Pasco publishes draft action plan for disaster recovery
PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resources Better Future Action Plan is now available for public review.
The plan outlines how nearly $586 million in federal funding will be used to rebuild and strengthen the community following Hurricanes Idalia, Helene and Milton.
The county was scheduled to hold public feedback workshops on May 19 and 20 but those who couldn’t attend can submit feedback before June 12 at mypas.co/BetterFuture.
Richey Suncoast Theatre launches Summer Fundraiser
NEW PORT RICHEY – Richey Suncoast Theatre has launched its 2025 Summer Fundraiser in hopes of raising $30,000 to safeguard summer operations, staff and youth programming.
This year’s appeal comes at a critical moment for small community theaters. With state and federal arts and culture funding increasingly frozen, seasonal slowdowns and lingering impacts from recent hurricanes affecting local ticket sales, theaters like Richey Suncoast face pressure to continue delivering their mission with limited resources.
Funds raised will go toward retaining core staff, ensuring the stability required to maintain programs, including youth theatre camps and family productions.
“By contributing to our Summer Fundraiser, you’re investing in the dedicated team that powers this theater,” said Angela Saabia, board president. “Your support ensures we can continue to inspire, educate and entertain.”
Learn more and donate at https://ci.ovationtix.com/36105/store/donations/55670.
On the web: richeysuncoasttheatre.com
10th annual Zephyrhills SummerFest returns June 28
ZEPHYRHILLS – Florida Penguin Productions is looking for sponsors and event partners for the 10th annual Zephyrhills SummerFest.
The event takes place from 2 to 9 p.m. June 28 at Zephyr Lake Park, 38116 5th Ave. It will include DJs, children’s contests, vendor market, food trucks, games and fireworks at dark.
Proceeds from the Kids Zone will benefit SVB Tennis Foundation.
Contact or 727-674-1464 for more information.
Sign up for parade
LUTZ – This year’s Lutz 4th of July Celebration takes on the theme “Lutz Salutes You!! It’s a Star Spangled 2025!”
The celebration includes the Lutz Independence Day 5K (7:30 a.m.), Lutz Independence Day 1 Mile Fun Run (8:15 a.m.), 5K Race awards (8:30 a.m.), Flag Ceremony (9 a.m.) and parade (10 a.m.) at 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road.
Organizers are registering participants and vendors. There is no charge to participate but there is a small fee for a vendor space.
Parade float registration is at https://bit.ly/LutzParadeFloatEntry25.
Vendor registration is at https://bit.ly/LutzParadeVendors25
There is also a cake contest, sponsored by the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, with entries for best decorated and tasting as well as most patriotic.
On the web: https://lutzparade.com
Nanjiani ain’t afraid of no ghosts or performing on stage
TAMPA – Comedian Kumail Nanjiani is bringing his Doing This Again Tour to Tampa Theatre.
The show starts at 7 p.m. Nov. 15 at Tampa Theatre. Tickets range from $38.50 to $58.50 plus applicable taxes and fees.
Nanjiani recently won a SAG Award for his recurring role in the fourth season of the hit Hulu series “Only Murders in the Building” and earned an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Chippendales founder Somen “Steve” Banerjee in Hulu’s limited series, “Welcome to Chippendales,” for which he also served as an executive producer.
Recently, Nanjiani was seen in “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” alongside returning cast-members Paul Rudd and Carrie Coon, which hit theaters in March 2024. On the animation side, Nanjiani lent his voice to “Migration,” a Universal Pictures adventure-comedy.
Additionally, Kumail participated in this year’s Netflix is a Joke Festival.
Acting Lab launches class
NEW PORT RICHEY – The Acting Lab is launching a six-week course, led by Cynthia White, to guide participants through professional acting techniques.
The class will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, June 26 to July 31. It culminates in a live performance Aug. 7 at Richey Suncoast Theater, 6237 Grand Blvd. It costs $300 plus fees.
A free introductory class is offered 7 to 9 p.m. June 5.
Participants will learn acting techniques, including movement, script analysis and scene work. The class is for ages 20 and older.
Email to learn more.
Garden club discusses trends
DADE CITY – The Dade City Garden Club is not only celebrating National Garden Week from June 1 to 7 but also offering a free program for the community June 2 at its headquarters.
The club will explore the top gardening trends for 2025. The program will be rounded out with a plant swap. Bring a plant and take home a new one.
The event starts at 6 p.m. June 2 at the Dade City Garden Club, 13630 5th St. Email Becky Maxwell at or visit dadecitygardenclub.com for details.
Blaustein to perform here
TAMPA – Stand-up comedian Michael Blaustein will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 21 at Tampa Theatre.
Blaustein’s comedy clips have amassed more than 900 million views across social media. He has sold out venues across the world, most recently closing out his 2024 tour year with more than 72,000 tickets sold.
When he’s not performing, he’s co-hosting the comedy podcast “Stiff Socks” with Trevor Wallace, which has more than 70 million downloads. Blaustein has also worked with brands like Manscaped, Liquid Death and BetterHelp.
Tickets range from $38.50 to $103.50 plus taxes and fees.
