KEEPING THE NEWS LOCAL & THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED.
JULY 2026
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COMMUNITY UPDATES
VOLUME 7 EDITION 7
15 Years of Community, Celebration and Fourth of July Traditions in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Fifteen years ago, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel began with a vision for a community where neighbors could come together, families could grow, and everyday life could be connected through shared traditions. Today, that vision continues to take shape, and few events reflect it better than the annual Fourth of July Celebration.
bakers to enter their best homemade apple pie, with the top three submissions receiving cash prizes. Winners will be announced from the stage during the festival at 7:30 p.m. Participants are encouraged to register online before July 3. The Bike Parade will also bring plenty of red, white and blue to the celebration. Families are invited to decorate bikes, strollers and wagons and meet at ISI Elite Training by 6:45 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative and best group entries. There is no cost to participate, but online registration before July 3 is encouraged.
This year, the celebration carries even greater meaning. As the nation prepares to honor America’s 250th anniversary, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will also recognize 15 years of community building, hometown traditions and the people who continue to make this community a special place to This year’s event will also include a live, learn, work and play. meaningful opportunity to give back. The OneBlood Donation Drive will take place on July 4 from 2 to 7:30 p.m., giving community members a chance to help save lives while celebrating Independence Day. Donors will receive a $25 eGift card, a OneBlood Fourth of July T-shirt and a complimentary wellness checkup.
As Avalon Park Wesley Chapel continues to grow, new businesses are also adding to the energy of the downtown area. Dunkin’ Donuts is finalizing its opening plans and is expected to open during the third week of July. The new location will bring another On Saturday, July 4, Avalon Park Wesley convenient option for residents, visitors Chapel will welcome residents, families and commuters to enjoy coffee, breakfast and visitors to the heart of the community and treats close to home. for an evening of patriotic fun from 5 to 9 p.m. The event will include fireworks, food For 15 years, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel trucks, vendors, a kids’ area, bounce park has been shaped by connection, progress and more. It is a celebration designed for and a commitment to creating a true all ages and a reminder of how meaningful hometown experience. This July, as we it is to gather with neighbors in the place celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we call home. we also celebrate the neighbors, families, businesses and traditions that continue Two favorite traditions will also return this to make Avalon Park Wesley Chapel a year. The Apple Pie Bake-Off invites local community worth celebrating.
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Coffee with Beat: Happy 250th, America! Happy 250th There is no question at all that America Birthday America! has done more good for the rest of the world than any other superpower On the 4th of July, ever has. Who knows where the world we will celebrate the would be today if the United States had 250th anniversary not intervened, and through sacrifice of the United States and the loss of many lives, helped win of America. What a World War II for the free world. success story. Afterward, U.S. initiatives like the There is a lot we Marshall Plan in Europe, along with Americans can be proud of. No other access to the U.S. market for the rest of nation, not even the Roman or British the world, made it possible for nations Empire, has had more global influence like China and India to succeed. and reach than the United States of Despite political turbulence, global America. trade volumes reached an all-time high in 2025. The USA is the only military power with the ability to intervene at anytime, While America celebrates its 250th anywhere in the world. Probably even anniversary, Avalon Park Wesley more powerful is the U.S. dollar, as no Chapel is proud to celebrate the 15th nation can afford to be excluded from anniversary of our 4th of July festival our currency. with fireworks. A couple of weeks ago, I was in I wish you a wonderful 4th of July. Switzerland and also in Berlin, Germany. These days, it is sometimes God Bless America. not always “easy” to explain and defend the global actions of the United States in the world. People who know me are aware that I think long-term. When you are in the business of building entire towns from scratch, you need to think in decades, not in quarters like Wall Street. I explain to my global family, friends and business partners that one should not judge the USA in the short term. *Some content in this publication is generated using AI.
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Celebrate America250 from the Heart of the Community at The Flats at Avalon Park Wesley This Fourth of July, communities across the country are celebrating America250, commemorating 250 years of our nation’s history, independence, and spirit. There’s no better place to join in the celebration than The Flats at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, where you can experience all the excitement right outside your front door.
happy hour, enjoy community events throughout the year, or simply take a stroll through the neighborhood. Everything you need is within easy reach, making everyday life more enjoyable.
As America celebrates 250 years of building strong communities, The Flats at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel continues that tradition by offering a place where Living at The Flats means being in the center of a neighbors become friends and memorable experiences vibrant, walkable community where there’s always happen year-round. something happening. On Saturday, July 4th, from 5–9 PM, Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel comes If you’re searching for a home that combines alive with its annual Independence Day celebration modern apartment living with an active community featuring live music, local vendors, food trucks, family atmosphere, now is the perfect time to make your activities, community performances, and a spectacular move. Whether you’re looking for convenience, fireworks show at 9 PM. entertainment, or a true sense of belonging, you’ll find it here. The best part? You don’t have to worry about parking or traffic. Simply head downstairs and enjoy the Make The Flats at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel your festivities with your friends, family, and neighbors new home and experience what it’s like to live in the before returning home just steps away. center of it all. Schedule your tour today and discover why life is better when the community is right outside Beyond holiday celebrations, The Flats offers a lifestyle your door. centered around convenience and connection. Grab dinner at one of the local restaurants, meet friends for TheFlatsAtAvalonPark,com
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Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s Five Offices to Collect Donations for the Pasco School District’s ABC Program Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five on track and stay on track with offices will be collecting donations their studies by helping fill some of in July for the Pasco County School the student’s and his/ her family’s District’s ABC (Assist, Believe & necessities.” Care) Program. The program was created to provide financial and related assistance to students and their families who are experiencing economic hardship, especially when those needs interfere with the student’s ability to be academically successful. The cash donated goes into a fund that teachers can use when they see or learn of a need a student may have. Schools with the ABC Program often have a store which students may “purchase” food, clothes, school supplies, and other necessities. In past years, this office has collected and donated Cash donations can be made at any tens of thousands of dollars to of the five tax collector locations Pasco County schools to support in Pasco County. Donations may this important program. also be mailed to the tax collector’s office at the following address: “Many Pasco families are Tax Collector Mike Fasano, P.O. experiencing financial pressures Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526. that impact them in ways that Additionally, donations may be friends and neighbors may not be made online at https://www. aware of,” remarks Tax Collector govhub.com/fl-pasco/tc-gives/ Mike Fasano. “Children without donate For more information about adequate food, clothing that is worn the Pasco Tax Collector’s ABC out or not the right size, lacking Program fundraising event, as well proper personal care supplies and as the charitable giving programs many other issues impact their in general, please contact Assistant ability to focus on schoolwork and Tax Collector Greg Giordano at 727with it their academic success. The 847-8179 or visit www.pascotaxes. assistance provided by the ABC com Program helps students get back
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Pasco Tax Collector’s Five Offices Will Be Closed July 3 & July 4, 2026, for Independence Day Holiday The five Pasco County Tax on Independence Day,” Collector Offices will be closed comments Tax Collector Mike on Friday, July 3, 2026, and Fasano. “We also recognize Saturday, July 4, 2026, in honor that this year is unique in that of Independence Day. Our our nation celebrates its 250th offices will re-open at 8:30 AM (Semiquincentennial) birthday! on Monday, July 6, 2026, for We wish our customers, members normal business. of our community and our staff a very happy Independence Day “We are proud to recognize holiday.” the birth of our great nation
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Coming together to create a healthy community
COMMUNITY CORNER