Local News

Mother seeks support for sarcoma awareness event

DUNEDIN – Trisha Evans is seeking community partners to organize a DSRCT and sarcoma awareness event in Hernando, Pasco and Pinellas counties.

Her daughter, Gianna McCray, is battling desmoplastic small round cell tumor, a rare and aggressive form of sarcoma.

The proposed event would raise awareness of rare childhood cancers, educate the public and support families affected by sarcoma.

Evans is seeking businesses, organizations and residents interested in sponsoring the event, donating goods or services, providing a venue, volunteering or helping with promotion.

She also hopes to establish a foundation in Gianna’s honor. The organization would support families facing rare childhood cancers through education, community support and financial assistance.

Visit her GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/b8fc6b83a.

 

AdventHealth Auburndale ER reaches milestone

AUBURNDALE – AdventHealth has marked a construction milestone on its new emergency department at 1036 U.S. Highway 92 W. in Auburndale.

Leaders and construction crews signed the final structural beam during a topping out ceremony July 24.

The 13,000-square-foot facility will include 12 private exam rooms, X-ray, CT and ultrasound imaging and a full-service lab. It will also provide pediatric emergency care, pharmacy services and respiratory therapy.

The facility is expected to create more than 35 jobs.

AdventHealth is building the ER to serve Polk County’s growing population. The AdventHealth Auburndale ER will operate as a department of AdventHealth Heart of Florida.

The facility is scheduled to open in early 2027.

 

Ellie Mental Health adds psychological testing

TAMPA – Ellie Mental Health has launched in-house psychological evaluation and testing services at its St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park and Brandon locations.

The program offers assessments for children and adolescents. Evaluations can help identify ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders and other behavioral or emotional concerns.

“Many families wait months for psychological testing or face significant out-of-pocket costs to receive answers,” owner Allen Whisler said.

The program allows psychologists and therapists to collaborate on treatment plans. Ellie Mental Health also accepts insurance for psychological evaluations.

On the web: EllieMentalHealth.com

 

House passes Castor’s breast cancer bill

WASHINGTON – The U.S. House has passed Rep. Kathy Castor’s bipartisan Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act reauthorization.

The EARLY Act supports education and resources for younger women and women at higher risk of developing aggressive forms of breast cancer.

“Too many young women face breast cancer without the knowledge or support they need to catch it early and fight back,” Castor said. “For more than 15 years, the EARLY Act has supported young women through outreach and resources that meet them where they are. I’m proud to lead the charge for this bipartisan reauthorization to ensure these critical initiatives that empower women to understand their risks, advocate for their health and get the tools they need to fight the disease continue.”

The legislation reauthorizes three programs administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They include the Bring Your Brave campaign, Young Breast Cancer Survivors Program and continuing medical education courses for health care providers.

 

Caregiver honored for dementia care

TAMPA – Executive Home Care of South East Tampa has honored Hillsborough caregiver Yudileris “Yudi” Alvarez for her work with people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other special needs.

Alvarez received the Loved01 Cares “Live Like a Legend” Caregiver Recognition Award during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month.

“Yudi has an incredible ability to connect with every client she serves,” co-owner Claudia Mirabella said. “She always finds the best way to communicate with compassion, patience and kindness, while treating every individual with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

Executive Home Care provides companionship, personal care, dementia care, respite care and other in-home services for older adults.

On the web: south-east-tampa.executivehomecare.com

 

VA resource fair draws 200 attendees

CAPE CORAL – The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System welcomed about 200 people to its America 250 Resource Fair at the Lee County Healthcare Center.

Veterans, their families and community members met with representatives from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs programs. Representatives answered questions, assisted with enrollment and provided information about health care, benefits and other resources.

Events like this ensure veterans have access to the care and benefits they earned, according to David VanMeter, director of Bay Pines VA Healthcare. 

Attendees also enjoyed free Mission BBQ, family activities, giveaways and opportunities to meet other veterans. 

 

Partnership aims to reduce police stress

TAMPA – The Major County Sheriffs Association has named NuCalm its official Brain Health and Nervous System Regulation Partner.

NuCalm offers a drug-free neuroscience app designed to help users recover from stress and improve sleep.

Under the partnership, NuCalm will support the association’s national Roll Call program and provide education about resilience, nervous system regulation and recovery.

“Law enforcement professionals spend their careers in a constant state of vigilance,” NuCalm President and CEO Jim Poole said. “Without effective recovery, the nervous system can remain trapped in survival mode, increasing the risk of burnout, anxiety, poor sleep and post-traumatic stress.”

 

Financing secured for nearly 2,000 Dade City homes

DADE CITY – Concord Summit Capital arranged $85.6 million in financing for two master-planned residential communities in Dade City.

The company arranged a $57.6 million land and development loan for Rolling Hills, a 1,014-lot community, and a $28 million land loan for Crosswinds, a 915-lot community.

Quill Development is the developer of both projects. Together, they are expected to bring nearly 2,000 single-family and carriage homes to the area.

Loan proceeds will allow horizontal development to begin immediately at Rolling Hills and in 2027 at Crosswinds.

Concord Summit Capital Finance Director Jeff DiBartolo sourced both financings on behalf of Quill Development.

“Dade City is ripe for this level of investment, especially with the housing shortage facing the broader Tampa Bay region,” said DiBartolo. “We were glad to get our client the financing needed to move dirt quickly and start meeting that demand. During the deal, we had to navigate several legal and financial challenges, and yet we still closed on time, which allowed the borrower to avoid significant extension payments on its prior debt.”

 

Whataburger celebrates 76 years with deals

LUTZ – Whataburger will celebrate its 76th anniversary with special promotions throughout August, including National Whataburger Day on Aug. 8.

Customers can access the offers through the Whataburger app and rewards program.

• Aug. 5: 76-cent Taquito with Cheese, 6 to 11 a.m.
• Aug. 8: Buy one, get one Whataburger, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Aug. 12: 76-cent 16-ounce Whatafresher, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Aug. 19: 76-cent Big Ranch Wrap, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Aug. 26: 76-cent Signature Chicken Sandwich, 5 to 10 p.m.

Whataburger has locations in Brandon (1426 W. Brandon Blvd.), Largo (10150 Ulmerton Road) and Lutz (25340 Sierra Center Blvd.).

 

Sims Crane names chief operating officer

TAMPA – Sims Crane & Equipment has appointed Mike Kuffermann as chief operating officer.

Kuffermann has more than 17 years of experience with the company. He began as an apprentice and advanced through service operations, dispatch, outside sales and executive leadership. He most recently served as chief sales officer.

Kuffermann will oversee strategy development, branch operations, fleet and facilities.

“Mike has grown with this company from the ground up, and there is no one better prepared to lead our operations into the next chapter,” CEO Deborah Weber said.

Kuffermann is a second-generation Sims Crane employee. His father, Kurt Kuffermann, spent more than 30 years with the company and served as vice president and general manager of operations.

 

Adams joins Southern Palm Communications

TAMPA – Southern Palm Communications has named H. Roy Adams as senior public relations strategist.

Adams recently retired from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg after a career spanning more than 40 years in public relations, crisis communications, media relations and strategic messaging.

He previously held leadership positions with the American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter and Pinellas Education Foundation. His experience includes communications during major hurricanes, the Skyway Bridge collapse and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adams serves on the St. Petersburg Museum of History’s Marketing Committee, belongs to the Rotary Club of St. Petersburg and serves on the advisory board for the St. Petersburg Salvation Army.

On the web: Southern-Palm.com

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host Pitch with a Purpose and two ribbon cuttings. 

• The chamber connects its nonprofit members with the business community during Pitch with a Purpose from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 4 at Pasco Hernando State College’s Porter Campus (third floor conference center), 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Members pay $25. Others pay $35. Register in advance. 
• Members celebrate the grand opening of LiveWell Animal Hospital of Wesley Chapel with a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 5 at 26855 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Wesley Chapel. 
• Members celebrate Thriving Joy’s new space with a ribbon cutting from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 6 at 18926 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Suite 102, Lutz.

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

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber will host a Greater Pasco Veterans Roundtable, business exchange, ribbon cutting and Young Professionals programming. 

• The Young Professionals Group networks during Coffee Connections from 9:30 to 11 a.m. July 31 at Starkey Market, 3460 Starkey Blvd., Trinity. 
• Members celebrate Second Story Thrift with a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 31 at 6612 U.S. 19, New Port Richey. The ribbon gets cut at 11:30 a.m.
• Members trade business materials during the Hudson Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 6 at Vitality Living Baypoint Village, 7927 State Road 52, Hudson. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Lunch costs $14. Register in advance. 
• Members attend the Greater Pasco Veterans Roundtable from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Aug. 12 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 – The East Pasco Chamber will host After Hours Networking, Coffee & Networking, a ribbon cutting and women’s programming. 

• Members mingle during After Hours Networking from 4 to 5 p.m. July 30 at Dade City Tap House & Spirits, 37916 Pasco Ave., Dade City. 
• Members interact with each other during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. July 31 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.). 
• Members interact with each other during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Aug. 4 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.) and 8 to 9 a.m. Aug. 7 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.). 
• Members mingle during After Hours Networking from 4 to 5 p.m. Aug. 6 at Dade City Tap House & Spirits, 37916 Pasco Ave., Dade City. 
• Members celebrate the 15th anniversary of Hyperbaric Centers of Florida with a ribbon cutting from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 7 at 5610 6th St., Zephyrhills. The ribbon gets cut at 11 a.m.
• Members interact with each other during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Aug. 11 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.) and 8 to 9 a.m. Aug. 14 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.). 
• Dr. Janel Pastore, chief of breast imaging at Florida Medical Clinic | Orlando Health, speaks at the Women of East Pasco Business Alliance luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 11 at Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club, 12900 Lake Jovita Blvd., Dade City. Members pay $15. Others pay $20. Register by Aug. 3. 

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

 

LUTZ – MyDental is marking its seventh year of caring for families across the Tampa Bay region. 

MyDental was co-founded and is co-owned by Dr. Marina Shurova, a dentist, and her husband, a U.S. Army Ranger who supports the practice’s operations and helps care for Spanish-speaking patients. 

That partnership makes MyDental both woman-led and veteran-led. And as a solo, independently owned office, it is one where patients see the same dentist, Dr. Shurova, at every visit rather than a rotating roster of providers.

“Dentistry, to me, isn’t about selling procedures. It’s about your health, caught early and cared for by someone who actually knows you,” Shurova said. “After seven years, many of our patients feel like family. That relationship is the whole point.”

Shurova graduated from the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and completed her hospital residency at Kings County Hospital Center in Brooklyn. She speaks English and Russian. The practice provides care in English, Spanish and Russian to reflect the diverse community it serves.

MyDental offers comprehensive general, cosmetic and implant dentistry, including cleanings, exams, fillings, crowns, bridges and dental implants, along with orthodontic treatment (braces and clear aligners), TMJ treatment, oral sedation and same-day emergency care. 

MyDental is located at 17521 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. The practice welcomes new patients and emphasizes straightforward pricing.

On the web: mydentaltampa.com 

 

Ajax Paving Industries supports Crisis Center

TAMPA – Ajax Paving Industries of Florida has become a corporate partner of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay with a $15,000 contribution.

The funding will support services that include suicide prevention, trauma therapy, substance recovery and programs for children and families facing behavioral health challenges.

“We are deeply grateful to Ajax for their support and for their commitment to addressing the stigma surrounding mental health – both in society and within the construction industry,” said Clara Reynolds, president and CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. 

“Their partnership helps us deliver essential, 24/7 services to our community.”

Ajax Paving has made mental health a priority within the construction industry through employee training, including programs facilitated by the center. The company also created Ajax Warriors, a group of employees trained to support colleagues experiencing personal struggles.

Ajax President Vince Hafeli is a national advocate and speaker on behavioral health, workplace safety and suicide awareness.

“We are proud to partner with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay in support of their mission to provide care and resources to those in need,” said Scott Pittman, executive vice president of marketing and government affairs. “At Ajax Paving, we are committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, especially within the construction industry, and ensuring our support contributes to healthier, stronger communities.”

 

PulteGroup buys 136 acres in Wesley Chapel

WESLEY CHAPEL – PulteGroup has acquired 136 acres for The Enclave at King Lake, a new residential community in Wesley Chapel.

Pulte Homes plans to build 299 homesites, including 192 townhomes and 107 single-family homes. Development is expected to begin in August, with home sales starting in late 2027.

Townhomes will range from 1,451 to 1,879 square feet, while single-family homes will range from 1,707 to 3,162 square feet.

Planned amenities include a resort-style pool, cabana, walking trails, neighborhood parks and open space.

The community will be located near the 114-acre Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital campus under construction.

On the web: pulte.com

 

Suncoast brings back ‘Year of No Payments’

TAMPA – Suncoast Credit Union has brought back its Year of No Payments Giveaway for a second year.

Three members will win one year of rent, mortgage or car payments.

New members who join Suncoast online or at a branch through Dec. 31 will receive one entry. Existing members can enter by downloading and logging into the new Suncoast Mobile App.

The promotion includes three entry periods: July 1 to Aug. 31, Sept. 1 to Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 to Dec. 31. Entries carry over into subsequent drawing periods.

Suncoast awarded two members a year of payments in 2025. Wesley Chapel resident Jose Garcia chose a year of mortgage payments as his prize.

Visit Suncoast.com/NoPayments for details.

 

GTE Financial makes Forbes’ list

TAMPA – GTE Financial has been recognized by Forbes as one of Florida’s Best-In-State Credit Unions for 2026, earning the No. 10 spot in the publication’s annual rankings. 

GTE Financial was one of just 11 Florida credit unions recognized this year.

The annual rankings, developed by Forbes in partnership with market research firm Statista, are based on feedback from thousands of consumers who evaluated financial institutions on trust, customer service, digital services, financial advice and fee transparency. 

“This recognition reflects the trust our members place in us every day,” said Manny Aguilar, senior vice president and chief experience officer of GTE Financial. “At GTE Financial, we’re committed to helping our members achieve financial success by delivering exceptional service, innovative solutions and a personalized banking experience.”

 

Andy’s Frozen Custard adds summer flavors

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Andy’s Frozen Custard has added Peach Cobbler and Key Lime Pie treats to its menu through Sept. 8.

The new Peach Cobbler features vanilla frozen custard blended with fresh peaches and topped with cobbler crumble. It is available as a sundae or concrete.

The returning Key Lime Pie Concrete features a slice of key lime pie blended with vanilla frozen custard. A Key Lime quart is also available.

Andy’s is also celebrating its 40th anniversary by offering a limited-edition collectible cup with the purchase of any medium Concrete or Jackhammer while supplies last.

Andy’s Frozen Custard has locations in Lutz (19081 Wingshooter Way) and Odessa (13402 Pine Gap Spur).

On the web: eatandys.com

 

McDonald’s gives general manager a trip to World Cup

TAMPA – McDonald’s provided the general manager of its South Dale Mabry location with a VIP FIFA World Cup experience.

Brice Bulambo’s four-day experience included a stay at the Kimpton hotel, a boat ride around Manhattan, a trip to the One World Observatory and an opportunity to meet with McDonald’s employees around the world, including President and CEO Chris Kempczinski. He also got to take a photo with the FIFA World Cup Trophy.

“The energy in the stadium was unforgettable, but the absolute best part was getting to see and take a picture with the championship trophy – before the winning team even got their hands on it,” Bulambo said. “Meeting the international McDonald’s community made me realize how much the company genuinely cares about our customers and us.”

Bulambo was one of 45 employees worldwide to earn the honor. 

 

Pasco County hosts career fair

DADE CITY – Pasco County Government will hold an in-person career fair from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. July 30 at Pasco County Extension Services, 36702 State Road 52.

Managers will conduct on-the-spot interviews. Applicants should bring several copies of their resumes.

Openings include correctional officer trainees, utility and public works positions, 911 dispatchers, parks and recreation positions, firefighters, paramedics, engineers, GoPasco bus drivers and field inspectors.

On the web: MyPasco.net

 

Pasco Florida’s Sports Coast earns national recognition

PASCO COUNTY – Florida’s Sport Coast announced accreditation through the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program.

The accreditation encompasses nearly 100 industry standards, ranging from leadership and accountability to visitor services, technology, communications and long-term planning.

“It’s proof of the standards we uphold and the future we’re building for Pasco County,” said Adam Thomas, executive director for Florida’s Sport Coast. “This certificate highlights our team’s dedication and the strong collaboration across Pasco County government. Together, we’ve built a culture of accountability and partnership that ensures every visitor, event organizer and community partner receives truly world-class service.”

On the web: flsportscoast.com

 

Self-Employment Workshop Program accepting applications

TAMPA – Hillsborough County’s Self-Employment Workshop Program has opened applications for fall classes. The deadline to apply is Aug. 20.  

The series of classes is designed to teach budding entrepreneurs best practices to launch and run a successful small business. The program is offered at no cost.  

Each participant will receive in-depth business training and a dedicated small business consultant to help along the way.  

Evening classes will be held online through Hillsborough County’s Entrepreneur Services. This fall schedule includes: 

• Small Business Idea Camp – Sept. 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 (eight sessions)
• Understanding Personal and Business Credit – Oct. 1
• Starting Your Business – Oct. 6
• Financing and Banking – Oct. 8
• Marketing 101 – Oct. 13
• Bookkeeping Basics – Oct. 15
• Business Plan Series – Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24 (six sessions)

Applicants must provide proof their household income doesn’t exceed the 2025 qualifying limit based on family size: 1, $31,300; 2, $42,300; 3, $53,300; 4, $64,300; and 5, $75,300.

 

Whataburger adds peach drinks for summer

SAN ANTONIO – Whataburger has added two limited-time peach drinks to its menu.

The Summer Peach Whatafresher is made with freeze-dried fruit and served over ice. 

The Peaches & Cream Shake combines peach flavor with vanilla.

Whataburger has locations in Brandon (1426 W. Brandon Blvd.), Largo (10150 Ulmerton Road) and Lutz (25340 Sierra Center Blvd.).

On the web: Whataburger.com

 

DADE CITY – Chapters Health System, a nonprofit hospice organization, has leased a 10,000-square-foot retail space at 12709 U.S. 301 in Dade City to serve as a new Life’s Treasures Thrift Store location.

The thrift store is moving from Zephyrhills to provide a more modernized shopping experience.

The relocation is part of a strategic update of the health system’s thrift stores that benefit the charity grief and hospice services of HPH Hospice and LifePath Hospice, affiliates of Chapters Health System. The organization also recently leased a 10,000-square-foot thrift store location planned for The Villages.

Ginger Gelsheimer and Juan Vega, of Colliers, represented Chapters Health System, in both transactions. Brandon Eggleston, of RMC Property Group, represented the landlord, RMC Morningside LLC, in the Dade City transaction.

“We were pleased to deliver a successful transaction for one of several new resale boutique locations for Chapters Health System this year,” said Gelsheimer, vice president of Colliers. “It was a smooth transaction working with RMC’s local team, and Chapters is confident that the new location will generate a lot of customer activity.”

The new Dade City location will offer increased visibility at the intersection of U.S. 301 and Morningside Drive in one of Pasco County’s fastest-growing corridors. The property was already configured to meet the tenant’s needs.

Life’s Treasures Thrift Store is part of Chapters Health Foundation and offers a wide selection of clothing, furniture, antiques, books, jewelry, collectibles, home décor and other gently used merchandise. There are five locations in the Tampa Bay area, including Brandon, Carrollwood, Tampa and New Port Richey.

The foundation supports community programs and helps patients and their families who cannot afford hospice, home health or palliative medicine services. It raises more than $5.2 million annually to supports patients and families.

Chapters Health System expects the Dade City location of Life’s Treasures Thrift Store to open by October.