TAMPA – Hillsborough County’s Hiking Spree officially launched its 11th season on Nov. 1. The Hiking Spree draws thousands of participants each year to […]
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This Week

East Pasco Chamber Foundation honors 22 students in October
EAST PASCO – The East Pasco Chamber Foundation has announced Citizen of the Month honorees for October 2026. Each month during the school year, the program honors 11 citizens from Dade City-area schools and 11 citizens from Zephyrhills-area schools. Citizens are selected by their teachers and school administrators for their outstanding effort, achievement, character […]
Keystone Prep students bring medieval history to life
ODESSA – Students in the Ancient and World History classes at Keystone Prep recently tested their knowledge of medieval siege weapons at the Keystone Pumpkin Chuckin Challenge. Led by social studies teacher Zeke Changuris, students spent the past month designing and constructing functional trebuchets, counterweight-based siege engines historically used to breach castle walls. The month-long project […]

AdventHealth Tampa shares cute Halloween baby photos
TAMPA – The costumes are little. The cuteness? Off the charts. Babies in AdventHealth Tampa’s neonatal intensive care unit are celebrating Halloween in handmade felt costumes, continuing an annual unit tradition with plenty of personality in pint-sized packages. Photographed over the past two weeks, this year’s lineup includes a tiny scuba diver, an adorable cow, […]

Saint Leo University students forecast 2026 Midterms
ST. LEO – Saint Leo University students are forecasting the outcomes of competitive U.S. Senate and state governor races leading up to the Nov. 3 midterm elections. POL 304: Campaigns and Elections is offered every two years to coincide with election cycles. Students analyze candidates, electoral history, voter demographics and emerging political trends to […]
Extension Service classes cover gardening, finances
TAMPA – Hillsborough County Extension Service will host classes this month explaining how to grow native plants, conserve water, improve credit scores, manage yard pests and explore forests. Extension experts provide research-based programs to help residents conserve natural resources, strengthen financial knowledge and build practical skills. Many programs are beginner-friendly and open to residents across […]

Local Wildlife: The Florida Aquarium celebrates Halloween
TAMPA – Penguins, alligators and skunk sisters at The Florida Aquarium are celebrating Halloween with pumpkin enrichment activities designed to encourage natural behaviors and provide mental and physical stimulation. The aquarium’s animal care team creates these experiences to engage the animals through new sights, textures and opportunities to explore, play and forage. Some of that […]
Whata’s Happening (Oct. 28-Nov. 3)
Oct. 28 Handwork Circle Land O’ Lakes Library offers Handwork Circle, a program intended for adults and teens who have previous handwork experience. Bring a project and meet with others who enjoy crocheting, knitting, counted cross stitch or hand sewing. All Makerspace programs require closed-toe shoes and a completed waiver. 813-929-1214 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 2818 […]
What’s Happening (Oct. 21-27)
Oct. 21 Handwork Circle Land O’ Lakes Library offers Handwork Circle, a program intended for adults and teens who have previous handwork experience. Bring a project and meet with others who enjoy crocheting, knitting, counted cross stitch or hand sewing. All Makerspace programs require closed-toe shoes and a completed waiver. 813-929-1214 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 2818 […]

Helath & Wellness: AdventHealth hosts free wellness events
AdventHealth hosts free wellness events SEBRING – Hundreds of residents across Highlands and Hardee counties participated in AdventHealth’s Day of Wholeness on Oct. 17, featuring free health resources and family activities. Events were held at Sebring Circle Park, Ridge Area Seventh-day Adventist Church in Avon Park, AdventHealth Lake Placid and AdventHealth Wauchula. Participants received nutrition […]
This Week (cont)
Hillsborough Briefs: County to host Veterans Day tribute
Veterans Day tribute includes salute to America’s 250th TAMPA – Veteran Community Services and the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County will host the 62nd annual Veterans Day Tribute. The outdoor ceremony starts at 10 a.m. Nov. 11 at Veterans Memorial Park, 3602 N. U.S. 301. The outdoor ceremony will commemorate America’s 250th anniversary and honor […]

LOCAL WILDLIFE: Police officers explore The Florida Aquarium
TAMPA – The Florida Aquarium welcomed Tampa’s Acting Chief of Police Brett Owen and several Tampa Police Department officers last month for a visit with its penguins. Officers snapped selfies, learned more about what penguins eat and enjoyed their time with the critically endangered animals. The visit was part of The Florida Aquarium’s month-long celebration […]

Pinellas student-athletes tackle mental health challenges
By justin
BJ Daniels, of Evara Health, shared insights from his athletic career and personal experiences. Daniels is a Super Bowl champion. Photo courtesy of Juvenile Welfare Board Casey Phillips, a team reporter with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, emceed the Mind Shift Youth Behavioral Health Summit. Photo courtesy of Juvenile Welfare Board Players and coaches from […]

Veterans Inshore Slam raises $120,000 for home repairs
APOLLO BEACH – Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough raised more than $120,000 during its eighth annual Veterans Inshore Slam to help veterans and their families maintain safe, stable homes. More than 130 people, including anglers, sponsors and community supporters, participated in the fishing tournament Oct. 17 at Finn’s Dockside Bar & Grill in […]
Local Sports & Rec

Saint Leo University students forecast 2026 Midterms
ST. LEO – Saint Leo University students are forecasting the outcomes of competitive U.S. Senate and state governor races leading up to the Nov. 3 midterm elections. POL 304: Campaigns and Elections is offered every two years to coincide with election cycles. Students analyze candidates, electoral history, voter demographics and emerging political trends to […]
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 […]
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 […]
