LUTZ – Holly and Robby Robbins, of Lutz, were the proud parents of the first baby born at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in 2026. Natalie arrived at […]
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This Week
Saint Leo University launches Lionova Institute
ST. LEO – Saint Leo University has launched the Lionova Institute, a new division focused on faith-anchored, technology-enabled education. The Lionova Institute will focus on expanding Saint Leo’s impact through online education, healthcare and nursing pathways, international partnerships, military-aligned education, and workforce-connected learning models. Norm Allgood, Art Monger, Jamie Kravcak and Emily Vance have joined […]
Local Wildlife (01/05/25): ZooTampa releases manatees back into wild
TAMPA – ZooTampa at Lowry Park released a record 26 rehabilitated manatees back into Florida waters in 2025. Its David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center has cared for over 615 manatees since 1991, with the majority successfully returned to their natural habitat. ZooTampa will unveil the Straz Family Manatee Rescue in the spring […]
Extension offers gardening, nutrition and financial classes
TAMPA – Hillsborough County Extension Service is kicking off the new year with hands-on workshops, educational talks and community programs focused on healthy living, gardening, financial literacy and environmental stewardship. January’s offerings provide residents opportunities to learn new skills, plan for the year ahead and connect with experts across agriculture, nutrition and personal finance. The […]
AdventHealth welcomes 2026 New Year’s Baby
DAVENPORT – AdventHealth Heart of Florida celebrated the birth of Irish Jeyliani Escobar at 12 a.m. Jan. 1. She was one of the first babies born in the new year. Irish weighed 6 pounds, 2 ounces and measured 19 inches long at birth. Parents Jenny and Oscar Escobar thanked the hospital’s care team, especially nurse […]
News Briefs (12/31/25): Garden club meets in Dade City
Dade City Garden Club to discuss school’s plants DADE CITY – The Dade City Garden Club will present Gardening at East Pasco Education Academy during its January general membership meeting. The speaker for the program is Marisa Crane, a Master Gardener Volunteer with the UF/IFAS extension office and the school’s Student Services Assistant and Garden & […]
Health & Wellness (12/31/25): Teams help the hungry
Gasparilla Bowl teams volunteer at Feeding Tampa Bay TAMPA – Student-athletes and staff from the NC State Wolfpack and Memphis Tigers volunteered alongside AdventHealth and TECO team members Dec. 16 at Feeding Tampa Bay. They packaged and sent HeroBoxes to deployed military members as part of the Gasparilla Bowl Gives Back initiative. The Union Home Mortgage […]
Reduced costs help Duke Energy customers save on bills
As we head into 2026, we’re reflecting on a year of milestones that help lower customer bills. Every investment we’ve made in 2025 shared a common purpose: to deliver reliable energy and reduce rates for the customers and communities we serve. This year, we expanded our clean energy development with three new solar sites in […]
Business Digest (12/31/25): Museum leader announces retirement
Tampa Museum of Art leader announces retirement TAMPA – Michael Tomor plans to retire as executive director of the Tampa Museum of Art, effective March 31. Tomor has worked 40 years at art museums, including just over a decade at the Tampa Museum of Art. During his tenure, the Tampa Museum of Art has acquired 1,500 […]
BayCare names chief philanthropy officer
CLEARWATER – BayCare Health System has named Kate Sawa its first chief philanthropy officer. Sawa will continue to serve as president of the St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation, including the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Families across West Central Florida need access to excellent health care close to home, and our generous donors and community partners […]
This Week (cont)
Pasco County expands housing options
NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County is allowing property owners to build or create various types of accessory dwelling units. These small, secondary homes can help families live together more comfortably by providing relief from rising rental or mortgage costs. Or when used for long-term rentals, they can help a homeowner make extra money. Adding […]
Concert supports theater renovation campaign
NEW PORT RICHEY – The Richey Suncoast Theatre more than doubled its $20,000 fundraising goal for “Letters from E: An Evening with Ed Roland of Collective Soul.” The benefit concert officially kicked off the theater’s capital fundraising campaign to renovate and preserve the nearly 100-year-old venue. The event raised a total of $42,550 […]
Chalk Talk (12/24/25): Students, seniors connect through light
Students, older adults connect through light TAMPA – Lower elementary students at Hebrew Academy Tampa Bay took part in one of the school’s most cherished traditions: the annual Chanukah celebration with the residents at Aston Gardens. The visit began with lively Chanukah songs that filled the room with energy and joy. The residents clapped along, many […]
AdventHealth, Bolts Blue Crew help deliver holiday joy
TAMPA – Students at Foster Academy were treated to a special holiday surprise Dec. 19 as AdventHealth team members joined the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Bolts Blue Crew to deliver Christmas gifts directly to classrooms. Throughout the morning, students received gifts, AdventHealth Buddy Bears and plenty of hugs from Santa. For some children, the gift […]
Local Sports & Rec
Dude Perfect running it back with Squad Games Tour
TAMPA – After a record-breaking 2025 tour, Dude Perfect is taking live entertainment to the next level with an all-new 360-degree arena layout during its Squad Games Tour. Dude Perfect will stop at Tampa’s Benchmark International Arena at 6 p.m. Aug. 1 for an action-packed night of competition and trick shots, complete with new, larger-than-life […]
MLB, NFL legends raise money for health and wellness center
• Charity Golf 001 & 002: More than 20 retired MLB and NFL players participated in the annual event to benefit the AdventHealth Sebring Foundation. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth • Charity Golf 003: Retired MLB pitcher Thomas “Flash” Gordon thanked the event participants for supporting the community by taking part in the event. Photo courtesy […]
Sports & Rec – Check This Out
Adopt a Pet (3/26/25): English Muffin is quite the treat
English Muffin is an incredibly loving 2-year-old who lives to spread happiness. The moment she sees you, she will joyfully roll onto her back, eagerly awaiting belly rubs. Her tail never stops wagging, showcasing her happy and affectionate nature. Although English Muffin was previously adopted, she was returned because she prefers to be the only […]
USF Women’s Basketball volunteers with Habitat for Humanity
The University of South Florida Women’s Basketball team volunteered with Habitat for Humanity on Aug. 24 in Safety Harbor. The players and coaches painted the exteriors of two Habitat Homes alongside the future homeowners, the Baker and Glazman families, according to a news release. This continues USF’s tradition of community service, as various USF sports […]
PHSC golf tournament
The Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) Foundation will host its annual golf tournament on Oct. 18, at the Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club in Dade City. Registration will be at 7:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. For more information, contact Jen Ferguson at 727-816-3431 or . For sponsorship opportunities, visit Giving.PHSC.edu/golf.
Reasons To Smile
Celebrate with your canine friend!
National Dog Day is Aug. 26 — an opportunity to celebrate man and woman’s best friend, and to help find loving homes for dogs in the community. Here are five ways to make a difference: Adopt a new best friend Spay and neuter. Foster first. Not ready to adopt? Fostering is a great option to […]
