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Law enforcement, community leaders honored at gala

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Detective Aaron Smith, of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, won Deputy of the Year. Photo courtesy of the The Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Foundation

CLEARWATER – The Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Foundation honored exceptional law enforcement officers and community leaders during its 11th Annual Gala on Aug. 29 at Opal Sol Resort in Clearwater.

U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody won the Lifetime Achievement Award. Photo courtesy of The Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Foundation

The evening’s highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award, was presented to U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody for her decades of leadership and advocacy on behalf of Florida’s law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.

“I am honored to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Foundation,” Moody said. “As a former prosecutor and the wife of a law enforcement officer, I have seen firsthand the sacrifices these men and women and their families make each and every day for our communities. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside them, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue that work and be their voice in the U.S. Senate.”

The gala also recognized five law enforcement honorees for extraordinary acts of service and business leader Fotini Allteni Kokeri for her longtime partnership with law enforcement.

“It’s about telling the stories of the people behind the badge,” said Greg Mertz, president of the Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Foundation. “These honorees represent the very best of law enforcement and community leadership. The foundation is proud to give officers the tools they need to succeed. When we support our officers, we strengthen the agencies they serve and the communities they protect.”

Honorees were: 

  • Deputy of the Year: Detective Aaron Smith, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Digital Forensics Unit

His expertise in digital forensics has helped solve complex criminal investigations, identify dozens of child exploitation victims and bring offenders to justice. His work helped the FBI dismantle a multi-state child exploitation case involving a Tampa Bay-area doctor.

  • Task Force of the Year: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Strategic Gun Intelligence Unit

The unit combats gun violence through intelligence-driven investigations and proactive enforcement. Since launching in 2025, the unit has arrested more than 100 violent offenders, seized 132 illegal firearms, recovered more than $100,000 in criminal proceeds and helped reduce gun violence across Hillsborough County.

  • Officer of the Year: Officer Andrew Billups, Clearwater Police Department

He rescued a missing 8-year-old autistic girl in danger of being swept into the Gulf and weeks later talked a woman in crisis to safety from the Memorial Causeway Bridge.

  • Agent of the Year: Aby George, Florida Department of Law Enforcement

George led an investigation that dismantled a major international child pornography ring operating across multiple countries. His work resulted in numerous arrests, the seizure of a website distributing child sexual abuse material, including more than one million explicit videos, and the identification of about 50 child victims.

  • Unsung Hero: Master Patrol Officer Chrisie Lopez, St. Petersburg Police Department

Lopez has worked more than a decade of service as a crisis negotiator to resolve high-risk situations. From helping a suicidal teenager to de-escalating an armed man experiencing a mental health crisis, her ability to defuse dangerous situations has saved lives while connecting people in crisis to the help they need.

  • Business Partner of the Year: Fotini Allteni Kokeri, Michael J. Kosloski Foundation

Kokeri has invested in law enforcement training, officer development, specialized equipment and community initiatives. Her partnership with law enforcement agencies, coupled with a dedication to improving health care, education and quality of life, has helped build stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community.

The gala’s presenting sponsor, Pepin Family Foundation, donated $250,000.

Andrew Billups, Clearwater Police Department, won Officer of the Year. Photo courtesy of The Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Foundation

Leaders work toward bringing MLB Rays to Hillsborough County

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TAMPA – Hillsborough County commissioners voted 5-2 on Aug. 28 to move forward with an agreement on the Hillsborough College Dale Mabry Campus Ballpark project.

“Today’s vote marks a monumental step toward securing a forever home for the Tampa Bay Rays, while integrating a new Hillsborough College campus into an $8 billion private-sector investment,” said Ken Hagan, chairman of the board. “This will be the largest, most transformative development in Hillsborough County history and the nation’s first live-work-play-learn district anchored by an MLB ballpark.”

The vote follows several months of negotiations among officials from Hillsborough County, City of Tampa, the Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Sports Authority. Discussions also took place with Hillsborough College and the state of Florida.

The new Rays stadium complex will be located at the corner of Dale Mabry Highway and West Tampa Bay Boulevard near Raymond James Stadium and Tampa International Airport.

Negotiations are anticipated to continue as additional agreements are pending consideration by the board, including a Ballpark License & Use Agreement, Community Benefits Agreement and Construction Funds Trust Agreement.

The Rays anticipate opening the ballpark in April 2029. 

Pasco County Fire Rescue celebrates new station

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Station 2 expands Pasco County Fire Rescue’s ability to respond to emergencies in a rapidly growing community. Photo courtesy of Pasco County

 

Neighbors toured the new station, met the firefighters and learned how Station 2 strengthens Pasco County Fire Rescue’s emergency coverage. Photo courtesy of Pasco County

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Fire Rescue celebrated the grand opening of Station 2 on Aug. 14.

Officials said the station expands Pasco County Fire Rescue’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies as the community continues to grow.

“Wesley Chapel deserves a fire station that matches its momentum, and Station 2 does exactly that,” Pasco Fire Chief Ryan Guynn said. “It positions our team to meet the community’s needs today while preparing us for the challenges of tomorrow.”

Located on Wesley Chapel Boulevard, the state-of-the-art station houses one engine, one rescue, one truck company and a fire investigator.  

The station also features an innovative hot, warm and cold zone layout designed to reduce firefighter exposure to carcinogens and improve long-term health outcomes.

 

The community joined Pasco County Fire Rescue leadership and the Station 2 crew for a grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting. Photo courtesy of Pasco County

Baby reports for duty at 50-year-old Tampa Bay business

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Jackson is the fourth generation representing Alvarez Plumbing & Air Conditioning, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. Photo courtesy of Alvarez Plumbing & Air Conditioning

TAMPA – Alvarez Plumbing & Air Conditioning is celebrating its 50th anniversary by introducing the newest member of the family business. 

Jackson, representing the fourth generation of the Alvarez family, has officially made his company debut as the face of a new billboard campaign appearing across 10 Tampa-area locations. Wearing an Alvarez hard hat and shirt, Jackson appears alongside the campaign message: “4 Generations. 2 Trades. 1 Family.” 

“People do not expect to see a baby in a hard hat on an HVAC and plumbing billboard,” said Marcia Reyes, grandmother of Jackson. “It makes people smile, but it also tells our story immediately. We have been here for four generations, and we plan to be here for many more.”

Alvarez Plumbing & Air Conditioning was founded in Tampa in 1976. 

The company has grown from a local plumbing operation into a diversified plumbing and air-conditioning contractor serving residential, commercial and construction customers throughout the region. 

Alvarez remains locally owned, family-operated and independent. 

“A lot has changed in our industry over the past 50 years, but our core values have not,” said Lisa Craddock, controller. “We still believe in answering the phone, standing behind our work, treating employees with respect and building long-term relationships with our customers.”

The company continues to invest in employee training, technology, fleet expansion, commercial services, plumbing construction, water conservation and customer service capabilities. 

Alvarez is also expanding opportunities for plumbers, HVAC technicians, apprentices, sales professionals and operational leaders who want to build long-term careers with a locally owned company. 

“For 50 years, Alvarez has been built one customer, one employee and one generation at a time,” said Marcus Reyes, CEO of Alvarez Plumbing & Air Conditioning. “Seeing the fourth generation wearing the Alvarez name is both emotional and exciting. It reminds us where we came from and reinforces our responsibility to protect this company for the next generation.” 

Jackson’s first official position has not yet been determined. For now, his responsibilities are expected to include appearing in company photographs, attending selected family events and maintaining high employee morale. 

“He may be a little young for the on-call rotation,” said Julia Morissette, HR manager and grandmother of Jackson, “but he already understands the importance of wearing the Alvarez name proudly.”

 

Health & Wellness (8/21/26): Hospital hosts Girl Scouts

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Girl Scout Troop 24402 from Spring Hill visits a St. Joseph’s Hospital-North operating room.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North hosts Girl Scouts

LUTZ – Girl Scout Troop 24402 from Spring Hill recently visited St. Joseph’s Hospital-North to learn about the use of robotics in surgery. 

The troop donned surgical gear, toured a St. Joseph’s Hospital-North operating room and got hands-on experience with a surgical robot. The classic table game, “Operation,” was used in their learning. 

Jennifer Downing, the hospital’s surgical services director, and surgical team members Lisa Lockhart, Louis Garcia and Lauren Hale led the demonstration. They described the various roles of team members assisting the surgeon during procedures.  

Marissa Davis, a representative from the robot’s manufacturer, also participated and provided insight. 

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North has three robots that are guided by specially-trained surgeons.

Robotic surgeries are minimally invasive and can provide patients with smaller incisions, less pain and faster recoveries. The robots provide St. Joseph’s Hospital-North surgeons with improved dexterity, vision and surgical access compared to conventional minimally invasive surgery or traditional open surgery.

 

New AdventHealth Polk Market President and CEO Mike Murrill recently met with local government and community leaders during a special event at AdventHealth Heart of Florida. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

Hospital leader tapped to lead Polk market

DAVENPORT – AdventHealth named veteran health care leader Mike Murrill president and CEO of AdventHealth Polk Market, which includes AdventHealth Heart of Florida and AdventHealth Lake Wales.

Murrill previously served as president and CEO of AdventHealth Zephyrhills and AdventHealth Connerton in Pasco County and provided executive oversight and support for AdventHealth Dade City. Since joining AdventHealth’s West Florida Division, he has led strategic growth initiatives, operational improvements and team member engagement efforts while advancing AdventHealth’s mission throughout the region.

Murrill succeeds Tim Clark, who has accepted a new role as regional CEO for the Tampa Bay Metro Region within AdventHealth’s West Florida Division. 

 

BayCare named among Companies That Care

CLEARWATER – Great Place To Work and PEOPLE magazine have named BayCare Health System to the 2026 PEOPLE Companies That Care list.

BayCare ranked No. 21 nationally, marking its sixth appearance on the list.

“This recognition belongs to BayCare’s team members, who are our greatest asset,” said Stephanie Conners, BayCare president and CEO. “Every day, they make a difference in the way they care for our patients, support one another and strengthen our communities.”

The rankings were based on employee survey responses and company data. Companies also submit essays about their efforts to support employees, communities and the environment. 

Organizations must be Great Place To Work Certified and have at least 10 U.S. employees to be considered.

 

BayCare names CFO for physician, ambulatory division

CLEARWATER – BayCare has named Erin Gerner the vice president and chief financial officer of its physician and ambulatory division.

Gerner is a certified public accountant with more than 20 years of health care finance experience. She previously spent eight years as chief financial officer of PeaceHealth Ambulatory Services in Vancouver, Washington.

She also spent 13 years at INTEGRIS Health in Oklahoma City.

“Erin brings years of health care industry experience, with expertise in the ambulatory care setting,” said Janice Polo, BayCare’s chief financial officer. “Her strong work ethic, collaborative approach and commitment to our values make her a great addition to the finance team.”

 

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers support for mothers

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North will offer free support groups and classes for mothers during September.

The programs focus on breastfeeding and newborn care and are open to participants regardless of where they delivered or plan to deliver their babies. Events will be held in classrooms at the hospital, 4211 Van Dyke Road.

The schedule includes:

  • Breastfeeding Support Group – Breastfeeding mothers can receive guidance from certified breastfeeding consultants and support from other mothers. Babies and an optional support person are welcome. The group meets Thursdays in September from 11 a.m. to noon.
  • Understanding Breastfeeding – Expectant mothers and an optional support person can learn about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, returning to work and when to contact a health care provider or lactation consultant. The class meets Sept. 3 from 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Understanding Your Newborn – Expectant mothers and an optional support person can learn about feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness, cues and communication. The class meets Sept. 17 from 2 to 5 p.m.

 

Quick Hits

  • NeckWise Land O’ Lakes recorded 2,328 patient visits and 154 new patients during its first year, according to co-founder Dr. Matt Morris. The upper cervical chiropractic clinic serves patients from Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Lutz and the northern Tampa Bay area.
  • AdventHealth Heart of Florida collected more than 100 backpacks and more than 2,500 school-supply items for students at Loughman Oaks Elementary School in Davenport.

Developer opens Avilla Homes neighborhood in Land O’ Lakes

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Avilla Silver Palm is a new 180-home luxury leased community in Land O’ Lakes. Photo courtesy of NexMetro Communities

LAND O’ LAKES – NexMetro Communities has opened its third Avilla Homes community in the greater Tampa market. Avilla Silver Palm sits on 26 acres at 11334 Zion Narrows Trail. 

The 180-home leased community features mostly detached, single-level homes with private fenced backyards, front porches, optional garages and resort-style community amenities. 

“Opening Avilla Silver Palm is a meaningful milestone for our Florida platform,” said Jack Riddle, vice president of development for NexMetro’s Tampa Division. “The conventional apartment supply wave that pressured Pasco County in recent years is cresting, and the demand for a private, professionally managed, single-family rental experience remains as strong as ever.”

Avilla Silver Palm is a new 180-home luxury leased community in Land O’ Lakes. Photo courtesy of NexMetro Communities

Avilla Silver Palm joins two existing NexMetro communities in the broader Tampa Bay region: Avilla Suncoast in Odessa and Avilla Cypress Creek in Sun City Center. The three communities together reflect a geographic strategy spanning key growth corridors on both sides of Tampa, from Pasco County’s SR-52 corridor in the north to Hillsborough County’s southern suburbs.

NexMetro is expanding its presence in the Tampa market with an additional Avilla Homes community in development in Apollo Beach. Sitework is expected to begin in late 2026.

“Greater Tampa has proven itself as one of the most durable (build-to-rent) markets in the Sun Belt,” Riddle said, adding that the community’s differentiated offering appeals to diverse consumers from professional millennials, midlife renters in transition and baby boomers.

Avilla Silver Palm offers one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans designed for residents who want the experience of homeownership without a mortgage. 

Homes feature 10-foot ceilings, wood plank-style flooring and upscale interior finishes with washers and dryers. Lanais are available on selected home sites.

Community amenities include a resort-style pool, outdoor lounge and barbecue areas, dog park, walking paths, electric vehicle charging stations and on-site professional management. 

Visit AvillaSilverPalm.com for leasing details.

Hillsborough to mail out Notice of Proposed Property Taxes

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TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Office will begin mailing Truth in Millage Notices to property owners on Aug. 13.

The TRIM Notice is not a tax bill. It is a Notice of Proposed Property Taxes containing information about a property’s market value, assessed value, exemptions and proposed property taxes.

Property owners are encouraged to carefully review their TRIM Notices upon receipt. The notice reflects proposed tax rates and budgets established by the various taxing authorities. The reverse side includes the dates, times and locations of public budget hearings at which comments regarding proposed tax rates and budgets may be presented directly to the appropriate taxing authorities.

Questions concerning a property’s market value, assessed value, exemptions or classification should be directed to the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Office. If any information appears incorrect or requires clarification, property owners are encouraged to contact the office promptly to request a review.

“Property values and tax information can raise questions, and our goal is to ensure property owners have accurate information and access to a team ready to assist them,” Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez said.  “If you have questions or believe information needs clarification, we encourage you to contact our office so we can review the details and help provide answers.”

Reviewing the TRIM Notice upon receipt provides an opportunity to address questions or concerns before property tax bills are issued in November.

Property owners may contact the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Office at 813-272-6100 or visit any of its four locations in Downtown Tampa, Brandon, Plant City or Ruskin, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. During the week of Aug. 17, the Downtown Tampa office will offer extended office hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

PHSC’s FBLA chapter closes out a record year 

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NEW PORT RICHEY – ​​Pasco-Hernando State College’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter has been building a high profile on the state and national scene through its performances at leadership conferences this year. 

At the Florida FBLA State Leadership Conference, PHSC’s program was named Florida Chapter of the Year. 

Two students were also honored for their service as outgoing state officers: Krista Knowles, former vice president of membership, and Emmalise Feliciano, former vice president of finance. 

Two members were also offered state officer positions for the coming year: Krista Knowles as state president and Teanna Hill as vice president of membership.

Megan Flavin was named Christopher Heider Scholar Honoree.

Several PHSC students performed well at state competition: 

  • First place: State of Chapter – Emmalise Feliciano and Krista Knowles
  • First place: Future Business Leader Executive – Krista Knowles
  • First place: Public Speaking – Kyla Flood
  • First place: Digital Design & Communications Case Competition – Kaylee Smith
  • First place: Marketing & Sales Case Competition – Bryce Widman, David Hennes and John Lias
  • Second place: Customer Service – Josbel Marcano-Reyes
  • Fourth place: Hospitality Management Case Competition – Elizabeth Capitoni & Michael Widman
  • Fourth place: Foundations of Computer Science – Amanda Campos
  • Fourth place: Parliamentary Procedures – Krista Knowles
  • Fourth place: Business Presentation – Emmalise Feliciano
  • Fourth place: Business Communications – Kyla Flood
  • Fourth place: State of Chapter – Teanna Hill

Competitive wins weren’t the only measure of the chapter’s year. FBLA members organized a donation drive for the Bobcat Food Pantry, an on-campus resource that provides food and essential items to students in need.

PHSC’s FBLA students carried the momentum onto the national stage, placing among the best chapters in the country, including a third-place finish for Largest State Chapter in Florida.

Students placed in several other categories: 

  • Second place: Digital Design and Communications Case Competition – Kaylee Smith
  • Second place: Stock Market Game – John Lias, Elizabeth Capitoni, Mark Calderon, Tyrese Brown and Jacob Majorana
  • Fifth place: Outstanding Chapter Award – North Campus
  • Sixth place: State of Chapter – Emmalise Feliciano & Krista Knowles
  • Ninth place: Foundations of Computer Science – Amanda Campos
  • Ninth place: Future Business Leader Executive – Krista Knowles
  • Top 12: State of Chapter, Pasco County – Teanna Hill

PHSC members also swept a full slate of Excellence Award distinctions, recognizing outstanding competitive individual testing performance:

  • Gold Distinction – Emmalise Feliciano and Krista Knowles
  • Silver Distinction – Kyla Flood
  • Bronze Distinction – Josbel Marcano-Reyes

 

Starkey appointed to national committees

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Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey (File)

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey has been selected to serve on three committees at the National Association of Counties.

The appointments include:

  • Chair of the Community, Economic and Workforce Development Policy Steering Committee
  • Vice chair of the Large Urban County Caucus
  • Member of the International Economic Development Innovation Council

“I’m thrilled to be appointed to these important committees, which will help find solutions for issues that affect the citizens of Pasco County,” Starkey said. “I’m committed to representing Pasco on a national level and using examples from our community to help other counties around Florida and the country.”

NACo’s mission is to strengthen America’s counties and create healthy, safe and vibrant counties across the country. It serves nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees.

“You were chosen because of your unwavering commitment and exemplary dedication to NACo,” NACo President George Dunlap said in a letter to Starkey. “Our greatest strength lies in the engagement of our members, and your active participation and leadership are vital to ensuring that we remain the united voice of America’s counties.”

PHSC’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society earns Hallmark Awards

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NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapter has earned not one, but two Hallmark Awards at the international level. 

Hallmark Awards are among the most prestigious honors in Phi Theta Kappa. Pasco-Hernando State College stood out among chapters from across the globe.

The Distinguished Chapter Hallmark Award recognizes the Pasco-Hernando State College chapter as one of the top Phi Theta Kappa chapters in the world. The honor was built through vision, determination and a resurgence led by the former chapter president Kaylee Smith.

Under Smith’s leadership, the chapter was reinvigorated from the ground up. She set a new standard for what membership in PHSC’s Phi Theta Kappa could mean, inspiring students to engage more deeply with its mission.

“What truly shaped my direction at PHSC was Phi Theta Kappa,” Smith said. “As the former college-wide president, I had the privilege of rebuilding and strengthening a once abandoned society, turning it back into a space where leadership, scholarship, service and fellowship were not just hallmarks, but lived experiences. The hallmarks of Phi Theta Kappa are not just words I leave behind today. They are values I carry forward into every space I enter.”

Adding to that momentum was Jessica “Kirby” Boatman, a transfer student who arrived with fresh energy and a drive to build on everything Smith had set in motion. 

“Being a part of Phi Theta Kappa is an opportunity and a responsibility that I hold close to my heart,” said Boatman, current president. “My involvement in PTK has taught me that what we can carry out alone is minimal compared to the things we can conduct together, and I am looking forward to this upcoming school year.” 

Pasco-Hernando State College won a second Hallmark Award, the Distinguished College Project, which recognizes initiatives that made a meaningful, lasting impact on the college community.

The college won specifically for Bobcat Banter, a student-driven video podcast born from the vision of former Phi Theta Kappa member Emmalise Feliciano. The series features conversations that connect students, faculty and the broader community. With professional studio recordings and real on-camera interviews, Bobcat Banter gave Pasco-Hernando State College a new kind of voice, built by students, for students.

Feliciano led the vision alongside former team members Tyson Branstetter and Eli Ferreira, with guidance from instructor Jon Tietz.

“It is a platform that celebrates the voices, achievements and experiences of our college community,” Feliciano said.