LEARN
A New Community Park Opens This Fall & You Get to Name It
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is proud to announce the grand opening of our new community park on Friday, September 25, 4-7 pm, and the entire community is invited to celebrate with us.
The grand opening will be a special event featuring live music, local vendors, and familyfriendly fun for all ages. It marks another major milestone in the growth of our hometown, and a gathering place that neighbors will enjoy for generations to come. This is more than a ribbon cutting. It is a celebration of everything that makes Avalon Park Wesley Chapel a place to live, learn, work, and play.
Please RSVP: info@avalonparkwesleychapel.com.
Help Us Name the Park
Every great gathering place deserves a great name, and we want that name to come from you. Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is launching a community-wide Name the Park Contest, and one lucky resident will have the honor of naming the newest landmark in our town.
How to enter:
• The contest is open to the community. Families are encouraged to enter together.
• Email your suggested park name, along with one or two sentences explaining why you chose it, to info@avalonparkwesleychapel.com.
• Please include your name and contact information so that we can reach you if your entry is selected.
• Limit one entry per household.
Deadline: All entries must be received by
Tuesday, September 15, to be considered.
The prize: The winning name will be revealed live at the grand opening on Friday, September 25. The community member who submits the winning entry will be recognized at the event as the official namer of the park, and will receive a special prize as our thank you for helping shape a lasting part of our community.
So gather the family, get creative, and send us your best ideas. The name you choose could become a part of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel history.
Also Happening This Month
As students head back to the classroom, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is teaming up with Collide Community to host a Back to School Bash on Saturday, August 8, 11 AM-1:30 PM at The Flats Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Leasing Center (4110 Avalon Park Blvd, Wesley Chapel, FL) to help our families start the year off right. Click here for more information.
Dunkin’ is now open! Great news for early risers and coffee lovers alike: the new Dunkin’ in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is officially open for business. Stop in for your morning coffee, a quick bite, or an afternoon pickme-up, and support one of the newest additions to our growing downtown.
Coffee with Beat
Not long ago, I stood in a room, raised my right hand, and took an oath that changed my life. After more than thirty years of living, learning, working, and playing in this country, I became a naturalized American citizen. For someone who arrived from Switzerland decades ago with a dream to build a town where people could truly live, learn, work, and play, that moment meant everything to me.
I share this because August is a month of civic importance for all of us. On Tuesday, August 18, Floridians head to the polls for the primary election, and I hope every eligible resident of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will join me in casting a ballot. Voting is one of the most direct ways we shape the future of our community, our county, and our state. It is a right that many people around the world do not have, and after finally earning it myself, I do not take it for granted.
The decisions made by our local and state leaders touch nearly everything we care about here in Wesley Chapel: our roads, our schools, our parks, and the pace and character of the growth happening all around us. When we vote, we make certain that the people who represent us understand what a community like ours needs to thrive.
If you plan to vote by mail, please pay close attention to the deadlines set by the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections, and return your ballot early so that it arrives on time. If you prefer to vote in person, information on early voting locations and Election Day precincts is available through the Supervisor of Elections office. Whatever method you choose, please make a plan and follow
through.
Speaking of growth, there has never been a more exciting time to call Avalon Park Wesley Chapel home. Our community continues to take shape, with hundreds of new homes under construction, from singlefamily houses to townhomes, cottages, and apartments. Downtown continues to come alive, and each month brings us closer to the vision we set out to build here in Pasco County: a genuine hometown where neighbors know one another and where daily life is within walking distance.
That vision does not happen by accident. It is built through partnerships, shared values, and residents who choose to be involved, whether by supporting a local school, attending a community event, or simply showing up on Election Day.
So, this month, I invite you to do two things. First, mark your calendar for August 18 and make your voice heard. Second, keep an eye on the pages of this edition, because Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has some wonderful things ahead this fall that I cannot wait to celebrate with all of you.
I am proud to be an American, proud to be your neighbor, and proud of the community we are building together.
Back to School Made Easy at The Flats at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel
As summer winds down and backpacks come out of storage, there is one less thing for Flats residents to worry about this year: the morning commute to school.
The Flats Avalon Park Wesley Chapel sits just a short walk across the street from Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel, making drop off, pickup, and after school activities easier than ever. No long car rides, no traffic stress, just a quick stroll to class. For families with students at other top rated schools nearby, The Flats also offers a convenient, central location to some of the area’s highest rated educational options, giving parents peace of mind and kids more time to actually enjoy their morning.
Living at The Flats means more than a short walk to class. Our community is built right on top of the shops, restaurants, and everyday conveniences that make life simpler. Need coffee before the school run? It is downstairs. Forgot to grab dinner? A quick trip downstairs solves that too. This kind of walkable, mixed use living is exactly what busy families are looking for, especially during the hustle of back to school season.
Think about how much time is saved when errands, meals, and school drop off are all within a few minutes
of home. That is time back for homework help, evening walks, or simply relaxing after a long day. Convenience is not just a nice bonus, it is a lifestyle upgrade.
Whether you are a parent juggling school schedules or a student looking for an easy commute, The Flats Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is designed with real life in mind. Being steps from Pinecrest Academy and close to other excellent schools in the area means less time spent commuting and more time spent on what matters most.
Beyond the location, residents enjoy modern amenities, a vibrant surrounding community, and the kind of walkable convenience that is hard to find anywhere else in Wesley Chapel.
If you are looking for a convenient place to call home this school year, The Flats Avalon Park Wesley Chapel checks every box. Close to school, close to shopping and dining, and close to everything that makes daily life easier.
Contact us today to schedule a tour, or visit us online at theflatsatavalonpark.com/wesley-chapel to learn more about making The Flats your new home this school year.
LEARN
WORK
Monin to Open Manufacturing Facility in City of Zephyrhills
Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC), FloridaCommerce, City of Zephyrhills, and Pasco Board of County Commissioners are thrilled to welcome Monin to Pasco County, Florida. Monin plans to purchase 70 acres of the Zephyrhills Airport Industrial Park Ready Site in the City of Zephyrhills. The company is expecting to invest over $100 million in a new state-of-the-art facility which will produce and distribute its product across the U.S.
“As we evaluated potential sites for our new state-of-theart manufacturing facility, we prioritized locations with a pro-business environment and a growing talent pool. Zephyrhills emerged as the ideal choice. With established Food & Beverage leaders like Zephyrhills Bottled Water and Bauducco Foods already calling the area home, we knew we were joining the right community. The Monin team is thrilled to expand our operations in Pasco County and bring even more quality jobs to the region,” says Bill Lombardo, CEO, Monin.
Founded in 1912 in Bourges, France, and familyowned and operated for three generations, Monin is the premier provider of flavoring products for creating specialty beverages and elevated culinary solutions. With manufacturing facilities on four continents (South America, North America, Asia, Europe) and product availability in more than 160 countries, Monin is recognized as the leading global flavor solution provider.
“This decision was the result of a disciplined process. We assessed 10 candidate sites across four states before Zephyrhills rose to the top on labor availability, site readiness, and long-term manufacturing potential. Its proximity to our original Clearwater facility is also a meaningful advantage as we ramp up, allowing both locations to share expertise and best practices. The investment reflects our confidence in this market: in the initial phase alone, we plan to hire over 100 employees and invest more than $111 million, with capacity that supports Monin’s growth over the next 10 to 20 years,” says Greg Grabau, CFO of Monin.
“With more than 27,000 manufacturing establishments across the state and a GDP of $85.3 billion in 2025, manufacturing is a cornerstone of Florida’s economy and investments like Monin’s continue to strengthen our state’s position as an international manufacturing leader,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly.
“For more than a century, Monin has built a reputation for innovation, craftsmanship and exceptional quality in France and around the world—elements they can further grow here in Florida. Congratulations to Pasco County and the Pasco Economic Development Council on this incredible project—one that will bolster our food and beverage manufacturing sector, create new opportunities for job-seeking Floridians and reinforce Florida as the premier destination for manufacturers looking to grow and serve customers throughout the Americas.”
Duke Energy and Pasco EDC previously partnered to evaluate and market Zephyrhills Airport Industrial Park through two separate site evaluation programs.
“Monin’s investment is about much more than a new
manufacturing facility; it’s about building long-term prosperity for our community. This project validates years of collaboration between Pasco EDC, Pasco County, the City of Zephyrhills, Duke Energy, and our partners at the State to prepare and market competitive industrial sites,” shared Bill Cronin, President/CEO, Pasco EDC. “The result is high-quality jobs, significant private investment, and an expanded local and state tax base that will generate economic benefits for years to come.”
“The Duke Energy Site Readiness Program sparks economic growth by helping communities understand what actions make their sites more competitive,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “We are excited to witness the positive impact Monin will bring to the Zephyrhills community. The longstanding collaboration with Pasco EDC, Pasco County, and the City of Zephyrhills has played a pivotal role in transforming the Zephyrhills Airport Industrial Park into a prime destination for industrial growth and opportunity.“
Yesterday, the City of Zephyrhills approved incentives totaling $3,289,372. The incentive package is based on the company creating 100 new full-time positions which will have average annual wages of at least $46,760. The city’s approved incentive package includes waiving or reimbursing transportation impact fees up to $252,750 and permit fees up to $435,060. Additionally, they will provide a job creation cash grant equal to the amount of 50 percent of ad valorem city property taxes for Years 1-5, and 25 percent for Years 6-10.
“The momentum in Zephyrhills continues to grow. Following several major investments in our Industrial Corridor, we’re proud to welcome Monin, Inc. as another globally recognized company choosing to invest in our community. At the City of Zephyrhills, we invite businesses to ‘Jump Right In,’ and Monin has done exactly that. Their decision to locate here reflects the strength of our workforce, our strategic location, and our commitment to creating an environment where businesses can thrive. This investment will create quality jobs, strengthen our local economy, and reinforce that Zephyrhills is a place where opportunity springs,” shared Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson, City of Zephyrhills.
This project is expected to bring lasting benefits to Pasco County. Construction is projected to generate 564 jobyears locally and $148.4 million in economic output through 2026. Once the facility is fully operational, it’s anticipated to support 173 ongoing jobs and contribute $53.9 million in annual output. Beyond the immediate impact, the project will provide steady tax revenues for Pasco—about $1.09 million during construction and roughly $260,000 each year afterward—creating ongoing value for the community.
“Monin’s decision to invest here is a tremendous win for Pasco County,” says Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley. “This project brings high-quality jobs, new opportunities for our residents and continues the momentum we’re seeing across the Zephyrhills area. We’re proud to welcome Monin to our community.”
Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s Offices to Host Pasco Fire Res-
Annual “Fill the Boot” Drive for the Muscular Dystrophy Association During August
Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices will once again feature Pasco Fire Rescue’s Annual “Boot Drive” as the charitable giving organization for the month of August. All proceeds from this promotional effort will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), which is a key organization supported by Pasco Fire Rescue/ Pasco Firefighters Charities.
“The Firefighters Charities of Pasco is deeply appreciative of the continued partnership with the Tax Collector’s Office and Mr. Fasano, now in its sixth year, in support of the MDA Fill the Boot program,” remarks Lisa Brekke, Director of Firefighters Charities of Pasco. “This collaboration significantly aids our efforts in raising substantial funds for this vital cause. Reflecting on this journey, which began in 1954, we recognize a legacy of compassion, resilience, and generosity that has positively impacted countless lives. The MDA Fill the Boot program remains a beacon of hope for individuals affected by neuromuscular diseases, demonstrating that united communities can achieve profound and lasting change.”
“It is an honor to assist Pasco Fire Rescue once again with the annual MDA Fill the Boot drive” comments Tax Collector Mike Fasano. “Over the past several years our staff and a very generous community have
come together to support this important organization. Memories of the late Jerry Lewis’ efforts on behalf of the MDA, as well as his annual Labor Day telethon that was a staple of so many people’s holiday weekend, are something I recall with fondness. It is truly a blessing that we can devote an entire month to raising funds to assist in research and treatment for individuals afflicted with this dreaded disease. Please consider donating to this important cause.”
Donations (“filling the boot”) can be made at any of the five tax collector locations in Pasco County. For those who would like to give online, the tax collector’s charitable giving arm Pasco TC Gives has a webpage through which donations can be made: https://www. govhub.com/fl-pasco/tc-gives/donate Donations may also be mailed to: Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City FL 33526-0276.
For more information about Pasco Fire Rescue/ Pasco Firefighters Charities please contact Lisa Brekke, Director of Firefighters Charities of Pasco at 727-3669622. For more information about the promotional and charitable giving programs at the tax collector’s office please contact Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179 or visit www.pascotaxes.com
Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s Offices Raised
$5,155 for
“Hope Services,” the Featured Charitable Giving Organization for the Month of June
Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices raised $5,155 for Hope Services, the featured charitable organization for the month of June 2026. Hope Services is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people with a variety of disabilities, be they physical, developmental, age-related or on the autism spectrum, become independent through workforce training. Hope Services also works with individuals to utilize adaptive technology, if needed, for both at-home and onthe-job independence.
“Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us continue to provide personalized vocational services that empower individuals to realize their career potential,” remarks Cindy Bray, Founder and CEO of Hope Services. “Because of your kindness, more individuals with disabilities and barriers to employment will have the opportunity to discover their potential and achieve meaningful careers.”
“Many thanks to a very generous community for supporting Hope Services during our June Charity-of-the-Month donation drive,” comments Tax Collector Mike Fasano. “This organization’s slogan is “Hope Gets Jobs.” Hope Services was founded to help individuals with developmental and physical disabilities, as well as survivors of human trafficking, gain hands-on vocational training so they can perform skills that will allow them to enter or re-enter the job market. Your generous donations will help Hope Services provide even more assistance to those most in need of help. Thank you!”
For more information about the promotional and charitable giving programs at the tax collector’s office please contact Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179 or visit https://www. pascotaxes.com/ For more information about Hope Services please contact Cindy Bray, Founder & CEO, at cbray@hopegetsjobs.org or visit www. hopegetsjobs.org
PLAY
Coming together to create a healthy community
COMMUNITY CORNER
