ring in 2026 with Quantum Countdown
TAMPA – Families can welcome the New Year early at MOSI’s Quantum Countdown: Level Up to 2026, presented by PNC Bank, on Dec. 31.
Included with museum admission, the daytime celebration runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and features hands-on science demos, karaoke, live music, crafts, scavenger hunts and two “Noon Year’s Eve” countdowns at noon and 3 p.m.
Guests can also experience special planetarium shows at 12:45 and 4 p.m. inside the Saunders Planetarium.
“Science, innovation, discovery and a love of learning about the endless possibilities of the future are at the heart of what we do at MOSI,” CEO John Graydon Smith said. “What better way to welcome in the New Year than by combining science and fun?”
Tickets are available at mosi.org.
Groban, Hudson team up for Tampa concert
TAMPA – Josh Groban has announced a North American tour with special guest Jennifer Hudson, stopping at Tampa’s Benchmark International Arena at 8 p.m. June 19.
Produced by Live Nation and presented by Stifel, the tour pairs two of music’s most celebrated voices on one stage.
“Performing live has always been one of the greatest joys of my life and getting to share these nights with Jennifer, someone I admire so deeply, makes it all the more special,” Groban said. “These shows are going to be emotional, celebratory and full of surprises. I can’t wait to see everyone this summer.”
The tour launches June 2 in Montreal. Tickets and details are available at joshgroban.com.
