KEEPING THE NEWS LOCAL & THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED.
SEPTEMBER 2026
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Where Community Meets Wonder
Avalon Park Group Joins Memoir Agency as Co-Owner to Bring World-Class Experiences Home For more than 25 years, Avalon Park Group has believed that a great community is about far more than buildings. It is about the moments that happen between them: the festivals, the concerts, the seasonal celebrations, and the everyday gatherings that turn neighbors into friends and a place into a home.
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Now, APG is taking that belief to an exciting new level. The company has become a co-owner of Memoir Agency, the Orlando-based experiential design and event company best known for creating Dazzling Nights, the immersive holiday experience that welcomed more than 100,000 guests to Harry P. Leu Gardens in 2026.
is still growing and taking shape. Imagine permanent interactive installations, public art, imaginative play spaces, artistic lighting, and original live entertainment, each shaped around the unique story of the community it calls home. The collaboration will enhance the events residents already love, introduce new ones across Avalon Park’s existing and developing communities, including here in Wesley Chapel as well as Orlando, Tavares, and Daytona Beach, and expand the reach of the wonderfully creative Dazzling Nights design to new audiences across Florida and beyond. Leading the effort on the APG side is the events team under Stephanie Lerret, who will join Memoir’s Board of Directors alongside APG’s JJ Sofarelli. “Our partnership with Avalon Park Group gives us the resources and long-term support to continue creating the best events in the world,” said Cole NeSmith, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Memoir Agency. “Even more, we are excited to extend our mission, to make every place and moment meaningful, to the communities where people live and visit every day.”
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COMMUNITY UPDATES
Each organization brings its own mission, and together they meet in a shared vision: creating a genuine sense of place and belonging, and communities where everyone feels at home.
For residents, it means more opportunities to connect, discover, and build shared traditions close to home. For visitors, it means new reasons to experience Avalon Park Wesley Chapel as a destination. And for local businesses, more programming and more visitors can mean greater foot traffic and lasting economic activity. For a company that has always measured success by the strength of its community, it is one more way to make every place, and every moment, meaningful.
“Avalon Park Group thinks in decades, not quarters,” said Beat Kahli, Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Avalon Park Group. “A thriving community is one where people feel connected, where they build traditions, and where they want to spend their time. Memoir Agency understands that, and it is a philosophy deeply aligned with the way we approach development.” Memoir specializes in large-scale, immersive experiences that bring people together. Each year, Dazzling Nights transforms the 50-acre botanical garden at Leu Gardens through original artistic environments, live entertainment, custom lighting, and interactive installations. With APG’s support, Memoir will expand its design and production capabilities, develop new If you would like to experience it for yourself, there are original shows, and form new venue partnerships two wonderful ways to begin. Close to home, be sure to stop by the grand opening of our new community across the country and beyond. park in Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel on For Avalon Park Wesley Chapel residents, though, the Friday, September 25. And as the holidays approach, make plans to visit Dazzling Nights. Tickets are on sale most exciting part is much closer to home. now, with prices starting at $35 for adults and $33 for Through Memoir’s Immersive Master Plan™ children ages 4 to 12; listed prices include fees, and tax framework, the two companies will explore how is additional. Children ages 3 and under are admitted storytelling, art, and entertainment can be woven into free. All tickets are purchased in advance for a specific Avalon Park communities from the earliest stages of date and time, so early purchase is recommended for planning. That approach is especially meaningful for the best availability. Tickets and additional information a community like Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, which are available at www.dazzlingorlando.com.
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This morning, August 30, 2026, I am in Zurich, Switzerland, enjoying the view from my home out over the city and into the mountains. The sky is blue, the temperature is in the high 50s, and it is a welcome break from the heat back home in Florida.
Two thirds of 2026 are now in the rearview mirror, and they have brought Avalon Park Group a great deal of new and exciting developments, including wonderful momentum right here in Wesley Chapel. Avalon Park Wesley Chapel continues to grow at a remarkable pace. Each month brings new homes, new neighbors, and new reasons to be excited about the community we are building together in Pasco County. One milestone I am especially looking forward to is the grand opening of our new community park later this month, on Friday, September 25. This will be a true gathering place, a park where families can play, neighbors can connect, and our community can come together for years to come. It is a wonderful example of what placemaking is all about, and I hope you will join us to celebrate. While in Zurich, I am spending time with my father, who will soon turn 89. He is a happy senior in good physical health, still able to live on his own thanks to the wonderful care of my sister and brother. He is, however, living with memory loss. That is one of the reasons I accepted the role of Chair of the Alzheimer’s Walk in 2027, and why I recently joined the board of the Alzheimer’s Association. As many of us know, Alzheimer’s is a widespread disease with no cure available yet. This fall, our Avalon Park Group team will once again take part in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and it is our goal to field the largest team and to show just how much the Avalon Park community cares about this cause. Whether you walk with us or simply help spread the word, I would be grateful for your support. On a proud note: Encore, our Assisted Living and Memory Care community in Avalon Park, was just voted the Best Assisted Living Facility in Florida. The political season continues as well. APG supports, by and large, candidates who make smart growth, a more diversified economy, and affordable housing a priority. This cycle, we contributed to 21 candidates across four counties, the state, and a few cities. Two won outright, seven are heading to a runoff, and nine are leading in races with no primary. In total, 18 of the 21 candidates we have supported are on track to
win or have already won. That is a wonderful result. Unfortunately, roughly 75 percent of all eligible voters did not cast a ballot, which is not a good result at all. Look for the updated Voter Guide in our October edition, where the Sun will provide a non-partisan snapshot of the candidates and ballot measures on the ballot in our region. I encourage you to get involved, research what is on the ballot, and most importantly, VOTE! APG has organized events in Central Florida for over 25 years, and this has been an important element in creating a sense of place and belonging in our communities. We are excited to build on that tradition and to continue our work of placemaking for years to come. It is in that spirit that APG has become a co-owner of Memoir Agency, an events and experiential design company that is the owner and organizer of Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens, which welcomed more than 100,000 ticketed guests in 2026. Memoir specializes in creating immersive, large-scale experiences that bring people together, and as a co-owner we will be able to do even more of what we love. Working alongside our events department, under the leadership of Stephanie Lerret (who will join the Board of Directors of Memoir alongside JJ Sofarelli of APG), the Memoir team will help us enhance the events our residents already enjoy, add new events across our existing and developing Avalon Park communities, including here in Wesley Chapel, and expand the footprint of the wonderfully creative Dazzling Nights design to new audiences across Florida and beyond. You will get a sneak peek of some of their offerings at the community park grand opening on September 25th (See page one of this edition.) So as the year moves into its final stretch, I hope you will join us. Show up, get involved, and help us make this community all that it can be. See you soon in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.
*Some content in this publication is generated using AI.
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Tax Collector Mike Fasano Announces the Five Tax Collector Offices in Pasco Will Once Again be Dropoff Sites for Pasco County’s “Two Good Soles Shoes & Socks Collection Drive” New child and adult shoes and socks may be left in donation boxes located in the main lobby of the five tax collector offices across Pasco County: Gulf Harbors – 4720 U.S. Highway 19, New Port Richey 34652; New Port Richey – 8731 Citizens Drive, Room 120, New Port Richey 34654; Land O’ Lakes – 4135 US 41, Land O’ Lakes 34639; Wesley Chapel – 4160 Pet Lane, C101, Lutz 33559; and Dade City “We are proud to be a part of the Two Good – 14236 – 6th Street, Room 100, Dade City 33523. Soles Shoes & Socks Collection Drive for the past eleven years,” comments Tax Collector Mike For more information about office locations call our Fasano. “Every year our staff and a very generous centralized call center at (352) 521-4338, (727) 847community have participated in this important 8032 or (813) 235-6076. For more information about charitable effort. All the new shoes and socks the charitable giving programs at the Pasco County collected will go to Pasco students who need good Tax Collector’s Office please contact Assistant Tax footwear. We welcome donations residents and Collector Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179. visitors alike may wish to make.” Since its inception the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office has been a part of Pasco County’s annual Two Good Soles Shoes & Socks Collection Drive for school students. From now until October 15, 2026, brand new shoes and socks can be dropped off at any of the five tax collector offices in Pasco County.
SMARTstart Included in TIME’s America’s Best Incubators & Accelerators 2026 List SMARTstart has been awarded on TIME’s list of America’s Best Incubators & Accelerators 2026. This prestigious award is presented in collaboration with Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The award list was announced on August 18th, 2026, and can be viewed on TIME.com.
Track Record: An evaluation of each incubator’s and accelerator’s measurable founder outcomes, based on the top five startups they reported from their programs. These startups were assessed using information provided by the organizations, complemented by Statista’s desk research drawing on publicly available sources such as official websites, presentations, and media coverage. Expert Recommendations: Endorsements from startup investors and seasoned entrepreneurs, who recommended the incubators and accelerators they know and regard most highly. Based on the results of the study, SMARTstart is honored to be recognized on TIME’s list of America’s Best Incubators & Accelerators 2026!
Statista publishes hundreds of worldwide industry rankings and company listings with high-profile media partners. This research and analysis service is based on the success of statista.com, the leading The America’s Best Incubators & Accelerators data and business intelligence portal that provides 2026 ranking awards the top 80 incubators and statistics, relevant business data, and various accelerators across the United States based on market and consumer studies and surveys. three key dimensions: “We are honored that SMARTstart has recognized Alumni Evaluations: Feedback from more than as one of the best incubator programs in the United 2,000 founders who participated in incubator States,” shared Bill Cronin, President/CEO, Pasco and accelerator programs between 2020 and EDC. “Since its founding in 2012, SMARTstart 2025. Alumni rated their overall experience has helped more than 600 businesses get started. through a general recommendation and Through three entrepreneur centers across the assessed six key aspects, including mentoring county, SMARTstart offers resources and space and training, infrastructure, legal assistance, for businesses at different stages, including a funding opportunities, networking, and business commercial kitchen, tech hub and makerspace.” development advice.
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Fall Is Here and Exciting Things Happening at The Flats at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Living at The Flats at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel means being right in the middle of everything the community has to offer. As the seasons change, so does the calendar of events, and this fall is packed with reasons to step outside your door and get involved. From weekly art classes to a brand new park, here is what is coming up.
fall is the grand opening of the new park, taking place right out front of The Flats. Join the celebration on Friday, September 25th from 4-7 PM as the community welcomes this new outdoor space, a great addition for residents looking to spend more time outside.
Fall Fest in the New Park As the weather cools down, the celebrations continue Art Snacks Returns Every Tuesday with Fall Fest in the new park on Saturday, October Starting Tuesday, September 1st, Art Snacks kicks off 17th from 10 AM-9 PM. It is a full day of fall activities at The Flats leasing office from 6:30-8:30 PM. These right in the neighborhood residents now call home. classes run every Tuesday through October 27th, giving community members a relaxed way to unwind Avalon Park Yard Sale midweek while trying something creative. Classes Rounding out the month, the Avalon Park Yard Sale can be signed up for individually here, so participants takes place throughout the community on Saturday, can join for one session or the whole series depending October 24th from 8 AM-Noon. It is a great chance to on their schedule. shop around the neighborhood, meet neighbors, and find some good deals close to home. Food Trucks Every Thursday Hungry for something different during the week? Being at the center of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Food trucks roll into the community every Thursday means these events are never far away. Residents of from 5-8 PM at 5060 River Glen Blvd. It is an easy way The Flats get to experience the community’s growth to grab dinner without leaving the neighborhood, and energy firsthand, all within walking distance of and the lineup changes week to week. Click here for home. schedule. Want to learn more about living at The Flats at Avalon Grand Opening of the New Park Park Wesley Chapel? Reach out to the leasing center One of the biggest additions to the community this today to find out more: (813) 851-4228.
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Florida Economic Development Council Honors Bill Cronin The Florida relocations resulting in over $1.8 Billion in E c o n o m i c capital investment, and over 11,600 new jobs Development in Pasco County. Under Cronin’s leadership Council (FEDC) the Pasco EDC is recognized as one of has awarded 92 economic development organizations Bill Cronin accredited by the International Economic of the Pasco Development Council as an Accredited E c o n o m i c Economic Development Organization. Development Council (Pasco “The Eunice Sullivan Economic Development EDC) with the Professional of the Year Award recognizes Eunice Sullivan individuals whose careers have shaped Economic Development Professional Florida’s economic future through leadership, of the Year award in recognition of his innovation, and service. Bill Cronin embodies accomplishments and efforts in economic those qualities in every respect,” said Beth development over the past 30 years. Cicchetti, CEcD, Executive Director, Florida Economic Development Council. “His ability “Receiving the 2026 FEDC Eunice Sullivan to build partnerships, inspire collaboration, Economic Development Professional of the and deliver transformative results has Year Award is an incredible honor and one strengthened not only Pasco County but the that I accept with tremendous gratitude. While entire economic development profession in this award may have my name on it, I see it as Florida. Bill’s leadership has left an enduring a reflection of the extraordinary team we have legacy, and we are proud to honor him as the at the Pasco Economic Development Council. 2026 recipient of this distinguished award.” Their talent, commitment, and passion for making a difference in our community The award was first given in 1985 and was are behind everything we accomplish,” renamed in 1991 to honor Eunice Sullivan for expressed Bill Cronin, President/CEO, Pasco her outstanding dedication and commitment EDC. “I am also deeply humbled to join the to the economic development profession and distinguished list of past Eunice Sullivan the Florida Economic Development Council. Award recipients—economic development Cronin joins other economic development professionals whom I have respected and leaders who have also received the award, admired throughout my career. To now have including: my name among theirs is truly one of the great honors of my professional journey.” 2025 Keith Norden, Team Volusia 2024 Jeff Hendry, North Florida Economic Cronin joined the Pasco EDC as President/ Development Partnership CEO in January 2016 after a nation-wide 2023 Suzanne Christman, CEcD, MEDP, search. He has a long career in economic Pinellas County Economic Development development spanning over 30 years in 2022 Kelly Smallridge, BDB of Palm Beach Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South County Carolina. Cronin has extensive knowledge 2021 Marc Hoenstine, CEcD, Duke Energy and experience which includes ten years with 2019 Crystal Stiles, Florida Power & Light Enterprise Florida, now FloridaCommerce, 2018 Cathy Chambers, JAXUSA Partnership specializing in international trade and 2017 Crystal Sircy, Orlando Economic business development. Partnership 2016 Bob Swindell, Greater Fort Lauderdale Since he began leading the Pasco EDC Alliance in 2016, the organization has assisted 2015 Allen Cherry, Madison County companies through business expansions and Economic Development
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AdventHealth Wesley Chapel to unveil advanced stroke intervention technology, bringing lifesaving thrombectomy care to Pasco County What if physicians could remove a blood clot from someone’s brain without open surgery— dramatically improving a patient’s chance of recovery from a devastating stroke?
As a Primary Stroke Center, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel continues to strengthen its stroke program through investments in advanced technology, specialized physicians and evidence-based care. The new biplane suite is another key step in the hospital’s ongoing pursuit of Comprehensive Stroke Center designation, expanding its ability to care for some of the most complex stroke patients in the region.
AdventHealth Wesley Chapel is inviting media, first responders, community leaders and health care partners to an exclusive First Look: Advanced Stroke Intervention Suite, offering a behind-the-scenes look at one of the region’s newest and most advanced technologies for treating severe strokes. The addition of the biplane suite allows AdventHealth Wesley Chapel to provide a higher level of stroke care directly within the community, reducing the need for transfers and keeping patients closer to their families during treatment.
“This is an exciting step forward for our hospital and the communities we serve,” Dr. Maljaar said. “We’re now able to offer the highest level of stroke care available, including the interventions needed to restore blood flow to the brain, right here at Wesley Chapel.” The hospital’s new biplane neurointerventional suite is purpose-built to perform a range of minimally invasive procedures, including mechanical thrombectomy — a procedure that allows physicians to remove blood clots from the brain and restore blood flow for patients experiencing the most severe types of ischemic stroke. When done quickly, it can improve recovery and reduce the risk of longterm disability, versus relying on clot-busting medications alone.
Beyond stroke treatment, the new suite expands access to other neurovascular procedures, including: - Treatment of brain aneurysms through minimally invasive coil embolization - Diagnostic cerebral angiograms, often described as a “heart catheterization for the brain”
- Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization “Time is brain,” said Dr. Jason Maljaar, medical for select patients with chronic subdural director of neurology at AdventHealth Wesley hematomas Chapel. “When blood flow to the brain is blocked, brain cells begin to die within minutes. - Additional elective and emergency Having the ability to provide advanced stroke neurovascular interventions intervention on our campus means patients can receive critical treatment faster, which can lead The biplane suite strengthens AdventHealth to better outcomes and improved recovery.” Wesley Chapel’s growing neuroscience program and further advances its ability to Combined with the recent addition of specialized deliver comprehensive, high-acuity care in east neurointerventional physicians, the investment Pasco County. significantly expands access to advanced stroke intervention in Pasco County, helping patients “Adding these capabilities means we can receive highly specialized, time-sensitive care provide more services, more options and more closer to home when every minute counts. convenience for patients,” Dr. Maljaar said. “Most importantly, it helps ensure that people Stroke is a leading cause of death in the United in our community have access to advanced, States and Florida and more than 80,000 potentially life-saving care when every second Floridians were hospitalized due to a stroke in matters.” 2023, according to the Florida Department of Health.
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Coming together to create a healthy community
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