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Good Morning From Lutz,

Happy Friday. We’re heading into a pretty nice weekend around here with comfortable temperatures, though there’s a chance of rain on Sunday and a slightly cooler stretch arriving next week.

There’s also plenty happening around town with St. Patrick’s celebrations popping up ahead of Tuesday’s holiday, along with a full lineup of local markets this weekend. However you’re spending it, I hope it’s a good one. Let’s take a look at what’s happening around town.

-Mike

Access local events three different ways:

Community Calendar
Full List of Events w/Links
Join our Facebook Events Group

Feel free to follow us on Instagram for more local updates.

Free Prom Dresses for Special Event

Here’s something really thoughtful happening in Wesley Chapel this weekend. Hope Services is hosting a “Gowns for Girls” pop-up on Saturday, March 14 from 10 AM to 2 PM at Wesley Chapel District Park, giving girls with disabilities the chance to pick out a formal dress for free.

More than 1,500 donated gowns will be available for ages 14 and up ahead of the nonprofit’s “Dance Your Dream” prom-style celebration on April 18, a special night of music, dancing, and community created just for individuals with disabilities.

Wesley Chapel Goalie Helps Team Win Gold

Pretty cool moment for local sports. Wesley Chapel’s Giada Greco helped lead the Florida Alliance 12U Girls AAA hockey team to a gold medal at the 2026 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament.

Greco, the team’s goalie, delivered a shutout in the championship game against Switzerland, helping secure a 1–0 win. The victory marks the first time a Florida team has won the tournament.

Homemade Ice Cream Shop Coming to Land O’ Lakes

Something sweet is on the way for Land O’ Lakes. Cotee River Creamery and Desserts is preparing to open a new shop at 6745 Land O’ Lakes Blvd, bringing homemade ice cream and baked treats to the area.

The dessert spot plans to serve about 60 scratch-made ice cream flavors each day, along with cookies, brownies, cake pops, and custom ice cream cakes. Owners say they’re waiting on final equipment and approvals, with hopes to open within the next few weeks.

Pasco K-9 Protects Deputy During Shootout

One of Pasco County’s K-9 deputies is getting well-earned recognition after a dangerous confrontation in the Moon Lake community this week. During the shootout, Sgt. Ryan Jackson was shot in the leg, and Sheriff Chris Nocco says his K-9 partner Blake jumped in front of him and helped shield his handler.

The moment is also highlighting the training behind Pasco’s K-9 unit. Young dogs complete at least 480 hours of preparation before going into service, and the county now has about 55 K-9s working alongside deputies.

A Huge Thank You to our wonderful local partners!

Pasco Mega Adoption Event This Saturday 🐾

A big pet adoption event is happening this weekend at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, bringing together shelters and rescue groups from across the county for one large adoption day.

Quick highlights:
• Saturday, March 14 | 10 AM – 6 PM
• Pasco County Fairgrounds, Dade City
• Dogs and cats available from multiple rescues across Pasco
• Food trucks and vendors on site
• Hits 106 broadcasting live from 1–3 PM

Participating groups include Pasco County Animal Services, the Humane Society of Pasco County, Calypso Cat Rescue, Cat Haven, Florida Cocker Spaniel Rescue, Dachshunds Seeking Forever Homes, Animal Luvrs Dream Rescue, and E.A.R.S.

If you’ve been thinking about adopting, this is one of the biggest chances of the year to meet a lot of animals in one place. 🐶🐱

Raising Real Entrepreneurs: Inside Kids Market

I ran into Kelly Gersonde at the Carrollwood market recently, taking photos of her young entrepreneurs proudly standing behind their booths. We started talking, and I realized a lot of families may not even know this exists.

Kids Market, founded by Kelly and Regina Hord, gives kids ages 7 to 17 the chance to run real businesses inside established local markets across our area. These aren’t pretend setups. The kids submit business plans, price their products, handle payments, and sell alongside adult vendors.

From handmade jewelry to baked goods and lemonade, they’re learning confidence, financial literacy, and real-world communication skills.

It’s one of those quiet but powerful things happening in our community. If you’ve got a kid who’s always creating or selling something around the house, this might be their place to shine. There’s a whole lot more where that came from here.

Pasco Fire Rescue Expanding Across County

You’ve probably heard about the new fire station coming to State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, but that’s just part of a much bigger expansion happening across Pasco County.

Pasco County Fire Rescue says six stations are being added in less than two years to keep up with rapid growth and rising emergency calls. Three opened in 2025, and three more are under construction, including a $10 million station near U.S. 41 and Asbel Road in Land O’ Lakes that will replace an aging facility and improve coverage in the fast-growing area.

I hope this answers the question, “What is there to do around town without having to drive down to Tampa?”

If you’re looking for everything happening around town, the full Community Calendar is still the best place to go. Or, you can find the full list here.

Street Bash: Spring Fling Night Market

Friday, March 13 | 5:00 PM
Dade City

A lively spring block party in downtown Dade City featuring vendors, food trucks, live music, a kid zone, and a wet-zone so you can stroll the street with a drink while you shop.

Kids Market at Carrollwood Market

Saturday, March 14 | 10:00 AM
Carrollwood

Young entrepreneurs take center stage at the Carrollwood Cultural Center’s monthly market, where kid-run businesses sell crafts and treats alongside 50+ local vendors, live music, and food.

Historic Downtown Dade City Farmers Market

Saturday, March 14 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Dade City

A classic Saturday market under the oaks at Agnes Lamb Four Seasons Park featuring local honey, fresh produce, baked goods, cottage foods, and handcrafted items from area vendors. A great spot to shop local and enjoy the spring weather in downtown Dade City.

We’ll be on Instagram with updates wherever we end up. Feel free to slide into our DM’s.

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