LEARN
A Landmark Year Takes Shape in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel
Momentum is building across Avalon Park Wesley Chapel as 2026 begins to take shape as a year of milestones, new connections, and visible progress. From signature community events returning to the calendar to major infrastructure and development updates, this season marks another important chapter in the growth of a place designed around connection, accessibility, and shared experiences.
At the heart of the year ahead is a strong lineup of community celebrations that have quickly become part of the fabric of life in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Residents can look forward to the return of Absolutely Avalon on April 4, a favorite gathering that brings neighbors together through entertainment, local vendors, and family-friendly activities. As summer approaches, the community will once again come together for July 4 festivities, celebrating Independence Day with an evening of music, patriotism, and fireworks that light up the skyline. Later in the year, the beloved Avalon Aglow on December 12 will close out 2026 in festive fashion, transforming the town center into a sparkling holiday destination filled with lights, seasonal cheer, and community spirit.
While events provide moments to celebrate, major developments on the ground are shaping the everyday experience of living, working, and visiting Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. One of the most anticipated updates is the extension of Avalon Park Boulevard through to the neighborhood, a project that will improve connectivity, ease traffic flow, and enhance access for residents and visitors alike. The extension is nearing completion, and a formal announcement of its opening is expected soon. Plans are underway to commemorate this milestone with a grand opening celebration this month, marking a significant step forward in the continued buildout of the community.
Alongside infrastructure progress, new businesses are beginning to take shape along the boulevard. Construction has officially started on Dunkin’ Donuts, bringing a highly requested neighborhood favorite closer to home for residents of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.
The sight of construction activity signals not only a new dining option, but also the continued growth and commercial investment in the area.
Another exciting addition opening this month is the new Flats leasing office, located at the corner of Beale Road and Avalon Park Boulevard. This state-of-the-art office will serve as the welcome point for future residents of The Flats, offering a modern, inviting space where prospective tenants can learn more about living in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Its opening represents another layer of development and reinforces the vision of a thoughtfully planned, mixed-use community.
Together, these updates reflect a broader picture: Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is not just expanding, it is coming together in a more connected, vibrant, and accessible way. Roads are linking neighborhoods, businesses are taking root, and community traditions continue to grow stronger with each passing year.
As plans move forward and dates are finalized for celebrations, openings, and milestones, residents are encouraged to stay engaged and informed. More details about event dates, ribbon cuttings, and community gatherings will be shared in the weeks ahead.
For the latest announcements, event updates, and behind-the-scenes progress, be sure to check AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com and follow Avalon Park Wesley Chapel on social media. There is much more to come — and this is just the beginning.
Coffee With Beat: From Planning to People
In recent weeks, as I spend more time walking through Downtown Avalon Park, I am reminded how much a community can change—and how much stays the same.
Nearly three decades ago, I was not strolling past cafés or greeting neighbors. I was driving through Live Oak Village, the first neighborhood in Avalon Park, inspecting infrastructure and occasionally getting stuck in the mud. At that time, there were more cows than people, and the idea of a vibrant town center felt very far away.
Today, around 50,000 residents live within a three-mile radius of Avalon Park Orlando. What once existed only on paper has become a place where people live, work, and connect every day.
When we talk about loving your neighbor, it often begins with kindness. But I have learned that it also begins with planning.
Communities that encourage walking create conversation. Parks and gathering spaces create familiarity. Mixed-use neighborhoods create moments where neighbors meet naturally—without an invitation or an appointment.
These interactions are not accidental. They are intentional.
At Avalon Park Group, our goal has always been to design places that bring people together. When shared spaces are
prioritized, relationships form. When people feel connected, compassion follows.
I see this every day—neighbors supporting one another, local businesses giving back, families gathering for events, and residents taking pride in where they live. These moments are what transform a development into a community.
As Avalon Park continues to grow in both Orlando and Wesley Chapel, our commitment remains the same: to plan with purpose, design for connection, and build places where people feel welcomed and valued.
This month’s theme, Love Your Neighbor, also reminds us that community is strengthened through action. One opportunity to do that right now is by supporting Timber Creek High School’s student thrift store, which provide essential clothing items to students in need. As colder weather continues, the stores are especially in need of cold-weather items such as hoodies, jackets, and sweatshirts.
Loving your neighbor does not always require a grand gesture. Sometimes, it simply begins with creating a place where neighbors can meet.
Showing Love at The Flats Wesley Chapel
At The Flats at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, our residents are truly at the heart of everything we do. More than just a place to live, our community is built on connection, comfort, and care—and February is the perfect time to celebrate that love. Whether you’re already part of our community or considering making The Flats your new home, we want you to know just how much our residents mean to us.
So, why do we love our residents so much? For starters, they bring life and personality to our community. From friendly waves in the hallway to conversations at local events, our residents help create the welcoming, neighborhood feel that makes Avalon Park Wesley Chapel such a special place to live. We also love how engaged our residents are— supporting local businesses, attending community happenings, and truly embracing the lifestyle that surrounds them.
We’re also proud to offer homes that fit a variety of lifestyles. Our residents appreciate thoughtfully designed floor plans, modern finishes, and the convenience of living close to shopping, dining, and everyday essentials. Seeing our residents feel comfortable, relaxed, and proud of where they live
is one of our favorite things.
To show our appreciation this February, we’re offering exclusive move-in specials as a thank-you to our future residents:
1/1 bedrooms – 1 month FREE rent
2/2 bedrooms – 2 months FREE rent
3/2 bedrooms – 3 months FREE rent
These limited-time offers are available for residents who move in by February 28, 2026, making now the perfect moment to make The Flats your home.
At The Flats at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, loving our residents means more than just providing great apartments—it means creating a place where people feel valued, supported, and excited to come home every day. We can’t wait to welcome you into our community and show you the love firsthand.
Contact us today at 813-851-4228 for more information Visit us online at theflatsatavalonpark.com
Because here, you’re not just a resident—you’re part of the community.
LEARN
True Love that Transforms
by ROSY DE LEON Higher Growth Ministries
February is known as the month of love and friendship. Hearts, flowers, and words of affection surround us. Yet beyond romantic expressions and kind gestures, God invites us to discover a deeper and truer love, His love that transforms from the very center of our hearts.
Before God’s love can flow through us, it must first flow INTO us. Romans 5:5 reminds us that God does not give His love in a limited or conditional way, but pours it into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. This divine pouring transforms us into living vessels, created not only to receive His love, but to carry it to others.
God’s love was never meant to stay within us. When we receive His love, something powerful happens in our hearts: fear is replaced by His peace, selfishness by His compassion, and indifference by divine purpose. His love heals our wounds, renews our minds, and roots us deeply in Christ.
Scripture tells us that when Christ dwells in our hearts through faith, we are rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17). From that place of intimacy, His peace fills us and His presence dwells deeply within us. We do not give love from our own strength, but from the fullness of what He has already poured into our hearts.
True love is not based on emotions alone; it is rooted in the very nature of God. The Bible reminds us that God IS love (1 John 4:8). This love is patient when relationships are difficult, kind when it would be easier to pull away, and faithful even when it requires sacrifice. It is the love Jesus modeled: self-
giving, unconditional, and intentional.
As we remain in Him, His transforming love begins to flows out of us and outward into the world. Jesus promised that whoever believes in Him, rivers of living water will flow from within them (John 7:38). We do not strive to produce love; we simply allow what we have received to overflow.
True love is not defined by spectacular moments or expensive gifts, but by a constant attitude of giving, empathy, and presence in everyday life. It manifests in small but meaningful gestures and in the willingness to walk alongside the other person as they are, cultivating a heart ready to care, understand, and support unconditionally. This kind of love has a profound and lasting value.
When we allow God’s love to flow through us, we become His hands, His voice, and His presence in a hurting world. True love is revealed in attentive listening, a forgiving heart, faithful friendships, and acts of compassion that reflect the character of Christ.
This February, as we celebrate love and friendship, let us ask God not only to fill us with His love, but to transform us by it, so that others may experience His love through us.
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for loving me first. Let Your love transform my heart and renew my mind. Remove fear, soften my heart, and teach me to love as You love. Use me as Your hands and Your voice so others may experience Your transforming love through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love in action (February Challenge)
Ask God each day this month: “Who can I love like You today?” Then act, through encouragement, kindness, forgiveness, or simply being present.
WORK
The Fulfillment Lab Expands to Pasco County, Florida, Driving Innovation in Global Fulfillment Technology
The Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) is pleased to announce that The Fulfillment Lab, an advanced technology and logistics company specializing in proprietary fulfillment software, has expanded its operations and relocated its headquarters to Pasco County, Florida.
The company’s investment includes more than $2 million in new equipment and racking systems, representing a major commitment to continued innovation and growth in the region’s technology and logistics sectors. The Fulfillment Lab initially leased 35,000 square feet in Sunlake Business Center in 2025 and has already expanded another 10,000 square feet.
“The Fulfillment Lab has always been driven by technology, and this expansion allows us to further develop our proprietary systems and bring smarter, more efficient fulfillment solutions to our clients,” said Rick Nelson, Founder and CEO, The Fulfillment Lab. “Thanks to the compliance and regulatory support provided by Pasco County and Pasco EDC, we were able to secure our certificate of occupancy and serve our customers through the busy holiday season. We couldn’t have
gotten where we are today without their assistance.”
Founded by Rick Nelson, The Fulfillment Lab is revolutionizing eCommerce logistics through its proprietary software platform, which integrates seamlessly with TikTok, Shopify, and Amazon, providing end-to-end dropshipping, data-driven fulfillment, and quality control solutions. The company’s advanced platform empowers online sellers to customize every stage of the customer experience from order creation to delivery while maintaining full visibility and operational efficiency.
“The Fulfillment Lab’s decision to grow in Pasco County underscores the region’s strength as a hub for advanced technology,” said Bill Cronin, President and CEO, Pasco EDC. “Their proprietary software and integration capabilities set them apart in the fulfillment industry, and we’re proud to see this level of innovation happening right here in our community.”
Beyond business, The Fulfillment Lab is also known for its community engagement, including supporting local charities by providing fulfillment assistance for donation drives and care package initiatives.
“This is the kind of forward-thinking investment that keeps Pasco County on the rise,” says Pasco County Commissioner Lisa Yeager. “We’re excited to welcome The Fulfillment Lab and the momentum they bring to our tech economy.”
With the new Pasco County location serving as its headquarters and an additional location in Salt Lake City, Utah, The Fulfillment Lab continues to redefine what’s possible in modern fulfillment technology by bringing efficiency, customization, and intelligence to eCommerce operations worldwide.
Pasco Tax Collector’s Office Will Spotlight Special Olympics of Pasco in February
Special Olympics of Pasco will be the featured charitable giving organization at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s office in February. Special Olympics of Pasco is a sports and training program for people with intellectual disabilities. In Pasco, 1500 students participate in Special Olympics. Training in almost two dozen different sports is provided free of charge to participants.
Funds raised in a prior year helped the Pasco team attend the 2022 National Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando. The Pasco County flag football team, the Dolphins, won gold. All funds raised during this charitable giving effort will support the improvement of athletic programs for participants, including updating uniforms, and will help offset costs of trips to Special Olympics games.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano and everyone in his office,” said Special Olympics Florida Regional Director Jessica Ott. “The tax collector fundraiser helps provide uniforms, equipment, and training for our amazing athletes. It also helps provide training for our volunteer coaches who make our work possible. The support for our athletes is truly inspiring, and we’re honored that Tax Collector Mike Fasano and his office has embraced our mission.”
“Special Olympics of Pasco has long held a special place in my heart,” states Tax Collector Mike Fasano. “I’m proud that our staff and our community support this organization that helps bring purpose to so many lives. The athletes and the volunteers who work with them are some of the kindest, most positive people I have ever met. So many of the athletes have intellectual challenges that make life difficult. To see the joy on the face of an athlete as they cross the finish line is indescribable. Special Olympics of Pasco provides a respite from the difficulties many face daily. It also provides a place to be with others who also aspire to do their very best.”
Donations can be made at any of the five tax collector locations in Pasco County. For those who would like to give online, the tax collector’s office’s charitable giving arm Pasco TC Gives has a webpage through which donations for the Special Olympics of Pasco (Charity of the Month) can be made: https://www. govhub.com/fl-pasco/tc-gives/donate
For more details regarding the charitable giving program, or services provided by the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, please contact Greg Giordano, Assistant Tax Collector at 727847-8179 or visit www.pascotaxes.com . For more information about Special Olympics of Pasco please contact Amy Selvey, Pasco Special Olympics Director at 727-492-8413 or visit www. specialolympicsflorida.org/westcoast
SMARTstart Incubator Member Launches Event to Connect Home Education Families with Educational Support Services
Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) SMARTstart Incubator Member, Lexa Duno, founder of LILLY Education Foundation (LILLY), opened her Zephyrhills learning center in July 2024. The business focuses on providing the right tools and paths to support diverse learners beyond the traditional classroom setting. LILLY is bringing an innovative matchmaking approach to educational services with a “Find Your Match: A Parent-Provider Speed Dating Event” on February 5, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The Valentine’s Day-themed gathering at SMARTstart at The Grove will unite 11 specialists and professionals offering therapies, alternative education programs, and support services with local home families.
Over the past three years, LILLY has supported nearly 200 families and educators in the Tampa Bay area to find the right tools and paths to support diverse learners beyond the traditional classroom setting. “In many ways, the vision I have for LILLY and Village in the Valley was inspired by and developed under the mentorship of Pasco EDC and the SMARTstart program,” shared Lexa Duno, Founder, Lilly Education Foundation. “I realized, this kind of community and support is exactly what parents, providers, and edupreneurs need right now.”
Duno has participated in multiple SMARTstart programs which have helped grow her business, including the incubator program, CO.STARTERS for Causes, the SMARTstart Education Series, and GROW Pasco. “LILLY Education Foundation will be remembered as one of SMARTstart’s great success stories, not just because of its achievements as a venture, but even more so for the impact it will have on our community’s youth,” shared Dan Mitchell, Assistant Vice President, Entrepreneurship, Pasco EDC.
The Pasco EDC entrepreneurship program, SMARTstart, is Penny for Pasco supported and features an innovative suite of programs that provide the tools growing businesses need for long-term success in areas like funding, education, guidance, collaboration, and workspace. SMARTstart has helped businesses create over 929 jobs and currently has 54 incubator members. The members’ businesses vary from numerous food companies in the East Pasco Incubator Kitchen in Dade City, hands-on creators in the West Pasco Entrepreneur Center, and high-technology companies with offices at SMARTstart at the Grove in Wesley Chapel. All members have access to the three Entrepreneur Centers across Pasco County to provide opportunities to best suit their needs.
The upcoming event represents the latest iteration of LILLY Education Foundation’s Village in the Valley initiative, which transforms how Pasco County families access resources for students who benefit from nontraditional approaches to teaching and learning. Unlike traditional resource fairs where providers compete for attention, “Find Your Match” structures genuine conversations through timed rotations, allowing families to meet each service provider for focused discussions about their child’s unique needs.
“Our LILLY provider speed dating event addresses a critical need among independent, field-based providers seeking professional support and collaboration with like-minded peers who are deeply committed to the children they serve,” said Zielia Crespo on behalf of Calmer Pathways Therapy, LLC, one of the participating event providers. “Solo providers benefit greatly from the insight of colleagues with complementary expertise. While individual providers may specialize in one discipline, a multidisciplinary team enables a comprehensive, holistic approach to care that allows us to meet any challenge and better serve our children.”
The LILLY Education Foundation event is coming up next week on Wednesday, February 5, 2026, at 6:30 PM at the SMARTstart at the Grove entrepreneur center. The event is free and open to all home education families and those exploring educational alternatives and will feature providers offering a range of services including but not limited to occupational therapy, speech language pathology, specialized tutoring, music therapy, executive function coaching, and alternative educational programs. Learn more and register, here. Local businesses and providers interested in establishing community partnerships may contact emily@lillyedu.org.
PLAY
Coming together to create a healthy community
Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano Provides Update on Driver License Knowledge and Driving Examinations
Florida Tax Collectors are informing customers of an important policy change issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) concerning driver license knowledge and driving examinations. Effective February 6th, FLHSMV has directed that all driver license knowledge and driving exams administered in the State of Florida will be offered exclusively in English.
Florida Tax Collectors serve as agents of FLHSMV in delivering motor vehicle and driver license services, including the administration of knowledge, and driving examinations. As FLHSMV agents, Tax Collector offices do not establish testing language requirements and must administer written and driving examinations in accordance with policies and directives issued by FLHSMV.
Tax Collectors recognize that this change may present challenges for some customers, particularly in Florida’s diverse and multilingual communities.
Tax Collector offices remain committed to serving all residents with professionalism, courtesy, and respect, and encourage customers who may be affected to plan accordingly and take advantage of available study resources.
Customers seeking additional information or wishing to share concerns regarding this statewide policy are encouraged to contact FLHSMV directly.
Florida Tax Collectors will continue to provide driver license services in compliance with state requirements while working to ensure the best possible customer experience for all Floridians.
For more information regarding the operation of the Pasco Tax Collector’s Office please do not hesitate to contact our Centralized Call Center at (352) 5214338, (727) 847-6076 or (813) 235-6076. You may also visit our website for additional information regarding the office’s duties and responsibilities: www.pascotaxes.com
