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Celebrating Local Legends and a Fresh Fall in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel
Each month, the Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Sun shares stories that connect us as neighbors and celebrate the people and places that make our town unique. This September, our theme is Local Legends—a time to highlight the leaders, organizations, and businesses that inspire us and strengthen the fabric of our community.
We began the season with a joyful Back to School Bash, hosted in partnership with Collide Community Church. Families came together for a day of fun with the Game Changers Mobile Gaming Truck, food trucks, vendors, and kids’ activities. Thanks to the generosity of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and the Bay Area Renaissance Festival, more than 300 school supply bags were placed into the hands of local students. Smaya Peterson of Collide Community Church reflected on the day, saying, “We are beyond grateful for the chance to partner with Avalon Park for our Back-to-School Bash. By God’s grace, we were able to bless over 300 students and families from Wesley Chapel and surrounding areas with what they needed. At Collide Community Church, our heart is for the community, and this is just the beginning — we plan to continue creating spaces like this where families can be supported, encouraged, and reminded of God’s love. All glory belongs to Him!” Their partnership is a true example of Local Legends at work—neighbors and organizations stepping forward to make a lasting impact.
September also brings exciting new beginnings. VetCheck Pet Urgent Care Center has officially opened its doors in Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, providing trusted care for pets right in the heart of our community. Families can now find peace of mind knowing help for their four-legged companions is close to home.
Another favorite making its return this fall is the Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Farmers Market, presented by Florida Penguin Productions. Now held twice a month on the first and third Saturdays, the market transforms Downtown into a lively hub of fresh produce, handmade goods, local treats, and live music. It is the perfect Saturday morning outing—whether you are shopping for
seasonal produce, meeting a neighbor for coffee, or supporting a local artisan.
And that is only the beginning. Inside this edition, you will find stories about the exciting growth of our first commercial building, Downtown 1, which marks a new chapter in our town’s development. You will also read updates from Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel High School as the school year begins, and a feature on the Game Changers Mobile Gaming Experience, a family-owned business that is reimagining what community fun can look like.
As Avalon Park Wesley Chapel continues to grow, we remain grounded in what makes this community special—our people. From new businesses opening their doors to churches, schools, and families investing in one another, this edition reflects the heart of a place where Local Legends are made, and where everyone truly belongs.
Do you know a Local Legend we should highlight in a future edition? Email Info@AvalonParkSun. com and share their story.
Coffee with Beat
group of companies has been selling a great deal of holdings, and some of those transactions have been making headlines around the globe.
My first reaction to comments about my retirement (and being in my early 60’s I took the hint) was: retirement is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible! And no, I am not planning on it for many years to come.
As the CEO of sitEX, Switzerland and US, former President and largest shareholder of VOXX International, CEO and owner of Avalon Park Group, together with a dedicated team, I have been active on 4 continents (America, Europe, Asia and Australia) over the last decade and more.
APG and affiliates indeed have been mostly on the selling side of companies, projects and buildings over the last year. Over more than 3 decades as an entrepreneur I learned, there is a time to buy, a time to hold and a time to sell.
However, there is another reason for some of the transactions: COMING HOME, home to Avalon Park!
I grew up in Zurich, Switzerland, almost 5,000 miles away from Avalon Park Orlando. I love Zurich and I love Switzerland. However, over the last decades AVALON PARK ORLANDO became the town, where I feel the most at home.
Nearly 200 Avalon Park Group team members work right here in Downtown Avalon Park—at Avalon Park Group, Encore, The 5th Floor, the Marketplace, and the Gym. We have learned so much while expanding worldwide, but one conviction has grown stronger than ever: our greatest strengths—our people, capital, and experience—are meant for Central Florida.
Across our many local projects, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel stands out right now. It is truly “on fire.” Downtown One, a beautiful mixed-use building with apartments above retail, has opened its doors. Nearly 1,000 homes—from single-family to townhomes, cottages, and apartments—are currently under construction in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, along with a new high school. The scale of building we are seeing here rivals the boom of 2005.
We are also proud partners with Academica, based out of Miami, in charter schools in Orlando, Wesley Chapel, and Tavares—all rated A schools. Their popularity is clear—with waiting lists in some locations exceeding 2,000 students.
Encore, our assisted-living community in Avalon Park Orlando, was recently voted Best Assisted Living Community in Orlando. We are now in our 11th year of operations and continue to thrive.
With over 30 ventures in Central Florida, I can assure you there is never a dull moment at APG.
Stay tuned….there is still much more to come.
The Avalon Park Sun is published by Avalon Park Group.
PUBLISHER
Beat Kahli EDITOR
Stephanie Lerret
ART
DIRECTOR Kenzie Farrish
3801 Avalon Park East Blvd. #400 Orlando, FL 32828 www.AvalonParkSun.com
Living The Flats at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel:
More Than Just a Home, It’s a Community
When you choose to live at The Flats at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, you’re not just finding a place to call home—you’re joining a community that truly cares about its residents. From events that bring neighbors together to being located right upstairs from your favorite gym or restaurant, The Flats is all about creating an atmosphere where families, professionals, and individuals can thrive.
This August, as families prepared for the back-toschool season, The Flats celebrated with a special Resident Appreciation Breakfast. It was a wonderful way to kick off the school year and show support for our residents. Families and children gathered to enjoy Chick-fil-A breakfast sandwiches and received goodie bags filled with school essentials. The event not only provided a delicious meal but also offered an opportunity for families to connect with neighbors and start the year on a positive note. These are the kinds of thoughtful touches that make life at The Flats stand out.
Another highlight of living at The Flats is the community’s proximity to top-rated, A-rated schools in Wesley Chapel. Families love the peace of mind that comes with knowing their children have access to some of the best education in the area—all just
minutes from home. Being so close to excellent schools means less time commuting and more time together as a family.
But beyond the events and location, it’s the everyday conveniences that make life here so special. With shops, dining, and services located just downstairs, residents can enjoy the ease of modern living without ever needing to get in the car. One resident shared: “We love living at The Flats. The building itself is brand new, living above restaurants and shops is so convenient, and we are able to walk to my kids’ school!”
This sense of convenience combined with a strong, welcoming community is what makes The Flats at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel more than just an apartment—it’s a lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a new home in Wesley Chapel, we invite you to come see for yourself what makes our community so unique. Schedule a tour today and let us show you around our beautiful property. Whether you’re raising a family, starting a new chapter, or simply looking for a place where convenience and community meet, The Flats at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is the perfect place to call home.
Making a Move: Here Are Key Factors to Consider for a Smooth City Transition
Moving to a new city can feel like jumping into a parallel universe. Streets are unfamiliar, routines must be rebuilt, and your social safety net may feel out of reach. At the same time, the promise of fresh opportunity often outweighs the nerves. Still, preparation is everything. From balancing your budget to choosing the right neighborhood and building community, the decisions you make before and after arrival can determine whether the transition feels chaotic or empowering.
Financial Realities to Measure
Every relocation comes with hidden costs, and those who underestimate them often feel the pinch months later. Rent deposits and movers are only part of the story. Think about utilities, transit passes, parking permits, and even the price of groceries in your new zip code. Some newcomers discover that budget surprises after relocating—like higher insurance rates or municipal fees—quickly add up and strain their plans. Laying out a twelve-month financial roadmap before signing any lease helps you avoid being blindsided by costs that rarely show up in glossy moving checklists.
Climate and Lifestyle Fit
It’s tempting to focus only on job offers or rental listings when evaluating a new city, but your long-term happiness may hinge on environmental factors. If you’re used to dry heat and suddenly land in a humid coastal town, your day-to-day comfort will shift dramatically. Beyond temperature, the conversation increasingly includes resilience. Experts recommend choosing regions safer from climate threats, since flooding, fires, or extreme heat can not only disrupt your lifestyle but also affect property values and insurance premiums. Pairing climate research with personal lifestyle preferences ensures you’re not only moving but moving smartly.
Career Growth During Transition
A move often sparks reflection on what direction you want your life to take, making it an ideal moment to reevaluate your professional path. Starting fresh in a new city can be more than just finding housing and new routines—it can also be a launchpad for personal reinvention. Some people choose this time to pursue new passions through education, leaning on the flexibility of online study to balance coursework with the demands of settling in. Enrolling in a flexible healthcare degree program allows you to keep momentum in your career while adjusting to your new surroundings. With healthcare as your focus, the skills you gain can empower you to make a meaningful impact on the well-being of individuals and families in your community.
Community and Relationships
Landing in a city without friends can be disorienting, but relationship-building doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Sometimes, the smallest routines create the strongest bonds. One new arrival discovered that consistency at one cafe resulted in friendships, turning casual barista chats into real community ties. Regularity signals to others that you’re invested in the place, and it permits them to invest back. Beyond cafes, joining neighborhood volunteer projects or fitness classes can speed up integration. The
key is showing up (again and again) until familiarity blooms into friendship.
Daily Access Essentials
Once you’ve unpacked the basics, spend your first week learning where essential services are located. Emergencies don’t wait for Google Maps. Identify grocery stores, banks, pharmacies, and health care providers before you need them. Urban planners point out that newcomers who find hospitals, pharmacies, and transit stops quickly often feel much safer in their first months. A quick exploration day also helps you memorize routes while also learning traffic rhythms and public transit options. Treat it as a personal scavenger hunt: where to buy dinner ingredients and how to catch the quickest bus to downtown.
Urban Comfort & Walkability
A city’s character often reveals itself at ground level. Beyond the skyline and transit lines, ask yourself: can you get your daily needs within a short walk? Walkability influences not only health but also social flow and convenience. Researchers studying residential patterns note that communities thrive when walking stays safe and easy, with sidewalks, lighting, and mixed-use zoning that make errands practical without a car. Before you commit to a lease, spend a few days moving through the area on foot. Notice how it feels after dark, how drivers treat crosswalks, and how far you must walk for groceries or coffee. Walkable neighborhoods often support tighter communities, making them especially attractive for those seeking connection.
New Experiences & Social Flow
Perhaps the most overlooked factor in relocation is attitude. You may have financials locked down and an apartment near transit, but without openness, you risk isolation. Integration requires vulnerability. Saying yes to invitations—even when you’re tired or uncertain— creates the momentum that helps you belong. Locals who emphasize that saying yes can unlock faster connections highlight how new residents accelerate friendships when they lean into opportunities. That could mean attending a street fair, joining a community cleanup, or striking up conversations with neighbors in the elevator. Over time, these micro-choices accumulate into a sense of belonging.
Moving to a new city is more than unpacking boxes; it’s re-engineering your life. The financial unknowns, the climate shifts, the challenge of finding belonging—all demand foresight and flexibility. What eases the transition isn’t luck, but preparation paired with an open mindset. Map your budget honestly, consider environmental and lifestyle realities, locate daily essentials quickly, and prioritize community over comfort zones. Add to that a willingness to say yes, and you’ll discover that a daunting relocation can transform into one of the most rewarding chapters of your life.
Discover the vibrant community of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, where you can live, learn, work, and play in a setting that blends traditional charm with modern convenience.
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AdventHealth
Hospitals Earn Top Rankings Across the West Florida Division from U.S. News & World Report
As the demand for trusted, highquality care grows across Florida, three hospitals in the AdventHealth West Florida Division have been ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals, a national recognition that highlights the lifesaving care and clinical excellence patients rely on every day.
United Kingdom Defense Technology Company Opens Pasco County, Florida Location
Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) is thrilled to welcome Smytec, Inc. (Smytec) to Pasco County, Florida. Smytec specializes in advanced forensic imaging technologies that empower crime scene investigators with innovative, non-contact solutions. Their product, BlindSite Scene (BlindSite), utilizes cutting edge technology and was developed to assist in capturing and analyzing crime scene evidence.
Smytec is headquartered in Market Harborough, England and has been interested in expanding operations into the United States to increase their global footprint and continue their mission of bringing BlindSite to key stakeholders in forensic imaging. Smytec representatives attended the SOF Week conference in Tampa, Florida in May, where Pasco EDC met with them and discussed the resources that were available to assist in expanding their business in Pasco County.
“We are incredibly proud to have located in Pasco County and been the beneficiaries of the SMARTLandings Program. This innovative project for attracting international talent to the region demonstrates exactly why it was a natural choice for Smytec’s expansion. With various military and defense agencies on the doorstep, and SOF Week now a staple on Smytec’s annual calendar, Pasco County offers a strategic location for us to grow. We are genuinely excited about our partnership with Pasco EDC and look forward to engaging with local stakeholders, and customers, not just in the Tampa Bay area, but across the U.S.” stated Dr. Alexander Smyth, CEO, Smytec.
Smyth conducted four years of experimental research in
collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and U.S. Law enforcement, working to validate BlindSite’s capabilities. This work shows BlindSite to be one of the most advanced technologies capable of recovering fingermarks from post-blast IEDs, providing a huge advancement in this critical area of public safety, view demo video here
The company utilized the Pasco EDC SMARTLandings program to open their first U.S. location in the SMARTstart @ the Grove Entrepreneur Center in Wesley Chapel. The SMARTLandings program helps international ventures quickly establish a presence in one of the fastest growing markets in the country and develop knowledge domains and business relationships within the Tampa Bay region. Since establishing operations, Pasco EDC has facilitated introductions with local business resource partners such as the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and its Florida’s Forensic Institute for Research, Security, and Tactics (F1RST) program.
“Pasco EDC is proud to offer the SMARTLandings program which gives companies like Smytec the ability to establish operations in a physical location in the United States before building out their own facility. With United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), and United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) nearby Pasco County is the perfect location for them to build and grow their presence,” shared Bill Cronin, CEO, Pasco EDC. “The innovative technology that Smytec has developed will only continue to advance and we are happy to help them on their growth journey.”
Tax Collector Mike Fasano Will Sponsor the Gulf Coast JFCS’s “Heart Gallery” as the September Charity-of the Month
Tax Collector Mike Fasano announces that the five Pasco County Tax Collector’s Offices will be collecting donations to support the Gulf Coast JFCS’s “Heart Gallery.” The mission of the Heart Gallery is to support children in the foster care system to find their forever families during every step of the process. All funds raised during the month of September will be dedicated to foster care services provided in Pasco County only.
“The Heart Gallery is dedicated to finding permanent, nurturing homes for children in foster care,” comments Rosemarie Richardson, Heart Gallery Program Director. “With every gift made through Pasco TC Gives, you help open the door to love, security, and family for a child who needs it most.”
“Children in foster care face unique challenges that most other children do not,” comments Tax Collector Mike Fasano. “The Heart Gallery provides care and services
that help foster children work their way through the foster care process. Please consider donating to help these vulnerable children receive important help and support.”
Donations 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 335260276.
For more information about the charitable giving programs at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office please contact Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179 or visit www.pascotaxes.com. For more information about “The Heart Gallery” please contact Communications Manager Hana Cowart at 727-503-7856.
PLAY
Coming together to create a healthy community
Elevate Your Event with Game-Changers Mobile Gaming Experience!
Game-Changers Mobile Gaming Experience is excited to invite the Pasco community to take their gatherings to the next level with an unforgettable mobile gaming experience. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, family gathering, community event, or corporate engagement, Game-Changers MGX has everything you need to redefine the way you celebrate.
Based in Pasco, Game-Changers MGX is a family-owned business committed to fun, learning, and growth through innovative gaming technology. They welcome gamers of all ages to enjoy shared experiences that foster connections and creativity.
It consists of a mobile gaming lounge equipped with the latest gaming consoles, including PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch, all featuring 4K TVs and theaterquality sound. Additionally, soon GameChangers MGX will expand their offerings to exciting immersive experiences with racing simulators and virtual reality technology.
“We believe that in today’s fast-paced, competitive world, real “wins” come from the relationships and supportive networks
that we build,” said Christian Rivera Blas, Owner & General Manager. “Our goal is not only to entertain, but to create lasting memories, share the enthusiasm for gaming, and encourage our gamers to explore career paths gaming and other technologies within a collaborative environment.”
Game-Changers MGX also supports local events, from school fundraisers to corporate team-building activities, enhancing every occasion with their mobile gaming setup.
In 2023, over 3 billion people played video games across multiple platforms. In 2025, the video game market is projected to surpass $235 billion, representing nearly 5% increase from 2024. With these stats, Games-Changers is well positioned to offer Pasco a piece of the gaming experience.
Stay connected with Game-Changers MGX! Follow them on Instagram @ gamechangersmgx for updates on events and initiatives. For reservations and more information about Game-Changers Mobile Gaming Experience, visit www. gamechangersmgx.com or reach out at info@ gamechangersmgx.com.
