Student achievements
• Katie Strand of San Antonio graduated from Marquette University this spring with a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
• Haley Woodaz of Wesley Chapel took part in Georgia College & State University’s spring commencement ceremonies May 13-14.
• Angelina Courtney of Wesley Chapel graduated from Elms College this spring with a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Specialty infusion clinic to open in Lutz
LUTZ — Local Infusion, a specialty infusion care provider, is preparing to open its first Tampa-area clinic at Cypress Creek Town Center, the company’s second location in Florida.
The clinic, at 25609 Sierra Center Blvd. near Pure Hockey, joins a network of more than 50 clinics along the East Coast. The company’s first Florida site opened recently in Deerwood, near Jacksonville.
Local Infusion treats patients with chronic conditions and says it cuts wait times and out-of-pocket costs without sacrificing comfort or care. According to the company, patients typically pay 30% to 50% less and are scheduled within three days of a referral, compared with an industry average of three weeks.
The Lutz office has six private infusion suites with seating for patients and caregivers, a television with streaming services, heated blankets, Wi-Fi and snacks, plus meals for longer treatments. It will be open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with evening and weekend appointments available.
Construction begins on Connerton apartments in Land O’ Lakes
LAND O’ LAKES — Construction has begun on a 270-unit apartment community within the Connerton master-planned development in Pasco County.
The project, Connerton Apartments, sits on 17.5 acres just off U.S. 41. Developer Woodfield Development said it will include 252 apartments, six carriage homes and 12 townhomes, with the apartments ranging from about 773 to 1,519 square feet in one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts.
“Pasco County continues to attract residents, employers and investment at a remarkable pace,” said Ryan Studzinski, a partner at the firm.
Planned amenities include a zero-entry pool, a co-working center, a pet spa and dog park, a 24-hour fitness center, a clubroom and a pickleball court. Residents also will have access to Connerton’s trails, parks and lakes.
The site is about five miles from Speros, a planned 775-acre life sciences district anchored by Moffitt Cancer Center that is expected to create thousands of jobs in the county.
Woodfield closed on the Connerton Boulevard property in December 2025. First units are expected in the second quarter of 2028. Dynamik Design is the architect, and Summit is the general contractor.
Woodfield entered the Florida market in 2020 and says it has since built or started more than 3,000 units across the state.
Pasco’s first Two Good Soles 5K to benefit student shoe drive
HUDSON — Pasco County and the United Way of Pasco County will hold their first Two Good Soles 5K on Saturday, Sept. 12, at SunWest Park.
The run supports the 11th annual Two Good Soles Shoes and Socks Drive, which provides new shoes and socks to Pasco County students heading back to school.
“We’re thrilled to introduce this 5K as a new way for our community to step up for local kids,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano. “Every mile, every donation and every participant helps make a difference for students who need support.”
The race begins at 8 a.m. at SunWest Park, 17362 Old Dixie Highway, Hudson. Runners, walkers and families are welcome, and organizers encourage participants to bring new shoes or socks to donate. Registration is available at mypas.co/TwoGoodSoles5KRegistration.
Toni Zetzsche, the school district’s chief communications and community engagement officer, said access to basic necessities can make a meaningful difference in a student’s day.
Pasco extension to host cottage foods webinar
UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension will offer a virtual class on selling homemade foods from noon to 1 p.m. Monday, July 20.
The webinar, “Introduction to Cottage Foods in Florida,” explains the state’s cottage food law, which allows the sale of certain low-risk items — such as cakes, loaf breads, jams and popcorn — made in a home kitchen. Topics include which foods qualify, labeling rules, food safety tips and how to start a business.
Registration costs $12.51 and is available at mypas.co/IntroCottageFoods. A link to the session will be emailed beforehand. For more information, call 352-518-0156.
Renovations limit services at New Port Richey tax office
NEW PORT RICHEY — The Pasco County tax collector’s office at the West Pasco Government Center has temporarily suspended driver’s license services while the building undergoes renovations.
Tax Collector Mike Fasano said full service is expected to return sometime in July. In the meantime, many services are being handled in an adjacent office marked by signs.
Driver’s license services, including driver testing and hazardous materials endorsements, are unavailable at the New Port Richey location. Customers needing a driver’s license can visit the Gulf Harbors office at 4720 U.S. 19. Those needing hazmat endorsements can go to the Dade City office at 14236 Sixth St., Room 100.
The New Port Richey office still handles title and registration processing, including fast titles, along with birth certificates, hunting and fishing licenses and property tax payments.
For more information, call the tax collector’s call center at 727-847-8032, 352-521-4338 or 813-235-6076.
Woman’s club honors Lutz K-8 essay contest winners
LUTZ — The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club honored the winners of its annual fifth-grade essay contest at Lutz K-8 School in May.
Students wrote on one of two topics: where they would travel if they could go anywhere, or what pet they would choose and why. Members of the club’s Education and Libraries Community Service Program presented prizes to the winners at a May 20 awards ceremony.
Richey Suncoast Theatre wins Sports Coast Legacy Award
NEW PORT RICHEY — The Richey Suncoast Theatre has won the 2026 Florida’s Sports Coast Legacy Award, one of the top honors presented at Pasco County’s annual tourism banquet.
The award recognizes a business, person or historic site with a longstanding record of impact in the county, particularly in drawing visitors. The theater, which opened in 1926 in downtown New Port Richey, is approaching its 100th anniversary and has long served as a cultural landmark through live performances, educational programs and community events.
“The Richey Suncoast Theatre is one of New Port Richey’s most treasured landmarks,” said New Port Richey City Manager Debbie Manns. “This recognition reflects not only the theatre’s historic significance, but also the dedication of the people who continue to preserve and elevate it.”
Susie Saxe, the theater’s executive director, called the honor a shared one. “This award belongs to the generations of volunteers, performers, staff and supporters who have helped make the theatre a lasting part of New Port Richey,” she said.
Rotary Club of Trinity installs officers, honors members
TRINITY — The Rotary Club of Trinity installed its 2026-2027 officers and presented its annual service awards at a ceremony May 30.
Major James Mallow will serve as president for the Rotary year that begins July 1 and runs through June 30, 2027.
The club’s annual award winners were:
• Shining Star Award: Mike Becker
• Distinguished Service Award: Marianne Gorbowski
• Rookie of the Year: Linda Ward
• Rotarian of the Year: Amber Ashford
• Service Above Self Award: Mike Chissell
The club also recognized member Becky Bennette, the current governor of Rotary District 6950, for her leadership during the past Rotary year.
District 6950 Foundation Chair Hep Thye presented the Rotary Foundation Distinguished Service Award to Barry Poppel. The club was named a 100% Paul Harris Club, a distinction earned when every active member reaches Paul Harris Fellow status.
Founded in 1997, the Rotary Club of Trinity meets weekly and supports service projects throughout West Pasco County.