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Local News

AdventHealth Center Ice hosts Hallowrink

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AdventHealth Center Ice is the largest ice-sports training facility in the Southeast. The 150,000 square-foot facility features five ice rinks (one Olympic-sized, three NHL format, and one studio rink), 18 locker rooms, an off-ice training area, full restaurant/bar, concession stand and a pro shop. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth Center Ice

 

WESLEY CHAPEL – AdventHealth Center Ice presents “Hallowrink,” a themed public skate session from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 24. 

The family-friendly ice skate will include Halloween-themed party favors and treat bags, while supplies last. Come dressed up in costume and enjoy party lights, on-ice games, a costume contest, themed drinks and a DJ playing all the haunting hits.

AdventHealth Center Ice regularly hosts two-hour themed ice-skating sessions during its public skate times. These are open to all ages, whether you’re an avid skater or just looking for a fun way to ice skate for the first time. The center is located at 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel. 

While most public skate sessions at AdventHealth Center Ice are 1 hour, the monthly theme skate and the weekly “Friday Night Meltdown” showcase party lights, music DJ, and extended two hours of skating time.  

“Theme skates at AdventHealth Center Ice offer guests a unique way to express themselves and fully enjoy the community ice skating experience,” said Matthew Christopher, events director. “For the upcoming event, the in-house restaurant and bar, Top Shelf Sports Lounge, will serve kid and adult-friendly themed drinks like a Candy Corn Ice Cream Float.”

 

Festival connects community to first responders

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Children met sheriff’s deputies, firefighters and other first responders, and got to experience what it feels like to sit in their vehicles. Photo courtesy Hillsborough County Firefighters Local 2294

 

TAMPA – Hillsborough County’s firefighters and deputies spent Oct. 2 giving back to the community during the third annual Family Fun Day at Raymond James Stadium. 

Children climbed aboard fire trucks, explored sheriff’s vehicles and watched the bomb squad robot in action, while first responders mingled with families, answering questions and sharing stories.

Organized by Hillsborough County Firefighters Local 2294 and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the event gave the community a chance to meet their local heroes outside of emergencies and enjoy a day packed with hands-on activities and entertainment.

“This event allows us to engage with families in a meaningful way,” said Tim Pearson, president of Hillsborough County Firefighters Local 2294. “Seeing kids’ faces light up when they meet a firefighter or a deputy reminds us why building trust and connection with the community is so important.”

Guests also enjoyed live music, backyard games, face painting, train rides, bounce houses and a spirited cornhole tournament that had Hillsborough County Firefighters and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office teams competing for bragging rights (firefighters won). 

Many attendees contributed to the Hillsborough County Firefighters Toy Drive for Sincerely Santa, sharing unwrapped toys to brighten the holidays for local children.

“Our goal is to bring joy, gratitude and unity to our community,” said Chris Boles, executive director at Hillsborough County Firefighter Charities. “It was a day filled with fun activities that allowed first responders to show our appreciation for the people who support us every day.”

As an event sponsor, the Pepin Family Foundation helped connect the community with the heroes who serve them. The foundation focuses on supporting initiatives that strengthen mental health and resiliency programs for Tampa Bay’s first responders.

Additional supporters included Hillsborough County Firefighter Charities, RedSpeed, HCA Florida, The Finley Group, BeneCom and Kroger.

Piccolo Buco Concept expands in Tampa

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TAMPA – Piccolo Buco, from the team behind Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, was scheduled to open its third location in Tampa on Oct. 20 at 14904 N. Dale Mabry Hwy.

This newest restaurant continues Cooper’s Hawk’s mission to bring exceptional culinary and wine experiences to guests’ backyards. Piccolo Buco is designed as an intimate dining destination that captures the essence of Rome. 

The restaurant brings authentic Italian traditions to Tampa in partnership with Chef Luca Issa, owner of the original Piccolo Buco in Rome.

Cooper’s Hawk founder Tim McEnery discovered Piccolo Buco while traveling in Rome and set out to bring its pizza experience to wine club members and guests.

“Tampa is a perfect fit for Piccolo Buco’s authentic approach to pizza and Italian dining,” McEnery said. “As we establish our presence in Florida for the first time, we’re excited to become part of this vibrant community. This third location reinforces our vision of crafting exceptional dining experiences that bring people together around great food and genuine hospitality.”

The Tampa location features 192 seats: 144 inside and 48 on an enclosed patio. 

Upon entry, guests are met with a grand tasting bar with a custom mantelpiece and light-framed shelving showcasing vintage treasures. Here, wine tastings come alive with subtle nods to Rome, local culture and the Piccolo Buco identity through bespoke artwork and wall features.

The dining room offers a mix of seating and a clear connection to the kitchen, all beneath a suspended industrial ceiling adorned with woven string lights, evoking an al fresco feel. A mural of Roman statues pays homage to the restaurant’s history.

The main bar features warm woods, vintage floral walls and a curated gallery of nostalgic pieces for a more intimate escape. 

The menu showcases traditional Italian favorites alongside interpretations prepared with a mix of authentic and local ingredients. 

Signature items include Luca’s Red, Yellow or White pizza that finishes with a crisp yet cloud-like dough and tall crust. 

Starters include Mama Luca’s Meatballs, Crispy Stuffed Squash Blossoms and Crispy Calamari. 

Roman-style entrees include Cacio e Pepe, Truffle Fondue Cappellacci and Braised Short Ribs. The dessert selection includes Mama Luca’s Tiramisu, Amalfi Pound Cake and Raffaello Gelato. 

An extensive wine selection features both Italian varietals and Cooper’s Hawk’s own wines.

The lunch menu features a collection of Sardinian sandwiches made with the brand’s signature pizza dough. 

Cooper’s Hawk wine club members can also enjoy the perks of their membership at all Piccolo Buco locations.

 

Want to go?

Piccolo Buco operates from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 14904 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa. 

On the web: piccolobuco.coopershawk.com

Chalk Talk (10/22/25): PHSC offers apprenticeship programs

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Pasco-Hernando State College honored recent apprenticeship graduates Aug. 13 during an alumni dinner. Eugene Figueroa, a graduate of the apprenticeship program, said he’s very grateful to the college for the “opportunity to excel and gain experience and guidance.” Photo courtesy of PHSC

PHSC offers apprenticeship programs

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College’s construction technician worker and apartment maintenance technician programs have made an impact on the workforce since their launch in 2022.

As of fall 2025, PHSC enrolled 64 apprentices in total, with 21 graduates having completed both the Related Technical Instruction and On-the-Job Training components of their programs. An additional 20 apprentices are currently active, working with local partners and gaining hands-on experience in their respective fields.

“We’re hoping to expand both of the programs as we enter the 2026 spring term,” said Wendy Villa, associate director of workforce development. “We currently have over 60 interested applicants for the AMT program and over 85 applicants for the CTW program. For this upcoming semester, we’re hoping to increase the program to allow for two cohorts of each program, doubling the number of current spots.”

PHSC’s overall job placement rate for apprenticeship graduates is between 80% and 85%, thanks to strong partnership with local companies in Pasco and Hernando counties. 

Many students transition directly from apprenticeships into full-time roles with these companies.

On the web: phsc.edu/academics/job-training/apprenticeships

 

Support helps at-risk freshmen stay the course 

SAINT LEO – Saint Leo University is celebrating a boost in student success, thanks to the generosity of alumnus Jody “Allan Joseph” Luihn and the Taco Bell Foundation.

Their support has helped provide direct aid to at-risk first time-in-college freshmen through the university’s Retention Task Force.

Through the Access to Excellence Fund, more than $50,000 in one-time scholarships are distributed annually, including Taco Bell Foundation contributions that also support student success in areas of financial literacy, advising and career readiness. 

While the Retention Task Force serves students across multiple groups, the Taco Bell Foundation grant was directed specifically to at-risk freshmen on campus.

In the 2024-25 academic year, 43 at-risk freshmen received critical support to stay enrolled. The program expects to reach more than 130 students facing similar challenges this year. 

Saint Leo’s retention rate jumped 7 percentage points in one year, from 59% to 66%, outpacing the national average for private nonprofit universities.

“This partnership directly impacts our most vulnerable students, providing the confidence and resources they need to succeed,” said Stephen Kubasek, vice president of University Advancement.

 

Turning Point USA launches pilot chapter

LAND O’ LAKES – Turning Point USA has launched a Middle School Pilot Chapter.

The new chapter will bring middle school students and parents together to learn about the values that have shaped America, such as freedom, community, civic engagement and faith. 

The 501c3 nonprofit strives to inspire the next generation to become informed, engaged and responsible citizens.

Email or search for TPUSA Junior Patriots on Facebook for more information. 

 

Make sure your spooky scary skeleton is in good shape

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With the skeletons coming out in full force this month, have you given much thought to your bones?

After all, your skeleton does so much. It provides structural support, allows us to move, protects vital organs, makes red and white blood cells and more.

We’ve all heard of calcium and Vitamin D for bone health, but phosphorus is a big one, too.  

Phosphorus and calcium make up the structure of our bones, where they are stored.  

The two have an inverse relationship: when one rises, the other drops.  

The concentration of calcium and phosphorus in the blood is tightly regulated through hormones as our bodies strive to stay in homeostasis.  

Many processed foods have phosphorus additives.  

You might see them on the ingredients list as phosphoric acid, sodium phosphate and polyphosphates.  

You’ll find these additives in sodas, baked goods, crackers, pizza, cured meats, candy and other food sources.

Meanwhile, you can get phosphorus naturally in dairy food, salmon, beef, poultry, pork, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole wheat products and certain vegetables, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance for phosphorus is 700 mg/day.  

When consumed from natural food such as milk, only 60% of it gets absorbed.  

But when consumed from processed food, 100% of it gets absorbed.  

Too much phosphorus, namely from processed food, causes the calcium in the blood to drop, and so your body pulls it from the bones to try to maintain the balance.  

Over time, this can lead to brittle and weak bones.  

The calcium to phosphorus ratio is crucial to bone health, and what we eat makes all the difference.  

If you’re already eating a healthy eating pattern, then you are probably getting enough of this mineral.  

Check the food label too to see if you’re getting enough calcium or Vitamin D (don’t forget the sun can help with Vitamin D levels too).  

Daily calcium requirements vary by age and gender:

  • 9 to 18 years old: 1,300 mg
  • 19 to 50 years old: 1,000 mg
  • Men 51 to 70 years old: 1,000 mg
  • Women 51 to 70 years old: 1,200 mg
  • All adults 71+: 1,200 mg

Dairy has high calcium levels that are well absorbed by the body, but there are other food sources that have calcium too, whether naturally or fortified.  

For example, look for grains fortified with calcium, such as cereals and bread.  

Among vegetables, dark leafy greens such as collards, kale and bok choy are good sources of calcium.  

While spinach does have calcium, it also has oxalates, which inhibit calcium absorption.  

And if you’re a fan of orange juice, make sure it’s fortified with calcium and vitamin D.  

Kumquats, oranges and dried figs also have some levels of calcium.  

Within protein, fortified tofu and certain beans and seafood have calcium.

As for Vitamin D, intake varies a bit by age:

  • 1-70 years: 15 micrograms per day
  • Over 70: 20 micrograms per day

You’ll find Vitamin D fortified in many foods and beverages, including milk, yogurt, cheese, cereal and orange juice.  

Naturally, you’ll find it in fatty fish and egg yolks.

Other habits matter too, like staying active with weight-bearing exercises such as walking and resistance training, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco.

So as you hang up the skeletons in your yard, don’t forget about your own skeleton.

 

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County, An Equal Opportunity Institution.

 

Hunks in the running for Emmy Awards

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TAMPA – “HUNKS vs. The Hurricanes,” the short documentary highlighting heroes of last year’s back-to-back storms, has been nominated for four Regional Suncoast Emmy Awards.

The film premiered at the Tampa Theatre, where Mayor Jane Castor and community leaders celebrated the city’s spirit of service and sacrifice. The documentary features interviews with Castor and meteorologist Denis Phillips, and spotlights the efforts of College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving crews, who worked around the clock to remove storm debris and support neighbors, even while dealing with personal losses.

“We were spared so many times in the past, but this, Helene and Milton, got everyone’s attention,” Castor said in the film. “To see everyone come together to do whatever it took to get our city back up and running, I think that was amazing.”

Co-produced by Brick Creative, Outbound.com and College HUNKS co-founder Nick Friedman, “HUNKS vs. The Hurricanes” highlights Tampa’s resilience and community spirit. The film is now available on YouTube.

“We wanted to capture the spirit of service and sacrifice we witnessed,” Friedman said.

The documentary features College HUNKS employee Mario Martinez, who lost his home in the floodwaters yet never stopped helping neighbors. 

“I had nothing left, but I knew my neighbors needed me,” Martinez said. “Helping them helped me heal. That’s what being part of this community and this company is all about.”

The nominations come as College HUNKS celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025 and has grown into a national brand with nearly 200 franchises. The Regional Suncoast Emmy Awards will take place on Dec. 6.

 

Health & Wellness (10/15/25): Center provides hospice care options

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Attendees listen to speakers at the grand opening, seated under the porte cochere of the new Dr. Jay Weil Center for Hospice Care. Photo courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services
  • Photo 2: Attendees listen to speakers at the grand opening, seated under the porte cochere of the new Dr. Jay Weil Center for Hospice Care. Photo courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services
  • Photo 3: Dr. Jay Weil speaks at the grand opening, with Carla Armstrong, Director of Philanthropy (foreground in blue) and Linda Ward, president and CEO, looking on. Photo courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services
  • Photo 4: Guests tour the new Gulfside care center. Photo courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services
  • Photo 1: Leigh Massengill, former chair of Gulfside’s board and former CEO of Trinity Hospital, with Linda L. Ward, president and CEO of Gulfside Healthcare Services. Photo courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services
  • Photo 5: Guests enjoyed appetizers and beverages while celebrating the grand opening. Photo courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services

 

Leigh Massengill, former chair of Gulfside’s board and former CEO of Trinity Hospital, with Linda L. Ward, president and CEO of Gulfside Healthcare Services. Photo courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services

Center provides hospice care options

NEW PORT RICHEY – Gulfside Healthcare Services celebrated the opening of its newest inpatient care facility Sept. 19 in New Port Richey. 

Guests not only toured patient rooms and family areas but also applauded the announcement of a gift by Dr. Jay Weil. The new care center will be called the Dr. Jay Weil Center for Hospice Care in honor of his generosity.

The new Gulfside Center for Hospice Care features 24 private patient rooms designed for comfort and dignity, as well as private gathering spaces where families can spend time together in peace and privacy. The grounds also offer a memorial butterfly garden with a serene fountain and a covered pergola, providing a tranquil space for remembrance and reflection.

The center provides specialized, round-the-clock services for patients who require a higher level of care, as well as respite care for families of hospice patients. It also offers programs such as The Gift of Time, a compassionate extubation program that supports patients and families in making the most of meaningful final moments together.

“This new facility represents our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional, compassionate care to patients and families when they need it most,ˮ said Linda L. Ward, president and CEO of Gulfside Healthcare Services. “We’re honored to open our doors to the community and share the healing, comfort and peace that this center will provide.”

 

AdventHealth Sebring Expands Internal Medicine Residency Clinic

SEBRING – AdventHealth Sebring’s Internal Medicine Residency Clinic has relocated to a larger facility at 4421 Sun N Lake Blvd., Suite B. 

The new space includes 16 exam rooms, which is more than triple the previous location, allowing physicians to serve more patients. 

The clinic supports 31 resident physicians training to become independent doctors through hands-on experience and AdventHealth’s whole-person care model. 

“At our Internal Medicine residency program, every patient benefits from the compassionate care of our dedicated resident physicians, paired with the expertise of our talented and knowledgeable attending doctors,” said Dr. Thomas Shimshak, program director. 

 

BayCare to break ground on behavioral health building

NEW PORT RICHEY – BayCare plans to break ground this month on Pasco County’s first Behavioral Health Central Receiving Facility at 8002 King Helie Blvd.

The center will offer crisis intervention, assessment and referral services for those facing mental health or substance use crises. 

The $2 million project expands on BayCare’s Integrated Stabilization Unit and is expected to open next summer. 

 

Hospital offers free one-day childbirth class

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road, will host a free Comprehensive Childbirth Class on Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The one-day session is ideal for busy parents-to-be and covers labor, birth, breastfeeding and newborn care, led by RN-certified childbirth educators. 

The class also includes a tour of the hospital’s private labor and delivery, mother and baby, and NICU rooms, featuring two couplet care rooms where mothers and babies stay together. 

Registration is required at BayCareEvents.org or by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing 2.

 

Pink on Parade raises awareness and hope

SEBRING – More than 260 people dressed in pink Oct. 5 joined AdventHealth Sebring Foundation’s annual Pink on Parade 5K and 1-mile walk to honor breast cancer patients, survivors and loved ones. 

Among them was nurse and survivor Jacqueline Loney, who was diagnosed at 37 and inspired by her care team to enter nursing. 

“Some of the best nurses I had either had cancer or had someone close to them with cancer,” Loney said. “I wanted to have that same level of compassion for someone else and help in their journey.”

Since 2017, the event has raised more than $300,000 for early detection and treatment. 

Learn more or schedule a mammogram at scheduleyourmammo.com.

 

Event promotes early detection

TRINITY – Community members in Trinity attended AdventHealth’s “Her Health Matters” on Oct. 4, featuring expert panels, mobile mammography screenings and a variety of clinical and wellness vendors. 

Participants were able to speak with healthcare professionals and gain knowledge about prevention, early detection and treatment options.  

Tiffany Nieters, lead mammographer at AdventHealth North Pinellas, said getting a mammogram is a quick and easy step women can take for their health that could potentially be lifesaving. Mammograms can take about 15 minutes.

“They sometimes hear horror stories and once they get here they see it, and they realize it’s not that bad,” Nieters said. “So, events like this show exactly what they’re going to be having done and they see how easy it is.”  

 

Get answers on Medicare

  1. PETERSBURG – SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas. 

Specially trained volunteers can assist you with your Medicare, Medicaid and Health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.

They’ll answer questions at the following Medicare Basics programs: 

  • Medicare Fraud Prevention: Oct. 16 at 1 p.m. at Seminole Community Library, 9200 113th St. N., Seminole. 727-394-6922.
  • Medicare Part C Advantage Plans: Oct. 20 at 4:30 p.m. at Clearwater Countryside Library, 2642 Sabal Springs Drive, Clearwater. 727-562-4970.
  • Medicare Open Enrollment Presentation: Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. at AdventHealth North Pinellas, 1395 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs. 
  • Medicare Part C Advantage Plans: Oct. 21 at 2:30 p.m. at Aging Well Center, 1501 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater. 727-562-4904.
  • Medicare Part C Advantage Plans: Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. at the Safety Harbor Public Library, 101 2nd St. N., Safety Harbor. 727-724-1525.
  • Medicare Basics: Oct. 16 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL 54, Wesley Chapel.  813-788-6375.
  • Medicare Basics: Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214.
  • Medicare Open Enrollment Period: Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. at Advent Health North Pinellas, 1395 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs.
  • Medicare Basics: Oct. 23 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St, Dade City. 352-567-3576.
  • Medicare Basics: Oct. 28 at 10:30 a.m. at the Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday. 727-834-3204.

SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential. Counselors do not sell anything. They can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.

News Briefs (10/15/25): Garden Club to host plant sale

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Dade City Garden Club to host Plants & Treasures Sale 

DADE CITY – The Dade City Garden Club will use proceeds from its Plants & Treasures Sale to help recover from recent financial losses due to the 2024 hurricane season. 

In addition to raising money for the garden club, the sale supports sustainability by keeping unwanted goods out of the landfills.

The sale takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Dade City Garden Club, 13630 Fifth St.

Plants are not the only draw. The club will offer an array of gently used items for resale. 

Breakfast food and lunch will be available for a donation from Eagle Scout candidate Talon Pergarten of BSA Troop 311, Dade City, who is raising funds for his project to be built on the garden club grounds.

Contact Vicki Griepenburg at for more information. 

 

HART operator reunites lost child with mother

TAMPA – The Hillsborough Transit Authority commends Bus Operator Barbara Baker for her quick thinking and compassion that helped reunite a young child with his family.

As captured in a recent onboard video, Baker spotted a small child in the middle of a roadway. Without hesitation, she safely pulled her bus to the side, exited the vehicle and brought the child out of harm’s way. She stayed with the child until officers from the Tampa Police Department arrived. The child was reunited with his family shortly after.

“This is a powerful reminder that our operators do far more than drive buses — they also serve as guardians of the community every single day,” HART CEO Scott Drainville said. “Operator Baker’s courage and attentiveness exemplify the dedication and heart that define our team.”

HART vehicles are designated as a Hillsborough County Safe Place. Operators are trained to remain vigilant and situationally aware in cases involving lost children or human trafficking. 

 

Hillsborough roads to close for CSX maintenance

TAMPA – Three eastern Hillsborough County roads will be closed for four days apiece in the coming weeks as CSX performs railroad crossing maintenance. 

County crews will be on site to ensure the roads have smooth transitions across the repaired tracks.

  • Falkenburg Road will close between East Broadway Avenue and Nancy Watkins Drive from Oct. 20 to Oct. 24.
  • Sydney Washer Road will close between Salem Church Road and Sydney Dover Road from Oct. 27 to Oct. 31.
  • South Forbes Road will close between Sydney Road and Varnadore Lane from Nov. 3 to Nov. 7.

Detours will be posted and navigation apps will be updated accordingly.

 

Better Together honors community partners 

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Better Together leaders Joy Harris (far left), Tampa Bay executive director, and CEO Megan Rose (far right) presented the Community Partner of the Year Award to the City of Tampa. Nancy Suriel, Manuel Pelegri accepted the awardd on the city’s behalf. Photo courtesy of Better Together

TAMPA – Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to families and children, recently honored its Tampa-area volunteers, supporters and community partners who have made a significant impact on the organization and its mission.

The privately funded nonprofit relies on the support of donors, community partners and volunteers to provide its services to families across the state. 

Each year, Better Together hosts a series of Doing Good Together receptions in all six of its regions to honor and showcase the efforts of these individuals and organizations. 

Each honoree receives a specialized award, in the style of a prized baseball card, recognizing the recipient’s impact with Better Together.

Better Together recognized several honorees during the reception held Sept. 16 at the Tampa Bay Yacht & Country Club. 

Honorees include:

  • Host Family of the Year was presented to Kelly Taylor and her family. She and her daughters welcomed children into their home to care for them while the children’s parents worked to get back on their feet.
  • Community Partner of the Year was presented to the City of Tampa. The city’s Homeless Outreach Team helps individuals and families find housing, and their partnership has helped families build a stable foundation.
  • Church Partner of the Year was presented to Northwest Church of Christ. Pastor Joel Harper empowers the congregation to serve the community with energy. The church is all in, from hosting job fairs and prayer night to last-minute team meetings.
  • Department of Children and Families Partner of the Year was presented to Devonique Freeman. She creates a supportive and uplifting environment, even in the midst of challenging work. She is professional, knowledgeable and always quick to offer help.
  • Mentor of the Year was presented to Shelevia Dawson. She lives with open hands and an open heart, always ready to help those in need.
  • Super Volunteer of the Year was presented to Kerri Sheeran. She has mentored three moms and gone above and beyond for each of them.
  • The Staff Appreciation Award was presented to Madison Williams, Nancy Suriel, Viviane Kunak, Sophia Safford and Candice Chukes. The entire Tampa team went above and beyond this year, serving double the number of children over this time last year: 1,341 children.

“Our Better Together team is so grateful for the donors, volunteers, partners and advocates who stand in the gap and support us in fulfilling our mission,” CEO Megan Rose said. “These groups and individuals are the reason we are able to transform lives and help our community flourish. It was an honor to recognize them for their generosity and unwavering support this year.”

This year’s Tampa Doing Good Together reception was sponsored by GTE Financial.