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.
