Tree-mendous start to the holiday season

December 5, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Saint Leo University’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony took place on campus in St. Leo on Nov. 30. Hundreds turned out to see the university kick off the holiday season with the lighting. There were vendors, crafts for children, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, refreshments and caroling, as dignitaries such as University President Ed Dadez and town of St. Leo Mayor Vincent ‘Mike’ D’Ambrosio and Father Lucius Amarillis spoke to the crowd.

Saint Leo University students sing Christmas Carols during the private school’s annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. (Mike Camunas)

Rebecca Morales is all smiles holding a lighted candle during the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on Saint Leo’s Campus in East Pasco. The event attracted hundreds who enjoyed a festive celebration filled with songs, prayers and more.

Saint Leo staff member Jenna Humphries, aka Mrs. Claus, wowed the audience at the university’s annual tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 30.

Saint Leo University’s cheer squad performed during the college’s annual tree lighting on Nov. 30.

Saint Leo University’s annual Christmas Tree ceremony featured the lighting of a giant tree, as well as a Christmas Village with vendors, crafts for children, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, refreshments and caroling.

Those attending Saint Leo University’s annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony held lighted candles.

Maxwell ready to serenade in Florida portion of tour

The soulful sounds of Maxwell have lingered on R&B and hip-hop playlists for more than 25 years. And Florida residents can hear those sounds live through The Serenade Tour. The three-time Grammy Award-winner will perform at the Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood on Sept. 14 and at Amalie Arena in Tampa on Sept. 15. Maxwell has released five albums since his debut: “Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite” (1996), “Embrya” (1998), “Now” (2001), “BLACKsummers'night” (2009) and ““blackSUMMERS’night” (2016). His return to touring marks a reunion with Jazmine Sullivan, who joined him on his Maxwell 08 Tour. Sullivan’s discography includes “Fearless” (2008), “Love Me Back” (2010), “Reality Show” (2012) and “Heaux Tales” (2022). She won a Grammy for Best R&B Album for “Heaux Tales.” They’ll be joined by October London, who paid homage to Marvin Gaye on his album, “The Rebirth of Marvin.” His single, "Back to Your Place," has received plays on R&B … [Read More...] about Maxwell ready to serenade in Florida portion of tour

What’s Happening (09-25-24)

Sept. 25 Beginner Mahjong Land O’ Lakes Library offers a mahjong class for beginners. Registration is required. Call 813-929-1214 for details. 10 a.m.-noon; 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes Toddler Storytime Ms. Shaina leads stories, songs, movement, and other fun activities in Toddler Storytime at Hugh Embry Library. Space is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 352-567-3576 for details. 10:15-11 a.m.; 14215 Fourth St, Dade City Baby Storytime Land O’ Lakes Library holds a Baby Storytime for babies up to 1 year old and their caregivers. The lap-sit program is meant to instill the love of reading in children at an early age. Call 813-929-1214 for details. 10:15-11 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. -noon; 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes Chair Yoga Zephyrhills Public Library offers a chair yoga class. Participants use a chair to support their bodies in various modified poses. Space is limited. Call … [Read More...] about What’s Happening (09-25-24)

What’s Happening (09/11/24)

Harvester Community Church preparing for Fall Festival Harvester Community Church in Land O'Lakes is looking for crafters and other vendors to exhibit at its Fall Festival and Craft & Vendor Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 26 on the church grounds, 2432 Collier Parkway The church is interested in handmade or homemade items for both fall holidays and Christmas holidays; hand crafted candles, jewelry; holiday gift basket items; silk floral arrangements or other artistic creations. Organizers are looking to add live plants, home-grown fruits and vegetables, home-made honey, jams and jellies. Small home-based businesses are welcome to join. Service organizatIons, and other local charities may exhibit during this event. Visit Harvestercommunity.com or email to get details about the event, including vendor fees and booth sizes. Sept. 11 9/11 Remembrance Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, Consumer & Veteran Services, and the … [Read More...] about What’s Happening (09/11/24)

What’s Happening (09/18/24)

Sept. 18 Beginner Mahjong Land O’ Lakes Library offers a mahjong class for beginners. All new beginners must start on the first Wednesday of the month. Registration is required. Registration on the first Wednesday of the month signs you up for the whole month. Call 813-929-1214 for details. 10 a.m.-noon; 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes Beekeeping Seminar A Master Gardener explains beekeeping at Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. Have a gardening question? Join the group at 10 a.m. before the seminar to speak to a knowledgeable Master Gardener. Call 727-815-7126 for details. 10 a.m.-noon; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa Toddler Storytime Ms. Shaina leads stories, songs, movement, and other fun activities in Toddler Storytime at Hugh Embry Library. Space is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 352-567-3576 for details. 10:15-11 a.m.; 14215 Fourth St, Dade City Baby Storytime Land O’ … [Read More...] about What’s Happening (09/18/24)

What’s Happening (10/09/24): Modi bringing comedy tour to town

Modi bringing comedy tour to Tampa Theatre TAMPA – Tampa Theatre and Outback Presents welcome Modi to the local stage at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 for a stop on his Pause for Laughter Tour. Voted one of the top 10 comedians in New York City by The Hollywood Reporter, Modi is one of the comedy circuit’s most sought after performers. He has been featured on HBO, CBS, NBC, ABC, Comedy Central, Howard Stern, and E! Entertainment. Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Modi emigrated with his family to the United States at age 7 and was raised on Long Island. After graduating from Boston University, he worked as an investment banker until his first open-mic night made him realize that stand-up was his true calling. His sharp wit and knack for reading an audience gave him an edge in New York's comedy scene. He now headlines gigs across the globe. Tickets range from $39.75-$69.75 plus applicable taxes and fees. Buy them at www.tampatheatre.org. A limited number of VIP Meet & Greet tickets will … [Read More...] about What’s Happening (10/09/24): Modi bringing comedy tour to town

What’s Happening (10/16/24): LANCO joins Tampa Pig Jig lineup

LANCO joins Tampa Pig Jig lineup TAMPA – LANCO has joined the all-star lineup for the Tampa Pig Jig, replacing The Cadillac Three, who had to bow out of their remaining 2024 tour dates. LANCO topped the country charts with its debut album “Hallelujah Nights” and landed on the charts with singles such as “Greatest Love Story,” “Born to Love You” and “Love Live Tonight.” The Tampa Pig Jig lineup includes three-time CMA Award winner Dierks Bentley, American rock band The Revivalists, singer-songwriter Chase Rice and breakout country star Greylan James. The philanthropic community event returns Oct. 19, at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. General admission tickets cost $130, which includes access to the main lawn, game areas and food row vendors. Children 10 and under get in free with an accompanying adult. It donates proceeds from the Tampa Pig Jig to NephCure, funding critical research to find a cure for rare kidney disease. Buy tickets at … [Read More...] about What’s Happening (10/16/24): LANCO joins Tampa Pig Jig lineup

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