KEEPING THE NEWS LOCAL & THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED.
JANUARY 2026
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COMMUNITY UPDATES
VOLUME 7 EDITION 1
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel: A Year of Connection, Creativity, and Community
As 2025 comes to a close and we embark on 2026, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel reflects on a year marked by growth, collaboration, and meaningful moments that brought neighbors together. From large-scale festivals to small, creative gatherings, this past year showcased what makes this community special: people showing up for one another and building something lasting together.
athletes to learn teamwork, confidence, and sportsmanship. Meanwhile, the Saturday Market, produced in partnership with Florida Penguin Productions, became a favorite biweekly tradition—offering residents a chance to support local vendors, discover handmade goods, and enjoy time outdoors with neighbors.
Community collaboration continued Throughout the year, Downtown Avalon to define Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Park Wesley Chapel served as a hub in 2025. Local organizations, schools, for festivals and seasonal celebrations artists, and businesses worked together that welcomed families, friends, and to create experiences that felt welcoming, visitors from across the region. These inclusive, and uniquely local. Each events were complemented by a event, workshop, and gathering added growing lineup of art workshops and another layer to the sense of place that cultural programming, many made continues to grow here. possible through partnerships with the Zephyrhills Art Club, whose artists Looking ahead to 2026, excitement is helped inspire creativity across all ages. already building. This spring will bring several major milestones, including the opening of Dunkin’ Donuts, the long-anticipated connection of Avalon Park Boulevard to the residential neighborhoods, the opening of Pinecrest High School, and the debut of Town Park—all projects that will further enhance daily life and connectivity within the community.
Youth and family engagement also remained a cornerstone of community life. Soccer programming with the YMCA brought energy to the fields, creating opportunities for young
As Avalon Park Wesley Chapel prepares for the year ahead, residents can look forward to a full 2026 event calendar, new activities, and continued opportunities to connect, create, and celebrate together. Stay tuned for what is next—because the story of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is only just beginning.
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Coffee with Beat - Happy New Year! Exactly 30 years ago, on December 30, 1995, I was reading the front page of the Orlando Sentinel business section about a young man preparing to build a new town from scratch along the banks of the Econlockhatchee River in East Orange County.
Those last words, every aspect thereof, are essential to how we approach Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.
I had just arrived from Switzerland to marry Jill, who was born in Detroit and living in Fort Lauderdale at the time, and I was ready to build a town where people could truly live, learn, work, and play. That town became Avalon Park. What followed has been a 30-year journey that continues to evolve.
As Avalon Park Wesley Chapel continues to grow, questions naturally arise. What is next? How does this fit into the bigger picture?
I was that young man.
They are reflected in the thoughtful planning of neighborhoods, the creation of gathering places, and the long-term commitment to amenities, businesses, and programming that support everyday life. From residential and mixeduse development to community events, local partnerships, and future opportunities still to come, our focus remains on building a place that feels complete, connected, and enduring.
The answer is rooted in the same philosophy that guided us 30 years ago. We believe in places that foster connection, encourage local engagement, and stand the test of time. We take pride in Over those three decades, Avalon Park Group, being directly involved and invested, not just also known as APG, has worked on projects as builders, but as long-term stewards of the across Florida, Switzerland, and around the community. world. What began in East Orlando has grown into something much larger, including the Thank you for being part of the Avalon Park continued development of Avalon Park Wesley Wesley Chapel story. I look forward to continuing Chapel, where that same vision is taking shape this journey together in the year ahead. for a new generation of residents, families, and businesses. Happy New Year. While our headquarters remains in Avalon Park Orlando, the heart of APG is not defined by a single address. It lives in every community we help create, including right here in Wesley Chapel. Many people know APG as a developer, and while that is not incorrect, it does not fully describe who we are. We are different from a conventional real estate developer. Our mission, as stated on our website, is “to change the way the world lives, learns, works, and plays through creating healthy, sustainable communities and every aspect thereof.” *Some content in this publication is generated using AI.
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Start the New Year in a New Home at The Flats Wesley Chapel January is a season of fresh starts, new goals, and setting the tone for the year ahead. At The Flats Wesley Chapel, there is no better time to turn those intentions into reality by upgrading your living space and settling into a home designed for comfort, convenience, and connection.
built around walkability and convenience, with easy access to local dining, events, and everyday essentials in Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. It is a place where neighbors become familiar faces and where home feels connected to the larger community around it.
Now offering spacious two-bedroom, two-bathroom and three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment homes, The Flats Wesley Chapel provides flexible floor plans that fit a variety of lifestyles. Whether you are looking for extra room to work from home, space to grow, or simply more comfort day to day, these thoughtfully designed residences offer open layouts, modern finishes, and room to truly make yourself at home.
If one of your goals for the new year is to live better, simpler, and more comfortably, The Flats Wesley Chapel invites you to explore what is possible. Schedule your tour today and discover why starting the year at The Flats Wesley Chapel is the right move.
Visit the leasing office or explore floor plans and availability online to take advantage of this January To make your move even easier, The Flats Wesley special while it lasts. Chapel is welcoming the new year with a limitedtime offer: enjoy two months of free rent, plus *Restrictions apply. Offer subject to change. Contact waived application and administrative fees*. It is the leasing office for full details. the perfect opportunity to step into a new chapter without the usual upfront costs, making January the ideal time to move. (813) 851-4228 TheFlatsAtAvalonPark.com/wesley-chapel Beyond your front door, residents enjoy a community 4424 Friendly Wy, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543
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Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel Basketball Championship Winners!
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Love That Makes All Things New A New Year Devotional By ROSY DE LEON Higher Growth Ministries
so with confidence, knowing that you walk with a God who makes all things new… including you.
As a new year begins, it’s easy to feel pressure to reinvent ourselves, start over “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs perfectly, to fix what’s broken or finally “get up; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:19 it right.” But God invites us into something far more beautiful, not a perfect restart, but PRAYER: Lord, thank You for being the God a daily renewal of the heart, rooted in His of new beginnings. Thank You that Your transforming love. mercies are new every morning and that Your transforming love is always at work in me. God’s love does not wait for a calendar Holy Spirit, continue Your work in my heart change. It meets us every morning, every by renewing my mind, healing my soul, and moment, right where we are. shaping me into the image of Christ. Help me to release what is behind and walk with faith Scripture reminds us, “His mercies are new into the new things You are doing today and every morning.” God never grows tired of trusting the love that is still transforming me. restoring you, forgiving you, or shaping you. Amen Yesterday’s failures do not disqualify you, PERSONAL DECLARATION, Because and last year’s disappointments do not define I am in Christ, I am a new creation. God’s you. Every sunrise is God whispering, “Start transforming love is renewing me daily. I again. I’m still here. I’m still working.” release the past and walk forward in faith, trusting that He is making all things new in And He doesn’t just give you new mercies. me. He gives you new beginnings. In Christ, love does more than forgive, it recreates. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026! “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 Through the Holy Spirit, His love is constantly recreating you from the inside out, shaping your character, healing your heart, and renewing your mind. Even when progress feels slow, love is still working. Even when you feel weak, love is still strengthening you. God is not only the Creator of the universe; He is the Re-Creator of your soul. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, He works in you every minute of every day, gently forming Christ’s character within you. Even when you’ve given up on yourself, He never gives up on you. This is the miracle of transforming love: God doesn’t just repair what is broken. He recreates you, restores you, and renews you continually. And as you begin this new year, you can do
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Origin Orthodontics Anticipated to Open in Spring 2026 in Wesley Chapel Projected to open during the spring months of March or April of 2026, Origin Orthodontics is a boutique orthodontic practice bringing a personalized approach to orthodontic care in Wesley Chapel. Founded on the belief that every smile tells a story, the practice blends advanced technology with compassionate, individualized treatment designed to support both oral health and well-being.
transparent, and truly personal.”
The practice utilizes modern orthodontic techniques and advanced tools such as 3D CBCT imaging to support precise diagnosis and thoughtful treatment planning. Services include braces, Invisalign, and Airway focused orthodontics for children, teens, and adults. With a boutique model, patients benefit from individualized consultations, short wait times, Leading Origin and consistent care throughout their treatment Orthodontics is journey. Dr. Ioanna Ulrich, Orthodontics also emphasizes a board-certified Origin orthodontist with a accessibility and comfort, offering flexible deep commitment to payment options and a welcoming environment precision care and designed to reduce anxiety and build trust, patient advocacy. Dr. particularly for younger patients and families Ulrich earned her navigating orthodontic care for the first time. dental degree from the As part of its broader commitment to wellness University of Florida and responsibility, Origin Orthodontics proudly College of Dentistry participates in the Tiny Changes Orthodontic and completed her Recycling Program, a nationwide initiative orthodontic residency focused on reducing waste in orthodontic care at the University of by responsibly recycling eligible materials. Tennessee, one of the most respected Families may pre-book a complimentary orthodontic programs consultation by using the QR code: in the country and the oldest in the South.
Her philosophy centers on the understanding that orthodontics is about more than straight teeth. Proper jaw development, airway health, and bite alignment can play an important role in sleep quality, breathing, and long-term oral function. At Origin Orthodontics, treatment planning is comprehensive and tailored, addressing each patient’s unique anatomy, goals, and stage of life. “When patients come in for their first visit, I want them to feel at ease from the very beginning,” Dr. Ulrich shares. “Every smile and every story is unique, so I take the time to listen, explain, For more information, visit www.originsmiles. and create a plan that feels right for them. My com and follow @origin_orthodontics on social goal is to make the experience comfortable, media for updates leading up to opening day.
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Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s Five Offices to Feature The Gold Star Family Memorial Monuments in January During the month of January 2026, the Pasco For those who would like to give online, Tax Collector’s Office will be featuring the the tax collector’s office’s charitable giving Gold Star Family Memorial Monuments as arm Pasco TC Gives has a webpage through the Charity of the Month. The funds raised which donations for the Gold Star Family during the month will assist in the building Memorial Monuments (Charity of the Month) of two monuments in Pasco County to honor can be made: https://www.govhub.com/flGold Star Families. Gold Star Families are pasco/tc-gives/donate Donations may also those who paid the ultimate price (losing a be mailed to: Pasco County Tax Collector’s loved one in service of our nation) so that Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City FL 33526their sacrifice to protect our freedoms as 0276. Americans will not be forgotten. For more information about the charitable “The memorials, one in East Pasco (Wesley giving programs and other services at the Chapel District Park) and one in West Pasco Pasco Tax Collector’s Office please visit (Veterans Memorial Park), will honor the www.pascotaxes.com or call Greg Giordano, legacy, service and sacrifice of loved ones so Assistant Tax Collector/ Communications that we may all live with liberty,” remarks & Special Projects at 727-847-8179. For more Tax Collector Mike Fasano. “I encourage information regarding the Gold Star Family everyone to please donate to this project that Memorial Monuments project please contact will bring honor to those who gave all so that Fundraising Chairman Jacques Hakim at 727-385-8189.521.3120 we can truly live free.”
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Coming together to create a healthy community
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AdventHealth Heart of Florida Welcomes First Baby of 2026 AdventHealth Ocala welcomed Baby Issac, born at 6:42 a.m. on January 1, as one of the first babies of the New Year. Issac weighs 6 pounds, 5 ounces and measured 20 inches long at birth. Proud parents Michael and Brianna Cassella shared that Issac is the family’s third boy!
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