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Good Morning Neighbor,

First things first, don't forget to turn your clocks back Saturday night! Otherwise, you might show up an hour early for church, baseball, dance, or even worse... work!

Halloween weekend is here, and there are an incredible number of events happening around town! From Halloween parties and family-friendly fun to restaurants hosting live music and costume parties, there's plenty to do. We might see some rain during the day Saturday, but trick-or-treating looks pretty good! Of course, this is Florida, so that prediction could mean absolutely nothing.

I've also got details on our next Dinner Club below! It's been a great success, and I'm excited to keep bringing more neighbors together.

Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas... it's time to kick off the 2026 holiday season! Have a great weekend, everyone!

-Mike

Extras:

Access local events in different ways:

Community Calendar
Event List w/Links
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Each newsletter includes the latest event information available at the time of publication.

Pasco Protects Another 67 Acres From Development

Development is a hot topic across Florida, especially here in Pasco County, where rapid growth has changed the landscape in a big way. That's why it's great to see some of our remaining green space being protected. Pasco County recently purchased 67.5 acres along Ehren Cutoff in Land O' Lakes, connecting several existing conservation areas and helping preserve natural habitats for local wildlife.

The purchase was funded through Penny for Pasco, the county's 1-cent sales tax. It follows an even larger conservation purchase earlier this year, when Pasco spent $68 million to protect nearly 1,900 acres of 4G Ranch in the same general area. Since 2004, the county's environmental land program has preserved approximately 8,688 acres.

Carrollwood Fundraiser Helps Feed 550 Local Kids

A fun night out for a pretty wonderful cause! The Carrollwood Cultural Center is hosting Life Amplified NOURISH on Saturday, November 7, from 8–10 p.m., with live music, comedy, picnic games, and individual picnic meals. Tickets are only $15 per person or $25 per couple, with proceeds supporting Food Packs for Kids.

The program currently helps feed about 550 children each week across Hillsborough County, providing food for weekends and school breaks when school meals aren't available. Since launching in 2024, the effort has grown to serve eight schools and one shelter, distributing more than 30,000 food packs along the way. Tickets are available at lifeamplifiedshowcase.com.

Hillsborough County Considers New E-Bike Speed Limits

E-bikes have become a pretty common (and dangerous) sight around our neighborhoods, and Hillsborough County is looking at new rules for where and how fast they can be ridden. County commissioners are preparing to vote on a proposed ordinance requested by the Sheriff's Office that would establish speed limits for e-bike riders on sidewalks, trails, and roads throughout the county.

The proposal has not been approved yet, and specific speed limits weren't included in the report. It's something worth keeping an eye on, especially for families with kids who ride e-bikes around the neighborhood.

Those Low-Flying Helicopters Have an Explanation!

I've seen quite a few Facebook posts over the last couple of days about helicopters flying noticeably low over neighborhoods, and I finally found the answer! Hillsborough County has been conducting aerial mosquito treatments since Wednesday, October 28, with operations wrapping up today, Friday, October 30. The helicopters are targeting areas around Carrollwood, Temple Terrace, and Palm River as part of an effort to reduce mosquitoes that can carry dengue fever.

They're spraying a naturally occurring bacterium called Bti into standing water to stop mosquito larvae from developing. According to the county, the treatment is safe for people, pets, birds, fish, and beneficial insects. You can see the current spraying areas and schedules at HCFL.gov/MosquitoOperations.

Wesley Chapel District Park Could Double

Anyone who's spent time at Wesley Chapel District Park knows how busy that place can be, especially with youth sports. Well, some much-needed breathing room could be on the way! Pasco County commissioners unanimously approved a contract to purchase approximately 153 acres directly south of the existing 145-acre park, potentially more than doubling its size.

The land will be purchased in four phases over the next four years, beginning in 2027. County officials say the additional space could eventually accommodate more athletic fields, recreational facilities, and green space to serve Wesley Chapel's growing population. There's no construction timeline yet, and funding for the actual park improvements still needs to be determined.

Pasco Makes Room for More Golf Carts

Golf carts aren't just for golf courses anymore, and Pasco County is making it easier for more communities to accommodate them. Commissioners unanimously approved new rules that simplify the process of designating golf cart routes in unincorporated areas, including parts of Wesley Chapel, Land O' Lakes, Trinity, Zephyrhills, and San Antonio.

The expanded access will be limited to approved paved multiuse trails, generally at least 10 feet wide. Drivers must be 16 or older with a valid license or learner's permit, and nighttime driving requires headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield. The county will also publish a Golf Cart Network map showing exactly where carts are permitted.

Rays Stadium Clears Another Major Hurdle

Another big step toward bringing the Rays to Tampa! City Council voted 4–3 Thursday to approve a $21 million community benefits agreement tied to the team's proposed new ballpark. The money will support affordable housing, workforce development, improvements to Al Lopez Park, and youth programs, including the West Tampa Little League.

The vote came just days before Councilman Luis Viera, a key stadium supporter, leaves office. His departure could leave the council split 3–3 on future stadium decisions. Hillsborough County still has several approvals to make before the deal is finalized, but Tampa Mayor Jane Castor hopes to see a groundbreaking by the end of November.

A Huge Thank You to our wonderful local partners!

EVENTS REMINDER:

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