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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Pet therapy dog boosts morale at hospital 

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Handler Gabrielle Fink with Lily. Photo courtesy of BayCare Health System
Diane Sabel with Lily at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North. Photo courtesy of BayCare Health System

LUTZ – It’s not uncommon for a patient staying in a hospital for a long time to make a special connection with a team member providing their care.

For Diane Sabel, 66, of Tampa, who was in Lutz’s St. Joseph’s Hospital-North for 10 days, her connection to a team member included one of the four-legged variety – a dog named Lily.

Lily is a 2-year-old female golden retriever and new to St. Joseph’s Hospital-North as in-house facility pet therapy dog. She works five days a week, eight hours a day, bringing love, companionship and joy to patients, visitors and staff. She is part of the hospital’s pet therapy team that includes eight other dogs, but those eight usually visit the hospital once a week for two hours.

“I was walking around the unit to regain my strength when I saw Lily and the dogs and they just made me smile and forget that I am sick,” Sabel said.

Sabel is a retired physician’s assistant with 36 years of health care experience who has seen professionally the benefit of pet therapy for patients. She had numerous visits with Lily during her hospital stay.

“It’s like Lily is my own dog,” she said. “Lily gave me a hug and even got in bed with me to give love.”

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North got the idea for a full-time facility dog from BayCare’s St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Tampa where Revere, a male Labrador-golden retriever mix, has been a facility dog working with pediatric patients since 2023.

“We saw how positive our pet therapy program was for patients and team members and wondered what it would look like to have that higher level of interaction with a facility dog here five days a week for eight hours a day,” said Mary Partridge, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s operations director.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North worked with Michigan-based Paws With A Cause that places facility dogs in hospitals, schools, senior living and memory care facilities and other community settings. Paws With A Cause matched Lily with St. Joseph’s Hospital-North and began training for certification. Lily’s training to become a certified facility dog took about a year and was primarily in Michigan.

She moved to Florida in June to finish training at the hospital. Training and certification for Lily’s four St. Joseph’s Hospital-North handlers also began after Lily came to Florida. Lily’s training and certification were completed at the end of October. She’s been on the job full-time since then.

Lily’s four handlers are Gabrielle Fink, occupational therapist; Crystal Herring, care coordination manager; Kerry Hipple, nurse manager; and Hailey MacNealy, behavioral health therapist. Lily’s home outside the hospital is with  Herring’s family.

Visits from Lily happen throughout the hospital, including the emergency department, the infusion center and the hospital’s innovative behavioral health unit where she regularly attends group therapy sessions.

“I see a lot of patients who have a lot of anxiety, depression and pain,” said handler Fink, the occupational therapist. “Just having Lily present in the therapy sessions has made a world of difference in how patients’ outcomes are. It’s been nothing but a blessing.”

MacNealy has seen the impact Lily has had on St. Joseph’s Hospital-North staff. 

“Team members come to me all the time and tell me how much love and satisfaction they get from seeing Lily during a hard day at work,” she said. “The impact she has made on team members cannot be stated enough.”

“A lot of work has been done to see this project through,” said Partridge, the St. Joseph’s Hospital-North operations director. “To see the impact Lily has made on so many people is really special.”

From left with Lily, Gabrielle Fink, Hailey MacNealy, Crystal Herring, Kerry Hipple and Mary Partridge. Photo courtesy of BayCare Health System

Experts discuss Tampa Bay waterways

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The discussion was part of a series of panels hosted by Ocean Conservancy, a nonprofit that delivers evidence-based solutions for our waters. Photo courtesy of Ocean Conservancy

ST. PETERSBURG – Rising pollution, stormwater runoff and aging septic systems are putting Tampa Bay’s waterways under increasing pressure. 

Local experts and residents gathered Nov. 19 at Green Bench Brewing Company for Our Water, Our Future: A Vision for Florida’s Coastlines, a panel discussion hosted by Ocean Conservancy and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper to explore the region’s environmental challenges and potential solutions.

The conversation comes amid a recent investigation highlighting how weakened oversight and environmental enforcement are contributing to declining water quality, seagrass loss and algal blooms across Florida. 

Panelists explored how these broader trends are reflected locally and discussed what residents and policymakers can do to help protect Tampa Bay.

“Florida’s waterways are under increasing pressure from pollution and storm impacts,” said Jon Paul “J.P.” Brooker, Ocean Conservancy’s director of Florida conservation. “Events like this panel give residents and experts a chance to come together, understand the science behind these issues, and discuss practical ways to improve the health of our waters.”

“Residents can have a real impact through everyday actions, like reducing runoff or supporting local restoration,” added Justin Tramble, executive director of Tampa Bay Waterkeeper. “When people take responsibility for their waterways, it encourages broader change and helps Tampa Bay recover and thrive.”

Other panelists included:

  • Maya Burke, assistant director, Tampa Bay Estuary Program
  • Capt. Dustin Pack, captain, FlyTide Charters
  • Jack Prator, reporter, Tampa Bay Times
  • Katie Bauman, Florida policy manager, Surfrider Foundation

Attendees joined a Q&A session with panelists, discussing ways to address pollution and protect Tampa Bay’s waters. The conversation emphasized how research and local initiatives can guide decision-making and support the long-term health of the region. 

 

Leader kicks off tenure by serving community

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Jim Burkee and his wife, Hanen, volunteer and spend time with students at Sacred Heart Early Childhood Center in Dade City. Ray Reyes/Saint Leo University

 

ST. LEO – Close to 1,000 students, faculty and staff came together Nov. 19 to welcome Jim Burkee as Saint Leo University’s 12th president. The welcome coincided with a Day of Service, which mobilized volunteers across campus, throughout the Tampa Bay region and into communities nationwide.

“We are a university of service. But service is just the beginning. Service is the foundation on which we stand, not the ceiling to which we aspire,” Burkee said. “Today, at this moment in history, Saint Leo stands on the threshold of something remarkable.”

 

Saint Leo students, faculty and staff gather at the Wellness Center Gym to kick off the Day of Service. Ray Reyes/Saint Leo University

Service across the region

Local volunteers took part in hands-on projects at 30 locations across the Tampa Bay region and on Saint Leo University’s residential campus, while online students and those at the university’s five education centers served in their own communities. Projects ranged from environmental stewardship and campus beautification to supporting nonprofits, schools and care centers.

Burkee joined in throughout the day, beginning with gardening and light grounds work alongside the Benedictine Sisters of Florida at Holy Name Monastery. He later assisted with playground cleanup at the Sacred Heart Early Childhood Center and visited residents at Elevated Estates at The Edwinola in Dade City. On campus, he spent time supporting volunteer efforts at Saint Leo Abbey and other locations.

For Lucinda O’Quinn, director of the Sacred Heart Early Childhood Center, Saint Leo’s help was deeply appreciated. 

“The staff and I feel truly blessed by the work that the volunteer team accomplished,” she said.

 

Jim Burkee visits with veterans at Elevated Estates at The Edwinola in Dade City. Ray Reyes/Saint Leo University

A community celebration

The Day of Service concluded with a community reception at Saint Leo University’s Wellness Center Gym. Hundreds gathered to welcome Burkee, hear his vision for the university’s future and recognize the collective impact of the day’s work.

Bryan DePoy, Saint Leo’s interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, opened the program by expressing his confidence in the leadership Burkee brings to the university.

“Beginning his presidency with service rather than ceremony sets a tone that aligns with who Jim is and who we strive to be as a university,” DePoy said.

The Benedictine Sisters of Florida at Holy Name Monastery and the Monks of Saint Leo Abbey then offered a Blessing and Laying on of Hands, a Benedictine tradition symbolizing unity in faith and community.

Burkee followed with his presidential address, sharing his vision for Saint Leo’s next chapter.

“Imagine Saint Leo known not for wealth or prestige, but for sending a wave of servant-leaders into a world desperate for them, as we did today,” Burkee said. “This is our calling. This is our responsibility. This is our destiny. And that is why this Day of Service is more than symbolic. It is a declaration.”

 

Jim Burkee delivers his presidential address. Ray Reyes/Saint Leo University

Growing hospital opens new tower

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​​AdventHealth Wesley Chapel leaders cut the ribbon on the newly completed sixth floor of the hospital’s North Tower, adding 24 patient beds to help meet the needs of Pasco County’s rapidly growing community. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

WESLEY CHAPEL – About 200 people gathered Nov. 20 to mark another major milestone in AdventHealth Wesley Chapel’s multi-year expansion project. 

Hospital leaders, government officials and community members participated in a ribbon cutting for the fully completed sixth floor of the new North Tower.

Pasco County commissioners Seth Weightman, Ron Oakley, Jack Mariano and others were able to tour the fully built sixth floor with 24 patient beds. 

The remaining two floors are reserved for future growth and will eventually add an additional 48 beds.

Over the past year, the hospital has added more than 80,000 square feet of new space and renovated nearly 9,000 square feet. The expanded Graduate Medical Education program space opened in August for its Family Medicine Residency, and in October the courtyard infill project added an MRI, two CT machines and a new procedure room.  

“It’s truly a privilege to celebrate another exciting milestone in the life of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel which has grown right alongside our incredible community,” said Ryan Quattlebaum, president and CEO of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. “Since opening our doors in 2012, our mission has been the same: to extend the healing ministry of Christ through compassionate, whole-person care. This hospital was designed from the ground up to maximize healing, patient care and wellness.”

The new tower was scheduled to open to the community on Dec. 1.

Project partners include the AdventHealth Office of Design & Construction, HuntonBrady Architects, Smith Seckman Reid, Atwell and Batson-Cook.

Chalk Talk (12/05/25): Demand high for nursing degrees

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Christine Jackson, a nursing alumna at Pasco-Hernando State College found nursing to be a rewarding career. She said of her time at PHSC: “The seasoned and educated nursing instructors provide a wealth of resources to students.” Photo courtesy of PHSC

Demand high for nursing degrees

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College reports strong outcomes for its Nursing and Health Programs in 2024-25, highlighted by exceptional licensure performance and continued enrollment growth. 

The associate degree in nursing for registered nurses (ADN-RN) program achieved a 97.27% first-time NCLEX pass rate, above the national average of 90.63%, while the practical nursing program recorded a 100% pass rate. 

Enrollment totaled 409 students across PHSC’s core nursing programs, with ADN-RN tracks making up the largest share with 75.8%. Graduation numbers were strong at 195 students. 

The new academic year opens with 327 enrolled nursing students.

“At a time when the demand for skilled nurses and health care professionals has never been greater, PHSC is proud to prepare graduates for the field who are not only highly competent but deeply committed to patient care,” President Eric Hall said. 

 

Heritage Arts Center Association receives gift

DADE CITY – The Heritage Arts Center Association has received a $4,000 gift from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation to fund four $1,000 scholarships to Pasco County seniors. 

Two awards will support top performers in the Spotlight on Talent competition. Two Nereim Fine Arts Awards will recognize visual arts students. 

The Heritage Arts Center Association was struggling each year to raise money for its goal of giving two $1,000 scholarships for the arts, so the association was thrilled to receive four scholarships.

Suncoast Credit Union founded its foundation to promote the education, health and emotional well-being of children. Each time a Suncoast member uses their debit or credit card, the credit union donates four cents to the foundation to fund local initiatives. The foundation has raised and donated over $55 million since 1990.

“We are pleased to be able to offer these funds to allow talented students to continue their educations and sharpen their skills,” said Jeff Kunberger, executive director of Suncoast Credit Union. “Our mission to serve children enables this gift and doing so through arts education infuses the communities we serve in important and transformative ways.”

 

Sen. Burgess wants to highlight Washington, Lincoln

ZEPHYRHILLS – Florida Senator Danny Burgess (District 23) filed Senate Bill 420, which directs portraits of American Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln to be displayed in select classrooms.

Portraits would go in all classrooms in kindergarten through fifth grade and social studies classrooms in sixth through 12th grades.

“For years, Florida’s classrooms proudly displayed portraits of George Washington, our first president, and Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president,” Burgess wrote in The Burgess Bulletin newsletter. “These portraits weren’t just on display to echo civic lessons to our students; they served as a symbol of the foundation of America and our democracy. However, over time and as classroom designs and curricula evolved, these historic figures were slowly removed from classrooms.”

 

Tampa Theatre hosting 23rd annual WineFest fundraiser

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TAMPA – For more than two decades, Tampa Theatre’s WineFest has commemorated some of the most important moments in cinematic history with themes like The Vineyard of Oz, Caskablanca and The Grapest Showman. 

This year, the theater’s signature fundraiser goes down the rabbit hole with Alice and her friends in Winederland, presented by SouthEast Personnel Leasing, on March 6 and 7.

On March 6, it’s “off with their corks” for a two-tiered Wine Tasting, presented by Amalie Oil Co. Guests are invited to explore the historic 1926 landmark while sampling boutique wines from around the world and enjoying bites from Tampa’s top independent restaurants. There is also an opportunity to bid on premium silent auction items representing Bay-area retailers, restaurants, services and attractions.

The premium tasting starts at 7 p.m. with exclusive wines for a limited audience. Tickets cost $130 ($120 for Tampa Theatre members). Grand tasting ticket holders gain entry at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $80 ($70 for members).

On March 7, the Theatre’s Historic Duncan Auditorium transforms into a Tweedledee-mented dining hall for the Wine Pairing, presented by Quality Carriers Inc., from 6 to 10 p.m. The multi-course menu, created through a collaboration between Mise en Place and Metropolitan Ministries’ Culinary and Hospitality teams, will feature small plates paired with wines. The live auction includes trips, exclusive experiences and a wine pull. Tickets cost $500.

WineFest has raised more than $2 million over the past 22 years for the nonprofit theater.

“I wish we could just nibble a cake labeled ‘eat me’ and magically grow Tampa Theatre’s resources,” said Anna Molina, event chair and WineFest Queen of Hearts. “Instead, we are running around like the White Rabbit encouraging our patrons to support Tampa Theatre’s artistic, educational and community programming, plus the preservation of this landmark building ahead of its 100th birthday in 2026. It’s never too late, but WineFest is a very important date to make a difference.”

WineFest guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite character or come in a Wonderland-inspired costume. Attendance is restricted to those age 21 and older.

Get tickets at the Franklin Street Box Office and at tampatheatre.org/winefest.

Business Digiest (12/03/25): BofA donating to art nonprofits

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Selena Sanchez, of Pembroke Pines, signs copies of the 2026 Hooters Calendar. Sanchez graces the cover of the calendar. Photo courtesy of Hooters

Models promote Hooters Calendar 

CLEARWATER – Hooters fans can meet several 2026 Hooters Calendar Girls during a three-day signing tour Dec. 4 to 6 at Odessa, Brandon, Hillsborough, Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Clearwater locations. 

Calendar cover model Selena Sanchez, centerfold Ashton Johannesson, Miss June Gracie Chamberlain, Miss December Mikayla Flanagan and 19 additional local models will appear. 

The 2026 calendar, available for $15.99 at Tampa Bay Hooters restaurants, includes over $100 in coupons and can be sent to troops through Operation Calendar Drop. 

Calendar models will volunteer Dec. 5 at Metropolitan Ministries. 

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Hooters Calendar, which features 200 employees selected from thousands nationwide.

 

BofA donating to art nonprofits

TAMPA – Bank of America announced Nov. 19 a half-million-dollar investment in two of Tampa Bay’s leading arts institutions, Tampa Museum of Art and Tampa Theatre. 

Each organization will receive a $250,000 grant, bringing the Tampa Museum of Art’s expansion funding closer to completion and kicking off Tampa Theatre’s capital campaign for its restoration, expanded education programming and technology upgrades.

Tampa Museum of Art’s 51,000-square-foot building expansion will add a crystalline four-story cantilevered structure that expands the museum to the waterfront. The expansion will feature a 150-seat auditorium, multifunctional event spaces, a rooftop terrace, food services and dining space and new public art installations. Tampa Theatre’s $28 million capital initiative celebrates the venue’s centennial in 2026 with a full restoration and the repurposing of 3,600 square feet of space to create an education wing. 

 

Luncheon explores economic outlook

LUTZ – The Pasco Economic Development Council invites the community to the 25th annual Economic Forecast Luncheon on Jan. 14 at Hyatt Place Tampa Wesley Chapel. 

The event will feature insights from Phil Guarco, of J.P. Morgan, and Abigail Hall, of University of Tampa, Presentations will cover “navigating interesting times” and “the political economy of trade and the costs of protectionism.” 

The luncheon and presentations span from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with check-in beginning at 11 a.m. Tickets cost $40 with lunch included. RSVP by Jan. 7.

 

Bill proposes to fund Brand USA

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps Kathy Castor and Gus Bilirakis introduced legislation to fully fund Brand USA, the nation’s public-private destination marketing organization.

The bill, titled the VISIT USA Act, would reinstate support by fully allocating Visa Waiver Program Electronic System for Travel Authorization fees, ensuring that Brand USA can continue its mission of promoting the United States as a premier global travel destination. 

Brand USA operates through a public-private partnership model, funded by nonfederal contributions from the travel and hospitality industry and matched by a portion of ESTA fees paid by international visitors, not by general taxpayer dollars.

“This bipartisan bill will help restore vital marketing capacity, expand economic opportunity, and keep Tampa Bay and communities across America open and welcoming to travelers who contribute to our shared success,” Castor said.

Bilirakis added: “Fully funding Brand USA is not just smart policy, it’s economic stewardship.”

 

Real estate pro joins EXIT Elite Realty

TAMPA – Joseph Bove has joined EXIT Elite Realty in Tampa. 

The brokerage, located on 13911 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Suite 201, is part of EXIT Southeast’s expanding network of independently owned offices. 

EXIT Realty is a full-service franchisor focused on developing real estate entrepreneurs. 

On the web: exitrealty.com and joinexitrealty.com

 

U.S. Rep. Castor gives boost to veteran nonprofits

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U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) helped secure grants for The Society of St. Vincent de Paul South and Boley Centers Inc. Photo courtesy of St. Vincent de Paul CARES
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) helped secure grants for The Society of St. Vincent de Paul South and Boley Centers Inc. Photo courtesy of St. Vincent de Paul CARES

ST. PETERSBURG – Ahead of Veterans Day, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) announced two St. Petersburg nonprofits were awarded federal grants to hire and retain veteran case managers.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul South received two awards totaling $1,699,928 for four case managers and Boley Centers Inc. received $340,433 for one case manager.

“Every day is Veterans Day in Tampa Bay, and I am proud to have championed over $2 million for organizations that better the lives of those who have served our country selflessly. Our veterans deserve access to high-quality resources to find safe, affordable housing and mental health services. Community partners at St. Vincent de Paul South and the Boley Centers will be able to expand their already wide reach in our veteran community to continue ensuring our service members and their families have the tools to thrive when they return home from serving our country.”

Michael Raposa, CEO of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul CARES, said the investment represents action against homelessness. 

“With these resources, St. Vincent de Paul CARES will continue to provide safe housing, tailored case management and long-term stability for those we serve,” Raposa said. 

Kevin Marrone, president and CEO of Boley Centers Inc., said its grant will help veterans secure housing and mental health services. 

“Representative Castor’s continued advocacy reflects the belief that no veteran should be without a home or support system,” Marrone said. “We look forward to working together to ensure that those who have served our country receive the care and stability they deserve.”

 

News Briefs (12/05/25): Pasco holding waste collection

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Pasco County holding waste collection event

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County will host a free Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Collection event  from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 6 at the West Pasco Government Center. 

Residents may dispose of old cleaners, pesticides, chemicals and unwanted electronics. 

Fees are $5 for TVs, monitors, towers and laptops; $10 for TVs 36 inches or larger; and $3 for propane tanks. 

Commercial waste is not accepted. A full list of accepted items is available at mypas.co/hazardouswaste.

 

Water district officials declare shortage

TAMPA – The Southwest Florida Water Management District has declared a Phase I Water Shortage from Dec. 1, 2025 through July 1, 2026, affecting all or parts of 16 counties, including Pasco and Hillsborough.

The district received lower than normal rainfall during its summer rainy season and currently has a 13-inch regional rainfall deficit, as of Nov. 18, compared to the average 12-month total. In addition, water levels in the District’s water resources, such as aquifers, rivers and lakes, are declining. Public water supplies remain in relatively good shape.

While watering schedules do not change, wasteful water use is prohibited. 

Residents should follow local schedules, inspect irrigation systems, fix leaks and ensure timers and rain sensors work properly. Outdoor irrigation accounts for more than half of household water use. 

On the web: watermatters.org/restrictions

 

Church welcomes visitors during festival

ZEPHYRHILLS – First Methodist Church of Zephyrhills will open its decorated sanctuary during the city’s Festival of Lights. The community can enjoy holiday songs and carols during the open house.  

The Festival of Lights takes place from 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6 along 5th Avenue. 

Salvation’s Rock, the church’s contemporary praise band, will perform throughout the event. 

Guests can take in the historic church’s architecture, stained glass and Christmas tree photo spot while enjoying fellowship. The youth ministry will sell seasonal food and beverages from pop-up tents. 

Church members will be available to share information about ministries including the Community Food Pantry and Thrift Shops. The event takes place at The Big White Church on 5th Avenue.

 

Mike Alstott Foundation donates meals

TAMPA – Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers great Mike Alstott was preparing to deliver Thanksgiving groceries Nov. 24 to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue crews and Emergency Dispatch staff. 

The Mike Alstott Family Foundation planned to provide full Thanksgiving meals for all 47 fire stations and emergency dispatch for the seventh consecutive year. 

The donation ensures firefighters and dispatchers working the holiday can prepare a festive meal together while away from their families. 

 

Crisis center sending emergency vehicles to Ukraine

TAMPA – The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is donating two retired emergency vehicles to US Ambulances for Ukraine, an Illinois-based nonprofit supplying used American emergency vehicles to Ukrainian first responders. 

The vehicles will be shipped via Miami and put back into service abroad. 

“These vehicles have served our community for over 10 years,” said Clara Reynolds, president & CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. “They have helped thousands of people in our community who have experienced a medical or behavioral health crisis. We are so honored to be able to donate these vehicles so they can continue to save lives and replace emergency vehicles that have been destroyed during this devastating war.”

The organization expects to deliver 108 vehicles by mid-January 2026.

 

Hagan continues leading Hillsborough commissioners

TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners has voted to keep Ken Hagan as chair and Christine Miller as vice chair, with Gwen Myers continuing as chaplain. 

Chair Hagan, District 2, has served as a commissioner since 2002. This marks the ninth time he has been selected to serve as board chair. Hagan has served as the Board of County Commissioners’ representative on key economic development boards including Visit Tampa Bay, Tampa/Hillsborough Expressway Authority, and the Tampa Sports Authority, as well as the Florida Association of Counties and the Hospital Authority.

 

HART wins $32M transit grant

TAMPA – The Hillsborough Transit Authority has received $32 million through the Federal Transit Administration’s FY 2025-26 Low or No Emission and Bus & Bus Facilities Program.

The funding will allow HART to replace 33 aging diesel buses with low-emission Compressed Natural Gas  vehicles and expand vocational and apprenticeship training for fleet technicians. 

The investment supports federal goals to modernize transit fleets, improve reliability, reduce emissions, strengthen workforce development and expand access to equitable mobility. 

“With the addition of 33 new CNG buses, HART will be able to improve reliability, lower operating costs, and better serve the riders who depend on these routes every day,” U.S. Rep. Laurel Lee said. 

 

B2K & Bow Wow join forces

TAMPA – B2K is reuniting for the Boys 4 Life Tour, co-headlined by Bow Wow, marking the group’s 25th anniversary and more than 20 years since they last toured together. 

The 28-city tour stops at Tampa’s Benchmark International Arena on April 12 at 7 p.m. 

The lineup includes Jeremih, Waka Flocka, Amerie, Yung Joc, Crime Mob, Dem Franchize Boyz and Pretty Ricky. Tickets went on sale Nov. 21. Both B2K and Bow Wow will release new albums in February.

 

Kings of Leon bringing arena tour

TAMPA – Benchmark International Arena will host Grammy Award–winning rock band Kings of Leon for a one-night show on Jan. 31 at 8 p.m.

The concert is part of a major weekend of events that includes Bert Kreischer and the 2026 NHL Stadium Series. 

Kings of Leon, known for global tours, chart-topping albums and multiple Grammy wins, recently released “Can We Please Have Fun” and “EP #2.” 

Tickets went on sale Nov. 21.

 

Larry Fleet to perform at Tampa Theatre

TAMPA – Tampa Theatre and AEG Presents will welcome country artist Larry Fleet with special guest Dasher on Feb. 28 at 8 p.m. as part of Fleet’s Another Year Older Tour. 

Fleet is known for albums such as  “Workin’ Hard,” “Stack of Records,” “Earned It” and “Hard Work & Holy Water.”

Tickets range from $29.50–$69.50.

On the web: TampaTheatre.org.

 

Grey Bull Rescue saves stranded couple on honeymoon

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Tampa-based Grey Bull Rescue headed to Jamaica with more than 200 pallets of critical aid, including food, medical supplies, power generators and Starlink systems to restore communication on the island after Hurricane Melissa’s Category 5 destruction. Photo courtesy of Grey Bull Rescue
The nonprofit led emergency evacuations of hundreds of Americans trapped in the storm’s aftermath the week prior. Photo courtesy of Grey Bull Rescue

TAMPA – A couple celebrating a delayed honeymoon in Montego Bay, Jamaica, was evacuated with about 340 Americans Oct. 31 by Grey Bull Rescue, a veteran-led operation out of Tampa.

The couple survived the Category 5 Hurricane Melissa with winds in excess of 185 miles per hour by sheltering in the shower of their room at the hotel resort.

Carissa Lefley-McCauley and David McCauley, of Charlotte, arrived in Jamaica on Oct. 21 planning to enjoy some special time away together as a young, married couple – a time that had been interrupted for more than a year after their wedding vows on June 10, 2023. 

The couple’s honeymoon phase was cut short when Lefley-McCauley lost her ability to walk when her original spinal cord stimulator failed and it was forced to be surgically extracted shortly after their wedding. Lefley-McCauley has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a debilitating connective tissue disorder that affects joints, muscles, skin and blood vessels. 

It would take 12 months for McCauley, who works for the City of Charlotte, to shift roles into a caregiver; and for the couple to battle red tape to receive a new stimulator in May 2024.

The McCauleys were trying to make the most of their five-day, all-inclusive honeymoon trip to Montego Bay when their plans changed drastically and concern for Lefley-McCauley’s medical condition began to grow along with the approaching storm. They worried a prolonged power outage may interfere with the charging of her spinal cord device, making it difficult, if not impossible to walk.

Predictions as to the path of the hurricane were vague and based on past movement of other Caribbean storms. Many local sources and reports expected Melissa to turn north and move away from their small island. At that time, there was not a sense of urgency. Some of the catamaran excursions were canceled earlier in the week due to choppy waters but other guest activities continued up until Oct. 25.

When the couple received notice that their flight was canceled on Oct. 24, they, along with the 25,000 other visitors on the island, were left scrambling trying every option to re-book and get off the island.

“It was definitely not our choice to stay or be stranded as we’ve seen posted on social media,” McCauley said. “It was very misleading that some flights that were listed as available, were actually not even physically in Jamaica. They had been rerouted earlier but were still showing up on airline websites as departing outbound.”

Hopes of leaving early, however, faded Oct. 24 when the last two flights left the island for Toronto, Canada and London, England. All incoming flights were diverted. When the official hurricane warning was issued for Jamaica on Oct. 26, the airport officially closed.

McCauley said the couple took every precaution, completing all forms for the U.S. Embassy and ensuring Carissa had enough medications to ride out the storm.

“The sound was unimaginable as Melissa slammed into us on late Tuesday morning. It was so loud that it felt like my ears were splitting,” Lefley-McCauley described as they tried to keep calm on the shower floor. “We had the mattresses and furniture barricaded against the balcony sliding-glass doors and windows. We could see the frames and walls actually being sucked in and out with the gusts.”

The couple was able to notify family and friends on Oct. 29, in spite of no electricity, spotty cellular service and off-and-on again WiFi. The McCauleys described themselves as being safe but shaken. They, along with tourists from other countries, all faced yet another epic challenge as Jamaica began to assess the devastation. McCauley said they could see from the resort that the Sangster International Airport was severely damaged.

“The reality being in a foreign country and getting all of people like ourselves out before the hurricane made landfall was impossible no matter what people may think,” McCauley said. 

The Grey Bull Rescue team mobilized a complex rescue mission that landed in Jamaica on Oct. 29. They gathered approximately 340 Americans who were stranded at nearby resorts, used five buses to transport them from Montego Bay to Kingston, and finally chartered two aircraft.

The first aircraft carried about 170 passengers and the second one, carrying another 170 passengers, off the island for Tampa. Both flights arrived close to midnight Oct. 31.  

Grey Bull Rescue is a nonprofit that is experienced in mobilizing rescue missions around the world.

“Arriving in Charlotte Saturday morning, our hearts are with the Jamaicans whose lives and homes were lost so violently,” Lefley-McCauley added. “David and I had shelter, some communication and enough electrical power that enabled me to walk away stronger from the experience.”