NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County Government recognized exceptional employees who exemplify its mission of “Serving Our Community to Create a Better Future.” Winners of […]
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This Week
Kumquat Festival rescheduled to March 8
DADE CITY – The Greater East Pasco Chamber of Commerce has rescheduled the 29th annual Kumquat Festival to March 8 in Historic Downtown Dade City. Organizers said postponing the original festival date was a difficult decision made from an abundance of caution because of projected weather conditions and concern for everyone’s safety. Identifying a new […]
What’s Happening (02/11/26): Garden club sells memorial trees
Dade City Garden Club offers Memorial Tree program DADE CITY – The Dade City Garden Club is accepting orders for memorial trees to be planted in the city and dedicated at the 2026 Arbor Day Memorial Tree program scheduled for April 23 at 10 am. This is an opportunity to plant a living tribute to honor […]
Watering restrictions issued amid severe drought warning
CLEARWATER – Tampa Bay Water warns of worsening drought conditions as lower-than-normal rainfall and streamflow continue across the region. The regional utility is asking residents to comply with the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s tighter watering restrictions, which went into effect Feb. 8. One-day-per-week lawn watering saves drinking water during drought conditions. “It’s important for […]
Tampa Theatre sees progress on $30M campaign
TAMPA – Tampa Theatre announced progress on its Second Century Campaign: a $30 million capital initiative to restore, enhance and expand the landmark as it approaches its centennial on Oct. 15. The campaign, which is focused on preservation, education and enhanced patron experiences, will ensure Tampa Theatre continues to thrive as a hub for arts, […]

Local Wildlife (02/11/26): Monarch butterly
Brenna Hicks spotted this monarch butterfly making a pit stop in her garden. Perhaps this butterfly needed a few sips of nectar before bringing delight to others. Photo courtesy of Brenna Hicks
Business Digest (02/11/26): Chamber events
U.S. Postal Service to observe Presidents Day TAMPA – The U.S. Postal Service will observe Presidents Day on Feb. 16. All Post Office locations will be closed. Regular mail delivery and retail services will resume on Feb. 17. Customers are reminded that when Post Offices are closed, they can still access many postal products and […]

Emergency physician opens BODYBAR studio
WESLEY CHAPEL – Emergency physician Jen Waxler has dedicated her career to wellness. She is now bringing that passion into the fitness space. She and Scott Waxler will open the new BODYBAR Wesley Chapel on Feb. 9 at 27216 State Road 56. The BODYBAR method is a workout experience powered by Pilates that helps individuals discover […]

Hope Services connects people to construction careers
LAND O’ LAKES – Hope Services is celebrating the graduation of its first Construction Training Class of 2026 at the organization’s Life Skills and Vocational Training Center. The nonprofit offers vocational training and job readiness for people with disabilities and others facing barriers to employment. Gabriel Quin, Bo Robinson, Diamante Dejesus and Terrance Hill completed the 80-hour […]

Chalk Talk (02/11/26): Saint Leo University hosts open house
001: Saint Leo University’s Spring Open House will begin with a welcome session and keynote address, followed by a resource fair to explore academic programs, career pathways and campus resources. 002: Guided campus and specialty tours will showcase academic spaces, residence halls, student life facilities, the historic Abbey Church and the Wellness Center. Saint […]
This Week (cont)

Bank OZK donates to microloan program
PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco Economic Development Council announced that Bank OZK has donated $4,000 to the SMARTstart Microloan Program and became a Partner Investor in the organization. The microloan program gives entrepreneurs the funds they need to start or grow their business. “At Bank OZK, we believe small businesses deserve more than capital. They deserve […]
Art Fair Tampa organizers are thinking big
TAMPA – Organizers are touting the inaugural Art Fair Tampa as a global event. The four-day celebration of contemporary art, cultural exchange and immersive creative experiences will feature 300 artists from around the world from Oct. 15 to 18 at the Tampa Convention Center. “It’s a cultural experience that connects artists, collectors and communities from around […]

Health & Wellness (02/11/26): Hospital wins big award
By justin
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North wins award LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North was one of eight hospitals nationally to receive a 2025 Press Ganey Human Experience Award titled “Pinnacle of Excellence – Physician Experience Award.” Press Ganey surveys patients from more than 41,000 healthcare facilities asking about safety, quality and overall care experience. The award is part of […]

LILLY supports learners beyond traditional classrooms
ZEPHYRHILLS – Lexa Duno has supported nearly 200 families and educators in the Tampa Bay area since opening LILLY Education Foundation in July 2024. LILLY’s Village in the Valley initiative transforms how Pasco County families access resources for students who benefit from nontraditional approaches to teaching and learning. “In many ways, the vision I have […]
Local Sports & Rec
Pasco County to open cold weather shelters
By justin
NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County is opening cold weather shelters on both sides of the county Jan. 15 and 16. Anyone in need of a warm place to spend the night can head to either shelter. The shelters will open at 6 p.m. each day and close at 10 a.m. the following day. Shelters will […]
Dude Perfect running it back with Squad Games Tour
TAMPA – After a record-breaking 2025 tour, Dude Perfect is taking live entertainment to the next level with an all-new 360-degree arena layout during its Squad Games Tour. Dude Perfect will stop at Tampa’s Benchmark International Arena at 6 p.m. Aug. 1 for an action-packed night of competition and trick shots, complete with new, larger-than-life […]
Sports & Rec – Check This Out

Adopt a Pet (3/26/25): English Muffin is quite the treat
By justin
English Muffin is an incredibly loving 2-year-old who lives to spread happiness. The moment she sees you, she will joyfully roll onto her back, eagerly awaiting belly rubs. Her tail never stops wagging, showcasing her happy and affectionate nature. Although English Muffin was previously adopted, she was returned because she prefers to be the only […]
USF Women’s Basketball volunteers with Habitat for Humanity
The University of South Florida Women’s Basketball team volunteered with Habitat for Humanity on Aug. 24 in Safety Harbor. The players and coaches painted the exteriors of two Habitat Homes alongside the future homeowners, the Baker and Glazman families, according to a news release. This continues USF’s tradition of community service, as various USF sports […]
PHSC golf tournament
The Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) Foundation will host its annual golf tournament on Oct. 18, at the Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club in Dade City. Registration will be at 7:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. For more information, contact Jen Ferguson at 727-816-3431 or . For sponsorship opportunities, visit Giving.PHSC.edu/golf.
Reasons To Smile

Celebrate with your canine friend!
By Mary Rathman
National Dog Day is Aug. 26 — an opportunity to celebrate man and woman’s best friend, and to help find loving homes for dogs in the community. Here are five ways to make a difference: Adopt a new best friend Spay and neuter. Foster first. Not ready to adopt? Fostering is a great option to […]
