Staff Reports

ST. LEO – A family’s effort to transform the loss of their son into hope for students in recovery is helping Saint Leo University establish a residential collegiate recovery program.

With a $1 million founding gift from Pasco County businessman and philanthropist Dewey Mitchell and his wife Becky, Saint Leo University announced plans to launch the Derek J. Mitchell Collegiate Recovery Program. 

The program, named in honor of their late son, is accepting students for fall 2026.

Saint Leo’s program will provide college students recovering from drug and alcohol addiction with a sober-living environment rooted in Benedictine values that supports both recovery and academic success.

“Our family’s hope and prayer is that the Derek J. Mitchell Collegiate Recovery Program at Saint Leo University becomes a place where students in recovery feel supported, understood and empowered. We hope it provides the resources, structure and compassion needed to help them stay on their path of recovery and embrace the future ahead,” Mitchell said. “May this program help each student find lasting strength, renewed purpose and the opportunity to live a long, healthy and meaningful life.”

A native of Trinity, Derek J. Mitchell graduated magna cum laude from Florida State University and pursued graduate studies at the University of Florida. He built a career in construction and development, contributing to projects in Florida, Texas and Arizona. His memory now serves as the inspiration for a program designed to help students in recovery maintain sobriety and achieve their academic goals.

The Mitchells’ gift addresses a growing need among college students trying to maintain sobriety while pursuing their degrees. 

An estimated 600,000 college students in the United States identify as being in recovery from substance use disorders, yet fewer than 200 colleges and universities offer formal collegiate recovery programs, according to Saint Leo University. Only a small percentage provide dedicated sober housing.

“Recovery starts with community, dignity and hope, and these are values that align deeply with Saint Leo University’s Catholic, Benedictine mission,” said Jim Burkee, president of Saint Leo University. “Dewey and Becky Mitchell’s extraordinary generosity and vision will allow Saint Leo University to create a life-changing program that provides support, accountability and a community where students facing challenges similar to those Derek experienced can thrive.”

The Derek J. Mitchell Collegiate Recovery Program is modeled after the StepUP program at Augsburg University. The model combines peer support, recovery-focused programming and academic engagement to promote long-term success in both recovery and college.

Saint Leo’s recovery program will provide students with dedicated sober residential housing, individual and group counseling led by licensed clinicians trained in addiction and mental health care, peer mentorship opportunities and sober social programming. Participating students will be required to maintain at least six months of sobriety before enrollment, participate in counseling and recovery meetings, and commit to the community’s sober living covenant.

“Collegiate recovery programs across the country have consistently demonstrated strong student retention, academic performance and graduation outcomes, showing that students in recovery can thrive when they have access to the right support systems,” Burkee said. “Through the Mitchells’ generosity and Derek’s legacy, Saint Leo University will be able to offer a path forward to students who need it most.”

The Mitchells’ contribution is the largest private commitment ever made to student recovery initiatives at Saint Leo University and lays the foundation for an endowment campaign to ensure the sustainability of the recovery program. Additional details and future fundraising initiatives will be announced in the coming months.

On the web: saintleo.edu

Florida student’s art wins Best of Show in Fish Art Contest

TAMPA – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in collaboration with Wildlife Forever, recognized Sebastian Romo for his submission in the 2026 Fish Art Contest. 

Sebastian was named the Florida freshwater winner for grades 7-9 in April and advanced to the national competition, where he earned second place in the national grades 7-9 division before going on to receive Best of Show. Best of Show is the contest’s highest overall honor, recognizing the most exceptional artwork submitted across all grade levels.

The contest invites students in kindergarten through 12th grade to create illustrations of native fish species in their natural habitats. Participants learn about the fish they depict, including their habitat, diet and role in Florida’s aquatic ecosystems, to develop a deeper appreciation for the state’s fisheries and natural resources.

Follow Sebastian’s work on Instagram @sebastianinthewild and on his website,  Sebastianinthewild.com. 

On the web: MyFWC.com/Education.

Kiddie Academy opens in Land O’ Lakes

LAND O’ LAKES – Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care celebrated the grand opening June 6 of a new franchise location at 17881 Aprile Drive.

Murali and Sireesha Katipalli own and operate the location. They have provided care and education to more than 1,000 families in five years at the Westchase location, Sireesha said. 

“We’re excited to bring that same vision to Land O’ Lakes, providing a nurturing, high-quality learning environment for children while creating more opportunities to employ local educators,” Sireesha said. 

Kiddie Academy of Land O’ Lakes will serve about 205 children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old and bring 30 jobs to the area.

The 11,300-square-foot location features 11 classrooms, a large outdoor learning center equipped with turf and a splash pad for water play, a multimedia room, Zono disinfecting cabinets and security cameras throughout. 

On the web: kiddieacademy.com/landolakes

Odessa students graduate from the University of Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Four students from Odessa earned degrees from the University of Alabama’s spring 2026 commencement at Coleman Coliseum in May. 

Local graduates include:

• Logan Hinsberg received a Bachelor of Arts.
• Graydon Horn received a Bachelor of Arts.
• Avy Trevethan received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Information Sciences.
• Bo Welch received a Bachelor of Science.

Some 7,000 degrees were awarded during the ceremony. 

Student achievements

The following students earned honors during the spring 2026 semester: 

• Jackson Behuniak, of Lutz, was named to the Dean’s Honor Roll at University of Mississippi. Jackson, who is in the B.A. in History program, earned a semester GPA of 3.50-3.74.
• Makenna Bellaire, of Lutz, was named to the Chancellor’s Honor Roll at the University of Mississippi. Makenna, who is in the B.A. in Political Science program, earned a semester GPA of 3.75 to 4.00.
• Robert S. Burton, of Lutz, was named to first honors on the Dean’s List at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. Students must have a GPA of 3.8 or above for first honors.
• Caitlyn Culpepper, of Odessa, was named to the Chancellor’s Honor Roll at the University of Mississippi. Caitlyn, who is in the B.A. in Biochemistry program, earned a semester GPA of 3.75 to 4.00.
• Lillian Hilt, of Land O’ Lakes, made the Dean’s List at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee. Lillian earned a GPA of 3.5 to 3.9. 
• Anthony Iserino, of Wesley Chapel, made the Dean’s List for the spring 2026 semester at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri. This honor recognizes students who have achieved a grade-point average of 3.5 or above.
• Drew Pitts, of Lutz, made the Dean’s List at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee. Drew earned a GPA of 3.5 to 3.9. 

LAND O’ LAKES – Woodfield Development has started construction on Connerton Apartments, a 270-unit residential community within the Connerton master-planned community in Land O’ Lakes. 

The project further expands Woodfield’s Florida portfolio and introduces new rental housing to one of the state’s fastest-growing regions.

“Pasco County continues to attract residents, employers and investment at a remarkable pace,” said Ryan Studzinski, partner at Woodfield Development. “Connerton Apartments allows us to deliver a housing option that complements the area’s continued growth while offering residents direct access to the amenities, connectivity and quality of life that have made Connerton one of the region’s most successful master-planned communities.”

Located on 17.5 acres just off U.S. 41, Connerton Apartments will offer a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom residences totaling 252 apartment units, ranging from about 773 to 1,519 square feet. The community will also feature six carriage homes and 12 townhomes with private fenced-in backyards.  The residences will feature quartz countertops, energy-efficient stainless-steel appliances, wood-style vinyl plank flooring, and in-unit washer/dryer, to name a few.

Community amenities will include a resort-style zero-entry swimming pool with cabanas, a co-working center with private workstation offices, a pet spa and private dog park play area, multiple grilling hubs, a 24-hour fitness center with yoga/flex room, resident clubroom, community lounge and a pickleball court.

Residents will have access to the master-planned community’s extensive network of trails, boardwalks, parks, lakes and preserved natural areas.

Woodfield Development closed on the acquisition of the property on Connerton Boulevard in December 2025. First deliveries are anticipated in the second quarter of 2028.

Since establishing its Florida presence in 2020, Woodfield Development has expanded its footprint across the state, starting or completing construction on more than 3,000 residential units, representing over $1 billion in development over the past five years.

On the web: woodfielddevelopment.com

TAMPA – Hillsborough County residents can improve their landscapes, strengthen financial wellness, explore healthy eating habits and learn sustainable living practices this July through Hillsborough County Extension Service’s lineup of educational classes and workshops offered both in person and online.

From tree pruning and pollinator gardening to retirement savings education and water conservation programs, Extension experts continue to provide research-based programs designed to help residents save money, protect natural resources, and build practical life skills. Many programs are beginner-friendly and open to residents across the county.

The programs listed below highlight just a portion of Extension Service offerings available throughout July. Advance registration is required for most classes. 

Call 813-744-5519 for details.

Gardening and Landscaping

• Tree Pruning Basics, in-person July 7
• Florida-Friendly Landscaping Webinar Series: Attract Wildlife, virtual July 16
• Lunch & Learn: Pollinator Gardening and Insect Conservation – Part 1, virtual July 22
• Lunch & Learn: Pollinator Gardening and Insect Conservation – Part 2, virtual July 29

Water Conservation and Sustainable Living

• Microirrigation Workshop, virtual July 9
• Composting Workshop, in-person July 11
• Microirrigation Workshop, in-person July 11
• Rainwater Harvesting Workshop, in-person July 11

Financial Education

• One-on-One Financial Education Appointments, available throughout July
• Financial Building Blocks Online Class, self-paced throughout July
• Trump Accounts 101: The Who, The What, And The How, virtual July 8
• Index Fund Investing, virtual July 15

Healthy Living and Nutrition

• Cooking Up Health: The Mediterranean Way Virtual Series, begins July 27

Agriculture and Environmental Education

• Introduction to Cottage Foods in Florida, virtual July 20

Professional Development and Industry Training

• Summer Landscape Tune-Up, in-person July 16
• UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Scouting Series Training, July 20

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – A juvenile green sea turtle named Purple returned to the gulf on June 26 after months of rehabilitation at The Florida Aquarium following a cold-stunning event.

Purple was transferred to The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center on Feb. 11 after being found on North Longboat Key lethargic, underweight and with barnacles on its shell. The turtle weighed 2 pounds at intake and required antibiotics, fluids and ongoing veterinary care.

After more than four months of care, Purple nearly doubled in size to 3.9 pounds and was cleared for release. Before returning to the wild, it received a PIT tag and microchip for future identification. Manatee County sea turtle volunteers assisted The Florida Aquarium team during Purple’s release at Anna Maria Bayfront Park.

“Every sea turtle release reflects months of intensive care and collaboration,” said Alyssa Fessett, manager of The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center. “Purple’s recovery is a direct result of that work, and it’s always meaningful to see a patient return to its home healthy and strong.”

Purple’s release comes during a busy rehabilitation season at The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center, which has cared for 22 juvenile green sea turtles since the start of the season. Most arrived after cold-stunning events that left them weakened from prolonged exposure to cold water. Through intensive veterinary care and rehabilitation, the turtles have steadily improved. Following Purple’s release, 13 sea turtles will remain in rehabilitation, when they will continue receiving treatment and care before they are ready to return to the ocean.