The Laker/Lutz News

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Health & Wellness (01/14/26): Groups donate CPR kits

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The Davenport Fire Department receives a CPR & First Aid Anywhere Training Kit to help educate the community on the life-saving training. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

Groups donate CPR kits to fire departments

DAVENPORT – AdventHealth Heart of Florida and the American Heart Association have donated CPR & First Aid Anywhere Training Kits to the Davenport, Lake Wales and Haines City fire departments to expand lifesaving education. 

The kits allow first responders to train up to 20 people at once in CPR and first aid using inflatable manikins, practice materials and instructional DVDs.

“AdventHealth’s generous support in providing CPR training kits moves our community one step closer to becoming a true nation of lifesavers, not bystanders,” said Eric Lee, development director at the American Heart Association. “Every kit placed represents another home, workplace or classroom equipped with the skills to act when it matters most.”

 

YMCA prioritizes wellness across Tampa Bay

TAMPA – The Tampa YMCA and the YMCA of the Suncoast offer options to stay healthy, active and connected. 

The YMCA serves as a year-round hub where people of all ages can focus on wellness together. The Y has programs designed to fit real life for young adults, seniors, first-time gym-goers, busy parents and kids.

“People want support, not pressure,” said Matt Lewis, vice president of operations, membership and programs at the Tampa YMCA. “At the YMCA, we meet people where they are and help them build healthy habits that last. That sense of belonging is what makes the Y different.”

YMCA wellness centers feature modern fitness equipment, expert staff and a wide range of group exercise classes in a welcoming, judgment-free environment. 

Children can participate in safe, engaging programs while parents focus on their own health. YMCA members also receive significant discounts on summer camp, swim lessons and youth sports. 

On the web: tampaymca.org or ymcasuncoast.org.

 

BayCare names VP of care continuity 

CLEARWATER – BayCare has appointed Chase Hall as vice president of care continuity and business development. 

Hall brings more than 15 years of health care leadership experience. He will report to C. Todd Jones, chief strategy officer and chief ambulatory services officer, and Lou Galdieri, chief administrative officer.

Hall joins BayCare from Baptist Health Louisville, where he served as vice president of clinical operations, overseeing multiple service lines and more than 800 employees. His leadership included a $10 million physician group acquisition and the development of a new orthopedic ambulatory surgery center.

“Chase’s proven track record in building high-performing teams and delivering operational results aligns perfectly with BayCare’s mission to provide high-quality, compassionate care to all we serve,” Jones said. 

 

Radiation oncologist shares breast cancer journey 

ORLANDO – After 15 years of treating breast cancer patients, radiation oncologist Sue Hwang found herself facing the disease personally. 

Her experience shifted abruptly when she was told, “The ultrasound showed five masses in your breast … and there’s a lymph node that looks a little abnormal.”

Hwang shares her journey in “From Both Sides of the Curtain: Lessons and Reflections from an Oncologist’s Breast Cancer Journey,” detailing the emotional and clinical realities of cancer from both doctor and patient perspectives. She highlights lesser-known warning signs of breast cancer and encourages patients to ask informed questions following diagnosis.

A board-certified radiation oncologist at the AdventHealth Cancer Institute and associate professor at UCF College of Medicine, Hwang also documents her experience through her Instagram page, @breast_cancer_360. 

Her memoir will be released Jan. 20 through Morgan James Publishing. 

 

Hospital offers breastfeeding support 

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers a free in-person breastfeeding support group and class in January.

Events are open to all, regardless of which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your children. The events will be held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North classrooms, 4211 Van Dyke Road.

  • Breastfeeding Support Group: For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and one support person (grandmother, aunt and others) The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. The support group will be held Jan. 15, 10 to 11 a.m.
  • Understanding Your Newborn: Provides information to the expectant mother and one support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. The class will be held Jan. 15, 1 to 5 p.m.

Register for the free events by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the group or class you are interested in attending. Or, you can also register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.

 

Get answers on Medicare

  1. 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 Medicare programs: 

  • Jan. 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
  • Jan. 17 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
  • Jan. 21 at 11 a.m. at the Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669
  • Jan. 21 at 1 p.m. at the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1073
  • Jan. 22 at 10:30 a.m. at the 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.

Business Digest (01/14/26): Duke Energy invests in infrastructure 

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Duke Energy invests in infrastructure 

  1. PETERSBURG – Duke Energy Florida said customers will save money as a result of infrastructure investments completed throughout 2025. 

The projects focused on improving energy reliability, lowering costs, expanding renewable energy, upgrading natural gas plants, strengthening storm resilience and advancing carbon-free innovation.

Duke Energy said the average residential customer will see monthly bills decrease by approximately $44 per 1,000 kWh by March 2026 compared to January. 

Investments include new solar facilities, power plant upgrades, grid modernization and self-healing technology that prevented more than 215,000 hours of outages in 2025.

“Duke Energy Florida is investing wisely, modernizing responsibly and doing all we can to keep costs as low as possible,” said Melissa Seixas, president of Duke Energy Florida.

 

AAA offers TSA PreCheck enrollment events

TAMPA – AAA – The Auto Club Group will host a series of TSA PreCheck enrollment events at eight AAA branch locations across the Tampa Bay area during the first quarter of 2026. 

One of them will be held March 31 to April 3 at 20315 Bruce B Downs Blvd. in Tampa. AAA membership is not required. The enrollment fee is $76.75 for five years of access if approved.

“By bringing these enrollment events to local neighborhoods, we are saving people a trip to the airport,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group.

TSA PreCheck allows travelers to use dedicated airport security lanes without removing shoes, belts, light jackets, laptops or compliant liquids. 

The in-person enrollment process takes less than 10 minutes and includes fingerprinting and a photo. Most approved applicants receive their Known Traveler Number within three to five days.

 

The Bryan Coward Team supports mentorship  

TAMPA – The Bryan Coward Team at Keller Williams Realty has partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay through its Sell a Home, Mentor a Child program. 

For every home sold, the team donates $100 to support local youth mentorship programs. 

Since launching the program, The Bryan Coward Team has donated over $8,900 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, including $3,400 in 2025, according to Bryan Coward

“The program grew out of my experience as a mentor, and it’s been rewarding to see how real estate can be used to give back locally,” Coward said. “Looking ahead, our goal for 2026 is $5,000, one home sale at a time.”

 

Westin Tampa Bay to open bar concept

TAMPA – The Westin Tampa Bay will debut Palmette Brasserie and Bar in early 2026, featuring a relaxed, tropical aesthetic.

The restaurant will feature indoor and outdoor dining, an open patio bar with waterfront views and an open kitchen with a signature pizza oven. Palmette is located at 7627 W Courtney Campbell Causeway.

Executive Chef Saravanan Appadurai, with decades of luxury hospitality experience at Ritz-Carlton and Marriott properties, will lead the culinary program. The menu will offer shareable plates, wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood.

The drink program will focus on Florida-inspired cocktails and bright, refreshing flavors.

 

Hooters Brand Management appoints VP

CLEARWATER – Hooters Brand Management has appointed Ruthann Clemons as vice president of licensing and merchandise. 

Clemons brings more than 25 years of experience in retail, merchandising and brand management across the sports and hospitality industries. She will oversee licensing and merchandise strategy, with a focus on brand growth, product development and retail partnerships.

Prior to joining Hooters, Clemons served as senior director of retail for Levy Restaurants Rank+Rally, supporting retail operations for the Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Bay Rowdies. She also held leadership roles with Delaware North and the Hooters Casino Hotel in Las Vegas.

 

Realtor completes training program

SPRING HILL – Hunter Neuwirth has completed the Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. Fast Track training program, according to Weichert, Realtors – Florida Tropics in Spring Hill. 

The program is designed to equip new and existing agents with up-to-date tools, resources and industry best practices to better serve clients.

“Our Fast Track program covers everything a real estate professional needs to know to help them start out on the right track towards a successful career in real estate,” said Bill Scavone, president of Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.

Participants receive training in seller acquisition, buyer engagement, listing strategies and marketing techniques. 

 

Weichert, Realtors adds to team

TAMPA – Weichert, Realtors – Exclusive Properties announced that Michael Ziegler has joined its Tampa office. 

The office is located at 11734 N Dale Mabry Hwy. and operates as an independently owned and operated affiliate of Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. The brokerage provides agents with access to a structured business model, technology tools, marketing support and industry resources.

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host Lunch N’ Learn, Coffee Social and a ribbon cutting.  

  • Members meet with Leadership Tampa Bay board members and alumni to gauge interest from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at Florida Avenue Brewing, 2029 Arrowgrass Drive, Wesley Chapel. 
  • Members celebrate the grand opening of Atlas Performance Center with a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 15 at 3740 Windcrest Drive, Wesley Chapel.  
  • Jacqueline Nelms, founder of Mindful Elevation LLC, talks about mental resilience and strategic leadership during a Lunch N’ Learn from noon to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at the North Tampa Bay Chamber Conference, 28329 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel, Registration costs $15. Register in advance. 
  • The chamber hosts its Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 21 at 28329 Paseo Drive, Suite 195, Wesley Chapel. 

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

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host Veterans Roundtable, Trinity Business Exchange and programming for women and young professionals. 

  • The chamber holds its Veterans Roundtable from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Jan. 14 at Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory, 2330 Success Drive, Odessa. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance. 
  • Members trade company literature during the Trinity Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 15 at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., Trinity. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Food costs $13. Register in advance. 
  • The Young Professionals Group volunteers at SPCA Suncoast from noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 17 at 7734 Congress St., New Port Richey. Register in advance. 
  • Jessica Alban, founder of Cloud 9 Feng Shui, talks about leading with purpose during the Professional Women in Business Networking Lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 21 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance. 

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host Core Connections and Coffee & Networking.

  • New and prospective members learn about chamber membership during Core Connections from 8 to 9 a.m. Jan. 15 at East Pasco Chamber of Commerce, 38550 5th Ave., Zephyrhills. Register in advance. 
  • Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Jan. 16 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.) and 8 to 9 a.m. Jan. 20 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.). 

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

Chalk Talk (01/14/26): Children’s Board funds dinosaur exhibit

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A family tries out a dinosaur-themed simulator. Photo courtesy of MOSI

 

Children’s Board funds ‘Be the Dinosaur’ exhibit

PLANT CITY – MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry has launched its Be the Dinosaur exhibit at the Children’s Board Family Resource Center in Plant City.  

The hands-on exhibit is free for Hillsborough County children and families to explore for the next several months. 

It offers opportunities for hands-on play, including computer simulators featuring Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex, as well as a bilingual reading space with dinosaur-themed books.

The exhibit is funded by the Children’s Board, which supports programs and services for children and families across the county. The Children’s Board Family Resource Center is located at 301 N. Palmer St.

Liberty Manor for Veterans received these donations from two schools. Photo courtesy of Liberty Manor for Veterans.

Students assist Liberty Manor for Veterans

TAMPA – Students at Steinbrenner and Sims elementary schools collected essential items recently for people at Liberty Manor for Veterans.

The nonprofit promotes the developmental and social needs of disabled and honorably discharged veterans who have fallen victim to homelessness. It provides transitional housing and helps veterans work toward self-sufficiency.  On the web: libertymanor.org

 

SNHU announces honor students

MANCHESTER, N.H. – Southern New Hampshire University announced several area students made the dean’s and president’s lists for fall 2025.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.7 and above for the reporting term are named to the president’s list. These include Odessa residents Nicholas Glaub and Braxton Smith and Lutz residents Kiara Cadenas, Cortni Coffin, Keagan Burgett and Holly Hsu.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum GPA of 3.5 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the dean’s list. These include Lutz resident Matthew Higgins and Odessa resident Piper Ray.

 

Quick Hits

  • Andres Hernandez of Lutz, graduated with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Florida Campus in Port Orange, Florida.
  • Rodney Maxime of Zephyrhills, made the dean’s list for fall 2025 at  Columbia College’s NAS Jacksonville – FL. Students must earn a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0-point scale.
  • Jacquelyn Claire Abanses, of Lutz, earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Lutz residents Joelle Gamble and Jennifer Gilmore made the dean’s list at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Students must earn a GPA of 3.5 with no grade below a C.

 

Local Wildlife (01/05/26): ZooTampa releases manatees back into wild

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Florida’s manatee population faces challenges from sea grass loss and watercraft injuries. It is estimated that more than 620 manatees died with 97 suffering from boat strikes in 2025. Photo courtesy of ZooTampa
• ZooTampa’s manatee rescue, rehabilitation and release program consists of an expert team of veterinarians, including two USFWS-certified manatee critical care veterinarians and animal care professionals who are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Photo courtesy of ZooTampa

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 as part of the new Florida Waters expansion. The facility will offer visitors immersive, eye-level underwater views of manatees, providing a unique opportunity to witness the zoo’s life-saving efforts firsthand. 

The nonprofit spends nearly $2 million each year to save manatees and educates 1.2 million visitors and students annually about local and global wildlife conservation efforts. 

 

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North celebrates first baby of 2026

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Holly and Robby Robbins hold baby Natalie. Photo courtesy of BayCare Health System

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 1:45 a.m. Jan. 2. She weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and measured 19.75 inches.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North enhanced its labor and delivery and Mom & Baby maternity services this past year by opening a new $2 million, 5,431-square-foot Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with couplet care rooms.

The hospital also offers free resources for new mothers, such as a Breastfeeding Support Group and Understanding Your Newborn workshop.

 

Extension offers gardening, nutrition and financial classes

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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 month begins with the Taste of Cultures in-person workshop series on Jan. 6, 13, 20 and 27. The four-part program explores food habits and cultural traditions while introducing healthier cooking swaps. 

Participants can also take part in the Plant Your Plate: Greens Series, a free, multi-date program held throughout January at community gardens across Tampa, offering hands-on instruction in growing and preparing nutritious greens.

Gardening and environmental education continues with Gardening with Native Plants, a Jan. 13 library talk at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, and the Florida Arbor Day Tree Workshop and Giveaway on Jan. 16, where residents can learn about tree care and take home a free tree. Agricultural professionals and producers can attend the Florida Cattlemen’s Institute & Allied Trade Show on Jan. 15, covering best practices in cattle management, nutrition and record keeping.

Financial education opportunities are available throughout the month, including the Federal Income Tax Updates webinar on Jan. 28, which reviews new federal tax legislation and its impact on individual filers. Residents seeking personalized support can schedule one-on-one Financial Education appointments, while the self-paced Financial Building Blocks online class remains available all month.

Hillsborough County Extension Service, in partnership with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, offers a variety of additional educational classes in January: 

Gardening and Landscaping

  • Plant Your Plate: Greens Series, in-person, various dates throughout January
  • Gardening with Native Plants, Jan. 13
  • Florida Arbor Day Tree Workshop and Giveaway, Jan. 16

Nutrition and Healthy Living

  • Taste of Cultures four-part workshop series, Jan. 6, 13, 20 and 27

Agriculture and Livestock

  • Florida Cattlemen’s Institute & Allied Trade Show, Jan. 15

Financial Education

  • Federal Income Tax Updates, Jan. 28 (virtual)
  • Financial Education one-on-one appointments, throughout January (virtual and in-person)
  • Financial Building Blocks, throughout January (virtual)

Call 813-744-5519 for details. 

 

AdventHealth welcomes 2026 New Year’s Baby

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Irish was born at 12 a.m. Jan. 1 in Davenport. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
Oscar and Jenny Escobar welcome their baby girl to the world. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

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 Marie for her compassionate and attentive care during delivery.

News Briefs (12/31/25): Garden club meets in Dade City

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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 & Wellness Coordinator. 

Working with the students, she maintains 30 EarthBoxes, eight raised vegetable garden beds, 20’X20′ wildflower garden, greenhouse with 96 vertical growing pots and a courtyard butterfly garden. 

The meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 12 at the garden club, 13630 5th St., Dade City.

Light refreshments will be served at 9 a.m. The membership meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. Guests are welcome and can visit dadecitygardenclub.com or contact the DCGC Membership Chair at for details.

 

Pasco County offices to close for New Year’s holiday

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Board of Commissioners offices will be closed Thursday, Jan. 1, and Friday, Jan. 2, in observance of New Year’s. Government offices will reopen Monday, Jan. 5.

Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources offices, recreation complexes and community centers will be closed through Saturday, Jan. 3, though parks and beaches remain open dawn to dusk. 

GoPasco will not operate Jan. 1 and will resume regular service Jan. 2, with administrative offices closed.

Libraries will close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, through Jan. 2. 

Animal Services facilities will be closed, with emergency response only; adoption services reopen Jan. 3. 

Solid waste facilities will be closed Jan. 1. ​​They will be closed to the public Jan. 2; however, they will be open to Pasco County licensed commercial haulers.

 

The Blues Is Alright Tour returns to Tampa

TAMPA – The Blues Is Alright Tour returns to Tampa on Feb. 14, bringing Southern Soul and modern blues to the Yuengling Center at 7 p.m. 

The show blends classic storytelling with contemporary R&B grooves, rooted in dance-floor energy and heartfelt lyrics.

The 2026 lineup features King George, Sir Charles Jones, West Love, Pokey Bear and Mike Clark Jr., with hosting duties by Henry Welch. 

 

Art & Craft Festival returns for 32nd season

  1. PETE BEACH – The Corey Avenue Art & Craft Festival celebrates its 32nd annual season in the heart of St. Pete Beach. 

The free, family- and pet-friendly event transforms Corey Avenue into an open-air marketplace featuring contemporary crafts and fine art from skilled artisans. 

The Corey Area Business Association hosts the event, which is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 3 and 4 at 300 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach. 

“For over three decades, the Corey Avenue Art & Craft Festivals have been a cornerstone of our community, bringing world-class artistry right to our doorstep,” CABA event organizer Suzanne King said. 

The two-day festival showcases handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fine art, clothing and home décor, with a Green Market on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event also supports local shops and restaurants throughout the district.

Additional 2026 dates include April 4 and 5, June 6 and 7, Oct. 3 and 4 and Dec. 5 and 6.

 

MOSI to ring in 2026 with Quantum Countdown

TAMPA – Families can welcome the New Year early at MOSI’s Quantum Countdown: Level Up to 2026, presented by PNC Bank, on Dec. 31. 

Included with museum admission, the daytime celebration runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and features hands-on science demos, karaoke, live music, crafts, scavenger hunts and two “Noon Year’s Eve” countdowns at noon and 3 p.m.

Guests can also experience special planetarium shows at 12:45 and 4 p.m. inside the Saunders Planetarium.

“Science, innovation, discovery and a love of learning about the endless possibilities of the future are at the heart of what we do at MOSI,” CEO John Graydon Smith said. “What better way to welcome in the New Year than by combining science and fun?”

Tickets are available at mosi.org.

 

Groban, Hudson team up for Tampa concert

TAMPA – Josh Groban has announced a North American tour with special guest Jennifer Hudson, stopping at Tampa’s Benchmark International Arena at 8 p.m. June 19. 

Produced by Live Nation and presented by Stifel, the tour pairs two of music’s most celebrated voices on one stage.

“Performing live has always been one of the greatest joys of my life and getting to share these nights with Jennifer, someone I admire so deeply, makes it all the more special,” Groban said. “These shows are going to be emotional, celebratory and full of surprises. I can’t wait to see everyone this summer.”

The tour launches June 2 in Montreal. Tickets and details are available at joshgroban.com.

Health & Wellness (12/31/25): Teams help the hungry

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Gasparilla Bowl teams worked with AdventHealth and TECO to serve Feeding Tampa Bay. Photo courtesy AdventHealth

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 Gasparilla Bowl was held Dec. 19 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

Together, the teams built more than 100 boxes – enough to sponsor an entire military unit. Team members also packed bulk produce to serve families in need this holiday season.

 

Sebring VA Clinic expands, improves care for veterans

BAY PINES – The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System has opened its new Sebring VA Clinic to patients.

The 14,600-square-foot facility, located at 2931 New Life Way, is projected to serve more than 5,000 veterans annually.

“Today, Bay Pines VA marked a significant milestone in our unwavering commitment to providing veterans with world-class health care,” said Dr. Derek Szafranski, interim director of Bay Pines VA, on Dec. 8. “We are proud to welcome veterans to our new, state-of-the-art clinic that is a worthy replacement for the facility that currently serves this community.”

The clinic features an area for home-based primary care services and includes an expanded area for mental health services, with space for shared group therapy. The design allows for the integration of clinical pharmacists, social workers and dietitians in a space that accommodates the Patient Aligned Care Team model of care.

On the web: baypines.va.gov 

 

Hospital offers breastfeeding support 

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers a free in-person breastfeeding support group and class in January.

Events are open to all, regardless of which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your children. The events will be held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North classrooms, 4211 Van Dyke Road.

  • Breastfeeding Support Group: For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and one support person (grandmother, aunt and others) The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. The support group will be held Jan. 15, 10 to 11 a.m.
  • Understanding Your Newborn: Provides information to the expectant mother and one support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. The class will be held Jan. 15, 1 to 5 p.m.

Register for the free events by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the group or class you are interested in attending. Or, you can also register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.

 

Get answers on Medicare

  1. 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 Medicare programs: 

  • Jan. 7 at noon at the Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-587-6715 ext. 2508
  • Jan. 8 at 10 a.m. at the New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-853-1279
  • Jan. 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
  • Jan. 17 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
  • Jan. 21 at 11 a.m. at the Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669
  • Jan. 21 at 1 p.m. at the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1073
  • Jan. 22 at 10:30 a.m. at the 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.

Business Digest (12/31/25): Museum leader announces retirement

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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 new objects for its permanent collection and completed a renovation that added 32,000 square feet of exhibition spaces in four promenades and 12 new galleries.

“This last decade has been one of great advancements for the institution,” Tomor said. “I’m proud of the incredible work we have accomplished as a team and as a community.”

Over the last five years, Tomor has led the museum through an ongoing $100 million capital campaign to renovate and expand the museum. The expansion and fundraising remain underway and unchanged.

“He has expanded our art collections, strengthened our financial foundation, grown the museum’s reach in the community and advanced the bold vision for our expansion,” said Ron Christaldi, chair of the board of trustees.

The museum will conduct a national search for a new leader using a professional search firm.

 

$2.7M  in welding scholarships open for applications

MIAMI – The American Welding Society Foundation is accepting applications for its 2026 scholarship season, with $2.7 million available to support students pursuing welding and related fields across North America. 

The deadline for AWS National, District and Section Scholarships is March 1. Apply at scholarship.aws.org.

In 2025, the AWS Foundation awarded scholarships to more than 1,500 students, providing support ranging from $1,000 to over $8,000. Recipients attended 430 institutions across the U.S. and internationally.

AWS scholarships are available for all levels of welding education,  from short-term technical programs to associate and bachelor’s degrees. 

 

Florida Supreme Court filling vacancy

TAMPA –Ten people have submitted applications to the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Justice Charles Canady.

Applicants are Alex Bokor, Hunter Carroll, Roger Gannam, John Guard, Robert Long, Joshua Mize, Thomas Palermo, Samuel Salario, Jared Smith and Adam Tanenbaum.

Interviews were scheduled to occur Dec. 29 in Tampa.

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a Lunch N’ Learn and a Leadership Tampa Bay event. 

  • Members meet with Leadership Tampa Bay board members and alumni to gauge interest from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at Florida Avenue Brewing, 2029 Arrowgrass Drive, Wesley Chapel. 
  • Jacqueline Nelms, founder of Mindful Elevation LLC, talks about mental resilience and strategic leadership during a Lunch N’ Learn from noon to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at The North Tampa Bay Chamber Conference, 28329 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel, Registration costs $15. Register in advance. 

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

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a Land O’ Lakes Brochure Exchange and young professionals programming. 

  • Members trade company literature during the Land O’ Lakes Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 8 at SpringHill Suites, 16615 Crosspointe Run, Land O’ Lakes. Members pay $14. Others pay $10. Food costs $14. Register in advance. 
  • Young Professionals Group members network during a social from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 9 at Dented Keg Ale Works, 5500 Main St., Suite 104, New Port Richey, 

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

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host Coffee & Networking and Business Breakfast.

  • Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Jan. 2 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.) and 8 to 9 a.m. Jan. 6 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.). 
  • Members network at the monthly Business Breakfast from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Jan. 8 at Dan Cannon Auditorium, 36722 County Road 52, Dade City. The event costs $15. Register in advance. 

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