KEEPING THE NEWS LOCAL & THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED.
DECEMBER 2023
LIVE
PAGE 2
LEARN
PAGE 7
WORK
PAGE 11
PLAY
PAGE 15
COMMUNITY UPDATES
VOLUME 4 EDITION 12
Join us for the 11th Annual Avalon Aglow: A Holiday Extravaganza! Get ready to light up the festive season at Avalon Park’s most awaited event! On December 9th, from 5 to 8 p.m., immerse yourself in a winter wonderland filled with incredible family-friendly fun. From hanging out with Santa and zooming down a real snow slide to having your face painted and watching a dazzling fireworks show, there’s something for everyone!
family. These amazing additions promise to bring fresh vibes and new flavors to our community.
Swing by their vendor booths and say hello! ISI Elite Training is geared up to share their fitness expertise, Rita’s Italian Ice is here to serve up some cool, delicious treats, and Prime Barbershop is all set to spruce up your holiday look. Meet the faces behind these new hotspots and discover what they This year, we’re moving to the Downtown Avalon have in store for you. Park Wesley Chapel location on 33613 State Road 54. Brace yourselves for an evening that’ll sparkle Don’t miss the chance to be among the first to greet and shine, transforming Downtown Avalon Park these awesome new members of our community at Wesley Chapel into a magical holiday spectacle. Avalon Aglow! Best of all, it’s free for all to enjoy! A heartfelt thank you to our friends at Gastro But wait, there’s more! For our fantastic Avalon Florida for their support in making Avalon Aglow Park residents, we’ve got an exclusive treat—a an unforgettable experience for everyone. To learn sneak peek starting at 4 pm! Beat the rush and relish more about Gastro Florida visit them at gastrofl. the festive spirit before everyone else. Plus, for com. your convenience, we’re offering a complimentary shuttle service from the Amenity Center on River Looking for opportunities to be a part of this Glen Blvd. straight to the heart of Downtown celebration? Interested in becoming a vendor or Avalon Park. sponsoring the event? Head over to our website at www.avalonparkwesleychapel.com/avalonCome and meet our fantastic new tenants who aglow/. are all set to make your experience even more exhilarating! We are looking forward to making this holiday season the most spectacular one yet at Avalon Join us in welcoming ISI Elite Training, Rita’s Italian Aglow with you! Ice, and Prime Barbershop to the Avalon Park
LIVE
Year-in-Review: A Remarkable 2023 in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel As the year comes to a close, let’s take a moment to celebrate the incredible milestones and moments that have defined our vibrant community in 2023. It’s been a year of progress, collaboration, growth, and recognition, making us truly #bettertogether.
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.
In 2023, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel had the honor of being awarded the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce Innovation Award, a testament to our commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing forward-thinking initiatives. This recognition underscores our dedication to fostering creativity and innovation within our community.
Our community events have been nothing short of spectacular! From the lively Absolutely Avalon festivals to the spine-tingling Spooktacular hosted in our Downtown Area for the first The groundbreaking of Downtown Avalon time, 2023 was a year of festivities and shared Park Wesley Chapel marked a significant step joy. These events brought us together, fostering forward in our community’s development. connections and creating lasting memories. The anticipation is building for the three-story, 73,067-square-foot mixed-use building with 40 Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has strengthened apartments set to begin leasing in January 2024. its bonds with valuable community partners. This exciting addition promises to enhance our The addition of New River Library and Walmart community’s living experience and add a new Health for Senior Activities underscores our dimension to our beloved neighborhood. commitment to providing resources and services that enhance the well-being of our residents. Avalon Park Wesley Chapel welcomed several new businesses that have become integral parts Thank You for a Successful 2023 of our daily lives. From the cutting-edge styles To each and every member of the Avalon at Prime Barbershop to the fitness excitement Park community, thank you for making 2023 a at ISI Fitness and the delectable flavors of an resounding success. Your support, participation, Indian Restaurant, our commercial spaces have and enthusiasm have been the driving force been buzzing with activity. Additionally, The behind our accomplishments. Wishing you a Flats Leasing and Rita’s Italian Ice have found happy and healthy New Year as we continue to their home in our community, contributing to grow, celebrate, and thrive together. Here’s to the dynamic and diverse landscape that defines an even brighter future in 2024! PUBLISHER Beat Kahli EDITOR Stephanie Lerret MANAGING EDITOR Marielle Fernandez ART DIRECTOR Kenzie Farrish
The Avalon Park Sun is published by Avalon Park Group. Interested in Advertising with us? Email Marketing@AvalonParkGroup.com or call 407.658.6565. 3801 Avalon Park East Blvd. #400 Orlando, FL 32828 www.AvalonParkSun.com
LIVE (Cont.)
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Welcomes Rudraksh Indian Cuisine to its Downtown Avalon Park Group/sitEX is thrilled to announce the forthcoming arrival of Rudraksh, an exceptional new Indian dining experience, set to tantalize the senses and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of India. With the mission to deliver an authentic and memorable experience, the restaurant aims to redefine Indian cuisine in the heart of Wesley Chapel.
awareness and appreciation for Indian cuisine while contributing positively to the local community and fostering a sense of cultural connection,” the owners further emphasized. When asked about their choice of location, the owners provided a heartfelt response. “We chose Avalon Park Wesley Chapel so we can serve the unique culinary essence of Indian food in the Avalon Park area and in Wesley Chapel. We are excited to become part of this dynamic community and share our passion for Indian cuisine with its residents.”
The restaurant’s aim is to deliver an exceptional and authentic Indian dining experience that embodies the warmth and hospitality of Indian culture. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and community engagement will ensure that guests can savor the true essence of India’s culinary diversity. Beat Kahli, President and CEO of Avalon Park Group, shared his thoughts on the upcoming addition to the “We are dedicated to serving our dishes prepared community. “We are thrilled to welcome this exciting with the finest ingredients, preserving traditional new dining establishment to Avalon Park Wesley cooking techniques, and offering impeccable service Chapel. We look forward to seeing the restaurant that reflects the warmth and hospitality of Indian thrive and contribute to the rich tapestry of offerings culture,” stated the Tampa local owners. that make Avalon Park Wesley Chapel a truly unique Rudraksh aspires to become the foremost Indian and vibrant place to live and visit.” restaurant known for redefining the Indian dining experience. They envision a place where the aroma is The restaurant is set to open its doors in the Spring carefully crafted, and the richness of Indian traditions of 2024, and the community eagerly awaits the is artfully blended with contemporary culinary opportunity to savor the rich flavors of India in the creativity. This vision includes consistently striving heart of Wesley Chapel. for excellence in cuisine, service, and ambiance, with the ultimate goal of earning the loyalty of a diverse For more information on Avalon Park Wesley clientele who value and appreciate the authenticity, Chapel visit https://avalonparkwesleychapel. flavors, and stories behind every dish they serve. com/ or on social media with the handle @ AvalonParkWesleyChapel. “As we grow, we are committed to spreading
2023 Best of Tampa Award: Coffee Speaks N Tea Talks! Congratulations to our community partner, Coffee Award Program and data provided by third parties. Speaks N Tea Talks for receiving the 2023 Best of Tampa Award!! About Tampa Award Program Coffee Speaks N Tea Talks has been selected for The Tampa Award Program is an annual the 2023 Best of Tampa Award in the Coffee Shops awards program honoring the achievements and category by the Tampa Award Program. accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Tampa area. Recognition is given to those companies Each year, the Tampa Award Program identifies that have shown the ability to use their best practices companies that we believe have achieved exceptional and implemented programs to generate competitive marketing success in their local community and advantages and long-term value. business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through The Tampa Award Program was established service to their customers and our community. These to recognize the best of local businesses in our exceptional companies help make the Tampa area a community. Our organization works exclusively with great place to live, work and play. local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and Various sources of information were gathered and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the analyzed to choose the winners in each category. small business community’s contributions to the U.S. The 2023 Tampa Award Program focuses on quality, economy. not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Tampa SOURCE: Tampa Award Program
LIVE (Cont.)
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Progress
For more information on leasing in Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, email: Marketing@AvalonParkGroup.com.
Congatulations APW, Winner of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce Innovation Award
LIVE (Cont.)
LEARN 3 Reasons You Need Sunglasses Under the Florida Sun Florida is one of the hottest states in the US. This year, April was the 4th hottest month in Orlando, marking a trend of increasing temperatures since 1892. Since 1970, April temperatures in the city have risen by 2.6°F. Given increasing temperatures and sunnier days, Floridians — especially Avalon Park Wesley Chapel residents — must care more about their health when going outside. People often focus on skin protection, such as putting on sunscreen, but they often neglect another vital sense that has to be safeguarded: their vision.
only experience mild discomfort when transitioning from a dark to a bright place, light-sensitive people have difficulty adjusting or even experience pain at normal light levels. This condition can be worsened by poor vision, which can lead to eye strain that causes more discomfort. In most cases, photophobia and poor vision just have to be managed. One great preventative measure includes prescription sunglasses, as they block light and correct your vision. Given this need, top eyewear brand Ray-Ban offers sunglasses that protect your eyes from the sun without compromising your vision. Their Original Wayfarer Classic model is highly customizable with Although many rely on vision to navigate the world, a lack of eye prescription lenses, a variety of colorways, and an iconic frame care can lead to irreversible conditions that could have otherwise that suits all face shapes — perfect for a day out by the River Glen been prevented. Rather than let your eyesight degrade, one of the Clubhouse. easiest ways to protect your eyes is by wearing sunglasses. This article aims to explore three reasons why you need sunglasses Protection from UV radiation under the Florida sun: As mentioned earlier, ultraviolet (UV) radiation not only damages the skin, but it can also damage our eyes. Even on cloudy days, UVA and UVB from sunlight can cause cataract formation from Reduce glare and improve navigation Under the bright sun, the ground and objects can reflect light, prolonged exposure, leading to blurry or desaturated vision. The causing a glare that strains people’s eyes. Not only is glare negatively American Optometric Association highlights how children, in impacting the quality of vision, but it can be especially harmful to particular, are significantly more susceptible to eye damage from drivers relying mainly on sight to drive safely. For instance, in 2021, UV light than adults, as their pupils are larger and the lenses of a cyclist was killed in Jupiter as the driver couldn’t see the traffic their eyes are more transparent, leading to more UV rays reaching light because of glare. It was after this incident that the Florida inside the eye. This is why optical technology innovator HOYA Department of Transportation installed backplates on traffic lights Vision Care is working on a new line of glasses to protect children on some east-west roads to create a shadow, allowing drivers to from intense sunlight. When looking for a new pair of sunglasses, distinguish colors of green, yellow, and red better. As not all traffic look for lenses labeled “UV400” to ensure they block out harmful lights have these backplates, it’s recommended that drivers wear UV rays. polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and light. Not only can this improve the driving experience, but it can keep other motorists and The Floridian sun can be hot and harsh, so you need to take extra pedestrians safe. care of your eyes and take the necessary precautions. For Avalon Park Wesley Chapel residents and visitors, this means putting on your sunglasses for preventative care to fully enjoy our community Prevent headaches or migraines If you have headaches or migraines after entering bright sunlight, amenities and play in the pools, parks, and playgrounds all yearyou may have photophobia or extreme light sensitivity. While most round.
LEARN (Cont.)
Check out our DECember events. there is something for everyone, and We can’t wait to see you soon! virtual options available as well.
WORK
WORK (Cont.)
Tax Collector Mike Fasano Announces Holiday Season Giving Opportunities Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano announces that his office pasco/tc-gives/donate is sponsoring the following events to help the community during the 2023 holiday season: The locations of the five tax collector offices are: - West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive – Room 120, • Be a Santa to a Senior – collection boxes are in each of the five tax New Port Richey collector offices. Please stop by and donate a personal care item for a local senior citizen (i.e., toiletries, bath sets, greeting cards, - Gulf Harbors – 4720 U.S. Highway 19, New Port Richey stationery, stamps, etc.). Gifts will be collected until December 15. - Land O’ Lakes, 4135 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. (US 41), Land O’ Lakes • Toys 4 Tots – the five tax collector’s office locations in Pasco County are all drop-off sites for the Marine Corps League’s annual - Wesley Chapel – 4610 Pet Lane – Room C 101, Lutz/ Wesley toy drive. Toys for children of military personnel will be collected Chapel up to December 15. - East Pasco Government Center, 14236 – 6thStreet – Room 100, • Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Drive – The Gulf Harbors and Wesley Dade City Chapel offices will be Red Kettle donation sites on December 9 and December 16. Please stop by between 8:30 AM and NOON to “Please join the staff of the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office as contribute to the important programs the Salvation Army provides we celebrate the holidays by reaching out to those most in need,” throughout the year. states Tax Collector Mike Fasano. “Your support of these wonderful local programs will help countless people enjoy the holidays this • 29th Annual Holiday Food Giveaway – on December 15 food for year. Your gift of any amount will go a long way towards helping those in need will be distributed by Tax Collector Mike Fasano and our community have a joyous holiday season.” other officials. Additional details of this event will soon be sent in a separate release. To support this event collection jars will be For details about each program, information regarding hours and on display in December in each of the five tax collector offices in locations, or general questions about the services provided by the Pasco County. Donations made will help purchase fresh food and Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, please contact Greg Giordano, other items for needy families this holiday season and into 2024. Assistant Tax Collector at (727) 847-8179. Donations may also be made at: https://www.govhub.com/fl-
Pasco County Animal Services Represented on National Board Pasco County Animal Services (PCAS) is proud to take its premier service of animal sheltering to the national level with Assistant Director Spencer Conover’s recent selection as the newest Vice President of the National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA) for a minimum one-year term.
has been part of the NACA Board of Directors since being elected in 2020. He was re-elected in 2022 to a second, three-year term.
“Over the past three years with the NACA, I’ve been honored to help thousands of animal control officersImage and hundreds of great animal control organizations across the county,” Conover says. “I’m really looking forward to extending that reach in my new opportunity as the Vice President.”
Conover is a certified animal control officer, humane euthanasia technician and a certified public manager who has worked in the animal welfare industry for 13 years with organizations in Florida, Colorado and Utah.
Conover has served as the PCAS Assistant Director since 2018 and
While on the NACA Board, Conover helps shape policy, create programs and provide direct support to animal control agencies throughout the country. This year, he was able to provide direct support to animal control officers in Florida, Texas and Louisiana through in-person training.
The Pasco County Animal Services Department is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health, safety and welfare of animals and people. For more information, including a full list of programs and services, please visit our website at: MyPasco.net/PAS
Discover the Inner Workings of Your County Government Join the Pasco Citizens Academy! - Gain a deep understanding of Pasco County’s budget development. - Learn about the County’s structure and the essential functions of its Constitutional Officers and departments. - Engage directly with elected officials, state agency partners, department directors, and county staff. When? Spring 2024 How to Apply: Visit: https://pascocountyfl-services.app. transform.civicplus.com/forms/26223 Spots are limited to 25 participants! Program Highlights: - Interactive sessions with hands-on experience in county
government operations. - Learn directly from key figures in the County. - Become a well-informed ambassador for your community, eligible to serve on advisory boards and volunteer. Questions? Contact County Administration at 727-847-8115 or email dberger@mypasco.net. Embark on a Journey of Civic Engagement & Learning with the Pasco Citizens Academy!
WORK (Cont.)
PLAY
PLAY (Cont.)
Coming together to create a healthy community
COMMUNITY CORNER
