Weekly EditionZephyrhills · Dade City · Wesley ChapelEast Pasco County, Florida

The Zephyrhills Ledger

Zephyrhills · Pasco County, Florida

The week in Zephyrhills, in plain English.

Week of Thursday, Oct 22, 2026Local news from public recordsWeekly edition · free · Thursdays

1Growth & Development

Development, subdivisions, zoning, flood maps, migration and infrastructure.

Downtown Zephyrhills

Zephyr Park Design Hits 90%; Construction Eyed for January

A consultant update in Monday’s CRA packet says the park redesign is being trimmed to a $19M target, with a new price to come back to the city before work starts in early 2027.

Kimley-Horn’s Oct 9 status memo, filed for the Zephyrhills CRA meeting on Mon Oct 26 (5 PM, City Hall), says Zephyr Park design plans are at 90% and the civil site plan has been submitted to the city for review.

The memo says council directed Kimley-Horn and builder Reeves Young to bring the project to $19M including hard and soft costs, plus $5M for Alice Hall under a separate contract, by dropping theming on the main playground, cutting or dropping theming on the splash pad and adding shade structures.

Next steps listed: a SWFWMD permit resubmittal in about two weeks, updated construction documents to Reeves Young in about four weeks, then an updated guaranteed maximum price for city approval. The memo anticipates construction starting in early to mid January 2027. CRA staff and Kimley-Horn will review the veterans memorial area with the veterans’ community on Wed Oct 28 at 5 PM at City Hall.

Source: Zephyrhills CRA agenda packet, Oct 26, 2026 (Kimley-Horn memo, Oct 9) · Packet posted for Oct 26 meeting

Also This Week

Demolition crew picked for Home Theater revival

Main Street Zephyrhills hired Ovation Construction to remove the unstable Quonset hut behind the 1948 theater on 5th Avenue, starting late this fall.

Source: Tampa Bay Beacons · Oct 19, 2026

Flood maps shift Nov. 5 along SR 52 and south of SR 56

Two FEMA map revisions (Terra Quinn; Two Rivers Parcels D1, D6, D8) take effect Nov 5. A third, Winding Ridge / Wyndfields North, is open for appeal until Dec 29.

Source: FEMA MSC LOMR determinations · Oct 21, 2026

$85 stormwater fee lands on November bills

Zephyrhills' first-ever stormwater assessment for single-family homes appears on November 2026 tax bills.

Source: Tampa Bay 28 · Oct 7, 2026

Development Announcements

Zephyr Park: 90% design, $19M target, January start eyed

A Kimley-Horn memo in the Oct 26 CRA packet says plans are at 90%, the civil site plan is in city review, and construction could start in early to mid January 2027 after Reeves Young updates its guaranteed maximum price.

Source: Zephyrhills CRA agenda packet (Kimley-Horn memo) · Packet for Oct 26 meeting

Greenway Loop: 2.9-mile trail plan goes to the CRA

Bayer United Engineering is planning an 8- to 10-foot trail: South Avenue from the Depot Museum to 8th Street and north to Hercules Park (about 2 miles), plus links from Zephyr Park and the skatepark along 20th Street. It is a presentation only; no action is requested.

Source: Zephyrhills CRA agenda packet · Packet for Oct 26 meeting

Home Theater revival: demolition contractor hired

Main Street Zephyrhills picked Ovation Construction to tear down the unstable Quonset hut behind the theater at 38521 5th Ave, the first on-site step toward the East Pasco Cultural Arts Center. Work is set for late this fall; fundraising continues.

Source: Tampa Bay Beacons · Oct 19, 2026

Kirkland Ranch: 940 acres east of Curley Rd preserved

The state bought nearly 940 acres of the Wesley Chapel cattle ranch for $30.8M as conservation land, surrounded by Epperson Ranch and Watergrass. The family also gave 4.5 acres at Curley and Kiefer roads to the school district.

Source: Wesley Chapel Record · Oct 16, 2026

First-ever $85 stormwater fee hits November tax bills

The new City of Zephyrhills stormwater assessment is $85 a year for single-family homes, with other rates for businesses and apartments. It is expected to raise more than $1.6M a year and is planned at $110 in years 2-5.

Source: Tampa Bay 28 (WFTS) · Oct 7, 2026

Zephyrhills adopts $171.7M tentative budget at 6.2375 mills

At its Sep 14 meeting, council passed the rolled-back millage and tentative budget on first reading and adopted the stormwater assessment 4-1.

Source: Pasco Community News · Sep 30, 2026

Pasco awards $1.87M Zephyr Creek Phase I drainage fix

The BCC approved a $1,869,831 contract to Keystone Excavators for the Geiger Pond to Zephyr Creek box culverts, a job of about 12 months. Federal funding for Phase 2 has been requested for FY2027.

Source: Hoodline · Aug 11, 2026

One-year moratorium on large data centers in Zephyrhills

City council voted unanimously for a one-year pause on large-scale data center development.

Source: Tampa Bay 28 (WFTS) · Jun 22, 2026

Pending Zoning Changes

Gall Blvd (US 301) & Chancey Rd: 300 apartments + 30K sf retail continued

The Gagne MPUD (PDE27-7832, 18.63 ac) and a companion RES-9 to RES-24 map change (PDE27-0042, 15.27 ac) at the SE corner were both marked 'Continuance Requested'.

Source: Pasco BCC agenda Oct 6, 2026 (via Bridge Point) · Oct 6, 2026

96 townhomes south of Chancey Rd recommended for approval

Chanzep LLC (PDE27-7866) seeks to rezone 20.42 ac from AR to MPUD, about 777 ft east of Gall Blvd. Staff recommended Approval with Conditions; the vote was not yet in the posted minutes.

Source: Pasco BCC agenda Oct 6, 2026 (via Bridge Point) · Oct 6, 2026

Palmetto Ridge: 2,800 homes north of SR 52 continued

This substantial MPUD modification (PDE26-7877) covers about 3,536 ac east of Ehren Cutoff, with a companion comp-plan text amendment. Both were marked 'Continuance Requested'.

Source: Pasco BCC agenda Oct 6, 2026 (via Bridge Point) · Oct 6, 2026

Holt Rd near Pure Water Way: 2.05 ac C-2 to R-1MH

The request (PDE27-7939, SE Pasco) would change general commercial to single-family/mobile home. Staff recommended approval.

Source: Pasco BCC agenda Oct 6, 2026 (via Bridge Point) · Oct 6, 2026

New Subdivisions & Multifamily / Single-Family

Two Rivers is the busiest new-home address in East Pasco

At least 11 builders are selling or pricing in the Two Rivers villages: M/I, Lennar, D.R. Horton, Pulte, Taylor Morrison, Meritage, Park Square, William Ryan, Casa Fresca, Homes by WestBay and Perry. Most are running rate buydowns or quick-move-in price cuts that expire Oct 31 to Nov 8.

Source: Two Rivers and builder sites · Oct 21, 2026

KB Home Chapel Manor I & II: from $275,990, no CDD

KB is offering a rate buydown and a $5,000 closing-cost credit on contracts through Oct 31.

Source: KB Home · Oct 21, 2026

County accepts infrastructure at Zephyr Ridge Ph. 2, Abbey Crossing, Hilltop Point

The Oct 6 BCC agenda carried bond releases and acceptances for Zephyr Ridge Phase 2 (Forestar), Abbey Crossing Phases 1-2 (Lennar), Hilltop Point (M/I Homes) and Highland Trails Phase 2. These items move infrastructure from the build stage to the maintain stage. They are not certificates of occupancy.

Source: Pasco BCC Oct 6, 2026 agenda (summary via Bridge Point) · Oct 6, 2026

Infrastructure: I-75 · SR 56 · US 301 · SR 52 · SR 50

I-75 / SR 52

I-75 at SR 52 interchange improvements completed

The $2.1M project finished Oct 17. It added a 2-lane northbound exit ramp to SR 52, a 2-lane ramp from westbound SR 52 onto southbound I-75, and dual left turns from eastbound SR 52 onto northbound I-75.

Source: FDOT District 7 · Oct 19, 2026

SR 56

SR 56 resurfacing under way, Bruce B. Downs to Meadow Pointe

This $19.8M contract (Preferred Materials) started Aug 24, 2026 and is due in fall 2027. Overnight lane closures run through Oct 22.

Source: FDOT District 7 · Oct 21, 2026

SR 56 / US 301

SR 56 extension to US 98: corridor study continues

FDOT's $950K Alternative Corridor Evaluation is looking for a route to extend SR 56 from US 301 to US 98 east of Zephyrhills. The project is still in the study phase.

Source: FDOT District 7 · Oct 21, 2026

US 301

New signal at US 301 and Wire Road

This $1.7M project (Cone & Graham) began May 11, 2026 and is due in late 2026 or early 2027. It adds a northbound left-turn lane because of heavy U-turn volume.

Source: FDOT District 7 · Oct 21, 2026

US 301

US 301 (Gall Blvd) widening in Zephyrhills: designed, not funded

Three segments are in design: County Line to south of SR 56, south of SR 56 to SR 39, and SR 39 to CR 54, which includes the downtown one-way pair. Construction is not funded on any of them.

Source: FDOT District 7 · Oct 21, 2026

US 301 / SR 50

US 301 widening to SR 50 on track for fall 2028

This $87.3M design-build job (4.2 miles, south of US 98 to north of SR 50) adds new Withlacoochee River bridges and a roundabout. It started Jul 22, 2024.

Source: FDOT District 7 · Oct 21, 2026

Pasco roads

Pasco sets one rulebook for golf carts on county trails and roads

Commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance and resolution on Oct 20 allowing golf carts on authorized paved multi-use trails (generally 10 feet or wider) and on approved county roads, with the county engineer approving new routes. The county must publish a Golf Cart Network map.

Source: WUSF · Oct 21, 2026

Flood Zone Map Revisions

Nov 5: Terra Quinn LOMR on SR 52 takes effect (25-04-5830P)

Unnamed ponds NW of Storch Ln and SR 52 move from Zone A to Zone AE, with BFEs added or raised. The appeal period closed Oct 6.

Source: FEMA MSC determination · Jun 23, 2026

Appeal window open: Winding Ridge / Wyndfields North (26-04-4148P)

Ponding areas move from Zone A/X to AE across panels 0432F-0434F. Appeals are open until Dec 29, 2026; the revision takes effect Jan 28, 2027.

Source: FEMA MSC determination · Sep 14, 2026

Mirada LOMR restudied Bayou Branch at SR 52

LOMR 24-04-2301P, effective Jun 1, 2026, revised BFEs both up and down. Check zones on SR 52 frontage against older surveys.

Source: Federal Register · Jun 11, 2026

Eiland Apartments: Six Mile Pond gets BFEs for the first time

LOMR 25-04-5696P (NE of SR 54 and Eiland Blvd) took effect Jun 4, 2026.

Source: Federal Register · Jun 11, 2026

No new countywide map in the pipeline

Zephyrhills (NFIP 120235) and the east-county panels remain dated Sep 26, 2014. FEMA's preliminary-data folder has no Pasco entry, and the SWFWMD Trout Creek and Cypress Creek restudies have no published release date.

Source: FEMA prelim directory / OpenFEMA CSB · Oct 21, 2026

Population Migration

Pasco adds 108,346 residents in five years, all of it from migration

From Jul 2020 to Jul 2025, net domestic migration was +107,118 and net international migration was +10,384. Natural change was -9,896 because deaths outnumbered births.

Source: Census PEP V2025 · Jul 1, 2025

Newcomers out-earn people leaving: $76.5K vs $62.2K AGI per household

In 2022-23, 52,217 people moved in and 33,787 moved out, a net of +18,430 people and +$967M in household income. Hillsborough (15,086 people) and Pinellas (6,976) were the top origins. Out-of-state arrivals averaged $85.8K AGI.

Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration 2022-23 · 2022-23 data (latest), retrieved Oct 21, 2026

Zephyrhills city limits flat; growth is in the unincorporated ring

BEBR puts Zephyrhills at 19,691 (Apr 1, 2025), +25 in one year and +14.5% since 2020. Dade City grew +8.8%. About 93% of 2020-25 county growth is in unincorporated Pasco.

Source: UF BEBR Florida Estimates of Population 2025 · Apr 1, 2025 estimates (published Dec 2025)

Search data: New York, Chicago, DC buyers eye Zephyrhills

In Apr-Jun 2026, New York (847), Chicago (639) and Washington DC (611) led net inbound home searches. Sarasota was the top outbound search. These are search signals, not actual moves.

Source: Redfin migration (search-based) · Jun 30, 2026

2Local Government

Plain-English agenda summaries, before and after meetings, for the Zephyrhills City Council, the Pasco County Commission (BCC) and the Pasco School Board. Recaps list what was on the agenda; outcomes are added only when official minutes or video confirm them.

Zephyrhills City Council

Coming Up

Council Monday: sidewalk design, trail safety and meter work on consent

The City Council meets Mon Oct 26 at 6 PM at City Hall. The consent agenda includes a Kimley-Horn work order to design a Daughtery Rd sidewalk extension 650 feet east of Dairy Rd, an evaluation and design of safety fixes on existing multi-use trails, an HST Utilities proposal to install meters for Phase II of meter replacement, FY27 Public Works vehicle and equipment purchases, and a Badger proposal to upgrade monitoring and controls at 25 lift stations.

Source: City of Zephyrhills, Oct 26 council agenda (CivicClerk) · Agenda retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Coming Up

Also Monday: city attorney renewal, Municipal Association seat, Veterans Day permit

Business items: renewal of the City Attorney services agreement and Resolution 882-26 on council taking part in the Nov 5 Municipal Association of Pasco meeting hosted by St. Leo. The city manager asks for a wet-zone approval for a Commandoughs Veterans Day event on Nov 7, 2 to 7 PM. Proclamations mark First National Bank of Pasco at 40 years and Epilepsy Awareness Month. The September quarterly investment report is on file.

Source: City of Zephyrhills, Oct 26 council agenda (CivicClerk) · Agenda retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Calendar

City meetings: preservation board Thu Oct 22, CRA and council Mon Oct 26

Historic Preservation Board, Thu Oct 22 at 6 PM: certificates of appropriateness for 38420 5th Ave and 5420 7th St. CRA, Mon Oct 26 at 5 PM: Zephyr Park update, Greenway Loop trail and a commercial grant for RMR Air Conditioning on 6th Street. City Council, 6 PM: a 40th-anniversary proclamation for First National Bank of Pasco and a wet-zone request for a Commandoughs Veterans Day event on Nov 7.

Source: City of Zephyrhills agendas (CivicClerk) · Retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Recap

Council and planners held a growth workshop Oct 20

The joint City Council and Planning Commission workshop on Tue Oct 20 listed data centers, residential lot sizes, accessory dwelling units, annexation and de-annexation, long-term growth strategy, Comprehensive Plan updates and apprenticeship training. Minutes are not posted yet, so no decisions are reported here. The next regular council meeting is Mon Nov 9.

Source: City of Zephyrhills, joint workshop agenda (CivicClerk) · Meeting Oct 20, 2026

Pasco County Commission (BCC)

Recap

Oct 20 agenda: $16M Tupper Road land buy, air ambulance deal, golf carts

The Oct 20 BCC agenda in New Port Richey listed a $16 million purchase of land on Tupper Road (Parks, District 2), a five-year helicopter air ambulance agreement with Med-Trans (reimbursable up to $3.56M), a resolution allowing golf carts on certain county roads, a $2.43M cooperative funding agreement with AmSkills, a $142.1M amendment for the Land O’ Lakes wastewater plant design-build with Vogel Bros., and a $5M FDOT letter of understanding for County Line Road widening. Official minutes are not posted yet; check the meeting video for votes.

Source: Pasco County BCC agenda, Oct 20, 2026 (CivicClerk) · Meeting Oct 20, 2026

Coming Up

Planning Commission meets Thu Oct 22; next BCC session Nov 17

The Pasco Planning Commission meets Thursday, Oct 22, at 1:30 PM, followed by a Pasco 2050 Comprehensive Plan workshop. The next regular BCC meeting on the county calendar is Tue Nov 17 at 10 AM.

Source: Pasco County meeting calendar (CivicClerk) · Retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Pasco School Board

Recap

Oct 20 agenda: referendum oversight report, Gulf High track naming, LOL athletics contract

The Oct 20 evening agenda included the Salary Referendum Oversight Committee annual report, an extension of the School Board attorney contract, naming the Gulf High track and field facility for former coach Dean Lofton, a guaranteed-maximum-price amendment with Manhattan Construction for Land O’ Lakes High athletics facilities, an armed guardian access agreement, and budget amendments. Minutes are not posted yet. The next meeting is Tue Nov 3 at 9:30 AM.

Source: District School Board of Pasco County agenda (Diligent) · Meeting Oct 20, 2026

Elections

Early voting runs through Oct 31 at Alice Hall and Dade City

Polls are open 7 AM to 7 PM daily at 12 Pasco sites, including Alice Hall Community Center (38116 5th Ave, Zephyrhills) and the East Pasco Government Center in Dade City. Any Pasco voter may use any site; bring photo and signature ID. Election Day is Tue Nov 3, when GoPasco buses are free to riders with a voter information card.

Source: Tampa Bay Beacons; Wesley Chapel Record · Oct 19, 2026

Student discipline matters are never summarized.

3Public Safety

Police blotter from Pasco Sheriff and Zephyrhills Police releases for the last 7 days (Oct 15 to 22), plus crashes and road closures. No names, mugshots or home addresses.

Police blotter: Pasco Sheriff (PSO)

Land O’ Lakes

Man shot at a worksite near Connerton Blvd; two men in custody

PSO says deputies responded to a shooting at a worksite in the Connerton Blvd and Bella Vita Cir area around 3:35 PM Wed Oct 21. One adult man was shot and was getting medical care. PSO says an argument among three adult men who know each other came first; two men who ran into a wooded area were found, and an update reports an arrest on an attempted homicide charge. Connerton Elementary was briefly on alert status; dismissal went ahead.

Source: Pasco Sheriff’s Office news · Oct 21, 2026

Hudson

Deputies seek help identifying a theft suspect on US 19

PSO says an unknown suspect stole from a business in the 15400 block of US Hwy 19 in Hudson around 12:45 AM Thu Oct 15. PSO posted photos and asks anyone who recognizes the suspect to send a tip through its online tip page.

Source: Pasco Sheriff’s Office news · Oct 21, 2026

PSO also posted missing-person alerts this week; they are not summarized here because they center on named people. See the PSO newsroom.

PSO newsroom

Road closures: FDOT in East Pasco

Zephyrhills

US 301 northbound left lane closed, Bailey Hill Rd to Wire Rd

Mon Oct 19 through Fri Oct 23, 7 AM to 5 PM, for work on the new traffic signal at Wire Rd.

Source: FDOT Tampa Bay lane closures, Pasco · Retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Zephyrhills

SR 39 night lane closures and flagging, Central Ave to Gall Blvd

Sun Oct 18 through Thu Oct 22, 7 PM to 7 AM, for repaving from north of Central Ave to US 301 (Gall Blvd).

Source: FDOT Tampa Bay lane closures, Pasco · Retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Dade City

US 98 periodic lane closures and flagging, CR 54 to Townsend Rd

Mon Oct 19 through Fri Oct 23, 7 AM to 5 PM.

Source: FDOT Tampa Bay lane closures, Pasco · Retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Wesley Chapel

SR 56 at Bruce B. Downs: turn lane and night closures

The SR 56 right-turn lane onto northbound Bruce B. Downs Blvd is closed Thu Oct 22 to Fri Oct 23, 8 AM to 5 PM. Night lane closures on SR 56 from west of Bruce B. Downs to east of Shops Ln run through Thu Oct 22, 8:30 PM to 7:30 AM.

Source: FDOT Tampa Bay lane closures, Pasco · Retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Trilby

Sunday night: CR 575 reopens at US 301, part of Trilby Rd closes

Starting the night of Sun Oct 25, CR 575 reopens at US 301 and a 350-foot section of Trilby Rd west of US 301 closes for roundabout work, expected until about spring or summer 2027.

Source: FDOT Tampa Bay lane closures, Pasco · Retrieved Oct 22, 2026

FL511 live traffic

More from local agencies: ZPD Reports from the Chief · City of Zephyrhills news flash · FHP live traffic incidents

4Business

Big employers, openings, closings and small business in Zephyrhills.

New Businesses & Big Employers

Monin picks Zephyrhills for $111M+ flavor plant, 100+ jobs

The French syrup maker plans to buy 70 acres of the Zephyrhills Airport Industrial Park Ready Site. The city approved $3,289,372 in incentives tied to 100 new jobs averaging at least $46,760 a year.

Source: Pasco EDC · Jul 14, 2026

Expansion

Forest Lake Estates opens its expansion, Fri Nov 13

There will be an open house and ribbon cutting for the community's new expansion at 6389 Tropical Sage Loop, Zephyrhills, 11 AM-2 PM, with the ribbon cut at noon.

Source: East Pasco Chamber events · Listed Oct 21, 2026; event Nov 13

The Fulfillment Lab moves HQ to Pasco

The company is investing more than $2M at Sunlake Business Center. It leased 35,000 sq ft in 2025 and has since added another 10,000 sq ft.

Source: Pasco EDC · Jan 26, 2026

VantagePoint AI: $4.6M Wesley Chapel expansion, 60 high-wage jobs

The jobs must pay at least 150% of the Pasco average wage. The BCC approved up to $240,000 in job-creation incentives.

Source: Pasco EDC · Nov 12, 2025

Background: MiTek's $77.6M Zephyrhills plant slated for 2026

The building-products maker announced its Zephyrhills manufacturing plant in Aug 2024.

Source: Tampa Bay Times · Aug 6, 2024

Now Open / Coming Soon

Now open

Trattoria Napoli brings handmade pasta to 7th Street

Chef-owner Matthew Zappoli's full-service Italian trattoria opened in late August with house-made pasta, pizza from a Wood Stone oven, seafood and steaks. It seats about 120 across a dining room, a semi-private pizza room, a bar and a patio. A $50,000 city CRA Commercial Improvement Grant helped with the buildout. Open Wednesday through Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday.

Source: Best of Pasco · Oct 14, 2026

Grand opening

Pampano Coffee holds grand opening on 5th Avenue, Tue Oct 27

The East Pasco Chamber is hosting a grand opening and ribbon cutting at Pampano Coffee, 38428 5th Avenue in downtown Zephyrhills, 11 AM-1 PM, with the ribbon cut at noon.

Source: East Pasco Chamber events · Listed Oct 21, 2026; event Oct 27

New store

Elements of Design by CDK cuts ribbon on US 301 in Dade City

The new and vintage home and office decor shop at 12305 US Hwy 301 held its chamber ribbon cutting on Oct 2.

Source: East Pasco Chamber events · Oct 2, 2026

Coming soon

Adesso Pizzeria expected on County Road 54

An opening tracker lists Adesso Pizzeria at 38931 County Rd 54, expected to open in October 2026. The date is not yet confirmed by the business.

Source: WhatsOpening: Zephyrhills · Retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Now open

Pizza World opens in Wesley Chapel near Lexington Oaks

The family-owned Florida chain opened Tue Oct 20 at 26863 Wesley Chapel Blvd, offering carryout and delivery only (no dine-in), 11 AM to 10 PM daily.

Source: Wesley Chapel Record · Oct 20, 2026

Small Business

Grant

RMR Air Conditioning seeks $10,787.50 downtown improvement grant

The Community Redevelopment Agency will consider a Commercial Improvement Grant for RMR Air Conditioning at 5531 6th Street. The project converts a former residential property to commercial use, replacing the original driveway with a parking lot and adding a monument sign. Staff recommends approval. The CRA meets Mon Oct 26 at 5 PM at City Hall.

Source: Zephyrhills CRA agenda packet, Oct 26, 2026 · Meeting Oct 26, 2026; retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Event

Commandough's Pizza plans Veterans Day block party on 15th Avenue, Sat Nov 7

Commandough's, at 5841 Gall Blvd, is asking City Council to approve a wet zone closing 15th Avenue between Gall Blvd and 6th Street for vendors during a Veterans Day block party, 2 to 7 PM, co-sponsored by Vets Feeding Vets. City staff note the business has hosted similar events without issues and recommend approval. Council meets Mon Oct 26 at 6 PM.

Source: Zephyrhills City Council agenda packet, Oct 26, 2026 · Meeting Oct 26, 2026; retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Networking

Free Friday coffee and networking at the Chamber's 5th Avenue office

The East Pasco Chamber hosts free coffee and networking every Friday, 8 to 9 AM, at its Zephyrhills office, 38550 5th Avenue, with coffee from Pampano Coffee. The next session is Fri Oct 23.

Source: East Pasco Chamber events · Every Friday; next Oct 23, 2026

Recap

10th Zephyrhills Economic Summit puts local founders on the panel

The East Pasco Chamber's 10th annual Economic Summit met Oct 14 at City Hall, moderated by City Manager Billy Poe. Three Pasco EDC panels covered business growth, the talent pipeline and roads, rail and logistics. Panelists included Simo Koncalovic, founder of Remedial Systems Integrated, alongside larger employers and workforce leaders.

Source: East Pasco Chamber news, Oct 15, 2026 · Oct 15, 2026

By the numbers

Four SBA-backed loans, $2.18 million, to Zephyrhills businesses this fiscal year

From Oct 1, 2025 through Jun 30, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration backed three 7(a) loans and one 504 loan, totaling $2,180,400, for borrowers with a Zephyrhills mailing address: a child care center, a physician's office, a convenience store and a recreation business. One loan funds a startup and one a change of ownership; lenders reported 42 jobs supported. Some Zephyrhills mailing addresses lie outside city limits.

Source: SBA 7(a) and 504 loan data · Data through Jun 30, 2026; retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Resources for local owners

5Real Estate

Recorded sales from county data, market stats, foreclosure filings and housing costs.

Homes Sold & Price Watch

Courtesy of Sunlight Realty LLC

Prices by ZIP Code

ZIPMedian sale priceHomes sold (Sep)Median days on market
33540$394,884 +6.8% YoY5469
33541$414,878 +13.2% YoY19575
33542$259,923 +9.2% YoY5951

Median sale price is for the 3 months ending September 2026, and days on market are also from that window. Homes sold counts September 2026 only. Source: Redfin housing-market pages (retrieved Oct 22, 2026).

Recorded sales, week of Sep 28 to Oct 4

Qualified sales of improved single-family, mobile-home and condo parcels, as recorded by the Pasco Property Appraiser. This is the latest week that is mostly complete; deeds record a week or two after closing.

Area or typeSalesMedian price
Zephyrhills ZIPs (33539-33542)19$150,000
Wesley Chapel ZIPs (33543-33545)25$463,000
Single-family, both areas30$433,500
Mobile homes, both areas13$110,000

Week before (Sep 21 to 27): 52 sales; Zephyrhills ZIPs 17 at a $205,000 median, Wesley Chapel ZIPs 35 at $346,000. Week of Oct 5 to 11, still recording: 31 so far.

Top five prices, week of Sep 28 to Oct 4

Single-family homes; qualified sales as recorded by the Pasco Property Appraiser. A $20.25M motel sale on Lajuana Blvd that week is not a home and is left out. Sale dates are deed sale dates.

Source: Pasco Property Appraiser bulk sales file (downloaded Oct 22, 2026)

Notable recent sales (Redfin)

Notable recent closings in Zephyrhills ZIPs, as listed on Redfin's recently-sold pages (retrieved Oct 22, 2026). Source: Redfin recently sold · retrieved Oct 22, 2026. Sale prices are as reported by Redfin; verify with county records before relying on them.

Monthly Snapshot: Income & Housing Cost

MeasureZephyrhillsPascoFlorida
Median household income (ACS 2020-24)$52,108$70,492$74,568
Median home value, owner-reported (ACS 2020-24)$224,700$300,900$359,000
Median gross rent (ACS 2020-24)$1,148$1,505$1,669
Median monthly owner costs (ACS 2020-24)$773$1,179$1,347
Median sale price, Sep 2026 (Redfin)$294,860$339,241—
Median listing price, Oct 2026 (Realtor.com)—$339,900—
Median asking rent, Oct 2026 (Realtor.com)—$2,100—

ACS 5-year estimates have wide margins of error at the city level: Zephyrhills income is ±$6,022. Pasco ACS 2024 1-year: income $72,335, home value $341,500, rent $1,749. Monthly owner costs cover all owner units, with and without a mortgage.

Sources: Census ACS B19013/B25077/B25064/B25088 (ACS 2020-24, retrieved Oct 21, 2026); Redfin Zephyrhills (Sep 30, 2026); Redfin Pasco (Sep 30, 2026); Realtor.com Pasco (Oct 1, 2026)

Foreclosures & Lis Pendens

A lis pendens is a public notice, recorded with the Pasco Clerk of Court, that a lawsuit affecting a property has been filed. Most are the first step in a foreclosure. These are countywide counts unless noted; the Ledger does not publish names, addresses or case lists.

Lis Pendens Filings

Lis Pendens recorded, Pasco County, Oct 14 to 21
89
Recorded Oct 15 (52), Oct 16 (5), Oct 19 (1), Oct 20 (3) and Oct 21 (28). The Clerk records these in batches, so daily counts swing widely.

Source: Pasco Clerk Official Records search · retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Near Zephyrhills: ZIPs 33540, 33541, 33542, Oct 14 to 21
11
33541: 7 · 33540: 2 · 33542: 2. Filings matched by the Ledger to Pasco Property Appraiser parcels; 5 of the 11 matches are medium confidence.

Source: Pasco Clerk and Pasco Property Appraiser · retrieved Oct 22, 2026

What kind of suits, Oct 14 to 21
55 lender · 23 HOA
Of 88 filings sorted by the Ledger by plaintiff type: 55 mortgage foreclosures by lenders, 23 HOA or condo association lien foreclosures, 9 other suits and 1 construction lien.

Source: Pasco Clerk Official Records search · retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Lis Pendens recorded, Pasco County, October to date
184
Oct 1 to 21, 2026, compared with 233 for all of September 2026. Includes every document indexed as LIS PENDENS, not only foreclosures.

Source: Pasco Clerk Official Records search · retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Foreclosure Sales Calendar

Foreclosure sales still scheduled, Oct 22 to 29
6
Oct 22 (1), Oct 26 (3), Oct 27 (1), Oct 29 (1). October had 58 sales on the calendar across 15 sale days. Active means not yet sold or canceled. Online sales at 11 AM ET.

Source: Pasco foreclosure auction calendar (RealForeclose) · retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Foreclosure sales on the November calendar
28
28 active of 29 scheduled across 14 sale days, Nov 2 to Nov 30. Countywide; the calendar does not break sales out by ZIP. Many scheduled sales are later canceled or rescheduled.

Source: Pasco foreclosure auction calendar (RealForeclose) · retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Lis pendens counts are unique instrument numbers returned by the Clerk’s public Official Records name search with document type LIS PENDENS, retrieved Oct 22, 2026, 10:32 AM ET. Auction counts are from the public calendar, retrieved Oct 22, 2026, 10:29 AM ET.

Facing foreclosure? Independent help is available: The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service (30-minute consultation for no more than $25) · HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (often free or low cost)

6Things To Do

This Weekend in Zephyrhills Fri Oct 23 to Sun Oct 25, 2026

Fri Oct 23, 4-6 PM

Trunk or Treat and Community Health Fair

Mission Home Care, 38332 Daughtery Rd, Zephyrhills

Free and open to the public.

Source: East Pasco Chamber events · Retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Fri Oct 23, 6-8 PM

Saint Leo ROTC Trunk or Treat

Saint Leo University, 33701 SR 52, Parking Lot 2

Free trunk or treat hosted by the university’s ROTC.

Source: East Pasco Chamber events · Retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Fri Oct 23, 7:30 PM

Friday night football: Pasco at Zephyrhills

Zephyrhills High School

A district game between the unbeaten-in-district Bulldogs and the Pirates.

Source: MaxPreps · Retrieved Oct 21, 2026

Sat Oct 24, 10 AM-4 PM

Pioneers and Beers

Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Rd, Dade City

Admission listed at $15 for adults and $5 for children and students.

Source: East Pasco Chamber events · Retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Sat Oct 24, 4-6 PM

Trunk or Treat at American Legion Post 15

37745 Church Ave, Dade City

A Halloween trunk or treat at the Legion post.

Source: East Pasco Chamber events · Retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Sat Oct 24, 4-7 PM

Trunk or Treat at First Methodist Church

38635 5th Ave (west parking lot)

Free trunk or treat for costumed kids, just down 5th Avenue from the Howl.

Source: East Pasco Chamber events · Retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Sat Oct 24, 4-9 PM

Main Street Halloween Howl

38500 5th Ave (Zephyr Park), downtown

A free family event by Main Street Zephyrhills.

Source: City of Zephyrhills calendar · Retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Sat Oct 24, 4-9 PM

Halloween Howl with the Zephyrhills Woman's Club

GFWC clubhouse, 38549 5th Ave

The Woman's Club joins in at its 5th Avenue clubhouse.

Source: East Pasco Chamber events · Retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Sat Oct 24, 5 PM; Sun Oct 25, 9:30 & 11:15 AM

Trunk or Treat at New Walk Church

35008 Pure Water Way

Two days of trunk or treat at the church.

Source: AllEvents: Zephyrhills this weekend · Retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Sat Oct 24, 6-8 PM

Halloween costume contest at the Howl

Across from E&Emagine, 38501 5th Ave, Zephyrhills

E&Emagine hosts a costume contest during Main Street’s Halloween Howl.

Source: East Pasco Chamber events · Retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Sat Oct 24, 9 AM-3 PM

Plants & Treasures Sale

Dade City Garden Club, 13630 5th St, Dade City

The garden club’s fall sale; free admission.

Source: East Pasco Chamber events · Retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Community

Library costume parade to City Hall, Fri Oct 30

Zephyrhills Public Library (8th Street) runs a trick-or-treat parade to City Hall every 15 minutes from 2:15 to 3:15 PM, plus crafts and games.

Source: Pasco County Public Library Cooperative · Event Oct 30, 2026

Veterans Day Parade, Sat Nov 7, 10 AM

The parade runs through the Zephyrhills Historic Downtown District.

Source: Main Street Zephyrhills events · Event Nov 7, 2026

Holiday season dates: Paulie Palooza, Tree Lighting, Festival of Lights

Main Street's 2026 calendar lists Paulie Palooza (Nov 14, 11 AM-7 PM), the Christmas Tree Lighting (Nov 23, 7 PM) and the Festival of Lights (Dec 5, 4-9 PM, parade at 7 PM). Dates are subject to change.

Source: Zephyrhills Free Press · Mar 10, 2026

Daybreak Rotary closes after 35 years, seeds a Zephyr Park Reading Circle

The club gave the city a $16,500 seed donation toward a mini-amphitheater-style reading space at Zephyr Park, building on its monthly Reading in the Park program.

Source: City of Zephyrhills (LinkedIn) · Jun 25, 2026

Club meeting calendar

GFWC Woman's Club of Zephyrhills: general meetings on the first Thursday, Sept-May, 6 PM at the 5th Avenue clubhouse (next: Nov 5). Kiwanis: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 6 PM at Alice Hall (next: Nov 3). Lions: 2nd Monday, 6 PM at the Dean Dairy Rd clubhouse (next: Nov 9).

Source: GFWC club site; East Pasco Chamber; Zephyrhills Lions Club · Retrieved Oct 21, 2026

7Schools & Sports

Local Sports

ZHS Football

Bulldogs 6-2, unbeaten atop 4A District 8, host Pasco Friday

Zephyrhills High has won five straight and is 5-0 in district play. Its last game was a 42-0 win at Hudson on Oct 9. Next up: Pasco at home, Fri Oct 23 at 7:30 PM (district), then at Wiregrass Ranch Oct 30. The Bulldogs have scored 222 points and allowed 81.

Source: MaxPreps: Zephyrhills football schedule · Retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Friday Night Slate

Friday, Oct 23: East Pasco football slate

Pasco (4-5) at Zephyrhills (6-2), district. Wiregrass Ranch (4-4) at Cypress Creek (0-8), district. Wesley Chapel (4-4) at Wharton (4-4), district. Zephyrhills Christian (3-5) at Santa Fe Catholic (7-1). All kick off at 7:30 PM. The regular season ends Oct 30, when Zephyrhills visits Wiregrass Ranch.

Source: MaxPreps team schedules · Retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Pasco HS Football

Pasco Pirates (4-5) fall to Springstead, travel to Zephyrhills

Springstead beat Pasco 40-21 on Oct 16. The Pirates play the district game at Zephyrhills on Oct 23.

Source: MaxPreps: Pasco football schedule · Oct 19, 2026

Wiregrass Ranch

Wiregrass Ranch 4-0 in district after 35-24 win over Wharton

The Bulls are 4-4 overall. They play at Cypress Creek Oct 23 and host Zephyrhills Oct 30.

Source: MaxPreps: Wiregrass Ranch football schedule · Oct 18, 2026

ZCA Football

Zephyrhills Christian Academy rolls 58-0 at South Marion

The Warriors (3-5) have won two straight. They play at Santa Fe Catholic Oct 23 and host Father Lopez Oct 30.

Source: MaxPreps: ZCA football schedule · Oct 20, 2026

ZHS Softball

Lady Bulldogs softball: 2027 slate posted, opener Feb 11 at Sunlake

Last spring's team went 7-15 (2-4 in district). The district schedule opens vs Pasco on Feb 16.

Source: MaxPreps: Zephyrhills softball schedule · Oct 21, 2026

ZHS Baseball

Bulldogs baseball opens Feb 2 at Central

Last spring's team finished 9-14. The new schedule includes home-and-home district games with Pasco (Feb 12 and Mar 12).

Source: MaxPreps: Zephyrhills baseball schedule · Sep 14, 2026

ZHS Volleyball

Girls volleyball season ends in district play

The Lady Bulldogs (6-15) fell 3-1 to Hudson in the district tournament on Oct 12.

Source: MaxPreps: Zephyrhills volleyball schedule · Oct 20, 2026

ZCA Basketball

Stallworth & Berkely join Zephyrhills Christian Academy basketball

Sophomores Lance Stallworth (transfer from Cypress Creek) and Keon Berkley (transfer from Wiregrass Ranch) join the Warriors after winning a title at the U.S. Open Basketball Finals in North Carolina.

Source: Zephyrhills Free Press · Sep 10, 2026

8Obituaries

Obituaries

Death notices for Zephyrhills and East Pasco residents, drawn from public funeral-home listings. Each notice links to the full obituary. Notices remain for 30 days.

  • Elaine R. Levesque, 81, of Zephyrhills

    Died Oct 16, 2026. Arrangements: Coastal Cremations and Funeral Care, Zephyrhills Chapel.

    A celebration of life will be held in Maine at a later date.

    Read the full obituary at Legacy.com

  • Jose Jesus Morales Ceron, 70, of Dade City

    Died Oct 15, 2026. Arrangements: Hodges Family Funeral Home, Dade City.

    Funeral service Thursday, Oct. 22, 1 p.m., St. Rita Catholic Church, 14404 14th Street, Dade City.

    Read the full obituary at Hodges Family Funeral Home

  • Ellis Harrold, of Zephyrhills

    Died Oct 14, 2026. Arrangements: Milton Funeral Home, Dade City.

    Visitation Friday, Oct. 23, 5 to 7 p.m.; celebration of life Saturday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m.; both at Victorious Church of God in Christ, 7517 Bayleaf Street, Lumberton (33540).

    Read the full obituary at Legacy.com

  • Curt B. Wickstrom, 93, of Zephyrhills and Paxton, Mass.

    Died Oct 12, 2026. Arrangements: Miles Funeral Home, Holden, Mass.

    Funeral service and burial in Paxton, Mass.; see the full obituary for details.

    Read the full obituary at Legacy.com

  • Larry R. Childress, 79, of Zephyrhills

    Died Oct 10, 2026. Arrangements: International Cremation & Funeral Care.

    At his request, no service will be held.

    Read the full obituary at Legacy.com

  • Martha Mary Campbell, 85, of Zephyrhills

    Died Oct 8, 2026. Arrangements: Coastal Cremations and Funeral Care, Zephyrhills Chapel.

    Private service Thursday, Nov. 5, at Coastal Cremations & Funeral Care, 38333 5th Ave.; celebration of life follows at 12 p.m., Southport Springs Club House, 3509 Southport Springs Parkway, Zephyrhills.

    Read the full obituary at Legacy.com

  • Naomi Caroll Baker, 90, of Zephyrhills

    Died Oct 5, 2026. Arrangements: Hodges Family Funeral Home, Dade City.

    Funeral service Saturday, Oct. 17, at Alliance Church; interment at Chapel Hill Gardens.

    Read the full obituary at Hodges Family Funeral Home

  • Leroy “Pooie” King, 79, of Zephyrhills

    Died Oct 5, 2026. Arrangements: Coastal Cremations and Funeral Care, Zephyrhills Chapel.

    A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

    Read the full obituary at Legacy.com

  • Diantha Louise Skwirsk, of Zephyrhills

    Died Oct 5, 2026. Arrangements: Hodges Family Funeral Home, Dade City.

    Viewing and rosary Oct. 14, Hodges Family Funeral Home, Dade City; funeral Mass Oct. 15, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Zephyrhills; burial Oct. 16, Florida National Cemetery.

    Read the full obituary at Hodges Family Funeral Home

  • Joyce Ann Orender, of Zephyrhills

    Died Oct 4, 2026. Arrangements: Hodges Family Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.

    Viewing and funeral service Friday, Oct. 9, Hodges Family Funeral Home, Zephyrhills; interment at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell.

    Read the full obituary at Hodges Family Funeral Home

  • James “Jim” David Rast, 76, of Zephyrhills

    Died Oct 3, 2026. Arrangements: Hodges Family Funeral Home, Dade City.

    The family will announce a celebration of life at a later date.

    Read the full obituary at Hodges Family Funeral Home

  • Barbara J. Cross, 90, of Zephyrhills

    Died Sep 28, 2026. Arrangements: Hodges Family Funeral Home, Dade City.

    Visitation and brief service Saturday, Oct. 3, Hodges Family Funeral Home, Dade City; burial at Chapel Hill Gardens.

    Read the full obituary at Hodges Family Funeral Home

  • David Christopher Wilson Jr., 22, of Zephyrhills

    Died Sep 25, 2026. Arrangements: Coastal Cremations and Funeral Care, Zephyrhills Chapel.

    Funeral service Thursday, Oct. 8, 11 a.m.

    Read the full obituary at Legacy.com

  • Barbara J. Schultes, 79, of Zephyrhills

    Died Sep 25, 2026. Arrangements: Coastal Cremations and Funeral Care, Zephyrhills Chapel.

    No local services will be held at this time.

    Read the full obituary at Legacy.com

  • Julio Angel Rivera, 56, of Zephyrhills

    Died Sep 22, 2026. Arrangements: Coastal Cremations and Funeral Care, Zephyrhills Chapel.

    Private family services.

    Read the full obituary at Legacy.com

Submit an obituary or memorial

Notices come from public listings by Hodges Family Funeral Home, Coastal Cremations and Funeral Care, Milton Funeral Home, Whitfield Funeral Home and Legacy.com. Full obituaries stay with the funeral home.

Letters to the Editor

Have something to say about Zephyrhills or East Pasco? Write to the Ledger. Selected letters are published here, and some get a reply from the editor.

  • Include your name and town.
  • Keep it to about 250 words.
  • Stay civil and stick to local topics.
  • Every letter is reviewed before it is posted and may be edited for length. Nothing is published without approval.
Submit a letter

Then & Now

From Army airfield to skydiving capital

1951 black-and-white aerial photograph of the former Zephyrhills Army Airfield runways
Zephyrhills Army Airfield, 1951 aerial photograph. Credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture, via Wikimedia Commons. Public domain. Image page

Then. The airfield southeast of downtown opened in January 1942. It was used by the U.S. Army Air Forces' School of Applied Tactics, a tactical combat training school headquartered at Orlando Army Air Base. The military presence ended on Oct. 31, 1944, and in 1947 the field was deeded to the City of Zephyrhills.

Now. The city still owns and runs Zephyrhills Municipal Airport (ZPH), now about 813 acres with two runways, the longer one 6,201 feet. Skydive City, founded in 1990, runs its drop zone on the airport's southeast side, continuing what may be the longest unbroken skydiving history at any U.S. airport.

Source: Wikipedia: Zephyrhills Municipal Airport · Retrieved Oct 22, 2026

Local Review

Based on public reviews

Sunrise Eatery

What it is: A family diner serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with a long American menu (Greek salads, comfort food, burgers).

Where: 5883 Gall Blvd, Zephyrhills

Public ratings

  • Tripadvisor: 4.5 of 5 (607 reviews) · Ranked #1 of 99 restaurants in Zephyrhills · view · as of Oct 22, 2026

What reviewers mention

  • Friendly, attentive service comes up most often.
  • Generous portions and reasonable prices.
  • Food made fresh and served hot, from a large menu.
  • Some reviewers call the food average or inconsistent, for example an overcooked dish.

Recurring themes summarized from recent public Tripadvisor reviews (Jan-Aug 2026); no quotes or opinions added.