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Trailblazers in sports: celebrating pioneering women athletes

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Throughout history, women have continually pushed the boundaries of what is possible in sports. From the early pioneers who defied societal norms to the contemporary stars who continue to challenge expectations, these remarkable athletes have left an indelible mark on the world of sports. Here’s a tribute to some of the most influential pioneering women athletes who have reshaped their respective fields.

1. Alice Milliat — champion of women’s athletics
In the early 20th century, Alice Milliat emerged as a leading advocate for women’s athletics. A French sportswoman and organizer, Milliat founded the Fédération Sportive Féminine Internationale (FSFI) and organized the first Women’s World Games in 1922. Her efforts helped pave the way for female participation in the Olympics.

Billie Jean King competed against retired pro Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes” match at the Houston Astrodome in Texas on Sept. 20, 1973. King won in three straight sets. (UPI/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images)

2. Wilma Rudolph — the fastest woman in the world
Wilma Rudolph became a household name in the 1960s as a trailblazing sprinter. Overcoming polio and other health challenges, Rudolph won three gold medals at the 1960 Rome Olympics, becoming the fastest woman in the world. Her success shattered stereotypes and inspired countless young female athletes to pursue track and field.

3. Billie Jean King — tennis icon and equality advocate
Billie Jean King revolutionized women’s tennis with her powerful play and advocacy for gender equality. In 1973, she famously defeated Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes,” proving that women could compete on equal footing with men. King also played a pivotal role in founding the Women’s Tennis Association and fought for equal prize money in tennis.

4. Martina Navratilova — dominating the court and breaking barriers
Martina Navratilova is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Her career includes 18 Grand Slam singles titles and 31 Grand Slam doubles titles. Navratilova broke barriers as an openly gay athlete and continued to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality throughout her career.

Lisa Leslie, center for the Los Angeles Sparks, during the WNBA Western Conference basketball game on Aug. 22, 1997 at the Great Western arena in Los Angeles, California. (Todd Warshaw/Allsport/Getty Images)

5. Jackie Joyner-Kersee — the queen of multi-event competitions
Jackie Joyner-Kersee is celebrated for her extraordinary achievements in track and field. An Olympic heptathlon and long jump champion, Joyner-Kersee set world records that still stand today. Her exceptional versatility and athleticism have solidified her legacy as one of the greatest female athletes in history.

6. Lisa Leslie — trailblazer in women’s basketball
Lisa Leslie made significant strides in women’s basketball, both on and off the court. A dominant force in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), Leslie was a three-time MVP and four-time Olympic gold medalist. She helped popularize the WNBA and paved the way for future generations of female basketball players.

Danica Patrick poses with the trophy after winning the IndyCar Series Bridgestone Indy Japan 300 Mile on April 20, 2008 at Twin Ring Motegi in Motegi, Japan. (Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

7. Danica Patrick — breaking the glass ceiling in motorsport
Danica Patrick made history in the world of motorsport as one of the most successful female drivers. She achieved notable success in both IndyCar and NASCAR, including becoming the first woman to win an IndyCar race. Patrick’s achievements have brought increased visibility and opportunities for women in racing.

8. Diana Taurasi — a phenomenal basketball talent
Diana Taurasi is known for her scoring prowess and leadership in women’s basketball. As a member of the Phoenix Mercury and the U.S. Women’s National Team, Taurasi has earned multiple WNBA titles and Olympic gold medals. Her influence extends beyond the court as a role model for aspiring female athletes.

9. Simone Biles — gymnastics phenomenon
Simone Biles has redefined gymnastics with her unparalleled skills and accomplishments. A multiple Olympic and World Championship gold medalist, Biles has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in gymnastics. Her dedication and excellence have inspired a new generation of gymnasts and elevated the sport to new heights.

Mia Hamm breaks upfield during the quarterfinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Oct. 1, 2003 at Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Mississippi. (A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

10. Mia Hamm — a pioneer in women’s soccer
Mia Hamm is a central figure in the rise of women’s soccer. Her career with the U.S. Women’s National Team, including winning two World Cups and two Olympic gold medals, helped popularize the sport. Hamm’s influence extends beyond her playing career as she continues to advocate for women’s sports and youth development.

11. Elena Delle Donne — transforming women’s basketball
Elena Delle Donne has made a significant impact in women’s basketball with her versatility and skill. As a WNBA MVP and an Olympic gold medalist, Delle Donne has been a trailblazer in advocating for mental health awareness and inclusivity in sports.

12. Pat Summit — legendary coach and advocate
Pat Summitt is one of the most celebrated figures in women’s college basketball. Her coaching career at the University of Tennessee was marked by a record number of wins and NCAA championships. Summitt’s leadership and commitment to the sport have left a lasting legacy in women’s athletics.

The achievements of these pioneering women athletes are a testament to their courage, talent and determination. Each has played a crucial role in advancing their respective sports and breaking down barriers for future generations. As we celebrate their accomplishments, we are reminded of the incredible impact these athletes have made on the world of sports.

Published July 31, 2024

Hillsborough 2024 Active Life Games

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Players compete in the Active Life Games (Courtesy of Hillsborough County)

Registration is now open for the Hillsborough 2024 Active Life Games, a competition for adults aged 50 and older organized by Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation to promote physical and mental fitness, according to a news release. The games feature a range of activities from track and field to shuffleboard, pickleball, billiard and horseshoes.

Opening ceremonies will take place at 10 a.m., on Sept. 30, at the Barksdale Senior Center, with closing ceremonies at 11 a.m., on Oct. 11, at the University Area Community Complex, and individual competitions will be held at a variety of locations in Hillsborough County. Registration is available until Sept. 20, with a fee of $25 for one event or $30 for unlimited events, plus an additional $30 for the golf competition, which includes a cart.

The games also serve as a regional qualifier for the Florida Senior Games. 

For more details and to register, visit HCFL.gov/ActiveLife.

Local teen wins national pool championship

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Konnor McFadyen of New Port Richey (Courtesy of the American Poolplayers Association)

Konnor McFadyen, a 17-year-old from New Port Richey, won the 2024 APA Junior Pool Championship earlier this month. Competing against 258 participants, McFadyen emerged victorious in the event organized by the American Poolplayers Association (APA), according to a news release.

The championship, held from June 29 to July 1, featured players ages 7 to 18 from 32 states and Canada. McFadyen is a regular player in the local APA League in New Port Richey. The APA, based in Lake Saint Louis, Missouri, sanctions the world’s largest amateur pool league, with over 250,000 members competing in weekly 8-Ball and 9‑Ball League play. The finals match was live-streamed and is available to view at Youtube.com/watch?v=rHjldr-gY8Q.

For more information on the APA and its tournaments, visit PoolPlayers.com.

New firefighters join the ranks

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(Mandie Inman/Pexels)

Almost three dozen new firefighters started their careers with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue this month — all of whom graduated from Fire Academy and are certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). The recruit class received new station and shift assignments, putting them in fire houses from VanDyke to Sun City and from Citrus Park to Apollo Beach.

Business Digest 07/31/2024

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Habitat CEO Mike Sutton (Courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties)

CEO named to 2024 Tampa Titan 100 List
Mike Sutton, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, has been named a 2024 Tampa Titan 100. This program recognizes Tampa’s top 100 CEOs and C-level executives for their exceptional leadership, vision and passion, according to a news release. 

The 2024 honorees will be featured in a limited-edition Titan 100 book, profiled online and honored at an awards ceremony on Oct. 24, at The Motor Enclave in Tampa, with opportunities to network throughout the year.

Second Cycle opens in Tampa
Second Cycle opened its first charitable donation center in Tampa on July 18, at 12898 Race Track Road. The grand opening generated proceeds benefiting Clean International, a nonprofit focused on providing clean water worldwide. The center aims to reduce household waste by offering a convenient drop-off location for clothing and household items, promoting environmental responsibility, and supporting global clean water initiatives, according to a news release. For more details, visit SecondCycle.com.

Leading Ladies Network meeting
The North Tampa Bay Chamber Leading Ladies Network will meet on Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at the North Tampa Bay Chamber – Wiregrass Office located in the Signature Workspace Building, at 28210 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel. The group aims to connect, collaborate and uplift women from various fields, according to a news release. The speaker will be Dr. Davina Jones, campus provost, Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus. The event costs $15 per person and online registration is required. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

New fire rescue PIO welcomed
Pasco County Government announced the addition of Jessica Imbimbo as the new public information officer (PIO) for Pasco County Fire Rescue. A native of Pasco County, Jessica returns after serving as PIO for Lexington County, South Carolina, where she managed communications for over 35 departments, including public safety, according to a news release. Imbimbo can be reached at 727-207-5751 or .

Annual awards registration opens
Registration is now open for the 36th Pasco EDC Annual Awards, to be held on Sept. 5 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Pasco-Hernando State College Instructional Performing Arts Center (IPAC) in Wesley Chapel. The awards are one of Pasco County’s premier business events, attracting over 400 business and community leaders, including state legislators, county commissioners and city officials, and highlights local companies excelling in job creation, capital investment, technology, innovation and community service, according to a news release. For more information, visit PascoEDC.com.

BBB announces military and veterans initiative
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving West Florida will participate in the BBB Military & Veterans Initiative. This program, launched by the BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust, aims to educate and empower active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families on navigating the marketplace and securing their financial futures, according to a news release. The year-long “train-the-trainer” program will prepare trainers to deliver in-person and virtual education across the U.S., starting in Q3 2024, says the news release. For more information, visit BBBmarketplacetrust.org/military-veterans-initiative.

UPDATE: Pasco Zone for 2024 Regional Bay Scallop Season temporarily closes

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(Courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced a temporary closure of the recreational bay scallop harvest in the Pasco Zone. This area includes all state waters south of the Hernando-Pasco county line and north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County, encompassing the Anclote River, according to a news release.

The FWC is tasked with proactively testing and acting to keep Floridians safe. This precautionary measure is due to the detection of saxitoxin and Pyrodinium bahamanse at levels exceeding the safety thresholds established by the National Shellfish Sanitation Program. The Pasco Zone will reopen for scallop harvesting once tests show levels have decreased to safe limits.

In the Pasco Zone, scallop harvesting is currently suspended. However, the area is still open for other recreational activities including fishing, boating and swimming. All other scallop harvest zones continue to operate as usual.

For more information and updates, visit MyFWC.com/Scallops.

Funding road projects will take a new approach in Pasco

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It’s going to be out with the old and in with the new when it comes to how funds will be raised to maintain roads in Pasco County.

The new method the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) recently agreed to calls for all property owners in the county’s unincorporated areas to be billed for the costs of road maintenance.

(Life Of Pix/Pexels)

The tax rate, which will be $51.84 per each $100,000 of assessed value, won’t become effective until September when final decisions are made on the county’s budget for fiscal year 2024-2025.

The new rate will be on Truth in Milling (TRIM) notices that will be distributed to the affected property owners later this year. TRIM notices, which are distributed by the Pasco County Property Appraiser’s Office, show the market value of a person’s property and the proposed tax bill.

Raising money this way will help to spread the cost out further, according to county officials, and it will help identify more roads that need maintenance and allow that work to be done more efficiently.

This is a different approach than what the county has taken over the past few decades — the old way to fund road improvements was based upon residents living on those roads being individually assessed for the cost of the work that had been done. In some cases, it has taken up to 10 years for the affected property owners to pay off their assessments.

Under an ordinance the BCC adopted at its July 9 meeting, property owners who still owe money on the old assessments will be relieved of having to continue paying them. This will amount to $13 million that the county will not be repaid for the principal and interest not yet collected on the old assessments. 

Published July 24, 2024

More police officers relocating to Florida from other states

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(The Center Square) – Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody welcomed new police officers to the state after they relocated from Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico and New York.

“Florida is the most pro-law enforcement state in the nation because we back our blue,” Moody said. “We’ve been spreading the word about all the great incentives to join our ranks, and individuals like the new Sarasota recruits have answered the call – leaving behind places where their service was not as appreciated as it is here.”

Moody again recognized new recruits who moved to serve in Sarasota through her “Thin Line Tribute: Sunshine Salute” initiative after highlighting new recruits from California and New York who joined the St. Petersburg Police Department.

Attorney General Moody speaks to new recruits at Sarasota Police Department. (Florida Attorney General’s Office/YouTube)

“This is a law-and-order state. Officers want to be able to do their job,” Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche said. “There is no better feeling than when you know that you can go out there and be supported in enforcing the law. I’ve talked with officers all around the country and when state attorneys are not assisting them, it makes those officers not want to do their jobs. Thanks to the work of Attorney General Moody and Gov. (Ron) DeSantis, officers know that when you come to the state of Florida, you are going to be able to do, and be supported in, doing your job.”

New recruit Sarasota Police Officer Andrew Capozzi said he left New York for Florida because “protecting and serving in New York became increasingly difficult over the past several years, as some leaders turned their backs on law enforcement and flawed criminal justice policies allowed many defendants back out on the street within hours of being arrested,” according to a statement from Moody’s office.

New recruit Sarasota Police Officer Les Kismartoni, who worked for more than 20 years as a programmer in Chicago, decided to make a change to become a police officer in Florida. Kismartoni said it was the leadership at the local and state level of law enforcement that prompted the change.

Police officers are relocating to Florida through a new Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program created by DeSantis and the state legislature that first launched in April 2022. DeSantis signed the first bill of its kind into law allocating $125 million for bonuses to benefit local police officers, sheriff’s deputies, paramedics, EMTs and firefighters statewide. The legislature has since renewed funding for these programs and expanded protections for law enforcement officers.

In February, DeSantis presented the 4,000th bonus check to Bay County Sheriff’s Deputy Matthew Belthrop, who relocated from Virginia to take advantage of the program. New recruits receive a $5,000 bonus after taxes, receiving bonuses of $6,693, including the federal taxes owed on the $5,000 bonus.

The number of new recruits has since jumped to nearly 5,000 since July 2022. They include more than 1,200 from out of state and a combined 400 from California, Illinois and New York.

New recruits have moved to Florida from all 50 states and two U.S. territories, according to the governor’s office.

The Sarasota Police Department also recently announced that Sarasota had no homicides in 2023 and a more than 16% drop in homicides, rapes, robberies, aggravated assaults, burglaries, larcenies and vehicle thefts in 2022.

Overall, Florida is currently experiencing a 50-year crime low.

DeSantis has argued that communities are struggling nationwide in jurisdictions where politicians embraced defunding law enforcement and “soft on crime policies” like implementing no cash bail. In 2020, the Florida legislature passed protections against defunding law enforcement and began allocating funding to give law enforcement officers $1,000 bonuses for three consecutive years. In 2022, the recruitment program was created.

Moody launched the Thin Line Tribute in 2021 to recognize the daily efforts of front-line officers. In 2023, she launched the Sunshine Salute Series welcoming 30 new recruits at St. Petersburg College’s Southeastern Public Safety Institute, also highlighting new recruits from Philadelphia, Chicago and New York City, The Center Square reported.

In addition to the new recruit bonus program, law enforcement officers may also be eligible for the Hometown Heroes Housing Program, which provides frontline workers in more than 100 eligible professions with down payment and closing cost assistance to help purchase a primary residence in the communities where they work.

Published July 24, 2024

Review finds reporting issues with Florida prisons over use of force incidents

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(The Center Square) — An audit of the Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) has uncovered several issues related to the use of force, untimely reporting times and information technology access controls.

The Florida Auditor General (AG) reviewed incident reporting, maintenance requests, Correctional Officer timekeeping records and the state-operated Institutions Inmate Welfare Trust Fund with the DOC.

(Florida Department of Corrections/Facebook)

Department records between July 2021 and February 2023 showed 354,184 incidents, including 14,265 incidents involving the use of force against an inmate, spread across 50 state-operated correctional facilities.

According to department procedures, all incident report forms must be reviewed and include an initial deposition by a shift supervisor or department head. The security chief must then review all incident reports and pass them to the warden for final review.

One hundred and one incident reports were reviewed by auditors, filed between 2021 and 2023 at 13 different state correctional institutions. Three incident forms were completed by correction officers between two and six days after the incident. While the shift supervisor reviewed reports in a timely manner, the chief of security did not review the incidents until between five and 14 days after it happened.

Another incident’s report review by the shift supervisor was delayed due to a staff mix-up, which caused at least a three-day delay in moving the incident through the review process.

All incidents involving the use of force must be reported by all officers who were involved or witnessed the event, detailing the incident and the circumstances that led to the use of force. Two incident reports were filed up to 18 days after the incident happened and another six reports were not filed for an average of 20 days after.

It was further found three incidents were not given to the warden until up to 33 days after the incident had first been reported.

Sometimes, work orders and maintenance requests did not include cost or labor hours to complete needed repairs. Over 40 maintenance requests were disproved between July 2021 and February 2023, nine of which had no reason included for their denial.

The AG recommended strengthening policies and procedures, ensuring any incidents are reported in a timely manner, ensuring disapproved work requests include a reason for the disapproval and improving the department’s information technology control access, which had delays in removing ex-employees from the system.

Published July 24, 2024

Decision delayed on invasive species ordinance

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Pasco County Planning Commission members recently agreed to continue until Aug. 8 a decision on a proposed ordinance addressing invasive species vegetation.

The proposed ordinance was presented to the Planning Commission during its July 11 meeting with a recommendation that they approve sending it to the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BCC). The BCC has final authority on adopting the proposed ordinance, as the Planning Commission only acts in an advisory capacity regarding such matters.

Cogon grass is one of the invasive plants Pasco County is seeking to limit. (Marek Piwnicki/Pexels)

The intent of the proposed ordinance is to amend different parts of Pasco County’s Land Development Code (LDC) to establish an Invasive Species Management Program. Information regarding the proposed amendments is based upon input from the County’s Public Works, Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation, Development Review Division, Building Construction Services and the Zoning Department.

A few members of the Planning Commission expressed concerns about different portions of the proposed ordinance. 

“We already have a law on the books to prohibit the establishment of invasive species,” longtime Planning Commission member Jon Moody said. He was referring to a part of Section 905 of the county’s LDC that already addresses mitigating invasive species of vegetation. 

“How do we enforce it?” Moody asked regarding the existing regulation. He also asked who was going to enforce regulations in the proposed ordinance if it is adopted.

“There’s no guidelines on how to actually pursue enforcement of what the LDC says about prohibiting the establishment of invasive plant species,” responded Keith L. Wiley, director of the County’s Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources department.

Wiley also said it hadn’t yet been determined how enforcement would occur if the proposed ordinance is adopted.

Planning Commission member Jamie Girardi said he was concerned that the management plan with all of its reporting requirements would place a tremendous burden on the development community, Homeowners Associations, Community Development Districts and county staff.

Planning Commission Chairman Charles Grey agreed, saying “To me, this is just overkill.”

Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein made some suggestions on changes that could be made to existing portions of the LDC regarding invasive species.

Moody moved that the decision on the proposed ordinance be continued for 30 days. When he made the motion, Moody said he would like for there to be adequate time for the LDC to be revised per the Planning Commission’s discussion and brought back so members would have something they could all find consensus on.

Grey seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

In other business on July 11, Planning Commission members:

  • Recommended the BCC approve a zoning amendment requested by S A Development Partners LLC for a change in zoning from a C-2 General Commercial District and C-3 Commercial/Light Manufacturing District to a C-3 Commercial/Light Manufacturing District for approximately 5.557 acres of property located in central Pasco County. The property is adjacent to the Funded County Road 52 Trail (AKA State Road 52 Trail), approximately one-half mile west of Mirada Boulevard. 

There is currently a warehouse on the property, and the applicant proposes to develop the property with a hotel and a sit-down restaurant. 

  • Recommended the BCC approve a zoning amendment requested by Dave Mitchells Holding Company/Mitchell Clinton Rezoning for a change in zoning from an R-1MH Single-Family/Mobile Home District and C-2 General Commercial District to a C-2 General Commercial District for approximately 2.18 acres of property located in east central Pasco County. The property is on the northeast corner of Circle B Road and Clinton Avenue. 

Plans have been approved for a 15,200-square–foot commercial warehouse to be built on the property. It also has an approved Commercial Building Permit for a 15,200-square–foot commercial building shell for future tenants.

The applicant wants the whole parcel to be in the same zoning district.

  • Recommended the BCC approve a Development Agreement with Depue East MPUD (Master Planned Unit Development) – Pulte Home Company, LLC. to design, permit and construct improvements to Watergrass Parkway and Wells Road in exchange for Transportation Development Fee (TDF) credits. The site is located south of Wells Road on approximately 931 acres within Villages L and M in the Villages of Pasadena Hills (VOPH). 

On May 9, 2023, the Pasco County BCC approved the Depue East MPUD in the VOPH to allow 2,300 residential dwelling units and 20,000 square feet of commercial uses on approximately 931 acres.

Numerous specific requirements to qualify for the VOPH TDC credits are outlined in the lengthy agreement that the BCC will consider approving at a future meeting.