Local News

ST. LEO – October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a national initiative dedicated to promoting digital safety and strengthening the cybersecurity workforce. 

Saint Leo University is preparing students for employment in the cyber sector. It was one of the Tampa Bay area’s first institutions to offer cybersecurity degrees.

Edward Santiago, assistant professor of computer science in the university’s College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Data Science, explains why cybersecurity awareness is essential in today’s digital world and shares tips to keep you protected.

“In today’s digital age, we can only approach innovation with caution and adjust to its pace,” Santiago said. “Be aware that every digital device collects, tracks and monitors your activity, especially those connected to a Wi-Fi service. Knowing what you can share, especially with AI systems that learn from your input, is a step toward information security. AI is smart because everything you type becomes part of its knowledge base. In the end, nothing is truly free. Someone always pays. And in the digital economy, the product is often you.”

Here are his cybersecurity tips for daily life:

• Use strong, unique passwords for every account and consider a password manager to keep them safe.
• Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of protection.
• Update devices and software regularly to limit security vulnerabilities.
• Limit what you share online, especially on social media and AI platforms.
• Be cautious with public Wi-Fi and use a VPN when accessing sensitive accounts.
• Check app permissions. Don’t allow unnecessary access to your location, microphone or contacts.
• Back up your data regularly to protect against loss or ransomware attacks.

Santiago teaches cybersecurity and AI at both the graduate and undergraduate levels at Saint Leo’s College of CARDS. With more than 25 years in IT, cybersecurity and academic leadership, he mentors students and creates hands-on learning experiences. He will accompany the Saint Leo PenTest Club to the CyberBay Summit 2025 Capture the Flag competition on Oct. 15 and the Raymond James Capture the Flag competition on Oct. 18.

 

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – The Florida Department of Transportation anticipates Hillsborough County’s population could increase by about 1 million people by 2070.  

To keep up with the growth, Hillsborough planners are mapping out future roadways to ensure the scale, location and rights-of-way are adequate to serve the needs of Hillsborough residents. To do so, an update is needed to the Corridor Preservation Plan, which is part of Hillsborough’s Comprehensive Plan.  

The last major update to the CPP was 15 years ago. 

As land use patterns and travel habits constantly change, county planners want to ensure transportation is safe and efficient in Hillsborough for years to come. In July, Hillsborough County hosted the first round of public feedback on the CPP. 

Using the feedback from that first engagement, county leadership has updated the plan further and is now collecting additional public comment from Oct. 29 to Nov. 30.  

The county will conduct a virtual engagement using the Hillsborough Engagement & Education Hub to collect feedback from the public on the Corridor Preservation Plan. 

Visit HCFL.gov/HCEngage to participate.  

 

CLEARWATER – The rumble returns as the eighth annual St. Pete BikeFest roars into town for four days of chrome, concerts and coastal fun. 

Tens of thousands of riders and music fans from across the country will roll in for live music, custom bike shows, a charity ride led by Paul Teutul Sr. of Orange County Choppers, vendor expos and nonstop entertainment.

It’s happening from Nov. 20 to 23 at OCC Road House & Museum, 10575 49th St. N., Clearwater. 

Here are five reasons you may want to go: 

• Concerts – More than 12 national and regional acts will perform on two stages throughout the weekend, with nightly headline acts including Homegrown Zac Brown Tribute and Bearded Brothers Band (Nov. 20); Pete Hunt Band and Creed Fisher (Nov. 21); and Shovelhed and Blackberry Smoke (Nov. 22). Daily live music continues Nov. 21 to 23 until 6 p.m. All concerts are free with ticketed VIP seating options available for the evening headliners on Nov. 21 and 22.
• Bike Show – The free-to-register public ride-in Bike Show takes place at OCC Road House on Nov. 22, with registration at 11 a.m. and awards at 3 p.m. Divisions include chopper, bagger, vintage, stock with major or minor modifications, metric/sport and Paul Sr.’s Choice Award.
• Charity Ride – Paul Teutul Sr. leads a scenic ride Nov. 23 from OCC Road House over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, open to all riders. Staging begins at 9 a.m., kickstands up at 10:30 a.m. No advance registration required. Waivers will be signed during staging.
• Vendor Row – Dozens of vendors will showcase the latest in bike gear, accessories and apparel at OCC Road House from Nov. 20 to 23.
• Adrenaline Zone – High-energy attractions throughout the weekend include the Chuter’s Parachute Jump from 5,000 feet (Nov. 20), WWN Pro Wrestling (Nov. 21), mechanical bull rides and burnout exhibitions (Nov. 22) and axe throwing (Nov. 23).

 

Want to go?

Onsite parking is reserved for motorcycles only, with very limited car parking available in the grass lot next door and on the south end of the campus. Ridesharing is strongly encouraged.

Admission to St. Pete BikeFest, including all daytime concerts, is free and open to the public. Ticketed VIP seating options for nightly headliner concerts on Nov. 21 and 22 range from $49 to $99, offering premium stage access, air-conditioned restrooms, dedicated bars and a dedicated server.

Visit SaintPeteBikeFest.com or call 727-432-3428 for schedules and VIP concert tickets.

ZEPHYRHILLS – Metropolitan Planning Organizations in Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties are continuing talks about joining forces to secure more funding for larger transportation projects across the Tampa Bay region. 

Tania Gorman not only serves as executive director for the Pasco County MPO but she’s also a resident of Zephyrhills. She updated the Zephyrhills City Council on Oct. 13 about efforts to consolidate. 

“Tampa Bay is growing fast,” Gorman said. “I moved here in 2019 and all I saw were beautiful cows and now I can’t get out of my house on Chancey Road. So, we know we’re growing fast. We want to consolidate to be stronger, faster and efficient and also align with the regional goals of how we want to move our people, our services and our goods around the Tampa Bay area.”

The MPOs have enlisted Whitehouse Group to facilitate discussions, like the MPOs are scheduled to have at the Regional MPO Principals’ Workshop on Nov. 14 at St. Petersburg College. Gorman invited Zephyrhills leaders to that event so they could make their voices heard. 

Gorman said representatives have met with MPOs across the nation to discuss what it’s like to merge. Local leaders planned to meet with MetroPlan, a merged group of MPOs in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties, at the end of the month. 

She explained that some of the challenges of merging MPOs are consolidating data and deciding on a governing board. She said Tampa Bay leaders have been discussing joining forces for 30 or 40 years. 

 “Do you have any fears that Pasco, being the smallest county and kind of the crown of Tampa Bay, would be marginalized at all if we do join?” Council Member Steve Spina asked her. 

Gorman explained how there are ongoing talks about the makeup of the board. They’re leaning toward 25 members. There have been talks among Pasco County MPO members about the cities having a rotating seat. She said cities could also be represented as a board committee, though there are many ways to incorporate their interests. 

 “The advocacy reaches a whole other level when we talk about regionalism,” Gorman said. “The MPOs would be going to work every day not solely for each of their counties but for the regional good.”

Zephyrhills Council Member Lance Smith, who serves on the Pasco County MPO, said there was some concern among city reps on the board they would lose out by merging with larger counties.

“The way they explained it to us was we’d be a better contender for some really large federal dollars when they’re available for the region, like for a huge interchange on (Interstate) 275 or something going to the port,” Smith said. 

 

TAMPA – Downtown Tampa is celebrating the 10th anniversary season of Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park with new attractions, expanded accessibility and a record number of local small businesses.

Visitors can skate, shop and celebrate the spirit of the season from Nov. 21 to Jan. 4 at the Tampa Riverwalk.

“Winter Village has grown from a small community gathering into a cherished Tampa tradition that brings families, friends and visitors together in Tampa’s downtown,” said Kenyetta Hairston-Bridges, president and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. 

 

Ten Years of Holiday Cheer: What’s New in 2025

• Time Capsule – Opening Day, Nov. 21, marks the start of the season with a special Winter Village Time Capsule celebration. Guests are invited to bring a photo from past visits or snap a new Polaroid on-site to include in a capsule that will be sealed until Winter Village’s 20th anniversary in 2035.
• River of Lights Boat Tours – In partnership with Pirate Water Taxi, guests can hop aboard the River of Lights cruise for a dazzling 45-minute journey down the Hillsborough River, now departing directly from Winter Village, with visits from Santa’s helpers. Kids can mail letters to Santa via Tampa’s only floating mail station, supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Tickets cost $35 for adults and $25 for children.

 

Skate, Sip, and Shop Local

• The real-ice skating rink returns as the centerpiece of Winter Village, offering 75-minute sessions for $17 per skater, including skate rental. Skating hours vary by school schedules and holidays, with extended hours during Hillsborough schools’ winter break. Tickets are available now at WinterVillageTampa.com.
• Guests can refuel and relax at Icicles Craft Kitchen & Bar, Mi Cafecito Coffee, Gourmet Crepes and Whatever Pops.
• The Shops of Winter Village, delivered by PODS, will spotlight 70 local small businesses this year (up from 41 last season), with 10 full-season retailers, seven partial-season shops, and more than 30 rotating vendors through the holidays. Visitors can shop for handmade gifts, apparel, art and treats daily from Nov. 21 to Jan. 4 (hours vary by day).
• Celebrate Shop Small Weekend, unboxed by PODS, Nov. 28 to 30 from noon to 4 p.m., with 18 additional small businesses, including little entrepreneurs and local artists. The first 100 shoppers will receive an “I Shopped Small at Winter Village” tote bag.

 

Accessibility Enhancements

This year, Winter Village introduces new features designed to ensure everyone feels welcome and comfortable:

• Sensory Relief Zone: A quiet retreat space for neurodiverse guests or those with sensory processing differences, equipped with calming sensory items.
• CARD-Certified Staff: All staff and attendants have completed training from USF’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities.
• Enhanced Accessibility: Widened pathways, improved ADA access and multilingual signage (English, Spanish and low-visibility enhanced text).

 

Daily Programming and Seasonal Fun

From themed skate nights to silent discos, Winter Village is packed with activities for all ages:

• Tuesdays – Theme Skate Nights: Enjoy rotating themed nights like Grinchmas, Ugly Sweater and Lightning Bolts & Snowflakes, including photo ops by Tampa General Hospital.
• Wednesdays – Trivia and Holiday Game Night: Test your knowledge at trivia from 2 to 4 p.m. and enjoy additional holiday games when the shops and cafe are open.
• Thursdays – Thunderstruck Thursdays: Celebrate Tampa Bay Lightning pride by purchasing themed menu items for the chance to win Tampa Bay Lightning tickets.
• Fridays – Silent Disco: Dance under the stars with headset rentals from 6 to 9 p.m.
• Saturdays – Shop Small Saturdays: Surprise tote giveaways and local vendor spotlights.

Visit WinterVillageTampa.com for the full event schedule, tickets and updates.

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa talked leadership with leaders from the Pasco County Fire Rescue during the 55th episode of the “Pasco Podcast.”

During the 31-minute episode, Carballa asked Special Operations Chief Lee Hudson about a moment when leadership made a critical difference during response. 

Hudson talked about fire rescue and the sheriff’s office working together under a unified command during Hurricane Idalia. 

“Individually, we were able to solve some problems, but not at a very rapid pace,” Hudson told Carballa. “But when we unified our command together with the leadership from the sheriff’s office and fire rescue, those two teams came together and we were able to take the problems, solve them quickly and move to the next problem.”

Chief Ryan Guynn agreed with Hudson’s assessment. 

“We realized that we had some gaps, and that was one that we needed to fix,” Guynn said. “We quickly realized that we have the team that can handle this.”

Carballa described coming together as a turning point for fire service and the sheriff’s office, noting the departments continue to engage in joint training exercises.  

The episode also delves into leadership philosophies, a day in the life of fire rescue and advice for aspiring firefighters. 

Watch the episode at youtube.com/@PascoCountyGovernment.

DADE CITY – Moonlight and Ivory has provided the community an opportunity to celebrate local talent for the past 27 years. Musicians and artists from Dade City, Zephyrhills, Wesley Chapel and beyond are busy preparing for another set of shows Nov. 1 at the Dade City Woman’s Club, 37922 Palm Ave. 

Spectators can expect vocal and instrumental renditions of show tunes, classics, contemporary music, jazz, bluegrass, sacred and original pieces by adult performers of all ages. The show features accomplished musicians, many who are or have been professional, as well as some who are up and coming.

The event includes an art show and sale with contributions by local artists.

Thanks to community support of the event, the Heritage Arts Center Association encourages arts activities, such as the Dade City Symphony, the Arts in Motion Children’s Theater and the Dade City Center for the Arts. In addition to this event, the Heritage Arts Center Association produces the Spotlight on Talent regional performing arts competition and awards scholarships to graduating seniors in the arts.

There will be two opportunities to attend Moonlight and Ivory. The matinee will begin at 2 p.m. with the art show following. Doors for the evening performance will open at 7 p.m. for the art exhibition with the musical concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served at intermission for both shows: light snacks ($15) at the matinee and gourmet desserts ($25) at the evening performances. 

Originally conceived as a one-time fundraising effort to buy a grand piano for the community’s use, this concert has become an annual event. The Heritage Arts Center Association now owns a grand piano that has served these concerts, recitals and Spotlight on Talent competitions.

Tickets are available for both concerts and may be purchased at the East Pasco Chamber of Commerce (checks only), Dade City’s Prelude Academy and heritagearts.org. 

LAND O’ LAKES – Liza Olivia Blecher, owner of Liza Olivia Photography, earned international recognition after one of her portraits was selected for display in the SEEN AGAIN International Art Show. 

Liza traveled to Springfield, Illinois, where the exhibition was held Sept. 16 and 17 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.

“Being featured in an international art show is such an amazing experience,” Liza said. “To see a personal project displayed alongside other talented artists’ work was truly special.”

The SEEN AGAIN project, created by the Photography Business Institute, highlights excellence in portraiture and entrepreneurship. For Liza, the theme became a way to celebrate life and showcase the resilience and beauty of people who overcame or are overcoming challenges and hardships.

“It was about telling stories of strength, courage and perseverance and revealing to people the beauty they may not always see in themselves,” Liza said.

She photographed nine individuals, each with a story worth celebrating. While just one of these portraits was selected for the international gallery, she plans to host a local showcase so the community can experience the strength, beauty and resilience captured in every image. 

“I want people to see all of these incredible stories, not just the one displayed in Illinois,” Liza said. “Each person’s journey deserves to be celebrated.”

During the gallery showcase, a small number of photographers were also awarded the Certified Boutique Photographer designation. Unlike other programs, the CBP designation evaluates more than technical skills, focusing on the entire client experience, from business practices to marketing and customer care.

“Liza’s work and dedication are extraordinary,” said Sarah Petty, founder of the Photography Business Institute. “This honor recognizes not only her creativity and talent but also the heart and professionalism she brings to every client she serves.”

For Blecher, the recognition is both a personal and professional milestone. 

“This is why I do what I do,” she said. “To create artwork that means something – for my clients and for the world to see for generations to come.”