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First responders recall 9/11 experiences

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Stephen Spelman, a retired New York Fire Department emergency medical technician, talks about responding to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Marie Thornsberry/Saint Leo University

 

Saint Leo University President Jim Burkee receives challenge coins from 9/11 survivors Stephen Spelman (left) and Perry Blackburn (right). Marie Thornsberry/Saint Leo University

ST. LEO – Stephen Spelman remembers grabbing what gear he could find, heading to his duty station and then toward the World Trade Center towers on Sept. 11, 2001. 

“We could see people jumping from the building, and we weren’t even close [yet],” said Spelman, a retired New York Fire Department emergency medical technician. “We could see the towers engulfed in flames about midway up.”

Spelman was teaching at the fire academy when the first terrorist struck. A FDNY lieutenant sent him and his team to look inside police and other vehicles parked nearby to see if anyone was alive. The lieutenant ran the opposite direction toward the towers. Spelman credits the lieutenant for saving his life. 

“I wasn’t prepared for what I saw,” Spelman said of that day. “It was the horror of war. I’m not military, but it seemed like a battlefield.”

Now living in Wesley Chapel, Spelman has made it his mission to remember, taking a rung from Ladder 18

and speaking to groups so the history and sacrifices are not forgotten. The memorial now is on loan and can be viewed at the Zephyrhills Museum of Military History. 

Spelman joined others in sharing their Sept. 11 experiences during “In their Honor: September 11, 2001 & Operation Enduring Freedom – Never Forget” on Sept. 8 at Saint Leo University. 

The university hosted the event to remember the courage and sacrifices of those who were lost, survived and rescued as well as those who searched for victims and fought for their nation.  

Dominick Maggiori, a retired New York Fire Department/EMS lieutenant, recalled working “on the pile” – the rubble of the World Trade Center towers. 

“We heard a jet, and the work stopped,” he said. “Then we saw it was a [U.S.] fighter jet and there was a sigh of relief. Somebody has got our back.”

And it was more than just the U.S. military. 

“People came from all over,” Maggiori said, bringing water, food and volunteering in any way they could to assist those involved in rescue and recovery. “Everyone pulled together.”

As a Green Beret, Perry Blackburn was one of the first Americans on the ground in Afghanistan after 9/11. 

“I was the leader of the greatest fighting force on the ground,” said Blackburn, now a retired lieutenant colonel with the U.S. Army Special Forces. 

They rode on horseback with Afghans, “hunting those responsible, and I was proud be help to defeat the Taliban and Al-Qaida,” he said. “The American soldier is not an individual. 9/11 brought out the best in all Americans. We stood together. We prayed together. That’s the part I carry with me every day. Show up for one another.”

Craig Gross, Gold Star father, tells the story of his son, Army Corporal Frank Robert Gross, who was killed in Afghanistan in July 2011. Marie Thornsberry/Saint Leo University

Craig Gross, an Air Force veteran, shared the story of his Army corporal son, Frank “Frankie” Robert Gross, who was killed on July 16, 2011, in Afghanistan when the Humvee he was in struck an improvised explosive device.

The late Gross joined the Army after earning a master’s degree, but rather than going in as a second lieutenant, he signed up as a noncommissioned officer.

“He was cut from a different cloth,” his dad said. “He didn’t take the easy way.”

Just 21 days after telling his father he was being deployed to Afghanistan, Cpl. Gross was killed. 

“He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery with many, many other great heroes,” Gross said of his son. “You’re looking at one of the proudest dads in America. My son continues to give. My son represents something that only Americans possess, and that is true freedom.”

It was fitting that Saint Leo University hosted the event, noted President Jim Burkee as Saint Leo provides a space for reflection and promotes dialogue, mutual respect and understanding so that all may remember and learn from the history of Sept. 11, 2001.

“Memory fades if it is not told,” said Wilton Simpson, Florida commissioner of agriculture and consumer services. 

Saint Leo’s event included a fundraising breakfast, a flyover with parachutists, guest speakers at a special memorial event and a 5K. 

The In Their Honor 5K kicked off the events at 7:30 a.m. Sept. 8 and the route through Saint Leo’s campus featured more than 300 photos of firefighters who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. 

Funds raised through the event will support the sponsoring organizations and charities, including the creation of the Children of Heroes Scholarship at Saint Leo University. Representing the shared mission between the Pasco Patriots Association and Saint Leo University, this fund will provide tuition assistance for first responders and the children of fallen and catastrophically injured first responders. 

Funds raised support the following nonprofits: Saint Leo University – Scholarship, Pasco Patriots Association, 18 Series Coffee Co., AFG Free, Cryoeeze22, Krewe De Forti, PCRetiredK-9 (Pasco County Retired K9), Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Warrior Wellness.

Sponsors for the event were the Town of St. Leo, Chick-fil-A Zephyrhills, Totally Blu Pools, and Campus Gear and Trade Mark Sales.

Aquarium helps build reef with thousands of coral babies

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These images show symmetrical brain coral and boulder brain coral spawning, which will be critical to the future of Florida’s Coral Reef. Photos courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

APOLLO BEACH – A coral baby boom is underway at The Florida Aquarium’s Coral Conservation and Research Center, where biologists are spawning thousands of new symmetrical brain coral and boulder brain coral. 

The aquarium is bringing new life to Florida’s Coral Reef through an effort to grow 5,000 baby corals over the next two years and produce hundreds of thousands of coral larvae for partners. The aquarium received funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through Florida’s Coral Reef Restoration and Recovery Initiative grant program.

The juvenile corals will be shared with partners like I.CARE to support coral restoration efforts in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the Kristin Jacobs Coral Aquatic Preserve in Southeast Florida. The spawning parent corals were originally rescued from the reef to protect them from the devastating effects of stony coral tissue loss disease.

“These new corals represent a lifeline for Florida’s reef,” said Keri O’Neil, director of the coral conservation program for The Florida Aquarium. “We’re thankful to the Florida DEP for making this work possible. Their support is helping us not only spawn more corals – we’re building hope for the reef and for future generations.”

Florida’s Coral Reef is an essential part of the state’s environmental and economic health. Rising ocean temperatures are putting stress on corals, making them more vulnerable to disease and bleaching, which can kill the coral.

Reefs provide a home for more than a quarter of all marine life, support Florida’s multibillion-dollar tourism and fishing industries, and serve as natural barriers that protect our coastlines from storms and erosion. 

Without thriving coral reefs, marine biodiversity declines and so do the protections and economic benefits that reefs provide to millions of Floridians.

The grant is also supporting the development of a hands-on training curriculum and the design of a new classroom lab that will expand The Florida Aquarium’s Coral Conservation and Research Center. The expansion, now in the design phase, will serve as a hub for training the next generation of coral scientists and restoration professionals.

“By sharing our methods, data, and coral offspring with partners, we’re creating a ripple effect that will help strengthen reef restoration around the world,” said Debborah Luke, senior vice president of conservation.

Once-struggling moms are now homeowners 

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Linery Pichardo (middle), board chair for Habitat’s Community Housing Development Organization, celebrates with new homeowners Cheetare Bennett (left) and Dawn Johnson (right). Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough

 

TAMPA – For two hardworking single moms, the dream of a safe, stable home had always felt out of reach. Cheetare Bennett and Dawn Johnson have both shouldered the weight of caring for multiple children and older loved ones while facing rising rent and unsafe living conditions. That all changed Aug. 28 when the two women became neighbors on the same block in East Tampa.

Surrounded by family, friends and community supporters, they received the keys to their new Habitat for Humanity homes during a joint dedication celebration.

Cheetare, a certified nursing assistant, is raising seven children, including a son with special needs, while also caring for her bedridden godfather.

“Home to me is never moving again,” Cheetare said. “It means your kids always having somewhere to call home.”

Dawn, who works for an independent contractor, has five children, two with disabilities. She also cares for her mother, who is partially paralyzed from a stroke and once worked two jobs to raise her own family.

“Without all of you, this dream, this blessing, wouldn’t be possible,” Dawn told volunteers.

Both families have invested hundreds of sweat equity hours building Habitat homes and volunteering at events. In return, they’ll get an affordable mortgage with payments capped at no more than 30% of their income, making homeownership a reality that once felt impossible.

“Habitat homes don’t just change lives today,” said Tina Forcier, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough. “They change the trajectory of families for generations. Seeing moms, children and grandparents all able to put down roots is what this work is all about.”

 

Mom gets keys from Pro Football Hall of Famer

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend Rondé Barber welcomes the Walker family to their new home. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside

 

ST. PETERSBURG – Rondé Barber has held some serious hardware during his 16-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, including a Super Bowl trophy, but on Aug. 25, the Pro Football Hall of Famer held the keys to homeownership. And he gave them to Ja’Myra Walker, a hardworking mother of four. 

Barber serves as general chairman of Copperhead Charities, the charitable arm of the Valspar Championship. The organization sponsored the latest home built by Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside. 

The Walker Family inside their new room, painted in partnership with Valspar using the 2026 Color of the Year, Warm Eucalyptus. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside

The tournament has been a dedicated supporter of the Habitat affiliate for many years, and this home marked the 10th that the organization has partnered to sponsor. In recognition of the partnership, one of the home’s rooms has been painted with Valspar’s Color of the Year for 2026: Warm Eucalyptus.

“On behalf of Valspar and Sherwin-Williams, their parent company, this is something that we love to do. Not something that we have to do,” Barber said before handing over the keys to Ja’Myra.

For Ja’Myra, homeownership hasn’t been easy. She has been raising her children – Brooklyn (9), Brazill (2), and twins Brandon and Breon (1) – in a cramped two-bedroom apartment.

Ja’Myra has long dreamed of having a safe, stable home.

“When I found out I was accepted into the Habitat program, I was in a state of shock,” Ja’Myra said. “I am so thankful! This really is a start to something beautiful for me and my children.”

She is most excited for her children to finally have a safe place to play. 

“I can’t wait to see my children have a backyard where they can play, build childhood memories, and feel safe and secure,” Ja’Myra said.

 Valspar Tournament Director Tracy West said it was an honor to be part of Habitat. 

“Habitat is, as we say, giving a hand up, not a hand out,” West said. “We are very honored to be a part of this community and take some of the proceeds from the Valspar Championship and help wonderful families like the Walker family.”

 

Savor the science behind the Cuban sandwich

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Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry has built a fun festival around the Cuban sandwich. Photo courtesy of MOSI

TAMPA – It’s one thing to chow down on a Cuban Sandwich, but Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry offers an opportunity to dig into the science behind the beloved Tampa cuisine. 

Guests can sample creative twists on the Cuban sandwich crafted by chefs from across Tampa Bay, uncover the science behind each flavor and enjoy live entertainment while celebrating science, food and culture in new ways.

“With Tampa’s reputation for incredible Cuban sandwiches, this event lets guests dive into the science that makes them so delicious,” said John Graydon Smith, president and CEO of MOSI. “From flavor chemistry to hands-on experiments, it’s an unforgettable night of foodie fun only MOSI can deliver.”

Presented by Mosaic, this adults-only evening, Science of the Cuban Sandwich, returns from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 27.

Here’s what’s new for 2025:

  • Rum & Flan Competition: A new showdown where decadent desserts meet top-shelf spirits. Guests can sip, savor and cast their vote for the winning pairing.
  • Saunders Planetarium & Digital Dome Theatre: Experience MOSI’s newly opened planetarium with special evening shows that take you far beyond the sandwich and into the stars.
  • Live Entertainment: Dance to the sounds of Izis La Enferma.

Returning fan favorites include: 

  • Cuban Sandwich Showdown: Local chefs go head-to-head for people’s choice and judges’ pick honors.
  • Cigar Rolling Station: Watch masters from JC Newman Cigar Company roll a Tampa tradition right before your eyes.
  • Interactive Science Demos: Learn the science behind fermentation, pickling and more hands-on experiments.
  • Sips & Science: Beer, wine and cocktails will be available for purchase.
  • Swag with Purpose: The first 50 guests who bring a non-perishable food item to support ECHO will receive a swag bag.
  • Silent Auction: Bid on unique items and experiences while supporting MOSI’s mission.

General admission costs $75 for members and $80 for others. 

General Admission Plus costs $95 for members and  $100 for others. These upgrades include reserved seating, a complimentary cocktail, a commemorative keepsake cup and marketplace discounts.

Get tickets at https://mosi.org/event/socs/.

 

85-year-old completes 1,980th underwater dive 

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Lillian Kenney, 85, has been volunteering at The Florida Aquarium since it opened. Photo courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

TAMPA – Most people celebrate their 85th birthday with cake and candles. Lillian Kenney decided to mark hers underwater. 

Kenney completed her 1,980th and last dive at The Florida Aquarium, closing out three decades of being a dedicated volunteer.

Kenney started at the aquarium in 1995, the same year it opened, and has been a fixture ever since. Over the years, she’s logged more than 7,200 hours of volunteer time, diving to keep habitats clean for the animals, supporting local waterway cleanups, and guiding guests on the aquarium’s Wild Dolphin Cruise and Wetlands of Florida trail. 

Kenney was nominated for The Florida Aquarium’s Volunteer of the Year award seven times and earned the title in May 2003.

Lillian Kenney, 85, has been volunteering at The Florida Aquarium since it opened. Photo courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

“It’s been such a big part of my life for so many years. It’s one of the things that I put first on my calendar,” said Lillian Kenney. “There’s such a friendly atmosphere at the aquarium. The people are great. Everybody helps everybody else. I’ll miss the animals. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

Kenney’s retirement from diving coincides with The Florida Aquarium’s 30th anniversary, making her milestone especially meaningful. She has seen the aquarium grow and evolve over the decades, and her story is now a part of its history.

“Lillian has contributed to many different departments of the aquarium, not just diving,” added Karen Benson, coordinator of dive volunteers at The Florida Aquarium. “She has a wealth of knowledge. She used to be a teacher, so she absorbs everything about animals and loves to share what she’s learned with our guests.”

Though she may no longer be suiting up to dive, Kenney plans to continue volunteering at the aquarium and participate in community cleanups. 

Pasco EDC recognizes companies at Annual Awards

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Escape Brewing Company won the Economic Excellence Award (small category) during Pasco EDC’s 37th Annual Awards. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC

WESLEY CHAPEL – The Pasco Economic Development Council hosted its 37th Annual Awards event Sept. 5 at Saddlebrook Resort. 

More than 300 people attended the event, a celebration of economic excellence in Pasco County. 

“We had a great night recognizing businesses who have made a significant economic impact in Pasco County,” said Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC president/CEO. “And it was truly an honor to recognize Dewey Mitchell who has made a tremendous contribution to making Pasco County the place it is today.”

The award finalists this year included companies that exhibited exemplary growth through job creation, capital investment, technology, workforce innovation and community service. 

The award winners for 2025 are:

 

  • Economic Excellence Award (small category): Escape Brewing Company

With over $1 million in capital investment, Escape Brewing Company has expanded its operations at Trinity by building a production facility, taproom and beer garden, which has given the company the opportunity to double its production capacity. Additionally, the 2.5-acre expansion has allowed Escape Brewing Company to create a food hall, the first of its kind in Pasco County.

 

  • Economic Excellence Award (large category): Merrell Bros Inc.

Over the last year, Merrell Brothers has invested over $10 million in new land, buildings and equipment to expand its Pasco County operations. The company’s product lines consist of biosolids-derived fertilizers used in farming and general agricultural applications. A part of its investment included a new 28,000-square-foot facility called Florida Green. The company has hired over 30 full-time employees in the past year.

 

  • Innovation in Workforce Development: METTLER TOLEDO

METTLER TOLEDO Product Inspection Division opened in Pasco County in 2016 and employs over 700 people with a focus on employee retention. The company works with local training organizations to provide educational tours to students. The company created The METTLER TOLEDO Early Career Experience Program, which offers recent graduates a structured program that introduces them to various areas within the company.

Dewey Mitchell won the Leadership Award during Pasco EDC’s 37th Annual Awards. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC
  • Leadership Award: Dewey Mitchell

Dewey Mitchell is the owner and co-broker of the local real estate firm, Capstone Tropical Holdings, Inc., comprised of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group and other entities through which he has brokered many deals in Pasco County that have resulted in a positive economic impact. 

 

  • Pasco Establishment Award: Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory

Located in the West Pasco Industrial Park in Odessa, Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory opened its new facility in September 2024. The company manufactures its own craft beer and co-packs other non-alcoholic beverages. After investing $100,000 in a new canning line and brewing equipment, Thirsty Buffalo is manufacturing its products onsite and entering new markets.

Andria Roscart, of Athenaeum Brew Lounge, won the SMARTstart Entrepreneur of the Year during Pasco EDC’s 37th Annual Awards. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC
  • SMARTstart Entrepreneur of the Year: Andria Roscart, Athenaeum Brew Lounge

Andria opened her brick-and-mortar business in 2024 after building out her facility in downtown Dade City. It combines Andria’s dream of creating a place to get quality beer while spending time with friends and family. Andria learned how to start and grow a business using knowledge gained as a graduate of the SMARTstart CO.STARTERS program. She applied this knowledge to open her facility and expand her business.

 

  • Special Contribution: Pasco News Media Group LLC

Reporter Bryan Farrow opened Pasco News in 2020 with a focus on being direct and sharing pertinent information as quickly as possible through his website and Facebook page with over 120,000 followers. During the 2024 hurricane season, Pasco News pivoted all communications to assist in sharing the importance of emergency alerts regarding Pasco County and launched a mobile app, which many residents looked to for updates.

 

Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Company launches Craftek Beverages

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Erin and Mike Bishop’s approach to Thirty Buffalo Brewing Company has been focusing on quality, creativity and community. Photo courtesy of Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Company

TAMPA – Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Company has launched Craftek Beverages, a boutique, family-run beverage co-packer created to help emerging brands bring their drink ideas to life. 

With several new contracts already in place, ranging from THC and CBD seltzers to energy drinks and wellness beverages, Craftek is positioning itself as an incubator for small businesses ready to test, refine, and scale their products without the high barriers to entry of traditional production.

Operating out of Thirsty Buffalo’s 8,000-square-foot Brew Factory in Odessa, Craftek reflects the same hands-on, community-focused spirit that has defined Thirsty Buffalo Brewing since its founding in 2023. 

By offering low minimum order quantities, custom formulations and consulting support, Craftek provides the flexibility and production power that beverage startups and established brands alike need to innovate.

“Thirsty Buffalo is our heart and home. We love serving our community and brewing beers that bring people together,” said co-owner Erin Bishop. “Craftek is a natural next step for us, born from our passion for manufacturing and our desire to help others in the beverage space.”

Craftek Beverages operates out of the Brew Factory in Odessa. Photo courtesy of Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Company

As part of the launch, Thirsty Buffalo has consolidated all operations at its Brew Factory in Odessa (2330 Success Drive). While the company has closed its location at The Hub in Bexley, friends and fans are encouraged to make the short six-mile trip to Odessa, where they will continue to find their favorite beers on tap alongside food, events and the welcoming atmosphere that defines Thirsty Buffalo.

“It’s bittersweet to leave our Bexley taproom, where we built amazing friendships and community connections,” co-owner Mike Bishop said. “We’re incredibly grateful for the support and look forward to welcoming everyone to our Odessa location, which gives us room to grow both the brewery and Craftek.”

The Odessa Brew Factory will remain a vibrant destination with a full-service taproom and kitchen open daily at 11 a.m., serving Thirsty Buffalo’s signature lineup of craft beers and an expanded food menu. Regular events, including live music and trivia, will continue to foster the community spirit that has defined the brand since day one.

On the web: thirstybuffalobrew.com and craftekbev.com 

 

CareerSource Tampa Bay observes Workforce Development Month

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TAMPA – CareerSource Tampa Bay is joining workforce boards across the country to celebrate Workforce Development Month with job fairs, industry events and community partnerships throughout September.

“It’s about celebrating the people whose lives are changed through new skills, meaningful careers and stronger connections with employers,” said Keidrian Kunkel, president and CEO of CareerSource Tampa Bay. “We’re proud to work with our staff and community partners to build a talent pipeline that supports both job seekers and businesses in the Tampa Bay region.”

The national observance highlights programs and services that connect job seekers with meaningful employment while helping businesses find the skilled talent they need to grow. 

CareerSource Tampa Bay operates seven career centers in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties and partners with employers and organizations to strengthen Tampa Bay’s workforce and economy.

Events planned for Workforce Development Month include:

  • Sept. 11: WELD (Women for Economic Leadership and Development) Leadership Series – Navigating Your Career Journey: Empowering Workforce Development featuring CareerSource Tampa Bay President Keidrian Kunkel as a panelist.
  • Sept. 16: Second Chance Job Fair.
  • Sept. 16: Tampa Bay Tech Apprenticeship Network Event (employer-focused).
  • Sept. 24: Manufacturing Industry Roundtable in partnership with Pinellas County Economic Development (employer-focused).
  • Sept. 25: Workforce Development Month Fall Job Fair.

CareerSource Tampa Bay also launched a new virtual series earlier this month, Unlocking Apprenticeships, which provides an overview of how apprenticeship programs can build a pipeline of skilled talent for employers. 

CareerSource Tampa Bay will also send staff and leadership to the Florida Workforce Development Association annual conference Sept. 8 to 10 in Orlando. The conference includes programs designed to strengthen the skills of workforce professionals.

On the web: CareerSourceTB.com

 

Fire Academy grads ready for next rung on career ladder

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Pasco-Hernando State College Fire Academy cadets train at the fire tower and training facility. Photo courtesy of PHSC

DADE CITY – Pasco-Hernando State College recognized 34 Fire Academy graduates with firefighter certificates during a ceremony Aug. 14 at the East Campus.

Cadets completed 16 weeks of training, preparing them for their upcoming state-administered practical and written exams. 

Austin Linville was named class leader and received the Instructor Pick award.

“Each cohort picks its own class motto, and one of our Scottish cadets, Alexander Buchanan, introduced the phrase, ‘It’ll be a skoosh,’ with skoosh meaning easy,” said William Lingo, program coordinator and retired fire chief. “The cadets took this motto and pushed forward through their training to get to their graduation on Thursday.”

Cadets had the opportunity to train and learn using PHSC’s newest state-of-the-art fire tower and training facility, spread over 4,280 square feet. The tower is 50 feet tall and spans five stories. 

The facility includes burn prop stations for training, two classrooms, pre-engineered covered parking and two 40-foot storage containers for training equipment.

“PHSC is proud to celebrate the dedication and resilience of these graduates, who have chosen a path of service, sacrifice and strength,” PHSC President Eric Hall said. “As our communities face increasing demands on public safety services, these well-trained professionals will play a critical role. Their success reflects PHSC’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality, hands-on training that supports workforce development and strengthens our region.”