March in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel: Events, Openings, and Community Activities
March brings an exciting lineup of events, new business openings, and community gatherings to Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Whether enjoying community events, supporting local art, or trying new dining options, there are plenty of opportunities to connect and celebrate.
Absolutely Avalon: A Celebration of Culture and Community
crafty instructors. Your 2-hour DIY experience starts at $39, and you can choose from a variety of designs ranging from St. Patrick’s Day themes, to Spring designs, to youth designs. Each person attending must be registered for the workshop and can do so with this link
New Business Openings
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The annual Absolutely Avalon event returns on April 19th, 5-9 pm, bringing a night filled with live performances, local vendors, and a laser light show. This multicultural celebration highlights the diverse backgrounds of the community, featuring entertainment and activities that showcase traditions from around the world. Residents and visitors are invited to experience an unforgettable evening that reflects the spirit of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Additional event details can be found here.
Youth Soccer Coming to Avalon Park
The East Pasco YMCA and Avalon Park have partnered together to bring a new location for youth soccer, welcoming players of all skill levels. The program will provide young athletes with the opportunity to develop their skills, stay active, and form new friendships in a structured and supportive environment. More information on registration and schedules will be available soon.
Zephyrhills Art Club Fine Art Show
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is proud to collaborate with the Zephyrhills Art Club, where we will soon be hosting a series of art-focused events from Plein Air painting to paint and sip classes. Please show your support for local artists at the Zephyrhills Art Club Fine Art Show & Sale, an annual event that showcases the work of talented local artists. Visitors can explore a diverse collection of fine art, with many pieces available for purchase. Friday, March 7 | 1:00 – 6:00 PM, and Saturday, March 8 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM, at the First Baptist Church, 38300 5th Ave, Zephyrhills, FL 33542.
AR Workshop: Wood and Canvas Workshop
Join us for this fun family-friendly DIY workshop on Friday, March 14th, 6-8 pm at the Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Leasing Center.
Create a unique home decor item utilizing a variety of tools and techniques, our in-house collection of paints and non-toxic stains while guided by our
This March, Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel welcomes two exciting new dining destinations! Tallo Restaurant & Bar brings a unique fusion of American and Caribbean flavors, combining bold island spices with familiar comfort foods, all complemented by a full-service bar featuring expertly crafted cocktails. Meanwhile, Rudraksh Indian Cuisine offers an authentic taste of India, delivering rich, flavorful dishes that celebrate the country’s culinary diversity with a focus on quality and hospitality. Be sure to stop by, explore these vibrant new spots, and support local entrepreneurs as they become part of the community!
March Food Truck Rally
Join us for the Fourth Friday Food Truck Rally on Friday, March 28th from 5 PM – 8 PM in Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Bring your appetite and your friends for a delicious night filled with amazing eats and community vibes! Residents can enjoy a rotating variety of flavors while spending time with family and friends. Enjoy a variety of mouthwatering dishes while soaking in the lively atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your week!
Free Ice at Rita’s
Celebrate the First Day of Spring at Rita’s Italian Ice in the heart of Downtown Avalon Park. Rita’s is offering a free 6 oz Italian ice to visitors that stop by on March 20th, 12-9pm!
March in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel
With a full calendar of events, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel offers numerous ways to engage with the community. Whether attending a signature event, visiting a newly opened business, or participating in creative workshops, there are many ways to experience what the area has to offer.
Visit: AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com to stay updated on all the happenings throughout the month.
Innovating Change for Businesses to Thrive in 2025
I have spent four decades in the business world, and if someone asked me what has changed the most in that time, I would say: everything. And yet, the one thing that has remained constant is that change itself never stops. The ability to innovate and adapt has always been essential, but in 2025, it is more critical than ever.
One of my earliest business trips from Switzerland to the U.S. was 35 years ago. Back then, there were no smartphones, no internet, and no real-time updates from colleagues on the other side of the world. If I wanted to know what was happening back at the office, I had to wait until I returned. Today, we live in an era of instant connectivity. When I wake up, I already have reports from global offices, emails piling up, and meetings scheduled across time zones with the click of a button. The pace of business has accelerated exponentially, and companies must innovate to keep up.
In past generations, stability was the hallmark of a successful career. In Switzerland, it was common for people to finish school, secure a job at a major bank, and stay there until retirement—often for over four decades. Those banks, once pillars of stability, no longer exist as they once did. The same applies to businesses worldwide. No industry is immune to disruption, and innovation is the only way forward.
The business landscape of 2025 is vastly different from what it was even a decade ago. Emerging
PUBLISHER
Beat Kahli
EDITOR
Stephanie Lerret
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DIRECTOR Kenzie Farrish
technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and blockchain are redefining industries. Companies that fail to innovate are being left behind. Consider the rapid decline of once-dominant brands that failed to evolve. The lesson is clear: standing still is not an option.
To succeed in today’s economy, businesses must embrace calculated risks. Some risks are small— experimenting with a new marketing strategy or testing a new product. Others are more significant, like expanding into new markets or shifting an entire business model. The biggest risk, however, is taking none at all. As Mark Zuckerberg famously said, “The biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that is changing so rapidly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.” If you are not innovating, you’re falling behind.
One of the reasons the U.S. remains a global leader in innovation is its culture of resilience. In many parts of the world, business failure carries a stigma. Here, entrepreneurs are encouraged to try, fail, learn, and try again. Some of the most successful businesses today were born from previous failures. This mindset— where failure is seen as a stepping stone rather than a dead end—fuels continuous innovation.
In 2025, innovation is not just about technology; it is about mindset. Businesses that thrive will be those that foster creativity, embrace change, and continuously seek new ways to add value.
As the AdventHealth saying goes, “Tomorrow Starts Today.” If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, now is the time to act. Let’s work together to turn innovation into opportunity.
Apartment Living at The Flats at Avalon Park: Embrace Spring in March
March is the perfect time to refresh your space and embrace the change of season at The Flats at Avalon Park! With warmer weather on the horizon, here’s how to make the most of your apartment living experience this month.
1. Spring Cleaning for a Fresh Start
It’s time for some spring cleaning! Clear out clutter, dust light fixtures, and clean windows to let in more natural light. Organize your closets and storage spaces to keep your apartment neat and fresh. This is a great way to prepare for allergy season and enjoy your space to the fullest.
2. Maximize Natural Light
With daylight saving time beginning, make the most of the increased sunshine. Swap heavy curtains for light, airy ones and rearrange your furniture to bask in the sunniest spots of your apartment. Enjoy the natural light to lift your spirits as the days get longer.
3. Spring Decor Updates
Brighten up your space with fresh, spring-inspired decor. Think pastel pillows, floral patterns, and light throw blankets. Adding plants or fresh flowers can also bring a vibrant, welcoming touch to your apartment.
4. Prepare for Allergy Season
With warmer temperatures and pollen in the air, it’s important to be proactive about allergy relief. Consider using air purifiers, cleaning regularly, and keeping windows closed on high pollen days to help reduce allergens in your apartment.
5. Enjoy Outdoor Spaces
March is the perfect time to take advantage of Wesley Chapel’s pleasant weather. Whether it’s relaxing on your balcony, exploring Avalon Park, or enjoying the community amenities, take some time to enjoy the outdoors.
6. Spring Maintenance Check
As the weather warms up, check in with property management about any upcoming maintenance. Now is a great time to make sure everything’s in order before the heat of summer kicks in, from air conditioning checks to fixing any minor issues in your apartment.
7. Plan for Spring Fun
March marks the beginning of festival and outdoor activity season in Wesley Chapel. Plan ahead for local events, weekend outings, or a day at the park. Whether it is the Food Truck Rallies or Avalon Festivals, there’s no shortage of spring fun in the area.
Embrace the Season at The Flats at Avalon Park
March is all about new beginnings. Use this time to refresh your apartment, enjoy the outdoors, and get ready for the vibrant months ahead. At The Flats at Avalon Park, it’s easy to celebrate the transition into spring!
Spring is the perfect time to call The Flats your new home, give us a call or visit us online for more details.
TheFlatsAtAvalonPark.com (407) 273-4337
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Pasco EDC Accredited by the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) announces that the Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) has been recognized as one of 86 economic development organizations accredited by IEDC as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO).
“Pasco EDC displays the professionalism, commitment, and technical expertise that is deserving of this honor,” said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle.
The AEDO program is a comprehensive peer review process that measures economic development organizations against commonly held standards in the profession. The program consists of two phases: a documentation review and an onsite visit. Each phase is designed to evaluate information about the structure, organization, funding, programs, and staff of the candidate economic development organization.
“Pasco EDC’s dedication to stimulating balanced and diversified growth by providing leadership and relevant programs is clearly recognized by this honor from the IEDC. I am especially proud of our team and their commitment to helping others” shared Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC President/ CEO.
Pasco EDC has many recent notable successes including the sale of three (3) properties marketed through its Ready Sites Program where those projects total nearly $500 million dollars in capital investment and over 1,200 news jobs. SMARTstart, a Pasco EDC Program designed to help entrepreneurs and launch small businesses, has three (3) SMARTstart Entrepreneur Centers throughout Pasco County which focus on providing support from five (5) main pillars: Workspace, Education, Collaboration, Funding, and Guidance. The SMARTstart program launched
a successful Rapid Prototyping Bootcamp in fall 2024 and currently has 43 incubator members, with numerous companies recently launching digital technology software/platforms, food businesses, and more. Over the last five (5) years, 12 organizations have recognized Pasco EDC with over 30 awards/honors.
Not only did the organization receive its overall accreditation, but two (2) members of the senior staff have personal accreditations through IEDC. Tom Ryan, Vice President, Business Development has been with the organization for 12 years and received his Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) in 2021. Dan Mitchell, SMARTstart Program Director, has led SMARTstart for six (6) years, and was among the first group of individuals to receive his Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) in 2022.
Earning the AEDO accreditation tells the community and prospects that Pasco EDC has attained a measure of excellence assuring that their trust is well-placed, and their business is in good hands.
“Having a career in higher education, I am very familiar with the caliber an organization must meet to receive an accreditation. This is a huge distinction for the Pasco EDC to receive validation from IEDC,” shared Staceyann Sinclair Jibbison, Chair of Pasco EDC Board of Directors and Vice President of Campus Operations at Rasmussen University. “Our community and investors can be proud, knowing the Pasco EDC is committed to economic excellence by improving quality of life in the region.”
Maintenance of the AEDO status is required every three years and is accomplished through documentation submission and/or onsite visits by a team of the AEDO subcommittee.
The International Economic Development Council is the largest membership association serving economic and community development professionals in the world. With over 5,000 members nationwide and abroad, IEDC offers the economic development profession one source for information and professional development, one voice for the profession and one force for advocacy. For more information on IEDC or the AEDO program, call Dana Crater at (910) 821.0245; fax (202) 223.4745; write to IEDC at 1275 K Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005; email dcrater@iedconline.org; or visit IEDC’s website at http://www.iedconline.org.
SMARTstart to Host Fifth Annual GROW Pasco Event for Entrepreneurs
SMARTstart is hosting the GROW Pasco event brought to you by our title sponsor E-Assessment, Inc. to help educate business owners throughout Pasco County and provide an environment to network with like-minded entrepreneurs as we explore healthy mindsets to build and thrive. The event will take place on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Saint Leo University Wellness Center in San Antonio, Florida. The event will feature 15 breakout sessions led by over 30 business professionals. The speakers will be covering a wide variety of session topics on areas such as digital trends and artificial intelligence, marketing and social media, and valuable local resources for businesses.
The Pasco EDC entrepreneurship program, SMARTstart, is Penny for Pasco supported and features an innovative suite of programs that provides the tools growing businesses need for long-term success in areas like funding, education, guidance, collaboration, and workspace. SMARTstart has helped create over 525 jobs and currently has 43 incubator members. The members’ businesses vary from numerous food businesses cooking in the East Pasco Incubator Kitchen in Dade City to high-technology companies with offices at SMARTstart at the Grove in Wesley Chapel. All members have access to the three Entrepreneur Centers across Pasco County to provide opportunities to best suit their needs.
GROW Pasco is supported by a group of resource partners involved in the SMARTstart program who provide valuable guidance to entrepreneurs as they navigate the business landscape; the “Community Resources for Small Business” panel discussion at the event will highlight these available resources. “GROW Pasco provides engaging opportunities for entrepreneurs that are looking to start or grow a business in Pasco County. The session topics are hand-picked from input previous attendees have shared to cover the wants and needs of
local businesses,” shared Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC President/CEO.
“We are looking forward to the fifth annual GROW Pasco event. Each year we hear great feedback from attendees who share how much new information they learned and how many connections they made to benefit their business throughout the event,” shared Dan Mitchell, SMARTstart Program Director. “This year’s keynote presentation will highlight mental health and wellness which is a topic that is applicable to all attendees.”
The lunch session will feature keynote speaker Johnny Crowder, a suicide/abuse survivor, TEDx speaker, touring musician, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, and the Founder & CEO of Cope Notes, a text-based mental health platform that provides daily support to users in nearly 100 countries around the world. His presentation will highlight “Wellness and Community”.
“Attending GROW Pasco’s networking and learning event was truly enlightening. The event combined informative presentations with networking opportunities. From practical startup advice to innovative growth strategies, the presentations offered a wealth of insights,” shared Billie Welchman, Core Solutions Group LLC CEO and 2024 GROW Pasco attendee. “The networking facilitated meaningful connections and collaborations. Overall, GROW Pasco’s event provided a perfect platform for personal and professional growth. I highly recommend it to any entrepreneur seeking to expand their knowledge and network.”
To learn more about the GROW Pasco sessions and to register, visit https://smartstartpasco.com/ events/details/grow-pasco-2025. The cost is $45 per person and includes a continental breakfast and seated lunch. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
About Pasco Economic Development Council
The Pasco Economic Development Council is committed to developing Florida’s most competitive climate for business growth by providing businesses that seek to start, move, or grow in the North Tampa Bay area, a comprehensive suite of programs that can help them to reach their full economic potential. Since 1987, Pasco EDC has fostered a strong partnership funded by corporate and public investors focused on the economic vitality of Pasco County. Discover more at www. pascoedc.com
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Tax Collector Warns Homeowners About Pitfalls of Florida PACE Loans
The I-Team reported how a disabled veteran who thought he was financed for a solar panel system faces foreclosure because his Florida PACE loan never came through.
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano says he’s heard from customers who had bad outcomes from these types of loans and encourages consumers to do their research before signing up for a PACE loan.
Hoping to save money on power bills, Esteban Ortiz signed a contract with Volt Solar Solutions, LLC, to put solar panels on his Lake Placid home in 2023.
Ortiz applied to finance the project through PACE Home Run Financing.
PACE program not offered in Ortiz’s County PACE stands for Property Assessed Clean Energy.
It was a program approved by Florida legislators in which private lenders make loans for home improvement projects, which are paid back through assessments on annual property tax bills.
Since 2015, Florida’s PACE Funding Agency has recorded $915 million in assessments on more than 29,000 parcels.
However, PACE loans through the PACE Funding Agency are not offered in 42 out of Florida’s 67 counties.
Ortiz said there was no way he could afford the solar power system without financing.
“We didn’t have... still don’t have... $40,000 or $50,000 to pay for the system,” he said.
Ortiz thought he was approved for the loan when Volt Solar employees installed solar panels.
Under the terms outlined in his loan application, Ortiz would pay the money back over 30 years.
According to the PACE Home Run loan document, he would not owe a payment until his tax bill came due in November 2024.
But months after the solar panels were installed, Ortiz learned his financing never came through.
Now, his house could be sold on the courthouse steps.
Tax collector warns homeowners
“It’s very appealing. In fact, it’s too appealing,” Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano says of the Florida PACE program.
“They’re not gonna get it paid off. And the money that they may... I emphasize the word “may” ... save in their electric bill will never be enough to pay off that loan over the next 30 years,” Fasano said.
Ortiz estimates his solar panels are saving him about $150 a month in energy costs.
His PACE Home Run financing application shows a $41,500 loan would add $2,632 to his property tax bill.
That would add an extra $219 to his house payment each month.
According to the PACE Funding Agency document, Ortiz would have paid $81,715 in assessments over 30 years.
At $150 a month, it would take him 544 months... or 45 years...to save that much money.
But according to the U.S. Department of Energy, the expected lifespan of his solar panels is 20-to-30 years.
In Highlands County, where Ortiz lives, PACE loans are not available to residential customers.
Fasano requires signed disclosures for PACE loans in Pasco County, where they are allowed.
“We do it because we want to make sure they really understand what they’re getting themselves into,” Fasano says of the disclosures.
The document includes the estimated assessment amount, interest rates and other terms of the loans.
“The customer must sign it, the PACE provider must sign it. The contractor has to sign it. No work can be done by that contractor who’s contracted with a PACE provider, until we receive that,” Fasano said.
Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s Offices Feature “Cindy’s Pets: Helping Seniors & Their Pets” as the Charitable Giving Campaign
for the Month of March
Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices will feature Cindy’s Pets: Helping Seniors & Their Pets as the charitable organization for the month of March 2025. Cindy’s Pets works with Pasco County’s Senior Services Program to provide food for the pets of seniors in need, in particular recipients of the Meals on Wheels program.
“The goal of Cindy’s Pets is to provide good nutritional food for animals, thereby enabling the elderly to enjoy their own meals with the knowledge that their pets are also well-fed,” comments Dr. Missy Nurrenbrock, Founder of Cindy’s Pets. “Your donation will go towards purchasing, packing, and delivering over 2,000 pounds of pet food each month. This food will feed over 300 pets of seniors who live in Pasco County.”
“Cindy’s Pets fills in a gap that is not filled by other senior programs,” states Tax Collector Mike Fasano. “Recipients of the Meals on Wheels program need help due to their limited
income. Too many participants share their food with their pets, leaving precious little for themselves. Cindy’s Pets ensures that both owner and pet have plenty of food to eat. Our office is looking forward to once again supporting this local charity that helps many people but receives little fanfare. Please consider donating to this important program to help our seniors!”
For more information about Cindy’s Pets: Helping Seniors & Their Petsplease visit the website: https://www.cindyspets. org/ 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 Donations may be made online at 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.
Land O’ Lakes Nonprofit to Host FREE Prom Dance...
“Dance
your Dream” Celebrates People 14 years & Older Who Are Living with Disabilities
Hope Services, a nonprofit organization connecting students and adults living with disabilities with careers and job-training opportunities, will host a free Prom Dance at the Wesley Chapel District Park from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Hope Services offers interactive instruction and nationally recognized vocational certifications for youth and adults who live with disabilities. These programs include Culinary Arts and Food Safety (Servsafe), Construction (NCCER), Customer Services in Retail and Hospitality. Career Camps are also offered during school breaks for High School Students.
In conjunction with Vocational Rehabilitation, a State sponsored program, Hope Services is committed to delivering a high quality and diverse curriculum that equips participants and affords them options for meaningful employment. They understand that given the proper motivation, training, and opportunities, the lives of hundreds of people living with disabilities will change forever, while making Florida’s business community more productive and profitable. As part of their motivation and in celebration of our differences, they have created “Dance your Dream.”
All net proceeds from the dance will go directly to their clients through our scholarship fund that aids people who do not have access to any other funding sources. This will allow participants to enroll in their vocational certification and work readiness classes.
Who: Hope Services
What: Free Prom Dance – “Dance your Dream”
When: Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Where: Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road, Wesley Chapel, FL
Why: To celebrate people 14-years and older living with disabilities
Participation is FREE but registration is required. For more information and to register, go to https://hopegetsjobs.com/ dance/#registration or call 813.907.3731.
Members of the media interested in attending are asked to RSVP with Toyita Rivera, who can be contacted at office@hopegetsjobs. com or 813-907-3731.
About Hope Services
Hope Services is an organization that provides life skills and vocational training for people living with disabilities and members with barriers and struggling in our community. We work in partnership with Florida Vocational Rehabilitation and United Way to help individuals build confidence in their skills and realize their talents to find satisfactory work and gain independence. Hope Services is located at: 5426 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, FL serves all west-central Florida
