Upcoming Events — ‘Up All Night’ Jazz, ‘Oklahoma!,’ Fall Festival & More! 

Monday, October 6, 10 a.m. – BayCare Annual Pet Blessings. At BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel (4501 Bruce B Downs Blvd.). Bring your pets to BayCare and hospital Chaplain Reid Isenhart will say a blessing over them at this annual event. For more info, call (813) 914-1971. 

Tuesday, October 7, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Business Breakfast. At Pasco-Hernando State College, Porter Campus (2727 Mansfield Blvd., Conference Center – Third Floor). This month’s guest speaker is Lisa Richardson, ED.D., the VP of Advancement, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships for Pasco-Hernando State College. $25 for members, $30 for non-members to attend. For more info or to register, call (813) 994-8534, visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com.events.

Wednesday-Thursday, October 8-9, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. – Solo Spotlight Series: The Light Bringer. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). This is the first Solo Spotlight Series of the season: The Light Bringer, an Arab immigrant’s story of family, freedom, and finding the American Dream. In this one-woman storytelling show, Laila Lee brings to light her experiences growing up Muslim in the American South, how she discovers her place in the world, and what sacrifices she has had to make. Tickets $15-$20, depending upon seat selection. For info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/solo-spotlight-series-the-light-bringer. 

Saturday, October 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – 10th Annual Candy Crawl, presented by Fun 4 Tampa Kids/Tampa Bay Moms Group. At The Shops At Wiregrass (28211 Paseo Dr.). Local businesses and organizations will give guests a very unscary day of fun, with booths featuring crafts, games, candy and treats. There will be a Not-So-Spooky Haunted Obstacle Course, a Monster Bouncer and more. Kids get a free trick or treat bag (while supplies last) so arrive early. Costumes are optional but there will be costume contests. Free to attend but please register for special giveaways. For more info and to register, visit candycrawl25.eventbrite.com. 

Renowned tenor saxophonist Jeremy Carter and his Quintet will try to keep you “Up All Night” at his Tampa Jazz Club show at the New Tampa performing Arts Center on Saturday, October 11. (Photo from Jeremy Carter’s Instagram page) 

Saturday, October 11, 8 p.m. – The Tampa Jazz Club Presents “Up All Night,” Featuring Tenox Saxophonist Jeremy Carter. At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.) Electrifying tenor saxophonist Jeremy Carter (left), backed by trumpeter James Suggs & the Jeremy Carter Quintet, will provide an exciting evening of music designed to keep you “Up All Night.” Table seats cost $35 ($30 for Tampa Jazz Club members) or theatre seats for $30 ($25 for members). For tickets & more info, visit TampaJazzClub.com. 

Wednesday, October 15, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Coffee Social. At BayCare Hospital (4502 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., 1st floor classroom). Wake up and join your fellow Chamber members for your morning brew and networking. Free to attend. For more info or to register, call (813) 994-8534 or visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com.events. 

Wednesday, October 15, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. – Fall Fest Senior Expo. At Amberlin Apartments Clubhouse (28149 Sparrows Edge Cir.). Meet local businesses that help seniors in our area. There will be raffles and giveaways. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 553-3138 or email AmberlinWiregrass@SparrowLiving.com. 

Friday, October 17, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. – Caribbean Chillers Concert. At The Shops at Wiregrass (Piazza Ave). Kick back, relax, and let the island vibes take over as the Caribbean Chillers, the ultimate Jimmy Buffett tribute band, hit the stage! From flip-flops to beachy beats, you’ll be dancing, singing, and soaking in paradise under the stars. Please no outside alcohol or coolers. Lawn chairs and blankets are recommended. Free to attend. For more info, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com/event/31388-the-caribbean-chillers-live-concert. 

Friday-Sunday, October 17-19 & October 24-26 – The New Tampa Players Present: “Oklahoma!” At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Tickets $22 – $40 depending on seat selection. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaPlayers.thundertix.com/events. 

Saturday, October 18, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. – Fall Community Yard Sale. At Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel (4424 Friendly Way). Plan to attend for a morning of treasure hunting throughout the neighborhood. Free to attend. For more info, email Info@AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com or call (813) 783-1515. 

Saturday, October 18, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. – Avalon Park Spooktackular. At Downtown Avalon Park (4424 Friendly Way). There will be trick-or-treating, food trucks, community performances, bounce houses, vendors and a costume contest. Fun for the whole family. Free to attend. For more info, email Info@ AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com or call (813) 783-1515. 

Monday, October 20, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. – Broadway Open Mic Night. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Broadway Open Mic Nights are for everyone — whether you’re a seasoned performer, practicing for an audition, or just love to sing. Live piano accompaniment (bring your own sheet music). Cash bar. Free to attend. For info, call (813) 829-2760 or visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/open-mic-oct. 

Saturday & Sunday, October 25 & 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. – 2nd Annual Wesley Chapel Craft Festival. At The Shops at Wiregrass (along Paseo Dr.). Discover unique handmade treasures as you stroll through the Shops at Wiregrass and explore a wide variety of jewelry, pottery, art, photography, plants, specialty foods, and more — all crafted by talented artisans. Free to attend. For more info, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com/event/30968-2nd-annual-wesley-chapel-craft-festival. 

Saturday & Sunday, October 25 & 26, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber’s Wesley Chapel Fall Festival & Carnival. At The Grove (5854 Wesley Grove Blvd.). The 21st annual Fall Festival returns to The Grove. There will be a full carnival, food trucks, kids play zone & activities, pumpkin photo stops, “Trunk or Treat” on Sunday, costume contests, local bands, community performances and more. For more info, call (727) 674-1464, email Drew@FloridaPenguinProductions.com or visit northtampabaychamber.com/2025-fall-festival. 

Wednesday, October 29, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. – Steinway Signature Series: Nikolov-West Duo: Under Four Hands. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). This special concert by the Nikolov-West Duo, featuring Viktor Nikolov and Jane West, brings a fresh perspective on the piano duo experience. This dynamic piano four-hands program will weave together beloved traditional masterpieces with bold, rarely heard gems. Whether or not you’re already a classical piano lover, this is one performance you should not miss. Tickets $17.50-$25 depending upon seat selection. For info, call (813) 829-2760 or to purchase tickets visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/under-four-hands. 

Friday, October 31, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber’s “Final Friday.” At the Marriott Residence Inn at Wiregrass Ranch (2867 Lajuana Blvd, at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus). Join Chamber members as they engage and network in a relaxed environment. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com.events. 

Friday, October 31, 5 p.m.-11 p.m. – Halloween Party on the Rooftop. At Skybox Rooftop Bar at the Marriott Residence Inn at Wiregrass Ranch (2867 Lajuana Blvd, at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus). There will be live music, games, costume contests and more. Register for the Grand Prize, a free 2-night hotel stay. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 591-2915. 

Saturday, November 1, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. – 36th Annual India Festival. At Florida State Fair Grounds (4800 US 301, Tampa). Come out to experience dances that dazzle, food that delights and shopping that excites. For more information visit IndiaFestivalTampaBay.com. 

‘Homes For Our Troops’ Gives Two Wounded Vets The Keys To Their New Homes!

(Left Photo, l.-r.) Marine Sgt. Chris Lawrence raises the American flag at his new Homes for our Troops Home. Michelle, Cristiana, DeliaMarie, Chris and his sister Tameka check out their new kitchen. (Right Photo) Quincy, Skye & Warren pose for a picture in their new kitchen. 

Congratulations go out to former Marine Sgt. Christopher Lawrence and former Army Sgt. Quincy Lopez, who have now received the keys to their respective Homes for our Troops (HFOT)-provided homes, located in different parts of Wesley Chapel. 

Both severely injured veterans lost their respective right legs to improvised explosive device (IED) blasts while serving in Iraq and both chose Wesley Chapel for their new HFOT homes, both custom-designed by Kent Custom Homes. 

(l.-r.) Chris Gordon, Warren, Quincy & Skye Lopez, HFOT’s Bill Ivey & Chris & Michelle Lawrence.

They both also were honored at a dual ceremony that began at Sgt. Lawrence and his family’s new home on Steeplechase Rd. and continued at Sgt. Lopez and his son Warren’s new home on Country Club Rd. Both injured vets took down the HFOT flag they raised during their respective “Volunteer Day” events a few weeks earlier and raised American flags at the end of their respective Key Ceremonies. And, both expressed tremendous gratitude to HFOT, Kent Custom Homes, all of the volunteers who helped lay the sod and plant the plants at their new homes and, of course, to their families. 

Among the speakers preceding Sgt. Lawrence’s Key Ceremony were community engagement coordinator Jocelyn Phipps and executive director Bill Ivey of HFOT, which (as we’ve previously reported) is a 501(c)(3) military nonprofit that puts roughly 90 cents of every dollar it raises into building specially-designed homes for severely wounded soldiers who served after 9/11 — and that number is now up to 419 homes and still going. But, in addition to Sgt. Lawrence himself, the speaker who made sure no one in attendance had a dry eye was Sgt. Lawrence’s sister, Tameka. 

“It was no surprise when, right out of high school in 2005, Chris proudly joined the U.S. Marine Corps,” Tameka said. “He would always call me to say ‘I am safe’ and update me on where he was going. Then, on August 17, 2007, came the call that no family wants to hear — that Chris was being airlifted back home with life-threatening injuries. But, in his true spirit, he ended up coming back stronger and more determined than ever. Today, as we step into this beautiful new home, we are stepping into a space that represents healing, hope, honor and independence. This is a place where he will live with his family, where laughter will echo through the halls, where his family and friends will gather memories for years to come. On behalf of the Lawrence family, thank you from the bottom of my heart, to Homes for our Troops, for recognizing Sgt. Christopher Lawrence, his sacrifice, his service and his future. You have not only built walls and a roof, you have built a legacy of respect. Thank you all. I love you.” 

Not to be outdone, Chris said, “This day — September 6 — is a day of celebration, but it’s also [the anniversary of] one of the saddest days of my life. It was the day that I lost my crew, my team, so I have to acknowledge that. I’m a stubborn guy. After I got injured, they said, ‘You probably won’t be able to walk and you absolutely won’t be able to run.’ Now I run every chance I get and walk anywhere I can.” 

He added, “I was trying to find a purpose and decided to try to become a police officer. I put myself through the Police Academy, got turned down by a lot of departments until I was given an opportunity by a phenomenal academy and police department in Chula Vista, CA. I served there eight years before I realized that police work was probably not the right choice for someone with no toes. I also realized that stairs were not my friend and a friend of mine, a fellow Corpsman who also had a prosthesis, got a home from Homes for our Troops and I saw that he could get around and be a part of his family all the time. And that really motivated me to apply. And now, I know that this house is meant for me and my family to be in forever. So, thanks to Homes for our Troops and to all of you for being here today.” 

Sgt. Lawrence then got to raise the American flag at his new home (above right photo). 

On To Sgt. Lopez’s House 
(Above, l.-r.) Sgt. Quincy & Warren Lopez receive the keys to their new home from HFOT president & CEO, retired Gen. Tom Landwermeyer. 

Although both Sgt. Lawrence and Sgt. Lopez were honored at the first ceremony at Sgt. Lawrence’s house, the dual “Key Ceremony” event continued a short time later that same day at Sgt. Lopez’s new HFOT home on Country Club Rd., which also was custom-designed by Kent Custom Homes. 

At Sgt. Lopez’s ceremony, HFOT community engagement coordinator Krystina Goroshko first introduced Sgt. Lopez’s friend — and fellow HFOT home recipient — former Army Staff Sgt. Chris Gordon, who received his home in Groveland in Lake County, FL, in 2018. 

“I thought the house I got was pretty magnificent,” Staff Sgt. Gordon said, “but I’ll admit that I’m a little bit jealous of Quincy’s house. Not only does it have a lot of new features that mine doesn’t, this Wesley Chapel community is amazing!” 

Staff Sgt. Gordon also talked about a lot of the battles wounded soldiers with prosthetic limbs go through, including getting infections at their amputation sites, “but at least, when we receive these homes from Homes for our Troops, we don’t have to battle to take a shower or fix food in the kitchen anymore.” 

He added, “But, Quincy and Chris are now part of the [HFOT} family. I’m really excited to hear about all of the great things you go through in your new home, Quincy.” 

Next up was HFOT president and CEO and retired Army Brigadier General Tom Landwermeyer, who first echoed what Bill Ivey said at the first ceremony: 

Sgt. & Skye both love the new wide entrance way to the shower in his new home. 

“You all could be doing anything you want to do today, but you chose to be here with us, celebrating two veterans of the family. So, thanks for coming. But now, I’m going to say a few words about Quincy. He was 20 years old and living in New York when 9/11 happened. He decided at that time, as so many others did, even though he was already serving the public as a police officer, to change uniforms and join the military.” 

He added, “I always tell people that the one thing these homes can’t fix is their injuries. Yes, they make it easier for them to live, but they will have those injuries for the rest of their lives. Quincy is a single parent, one of the hardest jobs in the world, but he’s doing it. He’s a well-educated young man and a teacher and mentor to other veterans. So, Wesley Chapel, you have one of the most dedicated vets we have.” 

Sgt. Lopez said that one of the great things about his new home is that, “I’ve suffered a lot of injuries since my service in the bathroom and kitchen. I would have to use my wheelchair to get to the toilet and my walker to get where the toilet was and grab bars to get out of the toilet. But, this home is going to allow me to be a better veteran, a better father and serve my community better. Homes for our Troops isn’t just rebuilding families, you’re giving families back their brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, uncles and aunts. You’re rebuilding whole communities. I can’t thank you all enough.” 

He also thanked HFOT, “which gives 90 cents of every dollar to build these homes. That means the staff is so dedicated to this cause that they’re willing to sacrifice pay and time just to give back and serve us. I can’t thank all of them enough either.” 

Sgt. Lopez also said that he learned very quickly that “Wesley Chapel is awesome. It’s a great community for my son to grow up in and We’re so excited to come here to live.” 

To make a donation or for more info about Homes for our Troops, visit HFOTUSA.org. — GN, all photos by Charmaine George 

Orlando Health Makes $500K Donation To PHSC’s Nursing Program

New Hospital In Wiregrass Ranch Also Names Its Top Management In Advance Of Early 2026 Opening! 

Congratulations go out to Pasco Hernando State College’s Institute for Nursing and Allied Health Advancement, a college initiative housed at PHSC’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, which received a $500,000 gift from Orlando Health, Inc., on Aug. 28 (photo). 

PHSC’s Nursing Institute focuses on addressing critical workforce shortages in nursing and allied health fields within the region. This collaborative effort between the school and Orlando Health — which is getting ready to open (in the spring of 2026) the Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital just across S.R. 56 from PHSC’s Porter Campus — brings together PHSC and Orlando Health in a collaborative partnership certain to benefit both entities. 

“At a time when our communities face urgent health care staffing shortages, PHSC is proud to lead the way in developing collaborations that will work to increase the pipeline for both highly qualified faculty and expertly trained employees in the nursing and allied health care fields,” said PHSC president Eric Hall, Ed.D. 

Orlando Health’s $500,000 gift to the PHSC Foundation establishes a fund to support nursing and health care services. 

“We’re excited about this new alliance with Pasco-Hernando State College,” said Andy Gardiner, senior vice president of external affairs and community relations at Orlando Health. “Our contribution is not only an investment into the future of nursing, but also an investment into health care throughout the region.” 

The check presentation, held at the PHSC Porter Campus, featured a number of guest speakers, including District 54 State Representative Randy Maggard, Dist. 23 State Senator Danny Burgess, Dr. Hall, Lisa Richardson, Ed.D. (the vice president of advancement innovation and strategic partnerships at PHSC), and Gardiner. 

Last year, PHSC received $1.5 million in state appropriations to establish The Institute for Nursing and Allied Health Advancement. The mission of the institute is to cultivate a thriving heath care workforce in the region by fostering innovative partnerships, conducting impactful research and providing exceptional education and training in nursing and allied health fields. 

Meanwhile, Orlando Health is a not-for-profit healthcare organization with $9.6 billion of assets under management that serves the southeastern U.S. and Puerto Rico. 

Founded more than 100 years ago, the 3,487-bed system includes 33 hospitals and emergency departments – 26 of which are currently operational, with seven coming soon. 

More than 4,950 physicians, representing more than 100 medical specialties and subspecialties, have privileges across the Orlando Health system, which employs more than 29,000 team members and more than 1,400 physicians. 

We were unable to attend this event, so we do not have any additional information about it. 

Management Team Named 

The management team at Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital, which will open next spring as a 102-bed hospital with the capacity to expand to 300 beds, has been named by the new hospital’s president Joe Delatorre. 

Courtney Adams, MSN, BSN, RN was named the chief operating officer, Tanya Knepp, MHA will serve as chief financial officer, Suzan Dolezal, MBA-HCM, BSN, CENP, RN, has been named chief nursing officer, and Richard Matte, MBA CST, will serve as assistant vice president, business development at the hospital. 

We look forward to meeting all of you soon. 

New Operator Takes Over At The Sports Campus! 

Sports Facilities Companies Studying Parking & Other Improvements At Popular Wiregrass Ranch Facility 

The lobby was packed at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus on Sept. 20 for a 100-team AAU volleyball tournament. (Photo by Charmaine George)

 It’s only been roughly two months since Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) received the contract with Pasco County to manage the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, but the Clearwater-based company that manages dozens of similar facilities across the country is already taking action to make improvements to what has been called the “crown jewel” of sports attractors to Florida’s Sports Coast, also known as the Pasco County Tourism Department. 

Although we have yet to be able to sit down and actually chat with any of SFC’s upper management, SFC partner Ashley Whitaker did respond to all of my questions about SFC’s plans for the Sports Campus by email — and it’s obvious from those answers that this company definitely knows how to manage facilities like these and, as Wiregrass Ranch developer JD Porter recently told me, “the county made the right choice when they chose [SFC].” 

Checking Back In 

It’s been quite a while since I’ve been back at the Sports Campus. As you readers know, my wife (and sales manager) Jannah was the director of sales and marketing under the previous operator RADDSports, which had its contract bought out by the Pasco County back in 2023, after the County Commission voted to default RADDSports and RADD sued Pasco County. 

The county then opted to manage the facility itself, even though Pasco’s agreement with Wiregrass Ranch was that the county was never allowed to operate the facility. 

But, that’s all water under the bridge now, as SFC has already made a number of important moves — with more still to come. 

Below is my email discussion with Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) partner Ashley Whittaker (photo, right & “AW “in Q&A below), who leads SFC’s in-house marketing and branding “agency.” 

I appreciate Ashley’s candid answers to my many questions about SFC’s plans for the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, now that the company has a little less than two months of manging the facility under its belt. 

For those who are unaware, SFC has developed and/or managed nearly 100 sports facilities across the country, making it one of the leaders in this industry. — GN 

Partner Ashley Whittaker of Sports Facilities Companies is excited about the full slate of activities happening at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus and SFC’s role in bringing improved parking, new events and amenities to the sports campus in the future. (Photo of Ashley Whittaker from SportsFacilities.com)

GN – Does SFC now have its own management on-site at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus (WRSC)? 

AW – SFC has been fortunate to inherit the hardworking staff at WRSC, and we are aligning them with our industry leading standards in all departments, integrating with our support center in Clearwater. 

GN-Is SFC retaining all of the existing employees at the Sports Campus or have you been deciding on a case-by-case basis which of those employees you will retain? 

AW-All existing employees of WRSC were offered the opportunity to remain with the venue under SFC management. 

GN-How many weekend events are already on the books at the Sports Campus for the rest of 2025? 

AW-Along with the Florida’s Sports Coast DMO (Destination Management Organization), we have a robust schedule and are looking forward to a great fall season with events both inside and outside on the new grass fields throughout the end of the year every weekend. 

(Photo of AAU volleyball at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus by Charmaine George) 

GN-Are there any weekends available this year for your company to book your own events? If not, when will SFC be able to start adding new weekend events? 

AW-With such a full calendar, there are few weekends available for any additional events. When we do have availability, events (including SFC ones) will be selected on merit for the benefit of the community. 

GN-Will you be continuing the local programming that’s currently in place or will SFC be replacing that programming with programs of its own? If so, what programs will you change/add? 

AW-Yes, we will be continuing with the local programming. The only change will be how parents register for the programming through enhanced software. 

GN-I know the county said that SFC will be conducting a study to see how additional parking can be configured at that site and that it will take up to six months for you to conclude that study, but when will the study actually begin (or has it already)? 

This isn’t just a view of the adjacent Residence Inn, it’s also one of the current grass-&-gravel overflow parking lots for the Sports Campus.

AW-Yes, the study is under way. In addition to parking, we are also exploring the feasibility of indoor and outdoor complimentary amenities. The study is under way and will be reviewed with the county in November/ December timeframe. 

GN-Is there anywhere at the Sports Campus site where you can see being able to expand the existing parking? 

AW-We are exploring with Pasco County the opportunity to enhance parking at the Sports Campus. 

GN-Have you now spoken with JD Porter and/or Scott Sheridan of Locust Branch/Wiregrass Ranch? Can you tell me anything about that (or those) discussion(s)? 

AW-Yes, we have engaged in conversations with JD Porter and Scott Sheridan and look forward to being great neighbors and community partners. 

GN-Have you been in contact with the Peachtree Group about the Residence Inn that shares the site? Can you tell me anything about that discussion? 

AW-We have hosted specific meetings introducing ourselves to the hotel community and also presented to local business owners at the request of Florida’s Sports Coast DMO. 

GN-Is there any way to do a live interview with you, your partner Eric Sullivan or someone else from SFC — at the Sports Campus or at the North Tampa Bay Chamber office for my new podcast? Even if it needs to be much further into the future, an actual interview is much more personal and will be better received by my readers (because I also will do a story about it in print) and podcast viewers. 

AW-This is possible to be scheduled sometime in the future. 

Schools On Wells Rd. To Get Sidewalks, Thanks To State Grant & A Weightman Student!

(l.-r.) Dr. Toni Zetzsche of Pasco County Schools, School Board member Megan Harding, State Rep. Randy Maggard, Pasco Comm. Seth Weightman, Josh, State Sen. Danny Burgess, School Board member Colleen Beaudoin and Pasco administrator Mike Carballa at the check presentation ceremony for the new sidewalks on Sept. 12. (Photo provided by Pasco County)

Meadow Pointe resident and Weightman Middle School eighth grader Josh Patrick was only twelve years old when he set up his first meeting with District 2 Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman last August to talk about the lack of sidewalks on Curley Rd. and Wells Rd. heading to the Wesley Chapel School Complex. 

“My mom always drives me to school,” Josh says, “but I saw a lot of kids walking and riding bikes that had to dodge cars all the time because there are no sidewalks. I just felt like something needed to be done.” 

Meadow Pointe resident and Weightman Middle School 8th grader Josh Patrick was only 12 years old when he made a presentation to the Pasco MPO about the lack of sidewalks near his school. (Photo provided by Josh Patrick.) 

Not only did Commissioner Weightman agree, he told Josh to appear at a Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) meeting to present the issue, which he did (left photo) on Jan. 9 of this year. Thanks to Josh, the county requested funding to construct the sidewalks from the state legislature, which approved $1.5 million in this year’s state budget in June. 

“Sidewalk appropriation requests are my legislative ask for every session,” Comm. Weightman says. “But Josh definitely made this happen.” 

Josh says there’s a reason why he succeeded where others have failed. “Most of the time, when someone advocates for something, it’s usually always ‘concerned parents’ who attend those meetings,” he says. “I just think it’s a lot more impactful to have the students themselves there.” 

Josh was next invited to attend the check presentation ceremony (top photo) on Sept. 12 with District 54 State Representative Randy Maggard, District 23 State Senator Danny Burgess, Pasco County administrator Mike Carballa, Pasco School Board members Megan Harding (District 5) and Colleen Beaudoin (District 2), and Dr. Toni Zetzsche, the chief communications & community engagement officer for the Pasco School District. 

Weightman says that the survey work for the Wesley Chapel sidewalk project will begin next month and will take six months to complete. 

At the same time, the county will negotiate the design fee with a consultant and get the task order executed. Then, design and permitting will take about nine months, the procurement of all of the needed property for the project will take another six months, with another two months to award the contract and ten months to complete the construction. In other words, by the time the project is completed — around July of 2028 — Josh will be a junior in high school. 

“But, at least it’s going to be done,” Josh says. “It shows that just because you’re a kid, it doesn’t mean you can’t get things accomplished.” 

Of course, Josh’s parents, Mark and Marsha Patrick, are extremely proud of their son. We’re super-proud of him, too. 

Great job, young man!