July 2026 — Neighborhood News

Congratulations to all 21 public and charter schools located in Wesley Chapel, none of which earned lower than a “B” grade from the Florida Department of Education (DoE) for 2026, and a record 18 of those schools earned “A” grades!

Perhaps the biggest news was that New River Elementary improved its grade from a “D” last year to an “A” this year, although seven other schools — Double Branch, Veterans & Wiregrass elementary schools, Cypress Creek and Weightman middle schools, Innovation Preparatory Academy and Wesley Chapel High all improved from a “B” to an “A,” and Watergrass Elementary improved from a “C” to a “B.”

Also, not one school located in Wesley Chapel received a lower grade this year than last, and overall, the Pasco School District received its first-ever “A” grade from the Florida DoE.

“This achievement reflects the incredible dedication of our teachers, support staff, administrators, students and families,” said Pasco Superintendent of Schools D. John Legg in a statement released by the District.

The Neighborhood News applauds the entire Pasco School District’s improvement and the amazing achievements of all 21 public and charter schools located in Wesley Chapel.

On June 13-14, former Tampa Bay Bucs head football coach Jon Gruden and former Tampa Bay Lightning player (and current TV commentator) Ryan Malone were among the celebrities on hand at AdventHealth Center Ice’s annual “Hockey Heals 22” event. Hockey Heals 22 raises critical awareness locally of the 22 military veterans who lose their lives each day to suicide, and provides some financial support for suicide prevention programs, with 22 consecutive hours of hockey at AdventHealth Center Ice. The event’s opening ceremonies were hosted by Fox 13 anchor/reporter Alyse Zwick and local sports media personality J.P. Peterson, the host of “Tampa Bay Lightning Hockey Night Live.”

Coach Gruden was on one of the benches for the first game following the very moving opening ceremonies, which included honoring a dozen families who have lost loved ones to veteran suicide. Many of the family members of the fallen vets and other former NHL players (including former Lightning goalie Mathieu Garon) also played for the teams that rotated on and off the ice for the 22-hour marathon.

Event coordinator Lara Lopez says, “Portions of the proceeds from the Hockey Heals 22 event will benefit the Black Dagger Military Hunt Club, Operation Healing Forces and the Lightning Warriors Hockey Program. Money was raised through a silent auction, raffles, merchandise sales and sponsorships. We don’t yet have all the totals of the funds raised from this year’s event, but our treasurer is working hard to compile them.” The Black Dagger Club and Operating Healing Forces each received $5,000 checks from the Lightning Warriors program during the opening ceremonies.

The Neighborhood News applauds everyone involved in Hockey Heals 22, which is such an important event that takes place in our community. For more information about “Hockey Heals 22,” visit LightningWarriorsHockey.org.