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Good Morning Neighbor,

I’m not sure how it went in your corner of our area, but I was surprised by how much we managed to squeeze in between the storms. The extra day off was fantastic, and now I’m looking forward to the short week. College football also kicked off with far more drama than expected.

The Wednesday Night Market also returns to The Shops at Wiregrass tomorrow! Glasshouse Productions included a foam party and bubble experience at the first two markets, and this time they’re adding a scavenger hunt for the kids while adults browse local creators. I love that they’re finding different ways to make each market fun for the whole family.

-Mike

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Each newsletter includes the latest event information available at the time of publication.

Angeline Adds Amenities And On-Site Healthcare

Angeline continues to grow, and they are getting a new gathering spot along with a useful health resource close to home. The community has broken ground on The Social, which will include pickleball courts, a pool, dog park and tot lot.

A new partnership with BayCare will also give residents regular access to an on-site registered nurse who can answer questions, coordinate appointments and connect them with screenings. BayCare’s mobile health unit will visit regularly for vaccinations, blood pressure checks, glucose testing and other preventive care.

Lutz Walk Marks 25 Years Since 9/11

Neighbors, veterans and first responders gathered at Tampa Premium Outlets for the eighth annual 9/11 Memorial Mile Walk. This year’s event marked 25 years since the attacks and featured retired Army Special Forces Lt. Col. Max Bowers, who commanded the first U.S. troops on the ground in Afghanistan afterward. Bowers also shared how his unit rode on horseback into Afghanistan less than a month after the attacks.

Pasco Sheriff’s Sgt. Ryan Jackson completed the mile with K-9 Blake, six months after being injured in the line of duty.

Wesley Chapel YMCA Is Nearly Ready

It’s getting so close! The $35 million Mary W. Sierra Family YMCA at 4379 Wellbeing Way is scheduled to open this month, with its indoor and outdoor playgrounds complete and exercise equipment already in place.

Memberships and registration are open for youth sports, swim lessons, Kids’ Day Out and other programs. The nearly 50,000-square-foot facility is also hiring and is expected to create more than 300 jobs in Pasco County.

Customs Is Getting Quicker At TPA

Coming home from an international trip may now take a little less time. Tampa International Airport is using facial recognition to help U.S. passport holders move through customs faster, although a customs officer still makes the final decision. Travelers who prefer not to use the technology can request the standard process instead.

TPA will also add CLEAR in October for quicker identity checks at TSA checkpoints. That separate service will cost $219 per year.

Could Ray Jay Finally Get Shade?

Raymond James Stadium may sit in Tampa, but its future matters to football fans and concertgoers across our area, along with every Hillsborough County taxpayer. Now that the Rays’ stadium deal has passed, the county is actively discussing renovations with the Bucs. A previous report put the team’s request near $1 billion, possibly with the Bucs paying one-third and public funding covering the rest.

Possible upgrades include shade over parts of the seating, new technology and other improvements for everyday fans. No deal has been reached, but the county says funding has been set aside and the two sides have until January to negotiate the lease agreement.

Neighbors Rally For A Better Animal Shelter

More than 2,000 people have signed a petition calling for improvements to Hillsborough County’s Pet Resource Center. The 40-year-old facility is the county’s only open-admission shelter, and advocates say its kennels flood, most lack air conditioning or heat and its veterinary clinic is outdated.

The county is considering either expanding and modernizing the current shelter or building a new one. A recommendation is expected by late 2026 or early 2027, while organizers plan to keep showing up at budget meetings to make sure the project isn’t forgotten.

Hillsborough Teachers Return To Contract Talks

Hillsborough teachers are negotiating a new contract, but declining tax revenue and fewer students in public schools could limit potential raises. The teachers’ union is seeking better pay and working conditions that would reduce paperwork and leave more time for students. Starting pay for a first-year teacher is currently just over $48,000.

Support staff have already reached a separate deal. Bus drivers will receive a one-time $2,500 bonus, while other eligible employees will receive $200 to $1,250 based on years of service.

Pasco Schools Set Final Tax Vote

This isn’t the most cheerful update, but it’s something Pasco homeowners should know. The School Board will take its final vote on the district’s property tax rates Tuesday at 6p. Under the proposal, Pasco Schools would collect about $436.6 million in property taxes, roughly $17 million more than last year.

A $350,000 home with the standard $25,000 homestead exemption would owe about $2,010 in school property taxes. At the same time, district operating expenses are projected to drop 0.9%, with 476 positions being eliminated. Residents can speak before the vote at the District Office, 7205 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

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