The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Staff Reports

Chalk Talk: Saint Leo University honoring veterans

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A close-up of the For Those Who Serve Statue on Saint Leo University’s residential campus. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University honoring veterans

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University’s Office of Military Affairs and Services will host events honoring veterans, military personnel and their families as part of National Veterans and Military Families Month.

The Veterans Appreciation Month Opening Ceremony takes place from 11 a.m. to noon Nov. 5 at Glen E. Greenfelder and Janet L. Denlinger Boardrooms in the Student Community Center. Master Sgt. Frank Hernandez, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), will deliver the keynote address. Hors d’oeuvres and desserts will be served.

The fifth annual Chili Cook-Off will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Student Activities Building Loggia. Guests can sample chili recipes and vote for their favorites as the college honors veterans, military personnel and military-connected families. Email by Nov. 6 to enter the chili cook-off.

“Saint Leo has a long tradition of supporting those who serve our country and the families who stand alongside them,” President Jim Burkee said. “These events provide an opportunity to express our gratitude for their service and recognize the important contributions of our military-connected students, alumni, employees and community members.”

On the web: saintleo.edu

 

Pasco County teachers win water resources grants

TAMPA – The Southwest Florida Water Management District awarded $113,735 in grants to 56 educators as part of the Splash! school grant program. 

The program provides up to $3,000 per school to enhance student knowledge of freshwater resources in grades K-12.

Splash! grants encourage hands-on student learning through science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities as well as engagement of the greater school community through awareness campaigns. 

Each school district allocates a portion of its annual youth education funding to support the Splash! grants.

The district awarded grants to the following schools/teachers in Pasco County:

  • Centennial Elementary – Sarah Street
  • Cypress Elementary – Breanne Wicklein
  • Deer Park Elementary – Joenell Nolf
  • Mary Giella Elementary – Amy Torre
  • Shady Hills Elementary – Ashleigh Johnson

Grants are available to support water education programs and activities that are focused on water cycle basics, ecosystems, water quality and water conservation. 

On the web: WaterMatters.org/SchoolGrants

 

University of Tampa names interim president

TAMPA – The University of Tampa has appointed Harris Pastides, former president of the University of South Carolina, as interim president following the resignation of Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg.

Pastides will transition into the role during the remainder of the fall semester as the university searches for a permanent president.

“My focus will be on listening, building on the university’s considerable strengths and working together to sustain its momentum and position it for continued success,” Pastides said. 

He served as South Carolina’s president from 2008 to 2019 and returned as interim president from 2021 to 2022. During his tenure, the university completed a fundraising campaign exceeding $1 billion.

 

Brainstorms sees need for science center

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Community Redevelopment Agency Board has directed city staff to begin negotiations with Main Street Reserve for redevelopment of the Main & Bank property.

The decision leaves out a competing proposal from Brainstorms Science Discovery Center, which sought to establish a permanent, family-oriented science discovery center downtown.

“We didn’t propose a science discovery center downtown simply because we needed a building,” said Daisy Thomas, vice president of the Brainstorms board of directors. “We proposed it because we believe children and families belong at the center of our community’s future, and downtown should reflect that.”

Brainstorms thanked its community supporters and said it will continue developing educational programs, partnerships and opportunities for a permanent location in New Port Richey.

 

Student Achievements

  • Lutz residents Joseph Cerise and Hunter Starkey graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta at the end of the summer semester.
  • The Hernando Healthcare Foundation delivered a giant check for $23,000 in September to the PHSC Foundation. The money will support scholarships. 
  • The PHSC Foundation will hold its Golf Classic at 10 a.m. March 2 at the Southern Hills Plantation Club in Brooksville. Register at giving.phsc.edu/golf.
  • Mikayla Croissant, of Lutz, made the President’s List at Flagler College in St. Augustine. Students must earn a 4.0 GPA while completing at least 12 semester hours of graded credit.
  • JoAna Mucklow, of Odessa, graduated from the University of Mississippi in August with a Master of Business Administration.
  • Odessa residents Royce Porter and Lewin Richards as well as Timothy Santoro of Lutz, made the dean’s list at the University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphia, Maryland. Students must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 for the term.

Juvenile Welfare Board hits 80-year milestone

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Keli Mondello receives the Dillinger-McCabe Putting Children First Leadership Award at the 80th Anniversary KidsFirst Awards Luncheon. Photo courtesy of Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County
Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County held its 80th Anniversary KidsFirst Awards Luncheon on Oct. 23 at The Coliseum in St. Petersburg. Photo courtesy of Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County

ST. PETERSBURG – For 80 years, the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County has invested in the people, programs and partnerships that help children thrive. 

JWB recently celebrated the milestone with 600 community leaders, elected officials and supporters at its 80th Anniversary KidsFirst Awards Luncheon. 

“Eighty years ago, the people of Pinellas County made a decision that continues to shape our community today: children deserve the opportunity to thrive, and investing in their futures benefits everyone,” said Karen Boggess, JWB interim CEO. “As we celebrate this milestone, we also celebrate the people who turn that commitment into action every day. Their work reminds us that when we put children first, we strengthen families, build stronger communities and create opportunities that can change lives for generations.”

Keli Mondello received the Dillinger-McCabe Putting Children First Leadership Award. Mondello has worked with lawmakers to elevate early literacy and close achievement gaps, served as a Guardian ad Litem protecting abused and neglected children and co-founded LiFT, a Clearwater school for kids and adults with neurodiversity. 

“Children don’t choose their parents. They don’t choose their genetics. They don’t choose their circumstances; I feel it’s our responsibility to be their voice,” Mondello said. “I have always tried to do what’s right for children, and to be seen among all these nominees and be seen by JWB, it has completely filled my heart and is the pinnacle of my professional life.”

The award honors the legacies of the late Bernie McCabe, former Pinellas-Pasco state attorney, and Bob Dillinger, former Pinellas-Pasco public defender. Both served 20 years on JWB’s board of directors.

Denise McCabe speaks at the 80th Anniversary KidsFirst Awards Luncheon. Photo courtesy of Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County

“Keli’s remarkable vision and fierce devotion to children, especially neurodivergent children and those who learn differently, make us all so proud,” said Denise McCabe, Bernie McCabe’s widow. “This award honors leaders who are following in Bernie and Bob’s footsteps, doing what is best for children and paving a path for their bright futures ahead.”

Kay Dillinger said reviewing nominations for the award was among the last things her husband did.

“Of all the exceptional nominees, Keli Mondello stood out completely,” she said. “Bob was inspired by her vision and her unwavering commitment to ensuring all children thrive, and he would have been so proud to present her with this award bearing his and Bernie’s names.”

JWB also posthumously presented the Dillinger-McCabe Putting Children First Leadership Award to the late Jack Latvala. The former state senator championed legislation adding the state attorney and public defender to JWB’s board. His son, Chris Latvala, accepted the award.

The luncheon highlighted four recipients of the 2026 KidsFirst Cooperman-Bogue Award. Each received $1,000 in recognition of their service to the community:

  • Gena Calish – An in-home specialist who works directly with families to strengthen parenting skills, support healthy child development and help prevent child abuse and neglect.
  • Melissa Mapes – A teacher who has spent 29 years at Gingerbread Preschool creating a classroom where children feel safe, valued and supported.
  • Christine Powell – A foster grandparent with Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay who helps kindergarteners at Maximo Elementary improve literacy skills and develop a love of learning.
  • Deputy Anthony Borbonio – A member of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Community Policing Unit who builds trust in the High Point community and connects families with resources and support.

Teenagers Tatiana Mansfield and Savannah Starcher received H. Browning Spence Education Scholarships.

Gena Calish, Deputy Anthony Borbonio, Christine Powell and Melissa Mapes received the Dillinger-McCabe Putting Children First Leadership Award at the 80th Anniversary KidsFirst Awards Luncheon. Photo courtesy of Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County

UK cybersecurity company expands to Pasco County

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DSi Compliance is expanding its presence to Florida to grow the companies U.S. presence and work with local defense-related business resource partners. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC

LUTZ – DSi Compliance is opening its second U.S. office in Pasco County, according to Pasco Economic Development Council.

The London-based cybersecurity firm established its first U.S. presence in Virginia in 2021. It recently joined the SMARTLandings Program to expand its U.S. presence in Pasco County.

“Launching in Pasco is a huge step for us and marks our second office in the U.S.,” said Bradley Geppert, CEO of DSi Compliance. “As we go from strength to strength, we’re pleased to be launching our first ever internship program, partnering with Saint Leo University to offer students the chance to learn from our teams – something we hope we can roll out countrywide over time.”

DSi Compliance helps prevent and protect against cybercrime. Its new DS-Keywords platform uses artificial intelligence to analyze digital files and identify case-relevant information.

The platform analyzes and prioritizes data so that analysts can focus on business-critical tasks without being overwhelmed by redundant, tedious or low-value information.

The company is opening its new office at the SMARTstart @ the Grove Entrepreneur Center in Wesley Chapel. Pasco EDC has facilitated introductions with local partners such as the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Saint Leo University and Pasco-Hernando State College.

The cybersecurity firm will be launching its first internship program in December with Saint Leo University. Students will learn the basics of cybersecurity technology. 

“We are excited to welcome another internationally owned company to Pasco County,” said Bill Cronin, CEO of Pasco EDC. “This expansion into Florida highlights Pasco County’s strategic location for defense-related companies to grow and thrive in a business community near United States Central Command and United States Special Operations Command.”

On the web: ds-compliance.com/us.

Hillsborough County gets people outdoors with Hiking Spree

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The Hiking Spree is timed to take advantage of the cooler, drier weather and to coincide with prime bird-watching season. Photo courtesy of Hillsborough County

 

Residents are encouraged to bring their leashed dogs on Hiking Spree trips. Photo courtesy of Hillsborough County

TAMPA – Hillsborough County’s Hiking Spree officially launched its 11th season on Nov. 1.

The Hiking Spree draws thousands of participants each year to exercise and experience nature through parks and preserves in Hillsborough County. 

Keystone Park will host this year’s kickoff celebration from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 7. The event will include guided hikes, nature talks and workshops, nature-based crafts, food trucks, exclusive merchandise and information from outdoor clubs and environmental groups. The Hawk’s Nest Fitness Trail at the park is one of this year’s Hiking Spree trails, giving participants a head start on completing the list.

This year’s trail list includes 25 trails at parks and preserves throughout the county. Complete at least eight by March 31, 2027, to earn a limited-edition patch, medallion for a walking stick or pet bandana. One of the hikes can be at a location of the participant’s choice that is not on the list. 

Find out more information and register at HCFL.gov/HikingSpree. There is no cost to register, but some parks have a small entrance fee, typically $2 per vehicle. 

Sites are spread throughout the county and range from neighborhood parks to large preserves with multiple habitats. The trails are designed to offer something for residents of any age or ability, with hikes rated easy, moderate or strenuous. Lengths range from several miles to less than a mile.

Participants are encouraged to post photos from their hikes using the hashtag #TakeAHikeHC.  

East Pasco Chamber Foundation honors 22 students in October

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The East Pasco Chamber Foundation recognized October Citizens of the Month for Dade City schools at Chick-fil-A Dade City. Pictured are (back row, from left) Ibraheem Abu Khaled, Pasco K-8; Jordan Kitchen, East Pasco Education Academy (James Irvin Campus); Chick-fil-A Dade City Cow; Chief Ann Starling, Dade City Police; Ashley Jablonski, AdventHealth Dade City marketing manager; Lucy Kuhn, Centennial STEAM Magnet Middle; (front row, from left) Gabriella Gonzalez, Academy at the Farm; Emma Reubens, San Antonio Elementary; Brentley Roderick, Centennial Elementary; Olivia Metz, Saint Anthony Catholic; Levi Elmore, Lacoochee Elementary; and Jarissa Brooks, Rodney B. Cox Elementary. Brenda Rivera-Colon, Pasco High, was not pictured. Photo courtesy of Stone Imaging Co.

 

EAST PASCO – The East Pasco Chamber Foundation has announced Citizen of the Month honorees for October 2026. 

Each month during the school year, the program honors 11 citizens from Dade City-area schools and 11 citizens from Zephyrhills-area schools. 

Citizens are selected by their teachers and school administrators for their outstanding effort, achievement, character and contributions to their schools, families and communities.

The foundation has been recognizing exceptional local students for more than 28 years.

 

The East Pasco Chamber Foundation recognized October Citizens of the Month for Zephyrhills schools at Chick-fil-A Zephyrhills. Pictured are (back row, from left) Emily Henke, Chick-fil-A Zephyrhills; Lisa Stossel, AdventHealth Zephyrhills; Napoleon Le, Zephyrhills High; Chick-fil-A Zephyrhills Cow; Logan Galyon, Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Jace Robles, Children’s Educational Services; Carolyn Hodges, East Pasco Chamber Foundation chair; Zephyrhills Mayor Melonie Monson; (front row, from left) Bentley Mitchell, Heritage Academy; Olivia Henriquez, West Zephyrhills Elementary; Athena Sculley, Woodland Elementary; Lucia Guillen Sanchez, Innovation Preparatory Academy; Grace Lugo, Zephyrhills Christian Academy; Janiliz Diaz, Children’s Educational Services Secondary; and Kayson Hacker, Chester Taylor Elementary. Photo courtesy of Stone Imaging Co.

 

Keystone Prep students bring medieval history to life

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ODESSA – Students in the Ancient and World History classes at Keystone Prep recently tested their knowledge of medieval siege weapons at the Keystone Pumpkin Chuckin Challenge.

Led by social studies teacher Zeke Changuris, students spent the past month designing and constructing functional trebuchets, counterweight-based siege engines historically used to breach castle walls. 

The month-long project integrated history, physics and practical carpentry skills. It culminated in a competition where student-built trebuchets launched pumpkins across the campus grounds. The winning class launched a five-pound pumpkin 47 feet.

“Our goal at Keystone is to give hands-on learning experiences across the curriculum,” said Zeke Changuris, social studies teacher at Keystone Prep. “A hands-on project for history does pose challenges, but finding ways to make learning more than about vocabulary and dates is a challenge we as teachers appreciate.”

The hands-on nature of the project connected abstract historical concepts and real-world mechanics.

“It was a fun experience and I would love to do it again next year,” said Benji DeManche, a ninth-grader. “The engagement and the hands-on experience were fun, and watching the pumpkins crash down was great.”

Keystone Prep strives to incorporate innovative, multi-sensory teaching strategies tailored to support diverse learning styles and spark engagement.

 

AdventHealth Tampa shares cute Halloween baby photos

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NICU babies at AdventHealth Tampa dressed up for Halloween. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

 

NICU babies at AdventHealth Tampa dressed up for Halloween. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

TAMPA – The costumes are little. The cuteness? Off the charts.

Babies in AdventHealth Tampa’s neonatal intensive care unit are celebrating Halloween in handmade felt costumes, continuing an annual unit tradition with plenty of personality in pint-sized packages.

Photographed over the past two weeks, this year’s lineup includes a tiny scuba diver, an adorable cow, a Tampa Bay Buccaneers football player and twins teaming up as the Super Mario Brothers. From undersea adventures to game-day dreams and a little video-game magic, these babies are bringing big Halloween spirit.

NICU babies at AdventHealth Tampa dressed up for Halloween. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

The creative force behind the costumes is one of the unit’s nurses, who makes the outfits. Each little felt creation adds a personal touch to a tradition that puts the babies at the center of the Halloween fun.

For families spending the season in the NICU, the photos capture a first Halloween and a milestone to remember.

 

NICU babies at AdventHealth Tampa dressed up for Halloween. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

 

Saint Leo University students forecast 2026 Midterms

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Instructor Frank Orlando stands with political science students from his POL 304: Campaigns and Elections class. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

 

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University students are forecasting the outcomes of competitive U.S. Senate and state governor races leading up to the Nov. 3 midterm elections.

POL 304: Campaigns and Elections is offered every two years to coincide with election cycles. Students analyze candidates, electoral history, voter demographics and emerging political trends to put their predictions to the test.

“I want students to move from being casual observers to trained analysts,” said Frank Orlando, a political science instructor who teaches the course.

Giuliana Adonteng, a sophomore political science major, said the POL 304 course has opened her eyes.

“Prior to this class, I thought I knew about politics but didn’t. I only knew what my peers and parents knew about, and now I see the true ins and outs in politics and the process,” Adonteng said. “Now I am educating my friends about voting and using their voices.”

Saint Leo University sophomore Evie Paget shares her prediction for Florida’s races. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

Generation Z could swing close races

Orlando said young votersdon’t alwayrealize their potential to be pivotal.

“It’s much harder to convert younger people from possible voters to actual voters, so campaigns usually focus on older voters,” he said. “It’s both a skill and a will issue in getting young voters to the polls.”

Saint Leo students tracking races in Florida, Texas and Michigan are exploring how much that potential could shape the outcomes.

Sophomore Evie Paget, a political science major analyzing Florida’s Senate and gubernatorial races, predicts Republicans will retain both offices, with Sen. Ashley Moody defeating Democratic state Rep. Angie Nixon and U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds beating former Rep. David Jolly.

Paget was surprised that a candidate as progressive as Nixon won her party’s Senate nomination, a result she attributes to the mobilization of Generation Z voters.

“Nixon is a rebellious character and that gives her a voice for the youth,” Paget said. “She’s been effective in persuading people to vote for her, especially the youth, but I don’t think she will win.”

Elijah Penn, a junior with a dual major in English and political science, said Texas is a “younger state, but historically younger people don’t vote.”

Instead, Penn expects suburban and border counties to play an important role in determining the outcome of the Senate race between Democratic state Rep. James Talarico and Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Recent polls have shown the race within a few points.

“I’m surprised how close the Senate race is for how extreme Talarico is and how conservative the state is,” Penn said. “I picked Texas because I wanted a close race to watch, but it’s a dead heat. I didn’t expect it to be this close.”

Junior Ethan Parks is following Michigan’s key races, including the Senate contest between Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers, in which the conflict in the Middle East has become a significant concern for younger voters.

“Younger voters are tired of forever wars,” Parks said.

The political science major added, “I thought at the beginning of my research that Rogers would win. My eyes have been opened more to the role that independents play in this process.”

Polls of the race have varied. Parks now predicts that El-Sayed will take the Senate seat.

 

Personalities and political drama test party loyalties

As Election Day nears, Saint Leo students also are seeing how local issues, candidates’ personalities and campaign dynamics can affect voters’ decisions as much as party labels.

“Before, I focused on the policies of the candidates,” Penn said. “Now, I’m also looking at the personalities, and the scandals, around them.”

Saint Leo University senior Angeliki Thomas makes her presentation to the POL 304 class about Ohio’s races. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

Angeliki Thomas, a senior and English major, is studying Ohio’s Senate and gubernatorial races, where data centers have become a prominent campaign issue.

Thomas believes Democrats Sherrod Brown and Amy Acton are gaining ground against Republicans Sen. Jon Husted and Vivek Ramaswamy, with recent polls showing both Democrats ahead.

She thinks Ramaswamy’s attack ad featuring Acton’s estranged mother, which drew bipartisan criticism, has backfired, and that the Democrats’ more localized campaigning could help them in both contests.

“I think the Democrats will take it in both races very narrowly,” Thomas said.

Alaska’s Senate race has been marked by political drama and has received national media coverage. Junior Amaria Solomon, a political science major who is researching the state, said she has been surprised by the twists in the contest between Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and former Rep. Mary Peltola, a Democrat, including allegations that Peltola mistreated former staffers, which her campaign has disputed.

After watching the October Senate debate, Solomon believes the traditionally Republican state is still in play and that Peltola may have the edge.

“Peltola is an Alaska native and she’s focusing in on Alaska issues,” Solomon said. “Most registered voters in Alaska are independents, so that might make the difference.”

Iowa’s Senate race between Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek and Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, by contrast, has received less national attention.

Saint Leo University junior Vincent Farides reacts to a presentation. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

Junior Vincent Farides believes that’s partly because it has been relatively free of the controversy surrounding other contests. Both candidates have focused largely on affordability, agriculture and other policy questions.

Recent polls show a very close race.

“In a national environment where there are so many toss-ups, a handful of votes in Iowa could decide who will control the Senate,” said Farides, a political science major.

Farides expects independent voters to decide it.

 

What students are taking away

The Nov. 3 elections will give students a real-world benchmark for their forecasts.

Beginning at 7 p.m., a campus-only election night watch party will give students an opportunity to watch election returns live and see how their predictions compare with the results.

“Students care about the results of political action, even though it is sometimes hard to understand how the process works, which leads to exasperation and apathy and anger,” Orlando said. “Helping students to learn how the system plays out not only assists them in becoming informed, but also helps them in being able to change the system should they choose.”

Visit saintleo.edu/programs/arts-sciences-degrees/bachelors-degree-political-science for more information about Saint Leo University’s political science program in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services.

Instructor Frank Orlando gives feedback to POL 304 students. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

 

Extension Service classes cover gardening, finances

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TAMPA – Hillsborough County Extension Service will host classes this month explaining how to grow native plants, conserve water, improve credit scores, manage yard pests and explore forests.

Extension experts provide research-based programs to help residents conserve natural resources, strengthen financial knowledge and build practical skills. 

Many programs are beginner-friendly and open to residents across the county.

The programs listed below highlight a portion of Extension Service offerings available throughout November. Advance registration is required for most classes. Call 813-744-5519 or visit the Extension Service Calendar of Events at https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/events/?location=hillsborough.

 

Gardening and Landscaping

  • Florida-Friendly Landscaping Workshop Series: Mulch & Attract Wildlife, in-person Nov. 4
  • Native Plant Gardening in Central Florida, virtual Nov. 4
  • Composting Workshop, in-person Nov. 7
  • Florida-Friendly Landscaping Workshop Series: Manage Yard Pests Responsibly, in-person Nov. 18
  • Florida-Friendly Landscaping Workshop Series: Recycle Yard Waste, in-person Nov. 25

 

Water Conservation and Sustainable Living

  • Microirrigation Workshop, in-person Nov. 7
  • Rainwater Harvesting Workshop, in-person Nov. 7
  • Florida-Friendly Landscaping Webinar Series: Protect the Waterfront, virtual Nov. 19

 

Natural Resources and Agriculture

  • Meet Your Forest: Tree and Fungi Walk and Talk, in-person Nov. 10

 

Financial Education

  • Credit Reports and Scores Webinar, virtual Nov. 4
  • One-on-one financial education appointments, available throughout November
  • Financial Building Blocks online class, self-paced throughout November

 

Professional Development and Industry Training

  • Aquatic Exam Prep (ProHort), in-person Nov. 10
  • UF/IFAS Extension Nursery Grower Update, in-person Nov. 12
  • Wet N’ Wild: Recognition & Management of Aquatic & Natural Area Pest Plants (ProHort), in-person Nov. 20

Local Wildlife: The Florida Aquarium celebrates Halloween

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The Florida Aquarium presents animal encounters, costumed divers and a new scavenger hunt during Guppyween this week. Photo courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

TAMPA – Penguins, alligators and skunk sisters at The Florida Aquarium are celebrating Halloween with pumpkin enrichment activities designed to encourage natural behaviors and provide mental and physical stimulation.

The aquarium’s animal care team creates these experiences to engage the animals through new sights, textures and opportunities to explore, play and forage.
Some of that activity includes: 

  • African penguins investigate a pumpkin carved with a rabbit design, topped with anchovies and capelin, two types of fish included in their diet.
  • Striped skunk sisters Ginger and Juniper interact with the pumpkins and sample sweet potato, bell pepper, celery and mealworms.
  • American alligators push the pumpkins around in the water with one gator chomping down on the gourd.
The Florida Aquarium presents animal encounters, costumed divers and a new scavenger hunt during Guppyween this week. Photo courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

Visitors can enjoy more fall festivities at The Florida Aquarium, including Guppyween, which runs now through Halloween with trick-or-treating on Oct. 31. Activities include animal encounters, costumed divers and a new scavenger hunt throughout the week. Children in costumes receive free admission with a paid adult ticket at the ticket window.

On the web: flaquarium.org