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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

AdventHealth, United Way distribute food, supplies 

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AdventHealth employees, United Way representatives and community leaders came together at South Oak Church in Lake Placid to distribute the food and supplies to people in need. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

 

LAKE PLACID – AdventHealth is partnering with United Way of Central Florida through the United Way End Hunger Initiative to provide access to nutritious food and essential supplies for people living in the Highlands County area.  

AdventHealth employees, United Way representatives and community leaders came together recently at South Oak Church in Lake Placid to distribute more than 10,400 pounds of food and household necessities.

AdventHealth hospitals in Highlands County are fully funding the annual cost for all three United Way of Central Florida End Hunger Sites in the county.

More than 10,000 pounds of food and household necessities were distributed during the event. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

“By coming together as community partners, we can help provide relief, hope and stability for our neighbors during difficult times,” said Jason Dunkel, president and CEO of AdventHealth Sebring, Lake Placid and Wauchula. “We are grateful for the opportunity to support families in our community and connect them with resources that can make a meaningful difference.”

Recent data shows Highlands County’s food insecurity rate is more than 13%, including more than 3,000 children, which is higher than the state average, according to United Way of Central Florida.

The United Way End Hunger Initiative features a large mobile food pantry, aiming to improve food insecurity in Highlands County in partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay. The biweekly distributions at three sites in Highlands County provide nearly 660,000 pounds of food annually to 55,000 residents, including 16,000 families, with the help of more than 2,000 volunteers.

“The hardest part about food insecurity is that so many people struggle with it in silence,” said Shawn Beumel, Highlands County director of United Way of Central Florida. “Our End Hunger sites give them a place where they are welcomed with kindness, and AdventHealth has made that possible. Their support means families leave with more than just groceries. They leave knowing they aren’t alone.”

This food distribution event is one of several held every month in Highlands County to help people in need. Local sites where the food is distributed include: 

  • South Oak Church in Lake Placid: Every second and fourth Thursday at 9 a.m.
  • Hands for the Homeless in Avon Park: Every first and third Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m.
  • First Sebring Methodist Church in Sebring: Every first and third Saturday at 9:30 a.m.

On the web: uwcf.org/initiatives/endhunger/ and adventhealth.com

 

Wesley Chapel Automotive dealers unite to sponsor Habitat home

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Three auto dealerships partner on a donation to Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County that will support a local family. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County

WESLEY CHAPEL – Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County announced that Wesley Chapel Toyota, Wesley Chapel Mazda and Wesley Chapel Chevrolet have joined forces to provide a $130,000 Whole Home Sponsorship.

The sponsorship will support the construction of a new Habitat home in East and Central Pasco County, providing a safe, affordable place where a local family can build a brighter future.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and vision of Wesley Chapel Toyota, Wesley Chapel Mazda and Wesley Chapel Chevrolet,” said Crystal Lazar, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County. “Their collective commitment will help build not only a house, but a foundation for stability, opportunity and hope for a local family. This partnership exemplifies the spirit of community that makes Pasco County such a special place to live.”

Through Habitat for Humanity’s affordable homeownership program, partner families invest sweat equity hours alongside volunteers and participate in financial education and homeownership preparation. Once completed, the home will be purchased by the Habitat family through an affordable mortgage.

Visit www.habitatpasco.org for details about the nonprofit, volunteer opportunities or sponsorship programs.

Procedure helped veteran recover from enlarged prostate

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Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

SEBRING – Millions of men are living with an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. For some, like Edward Daughtry, the condition can lead to serious complications.

“I got to the point where I couldn’t urinate at all, and my bladder was full and it was painful,” Daughtry said.

The Marine Corps veteran said he also developed blood clots in his bladder, which led him to seek emergency care at AdventHealth Sebring. There, he was treated by Dr. Aravindh Rathinam, a urologist, who recommended he undergo a Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate procedure, a minimally invasive treatment that removes excess prostate tissue causing urinary blockage.

Rathinam said the procedure can provide long-lasting relief with fewer complications and shorter recovery times, while preserving normal sexual function.

“It’s a safe procedure that allows for more complete removal of the tissue causing the problem and reduces the risk of it coming back,” Rathinam said. “Recovery is typically faster, and in many cases, we can remove the catheter the same day or within 24 hours, compared to several days with other procedures.”

Daughtry said he has recovered well and has not experienced side effects. He also expressed appreciation for the care he received.

“I’m glad I had it done because I feel great now,” Daughtry said. “Dr. Rathinam is one of the best doctors I have ever had. He broke everything down for me, and I’d recommend anybody to him if they wanted to have that surgery or needed it done. He, the nurses and everybody from the sign-in point on the day of the surgery to the release date were great.”

Rathinam added that the procedure can also help detect other serious conditions.

“Because this procedure removes a large portion of the prostate, we can examine the tissue and sometimes identify cancer cells early,” he said.

With benign prostatic hyperplasia, some men may experience sleep disruption due to frequent nighttime urination, along with difficulty emptying the bladder. Without timely treatment, the condition can lead to more serious health problems, including permanent bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones and incontinence.

According to the American Cancer Society, men should begin prostate cancer screening at age 50. Those with a family history of prostate cancer should consider screening starting at age 45.

“We often hear from men who put off getting checked because they feel fine or don’t want to deal with it,” Rathinam said. “But taking a few minutes for a prostate exam can make a meaningful difference. It gives us the opportunity to catch issues early, provide reassurance when everything is normal or begin treatment before problems become more serious.”

Want to learn more?

Learn more at adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-sebring/urology-care.

Health & Wellness (April 15): BayCare to use drones

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BayCare to use drones

CLEARWATER – BayCare announced it will build a health care drone delivery network.

The optional service will enable faster and more reliable delivery of lab samples, medications and critical supplies between facilities and directly to patients’ homes.

In partnership with Zipline, the network will offer on-demand, contactless delivery with safety, privacy and patient choice at the center of the experience. The network is expected to launch in late 2027, beginning in the St. Petersburg–Clearwater area before expanding across Tampa Bay.

“At BayCare, we’re always looking for ways to remove barriers and make it easier for patients to get the care they need,” said Stephanie Conners, BayCare’s president and CEO. “This new delivery option allows us to serve customers more quickly and reliably while giving patients more flexibility and convenience. It’s one more way we’re extending care beyond our walls and closer to home.”

The delivery process is fast and simple: a provider places an order into a Zipline Dropbox at a designated BayCare site. Zipline’s electric drone autonomously retrieves the order then quietly flies to its destination, whether it’s a patient’s yard or another facility. Upon arrival, the drone stays up to 300 feet in the air while a pod containing the order descends to the ground on a tether. The pod makes precise deliveries even in high winds and bad weather conditions, leaving the order behind while it flies back to charge for its next delivery.

For patients, prescription delivery by Zipline will be optional as the program is designed to make it easy to receive medications and supplies without requiring a trip to a pharmacy or care site.

 

BayCare marks milestone in hospital’s construction

PALMETTO, Fla. – BayCare marked a major milestone July 10 with a topping out ceremony for BayCare Hospital Manatee, placing the final steel beam for the health system’s first hospital in Manatee County.

The hospital will have more than 436,000 square feet with 154 private patient rooms and  with the capacity to expand to 207 beds.

Designed as a full-service acute care facility, BayCare Hospital Manatee will offer emergency care, general and specialty surgery, cardiology, gastroenterology, urology, orthopedics, diagnostic and interventional imaging, obstetrics and neonatology. The hospital also will include a neonatal intensive care unit, nearly doubling access to this level of care in the county. BayCare has NICUs at six hospitals across West Central Florida.

 

Groups help new moms

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers free in-person support groups and classes in August about breastfeeding and newborn care.

The events are open to all, no matter which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your baby. Events are held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road.

• Breastfeeding Support Group – For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and a support person (grandmother, aunt, etc.) The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. Offered Thursdays, Aug. 6 and 20, 10 to 11 a.m.

• Understanding Breastfeeding – Provides information to the expectant mother and a support person about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, tips for returning to work and when to call a health care provider or lactation consultant. Offered Thursday, Aug. 6, 1 to 5 p.m.

• Understanding Your Newborn – Provides information to the expectant mother and a support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. Offered Thursday, Aug. 20, 6 to 9 p.m.

Register at BayCareEvents.org or calling 855-314-8352 and pressing “2” at the prompt.

 

AdventHealth encourages blood donations

TAMPA  – With local blood supplies remaining critically low, AdventHealth Tampa is encouraging the community to donate blood to help meet an urgent need for patients across the region.

All blood types are needed, especially O Negative and O Positive, which are essential for treating trauma patients, supporting surgeries, providing cancer care and responding to medical emergencies.

Business Digest (July 15): Joy Bar celebrates Christmas in July

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Trey Lawson took over his father’s bar eight years ago. Trey launched the Joy Bar theme concept in 2023. Photos courtesy of Joy Bar

Joy Bar celebrates Christmas in July

TAMPA – Joy Bar, a year-round holiday-themed bar, is celebrating Christmas in July.

Put on your holiday sweater and indulge your holiday spirit with free samplings and swag throughout the month. The naughty elf will pour shots and spread Christmas cheer every weekend.

It’s happy hour all the time at Joy Bar with $6 signature shots and cocktails, all day, every day. Everyone who wears a Christmas sweater in July will receive a free Fireball shot.

Christmas in July activities include:

• July 17 and 18: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, free samplings, swag and a DJ

• July 25: Christmas in July Official Party from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Joy Bar, located at 6905 N Armenia Ave., also features festive holiday lights, rare whiskey bottles and a selection of spirits.

On the web: LiquorDepotTampa.com.

 

Pasco makes land purchase

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County announced last month the acquisition of 4G Ranch, a 1,893-acre property north of Land O’ Lakes.

It includes the entire Conner Preserve to Crossbar Ecological Corridor, connecting to Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Conner Preserve to the south and Pinellas County’s Crossbar/Al Bar Ranch to the north.

“Acquisitions mean we can slow down a lot of growth and development,” Board Chair Jack Mariano said. “1,900 acres of preserved land, which slows down traffic and protects wildlife.”

The purchase was part of a 50/50 partnership with Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

“By preserving 4G Ranch, we are safeguarding productive agricultural land, protecting our natural resources and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the rural way of life that makes Pasco County and Florida so special,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson.

 

Cooperative Extension offers ServSafe class

DADE CITY – The UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service is offering a ServSafe Manager Certification Class and Exam session Aug. 5.

ServSafe is the national food safety certification for those working or planning to work in the food industry.

The class takes place at the UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension Office, 36702 County Road 52, Dade City.

Class begins at 8:30 a.m. by reviewing material from the textbook, so participants should  study in advance. The exam will follow lunch (lunch is not provided), and participants will have two hours to complete it.

Register at mypas.co/ServSafeAug2026. You must be comfortable with the material prior to the class, so buy your textbook early to allow study time.

On the web: mypas.co/UFIFASPascoExt

$40M to expand registered apprenticeships

TALLAHASSEE – Florida has been awarded $40 million by the U.S. Department of Labor to support nationwide efforts to expand apprenticeships in the defense industrial base, shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing sectors, according to FloridaCommerce

Nearly 80 partners across the state are offering Letters of Support for this new program.

Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly said Florida is uniquely positioned to support efforts to develop talent across these industries, considering it’s home to 16 deepwater seaports and 21 major military installations, and ranked No. 1 in the nation for workforce development, maritime industrial base jobs and ship- and boat-building establishments.

Florida’s $40 million award is part of a larger effort through the U.S. Department of Labor to align workforce and talent development with the Trump administration’s America’s Talent Strategy and its goal of reaching and surpassing 1 million new active apprentices nationwide.

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber will host a Nonprofit Roundtable, a grand opening, business exchanges and women’s programming.

• Gretchen Bauer, founder and creative director of BSWANKY, speaks at the Professional Women in Business Networking Lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 15 at HCA Florida Trinity Hospital, 9330 SR 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance.

• Members trade business materials during the Trinity Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 16 at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., Trinity. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Lunch costs $13. Register in advance.
• The chamber holds its awards and installation banquet July 16. The event is sold out.

• Members trade business materials during the New Port Richey Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 23 at Seafire Grill, 4927 U.S. 19, New Port Richey. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Lunch costs $18. Register in advance.

• Members celebrate the grand opening of Grove & Sage Eco Market from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 24 at 5831 Main St., New Port Richey. A ribbon cutting starts at noon.

• Nonprofits connect and discuss ideas during the Nonprofit Roundtable from 9 to 10 a.m. July 28 at 4 & Co. Coworking Spaces, 16703 Early Riser Ave., Land O’ Lakes. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance.

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – The East Pasco Chamber will host Coffee & Networking, Core Connections and After Hours Networking.

• Members network and learn about chamber perks during Core Connections from 8 to 9 a.m. July 16 at the Dade City office, 14112 8th St., Dade City. Register in advance.

• Members mingle during After Hours Networking from 4 to 5 p.m. July 16 at Dade City Tap House & Spirits, 37916 Pasco Ave., Dade City.

• Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. July 17 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.) and 8 to 9 a.m. July 21 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.). Register in advance.

• Members mingle during After Hours Networking from 4 to 5 p.m. July 23 at Dade City Tap House & Spirits, 37916 Pasco Ave., Dade City.

• Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. July 24 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.) and from 8 to 9 a.m. July 28 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.). Register in advance.

 

Quick Hits

• Suncoast Credit Union recognized Janell Rio of Dade City as one of three winners of a sweepstakes that came with two tickets to FIFA World Cup matches in Miami. Suncoast members were entered in the sweepstakes when they used a Suncoast Visa debit or credit card during a promotional period.

BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel expands emergency heart care

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CLEARWATER – BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel is now licensed to provide advanced cardiac care services, improving access to lifesaving, emergency care.

Effective July 1, the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration  designated the hospital as a Level 1 adult cardiovascular services provider. 
This designation reflects the timely, specialized treatment that patients experiencing chest pain or other cardiac conditions can expect from the hospital’s physicians, interventional cardiologists, clinical nurses and technicians. 

This licensure means patients In fast-growing east Pasco County will not need to travel far to get critical cardiac interventions, particularly during an emergency.  
“This marks an important advancement in our cardiovascular capabilities,” said Nanette Wilcox, hospital president.
The Level I licensure allowing hospitals to perform interventional coronary care requires adherence to strict standards for cardiac catheterization volume, equipment, staffing, quality and safety.  
Patients who require more complex procedures, including open-heart surgery, will be transferred to BayCare’s Heart and Vascular Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. The institute has earned the highest level 3-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgery, placing it among the nation’s top performing cardiothoracic surgery programs and ensuring continuity of care across BayCare.
With this achievement, BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel joins 10 other BayCare hospitals offering advanced adult cardiac services. Since opening in 2023, BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, BayCare’s 16th hospital, has steadily expanded its clinical capabilities, bringing more specialized care closer to home for east Pasco County residents. 

 

Saint Leo supports students recovering from drugs, alcohol

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The Mitchell Family (from left): Becky, Dewey holding grandson Jimmy, son-in-law James holding grandson Bohdi, daughter Carly and son Derek. Photo courtesy of Dewey Mitchell

 

ST. LEO – A family’s effort to transform the loss of their son into hope for students in recovery is helping Saint Leo University establish a residential collegiate recovery program.

With a $1 million founding gift from Pasco County businessman and philanthropist Dewey Mitchell and his wife Becky, Saint Leo University announced plans to launch the Derek J. Mitchell Collegiate Recovery Program. 

The program, named in honor of their late son, is accepting students for fall 2026.

Saint Leo’s program will provide college students recovering from drug and alcohol addiction with a sober-living environment rooted in Benedictine values that supports both recovery and academic success.

“Our family’s hope and prayer is that the Derek J. Mitchell Collegiate Recovery Program at Saint Leo University becomes a place where students in recovery feel supported, understood and empowered. We hope it provides the resources, structure and compassion needed to help them stay on their path of recovery and embrace the future ahead,” Mitchell said. “May this program help each student find lasting strength, renewed purpose and the opportunity to live a long, healthy and meaningful life.”

A native of Trinity, Derek J. Mitchell graduated magna cum laude from Florida State University and pursued graduate studies at the University of Florida. He built a career in construction and development, contributing to projects in Florida, Texas and Arizona. His memory now serves as the inspiration for a program designed to help students in recovery maintain sobriety and achieve their academic goals.

The Mitchells’ gift addresses a growing need among college students trying to maintain sobriety while pursuing their degrees. 

An estimated 600,000 college students in the United States identify as being in recovery from substance use disorders, yet fewer than 200 colleges and universities offer formal collegiate recovery programs, according to Saint Leo University. Only a small percentage provide dedicated sober housing.

“Recovery starts with community, dignity and hope, and these are values that align deeply with Saint Leo University’s Catholic, Benedictine mission,” said Jim Burkee, president of Saint Leo University. “Dewey and Becky Mitchell’s extraordinary generosity and vision will allow Saint Leo University to create a life-changing program that provides support, accountability and a community where students facing challenges similar to those Derek experienced can thrive.”

The Derek J. Mitchell Collegiate Recovery Program is modeled after the StepUP program at Augsburg University. The model combines peer support, recovery-focused programming and academic engagement to promote long-term success in both recovery and college.

Saint Leo’s recovery program will provide students with dedicated sober residential housing, individual and group counseling led by licensed clinicians trained in addiction and mental health care, peer mentorship opportunities and sober social programming. Participating students will be required to maintain at least six months of sobriety before enrollment, participate in counseling and recovery meetings, and commit to the community’s sober living covenant.

“Collegiate recovery programs across the country have consistently demonstrated strong student retention, academic performance and graduation outcomes, showing that students in recovery can thrive when they have access to the right support systems,” Burkee said. “Through the Mitchells’ generosity and Derek’s legacy, Saint Leo University will be able to offer a path forward to students who need it most.”

The Mitchells’ contribution is the largest private commitment ever made to student recovery initiatives at Saint Leo University and lays the foundation for an endowment campaign to ensure the sustainability of the recovery program. Additional details and future fundraising initiatives will be announced in the coming months.

On the web: saintleo.edu

Village welcomes former police officer, Navy fireman

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Brenda Arnaud and her family are welcomed into the Let Us Do Good Village. The community and amenity center have been designed and built to be accessible for all residents, creating a supportive environment for families who have sacrificed for our nation. Photo courtesy of The Tunnel to Towers

 

LAND O’LAKES – The Tunnel to Towers Let Us Do Good Village has welcomed two new heroes to its growing community.

Navy Fireman Brenda Arnaud and Industry Borough Police Officer Scott Morrison are among the 11 heroes who have moved into the village this year. Nearly 30 families call the village home.

The village will eventually feature nearly 100 homes gifted to catastrophically injured veterans, first responders and Gold Star and Fallen First Responder families. 

“Every smart home Tunnel to Towers delivers represents a new beginning,” said Frank Siller, chairman and CEO of Tunnel to Towers. “For Brenda and Scott, this means greater independence, peace of mind and the opportunity to focus on healing instead of the obstacles their injuries have created.”

 

Brenda Arnaud and her family are welcomed into the Let Us Do Good Village. The Tunnel to Towers Smart Home Program builds specially adapted smart homes to help severely injured veterans and first responders live more independently. Photo courtesy of The Tunnel to Towers

Brenda Arnaud

Brenda Arnaud enlisted in the Navy on May 5, 2013, inspired by her husband, a Marine Corps veteran. She worked on pre-commissioning ships, getting them ready to deploy around the world. 

During one of these assignments, she suffered a devastating fall that resulted in several serious injuries, including a spinal cord injury, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and frozen shoulder, which later spread. She developed hand contractures and drop foot that progressed to osteonecrosis. 

After years of surgery, she decided to amputate her leg nearly 10 years after the original injury. Dealing with her injury while living in a two-story home in Texas made everyday tasks difficult. 

“My kid’s bedrooms were upstairs, and I couldn’t always get upstairs,” Arnaud said. “I had to force myself to wear my prosthetic to get around my house, which kept me from healing properly.”

She is looking forward to her new smart home in the Let Us Do Good Village.

“I loved the fact that everyone there understands what you are going through because they have gone through the same thing,” Arnaud said. 

Her Tunnel to Towers smart home will give her greater mobility and safety. The financial relief has allowed Arnaud and her husband to focus more fully on her recovery and their children.

 

Scott Morrison gets a warm welcome to Let Us Do Good Village. Each smart home features zero thresholds, motorized doors and keyless entry for easier access. Photo courtesy of The Tunnel to Towers

Scott A. Morrison

Scott Morrison is a Gulf War veteran who served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the 1990s, working as a helicopter crew chief in Germany. 

He returned home and started a career in law enforcement working as a K-9 handler and patrolman. During an encounter with a suspect, he broke his ankle, an injury that he continued to worsen over the years on the job. Eventually, the injury and pain forced him to retire. He endured multiple surgeries to repair the damage to his legs and back. His injuries have left him with limited mobility. He often relies on a scooter to get around. 

Struggling physically and financially to make ends meet, Morrison admits he was in a low place when Tunnel to Towers came into his life. 

“I was a broken shell of a man, I was fighting, I never gave up or backed down…but everything Tunnel to Towers has done just blows me away,” Morrison said. “I can’t find the words of what it means and how it feels. It’s been a blessing.”

Now he’s moving from Pennsylvania to Florida and looking forward to his next chapter in the Let Us Do Good Village.

“It’s a community where I’ll know the guy next to me has my back, as I will have his back,” Morrison said. “That’s something I haven’t felt since I was in the service.” 

 

Want to help?

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, when FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller gave his life in the line of duty. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation continues to honor his legacy by providing mortgage-free homes to injured veterans and first responders nationwide.

The foundation has delivered more than 1,700 mortgage-free homes and committed over $1 billion to its programs.

On the web: T2T.org 

Local Wildlife: Skunk sisters enjoy frozen treat

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Ginger and Juniper celebrate the Fourth of July with a frozen treat. Photo courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

 

TAMPA – The Florida Aquarium recently welcomed striped skunk sisters Ginger and Juniper from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. 

Independence Day weekend marked their first appearances as part of the aquarium’s animal ambassador program, helping guests learn about one of North America’s most misunderstood native species.

Ginger and Juniper sampled patriotic American flag-shaped frozen treats made with blueberries, pears and red apples, encouraging their natural foraging behaviors while providing mental stimulation.

On the web: flaquarium.org

Have you taken a cool or cute animal photo? Email it to us at .

Chalk Talk (07/01/26): Art wins best of show

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Sebastian Romo’s award-winning artwork of a Florida bass and bluegill impressed judges at both the state and national levels. Photo courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Florida student’s art wins Best of Show in Fish Art Contest

TAMPA – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in collaboration with Wildlife Forever, recognized Sebastian Romo for his submission in the 2026 Fish Art Contest. 

Sebastian was named the Florida freshwater winner for grades 7-9 in April and advanced to the national competition, where he earned second place in the national grades 7-9 division before going on to receive Best of Show. Best of Show is the contest’s highest overall honor, recognizing the most exceptional artwork submitted across all grade levels.

The contest invites students in kindergarten through 12th grade to create illustrations of native fish species in their natural habitats. Participants learn about the fish they depict, including their habitat, diet and role in Florida’s aquatic ecosystems, to develop a deeper appreciation for the state’s fisheries and natural resources.

Follow Sebastian’s work on Instagram @sebastianinthewild and on his website,  Sebastianinthewild.com. 

On the web: MyFWC.com/Education.

 

Kiddie Academy of Land O’ Lakes opened on May 4. The brand offers comprehensive educational child care programs. Photo courtesy of Kiddie Academy

Kiddie Academy opens in Land O’ Lakes

LAND O’ LAKES – Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care celebrated the grand opening June 6 of a new franchise location at 17881 Aprile Drive.

Murali and Sireesha Katipalli own and operate the location. They have provided care and education to more than 1,000 families in five years at the Westchase location, Sireesha said. 

“We’re excited to bring that same vision to Land O’ Lakes, providing a nurturing, high-quality learning environment for children while creating more opportunities to employ local educators,” Sireesha said. 

Kiddie Academy of Land O’ Lakes will serve about 205 children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old and bring 30 jobs to the area.

The 11,300-square-foot location features 11 classrooms, a large outdoor learning center equipped with turf and a splash pad for water play, a multimedia room, Zono disinfecting cabinets and security cameras throughout. 

On the web: kiddieacademy.com/landolakes

 

Odessa students graduate from the University of Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Four students from Odessa earned degrees from the University of Alabama’s spring 2026 commencement at Coleman Coliseum in May. 

Local graduates include:

  • Logan Hinsberg received a Bachelor of Arts.
  • Graydon Horn received a Bachelor of Arts.
  • Avy Trevethan received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Information Sciences.
  • Bo Welch received a Bachelor of Science.

Some 7,000 degrees were awarded during the ceremony. 

 

Student achievements

The following students earned honors during the spring 2026 semester: 

  • Jackson Behuniak, of Lutz, was named to the Dean’s Honor Roll at University of Mississippi. Jackson, who is in the B.A. in History program, earned a semester GPA of 3.50-3.74.
  • Makenna Bellaire, of Lutz, was named to the Chancellor’s Honor Roll at the University of Mississippi. Makenna, who is in the B.A. in Political Science program, earned a semester GPA of 3.75 to 4.00.
  • Robert S. Burton, of Lutz, was named to first honors on the Dean’s List at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. Students must have a GPA of 3.8 or above for first honors.
  • Caitlyn Culpepper, of Odessa, was named to the Chancellor’s Honor Roll at the University of Mississippi. Caitlyn, who is in the B.A. in Biochemistry program, earned a semester GPA of 3.75 to 4.00.
  • Lillian Hilt, of Land O’ Lakes, made the Dean’s List at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee. Lillian earned a GPA of 3.5 to 3.9. 
  • Anthony Iserino, of Wesley Chapel, made the Dean’s List for the spring 2026 semester at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri. This honor recognizes students who have achieved a grade-point average of 3.5 or above.
  • Drew Pitts, of Lutz, made the Dean’s List at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee. Drew earned a GPA of 3.5 to 3.9.