Seafood Festival – Hooked on the Bayou

4 Feb

🦞 Get Ready to Get HOOKED! Port Richey’s First-Ever Seafood Festival is Coming! 🦀

Mark your calendars, seafood lovers – history is about to be made! The City of Port Richey is launching its inaugural Hooked on the Bayou Seafood Festival and it’s going to be absolutely shell-tacular!

🗓️ Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 10 AM – 9 PM
📍 Waterfront Park | 8119 Old Post Road, Port Richey

This FREE community celebration promises a full day of coastal flavor and Gulf Coast vibes! Dive into delicious fresh seafood, groove to live music all day long, browse unique local vendors, let the kids enjoy the dedicated kid zone, and don’t miss the exciting fishing tournament. Whether you’re a seafood connoisseur or just looking for a fun family day out, this festival has something for everyone.

With 11 hours of non-stop entertainment, shopping, and incredible food right on our beautiful waterfront, this is one shell-a-bration you won’t want to miss! Bring your appetite, bring your family, and get ready to experience Port Richey’s Gateway to the Gulf like never before.

🎪 Want to be part of the action?
Vendor and sponsor opportunities are still available! Contact the Nature Coast Chamber of Commerce:

See you on the Bayou! 🌊🎵🦐

Event: Under The Sea at Starkey Ranch TLC

1 Feb

🌊 Dive Into an Underwater Adventure at Starkey Ranch TLC! 🐠

Get ready to explore the ocean without getting wet!

MAPS Museum is bringing the deep blue sea to our very own Starkey Ranch TLC for an exciting hands-on marine adventure that kids will absolutely love!

🐋 Under The Sea Experience

Saturday, March 7 | 10:30 AM – 12 PM

Young ocean explorers (ages 6-12) will dive into interactive stations featuring fascinating sea creatures including:

  • 🦈 Sharks
  • 🐋 Whales
  • 🦭 Manatees
  • And so much more!

BONUS: Each child receives a toy stuffed blue whale to take home! 🐳

📍 Event Details

Location: Starkey Ranch TLC
12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa, FL 33556

Cost: $15 per child (plus taxes & fees)

Tickets: Purchase at mapsmuseum.org

🎟️ Don’t Miss Out!

This immersive ocean exploration is perfect for curious kids who love marine life and hands-on learning. Spaces are limited, so grab your tickets today!

Questions? Call Starkey Ranch TLC at 727-815-7126

Presented by MAPS Museum in partnership with Pasco County Libraries


See you under the sea, Starkey Ranch families! 🌊✨

Starkey Cares 2nd Annual Charity Gala

24 Jan

An Evening of Impact: Starkey CARES 2nd Annual Gala

Mark Your Calendar: February 7, 2026


Starkey CARES invites you to celebrate a year of compassion and community impact at our 2nd Annual Gala this February!

A Year of Making a Difference

In 2025, Starkey CARES quietly worked behind the scenes to support our neighbors when they needed it most. Through confidential assistance, we helped nearly 20 local families and returned more than $20,000 to our community—all while preserving the dignity and privacy of those facing unexpected hardships.

Join Us for a Special Evening

This year’s gala promises an unforgettable night featuring:

  • A beautiful dinner in an elegant setting
  • Live entertainment
  • Fundraising opportunities to expand our reach
  • The chance to connect with fellow community members who believe in lifting each other up

Celebrating Our Platinum Sponsors

We extend our deepest gratitude to Malki Law and Starkey ER & Hospital for their Platinum-level sponsorship. Their commitment to community service and generous support empowers us to continue our mission of helping families privately and compassionately.


Our Mission

Starkey CARES exists to support families in Starkey Ranch and surrounding areas during life’s most challenging moments. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we provide discreet financial assistance so families never have to resort to public fundraising during times of crisis.

Get Involved: For information about the gala, sponsorship opportunities, or our programs, contact us at: 📧 [email protected]

Because when our neighbors need help, our community shows up.

Family Festival Event – February 7th!

13 Jan

Join us for a celebration of faith, food, and family fun!

Saturday, February 7th from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, St. Athanasius Church in Tarpon Springs is hosting their annual Orthodox Family Festival — and our Starkey Ranch community is warmly invited!

What to Expect:

  • 🥙 Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine including fresh Shawarma, Falafel, and delicious sweets
  • 🎵 Live music and entertainment by DJ HAGZ
  • 🎨 Kids’ activities and unlimited play area (wristbands just $10)
  • 🎟️ Raffle prizes (raffle tickets available for purchase)
  • ❤️ A warm, welcoming atmosphere for the whole family

Best of all? FREE ADMISSION!

Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing, want to experience authentic Mediterranean flavors, or simply enjoy a beautiful afternoon in our local community, this festival has something for everyone. Come hungry, come happy, and come ready to celebrate!

Event Details: 📅 Saturday, February 7th ⏰ 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM 📍 St. Athanasius Church, Tarpon Springs

Bring your family, invite your friends, and let’s make it a joyful day to remember! Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

The 2025 Fall Festival Is Here!

11 Nov

🍂 FALL FESTIVAL IS BACK! 🍂

Mark your calendars, Trinity and Starkey Ranch! Meadowlawn’s 2nd Annual Fall Festival is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect opportunity for our community to come together for a day of family fun!

📅 When: Saturday, November 22nd, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Where: 4244 Madison St., New Port Richey, FL 34652
💰 Admission: FREE!

Bring the whole family for an amazing morning filled with activities, delicious food, ice cream, bounce houses, and so much more! This is a wonderful chance to enjoy the fall season and connect with neighbors.

🎅 Santa for Seniors Collection Site
We’re proud to be a collection site for Home Instead’s Santa for Seniors program! Stop by the festival to grab a bulb ornament and learn how you can brighten the holidays for a senior in need by providing a gift. It’s a simple way to spread joy this season!

📞 Questions? Call (727) 849-9281

🔗 RSVP & Details: https://facebook.com/events/s/fall-festival/1473250637067855/

Don’t miss this fantastic community event—we can’t wait to see you there!

Event: Free Community Food Distribution

5 Oct

🍎 FREE Community Food Distribution 🥖

Mark your calendars! The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Pasco Sheriff’s Charities, Farm Share, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, The Gentlemen’s Course, and the Pasco County NAACP to bring FREE food to our community!

📅 When: Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Time: 9 a.m. until food runs out

📍 Where: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 5326 Charles Street, New Port Richey, FL 34652

🚗 Drive-thru event – Rain or shine! 🛒 First come, first served – Arrive early!

Farm Share determines food selection and quantity. No registration required – just show up and receive fresh food for you and your family!

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with resources in our community. We look forward to seeing you there!

Farm Share, Inc. is an equal opportunity provider.

#PascoSheriff #CommunitySupport #FreeFoodDistribution #PascoCounty #NewPortRichey

Grand Opening: Chick-fil-a at Starkey Ranch in Odessa

1 Oct

Odessa Celebrates Arrival of New Chick-fil-A at State Road 54 and Gunn Highway

The Starkey Ranch and Trinity communities gained a highly anticipated dining destination on October 4, 2025, when Chick-fil-A opened its newest location in Odessa, bringing signature hospitality and quality food to this rapidly growing area.

Early risers who arrived at 6 a.m. for the grand opening were treated to festive celebrations and the chance to experience firsthand what makes this restaurant chain a national favorite. With the intersection of State Road 54 and Gunn Highway continuing to develop as a commercial hub, this addition strengthens the area’s appeal for residents and visitors alike.

Community Leadership with Josh Ragsdale

At the helm of this new restaurant is Josh Ragsdale, chosen by Chick-fil-A, Inc. as the local Owner-Operator. Ragsdale brings a vision centered on creating meaningful connections with every person who walks through the doors. His approach emphasizes genuine care for both guests and the team members who will serve them, promising an experience that goes beyond a typical restaurant visit.

“We look forward to making this restaurant a place where people feel valued each time they walk through our doors,” Ragsdale noted, setting the tone for what diners can expect from this location.

Grand Opening Celebration

The launch festivities embraced Chick-fil-A’s playful brand personality with an invitation for guests to don their best cow costumes or accessories. Those who arrived sporting spots were rewarded with complimentary entrées or kid’s meals—a fun tradition that brought families together and created memorable moments for the community.

The lighthearted promotion showcased the restaurant’s commitment to creating experiences that appeal to guests of all ages, from toddlers in cow-print shirts to adults fully embracing the bovine theme.

Making an Impact Through Philanthropy

Before serving its first sandwich, the new Odessa location made waves with its charitable commitment. A substantial $25,000 donation was directed to Feeding Tampa Bay, addressing food insecurity throughout the region. This Feeding America partner organization works tirelessly to ensure that families in need have access to nutritious meals, making this contribution particularly meaningful.

Beyond the opening day donation, the restaurant joins the Chick-fil-A Shared Table initiative. This program has proven remarkably effective nationwide, transforming surplus food into more than 35 million meals for those facing hunger. Local nonprofit organizations will benefit from this ongoing commitment to reducing food waste while addressing a critical community need.

What’s on the Menu

Food lovers can look forward to the full Chick-fil-A experience, starting with the legendary original Chicken Sandwich that put the brand on the map. Morning visitors will find breakfast favorites like the Egg White Grill and Chick-n-Minis, perfect for fueling up before a busy day.

The menu caters to diverse preferences and dietary needs, featuring Grilled Nuggets for health-conscious diners, fresh salads made with quality ingredients, and classic favorites like the Spicy Chicken Sandwich. Every item is prepared using real, whole chicken breast and produce selected for freshness and quality.

Designed for Modern Convenience

Recognizing that today’s families juggle packed schedules, the restaurant at 13402 State Road 54 offers flexibility in how guests order and receive their meals. Traditional dine-in service provides a comfortable space for families and friends to gather, while the drive-thru accommodates those pressed for time.

Mobile Thru technology allows tech-savvy customers to place orders ahead and pick them up seamlessly, while delivery service brings Chick-fil-A quality directly to homes and offices. Catering options make it easy to feed groups for meetings, parties, or special events.

The restaurant welcomes guests six days a week, opening at 6 a.m. and continuing service until 10 p.m., ensuring accessibility whether you need an early breakfast or a late dinner.

Strategic Location Serves Growing Region

The placement of this restaurant couldn’t be more strategic for the booming residential areas of Starkey Ranch and Trinity. As these communities continue to expand with new homes, schools, and amenities, having trusted dining options becomes increasingly important for residents who have chosen to make this area their home.

The intersection of State Road 54 and Gunn Highway has emerged as a key commercial corridor, and this Chick-fil-A location adds to the growing list of conveniences that make the area attractive to both current residents and prospective homebuyers.

The Chick-fil-A Difference

What separates Chick-fil-A from other quick-service restaurants extends beyond menu items. The brand has built its reputation on creating positive interactions through attentive service and a culture that values each customer. Team members are known for their friendly demeanor and willingness to go the extra mile—qualities that Ragsdale plans to cultivate at this location.

This commitment to hospitality has earned Chick-fil-A consistently high ratings in customer satisfaction surveys and created loyal fans who appreciate being treated with respect and warmth during every visit.

Join the Community

Stay informed about special offers, local events, and news by connecting with Chick-fil-A Odessa through their social media channels on Facebook and Instagram. These platforms provide a direct line to announcements about promotions and ways the restaurant engages with the community.

Those interested in employment opportunities can explore openings through the restaurant’s website. With approximately 100 positions created by this location, job seekers will find opportunities to join a team that values growth, leadership development, and creating positive customer experiences.

Looking Ahead

As the Odessa area continues its transformation from suburban community to thriving commercial and residential destination, the arrival of Chick-fil-A represents another chapter in that growth story. The restaurant stands ready to serve families rushing to soccer practice, professionals grabbing lunch between meetings, and everyone in between.

With its foundation built on quality food, exceptional service, and active community involvement, this location is positioned to become woven into the fabric of daily life for Starkey Ranch, Trinity, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Stop by and discover why Chick-fil-A has earned its place as one of America’s favorite restaurant chains. The team is ready to welcome you with open arms and that signature phrase: “my pleasure.”


Find Chick-fil-A Odessa at 13402 State Road 54, Odessa, FL 33556. Learn more at chick-fil-a.com or connect via social media.

Breaking News: FlameStone Grill in Trinity Is Closing

3 Aug

🚨 BREAKING: FlameStone American Grill Trinity Location Closes Permanently 🚨

FlameStone American Grill in Trinity has announced it is permanently closing its doors effective immediately after 8 years of operation.

In a farewell message to customers, the restaurant expressed gratitude to guests and staff, stating that their “support, laughter, and shared memories made every moment worthwhile.” The establishment served the community through various occasions from first dates to family dinners and celebrations.

The Trinity location’s closure does not affect the Oldsmar location, which remains open for business. Gift cards from the Trinity location can still be redeemed at the Oldsmar restaurant.

Oldsmar Location Contact: 813.814.7778

This marks the end of an era for the Trinity dining scene as FlameStone concludes its 8-year run in the area.

Starkey Ranch ER & Hospital – Teddy Bear Clinic

13 Jul

Starkey Ranch ER & Hospital Hosts Inaugural Teddy Bear Clinic for Young Patients

Starkey Ranch ER & Hospital is bringing healthcare education to life with their first-ever Teddy Bear Clinic, designed to help children overcome medical anxieties while having fun with their favorite stuffed companions.

The special event is scheduled for Saturday, July 26th, 2025, from 10 AM to 12 PM at the hospital’s location on 2253 Heart Pine Avenue in Odessa, Florida. This innovative program allows children to bring their beloved teddy bears and other stuffed animals to receive “medical treatment” from healthcare professionals, creating a positive and educational experience around medical care.

What Makes This Event Special

The Teddy Bear Clinic represents a creative approach to pediatric healthcare education. Children will have the opportunity to play doctor and help “rehabilitate” their stuffed animals under the guidance of medical professionals. This hands-on experience helps demystify medical procedures and equipment, making future healthcare visits less intimidating for young patients.

The program has already generated significant community interest, with organizers announcing that the inaugural event has reached full capacity. Parents who secured spots through the RSVP process can look forward to watching their children engage in this unique learning experience.

Community Response and Future Plans

The overwhelming response to Starkey Ranch ER & Hospital’s first Teddy Bear Clinic demonstrates the community’s enthusiasm for innovative pediatric healthcare programs. Hospital staff expressed excitement about welcoming children to their facility for this special educational opportunity.

For families who missed the chance to participate in this inaugural event, there’s good news on the horizon. Hospital organizers have confirmed that additional Teddy Bear Clinics will be scheduled in the future, ensuring more children in the Starkey Ranch and surrounding communities will have the opportunity to participate.

Parents who reserved spots for the July 26th event should prepare for a morning of learning, laughter, and teddy bear rehabilitation as Starkey Ranch ER & Hospital continues to build stronger connections with the families they serve.

The hospital’s commitment to community engagement and pediatric care education through programs like the Teddy Bear Clinic reflects their dedication to making healthcare more accessible and less frightening for their youngest patients.

Event: Free Food Distribution – July 9, 2025

1 Jul

Free Community Food Distribution – July 9, 2025

Join Us for a Drive-Thru Food Distribution Event

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is excited to announce a free community food distribution event happening next week! This collaborative effort brings together multiple community organizations to support local families in need.

Event Details

📅 Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM until food runs out
📍 Location: Refuge Church
5320 Palmetto Road, New Port Richey, FL 34652
🚗 Format: Drive-thru distribution (rain or shine!)

Important Information

  • First come, first served – arrive early to ensure availability
  • Drive-thru format for easy and safe distribution
  • Event continues until all food is distributed
  • All food selection and quantities are determined by Farm Share
  • Farm Share, Inc. is an equal opportunity provider

Community Partnership

This event is made possible through the incredible partnership of:

  • Pasco Sheriff’s Office
  • Pasco Sheriff’s Charities
  • Farm Share
  • Refuge Church
  • The Gentlemen’s Course
  • Pasco County NAACP

Why This Matters

Food insecurity affects many families in our community, and events like this provide crucial support to those who need it most. By working together, these organizations are making a real difference in the lives of local residents.

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is proud to connect community members to this valuable resource. Events like these strengthen our community bonds and ensure that no one goes without access to nutritious food.

Getting There

Refuge Church is conveniently located on Palmetto Road in New Port Richey. The drive-thru format makes it easy for families to participate while maintaining safety and efficiency.

Questions?

For more information about this event or future food distribution opportunities, contact the Pasco Sheriff’s Office or visit the participating organizations’ websites.

Mark your calendars for July 9th and help us spread the word! Share this information with friends, family, and neighbors who might benefit from this community resource. Together, we can make sure everyone in our community has access to the food they need.

See you there!