TAMPA – The kitchen at Whiskey Joe’s thaws frozen food as part of its daily routine. Now, it’s doing so more quickly while using significantly […]
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This Week

Chalk Talk: Kids art program raises record $38,632
Kids art program raises record $38,632 for schools TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office raised a record $38,632 for local schools through its Kids Tag Art Program. Sixty-six Hillsborough County elementary schools participated this year, with each school receiving $585 to support its art programs. Tax Collector Nancy Millan brought the Kids Tag […]

Florida SBDC at USF team members win state awards
TAMPA – Several members of the Florida Small Business Development Center at University of South Florida were recognized Aug. 19 at the Sunseeker Resort during the Florida SBDC Network’s Performance Excellence Awards. The event celebrates outstanding contributions across Florida’s nine regional small business development centers. “We were honored to attend the Florida SBDC Network’s Annual […]

Saint Leo University to help alumni build AI-era skills
ST. LEO – Saint Leo University’s new Lifelong Learning Commitment will provide more than 107,000 graduates with access to professional development, artificial intelligence training and career resources to help them keep pace with a changing workforce. As part of the university’s commitment, Saint Leo alumni will have the opportunity to complete one professional certification […]
Wesley Chapel Rotary hosting 9/11 Memorial Mile Run/Walk
WESLEY CHAPEL – Twenty-five years after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel will gather the community for its eighth annual 9/11 Memorial Mile Run/Walk on Sept. 5 at Tampa Premium Outlets. The one-mile run/walk steps off at 8 a.m. At 8:46 a.m. — the minute the first plane struck the […]
Boutique supports designer with Down syndrome
TAMPA BAY – After hearing “no” from more than 15 boutiques, young designer Raquel Caramello walked into Coastal Sol in June carrying something she believed in: her handmade jewelry and coastal shell creations. This time, the answer was different. Missy Hardy, the owner of the Tarpon Springs store, immediately connected with Raquel, her story and […]

Law enforcement, community leaders honored at gala
CLEARWATER – The Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Foundation honored exceptional law enforcement officers and community leaders during its 11th Annual Gala on Aug. 29 at Opal Sol Resort in Clearwater. The evening’s highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award, was presented to U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody for her decades of leadership and advocacy on […]
Leaders work toward bringing MLB Rays to Hillsborough County
TAMPA – Hillsborough County commissioners voted 5-2 on Aug. 28 to move forward with an agreement on the Hillsborough College Dale Mabry Campus Ballpark project. “Today’s vote marks a monumental step toward securing a forever home for the Tampa Bay Rays, while integrating a new Hillsborough College campus into an $8 billion private-sector investment,” said […]
Suncoast Credit Union merging with Launch Credit Union
TAMPA – Launch Credit Union members have approved the proposed merger with Suncoast Credit Union following a 45-day voting period conducted earlier this summer, the credit unions announced Aug. 26. With approval from Launch members, both boards of directors and the National Credit Union Administration, the merger will take effect Sept. 1, with the combined […]

Pasco County Fire Rescue celebrates new station
PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Fire Rescue celebrated the grand opening of Station 2 on Aug. 14. Officials said the station expands Pasco County Fire Rescue’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies as the community continues to grow. “Wesley Chapel deserves a fire station that matches its momentum, and Station 2 does exactly […]
This Week (cont)

Police seek details about Zephyrhills man missing since 2007
ZEPHYRHILLS – The Zephyrhills Police Department is renewing its appeal for information concerning the disappearance of Carlton McCarthy Ireland, who has been missing since spring 2007. Ireland was 54 years old when he disappeared from Zephyrhills. His last known account activity was a water bill payment on April 18, 2007. Five days later, he was documented […]

AdventHealth adds to therapy dog pack
1: Skye serves alongside AdventHealth’s AirStar 1 helicopter crews. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth 2: The six-month-old pups were given a special community welcome recently during a Puppy Pawty at AdventHealth Dade City, complete with pup-friendly ice cream and hugs. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth 3: Wilbur has worked with AdventHealth team members and first responders in […]

Paralyzed veteran receives mortgage-free smart home
PINELLAS PARK – The Tunnel to Towers Foundation delivered physical and financial independence to Marine veteran Michael DeLancey on Aug. 19 with a mortgage-free home in Pinellas County. The foundation’s Smart Home Program builds or modifies homes to make them accessible for injured veterans and first responders. Each home is designed to address the […]

Saint Leo University focused on the future of work
ST. LEO – Saint Leo University is entering the 2026-27 academic year with expanded academic programs, new student resources and a continued focus on becoming the region’s most workforce-oriented university. “After almost one year serving this community, I am encouraged by the progress we are making and the momentum building across Saint Leo University,” said […]
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 […]
