KEEPING THE NEWS LOCAL & THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED.
OCTOBER 2026
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VOLUME 7 EDITION 10
Avalon Park Common Opens in Downtown Wesley Chapel Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has a new and work where people can gather and connect,” place to gather. said Beat Kahli, founder and chief executive officer of Avalon Park Group. “Avalon Park Common will Residents, families and guests filled the new be exactly that for Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. It is downtown park on Friday, Sept. 25, for its grand especially meaningful that the name came from a opening celebration. The evening featured live member of our community. This park belongs to the music, local vendors and activities for all ages. As community, and we look forward to filling it with the sun went down, a light installation by Memoir farmers markets, festivals, music, and celebrations Agency lit the park’s oak trees in color, which will for many years to come.” remain through the month of October. The grand opening is only the start. A bandshell is scheduled to open at Avalon Park Common in early 2027 and will give the park a permanent home for live music and performances. Until then, the park’s calendar is already filling up. The farmers market will start back up again for the fall on the second and fourth Saturday of every month, beginning October 10th. A Fall Festival with Higher Growth Journey is planned for Saturday, Oct. 17. And on Saturday, Nov. 21, the park will host the two-year anniversary celebration of ISI Elite Training, a downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel business. More seasonal events will be announced in the coming months.
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During the celebration, Avalon Park Group (APG) announced the winner of its Name the Park Contest. The park will be known as Avalon Park Common, a name inspired by a submission from community member Desiree Gutierrez.
Avalon Park Common is the newest addition to a growing downtown that brings daily life within walking distance for Avalon Park Wesley Chapel residents. With a park at its center, downtown now has a shared front yard for the whole community: a place to spend a Saturday morning at the market, an afternoon with the kids or an evening under the lights.
For Gutierrez, the name says what the park is meant to be. She explained that a “commons” has traditionally been “a place where neighbors gather, children play, and the community comes together.” “I think it reflects Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s vision of creating a welcoming place for families, friends, and future generations to make memories,” Gutierrez said.
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That idea matches the vision behind the park. APG designed it as a “third place,” a gathering spot outside of home and work where neighbors can For more information on news and events in meet, linger and get to know one another. downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, email info@AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com. “At Avalon Park Group, we believe every great town needs meaningful third places, spaces beyond home See more pictures on page 4.
LIVE Coffee with Beat
My father in Switzerland is in good physical health, but he is living with memory loss. For me and my family, this is something very personal.
Many of you have similar experiences. A parent, a spouse, a friend or a neighbor begins to have difficulty with their memory. Families find themselves facing questions they may never have considered before. What comes next? Where can we find help? How can we best care for someone we love?
This October, our Avalon Park team is participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s as the beginning of a much larger effort. Wherever we live, there are opportunities to support this cause and help families find the resources they need. Over the next year, we will be working to connect our partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association to Avalon Park events and festivals. In Wesley Chapel, our growing calendar of community gatherings gives us opportunities to bring people together around causes that matter.
A family enjoying a festival may also learn where to turn for help with a parent’s memory loss. A local business may find a way to support fundraising. A resident may learn more about brain health and steps that can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. These These questions matter to me as a son. They also are practical ways our community can contribute. matter to us at Avalon Park Group. Over the years, I have learned that good partnerships At Encore, our Assisted Living and Memory Care begin with shared values and grow through people community in Avalon Park Orlando, approximately willing to do the work. The Alzheimer’s Association two-thirds of our residents live with memory brings knowledge, resources and a commitment to this disorders. Our team cares for these residents and cause. Avalon Park Wesley Chapel brings residents, works alongside their families every day. We see how businesses and organizations who are helping shape a much patience, understanding and dedication this community where neighbors care about one another. requires. We also see how important it is for caregivers I believe we can accomplish a great deal together. to have support themselves. Those experiences help guide how we think about I invite you to support the Alzheimer’s Association all our communities, including Avalon Park Wesley and look for opportunities to participate throughout the coming year. You can walk, donate, volunteer or Chapel. help us bring more people into the conversation. Our vision is to create towns where people can live, learn, work and play throughout the different For my father, for our residents at Encore and for the stages of life. As Wesley Chapel grows, so does our many families facing these challenges, I am grateful responsibility to understand and respond to the needs that our Avalon Park communities can be part of this of the people who call it home. That includes families effort. facing memory disorders and caregivers who may be our neighbors, coworkers or friends. That is why I am pleased that Avalon Park Group is building a lasting partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. I recently joined the Association’s board. My father is one of the reasons for this commitment. Our residents at Encore and their families are another. We believe in this organization and its work. Research is essential if we are going to make progress against Alzheimer’s disease. At the same time, people living with memory disorders and their caregivers need information, guidance and care today. Both deserve our attention and support. *Some content in this publication is generated using AI.
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Pasco Tax Collector’s Five Offices to Collect Donations for Sunrise of Pasco’s Domestic & Sexual Violence Center’s Pet Retreat Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices will be collecting donations in October to assist Sunrise of Pasco’s Domestic & Sexual Violence Center’ Pet Retreat. The mission of Sunrise of Pasco is to end domestic and sexual violence by providing prevention and intervention services to those in need. The purpose of the retreat is so that victims of domestic and/ or sexual violence will have a safe place to bring their pets when they seek shelter from their abuser. Abusers often threaten or harm pets as a means of control, using them to manipulate victims into staying. The Pet Retreat is a safe haven which empowers victims to seek help without leaving their beloved pets behind.
mothers, their children, and their pets, right here in Pasco County. With the Pet Retreat as another tool to help survivors find safety without worrying about the security of a beloved pet, more victims will have the opportunity to escape what could be a deadly life with an abuser. We applaud Sunrise of Pasco for the excellent work and fine reputation they have earned over the years.”
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“Thank you to Mike Fasano, the entire Tax Collector pasco/tc-gives/donate Donations may also be mailed team, and our community members for standing with to: Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, survivors,” comments Kelly Sinn, CEO of Sunrise Dade City FL 33526-0276. of Pasco. “Much gratitude to the Pasco County Tax Collector’ Office for selecting Sunrise of Pasco as the The Charity-of-the-Month program is a year-round October beneficiary of Pasco TC Gives charitable giving effort to bring as much attention to as many charities, program. We are honored to be featured once again as both big and small, who serve those in need or are less the Charity of the Month!” fortunate. For more information about the charitable giving program at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s “Sunrise of Pasco has made a positive impact on our Office please contact Assistant Tax Collector Greg community for decades,” remarks Tax Collector Mike Giordano at 727-847-8179 or visit www.pascotaxes. Fasano. “Our office is honored to once again help com For more information about services provided at advance their efforts by including Sunrise of Pasco as Sunrise of Pasco please call Kelly Sinn, CEO of Sunrise part of our Charity-of-the-Month program. We know of Pasco at 352-521-3358. that every dollar raised will be spent to help families,
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Avalon Park Commons Grand Opening Artist, Sally Yoder, led an Art Pop-Up
Saxaphone Player, Jarryd Dollard, Brought the Tunes and Vibes!
Resident Luke ready to open the park!
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Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s Offices Raised $9,780 for Pasco Fire Rescue’s Annual “Boot Drive” for the Muscular Dystrophy Association Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices featured Pasco Fire Rescue’s Annual “Boot Drive” as the charitable organization for the month of August. $9,780.94 was raised during this promotional effort. This annual event benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), which is a key organization supported by Pasco Fire Rescue/ Firefighters Charities of Pasco County. “It was an honor to assist Pasco Fire Rescue once again with the annual MDA Boot Drive,” comments Tax Collector Mike Fasano. “In the past our staff and a very generous community have come together to support this important organization. The “Boot Drive” is something that dates to my youth when firefighters would stand at street corners and collect donations from passing motorists. It was a blessing that we were able to devote an entire month to helping raise funds for the MDA. It is always wonderful when public servants get behind a charity and commit to it as the Pasco Fire Rescue members have done and continue to do. We are proud to assist Pasco’s first responders as they work tirelessly to help fund research and treatment for individuals afflicted with this dreaded disease.”
“A huge thank you to Tax Collector Mike Fasano for once again partnering with Firefighters Charities of Pasco County to help raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA),” remarks Lisa Brekke, Director of Firefighters Charities of Pasco. “We are incredibly grateful for your continued support and commitment to helping make a difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by muscular dystrophy and related diseases. Year after year, this partnership proves what can happen when our community comes together for a great cause. We are proud to stand alongside you and our amazing firefighters as we continue to support MDA and the incredible work they do. Thank you, Mr. Fasano, and staff, for always answering the call and helping us make a difference!” 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 For more information about Pasco Fire Rescue/ Pasco Firefighters Charities please contact Lisa Brekke at (813) 244-8619.
Pasco EDC Honors Michael J. Sierra With 2026 Leadership Award Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) is hosting the 38th Annual Awards on October 1, 2026. This year, the Pasco EDC Policy Council has selected Mr. Michael J. Sierra as the 2026 Leadership Award recipient. The Leadership Award recognizes an individual in economic development who has had a remarkable impact on Pasco County and our community.
through which he has supported dozens of local and national nonprofit organizations, including the YMCA, Pasco Education Foundation, and local hospitals including AdventHealth and BayCare. He has also served as a board member of First Tee of Tampa Bay and Academy Prep Tampa. Sierra is the son of Mary and Bob Sierra, brother to Stuart and John “Hi” Sierra, and father of Michael Sierra Jr. Outside of his professional and philanthropic work, he enjoys Michael J. Sierra is a Tampa native and graduate spending time with his two dogs, Lolly and Chica. of Berkeley Preparatory School. After attending Florida State University, Sierra began his career in “It is an honor to recognize Michael Sierra as this year’s the insurance industry as an account executive before recipient of the Pasco EDC Leadership Award,” said joining the Jack Nicklaus Development Corporation Bill Cronin, President/CEO of Pasco EDC. “Michael’s in 1985 as a construction manager. He has worked decades of experience in land development, including in land development ever since, building more than his significant contributions to Cypress Creek Town three decades of experience on projects throughout Center and the growth of Pasco County, have made Florida and across the country. Among his most a lasting impact on our community. His leadership notable work is Cypress Creek Town Center in Pasco extends well beyond his professional accomplishments County, a major development that has helped shape through his commitment to supporting local the county’s growth and commercial landscape. Sierra organizations, education and initiatives that has also been involved with prominent Tampa Bay- strengthen the communities he serves.” area developments including Avila, Tampa Palms and Lakeview Village, as well as projects in Illinois A video tribute will be shown during the awards and Georgia. Throughout his career, he has served on program on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the Pasconumerous property owner boards, often acting as a Hernando State College Instructional Performing Arts liaison between developers and property owners. Center. If you would like to attend, reserve your spot now, registration closes soon, event webpage can be Sierra is a director of the Sierra Family Foundation, found here.
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Where future nurses grow: AdventHealth Tampa opens its first Dedicated Education Unit Six AdventHealth University nursing unit nurses actively helped them develop students officially began learning on the clinical skills and supported them in taking Neuro Progressive Care Unit at AdventHealth ownership of their learning. Tampa, as the hospital’s first Dedicated Education Unit opened. “AdventHealth is committed to strengthening the nursing workforce pipeline,” said Charity Through this Dedicated Education Unit, each Carlisle, chief nursing officer of AdventHealth student is paired with a nurse mentor and Tampa. “This is one innovative way we can works an entire shift alongside the nurse each help prepare the next generation of nurses. week for a trimester. This steady mentorship Our nurse leaders and I are thrilled to see allows students to build skills, ask questions students learning and gaining confidence on in real time, and better understand the day- this unit.” to-day work of caring for patients in the hospital. Instead of rotating between units This is the second DEU in the AdventHealth or instructors, students remain with the West Florida Division. The first, a same nurse, creating trust, consistency, and collaboration between AdventHealth a stronger learning experience. Zephyrhills, AdventHealth Dade City and Saint Leo University, opened in 2024. A total of 27 DEUs are in operation throughout AdventHealth, several of them collaborations with AdventHealth University. To learn more about AdventHealth University’s nursing degrees, visit ahu.edu. About AdventHealth University AdventHealth University (AHU) is a leader in health care education, transforming the science and practice of whole-person care and developing professionals with uncommon compassion. The university seeks to develop skilled professionals who live the healing values of Christ and AdventHealth University Tampa students and leaders join with Adventworks in collaboration with AdventHealth to Health Tampa leaders to celebrate the opening of the Dedicated Education effectively extend His healing ministry. With Unit. (Photo Courtesy: AdventHealth University) sites in Orlando, Tampa, and Denver, AHU offers certificate, undergraduate, graduate, and “This immersive experience allows for a online programs, including Biomedical Sciences, smooth transition from student to professional Nursing, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, practice,” said Jozie Gold, PhD, MSN-Ed, RN, Health Sciences, Medical Lab Sciences, Nurse assistant dean of nursing for AdventHealth Anesthesia, Occupational Therapy, Nuclear University. “We are so grateful our students Medicine, Healthcare Administration, Physician have found a clinical home where they can Assistant, Physical Therapy, Spiritual Care and learn, build relationships and practice whole- Radiography. person care.” About AdventHealth Patients also can benefit from the extra AdventHealth is a faith-based not-for-profit support at the bedside. health care system with the mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ. With 14 hospitals, Research in the Journal of Nursing Education urgent care centers, wound care, home care and and Practice shows that nursing students hundreds of primary and specialty physicians, the in DEUs report higher confidence and West Florida Division of AdventHealth is using stronger readiness for practice than students leading leading-edge technology and innovation in traditional clinical placements. Students to deliver whole-person care to the surrounding assigned to DEUs were more likely to say communities.
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Coming together to create a healthy community
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