The Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency voted Aug. 25 to change Founders’ Day in 2026 to March 28.

Why it matters: CRA leaders and Main Street organizers said the change aims to avoid event crowding that strains city staff and volunteers, and to reduce overlap with Pasco County Fair and the Kumquat Festival.

Board members and event organizers discussed multiple scheduling conflicts. Chamber and Main Street representatives told the CRA they had worked around the county fair and Kumquat Festival; Main Street and CRA staff said volunteer availability and staff overtime were major concerns when large events run back-to-back. Main Street Director Antoine Gildan and a chamber representative said moving the date would give more lead time for marketing and partnerships, and could allow organizers to link the parade, a car show and evening entertainment to increase attendance and dwell time downtown.

The CRA also discussed whether to permanently fix Founders’ Day to a rule such as “the Saturday closest to March 10,” and staff said any future change would be publicized so groups that rely on the date can plan. Board members urged that if the date is changed now it should be kept consistent going forward to avoid future confusion.

Action: Commissioner motioned to set Founders’ Day 2026 for March 28; the motion carried unanimously. Staff said Main Street and the CRA promotions committee will coordinate scheduling and marketing for the March event and return with details.

Provenance: Extensive public and staff discussion at the CRA meeting Aug. 25, 2025.