Happy Wednesday!

From exciting weekend plans to major local developments, there’s a lot happening around Pasco right now. Looking for something fun to do? Whether it’s live music, seafood festivals, or even a Renaissance fair, we’ve got a lineup of can’t-miss events.

Meanwhile, Academy at the Lakes is making a huge move with a 90-acre expansion, GROW Pasco is gearing up to connect local entrepreneurs, and DeSantis’ latest tax proposal could shake up homeownership in Florida.

Let’s break it all down—keep reading for the full scoop.

Hope you enjoy!

—Sean

🏃 Fun Things to Do Around Pasco
This Weekend!

Looking for something fun to do in Pasco County? Whether you're in the mood for live entertainment, outdoor markets, or family-friendly fun, there’s something happening near you.

Check out these local events and make the most of your weekend!

Spring Health & Fun Fest

Jump into a healthy year at the Spring Health & Fun Fest! Enjoy free resources, on-site dental screenings, games, music, food trucks, face painting, helmet fittings, and more.
📍 Location: Hudson High School Track and Football Field, 14410 Cobra Way, Hudson, FL
📅 Date & Time: February 22, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🌐 Website: premierhc.org

Outdoor Adventures Expo

Embark on a day of adventure with live music from the Seven Springs Middle School Steel Drum Band, a special screening of “O2O: The Path to Connection,” interactive outdoor activities, crafts, exhibits, food trucks, and more.
📍 Location: Starkey Ranch TLC, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa, FL
📅 Date & Time: February 22, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🌐 More info: pascolibraries.info

10th Annual SunWest Crab & Shrimp Festival

Experience the best of seafood with delicious dishes, live entertainment, and activities for all ages.
📍 Location: SunWest Park, 17362 Old Dixie Highway, Hudson, FL
📅 Date & Time: February 22-23, 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $10 per adult
🌐 Website: floridapenguinproductions.com

Downtown Dine Out

Indulge in a culinary adventure in downtown New Port Richey. Discover exclusive prix fixe menus at participating restaurants, offering multi-course meals at set prices.
📍 Location: Downtown New Port Richey, 5743 Main St
📅 Date: February 16-22
🌐 Website: nprmainstreet.org

78th Annual Pasco County Fair

Join the fun at the Pasco County Fair with livestock shows, games, rides, exhibits, and more for the whole family.
📍 Location: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 County Road 52, Dade City, FL
📅 Date: February 20-23
🌐 Website: pascocountyfair.com

Medicare 101

Get all your Medicare questions answered by a SHINE volunteer in a free, unbiased, and confidential setting. SHINE counselors do not sell anything.
📍 Location: New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel, FL
📅 Date & Time: February 20, 10:30 AM
📞 Phone: (813) 788-6375

Free Art Closet

Explore your creativity with free art supplies, including jewelry findings, beads, yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks, paint, and more.
📍 Location: Centennial Park Branch, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday, FL
📅 Date & Time: February 20, 3:00 PM - 4:50 PM
🌐 Website: pascolibraries.info

The Motowners, a Tribute to Motown

Dance to Motown classics with a live performance by The Motowners, featuring hits by The Temptations, The Four Tops, Diana Ross & The Supremes, and more.
📍 Location: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel, FL
📅 Date & Time: February 20, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🌐 Website: theshopsatwiregrass.com

Side Splitters Comedy Club presents Luis Lopez

Enjoy a night of laughter with stand-up comedian Luis Lopez, known for his performances in New York City's comedy clubs.
📍 Location: Side Splitters Comedy Club at the Grove, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel, FL
📅 Date: February 20-22
🎟️ Tickets: $23.50
🌐 Website: ci.ovationtix.com

Bay Area Renaissance Festival

Experience a magical 16th-century European village featuring 15 stages of exciting entertainment. Over 100 artisans will showcase and sell their handcrafted goods. Enjoy full-contact live armored jousting and seven themed weekends.
📍 Location: 12838 Auton Road, Dade City, FL
📅 Date & Time: February 21 - March 30, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $18
🌐 Website: bayarearenfest.com

Pop Music Dinner/Dance

Enjoy an evening of pop, country, ’50s and ’60s music. Held on the first and third Friday of each month.
📍 Location: King of Kings Lutheran Church, 10337 U.S. Highway 19, Port Richey, FL
📅 Date & Time: February 21, 5:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $4 Donation
📞 Phone: (727) 355-2290
🌐 Website: king2s.wixsite.com

Harvest Market

Discover over 60 vendors, artists, artisans, makers, and crafters at the Harvest Market, held on the second and fourth Sundays.
📍 Location: The Grove at Wesley Chapel, 6105 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel, FL
📅 Date & Time: February 23, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
🌐 Website: facebook.com/harvestmarketsgrove

Don’t miss out—get out there and have some fun!

🏫 Big Moves for Academy at the Lakes in Land O’ Lakes with 90 Acres of Growth

Driving the news: Academy at the Lakes, a growing private school in Land O’ Lakes, has announced the development of the MacManus Campus, a 90-acre expansion set to house new athletic facilities and a lower division school.

This addition supports the school’s continued growth and vision for enhanced student experiences.

Details:

• The MacManus Campus, named after the local MacManus family known for their community contributions, will feature athletic fields, a stadium, a gym, and baseball and softball facilities.

• This marks the school’s third campus, joining the Wendlek and McCormick Campuses, bringing its total land to nearly 100 acres.

• Academy at the Lakes also recently broke ground on an 18,000-square-foot building at McCormick Campus, which will include a theater, maker space, and video production studio, set to open before the end of the school year.

Why it matters: This expansion underscores Academy at the Lakes' commitment to offering a personalized and comprehensive educational experience.

The new facilities not only enhance athletic opportunities but also contribute to the local community by fostering student engagement and family involvement.

As the school grows, it remains accessible to diverse families through financial aid, ensuring inclusive educational opportunities.

The big picture: Since its founding in 1992, Academy at the Lakes has evolved from a small private school to a prominent K-12 institution with 550 students.

With the addition of the MacManus Campus, the school is poised to become a leading educational choice in Pasco County, catering to families seeking a more intimate and individualized learning environment.

What’s next: Fundraising and community support will shape the specific features of the athletic complex.

As the school moves forward, it continues to enhance its facilities and expand its educational offerings, positioning itself as a standout choice in the area.

The bottom line: Academy at the Lakes is not just adding more space; it’s investing in the future of its students and the local community.

With the new MacManus Campus, the school is set to redefine educational and athletic experiences in Land O’ Lakes.

🏡 $399,999 Fort Myers Home with
Lakefront Views!

3 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,534 sqft

Nestled in the desirable Cypress Cay community, this spacious two-story home offers stunning lakefront views and an oversized lot. Inside, you'll find a bright and open layout with a den, family room, and loft. The modern kitchen features a range, refrigerator, and dishwasher, while the walk-in closets and impact-resistant windows add both convenience and peace of mind.

Relax in the community pool or enjoy the serene lake views right from your backyard. Conveniently located near shops and dining, this home is perfect for families or anyone looking to enjoy Florida living.

📍 13404 Hampton Park Ct, Fort Myers, FL 33913

🚀 GROW Pasco 2025 Connects Local Entrepreneurs

Driving the news: SMARTstart, the Pasco Economic Development Council's entrepreneurship program, is hosting its fifth annual GROW Pasco event on March 20 at the Saint Leo University Wellness Center in San Antonio.

This day-long event is designed to educate and connect entrepreneurs across Pasco County with valuable resources and networking opportunities.

Details:

• 15 breakout sessions led by over 30 business professionals.

• Keynote presentation from Johnny Crowder, founder and CEO of Cope Notes, focusing on mental health and wellness in the business community.

• Topics include digital trends and AI, marketing, social media, and local business resources.

Why it matters: GROW Pasco offers a platform for local entrepreneurs to gain insights tailored to their needs, build connections, and grow their businesses within Pasco County.

The event is crafted based on feedback from past attendees, ensuring relevant and impactful content.

The big picture: Backed by SMARTstart’s network of resource partners, GROW Pasco participants gain access to three entrepreneur centers across the county, supporting a variety of business types—from food startups in Dade City to high-tech ventures in Wesley Chapel.

Between the lines: This year’s event emphasizes mental health and wellness, a crucial aspect for business leaders navigating today’s challenges.

Johnny Crowder’s keynote will offer relatable insights, drawing from his experience with Cope Notes, a recognized startup in Tampa Bay.

What’s next: Entrepreneurs interested in attending can mark their calendars for March 20 and prepare to network, learn, and grow their businesses at one of Pasco County’s most impactful entrepreneurship events.

The bottom line: GROW Pasco continues to foster local economic growth by empowering entrepreneurs with knowledge, resources, and connections that directly benefit the Pasco County community.

💸 No More Property Taxes? What DeSantis’ Proposal Means for Florida Homeowners

Driving the news: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wants to eliminate property taxes, calling them “the more oppressive and ineffective” form of taxation.

He suggested pursuing a constitutional amendment, which would require 60% voter approval, to achieve this.

Details:

• Property taxes in Florida are local, not state-level, so changing them would need a ballot measure.

• In 2024, the median property tax in Florida was $3,101, up 9.5% from the previous year and 47.5% since 2019.

• South Florida saw significant increases, with median payments rising 56.8% in Miami-Dade and Broward counties since 2019.

• Property taxes fund critical services like police, fire departments, and schools.

Why it matters: Eliminating property taxes could provide financial relief for homeowners, especially in rapidly growing areas like South Florida, where tax burdens have surged.

It would make Florida even more attractive to new residents and investors, potentially boosting the local economy.

The big picture: Florida doesn’t have a state income tax, relying heavily on sales tax and tourism revenues.

If property taxes are removed, the state will need to find alternative funding sources for essential local services.

Between the lines: Economic experts warn that eliminating property taxes could force local governments to either cut services or find new revenue streams, possibly leading to higher sales taxes or service fees.

What’s next: DeSantis will need to build public support to get the constitutional amendment on the ballot.

If successful, voters would then decide its fate.

The bottom line: DeSantis’ push to ban property taxes is part of his broader vision for tax reform in Florida.

The outcome could reshape the state’s financial landscape and influence local government funding for years to come.

📊 Our Current Local Market Data:

The Tampa Bay housing market is undergoing a transition after years of rapid growth. Home prices have moderated, with the median sale price in Tampa reaching $485,000 as of late 2024—a 21.3% year-over-year increase but at a slower growth rate than in previous years.

Increased inventory, up 7.3% compared to pre-pandemic levels, offers buyers more options. However, homes are staying on the market longer, reflecting a shift toward a more balanced market. Despite cooling trends, Tampa remains appealing due to its strong economy, population growth, and lifestyle offerings.

Several factors are shaping the current landscape. Tampa's job market is thriving, particularly in healthcare, technology, and financial services. The region continues to attract new residents, with its population expected to exceed 25 million by 2030.

Interest rates are stabilizing, and a surge in new construction is set to alleviate housing supply pressures. However, recent hurricanes have influenced buyer sentiment and increased insurance costs, adding layers of complexity to the market dynamics.

For buyers, increased inventory means more negotiating power and opportunities, especially for homes on the market for 45+ days.

Sellers, meanwhile, should focus on competitive pricing, curb appeal, and working with experienced agents to navigate the changing landscape. Looking ahead, Tampa is poised for steady growth, remaining a top real estate market to watch in 2025 despite challenges like affordability concerns and rising costs.

If you’re curious how much your home could sell for now, then reply “What’s my home value” or you can get an estimated value here.

Or if you’re just curious about how the current market affects your situation & what’s going on in your specific neighborhood, just reply & ask.

📰 In Other News:

• The new Howard Frankland is almost here. What does that mean for Tampa Bay?

• Why Florida is attracting residents of this Northeast state

• Florida continues to gain million-dollar earners despite national drop

That’s all for today, I hope you have an amazing week!

If there’s ever anything you need:

• a custom market or home value report

• a home services list for a reliable contractor or services professional

• feedback or a professional opinion on a home project

Just let me know! We’re here to help with all your home needs.

Talk soon,

- Sean, and the Bello Home Team

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