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Good Morning From Lutz,

It’s a good week to get outside and enjoy it a bit before things really start heating up around here. Whether that’s a quick walk, a market stop, or just sitting out back for a while, now’s the time.

We’ve also got a few reminders this week that hurricane season isn’t far off, so it’s not a bad idea to get ahead of it while it’s still easy. A little prep now goes a long way later. Have a great week.

-Mike

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Free Summer Books for Local Students

This is one of those feel-good local efforts that makes a difference. Tampa Bay 28 partnered with Legacy Preparatory Academy to help 75 students head into summer with books of their own.

Each student picked out five books to keep, totaling 375 books funded through donations to the Scripps Howard Fund. It’s all about keeping kids reading when school’s out, especially for those who may not have easy access to books at home.

Teachers also helped guide students toward books at their level, making sure they weren’t just picking something easy, but something that helps them grow. The bigger goal here is building a long-term habit of reading, not just filling a summer assignment.

Shop Local. Find Treasures. Make It a Stop You'll Love.

Step inside and discover 50+ local vendors filled with unique finds, beautiful décor, and gifts you didn’t even know you needed (but won’t want to leave without).

Mother’s Day Special Event 

Join us on May 9th to create your own beautiful flower arrangement—perfect for celebrating Mom, a girls’ outing, or a memory-making day together.

Bring your mom, daughter, besties—or make it a full crew experience!

Click the flyer or visit www.lutzwhistlestop.com for more fun details.   

Free Trees Giveaway This Saturday

If you’ve been thinking about adding a tree to your yard, this is an easy yes. Pasco County is giving away between 600 and 1,000 trees on Saturday, April 25 starting at 8a, and it’s first come, first served until they’re gone.

You can pick one up at Starkey Wilderness Park, Withlacoochee River Park, or Crews Lake Wilderness Park. There’s a one-tree-per-person limit, with options like magnolia, red maple, and longleaf pine, all in that 3–7 gallon range.

Anything left over will be planted around Pasco, so either way, it’s going back into the community.

Rays Stadium Deal Still Has Gaps

This one keeps inching forward, but it’s not close to done yet. Tampa Bay Rays and Hillsborough County are still working toward a deal for a new $2.3 billion stadium near Dale Mabry, but there’s still a meaningful funding gap to figure out.

Right now, the project is about $75 million short, with questions around revenue projections, lease terms, and how reliable those funding sources actually are. The broader plan includes a full mixed-use development with a college campus, retail, and offices, but commissioners are asking for more analysis before signing off.

There’s also a timeline pressure building. The Rays want a deal in place by early May to stay on track for a June 1 deadline, with more workshops and potential public input coming soon.

Pasco Disaster Expo Set for May 2

This is one worth circling, especially with hurricane season around the corner. Pasco County is hosting its annual Disaster Preparedness Expo on May 2 at Pasco Safety Town in Shady Hills from 10a–3p.

It’s designed to be hands-on, not just informational. You’ll be able to map evacuation routes, get help with special needs registration, and learn how to protect your home. There’s also a weather panel featuring Tampa Bay 28’s chief meteorologist, plus kid-friendly activities, emergency vehicles, food trucks, and free preparedness guides.

SR 52 Development Gets Green Light

Heads up if you drive State Road 52 often, this stretch is set for a noticeable change. County commissioners approved a 156-acre mixed-use project just over half a mile from the SR 52 and U.S. 41 intersection, near Pilot Country Airport.

The plan includes:

Buildout is expected by 2030 and lines up with the planned widening of SR 52 from two lanes to four, plus a multiuse trail. The project is also expected to bring around 13,600 daily vehicle trips and could impact nearby schools like Land O’ Lakes High, Crews Lake Middle, and Mary Giella Elementary.

New Port Richey Growth vs. Gaps

It’s a little west, but it impacts Pasco County and especially our traffic. Chopper Davis has been reelected mayor of New Port Richey as the city continues pushing growth, especially around its downtown.

There’s momentum, but residents are asking for balance. While redevelopment is picking up, concerns remain about roads, sidewalks, and cleanup along the Pithlachascotee River, along with questions about future projects like the Schwettman site and Sims Park upgrades.

A Huge Thank You to our wonderful local partners!

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