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Saint Leo University to help alumni build AI-era skills

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Members of the alumni community are commemorated with bricks at Saint Leo University. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

 

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University’s new Lifelong Learning Commitment will provide more than 107,000 graduates with access to professional development, artificial intelligence training and career resources to help them keep pace with a changing workforce.

As part of the university’s commitment, Saint Leo alumni will have the opportunity to complete one professional certification course designated by the program each year and earn an official Saint Leo credential.

“As technology continues to reshape nearly every industry, universities have a responsibility to help graduates continue learning long after commencement,” said Jim Burkee, president of Saint Leo University. “The Lifelong Learning Commitment is about giving our alumni the tools, knowledge and confidence they need to lead in an AI-driven workforce.”

The first offering, available to alumni later this fall, will be a new online AI certification course developed by Saint Leo University, valued at more than $500. Alumni will also have access to additional AI educational resources through the university’s partnership with IBM SkillsBuild. Participants will receive an official Saint Leo alumni email address, providing access to the program’s educational and professional development opportunities.

Interested Saint Leo alumni can join the waiting list for the Lifelong Learning Commitment at your.saintleo.edu/alumni-and-community/benefits-and-services. Certification offerings and program benefits will be updated each year to reflect emerging technologies and changing workforce needs, with program membership renewed annually.

The Lifelong Learning Commitment is part of a broader effort to strengthen Saint Leo’s lifelong relationship with its graduates. The university is expanding opportunities for alumni to stay connected, contribute their expertise and engage with Saint Leo in ways that align with their interests and careers.

“Every Saint Leo graduate should have an opportunity to stay connected, contribute and be part of the university community in a way that works for them,” said Nieta Scott-Dunmore, most recent president of the Alumni Association board of directors. “I’m excited to see the university expand opportunities beyond the traditional board structure and invite more alumni to contribute their talents, experiences and ideas. This is an important step toward building a stronger, more connected alumni community.”

This fall, new Alumni Advisory Councils will bring together alumni professionals, industry leaders and employer partners to collaborate with each of Saint Leo’s three academic colleges. The councils will provide workforce insights, strengthen partnerships between the university and industry and help expand experiential learning, internships and career pathways for students and graduates.

The Alumni Ambassador Program will provide graduates with flexible options to support Saint Leo through events, student recruitment efforts and alumni outreach. The university is also expanding regional programming, starting in the Tampa Bay area, to create more opportunities for alumni to engage through networking events, career-focused gatherings and community activities.

“We see our alumni as lifelong partners in Saint Leo’s mission, and we are investing in their continued growth, success and connection to the university,” said Stephen Kubasek, vice president of university advancement. “We’re expanding opportunities for alumni across all of our academic programs and meeting them where they are, whether through continued learning, career connections, mentorship or community engagement.”

On the web: your.saintleo.edu

Wesley Chapel Rotary hosting 9/11 Memorial Mile Run/Walk

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WESLEY CHAPEL – Twenty-five years after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel will gather the community for its eighth annual 9/11 Memorial Mile Run/Walk on Sept. 5 at Tampa Premium Outlets.

The one-mile run/walk steps off at 8 a.m. At 8:46 a.m. — the minute the first plane struck the World Trade Center — a ceremonial bell will ring and the field will fall silent. The club’s annual Hall of Heroes Ceremony and plaque dedication follow immediately after.

This year’s Hall of Heroes honorees are Pasco Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Ryan Jackson and K-9 Blake, recognized for their courage during a March shootout in the Moon Lake area, in which Jackson was shot and wounded while confronting an armed suspect.

The ceremony will also feature Lt. Col. Max Bowers, U.S. Army Special Forces (Ret.), who commanded the soldiers who came to be known as the “Horse Soldiers of 9/11” — the first American troops on the ground in Afghanistan, who rode into battle on horseback in the weeks after the attacks.

“Twenty-five years after Sept. 11, it is more important than ever that we continue to tell the stories of those who gave their lives that day and those who continue to serve our communities today,” said Chris Casella of  the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel. “This event allows us to remember the past, honor heroes like Sgt. Ryan Jackson and K-9 Blake, and invest in the next generation of first responders who will carry that commitment to service forward.”

Net proceeds fund scholarships for graduating Pasco County high school seniors pursuing careers in law enforcement, firefighting, EMS and paramedicine.

 

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Boutique supports designer with Down syndrome 

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TAMPA BAY – After hearing “no” from more than 15 boutiques, young designer Raquel Caramello walked into Coastal Sol in June carrying something she believed in: her handmade jewelry and coastal shell creations.

This time, the answer was different.

Missy Hardy, the owner of the Tarpon Springs store, immediately connected with Raquel, her story and her creations. Hardy especially loved Raquel’s hand-finished shell keepsakes, shell jewelry and bag charms. 

She encouraged Raquel to continue developing that distinctive coastal niche.

Just months later, Raquel Beautiful has expanded to three additional boutiques throughout the Tampa Bay area, while Coastal Sol continues to carry the collection that first caught Hardy’s attention.

Supporting Raquel felt natural for Hardy. 

“Because of my father’s involvement with Special Olympics, inclusion was simply part of how I grew up,” Hardy said. “When Raquel walked into Coastal Sol with her designs, I saw a young entrepreneur with creativity and determination. I knew I wanted to be part of what she was building.”

Raquel, who has Down syndrome, personally creates each piece in the collection. Her coastal keepsakes begin with scallop and oyster shells that are individually designed, decoupaged and hand-painted with gold edging before receiving a glossy resin finish.

Designs range from coastal landmarks and colorful patterns to personalized monograms, birth flowers and custom college designs. No two pieces are exactly alike.

Raquel also personalizes designs into her shell jewelry collection. Scallop shell necklaces can feature monograms, birth flowers and other custom imagery and are available on both chains and scarf-style necklaces.

“I like to create beautiful things that inspire people and remind them that they are uniquely beautiful, just like my creations,” Raquel said.

The collection reflects the broader message behind Raquel Beautiful: celebrating individuality while creating beautiful products people genuinely want to wear, display and give.

Hardy’s early encouragement also helped Raquel recognize which parts of her collection resonated most strongly with customers. After seeing Coastal Sol customers respond to the shells, shell jewelry and bag charms, Raquel began specializing further in those products and developing them into a larger luxury keepsake collection.

What began with one boutique owner willing to say yes after more than 15 others had said no has quickly become a growing retail brand.

 

More information

Learn more about the Raquel Beautiful collection at RaquelBeautiful.com.

 

Whiskey Joe’s cuts water use with new technology

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Whiskey Joe’s has received a rebate on technology that helps it reduce water usage. Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Water
Whiskey Joe’s has received a rebate on technology that helps it reduce water usage. Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Water

TAMPA – The kitchen at Whiskey Joe’s thaws frozen food as part of its daily routine. Now, it’s doing so more quickly while using significantly less water.

The waterfront restaurant is the first business to receive a Tampa Bay Water Wise rebate for a commercial food-defrosting technology. The rebate helps offset the cost of the new CNSRV system, which is expected to save about 2,000 gallons of water every day. 

Whiskey Joe’s defrosts nearly one ton of product each week.

Rather than continuously using and wasting drinking water throughout the thawing process, the system recirculates the water. It can also be used to quickly cool large quantities of hot food, giving the kitchen another opportunity to cut down on water use.

“We’re always looking for ways to make our kitchen run better, and this was a change that made sense for us,” said Martin Duffany, brand manager at Whiskey Joe’s. “We can keep doing what we need to do in the kitchen while using a lot less water, and the rebate helped make the decision easy.”

The project comes as the Tampa Bay region remains under a Stage 3 Regional Water Supply Shortage.

“Saving 2,000 gallons of water a day with one piece of equipment is pretty significant,” said Amelia Brown, demand management program manager at Tampa Bay Water. “We know the upfront cost could make it harder for businesses to make these kinds of changes. This rebate helps make this investment a little easier for Whiskey Joe’s, and now that change is making a difference every day.”

Tampa Bay Water Wise helps businesses make water-saving improvements by offering rebates that can offset some of the upfront cost. Whiskey Joe’s received a $1,000 rebate toward the food-defrosting system, which costs approximately $3,600 without a rebate.

Larger projects may qualify for customizable rebates covering up to 50% of eligible project costs. Restaurants can also receive up to $200 for qualifying WaterSense toilets and half-gallon urinals.

“We know businesses are looking at their bottom line, too,” Brown said. “If you can save water and lower your utility costs at the same time, that’s a win for the business and for Tampa Bay.”

On the web: tampabaywater.org/conservation/tampa-bay-water-wise/

 

Law enforcement, community leaders honored at gala

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Detective Aaron Smith, of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, won Deputy of the Year. Photo courtesy of the The Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Foundation

CLEARWATER – The Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Foundation honored exceptional law enforcement officers and community leaders during its 11th Annual Gala on Aug. 29 at Opal Sol Resort in Clearwater.

U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody won the Lifetime Achievement Award. Photo courtesy of The Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Foundation

The evening’s highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award, was presented to U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody for her decades of leadership and advocacy on behalf of Florida’s law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.

“I am honored to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Foundation,” Moody said. “As a former prosecutor and the wife of a law enforcement officer, I have seen firsthand the sacrifices these men and women and their families make each and every day for our communities. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside them, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue that work and be their voice in the U.S. Senate.”

The gala also recognized five law enforcement honorees for extraordinary acts of service and business leader Fotini Allteni Kokeri for her longtime partnership with law enforcement.

“It’s about telling the stories of the people behind the badge,” said Greg Mertz, president of the Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Foundation. “These honorees represent the very best of law enforcement and community leadership. The foundation is proud to give officers the tools they need to succeed. When we support our officers, we strengthen the agencies they serve and the communities they protect.”

Honorees were: 

  • Deputy of the Year: Detective Aaron Smith, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Digital Forensics Unit

His expertise in digital forensics has helped solve complex criminal investigations, identify dozens of child exploitation victims and bring offenders to justice. His work helped the FBI dismantle a multi-state child exploitation case involving a Tampa Bay-area doctor.

  • Task Force of the Year: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Strategic Gun Intelligence Unit

The unit combats gun violence through intelligence-driven investigations and proactive enforcement. Since launching in 2025, the unit has arrested more than 100 violent offenders, seized 132 illegal firearms, recovered more than $100,000 in criminal proceeds and helped reduce gun violence across Hillsborough County.

  • Officer of the Year: Officer Andrew Billups, Clearwater Police Department

He rescued a missing 8-year-old autistic girl in danger of being swept into the Gulf and weeks later talked a woman in crisis to safety from the Memorial Causeway Bridge.

  • Agent of the Year: Aby George, Florida Department of Law Enforcement

George led an investigation that dismantled a major international child pornography ring operating across multiple countries. His work resulted in numerous arrests, the seizure of a website distributing child sexual abuse material, including more than one million explicit videos, and the identification of about 50 child victims.

  • Unsung Hero: Master Patrol Officer Chrisie Lopez, St. Petersburg Police Department

Lopez has worked more than a decade of service as a crisis negotiator to resolve high-risk situations. From helping a suicidal teenager to de-escalating an armed man experiencing a mental health crisis, her ability to defuse dangerous situations has saved lives while connecting people in crisis to the help they need.

  • Business Partner of the Year: Fotini Allteni Kokeri, Michael J. Kosloski Foundation

Kokeri has invested in law enforcement training, officer development, specialized equipment and community initiatives. Her partnership with law enforcement agencies, coupled with a dedication to improving health care, education and quality of life, has helped build stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community.

The gala’s presenting sponsor, Pepin Family Foundation, donated $250,000.

Andrew Billups, Clearwater Police Department, won Officer of the Year. Photo courtesy of The Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Foundation

Leaders work toward bringing MLB Rays to Hillsborough County

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TAMPA – Hillsborough County commissioners voted 5-2 on Aug. 28 to move forward with an agreement on the Hillsborough College Dale Mabry Campus Ballpark project.

“Today’s vote marks a monumental step toward securing a forever home for the Tampa Bay Rays, while integrating a new Hillsborough College campus into an $8 billion private-sector investment,” said Ken Hagan, chairman of the board. “This will be the largest, most transformative development in Hillsborough County history and the nation’s first live-work-play-learn district anchored by an MLB ballpark.”

The vote follows several months of negotiations among officials from Hillsborough County, City of Tampa, the Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Sports Authority. Discussions also took place with Hillsborough College and the state of Florida.

The new Rays stadium complex will be located at the corner of Dale Mabry Highway and West Tampa Bay Boulevard near Raymond James Stadium and Tampa International Airport.

Negotiations are anticipated to continue as additional agreements are pending consideration by the board, including a Ballpark License & Use Agreement, Community Benefits Agreement and Construction Funds Trust Agreement.

The Rays anticipate opening the ballpark in April 2029. 

Suncoast Credit Union merging with Launch Credit Union

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TAMPA – Launch Credit Union members have approved the proposed merger with Suncoast Credit Union following a 45-day voting period conducted earlier this summer, the credit unions announced Aug. 26. 

With approval from Launch members, both boards of directors and the National Credit Union Administration, the merger will take effect Sept. 1, with the combined organization operating under the Suncoast Credit Union name.

Launch Credit Union serves more than 86,000 members across Florida’s Space Coast and operates 17 branches in Brevard and Volusia counties. The combined credit union will serve more than 1.5 million members and manage over $22 billion in assets.

“Today marks an exciting new chapter as Launch Credit Union members become part of Suncoast Credit Union,” said Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of Suncoast Credit Union. “Together, we’ll continue investing in innovative products, enhanced services and meaningful community impact while remaining focused on our mission of helping our members achieve financial success.”

Johnson will lead the combined organization. Joe Mirachi, CEO of Launch Credit Union, is retiring.

“Our members’ approval reflects confidence in a partnership that positions us to deliver even greater value while preserving the member-first philosophy that has guided Launch Credit Union for more than 60 years,” Mirachi said. “We’re grateful for the trust our members have placed in us and look forward to the opportunities this new partnership creates.”

The integration process will continue over the coming months, and members will not experience immediate changes to their accounts or day-to-day services. Operational Day One, when members and employees are fully operating under the Suncoast umbrella, is expected in summer 2027.

Launch Credit Union will operate as Launch, a Branch of Suncoast Credit Union, during the transition period while both organizations work to integrate operations. Members will be notified in advance of any changes.

During the transition period, Launch and Suncoast will continue operating on separate systems. Members should continue conducting transactions through their existing credit union’s branches, digital banking platforms and service channels. 

No branches will close. The credit union said the merger will not result in job losses and will create new opportunities for employees to grow.

The merger will create opportunities to expand products and services, enhance technology, increase access to financial resources and provide additional value and convenience for members.  

A special dividend of up to $15 million will be paid to qualified Launch accounts before the effective date of the merger. The credit union announced that $5 million will be invested in nonprofits and school districts throughout Florida’s Space Coast.

Pasco County Fire Rescue celebrates new station

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Station 2 expands Pasco County Fire Rescue’s ability to respond to emergencies in a rapidly growing community. Photo courtesy of Pasco County

 

Neighbors toured the new station, met the firefighters and learned how Station 2 strengthens Pasco County Fire Rescue’s emergency coverage. Photo courtesy of Pasco County

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Fire Rescue celebrated the grand opening of Station 2 on Aug. 14.

Officials said the station expands Pasco County Fire Rescue’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies as the community continues to grow.

“Wesley Chapel deserves a fire station that matches its momentum, and Station 2 does exactly that,” Pasco Fire Chief Ryan Guynn said. “It positions our team to meet the community’s needs today while preparing us for the challenges of tomorrow.”

Located on Wesley Chapel Boulevard, the state-of-the-art station houses one engine, one rescue, one truck company and a fire investigator.  

The station also features an innovative hot, warm and cold zone layout designed to reduce firefighter exposure to carcinogens and improve long-term health outcomes.

 

The community joined Pasco County Fire Rescue leadership and the Station 2 crew for a grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting. Photo courtesy of Pasco County

Police seek details about Zephyrhills man missing since 2007

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Carlton McCarthy Ireland (Photo courtesy of Zephyrhills Police Department)

ZEPHYRHILLS – The Zephyrhills Police Department is renewing its appeal for information concerning the disappearance of Carlton McCarthy Ireland, who has been missing since spring 2007.

Ireland was 54 years old when he disappeared from Zephyrhills. His last known account activity was a water bill payment on April 18, 2007. Five days later, he was documented pawning a ring in Tampa. His red 1997 Toyota Tercel also disappeared and has never been recovered.

Ireland was born in Jamaica and had acquaintances there. He was also known to frequent Tampa and Dade City. as well as attend dog track races, according to police. 

Nearly two decades have passed, but Ireland’s family continues to search for answers.

“Carlton Ireland has a family that has lived with unanswered questions for far too long,” Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer said. “As time passes, people’s circumstances and relationships change. Someone who may not have felt comfortable speaking in 2007 may be ready to come forward today. Even a seemingly minor memory could help provide Carlton’s family with the answers they have been waiting for.”

The Zephyrhills Police Department asks anyone who knew Ireland, encountered him around the time of his disappearance, saw his vehicle or has heard information about what may have happened to him to contact investigators.

Information may come from Zephyrhills, Tampa, Dade City, Jamaica, dog tracks or any other location where Ireland had personal, employment or social connections. Police said no detail is too small.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Zephyrhills Police Department tipline at 813-819-8847. Information may also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-8477.

AdventHealth adds to therapy dog pack

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Boots, Skye and Pilot are joining in the footsteps of Wilbur (far right), chief barking officer. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
  • 1: Skye serves alongside AdventHealth’s AirStar 1 helicopter crews. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
  • 2: The six-month-old pups were given a special community welcome recently during a Puppy Pawty at AdventHealth Dade City, complete with pup-friendly ice cream and hugs. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
  • 3: Wilbur has worked with AdventHealth team members and first responders in Pasco County for more than five years. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

 

 

Skye serves alongside AdventHealth’s AirStar 1 helicopter crews. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

DADE CITY – AdventHealth has welcomed three new members to the hospital system’s therapy dog team.

Pilot and Skye are joining their dad, Wilbur, in bringing comfort and emotional support to patients, families and caregivers in AdventHealth hospitals across the Tampa Bay area. A third puppy from Wilbur’s litter, Boots, has joined AdventHealth EMS partner Pasco County Fire Rescue.

The 6-month-old pups were given a special community welcome recently during a Puppy Pawty at AdventHealth Dade City. Patients, visitors and AdventHealth team members got to meet the new therapy dogs and hear more about the work they will be doing alongside their handlers.

Wilbur, chief barking officer for AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, has worked with AdventHealth staff and first responders in Pasco County for more than five years. Wilbur provides encouragement and companionship.

Skye serves alongside AdventHealth’s AirStar 1 helicopter crews. Boots works with Pasco County Fire Rescue. All of the dogs will provide comfort and support during stressful situations and challenging moments.

Brendon Sanders, chief flight nurse for the AdventHealth AirStar 1 helicopter program, said they are very grateful to have Skye as part of their team and part of his family.

“She brings a lot of comfort to people, especially in times of stress. She kind of lightens the mood and is there to bring peace to otherwise stressful situations,” Sanders said.

Skye is living with Sanders full-time.

The six-month-old pups were given a special community welcome recently during a Puppy Pawty at AdventHealth Dade City, complete with pup-friendly ice cream and hugs. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

“She’s very affectionate and she’s naturally well-disciplined,” Sanders said. “It’s been really amazing.”

He said it has been great to have her with him every day at work as they go about their duties.

“If we are in the office, she’ll run around and go into everybody’s individual office and visits with them,” Sanders said. “Then we will go to visit AdventHealth hospitals in different parts of the Tampa area. We will walk through the ER, she greets patients and families, then we’ll go to other floors and visit the ICU or go over to labor and delivery and visit with team members at hospital. She just lightens everyone’s mood and brings some joy into their day.”

AdventHealth has used a pet therapy program for decades with dogs supporting patients, caregivers and first responders in a variety of roles, from cheerleaders to entertainers and even physical therapy assistants.