Tampa Theatre to screen Star Wars trilogy
TAMPA – Tampa Theatre is celebrating May the Fourth (aka Star Wars Day) by screening the original Star Wars trilogy.
The film will be screen at the following times on May 4:
- 1 p.m. – “Star Wars: A New Hope” (1977).
- 4 p.m. – “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” (1980).
- 7 p.m. – “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” (1983).
The celebration kicks off May 1 with a special screening of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” at 7 p.m.
Tickets cost $7 for theater members and $10 for others. Get them at the Tampa Theatre Box Office (711 N. Franklin St.) or at www.TampaTheatre.org.
Theater group announces new slate of productions
WESLEY CHAPEL – The New Tampa Players has announced productions for its 2025-26 season.
The group will present “Oklahoma” in October 2025, “The SpongeBob Musical” in January 2026 and Annie in July 2026.
Tickets are available for the upcoming production of “The Music Man” from July 25 to Aug. 3 at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center.
On the web: newtampaplayers.org
County under burn ban
PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County was placed under an emergency burn ban April 22 for all areas of the county due to a prolonged lack of rainfall, resulting in an increased risk of brush fires.
Under the ban, everyone living in unincorporated areas of Pasco County was prohibited from setting fires or causing fires, including open burning, campfires/bonfires and burning yard waste/garbage. Outdoor cooking in grills or smokers was OK.
The ban prohibited outdoor burning not specifically permitted by the Florida Forest Service.
Animals services halts dog intakes due to pneumovirus
PASCO COUNTY – Following several positive cases of Canine Pneumovirus, Pasco County Animal Services closed dog adoptions, intakes, surgery and rescue transfers for 14 days through May 3.
PCAS remained open for cat only adoptions, surgeries, rescue transfers, vaccine and microchip clinics, pet licensing and owner-requested euthanasia needs.
“The health and safety of the animals in our care, as well as our community, has been and will always be our top priority,” PCAS Director Mike Shumate said. “While we understand this is an inconvenience for our residents, we appreciate your understanding during this time.”
Group pays tribute to veterans
DADE CITY – The Augusta Jane Evans Wilson Chapter held its annual Southern Memorial Day observance on Aug. 19 at Townsend House Cemetery.
“Each year, we remember those veterans who served, and this year, we honored those interred at Townsend House Cemetery in Dade City,” said Lunelle McCallister, memorial committee chair.
As part of the observance, the veterans’ memorial was re-dedicated and a new flag raised on a flagpole.
Participants included a US Color Guard from the Zephyrhills Bulldog Army JROTC, a historic color guard from the Judah P. Benjamin Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and a bagpiper who performed special music.
The event included a memorial floral wreath that honored veterans through a Roll Call of Honor.
Southern Memorial Day, also known as Confederate Memorial Day, was first established in Georgia in 1866, and was later adopted by other states as floral tributes were made and veteran graves were tended. The practice was emulated by the Grand Army of Republic and was the inspiration for Memorial Day which is observed in May.
The Augusta Jane Evans Wilson Chapter 2640 has members located in Hillsborough and Pasco counties. Prospective members and supporters are invited to email .
On the web: AugustaJanesUDC.org
Club supports veterans
LAND O’ LAKES – The Lutz Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club and its youth counterpart, the Lutz Little Women, came together in a heartfelt show of support April 15 at St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport.
They welcomed home veterans returning from Honor Flight 52.
The Honor Flight Network transports America’s veterans to Washington, D.C. free of charge, to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice. Upon their return, they are met with a warm, patriotic welcome – something many never received after their service, especially those who served in the Vietnam War.
One club member, Jeannie Stratis, took her support a step further by participating in the flight itself as a guardian, accompanying one of the veterans throughout the day.
The evening was filled with smiles, tears and gratitude from both the veterans and those there to honor them.
On the web: gfwclutzlandolakeswomansclub.org
HART earns budgeting award
TAMPA – The Hillsborough Transit Authority earned the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award by the Government Finance Officers Association for its Fiscal Year 2025 budget.
HART’s budget document was evaluated against nationally recognized guidelines that assess how well it serves as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communications tool.
“The GFOA recognition reflects HART’s strong commitment to transparency and accountability,” Chief Financial Officer Loretta Kirk said. “It’s a proud moment for our team and a clear validation of our continued efforts to be responsible stewards of public resources while building trust with our community.”
On the web: goHART.org
