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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Camp Idlewild honors Wendy’s for support

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Camp Idlewild of Florida presents the Making a Difference Award to Wendy’s. Photo courtesy of Wendy Neal

LAND O’ LAKES – Camp Idlewild of Florida presented an appreciation plaque to Wendy’s, located at 7775 Land O’ Lakes Blvd in Connerton, recognizing their generous support throughout the summer.

Wendy’s played a key role in making summer camp memorable by providing dinner for campers and staff every Sunday night, which was the opening night of each session. The restaurant’s generosity extended beyond the summer as they also donated meals for select weekend camps during the year.

“This partnership made such a difference for our campers,” said Wendy Neal, camp director at Camp Idlewild. “The first night of camp sets the tone for the week, and knowing we could provide a delicious meal, thanks to Wendy’s, helped make every session start with excitement and comfort.”

Camp Idlewild, located in Land O’ Lakes, provides innovative camping experiences for children and young adults with special needs. With support from local partners like Wendy’s, the camp continues to create opportunities for growth, friendship and confidence for its campers.

Visit campidlewildofflorida.com or call 813-996-1226 for more information about Camp Idlewild or to learn how to support its mission.

Middle school elective opens doors to opportunities

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Shelby Langford, who is nearly 16, gained hands-on agricultural experience by helping raise a pig. Photo courtesy of UF/IFAS

Shelby Langford never imagined agriculture would become a focus of her teenage years.

It all began with a middle school elective, “Agricultural Foundations.” She chose the class but had few expectations. What started as a routine course exposed her to opportunities that would shape her future. Before long, agriculture evolved from a passing interest to a passion.

She started cooking for herself and tending a garden at home. Her curiosity deepened to commitment when, before officially enrolling at Gaither High School in Tampa, she volunteered with the school’s agriculture department. The summer before she started high school, Shelby volunteered to show the school’s Future Farmers of America chapter pig. From early mornings at the barn to late-night feedings, she gave her all to raising a pig while learning about swine care and behavior.

“That experience lit a fire in her – a deep desire to continue learning and growing within the agricultural world, especially within the swine industry,” said her mother, Marisa Langford.

In March, Shelby was accepted into the Florida 4-H “Hog & Ham” program, part of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Hog & Ham takes selected participants through the process of pork production and teaches food security.

This month, she went to the main UF campus in Gainesville to learn about meat production.

Hog & Ham, 4-H, FFA, fairs – they’re all part of a journey filled with “opportunities,” which seems to be one of Shelby’s favorite words.

“It’s cool learning about all the different opportunities that agriculture has to offer,” she said, citing, among other things, Ag Day on the Hill, where FFA members go to the state Capitol. “You learn about all the cool things you can do if you pursue agriculture, including lobbying legislators.”

Over the past two years, Shelby has taken advantage of opportunities offered through UF/IFAS Extension programs.

She’s attended meat science and livestock judging clinics, interacted with UF/IFAS faculty and explored the depth and diversity of Florida’s agricultural industry.

Whitney Elmore, director of UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County, praised Shelby for how she sets an example for others.

“4-H participants (and their families) work very hard on their projects, putting a significant amount of time, money and energy into learning by doing,” Elmore said. “Shelby exemplifies the core values of 4-H: head, heart, hands, health.”

It’s not always easy participating in 4-H and FFA, but it’s well worth the effort, Shelby said. The biggest challenge is “getting started.”

“You have to navigate things on your own,” she said. “There’s a lot of pre-planning that goes into everything. It helps you with time management. You have to find opportunities. Some are a little more hidden than others.”

 

Bank executive chairs Crisis Center of Tampa Bay board

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David Feeman

TAMPA – The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has appointed David Feeman as the chair of the nonprofit’s board of directors.

Feeman serves as senior vice president, middle market relationship manager at the Bank of Tampa, where he has worked since 2005. He’s held roles such as treasurer and chair-elect since joining the board in 2013. 

“I am honored to serve as board chair for an organization that plays such a crucial role in the well-being of our community,” Feeman said. “The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay’s mission deeply resonates with me, and I look forward to working alongside the board and staff to expand our impact and ensure that no one in our community has to face crisis alone.”

Clara Reynolds, president and CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, described Feeman as a “remarkable advocate” for the nonprofit since he joined the board of directors. 

“I am eager to collaborate with him as board chair to ensure our community continues to receive help, hope and healing through our essential services,” Reynolds said. 

The nonprofit offers evidence-based programs designed to meet community needs at times of crisis and trauma: 

  • Corbett Trauma Center (trauma counseling, sexual assault survivor services and recovery navigation).
  • Gateway Contact Center (988 and 211: suicide prevention, crisis counseling, and information and referral services).
  • Success 4 Kids & Families (support for families coping with behavioral health challenges).
  • TransCare (911 basic life support ambulance service, behavioral health transport, basic and advanced life support interfacility transportation and community paramedicine).

The board supports the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay by advocating for the organization, setting and enforcing policies, helping raise resources, and providing oversight.

Other board officers include: 

  • Immediate Past Chair: Mellissa Longo, associate general counsel at Clarvida.
  • Treasurer: Jamie Klingman, broker and owner at The Exit Strategy Co.
  • Secretary: Lisa McGlynn, partner at Fisher and Phillips LLP.

On the web: crisiscenter.com

Saint Leo University welcomes 850+ new students 

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Isabella Hill and her father, Marc, unpack items Aug. 22 in her residence hall room at Saint Leo University. Renee Gerstein/Saint Leo University photo
Jessica, Izayah and Radames Luna were grateful for the help to move Izayah’s belongings into his residence hall at Saint Leo University. Renee Gerstein/Saint Leo University photo

ST. LEO – It was a time of goodbye hugs, some tears, a few raindrops, and a lot of sweat as new and transfer students moved into Saint Leo University residence halls Aug. 22. 

The university welcomed more than 850 incoming students while returning students arrived Aug. 23 and 24. Classes began Aug. 25 at the campus in Pasco County as well as online and at the university’s regional education centers in Florida and Savannah, Georgia.

Most of Saint Leo’s new students are “homegrown” with 69.6% being from Florida, while 18.8% are from other states. International students make up 11.6% of the new students. Saint Leo’s fields, courts, track and more will be filled this year as 299 new student-athletes join the pride.  

The incoming Lions and their families found plenty of help from faculty, staff, student-athletes and coaches, spirit teams, resident assistants and orientation leaders to unload vehicles and haul their belongings into their new home away from home.  

Radames Luna, father of new student Izayah Luna, said he is excited for his son to begin at Saint Leo. 

“The best part is when they asked if they could help,” Radames said, laughing as student-athletes and other volunteers surrounded the family’s car and carried boxes and bags to Izayah’s room. He will be majoring in business.  

Krystal Morris, of Wesley Chapel, admitted to feeling a little sad while moving her son, Sian, into his residence hall. “I am not OK,” she said. “He’s my baby.” 

And Krystal said she might be crying in Sian’s room at home after she left campus.  

Pre-nursing student Silvana Mazzola moves a box of her belongings into her residence hall room. She is part of the Nursing Living Learning Community. Renee Gerstein/Saint Leo University photo

Isabella Hill, of Naples, happily unpacked items in her residence hall room. 

“I’m looking forward to everything,” said the pre-nursing major. 

Meanwhile, her dad, Marc Hill, was busy assembling items for her room. 

“I’m holding it together and then I’ll cry in the car later,” he said.  

Isabella’s grandmother, Cassandra Hill, said she is “ready to fly like a butterfly” during her time at Saint Leo.  

Sarai Rodriguez and Kiara Clifford, both nursing students, are serving as the resident assistants for Saint Leo’s Nursing Living Learning Communities. 

This year, with 115 pre-nursing students arriving, the university offered two of these communities for those pursuing Bachelor of Science in nursing degrees with students living in Alumni and Roderick halls. Living Learning Communities offer an opportunity for students with shared interests to build connections beyond the classroom. Rodriguez spent the morning meeting the students and distributing notices to make sure the pre-nursing students attend their orientation session.  

“One of my main goals as a nursing RA and within the programs that I host, is to create a strong community among nursing students,” Rodriguez said. “As a senior, if I could give any advice to pre-nursing and junior nursing students, it would be to have an open mind, find friendships that will carry you through your journey, and believe that this dream was placed in your heart for a reason.”

 

Polk County Hispanic Conference set for Sept. 6

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LAKELAND – One of the largest Hispanic leadership conferences in the nation is coming to Lakeland.

The third annual Conferencia de Transformacion Latinoamericana is coming to the Southeastern University campus Sept. 6. Previous events were held in Atlanta and Los Angeles. 

This marks the first time Polk County will host a major Hispanic leadership conference. The event, held at the Bush Chapel, will feature numerous local leaders alongside national figures.

The conference not only focuses on strategy and networking but also aims to help leaders stay authentic and connected to their family and community while moving forward in their careers.

 

Featured national speakers

  • Mariela Romero: A 27-time Emmy Award winner and the founder of the Latin American Transformation Conference. She will share her exclusive “7 C’s” methodology for personal and professional breakthroughs and high-performance leadership.
  • Giovanni Gonzalez: A communications and leadership strategist who will teach how intentional listening can deepen influence, align teams and transform leadership results.
  • Peter O. Estevez: His journey from immigrant to partner at one of the fastest-growing financial firms in the U.S. now inspires thousands of Latinos to transform their beliefs, finances and future.
  • Mercedes Guzman: She shares her story of overcoming challenges from the poorest neighborhoods of El Salvador, teaching others how to heal past wounds and create a full, empowered life.
  • Consra Rosales: As a managing partner of a U.S. financial firm, her story of resilience and leadership has transformed communities through economic empowerment.

 

Featured Polk County speakers

  • Teresa Martinez: An influential leader and editor of ¡Viva Polk!, she has dedicated her life to amplifying the Hispanic voice in Florida through her work in education, communication and community.
  • Martha Santiago: Recognized for her leadership in politics and education, she drives economic and community progress in Polk County with a strategic vision forged through public service and leadership development.
  • Angela Falconetti: As president of Polk State College, she has received multiple awards for her commitment to education and leadership.
  • Omar Arroyo: As the first Mexican-American mayor in Florida’s history, the Haines City native inspires with his story of achievement, leadership and community service. He promotes an inclusive vision that empowers young people and strengthens his community’s social fabric.
  • Franceen Gonzales: She went from cleaning pools to leading LEGOLAND Florida Resort. She has 30 years of experience in transforming the entertainment industry with a focus on innovation, safety and global leadership.
  • Sergio Perez: His story, which begins with studying English with his mother and culminates in programming at META, proves that purposeful effort can break down any barrier.

 

This is a ticketed event. Visit transformaelfuturo.com for details. 

Purchase preserves Kirkland Ranch

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Brian Armstrong, executive director of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, said Kirkland Ranch in Pasco County will be preserved for future generations. Photo courtesy of Southwest Florida Water Management District

WESLEY CHAPEL – The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board approved the purchase of Kirkland Ranch in Pasco County. 

The 974-acre parcel in Wesley Chapel has primarily been used for cattle grazing and tree farming. The Kirkland family has owned this property since 1956.

The Kirkland Ranch property is approximately 59% uplands and 41% wetlands. The areas surrounding the property are predominantly residential single-family homes and are being developed around the west and south of the property as part of Epperson Ranch and Watergrass developments. 

This acquisition meets all four of the district’s areas of responsibility, which are water supply, water quality, flood protection and natural systems and is consistent with the district’s Florida Forever Workplan.

The parcel is being purchased for approximately $30.8 million, with money appropriated from the Florida Legislature to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The state funds are being provided to the district by DEP for the purpose of acquiring the property.

“We appreciate Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature’s commitment to preserving this conservation land in one of the fastest-growing areas in Pasco County,” said Brian Armstrong, the district’s executive director. “This important purchase will help preserve the region’s lands and water resources for future generations.”

Kirkland Ranch is located east of Curley Road and just south of Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation in Wesley Chapel.

 

Goal Getter: Doctor honored for mission work

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Dr. Rainer Chan was recognized for his commitment to global medical mission work. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
Dr. Rainer Chan joined a team of AdventHealth clinical and non-clinical members on a mission trip to the Galápagos Islands. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

TAMPA – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers recognized Dr. Rainer Chan as a Goal Getter during the Aug. 24 game for his dedication to medical mission work that brings hope and healing to underserved communities around the world.

Dr. Chan most recently joined a team of AdventHealth clinical and non-clinical members on a mission trip to the Galápagos Islands, where they cared for more than 1,000 patients ranging from infants to seniors.

“I love going on these mission trips, not only to provide service and helping others but seeing how things are done in other countries teaches me a lot as well,” said Chan, who serves as chief medical officer for AdventHealth Riverview. “So it goes both ways, where we are out there helping them, but they are also helping us.”

Through global missions, AdventHealth team members provide important health care services, supplies and education in communities with limited access to care, working to fulfill the organization’s mission of “extending the healing ministry of Christ.”

Ybor City Historical Society to host soiree  

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YBOR CITY, FL – The Ybor City Historical Society is excited to take Tampa Bay back in time with its third annual celebration of Ybor City history with ¡VIVA!: Speakeasy Soiree.

¡VIVA! pays tribute to the rich, vibrant history of Ybor, while also showcasing some of the local flavors that helped found the city and make Tampa what it is today.

¡VIVA! transports guests back to Ybor City in the 1920s when the cigar industry and social scene were booming, and prohibition wasn’t slowing anyone down. This costume-optional, all-inclusive event will give patrons a taste of history, all in support of the Ybor City Historical Society, dedicated to preserving, promoting and celebrating Ybor’s unique cultural heritage.

¡VIVA! will feature live entertainment, including a live band and a 1920s dance performance by the HCC Ybor City Campus. It will also take guests back in time with cigar rolling and the chance to play bolita, just like people did in 1920s Ybor. The event will also have a wine pull and silent auction.

The event, presented by Hattricks, takes place from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at the J.C. Newman Cigar Factory. Buy tickets at https://www.ybormuseum.org/events-programs.

General admission tickets cost $75 ($65 for members). Each ticket includes a password into the speakeasy, all-you-can-eat and drink from local restaurants featuring the tastes of Ybor, breweries and distilleries, commemorative cigar and pass to visit the Tampa Baseball Museum.

VIP tickets cost $125 ($115 for members) and include exclusive early access to the speakeasy for a special reception, as well as all the food and beverage tastings. 

Students with disabilities develop skills at Public Defender’s Office 

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TAMPA – Students with learning disabilities are gaining essential life and job skills in a real-world environment at the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office.

They have a supportive bridge between school and adulthood thanks to a nearly 20-year partnership between Pepin Academies and the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office.

Through the Pepin Academies Transition Program, students ages 18 to 22 help digitize legal files, learn professional etiquette and take part in hands-on training for independent living, all within the walls of the legal office that represents people charged with crimes who can’t afford to hire their own attorneys.

What started with a cold call from a Pepin Academies administrator to then-Public Defender Julianne Holt has grown over the past two decades into a model of community collaboration. 

“It just made sense,” said Holt, who immediately embraced the opportunity to support students with disabilities. “This has always been a true partnership and a powerful one.” 

Jonathan Temaul, a Pepin graduate who started in the program years ago, now works in mail operations for the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office. Other graduates have landed jobs at Publix, Macy’s, Embassy Suites, University of South Florida, AdventHealth, Tampa General Hospital and The Florida Aquarium.

Now under the leadership of newly elected Public Defender Lisa McLean, the partnership is entering a new chapter. Hillsborough County has allocated $800,000 for a first-floor renovation project, and plans include a fully equipped teaching kitchen to enhance students’ hands-on learning experience.

“This partnership shows what’s possible when public institutions work together to invest in people,” McLean said. “We’re proud to support the students of Pepin Academies and help empower them to thrive.”

Set for completion next year, the new space will allow students to practice meal preparation and household tasks.

“This program is about building confidence, instilling responsibility and giving opportunity for independent, productive futures,” said Jeff Skowronek, executive director of Pepin Academies. “Parents often tell us they never imagined their child would hold a job or live on their own. Through this program, those things that are commonplace for many can be realized for them, too.”

 

Tips to prevent students from becoming sick

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TAMPA – As students return to classrooms, parents and pediatricians will most likely notice the familiar pattern of seasonal illnesses. While CDC data shows that acute respiratory illnesses are currently at a very low level, this can shift quickly as children gather in classrooms. Meanwhile, hand-foot-and-mouth disease is among the most commonly reported pediatric illnesses right now, according to pediatricians.

“Even before the start of school we were seeing the usual uptick in hand-foot-and-mouth disease,” said Dr. Rosa Taveras, a pediatrician at AdventHealth. “Right now, respiratory viruses remain under control nationally, but as kids spend more time indoors and share surfaces, parents should watch for signs of cold, flu, or stomach bugs coming up in the weeks ahead.”

Taveras offers these proactive strategies to help keep kids healthy now and for the rest of the school year:

 

Take Precautions

  • Keep up with routine immunizations including flu, DTaP (for whooping cough) and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella).  
  • Encourage frequent, thorough handwashing with soap and water or use hand sanitizer when needed.
  • Teach and remind kids to cover coughs and sneezes into their elbow or tissue, then wash hands.  

 

Stay Informed and Monitor Symptoms

  • Parents should monitor for classic signs of fever, sore throat, cough, rash (for HFMD or measles) or prolonged coughing fits (whooping cough).
  • If symptoms emerge, keep children home until fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication and follow school policy guidelines.

 

Act Early if Illness Strikes

  • For flu or COVID-19, antiviral treatments work best when started early, ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset.
  • Those at higher risk or with infants should contact their pediatrician promptly for testing and possible treatment.

 

Boost Wellness Year‑Round

  • Encourage balanced nutrition, plenty of rest, regular physical activity and stress management to reinforce immune health.