The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

News Briefs (02/04/26): Woman’s clubs give back

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THE GFWC Lutz–Land O Lakes Woman’s Club participated in a Day of Service. Members came together to donate food items to support individuals and families within the community. Photo courtesy of Patty Camunas

Pasco Fire Rescue launches new shift

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Fire Rescue officially launching its new D‑Shift.

This new shift allows crews to move from the long-standing 24‑hours‑on, 48‑hours‑off rotation to a 24‑hours‑on, 72‑hours‑off schedule. That extra day off gives firefighters more time to recharge, spend time with their families and return to the job ready to respond at their best.

“We’re proud to be among the pioneers moving in this direction,” Fire Chief Ryan Guynn said. “Providing this benefit to our men and women aims to reduce fatigue, strengthen work-life balance and support the kind of readiness the community depends on.”

The move places Pasco County Fire Rescue among the first fire departments in the Tampa Bay region and one of only a handful in Florida to adopt the 24/72 model.

The idea took shape in 2023 through a collaborative effort between county commissioners and Pasco County Firefighters IAFF Local 4420. Since then, Pasco County Fire Rescue has brought on more than 100 new employees, promoted dozens of team members and invested in new equipment to make the transition possible.

 

Rescue Pets of Florida hosts Neuter Your Ex fundraiser

TAMPA BAY – Rescue Pets of Florida is bringing back the popular Neuter Your Ex fundraiser.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, the nonprofit is offering to name a community cat after a donor’s ex before spaying or neutering them, in exchange for a $20 donation. They’ll also give the exes a special shout out on their social media page with hilarious photos.

The nonprofit encourages the community to have fun with the fundraiser and use the names of grumpy bosses, cantankerous neighbors or annoying siblings instead of romantic partners.

And the best part? Every dollar donated goes toward the support of the rescue and its trap-neuter-return programs, which aim to spay and neuter cats in the community to stop overpopulation and reduce suffering.

 

District declares modified phase II water shortage 

BROOKSVILLE – The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board voted Jan. 27 to declare a Modified Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage due to dry conditions throughout the region.

This action requires all residents, including those on private wells, in several cities and counties, including Hillsborough and Pasco, to follow one-day-per-week watering restrictions from Feb. 8 to July 1.

The district received below average rainfall during its summer rainy season and currently has a 13-inch regional rainfall deficit compared to the average 12-month total. 

Water levels in the District’s water resources, such as aquifers, rivers and lakes, are continuing to decline and many are below normal. Public water supplies in the Tampa Bay area are lower than expected at this time of year.

On the web: WaterMatters.org/Restrictions or WaterMatters.org/Water101

 

Live Oak Theatre presents Winter Ball Fundraiser

BROOKSVILLE – Live Oak Theatre and Conservatory invites the public to “Once Upon a Time,” an evening of dining, dancing and entertainment. 

The event raises money for the installation of a fence to keep students and patrons safe.

The fundraiser starts at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26 in the ballroom of the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd. The suggested donation is $85 per person.

Buy a ticket, sponsor the event or make a donation by reaching out to , call the box office at 352-593-0027 or visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-once-upon-a-time-gala.

On the web: facebook.com/LiveOakTheatre

 

GFWC Woman’s Club organizes golf fundraiser 

SAN ANTONIO – The GFWC TampaBay Woman’s Club invites the community to hit the links for a great cause on Feb. 28 at the newly renovated Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club, 10641 Old Tampa Bay Drive.

The event takes on a mixed team scramble format. Mulligans and extra putts are available.

Highlights include: 

  • Unique contests such as a Hit the Bottle putting contest.
  • Big prizes such as cash for first-, second- and third-place teams, plus Closest to the Pin and Closest to the Line for men and women.
  • High value drawings such as a two-night stay at the Sunset Chateau on Treasure Island or a date night that includes a $100 gift card to a restaurant from Parks Lincoln.
  • Entry includes a BBQ buffet lunch.

Pick up a registration form at the pro shop or email . Make checks to GFWC TampaBay Woman’s Club (P.O. Box 604, San Antonio, FL 33576).

Proceeds support charities including the Veteran’s Depot, Joshua House and Sunrise Domestic Violence Center.

Organizers are also looking for hole sponsors and prize donations. 

 

Students make honor lists

Several area students made honor lists at universities across America: 

  • Grace Schmitzer, of Odessa, made the president’s list at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia. Students must have a 4.0 GPA. 
  • Isaiah Fudge, of Wesley Chapel, made the dean’s list at Quincy University in Quincy, Illinois. Students must earn at least a 3.5 GPA. 
  • Royce Porter, of Odessa, made the dean’s list at the University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphi, Maryland. Students must have at least a 3.5 GPA. 
  • Nicholas Wolfgang, of New Port Richey, made the dean’s list at Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont. Students must have at least a 3.4 GPA. 
  • Arin Basu, of Lutz, Florida, made the dean’s list at University at Buffalo’s in Buffalo, New York. 

 

Quick Hits

  • The Florida Strawberry Festival announced Jan. 16 that tickets for Forrest Frank’s headline performance on March 6 have sold out. The festival takes place from Feb. 26 to March 8 at 303 BerryFest Place, Plant City. 

 

Business Digest (02/04/26): Jimmy John’s supports nonprofit

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Jimmy John’s is known for sandwiches with fresh ingredients delivered fast. Photo courtesy of Liberty Manor for Veterans

Jimmy John’s supports veteran nonprofit

TAMPA – Jimmy John’s has become a valued partner of Liberty Manor for Veterans, providing meals that are enjoyed by the veterans it serves.

Liberty Manor for Veterans supports disabled and honorably discharged veterans experiencing homelessness through transitional housing and services that promote self-sufficiency. 

Those interested in supporting the organization can contact Connie Lindsay at 813-900-9422 or visit libertymanor.org.

 

Food Policy Advisory Council has vacancies

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County’s Food Policy Advisory Council has open voting-member seats for a certified nutritionist, an attorney and a representative from a local farmers market.

Members recommend food policy, support the development and expansion of locally grown foods, strengthen connections to economic development, inform the public about community food systems and review proposed legislation and regulations that impact food systems.

Send your application and resume to .

The 11-member group is appointed by county commissioners. One non-voting member is from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension.

 

Chamber offers leadership training

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber is launching a Leadership Fellows Program.

The program features an eight-month, in-person meeting two hours per month. A PhD-level instructor will facilitate the BetterCulture curriculum. 

Tuition costs $1,000 for chamber members and $1,350 for others. Space is limited. 

An online information session will be held Feb. 9.

Contact the chamber for details. 

 

North Tampa Bay events

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

  • Robyn Ostrem, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters, offers her insight into leadership and life during the Leading Ladies Network from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 6 at USF Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. Registration costs $15. Register in advance. 
  • Members celebrate the grand launch of Fresh Monkee of Wesley Chapel with a ribbon cutting from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 7 at 6417 E. County Line Road, Suite 101, Tampa. 

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

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a Medical Roundtable, Hudson Business Exchange and Veterans Roundtable.

  • Adam Shoemaker facilitates the discussion of health industry topics during the Medical Roundtable from 8 to 9 a.m. Feb. 5 at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, 6600 Madison St., New Port Richey. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance. 
  • Members trade company literature during the Hudson Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 5 at Vitality Living Baypoint Village, 7927 State Road 52, Hudson. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Food costs $14. Register in advance. 
  • People interested in veterans issues connect during the Veterans Roundtable from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Feb. 11 at 4 & Co Coworking Spaces, 16703 Early Riser Ave., Land O’ Lakes. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance. 

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

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host Coffee & Networking and the Chamber Valentine’s Day Mixer.

  • Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Feb. 6 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.) and 8 to 9 a.m. Feb. 10 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.). 
  • Members network during the Chamber Valentine’s Day Mixer from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 10 at Cornerstone Caregiving, 5801 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills. 

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

 

Quick Hits

  • Texas Roadhouse, Bubba’s 33 and Jaggers locations nationwide were scheduled to host a  fundraiser Feb. 2 benefiting the American Tinnitus Association in honor of late founder Kent Taylor.
  • Weichert, Realtors – Florida Tropics has added Anthony Ramos and Noemi Vazquez to its team. The office is located at 50 Commercial Way in Spring Hill. 
  • Following its acquisition of Frontier Communications, Verizon is offering deals to Frontier fiber customers who switch to Verizon mobile. Visit verizon.com/welcome-frontier/ for details. 

Health & Wellness (02/04/26): Treatment center opens

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Substance abuse treatment center opens

TAMPA – Hillsborough County and Phoenix House Florida have unveiled a first-of-its-kind recovery center for those struggling with substance abuse or behavioral health issues.

The Orient Wellness Center, located at 1800 Orient Road, will offer 75 beds for men and 10 for women. Services will include individualized treatment planning, group counseling, life-skills development, health education, family support services, recreational therapy and case management focused on long-term recovery.

Patients must be enrolled in Hillsborough County’s Health Care Plan, which provides primary and specialty health care at no cost to those who qualify. Many of the patients are expected to be residents who enter treatment immediately after being released from jail. A major goal of the center is to help former inmates or at-risk residents successfully transition to their new life, reducing chances they re-offend and are incarcerated again.

The center is expected to draw patients from other sources as well. Walk-ins are welcome from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning Feb. 2. Most patients will remain with the program for 90 to 120 days.

 

Hospital to host panel on heart health

LUTZ – Lutz’s St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is hosting a free Follow Your Heart panel discussion during Heart Month. 

The interactive event will feature an interventional cardiologist and other cardiac experts. They discuss topics that include keeping your heart healthy and new advances in cardiac treatment options. A light lunch will be provided for attendees. 

The event takes place from noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 9 in the hospital classroom, 4211 Van Dyke Road, Lutz. The event is free but the hospital asks you to register.

Register by calling 855-269-4777 or by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the Feb. 9 event listing.

 

Hospital offers support for new moms

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers free in-person breastfeeding support groups and newborn care classes during February. 

Events are open to all no matter which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your child. The events will be held in classrooms at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road, Lutz.

  • Breastfeeding Support Group: For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and one support person (grandmother, aunt, etc.) The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. Dates and times: Feb. 5 and 19, 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. Dates and times: Feb. 5 and 19, 1 to 5 p.m.

Register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt. Or, register 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.

 

Get answers on Medicare in February

  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: 

  • Medicare Basics: Feb. 5 at 10 a.m. at the New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-853-1279
  • Medicare Basics: Feb. 12 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576
  • Medicare Basics: Feb. 19 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
  • Medicare Basics: Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy, Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
  • Medicare 101: Feb. 4 at noon at the Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-587-6715 ext. 2508
  • Medicare 101: Feb. 18, 11 a.m. at the Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669
  • Medicare 101: Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. at the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1073
  • Medicare Fraud & Prevention Presentation: Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. at the Safety Harbor Public Library, 101 2nd St. N., Safety Harbor. 727-724-1525

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.

 

Quick Hits

  • The Wesley Chapel Outpatient Care Center was scheduled to celebrate its one-year anniversary Jan. 28 at All Children’s Specialty Physicians in Lutz. 
  • The Orlando Magic honored pediatric and adolescent mental health providers from AdventHealth for Children during its Jan. 24 game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The night highlighted AdventHealth’s “You Good?” mental health campaign. 
  • AdventHealth leaders and team members joined with community leaders Jan. 21 to break ground on a new medical tower at AdventHealth Sebring. The expansion adds more than 100,000 square feet of new clinical space.

Hillsborough County Public Schools celebrates top staffers

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TAMPA – The Hillsborough Education Foundation and Hillsborough County Public Schools honored those who represent the very best of public education at the 2026 Excellence in Education Awards. 

This year’s theme, Hillsborough’s Treasures, recognized educators and support staff whose efforts shape student success across the district.

Selected from 690 nominations, 13 finalists were recognized for their contributions. 

The event culminated with the announcement of one winner for each of three categories: Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year, Instructional Support Employee of the Year, and Teacher of the Year.

 

Ché Counce

Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year

Ché Counce is an Access Points teacher who has served Hillsborough County Public Schools for seven years. 

Counce is passionate about expanding opportunities for her students through grant writing, securing funding for sensory rooms, cooking lessons, science equipment, schoolwide inclusive events and a school garden.

She has served on the board of a nonprofit supporting individuals with Down syndrome and has also worked with Metropolitan Ministries in an after-school program. She also taught English in South Korea for a year. 

Counce is dedicated to community service and to empowering students with cognitive disabilities. Her students’ growth and increased inclusion continue to inspire her work each day.

 

Mary Torres-Cerezo

2026 Instructional Support Employee of the Year

Mary Lynn Torres-Cerezo has worked for Hillsborough County Public Schools for 21 years. She spent 14 of those years as a nurse for Willis Peters Exceptional Center. 

One of Mary’s passions is raising awareness for childhood cancer. Along with her church group, they adopt a family each Christmas who care facing childhood cancer. They do this in xmemory of her youngest daughter, Sierra.

Sierra is her biggest motivation in her role as a nurse. Sierra had Down Syndrome and passed away at age 9 from leukemia. 

Her other motivation is her students. She considers working with students with special needs to be an honor and a blessing. 

 

Christi Atkinson

2026 Teacher of the Year

Christi Atkinson has been teaching in Hillsborough County for 14 years, nine years at Wharton High School, with the last four years as the science department head. She is an active sponsor of Science National Honor Society and SPLASH Club and is a member of the Florida Marine Science Educators Association.

Atkinson has participated in training offered by Guy Harvey, the Florida Aquarium and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

She has been awarded grants from Guy Harvey, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Hillsborough Education Foundation and Target to finance student field trips and equipment purchases. 

Atkinson is motivated by watching students relate their classroom learning to the ocean and environment. She also challenges her students to discover creative and innovative solutions to environmental issues.

Saint Leo University opens new track, locker rooms

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The ribbon cutting at the track included Nick Spino, head track and field coach; Jim Burkee, president; James Detuccio, chief operating officer/chief financial officer; Hanen Burkee, assistant vice president of center for global engagement; and Marcal Lazenby, vice president of athletics and wellness. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

 

The ribbon cutting at the locker room included James Detuccio, chief operating officer/chief financial officer; Brett Parker, head men’s soccer coach, Jim Burkee, president; Hanen Burkee, assistant vice president of center for global engagement; Jose Caban, associate vice president of facilities management; and Marcal Lazenby, vice president of athletics and wellness. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University celebrated the grand opening Jan. 22 of an eight-lane, 400-meter track and newly constructed locker rooms.

The ribbon cutting brought together university leaders, coaches, student-athletes and staff to celebrate the expansion of the athletics facilities and the broader vision for sports at Saint Leo University.

“These new athletic facilities reflect our commitment to investing in our students, enhancing campus life and supporting Saint Leo’s growth,” said Jim Burkee, president of Saint Leo University. “By expanding and modernizing our athletics infrastructure, we are creating more opportunities for student success, enriching the student experience and strengthening the competitiveness of our athletic programs for years to come.”

The completion of the new eight-lane track is part of a phased relaunch of Saint Leo University’s men’s and women’s track and field programs. The teams welcomed 42 student-athletes in fall 2025, with enrollment expected to grow to about 60 by fall 2026. By 2027, at least 80 student-athletes are anticipated to be competing in sprint, distance and field events, including long jump, high jump, throwing events, javelin and steeplechase.

Saint Leo University now has an eight-lane, 400-meter track. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

As Saint Leo’s first official track, the facility allows the university to host future high school and collegiate meets, positioning the campus as a regional hub for track and field competitions. While the track is not currently available for outside rental, it is open to the Saint Leo community and local residents when not in use by the teams.

“The expansion of our athletic facilities is a game-changer, with our new track taking our programs to the next level,” said Marcal Lazenby, vice president of athletics and wellness. “We are expanding our ability to train, compete and recruit at a higher level, while giving student-athletes an even greater sense of pride in being a Saint Leo Lion.”

Saint Leo University also unveiled state-of-the-art men’s and women’s locker rooms on the north side of the Marion Bowman Activities Center. The three locker rooms serve about 120 student-athletes, primarily supporting the university’s soccer programs, and provide dedicated spaces for team strategy, preparation and camaraderie.

The athletics department is conducting a locker room naming campaign inviting alumni, parents and community members to support the new facilities. The campaign offers opportunities to name the three new rooms and individual lockers within them. Sponsored lockers will feature personalized recognition plaques. Learn more at  your.saintleo.edu/lockers.

 

A look inside one of the new locker rooms at Saint Leo University. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

 

Tampa Bay CEOs volunteer on Habitat home

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2026 CEO Build participants with homeowner recipients Andre and Tyshawnna Wesley. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside

 

Rondé Barber, Pro Football Hall of Famer and chairman of Copperhead Charities, has been a supporter of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside for several years. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside

LARGO – Community leaders from across the Tampa Bay region traded boardrooms for hard hats Jan. 23 to build a home for a local family in the Ridgecrest community in Largo. 

This served as the second of four build days for Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside’s fifth annual CEO Build. More than 20 CEOs spent the day helping install windows, framing and insulation.

“I’m not an expert with nails or laying tile, but I’m having a great time,” said Rondé Barber, Pro Football Hall of Famer and chairman of Copperhead Charities. “Getting together with this group of people who dedicate their time and resources to help other people is pretty awesome.”

Other executives on site included: 

  • David Bailey, Southern States Material Handling
  • Jim Eisch, Pinch-A-Penny
  • Robert Glaser, Smith & Associates Real Estate
  • Mindy Grossman, Consello Group
  • Joe Hamilton, Cityverse
  • Elizabeth Interthal, EBI Law, PLLC
  • Scott Kramer, Spartan Contracting Corporation
  • Elizabeth Olguin, Xpress UrSelf Media, LLC
  • Amanda Payne, Amplify Clearwater
  • James Poulter, Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation
  • Bill Roberti, Alvarez & Marsal
  • Karyn Roeling, Seibert Insurance
  • Heather Sanderson, Sanderson Firm PLLC
  • Tracy West, Copperhead Charities and Valspar Championship
  • Sarah Young, Zing Collaborative

“This is such an incredible opportunity to give back to the community and be out here with some incredible people to help some incredible people as well,” said Alicia Schulhof, president of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. “I think Habitat is such a great way to honor all the hard work of our team members, of our community, and bring it all together.”

In 2022, Habitat introduced the first annual CEO Build, where over 50 CEOs united to help raise more than $160,000 to sponsor the home build for a local family. Now in its fifth year, the CEO Build has grown in participation and impact, with 100 leaders raising $250,000 to provide a safe and affordable home for the Wesley family. 

“In just five years, this effort has raised over $1 million, engaged more than 140 CEOs, and transformed the lives of five families forever,” said Mike Sutton, president & CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside. “I think when you see the number of CEOs that have come together to support this initiative, it really speaks to the Tampa Bay region and how much our community rallies around organizations that are doing good work.”

On the web: habitattbg.org/ceobuild/.

 

Behavioral urgent care earns national award

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PASCO COUNTY – The National Community Development Association recognized Pasco County Community Development as a winner of the 2026 Audrey Nelson Community Development Achievement Award for its collaboration with BayCare on the Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center.

The Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center bridges the gap in services for urgent substance use and mental health care for vulnerable and low-to-moderate income customers by providing immediate access to services.

“This facility is a game-changer with essential mental health care for our customers,” said Jack Mariano, chair of the Pasco Board of County Commissioners.

Key features of the center include:

  • Outpatient care with extended hours
  • Behavioral health alternative to ER
  • Voluntary walk-in and hybrid services
  • Access for anyone transitioning from jail/inpatient setting

Over $1.4 million in funding from a Community Development Block Grant secured infrastructure and renovation needs at the facility, leading to more funding for operations for the next several years.

Pasco will be honored during the 57th NCDA Winter Legislative Conference on Feb. 6 in Washington, D.C.

The award recognizes local projects and programs funded through the HUD Community Development Block Grant program and other HUD Office of Community Planning and Development funding. 

Pasco County Community Development also received the Audrey Nelson Community Development Achievement Award in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

On the web: ncdaonline.org.

 

MOSI unveils new name, expansion 

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MOSI used chemical reactions Jan. 27 to transform a sign bearing its former name (Museum of Science & Industry) into its name of the future: Museum of Science & Innovation. Photo courtesy of MOSI

TAMPA – MOSI has unveiled a new name and a massive expansion of its space.

The institution will continue to be called “MOSI” but those letters will stand for the Museum of Science & Innovation.

“Our new name, Museum of Science & Innovation, captures the trajectory and energy of MOSI as we look to the future,”  President and CEO John Graydon Smith said. “We’re in a rapidly changing world, and Tampa Bay can count on MOSI to help make sense of what’s happening now and what’s coming next.

MOSI has changed names before during its 64-year history. It began as the Museum of Science and Natural History in 1962 before becoming the Museum of Science & Industry in 1982.

The new name aligns with the focus of the museum and its surrounding area as significant investments in Tampa Bay’s innovation economy continue to transform the Uptown area.

“Beyond understanding innovation, MOSI is here to help harness it,” Smith said. “We’re here to inspire the thinkers of tomorrow with learning outside the classroom, and we’re here to be a crucial partner in making sure the jobs of the future will be coming to Tampa Bay.”

The Center for STEAM Learning unlocks new science camp offerings, with MOSI now set to debut camps for high school students in astrophysics, advanced coding and video game design. Photo courtesy of MOSI

Campus expansion

MOSI also unveiled its expanded Center for STEAM Learning, adding 30,000 square feet of new classroom and lab space and allowing MOSI to serve four times the number of field trip visitors and school break campers each year.

The expansion features classrooms, a cooking lab, three computer labs and a makerspace with advanced hands-on tools like 3D printers.

“MOSI is the key anchor of an exciting redevelopment project coming to North Tampa, bringing in fresh opportunities for science, sports, entertainment, and more,” said Chris Boles, Hillsborough County commissioner and MOSI board member. “The concept of innovation will be at the core of this effort. Seeing MOSI take on a new name that matches this mission is a fantastic fit.”

The MOSI Digital Content Lab is packed with tools to create enormous 360-degree movies that can be shown in planetariums around the world. Photo courtesy of MOSI

MOSI also opened the doors to the new MOSI Digital Content Lab, where students will create immersive movies for giant dome screens like the one inside Saunders Planetarium. 

Developed with significant support from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Digital Accelerator for Arts and Culture, the lab will give students in MOSI science camps the power to bring their ideas to life.

Through a collaboration with the University of South Florida, the lab’s tools will be shared with USF students studying subjects ranging from film and art to medicine and engineering.

The Center for STEAM Learning expansion reactivates a portion of MOSI’s campus that was closed in 2017 when the museum made strategic changes to ensure financial sustainability.

“We’re not getting bigger simply for the sake of getting bigger. MOSI is evolving and growing strategically because we’re seeing the demand in our community for a first-class partner in science and innovation,” Smith said. “Our attendance has continued to climb, jumping up by nearly 35% with the opening of the Saunders Planetarium. The message is clear: MOSI is here to stay in North Tampa.”

 

The Fulfillment Lab expands to Pasco County

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The Fulfillment Lab is an eCommerce logistics business that calls Pasco County home. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC

 

The new Pasco County location serves as The Fulfillment Lab’s headquarters. It has an additional location in Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC

LUTZ – The Fulfillment Lab, an advanced technology and logistics company specializing in proprietary fulfillment software, has expanded its operations and relocated its headquarters to Pasco County, according to the Pasco Economic Development Council.

The company’s investment includes more than $2 million in new equipment and racking systems. 

The Fulfillment Lab initially leased 35,000 square feet in Sunlake Business Center in 2025 and has already expanded another 10,000 square feet.

“The Fulfillment Lab has always been driven by technology, and this expansion allows us to further develop our proprietary systems and bring smarter, more efficient fulfillment solutions to our clients,” said Rick Nelson, founder and CEO. “Thanks to the compliance and regulatory support provided by Pasco County and Pasco EDC, we were able to secure our certificate of occupancy and serve our customers through the busy holiday season. We couldn’t have gotten where we are today without their assistance.”

The Fulfillment Lab’s proprietary software platform integrates with TikTok, Shopify and Amazon, providing end-to-end dropshipping, data-driven fulfillment and quality control solutions. Its platform empowers online sellers to customize every stage of the customer experience from order creation to delivery while maintaining full visibility and operational efficiency.

“The Fulfillment Lab’s decision to grow in Pasco County underscores the region’s strength as a hub for advanced technology,” said Bill Cronin, president and CEO of Pasco EDC. “Their proprietary software and integration capabilities set them apart in the fulfillment industry, and we’re proud to see this level of innovation happening right here in our community.”

The Fulfillment Lab also supports local charities by providing fulfillment assistance for donation drives and care package initiatives.

“This is the kind of forward-thinking investment that keeps Pasco County on the rise,” Pasco County Commissioner Lisa Yeager said. “We’re excited to welcome The Fulfillment Lab and the momentum they bring to our tech economy.”

 

Hillsborough County Public Schools celebrates top staffers

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TAMPA – The Hillsborough Education Foundation and Hillsborough County Public Schools honored those who represent the very best of public education at the 2026 Excellence in Education Awards. 

This year’s theme, Hillsborough’s Treasures, recognized educators and support staff whose efforts shape student success across the district.

Selected from 690 nominations, 13 finalists were recognized for their contributions. 

The event culminated with the announcement of one winner for each of three categories: Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year, Instructional Support Employee of the Year, and Teacher of the Year.

 

Ché Counce

Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year

Ché Counce is an Access Points teacher who has served Hillsborough County Public Schools for seven years. 

Counce is passionate about expanding opportunities for her students through grant writing, securing funding for sensory rooms, cooking lessons, science equipment, schoolwide inclusive events and a school garden.

She has served on the board of a nonprofit supporting individuals with Down syndrome and has also worked with Metropolitan Ministries in an after-school program. She also taught English in South Korea for a year. 

Counce is dedicated to community service and to empowering students with cognitive disabilities. Her students’ growth and increased inclusion continue to inspire her work each day.

 

Mary Torres-Cerezo

2026 Instructional Support Employee of the Year

Mary Lynn Torres-Cerezo has worked for Hillsborough County Public Schools for 21 years. She spent 14 of those years as a nurse for Willis Peters Exceptional Center. 

One of Mary’s passions is raising awareness for childhood cancer. Along with her church group, they adopt a family each Christmas who care facing childhood cancer. They do this in xmemory of her youngest daughter, Sierra.

Sierra is her biggest motivation in her role as a nurse. Sierra had Down Syndrome and passed away at age 9 from leukemia. 

Her other motivation is her students. She considers working with students with special needs to be an honor and a blessing. 

 

Christi Atkinson

2026 Teacher of the Year

Christi Atkinson has been teaching in Hillsborough County for 14 years, nine years at Wharton High School, with the last four years as the science department head. She is an active sponsor of Science National Honor Society and SPLASH Club and is a member of the Florida Marine Science Educators Association.

Atkinson has participated in training offered by Guy Harvey, the Florida Aquarium and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

She has been awarded grants from Guy Harvey, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Hillsborough Education Foundation and Target to finance student field trips and equipment purchases. 

Atkinson is motivated by watching students relate their classroom learning to the ocean and environment. She also challenges her students to discover creative and innovative solutions to environmental issues.