Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Race car driver reunited with people who saved his life 

SEBRING – Porsche GT3 Cup driver Scott Vanacore is crediting first responders and AdventHealth Sebring staff with saving his life after suffering a heart attack at Sebring International Raceway.

Vanacore was rushed to the hospital after experiencing chest pain, where his condition worsened and his heart stopped multiple times before being stabilized. Paramedics urged him on.

“I remember getting light-headed and I remember starting to fade away and I remember them saying ‘Scott, stay with us. Stay with us.’ and ‘Scott, you need to fight. You need to fight for your life,” Vanacore said.

Doctors performed emergency procedures and placed stents to stabilize him.

“The care I got, the professionalism was amazing, and I say that with all my heart,” Vanacore said.

Vanacore later reunited with his care team and now hopes to return to racing.

AdventHealth Polk Foundation launches pickleball tourney 

DAVENPORT – Registration is open for the inaugural AdventHealth Polk Foundation Paddles for a Purpose Pickleball Classic, set for April 10 at The Courts of Gary and Dr. Naomi Boyer in Polk City.

The event will raise money for 3D mammography equipment at AdventHealth Heart of Florida, expanding access to breast cancer screening.

“This event is about coming together as a community to make a real difference in the lives of those who call this area home,” Executive Director Leigh Ann Wynn said. 

The tournament will feature doubles play with divisions based on skill level, along with a “Play with a Pro” session following competition.

Proceeds will support early detection efforts in Polk County.

BayCare opens urgent care in Plant City

CLEARWATER – BayCare has opened a new urgent care center in Plant City, expanding access to non-emergency and occupational health services.

BayCare Urgent Care will treat adults and children ages 6 months and older in the Ed and Myrtle Lou Swindle Medical Arts Center, 1601 W. Timberlane Drive.

“Urgent care plays a vital role in meeting growing community demand for timely, convenient care,” said C. Todd Jones, BayCare’s chief strategy officer and chief ambulatory services officer.

The facility will provide treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, physicals and occupational health services. It will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends.

This marks BayCare’s first urgent care location in Plant City.

Dyachim named VP of mission, ethics

CLEARWATER – Dr. Jojo Dyachim has been named vice president of mission and ethics for BayCare Health System.

He previously served as director of the department and will succeed Colleen Walters, who is retiring in April.

Dyachim joined BayCare in 2017 as a chaplain at St. Joseph’s Hospital and later served as spiritual care manager at St. Anthony’s Hospital before becoming systemwide director of missions and ethics in 2023.

“I am excited to advance our mission and ethics services, keeping us grounded in our mission as BayCare continues to grow and evolve, as well as promoting the moral agency of our clinicians and team members, upholding high ethical standards across the continuum of care, and fostering the conditions for human flourishing for the communities we are privileged to serve,” Dyachim said. 

VanMeter appoints executive director of Bay Pines VA

BAY PINES – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has appointed David J. VanMeter as executive director of the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System.

The system serves about 111,000 veterans annually and includes nine sites of care and more than 5,100 employees.

“His proven leadership qualities and experience will be an asset for the facility, the employees and volunteers, and most importantly, for the veterans we are honored to serve,” said David Dunning, acting VISN 8 director.

VanMeter previously served as deputy medical center director at the Tampa VA Healthcare System and has more than 20 years of experience with the VA.

Get answers on Medicare

ST. PETERSBURG – SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas.

Specially trained volunteers can assist with Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.

They’ll answer questions at the following programs: 

• Medicare Basics: April 2, 10 a.m. at New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-853-1279
• Medicare Financial Assistance: April 9, 10 a.m. at Genesis Center, 38112 15th Ave., Zephyrhills. 813-782-7859
• Medicare Basics: April 16, 10:30 a.m. at New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
• Medicare Basics: April 18, 10 a.m. at Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
• Medicare Basics: April 23, 10:30 a.m. at Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576

SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential. Counselors do not sell anything. They can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.

LAND O’ LAKES – The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has welcomed three families to its Let Us Do Good Village.

The community consists of nearly 100 homes provided mortgage-free to catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, as well as Gold Star and Fallen First Responder families. 

“Tunnel to Towers is honored to welcome these three families into the Let Us Do Good Village. A community built for America’s heroes and their families,” said Frank Siller, chairman and CEO. “In the Let Us Do Good Village, every home, every street, every amenity is accessible, giving them back the independence and dignity they have earned.”

Here a brief look at the newest neighbors: 

Michael Mather

Army Sgt. Michael Mather enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1999, serving nine years as an F-15 mechanic before transitioning to the Army as a fire support specialist. He deployed 11 times in support of combat operations.

Mather was shot in the face and neck by an enemy sniper Oct. 11, 2008, while serving in Baghdad. Despite his injuries, he continued directing fire to protect his unit. He sustained a traumatic brain injury, severe nerve damage and hearing loss. He now faces lifelong medical challenges related to nerve function, mobility and cognitive effects.

He is looking forward to moving into the Let Us Do Good Village, where he plans to focus on family, faith and advocating for fellow wounded veterans.

“This smart home will make everyday tasks that once caused me pain or felt impossible manageable,” Mather said. “Tunnel to Towers is giving me more independence and allowing me to spend more of my energy on what matters, time with my wife and family. It’s more than a house. It’s a gift of freedom.”

Victor Moses 

Victor Moses joined the Denver Police Department as a recruit in September 2022.

During one of the final training exercises at the policy academy, he suffered a traumatic injury and lost consciousness. He spent more than 60 days in a coma in the ICU. Doctors diagnosed him with compartment syndrome, which led to kidney failure, lung failure and severe infections. The infections caused extensive damage to the muscles, nerves and blood vessels in all of his extremities.

He ultimately underwent bilateral below-knee amputations and suffered severe damage to his right hand and partial damage to his left. As he continues to adapt to life in the wake of his injuries, Moses looks forward to moving into an accessible home and supportive community in Land O’ Lakes.

“When I found out about the Let Us Do Good Village, I saw it as an opportunity to settle down and become part of a community,” Moses said..

Joshua Tromanhauser

Motivated to enlist by the Sept. 11 attacks, Army Sgt. Joshua Tromanhauser joined the Army National Guard in 2006 after graduating from high school. He served for nearly a decade, including a year-long deployment to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010, and left the guard as a sergeant.

In 2024, Tromanhauser rushed to the emergency room due to complications from both the flu and pneumonia. His body went into toxic shock, and he would spend more than 100 days in five hospitals, as he battled multiple complications that ultimately resulted in the amputation of both of his legs.

He is looking forward to a fresh start, moving from Indiana with his wife, Nicole, and their three children into a mortgage-free smart home in the Let Us Do Good Village.

“We were looking for a fresh start, and Tunnel to Towers came to us at the perfect time,” Tromanhauser said. “This is such a blessing.”

For his family, the Village will offer accessibility and peace of mind. 

“You don’t realize how inaccessible the world really is until you have someone you love in a wheelchair,” Nicole said. “To have no obstacles in our entire neighborhood, or that he can safely get the kids into the pool by himself, it’s going to be another piece of his independence he is getting back.”

Want to help?

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, 25 years since FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller laid down his life to save others when America was attacked. For 25 years, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has honored his legacy by supporting the military and first responders who continue to risk life and limb in the line of duty.

To date, Tunnel to Towers has delivered over 1,700 mortgage-free homes to our nation’s heroes and committed over $1 billion across all of our programs. This year, the foundation has set a goal to deliver 343 homes.

Help Tunnel to Towers by making a donation at T2T.org.

PINELLAS PARK – The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council is launching Project Phoenix, an initiative designed to help small businesses prepare for a worst-case hurricane scenario.

The program combines a Category 5 hurricane video simulation with interactive tabletop training exercises, offering participants a scenario-based experience that explores the impacts of a catastrophic storm making landfall in the Tampa Bay region. 

Business owners and emergency managers are guided through critical decision-making processes, from immediate response to long-term recovery.

The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council will host six countywide training exercises across the region from April 20 through May 1. 

Small businesses are invited to the Pasco County Project Phoenix Tabletop Exercise from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 27 at the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, 10370 Charles Bo Harrison Way, Land O’ Lakes.

Additional sessions will take place: 

• April 20 in Hillsborough County at the Hillsborough County Children’s Board, 1002 E. Palm Ave., Tampa
• April 22 in Pinellas County at the Pinellas Emergency Operations Center, 10750 Ulmerton Road, Largo
• April 24 in Manatee County at the Manatee Emergency Operations Center, 2101 47th Terrace E., Bradenton
• April 29 in Citrus County at the Citrus Emergency Operations Center, 3549 Saunders Way, Lecanto
• May 1 in Hernando County at the Hernando Emergency Operations Center, 18900 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville

Register for these sessions at phoenix.tbrpc.org.

Tabletop exercises walk participants through four key recovery phases: 

• One day later, focusing on immediate impacts and damage assessment
• One week later, addressing short-term recovery operations
• One to six months later, centered on long-term recovery planning
• One year later, emphasizing full recovery and resilience building.

Throughout the training, participants evaluate business continuity plans, emergency communications, staffing challenges and financial recovery strategies, while also learning from real-world experiences of business owners affected by recent hurricanes, including Helene and Milton.

The initiative aims to strengthen the resilience of small businesses by increasing their understanding of how local governments respond to hurricanes and how recovery unfolds. It also helps emergency managers better understand the challenges faced by small businesses during major disasters. This improved communication is intended to enhance coordination between government agencies and the business community. 

“Small businesses are the backbone of our regional economy, but many are not fully prepared for a catastrophic storm,” said Wren Krahl, executive director of the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. “Project Phoenix helps business owners visualize the risks and, more importantly, equips them with the tools to recover quickly and reopen.”

To enhance realism, the simulation video includes stories and lessons learned from Tampa Bay officials and businesses impacted by the 2024 hurricanes Helene and Milton. A trailer for the simulation is available at youtube.com/@TampaBayRPC, with the full video set to debut during the tabletop exercises. 

Center honors ‘climate champions’

SARASOTA – Community leaders, scientists, business executives and public officials gathered March 11 at Michael’s On East for the fourth annual Climate Champions Awards.

The Climate Adaptation Center honored three regional leaders helping Southwest Florida prepare for stronger storms, rising seas and other climate impacts. 

The Beacon Award, the CAC’s highest honor for climate adaptation leadership, was presented to Sara Kane, sustainability and resilience manager for Sarasota County; Charlie Hunsicker, director of natural resources for Manatee County; and John LaCivita, president and CEO of Willis Smith Construction.

“This year’s Climate Champions represent exactly the kind of leadership our region needs,” said Bob Bunting, CEO of the Climate Adaptation Center. “They are turning climate risk into action and helping ensure the Suncoast remains a safe, thriving place to live and work.”

North Tampa Chamber names Leadership Fellows

WESLEY CHAPEL – The North Tampa Bay Chamber has announced its inaugural Leadership Fellows cohort.

The following leaders will participate in the eight-month leadership development program beginning April 2: 

• Mariana Alvarez, Controller Works.
• Ryan Ward, Florida Blue.
• Natasha Faith Beckel, BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel.
• Tracy Burke, Inside Out Aesthetics and Wellness.
• Cassandra Garvey, CareerSource Pasco Hernando.
• Dustin Gothard, FiCare Federal Credit Union.
• Heather Hughes, Optimum Health & Wellness.
• Michael Berthelette, Platinum Salon.
• Don Copeland, The Copeland Team.
• Mae McKinney, Tampa Early College Academy.
• Natalie Oulton, McFarland, Gould, Lyons, Sullivan & Hogan, P.A.
• Casey Sumner, Orlando Health.

Companies support chamber golf tourney

WESLEY CHAPEL – AdventHealth Wesley Chapel has been named the presenting sponsor of the North Tampa Bay Chamber Foundation Scholarship Golf Tournament.

Additional sponsors include contest sponsors Slater | Grant Personal Injury + Trial Firm, Paul Davis Restoration, The Clubhouse and PopStroke; tee sponsors Boardwalk Wealth Solutions and Diamond Dogs Smart Vending; and beverage sponsors Pepin Distributors and Good Boy Vodka.

Proceeds from the tournament will support scholarships.

Organizers say additional sponsorship opportunities remain available. 

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details.

St. Petersburg Distillery names master distiller

1. PETERSBURG – St. Petersburg Distillery has named Clara Robbins as its new master distiller.

Robbins, who made history in 2022 as the first woman in Florida to hold the title, will oversee all aspects of production, including ingredient selection, distillation and blending, while guiding the future of the brand’s spirits.

She previously spent four years with the distillery as a gin distiller and quality manager, contributing to products such as Tropical Gin.

“We are thrilled to welcome Clara back home to St. Petersburg Distillery as our master distiller,” said CEO Evan Brownstein. “Her creativity, combined with her strong scientific background and deep understanding of the craft, makes her an extraordinary talent.”

Robbins most recently led Good Liquid Distilling Company and has also appeared on the Discovery Channel series “Moonshiners: Master Distiller.”

Coastal Construction names new VP 

TAMPA – Coastal Construction Group promoted Phillip Duame to vice president of field operations as the company expands across Tampa Bay and into North Florida.

Duame has spent 15 years with Coastal Construction, advancing from project engineer to project executive. 

“Phillip has consistently stood out as a leader who works extremely hard to deliver best-in-class service and quality,” said Sean Murphy, co-president of Coastal Construction. “He embodies the integrity, transparency and disciplined execution that define Coastal.”

Duame has worked on major Tampa Bay projects including Heron at Water Street Tampa and the Ritz-Carlton Residences phases one and two on Bayshore Boulevard.

Tax collector goes through FBI training

TAMPA – Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan has graduated from the FBI Tampa Field Office’s Citizens Academy.

The seven-week program is designed to strengthen relationships between the FBI and community leaders.

The program provided an inside look at FBI operations, including efforts to combat violent crime, cybercrime, terrorism and white-collar crime. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises such as mock investigations and evidence collection, along with demonstrations by firearms and SWAT teams.

“Completing the FBI Citizens Academy has been one of the most eye-opening and meaningful professional experiences of my career,” Millan said. “The men and women of the FBI are extraordinary public servants.”

The Tax Collector’s Office partners with law enforcement agencies to address fraud, identity theft and other crimes affecting residents.

Greenlee earns post with The Florida Bar

TAMPA – Tampa attorney Paige A. Greenlee has been elected president-elect designate of The Florida Bar.

Greenlee will be sworn in as president-elect June 19 at the Annual Florida Bar Convention, when current President-elect Michael Fox Orr becomes president. Greenlee will serve as president for the 2027-28 Bar year.

Greenlee defeated Jeffrey Rynor with 7,244 votes to 4,583.

A sole practitioner with Greenlee Law PLLC, Greenlee has more than 20 years of professional service, including roles as president of the Bar’s Young Lawyers Division and the Hillsborough County Bar Association.

Her platform focuses on access to justice, court efficiency, professionalism, technology and support for small firms.

Groundbreaking marks start of apartment build

TAMPA – Hillsborough County and Blue Sky Communities celebrated the groundbreaking March 12 for Rio Palma Apartments, a 90-unit affordable housing community that will include nine apartments reserved for formerly homeless residents.

Half of the units will be rented at below-market rates for households earning 60% to 80% of the area median income, with the remaining units for those earning 30% to 50%.

The development, located at 7200 Causeway Blvd., will include 16 one-bedroom, 50 two-bedroom and 24 three-bedroom apartments. Five units will be fully accessible for people with disabilities. Amenities will include an exercise room, community center, playground and energy-efficient features.

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host Q1 Economic Development Briefing, Final Friday and a ribbon cutting. 

• JD Porter, developer of Wiregrass Ranch, discusses ongoing development during the Q1 Economic Development Briefing from 9 to 10:30 a.m. March 26 at Fairfield Inn & Suites Tampa Wesley Chapel, 2650 Lajuana Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Members pay $20. Others pay $30. Register in advance.
• Members celebrate the opening of PureVida Primary Care & Wellness with a ribbon cutting from 4 to 6 p.m. March 26 at 2404 Creel Lane, Suite 102, Wesley Chapel. Register in advance.
• Members network during Final Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. March 27 at Top Shelf Sports Lounge, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Register in advance.

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber will host the New Port Richey Business Exchange and Coffee Connections.

• Members trade company literature during the New Port Richey Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 26 at Seafire Grill, 4927 U.S. 19, New Port Richey. Register in advance. 
• The Young Professionals Group networks during Coffee Connections from 9:30 to 11 a.m. March 27 at Starkey Market, 3460 Starkey Blvd., Trinity. 

Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events. 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – The East Pasco Chamber will host Coffee & Networking.

• Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. March 27 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.) and from 8 to 9 a.m. March 31 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.). Register in advance.

Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events. 

PGA TOUR players meet future Habitat homeowner

CLEARWATER –  PGA TOUR players Patrick Fishburn and Hank Lebioda joined Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside on March 18 in Holiday for a meet‑and‑greet with future homeowner Sherkela Hatcher and her son. 

Sherkela, a nursing assistant with Suncoast PACE, is building her future through Habitat’s affordable homeownership program while continuing to provide care to seniors in the community.

Both players are competing in this year’s Valspar Championship. After meeting the family and touring the home, the players had the opportunity to learn more about Habitat’s affordable homeownership program. 

Afterwards, the players and the family marked the completion of the construction process by installing the home’s new address numbers.

“Seeing the excitement of the little boy and his mom was really cool,” Fishburn said. “Great experience to actually see that and see the people that the tournament (Valspar Championship) and everyone involved are helping is really cool to see.”

Lee introduces Safe Cloud Storage Act 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Laurel Lee (R–FL) and others introduced the Safe Cloud Storage Act to help law enforcement agencies modernize how they securely store and process digital evidence related to child sexual exploitation investigations.

Law enforcement agencies across the country are facing increasing challenges in storing, transferring and analyzing this highly sensitive evidence. Many investigators are still forced to rely on outdated physical storage tools, which are costly, limited in capacity and slow down investigations.

The Safe Cloud Storage Act builds on the framework established by the REPORT Act, which provided limited liability protections for vendors contracted by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to store and transfer evidence for investigative purposes. Lee’s legislation extends similar protections to other vetted, law enforcement–approved third-party vendors who assist investigators in securely handling digital evidence.

“Identifying victims and bringing predators to justice requires modern investigative tools,” Lee said. “The Safe Cloud Storage Act updates how law enforcement securely handles digital evidence, allowing investigators to partner with trusted technology providers while maintaining strong safeguards and accountability.”

Women’s club honors veterans

LAND O’ LAKES – The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club celebrated two of its own members, Lois Cohen and Bernice Wilson, who were honored on the Women of Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. on March 11. 

Two additional club members, Karla WIlson and Shirley Willhite, served as guardians on this special all-women flight, supporting the veterans throughout this meaningful journey to visit the nation’s memorials. 

The club is proud to recognize and honor the courage and service of all female veterans. 

Tampa Museum of Art to use search firm

TAMPA – The Tampa Museum of Art will use Russell Reynolds Associates to lead the search for a new executive director.

The search comes as Michael Tomor prepares to retire at the end of March after over a decade in the role. 

“Our committee is conducting a thorough global search for a successor who can build on this strong foundation, inspire our community and continue elevating Tampa’s cultural landscape,” said Ron Christaldi, chair of the Tampa Museum of Art board of trustees and who is chairing the executive search committee. “This partnership with Russell Reynolds will aid us in identifying a dynamic leader who can guide the museum through its next century of growth and impact.”  

The search will be led by Russell Reynolds’ arts and culture practice leaders Katherine Armstrong and Olivia Stam. The museum welcomes applications from a wide array of candidates. Nominations, applications or any other inquiries should be emailed to .

Quick Hits

• Milahnie Perry, of Wesley Chapel, became the all-time leading scorer in Air Force women’s basketball history. Perry broke the 30-year career scoring record March 3.