Property Taxes Take Center Stage

Property Plans and Burn Bans

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Could Property Taxes Disappear in Florida?

Florida House Advances Proposal That Would Eliminate Most Non-School Property Taxes for Homeowners Starting in 2027

A proposal moving through the Florida Legislature could dramatically change how property taxes work for homeowners across the state. The Florida House has approved a plan that would eliminate most non-school property taxes on primary residences starting in 2027.

For homeowners in Wesley Chapel and surrounding Pasco communities, that sounds significant. This is one of the fastest-growing areas in the state. New neighborhoods are popping up, home values have climbed, and with that growth has come higher tax assessments. For many families, especially those who bought years ago and have seen values surge, the annual bill has not stayed small.

Supporters of the proposal frame it as relief. They argue that as costs rise across the board, homeowners need a break. They also say protections would be built in to maintain funding for core services like law enforcement and emergency response.

But growth communities like ours naturally raise a follow-up question. If local governments lose a large portion of property tax revenue, what fills that gap? Wesley Chapel depends on funding for roads, traffic improvements, parks, libraries, and infrastructure to keep up with development. Those projects do not disappear just because a funding source changes.

Some critics worry that eliminating property taxes without a clearly defined replacement could shift the burden elsewhere, possibly through higher sales taxes or other fees. Renters would not directly benefit, even though housing costs are often influenced by property taxes paid by landlords.

So where does it go from here?

The proposal now heads to the Florida Senate. If it passes there, it would be placed on the November 2026 ballot as a constitutional amendment. It would need 60 percent voter approval to become law. If approved, the changes would take effect in 2027.

For now, nothing changes. But for homeowners in Wesley Chapel, this is one of those policy conversations that could have a real impact on monthly budgets and the way our growing community is funded in the years ahead.

The Real What’s Up

In communities like ours, honoring the people who’ve served our country is something most of us take seriously. The Circle of Veterans is a local organization dedicated to doing just that — offering support, connection, and camaraderie to veterans who have given so much.

What’s Up With the Menu

There’s pizza… and then there’s the kind of pizza you start craving at 3:47 on a random Tuesday.

Santelli Pizza has built its name on doing the basics exceptionally well. Hand-tossed dough, generous toppings, sauce that actually tastes like tomatoes, and that perfect balance of crisp and chew in every bite. Whether you’re a classic cheese purist or someone who loads it up with everything but the kitchen sink, they’ve got you covered.

Email us at: [email protected] 

What’s Up This Week

Grey’s Anatomy Themed Trivia (Odess)

Date: Monday, February 23, 2026

Time: 6:30 PM

Grab your person, build your team, and come ready to prove you’re not just an intern.

Toddler Tuesday (Zephyrhills)

Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Time: 10:30 AM

Looking for some outdoor playtime for your animal-loving toddler?

Glow & Go Pop-Up Event (Dade City)

Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Time: 10 AM

Indulge in skin-loving self-care while exploring the latest spring styles from Cabi!

Jeep Night (Wesley Chapel)

Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026

Time: 6 PM

Exclusive parking for all Jeepers! Enjoy music and restaurants with a family-friendly environment.

Free Networking Event (Wesley Chapel)

Date: Friday, February 27, 2026

Time: 4 PM

Engage, connect, and grow your network. Cash bar available.

Wizard Shop (Zephyrhills)

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026

Time: 11 AM

Discover handcrafted treasures like one-of-a-kind wizard wands, shimmering potion bottles, fluffy Pygmy Puffs, majestic dragon goblets, and more.

What’s Up Working

🌟 The Power of Professional Connections & Strategic Networking 🌟

In business, who you know matters—but how you connect matters even more. Professional relationships open doors to opportunities that simply can’t be accessed through solo efforts. When we network with intention, we build trust, share insights, and create referral pathways that amplify both credibility and growth.

That’s exactly why organizations like the Florida Professionals Association (FPA) – Florida’s Business Growth Engine are game-changers for businesses across our state. FPA isn’t just “another networking group”—it’s a dynamic, statewide professional community that connects business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders from every corner of Florida.

🚀 Why this matters:

• Statewide Exposure: FPA gives your business visibility beyond your local zip code, expanding reach from Miami to Jacksonville and everywhere in between.
• Meaningful Connections: Weekly meetups, virtual meet-and-greets, and signature events like Professionals in Paradise foster genuine relationships—far beyond surface-level introductions.
• Real Opportunities: Members don’t just exchange business cards—they exchange referrals, insights, and strategies that directly impact growth.
• Collective Knowledge: From workshops to shared expertise, networking accelerates learning and keeps your business competitive.

🤝 Networking isn’t a side activity—it’s a strategic business advantage. When you tap into a statewide community like FPA, you’re connecting with professionals who can challenge your thinking, introduce you to new markets, and help you scale faster than you could alone.

Here’s to building stronger connections, bigger impact, and thriving businesses across Florida! 💼🌴

Email us at: [email protected] to get on the list.

Dry Conditions Trigger Burn Bans Across Our Area

Burn bans issued across Pasco and Hillsborough as dry conditions raise wildfire risk in our growing communities.

If your lawn has started to crunch under your feet lately, you’re not imagining it.

Dry conditions across Pasco and Hillsborough counties have prompted burn bans in parts of Central Florida as wildfire risk continues to climb. And while headlines often focus on bigger cities, communities like Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, Odessa, Zephyrhills, and New Tampa are just as vulnerable when the ground dries out.

When vegetation gets this dry, it doesn’t take much. A backyard burn pile. A stray spark from yard equipment. Even a carelessly discarded cigarette. With low rainfall and breezy afternoons, small flames can spread faster than most people expect.

Fire crews in surrounding counties have already responded to brush fires in recent weeks, reinforcing why local leaders are taking a preventative approach now rather than reacting later.

Under burn bans, outdoor burning of yard debris and open fires is prohibited until conditions improve. Grills are generally still allowed, but officials are urging residents to be cautious. The goal is simple. Limit potential ignition sources while the landscape is more flammable than usual.

Supporters say these bans are about protecting growing suburban neighborhoods where homes back up to wooded areas and conservation land. Critics sometimes view them as an inconvenience. But fire officials consistently argue that a temporary restriction is far easier to manage than a wildfire threatening homes.

What happens next depends on the weather. A steady stretch of rain could lower the risk. Until then, fire danger could remain elevated as we move deeper into the dry season.

For now, it’s about awareness. Clear debris away from your home, be mindful of sparks and heat, and report smoke quickly if something looks off.

Around here, sunshine is normal. But when the rain stays away too long, even familiar ground can become fuel.

That’s it for this week.

Thanks for reading. Keep showing up for each other, supporting your neighbors, and building the kind of community we’re all proud to call home.

The Folks Behind The Curtain

P.S.

You see something, say something. Any information the community needs to know? Email us @ [email protected]