Local News

TAMPA – The Florida Aquarium welcomed Tampa’s Acting Chief of Police Brett Owen and several Tampa Police Department officers last month for a visit with its penguins. 

Officers snapped selfies, learned more about what penguins eat and enjoyed their time with the critically endangered animals.

The visit was part of The Florida Aquarium’s month-long celebration of Tampa Bay’s frontline heroes. Through the end of September, teachers, health care workers, first responders, government employees and active-duty military members received complimentary general admission with the purchase of a regular-priced ticket. 

“So many people in Tampa Bay spend their days taking care of others. We wanted to give them a chance to take a little time for themselves and enjoy the aquarium with their families,” said Katherine Hardwick, vice president of marketing and communications at The Florida Aquarium. “They give so much to our community, and this is our way of saying thank you for all they do.”

• BJ Daniels, of Evara Health, shared insights from his athletic career and personal experiences. Daniels is a Super Bowl champion. Photo courtesy of Juvenile Welfare Board
• Casey Phillips, a team reporter with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, emceed the Mind Shift Youth Behavioral Health Summit. Photo courtesy of Juvenile Welfare Board
• Players and coaches from Boca Ciega, Clearwater, Gibbs, Hollins, Largo and Osceola high schools participated in the summit. Photo courtesy of Juvenile Welfare Board
• Tony Gaskins challenged students to think about who they are beyond their sport. Photo courtesy of Juvenile Welfare Board

PINELLAS PARK – Being strong means knowing when to ask for help – a message shared with hundreds of Pinellas County Schools student-athletes Oct. 9 at the second annual Mind Shift Youth Behavioral Health Summit. Football players heard from former athletes and health professionals about handling pressure, building resilience and understanding that their identities extend far beyond their performance on the field.

Evara Health, Pinellas County Schools and the Juvenile Welfare Board partnered on a summit for players and coaches from Boca Ciega, Clearwater, Gibbs, Hollins, Largo and Osceola high schools. 

“Student-athletes are often taught to push through physical pain and pressures, but mental health deserves that same level of attention and care,” said Becky Albert, director of strategic initiatives for the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County. “When teens have trusted adults and the right resources around them, they are better equipped to recognize when they are struggling and know who to go to for support.”

BJ Daniels led the summit. Daniels is not only Evara Health’s manager of strategic growth and partnerships, but also a former University of South Florida standout and NFL Super Bowl champion. He shared lessons from his athletic career and personal experiences, emphasizing that success is not defined by wins, losses or statistics.

“Athletes can feel like they have to be tough all the time – like admitting that something is bothering you is a sign of weakness,” Daniels said. “But asking for help doesn’t make you less of an athlete. It gives you the confidence to face difficult things, take care of yourself and be there for the people counting on you.”

Students also heard from Dr. Nichelle Threadgill, chief medical officer at Evara Health, and Tony Gaskins, an international speaker and team life coach who works with major athletic organizations. 

Gaskins, a former collegiate football player whose career was threatened by a serious injury, drew on his experiences with adversity to challenge students to think about who they are beyond their sport.

Casey Phillips, Tampa Bay Buccaneers team reporter and in-game host, emceed the event. The summit also featured a video highlighting local high school football players sharing their own perspectives.

“Today’s event was very inspirational and very emotional. It hit hard and deep,” said JeKobi Brown, a senior from Clearwater High School. “You lift weights to get your body strong, but you need to be mentally tough as well. Adversity can happen to the best, so it’s important to talk to someone and not be afraid to ask for help.”

“Talking to someone will open your mind,” added Alo Mafu, a senior student-athlete from Largo High School. “It will help you with your life choices, what you do on a daily basis and where you’re headed in the future.”

Evara Health leaders emphasized the importance of giving young people opportunities to address challenges before they become bigger barriers to their well-being.

“Behavioral health is health, and conversations about mental well-being should be just as normal as conversations about physical health,” Threadgill said. “Young people are navigating academics, athletics, friendships, family expectations and so many other pressures. Giving them an outlet to talk about those experiences early can make a difference.”

One in five Pinellas County youth will experience a mental health condition during their lifetime, while one in four youth have considered suicide or made a suicide plan, according to JWB statistics.

“Creating school environments where students feel supported, valued and comfortable asking for help is a priority for Pinellas County Schools,” said Lisa DePaolo, managing officer of prevention at Pinellas County Schools. “Mind Shift is one way to put that commitment into action, where students can speak freely, learn from people who have been through what they’re going through and realize that taking care of their mental health is part of being successful.”

On the web: jwbpinellas.org/childrens-mental-health

APOLLO BEACH – Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough raised more than $120,000 during its eighth annual Veterans Inshore Slam to help veterans and their families maintain safe, stable homes.

More than 130 people, including anglers, sponsors and community supporters, participated in the fishing tournament Oct. 17 at Finn’s Dockside Bar & Grill in Apollo Beach. The friendly competition benefited home repairs and storm-resiliency improvements for veteran homeowners in Hillsborough County.

“Our veterans have given so much in service to our country, and they deserve to feel safe and secure in their own homes,” said Nitza Rivera, vice president of veterans build and neighborhood revitalization at Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough and a retired U.S. Army master sergeant. “The support raised through this tournament helps Habitat reach more veteran homeowners and address repairs that might otherwise go unmet. As a veteran, I’m proud to be part of a community that continues to show up for those who have served.”

These anglers netted the tournament’s top catches: 

• Grand Slam (combined length of redfish, snook and trout): John Farkas, TECO, 68.5″ (first place); Ryan Moreno, Slide Insurance, 65.75″ (second place); and Christine Smith, Eaton Realty (third place).
• Largest Redfish: Willy Asab, Grow Financial, 30″
• Largest Snook: Willy Asab, Grow Financial, 34″
• Largest Trout: Robert Hudson, Westshore Financial, 21.25″
• Largest Other Fish: Christine Smith, Eaton Realty, 33″ Bonnethead Shark

Funds raised through the tournament support Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough’s annual Veterans Build Week of Service, Nov. 5-11, leading up to Veterans Day.

During the week, volunteers will repair the homes of limited-income veteran homeowners, tackling projects such as pressure washing, painting, repairing porches and access ramps and performing yard work. These improvements help veterans remain in their homes while addressing critical maintenance and storm preparedness needs.

Old Republic Title was the presenting sponsor.

DADE CITY – Pasco-Hernando State College welcomed alumni back to campus Oct. 12 as part of its inaugural Homecoming Week celebration. 

The event brought together current students and distinguished graduates for a discussion on professional growth, leadership and the lasting impact of a PHSC education.

“One of the greatest measures of our success as a college is what our students go on to accomplish,” PHSC President Eric Hall said. “Our alumni demonstrate that a PHSC education can open doors to meaningful careers and leadership opportunities. Bringing them back to campus allows our current students to see what is possible and recognize that the experiences and relationships they are building today can shape their futures.”

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson gave the keynote address.

Simpson, a PHSC alum, reflected on his professional journey and the experiences that helped shape his career. His remarks set the stage for a discussion about the value of education, perseverance and professional advancement.

Building on those themes, an alumni panel offered students a firsthand perspective on navigating career decisions, building meaningful professional relationships and developing the skills to succeed in an evolving workforce. 

The panel included alumni John Legg, superintendent of Pasco County Schools; Nicole Deese Newlon, attorney and PHSC trustee; and Samantha Mutter, an MBA candidate at the University of South Florida.

Panelists discussed challenges encountered throughout their careers, lessons learned along the way and the importance of remaining open to opportunities that may lead to unexpected paths.

The discussion also emphasized how mentorship, networking, leadership development and community engagement can benefit students beyond graduation. 

TAMPA – Tampa Bay Wave named Moez Limayem, president of the University of South Florida, as its 2026 Tampa Bay Tech Legend for his leadership and impact on the region’s innovation economy.

Limayem will receive the honor during Tampa Bay Wave’s annual Hall of Fame Awards Celebration on Dec. 10 at Centro Asturiano de Tampa. The event recognizes the entrepreneurs, investors, executives and community leaders helping shape the future of technology and innovation across the region.

“Dr. Limayem represents the kind of leadership that helps an innovation ecosystem grow stronger and more connected,” said Linda Olson, CEO and founder of Tampa Bay Wave. “By bringing together talent, research, entrepreneurship and opportunity, higher education plays an essential role in Tampa Bay’s continued growth.”

Limayem said it was an honor to join past winners such as former ConnectWise CEO Arnie Bellini and Think Big for Kids founder Tony DiBenedetto.

“At USF, my colleagues and I have the opportunity to educate future innovators as well as conduct research that changes lives,” Limayem said. “Best of all, we get to work alongside extraordinary partners in a growing, vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. I am proud to share this recognition with the hard-working faculty, staff and partners, who make this work possible.”

Olson believes continued collaboration among universities, founders, investors, businesses and community leaders will help Tampa Bay realize opportunity ahead in the innovation economy.

“Dr. Limayem understands the power of those connections and the role institutions like USF can play in shaping what comes next,” she said. 

Tampa Bay Wave provides entrepreneurs with access to the resources and capital needed to grow vibrant technology-based companies. Visit https://www.tampabaywave.org/events100/hall-of-fame/ for details about tickets and sponsorships for the Hall of Fame Awards Celebration.