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 […]
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This Week

Local Wildlife (02/04/26): Great blue heron poses for photos
Great blue herons don’t get nervous when they see someone with a phone or camera approaching. Some may even pose stoically on a park railing as they scout for fish and frogs. Photo courtesy of Niriksha Patel
What’s Happening (02/04/26)
Feb. 4 Friends of the Library The Friends of the Library meet at New River Library. Call 813-788-6375 for details. 2-3 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel Ingenuity Lab Children in grades K-5 create crowns and shields during Ingenuity Lab at Hugh Embry Library. Call 352-567-3576 for details. 2-5 p.m.; 14215 Fourth St., […]

News Briefs (02/04/26): Woman’s clubs give back
Pasco Fire Rescue launches new shift PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Fire Rescue officially launching its new D‑Shift. This new shift allows crews to move from the long-standing 24‑hours‑on, 48‑hours‑off rotation to a 24‑hours‑on, 72‑hours‑off schedule. That extra day off gives firefighters more time to recharge, spend time with their families and return to the […]

Business Digest (02/04/26): Jimmy John’s supports nonprofit
Jimmy John’s supports veteran nonprofit TAMPA – Jimmy John’s has become a valued partner of Liberty Manor for Veterans, providing meals that are enjoyed by the veterans it serves. Liberty Manor for Veterans supports disabled and honorably discharged veterans experiencing homelessness through transitional housing and services that promote self-sufficiency. Those interested in supporting the organization can […]
Health & Wellness (02/04/26): Treatment center opens
Substance abuse treatment center opens TAMPA – Hillsborough County and Phoenix House Florida have unveiled a first-of-its-kind recovery center for those struggling with substance abuse or behavioral health issues. The Orient Wellness Center, located at 1800 Orient Road, will offer 75 beds for men and 10 for women. Services will include individualized treatment planning, group counseling, […]
Hillsborough County Public Schools celebrates top staffers
TAMPA – The Hillsborough Education Foundation and Hillsborough County Public Schools honored those who represent the very best of public education at the 2026 Excellence in Education Awards. This year’s theme, Hillsborough’s Treasures, recognized educators and support staff whose efforts shape student success across the district. Selected from 690 nominations, 13 finalists were recognized for […]

Saint Leo University opens new track, locker rooms
ST. LEO – Saint Leo University celebrated the grand opening Jan. 22 of an eight-lane, 400-meter track and newly constructed locker rooms. The ribbon cutting brought together university leaders, coaches, student-athletes and staff to celebrate the expansion of the athletics facilities and the broader vision for sports at Saint Leo University. “These new athletic […]

Tampa Bay CEOs volunteer on Habitat home
: LARGO – Community leaders from across the Tampa Bay region traded boardrooms for hard hats Jan. 23 to build a home for a local family in the Ridgecrest community in Largo. This served as the second of four build days for Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside’s fifth annual CEO Build. More than 20 […]
Behavioral urgent care earns national award
PASCO COUNTY – The National Community Development Association recognized Pasco County Community Development as a winner of the 2026 Audrey Nelson Community Development Achievement Award for its collaboration with BayCare on the Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center. The Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center bridges the gap in services for urgent substance use and mental health care […]
This Week (cont)

MOSI unveils new name, expansion
TAMPA – MOSI has unveiled a new name and a massive expansion of its space. The institution will continue to be called “MOSI” but those letters will stand for the Museum of Science & Innovation. “Our new name, Museum of Science & Innovation, captures the trajectory and energy of MOSI as we look to the […]

The Fulfillment Lab expands to Pasco County
LUTZ – The Fulfillment Lab, an advanced technology and logistics company specializing in proprietary fulfillment software, has expanded its operations and relocated its headquarters to Pasco County, according to the Pasco Economic Development Council. The company’s investment includes more than $2 million in new equipment and racking systems. The Fulfillment Lab initially leased 35,000 square […]
Hillsborough County Public Schools celebrates top staffers
TAMPA – The Hillsborough Education Foundation and Hillsborough County Public Schools honored those who represent the very best of public education at the 2026 Excellence in Education Awards. This year’s theme, Hillsborough’s Treasures, recognized educators and support staff whose efforts shape student success across the district. Selected from 690 nominations, 13 finalists were recognized for their […]

Leonardo da Vinci machines on display in new MOSI exhibit
By justin
TAMPA – MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry has launched a new exhibit inspired by the imagination of one of history’s most celebrated thinkers, Leonardo da Vinci. “Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion” is a life-size mechanical playground where visitors can see the artist’s flying machines, try out floats designed for walking on […]
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 […]
