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Hillsborough County Public Schools celebrates top staffers

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TAMPA – The Hillsborough Education Foundation and Hillsborough County Public Schools honored those who represent the very best of public education at the 2026 Excellence in Education Awards. 

This year’s theme, Hillsborough’s Treasures, recognized educators and support staff whose efforts shape student success across the district.

Selected from 690 nominations, 13 finalists were recognized for their contributions. 

The event culminated with the announcement of one winner for each of three categories: Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year, Instructional Support Employee of the Year, and Teacher of the Year.

 

Ché Counce

Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year

Ché Counce is an Access Points teacher who has served Hillsborough County Public Schools for seven years. 

Counce is passionate about expanding opportunities for her students through grant writing, securing funding for sensory rooms, cooking lessons, science equipment, schoolwide inclusive events and a school garden.

She has served on the board of a nonprofit supporting individuals with Down syndrome and has also worked with Metropolitan Ministries in an after-school program. She also taught English in South Korea for a year. 

Counce is dedicated to community service and to empowering students with cognitive disabilities. Her students’ growth and increased inclusion continue to inspire her work each day.

 

Mary Torres-Cerezo

2026 Instructional Support Employee of the Year

Mary Lynn Torres-Cerezo has worked for Hillsborough County Public Schools for 21 years. She spent 14 of those years as a nurse for Willis Peters Exceptional Center. 

One of Mary’s passions is raising awareness for childhood cancer. Along with her church group, they adopt a family each Christmas who care facing childhood cancer. They do this in xmemory of her youngest daughter, Sierra.

Sierra is her biggest motivation in her role as a nurse. Sierra had Down Syndrome and passed away at age 9 from leukemia. 

Her other motivation is her students. She considers working with students with special needs to be an honor and a blessing. 

 

Christi Atkinson

2026 Teacher of the Year

Christi Atkinson has been teaching in Hillsborough County for 14 years, nine years at Wharton High School, with the last four years as the science department head. She is an active sponsor of Science National Honor Society and SPLASH Club and is a member of the Florida Marine Science Educators Association.

Atkinson has participated in training offered by Guy Harvey, the Florida Aquarium and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

She has been awarded grants from Guy Harvey, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Hillsborough Education Foundation and Target to finance student field trips and equipment purchases. 

Atkinson is motivated by watching students relate their classroom learning to the ocean and environment. She also challenges her students to discover creative and innovative solutions to environmental issues.

Saint Leo University opens new track, locker rooms

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The ribbon cutting at the track included Nick Spino, head track and field coach; Jim Burkee, president; James Detuccio, chief operating officer/chief financial officer; Hanen Burkee, assistant vice president of center for global engagement; and Marcal Lazenby, vice president of athletics and wellness. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

 

The ribbon cutting at the locker room included James Detuccio, chief operating officer/chief financial officer; Brett Parker, head men’s soccer coach, Jim Burkee, president; Hanen Burkee, assistant vice president of center for global engagement; Jose Caban, associate vice president of facilities management; and Marcal Lazenby, vice president of athletics and wellness. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University celebrated the grand opening Jan. 22 of an eight-lane, 400-meter track and newly constructed locker rooms.

The ribbon cutting brought together university leaders, coaches, student-athletes and staff to celebrate the expansion of the athletics facilities and the broader vision for sports at Saint Leo University.

“These new athletic facilities reflect our commitment to investing in our students, enhancing campus life and supporting Saint Leo’s growth,” said Jim Burkee, president of Saint Leo University. “By expanding and modernizing our athletics infrastructure, we are creating more opportunities for student success, enriching the student experience and strengthening the competitiveness of our athletic programs for years to come.”

The completion of the new eight-lane track is part of a phased relaunch of Saint Leo University’s men’s and women’s track and field programs. The teams welcomed 42 student-athletes in fall 2025, with enrollment expected to grow to about 60 by fall 2026. By 2027, at least 80 student-athletes are anticipated to be competing in sprint, distance and field events, including long jump, high jump, throwing events, javelin and steeplechase.

Saint Leo University now has an eight-lane, 400-meter track. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

As Saint Leo’s first official track, the facility allows the university to host future high school and collegiate meets, positioning the campus as a regional hub for track and field competitions. While the track is not currently available for outside rental, it is open to the Saint Leo community and local residents when not in use by the teams.

“The expansion of our athletic facilities is a game-changer, with our new track taking our programs to the next level,” said Marcal Lazenby, vice president of athletics and wellness. “We are expanding our ability to train, compete and recruit at a higher level, while giving student-athletes an even greater sense of pride in being a Saint Leo Lion.”

Saint Leo University also unveiled state-of-the-art men’s and women’s locker rooms on the north side of the Marion Bowman Activities Center. The three locker rooms serve about 120 student-athletes, primarily supporting the university’s soccer programs, and provide dedicated spaces for team strategy, preparation and camaraderie.

The athletics department is conducting a locker room naming campaign inviting alumni, parents and community members to support the new facilities. The campaign offers opportunities to name the three new rooms and individual lockers within them. Sponsored lockers will feature personalized recognition plaques. Learn more at  your.saintleo.edu/lockers.

 

A look inside one of the new locker rooms at Saint Leo University. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

 

Tampa Bay CEOs volunteer on Habitat home

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2026 CEO Build participants with homeowner recipients Andre and Tyshawnna Wesley. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside

 

Rondé Barber, Pro Football Hall of Famer and chairman of Copperhead Charities, has been a supporter of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside for several years. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside

LARGO – Community leaders from across the Tampa Bay region traded boardrooms for hard hats Jan. 23 to build a home for a local family in the Ridgecrest community in Largo. 

This served as the second of four build days for Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside’s fifth annual CEO Build. More than 20 CEOs spent the day helping install windows, framing and insulation.

“I’m not an expert with nails or laying tile, but I’m having a great time,” said Rondé Barber, Pro Football Hall of Famer and chairman of Copperhead Charities. “Getting together with this group of people who dedicate their time and resources to help other people is pretty awesome.”

Other executives on site included: 

  • David Bailey, Southern States Material Handling
  • Jim Eisch, Pinch-A-Penny
  • Robert Glaser, Smith & Associates Real Estate
  • Mindy Grossman, Consello Group
  • Joe Hamilton, Cityverse
  • Elizabeth Interthal, EBI Law, PLLC
  • Scott Kramer, Spartan Contracting Corporation
  • Elizabeth Olguin, Xpress UrSelf Media, LLC
  • Amanda Payne, Amplify Clearwater
  • James Poulter, Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation
  • Bill Roberti, Alvarez & Marsal
  • Karyn Roeling, Seibert Insurance
  • Heather Sanderson, Sanderson Firm PLLC
  • Tracy West, Copperhead Charities and Valspar Championship
  • Sarah Young, Zing Collaborative

“This is such an incredible opportunity to give back to the community and be out here with some incredible people to help some incredible people as well,” said Alicia Schulhof, president of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. “I think Habitat is such a great way to honor all the hard work of our team members, of our community, and bring it all together.”

In 2022, Habitat introduced the first annual CEO Build, where over 50 CEOs united to help raise more than $160,000 to sponsor the home build for a local family. Now in its fifth year, the CEO Build has grown in participation and impact, with 100 leaders raising $250,000 to provide a safe and affordable home for the Wesley family. 

“In just five years, this effort has raised over $1 million, engaged more than 140 CEOs, and transformed the lives of five families forever,” said Mike Sutton, president & CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside. “I think when you see the number of CEOs that have come together to support this initiative, it really speaks to the Tampa Bay region and how much our community rallies around organizations that are doing good work.”

On the web: habitattbg.org/ceobuild/.

 

Behavioral urgent care earns national award

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PASCO COUNTY – The National Community Development Association recognized Pasco County Community Development as a winner of the 2026 Audrey Nelson Community Development Achievement Award for its collaboration with BayCare on the Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center.

The Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center bridges the gap in services for urgent substance use and mental health care for vulnerable and low-to-moderate income customers by providing immediate access to services.

“This facility is a game-changer with essential mental health care for our customers,” said Jack Mariano, chair of the Pasco Board of County Commissioners.

Key features of the center include:

  • Outpatient care with extended hours
  • Behavioral health alternative to ER
  • Voluntary walk-in and hybrid services
  • Access for anyone transitioning from jail/inpatient setting

Over $1.4 million in funding from a Community Development Block Grant secured infrastructure and renovation needs at the facility, leading to more funding for operations for the next several years.

Pasco will be honored during the 57th NCDA Winter Legislative Conference on Feb. 6 in Washington, D.C.

The award recognizes local projects and programs funded through the HUD Community Development Block Grant program and other HUD Office of Community Planning and Development funding. 

Pasco County Community Development also received the Audrey Nelson Community Development Achievement Award in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

On the web: ncdaonline.org.

 

MOSI unveils new name, expansion 

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MOSI used chemical reactions Jan. 27 to transform a sign bearing its former name (Museum of Science & Industry) into its name of the future: Museum of Science & Innovation. Photo courtesy of MOSI

TAMPA – MOSI has unveiled a new name and a massive expansion of its space.

The institution will continue to be called “MOSI” but those letters will stand for the Museum of Science & Innovation.

“Our new name, Museum of Science & Innovation, captures the trajectory and energy of MOSI as we look to the future,”  President and CEO John Graydon Smith said. “We’re in a rapidly changing world, and Tampa Bay can count on MOSI to help make sense of what’s happening now and what’s coming next.

MOSI has changed names before during its 64-year history. It began as the Museum of Science and Natural History in 1962 before becoming the Museum of Science & Industry in 1982.

The new name aligns with the focus of the museum and its surrounding area as significant investments in Tampa Bay’s innovation economy continue to transform the Uptown area.

“Beyond understanding innovation, MOSI is here to help harness it,” Smith said. “We’re here to inspire the thinkers of tomorrow with learning outside the classroom, and we’re here to be a crucial partner in making sure the jobs of the future will be coming to Tampa Bay.”

The Center for STEAM Learning unlocks new science camp offerings, with MOSI now set to debut camps for high school students in astrophysics, advanced coding and video game design. Photo courtesy of MOSI

Campus expansion

MOSI also unveiled its expanded Center for STEAM Learning, adding 30,000 square feet of new classroom and lab space and allowing MOSI to serve four times the number of field trip visitors and school break campers each year.

The expansion features classrooms, a cooking lab, three computer labs and a makerspace with advanced hands-on tools like 3D printers.

“MOSI is the key anchor of an exciting redevelopment project coming to North Tampa, bringing in fresh opportunities for science, sports, entertainment, and more,” said Chris Boles, Hillsborough County commissioner and MOSI board member. “The concept of innovation will be at the core of this effort. Seeing MOSI take on a new name that matches this mission is a fantastic fit.”

The MOSI Digital Content Lab is packed with tools to create enormous 360-degree movies that can be shown in planetariums around the world. Photo courtesy of MOSI

MOSI also opened the doors to the new MOSI Digital Content Lab, where students will create immersive movies for giant dome screens like the one inside Saunders Planetarium. 

Developed with significant support from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Digital Accelerator for Arts and Culture, the lab will give students in MOSI science camps the power to bring their ideas to life.

Through a collaboration with the University of South Florida, the lab’s tools will be shared with USF students studying subjects ranging from film and art to medicine and engineering.

The Center for STEAM Learning expansion reactivates a portion of MOSI’s campus that was closed in 2017 when the museum made strategic changes to ensure financial sustainability.

“We’re not getting bigger simply for the sake of getting bigger. MOSI is evolving and growing strategically because we’re seeing the demand in our community for a first-class partner in science and innovation,” Smith said. “Our attendance has continued to climb, jumping up by nearly 35% with the opening of the Saunders Planetarium. The message is clear: MOSI is here to stay in North Tampa.”

 

The Fulfillment Lab expands to Pasco County

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The Fulfillment Lab is an eCommerce logistics business that calls Pasco County home. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC

 

The new Pasco County location serves as The Fulfillment Lab’s headquarters. It has an additional location in Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC

LUTZ – The Fulfillment Lab, an advanced technology and logistics company specializing in proprietary fulfillment software, has expanded its operations and relocated its headquarters to Pasco County, according to the Pasco Economic Development Council.

The company’s investment includes more than $2 million in new equipment and racking systems. 

The Fulfillment Lab initially leased 35,000 square feet in Sunlake Business Center in 2025 and has already expanded another 10,000 square feet.

“The Fulfillment Lab has always been driven by technology, and this expansion allows us to further develop our proprietary systems and bring smarter, more efficient fulfillment solutions to our clients,” said Rick Nelson, founder and CEO. “Thanks to the compliance and regulatory support provided by Pasco County and Pasco EDC, we were able to secure our certificate of occupancy and serve our customers through the busy holiday season. We couldn’t have gotten where we are today without their assistance.”

The Fulfillment Lab’s proprietary software platform integrates with TikTok, Shopify and Amazon, providing end-to-end dropshipping, data-driven fulfillment and quality control solutions. Its platform empowers online sellers to customize every stage of the customer experience from order creation to delivery while maintaining full visibility and operational efficiency.

“The Fulfillment Lab’s decision to grow in Pasco County underscores the region’s strength as a hub for advanced technology,” said Bill Cronin, president and CEO of Pasco EDC. “Their proprietary software and integration capabilities set them apart in the fulfillment industry, and we’re proud to see this level of innovation happening right here in our community.”

The Fulfillment Lab also supports local charities by providing fulfillment assistance for donation drives and care package initiatives.

“This is the kind of forward-thinking investment that keeps Pasco County on the rise,” Pasco County Commissioner Lisa Yeager said. “We’re excited to welcome The Fulfillment Lab and the momentum they bring to our tech economy.”

 

Hillsborough County Public Schools celebrates top staffers

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TAMPA – The Hillsborough Education Foundation and Hillsborough County Public Schools honored those who represent the very best of public education at the 2026 Excellence in Education Awards. 

This year’s theme, Hillsborough’s Treasures, recognized educators and support staff whose efforts shape student success across the district.

Selected from 690 nominations, 13 finalists were recognized for their contributions. 

The event culminated with the announcement of one winner for each of three categories: Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year, Instructional Support Employee of the Year, and Teacher of the Year.

 

Ché Counce

Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year

Ché Counce is an Access Points teacher who has served Hillsborough County Public Schools for seven years. 

Counce is passionate about expanding opportunities for her students through grant writing, securing funding for sensory rooms, cooking lessons, science equipment, schoolwide inclusive events and a school garden.

She has served on the board of a nonprofit supporting individuals with Down syndrome and has also worked with Metropolitan Ministries in an after-school program. She also taught English in South Korea for a year. 

Counce is dedicated to community service and to empowering students with cognitive disabilities. Her students’ growth and increased inclusion continue to inspire her work each day.

 

Mary Torres-Cerezo

2026 Instructional Support Employee of the Year

Mary Lynn Torres-Cerezo has worked for Hillsborough County Public Schools for 21 years. She spent 14 of those years as a nurse for Willis Peters Exceptional Center. 

One of Mary’s passions is raising awareness for childhood cancer. Along with her church group, they adopt a family each Christmas who care facing childhood cancer. They do this in xmemory of her youngest daughter, Sierra.

Sierra is her biggest motivation in her role as a nurse. Sierra had Down Syndrome and passed away at age 9 from leukemia. 

Her other motivation is her students. She considers working with students with special needs to be an honor and a blessing. 

 

Christi Atkinson

2026 Teacher of the Year

Christi Atkinson has been teaching in Hillsborough County for 14 years, nine years at Wharton High School, with the last four years as the science department head. She is an active sponsor of Science National Honor Society and SPLASH Club and is a member of the Florida Marine Science Educators Association.

Atkinson has participated in training offered by Guy Harvey, the Florida Aquarium and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

She has been awarded grants from Guy Harvey, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Hillsborough Education Foundation and Target to finance student field trips and equipment purchases. 

Atkinson is motivated by watching students relate their classroom learning to the ocean and environment. She also challenges her students to discover creative and innovative solutions to environmental issues.

Leonardo da Vinci machines on display in new MOSI exhibit

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MOSI makes science and technology accessible to all with engaging permanent and rotating exhibits such as “Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion.” Photo courtesy of Evergreen Exhibitions

 

Get ready to crank, spin and fly into the mind of the world’s greatest inventor. Photo courtesy of Evergreen Exhibitions

TAMPA – MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry has launched a new exhibit inspired by the imagination of one of history’s most celebrated thinkers, Leonardo da Vinci. 

“Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion” is a life-size mechanical playground where visitors can see the artist’s flying machines, try out floats designed for walking on water and climb inside an eight-person military tank.

All of these attractions are based on the sketches found in da Vinci’s famed notebooks.

To bring this exhibit to life, skilled craftsmen in Italy hand-built more than 40 machines, using the same techniques and tools that da Vinci himself would have used in the Renaissance, more than 500 years ago. 

“Leonardo da Vinci was STEAM before STEAM had a name,” said John Graydon Smith, MOSI president and CEO. “He blended science, technology, engineering, art and math into everything he imagined. This exhibit lets you explore that same mix of creativity and curiosity in action.”

In Tampa for a limited time, “Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion” is included with MOSI admission.

 

Pigz in Z’Hills brings back mouthwatering BBQ 

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Pit Master Lamar Marshall, of Lakeland, grilled ribs, chicken and sausage for event-goers at the 12th Annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival. The 16th annual event returns Feb. 28. Fred Bellet/File photo

ZEPHYRHILLS – Competitive barbecue is returning to the 16th annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival with the introduction of an FBA-sanctioned Backyard BBQ Competition on Feb. 28 in downtown Zephyrhills. 

Previously a professional-level competition, organizers are relaunching the contest with a Backyard division as they reintroduce competitive cooking to the festival. The competition will be sanctioned by the Florida Barbecue Association, ensuring official rules, certified judging and a structured competitive experience. 

The Backyard BBQ Competition is open to amateur and backyard pitmasters and will feature competition in pork, ribs and chicken. The People’s Choice, sponsored by Effie Mae’s Kitchen, will allow attendees to sample and vote for their favorite entries. 

The 16th Annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival is a signature East Pasco County event, drawing thousands each year for award-winning barbecue, live blues music, and family-friendly entertainment. 

2026 music performers will include LC Williams and The Driver, The Nightbumpers, Thunderbolt Brown and All Star Band featuring Chuck Riley, Ephraim Lowell, RJ Howson & Kid Royal

The event is sponsored in partnership with Florida’s Sports Coast, Suncoast Credit Union, AdventHealth, the City of Zephyrhills, Sonny’s BBQ, The Laker/Lutz News and Tampa Bay Times. 

Proceeds benefit the Greater East Pasco Chamber of Commerce and its foundation, which supports scholarships for Pasco County students. 

Team spots are limited and expected to fill quickly. More information and registration details are available at www.eastpascochamber.org/pigz-in-zhills-bbq-blues-festival/.

 

SMARTstart showcases entrepreneurs at Food Vendor Fair

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Bee Ready 4 Anything, which specializes in honey, participated in last year’s SMARTstart Food Vendor Fair. The company will “bee” back this year. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC

PASCO COUNTY – The UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County and Pasco Economic Development Council will present the sixth annual SMARTstart Food Vendor Fair on Jan. 29. 

The family-friendly food event shares incubator business opportunities and supports food entrepreneurs’ businesses. The community can buy food and arrange event catering or gifts. 

“Events like the SMARTstart Food Vendor Fair highlight the incredible talent and diversity of Pasco County’s small business community,” said Jack Mariano, chair of the  Pasco County Board of County Commissioners. “Supporting these entrepreneurs strengthens our local economy and showcases the innovation happening right here in our own backyard.”

The East Pasco Incubator Kitchen features an incubator where budding food entrepreneurs can produce food in a licensed commercial kitchen and then use the packaging and labeling station to create nutrition fact labels for their products. Members of the East Pasco Incubator Kitchen get access to business coaching through the SMARTstart Program. This center is co-located with UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County and features a community garden where SMARTstart members can grow their own ingredients.

“Every year we are excited to see the new culinary creations coming out of the East Pasco Incubator Kitchen and would be honored if the public were to join us to see what’s cooking,” said  Dan Mitchell, assistant vice president of entrepreneurship for Pasco EDC.

 Participating SMARTstart Incubator members include:

  • Bee Ready 4 Anything: Sells honey and bees and provides bee removal services and pollination services.
  • Bean Buggy and Co.: Mobile coffee trailer serving espresso, desserts, bagel sandwiches and craft drinks for events and catering across Tampa.
  • Blue Crow Espresso: Pours delicious espresso from their mobile coffee bike.
  • Boots on the Grind Catering by Chef Jasmin: Veteran-owned catering and private chef business based in Wesley Chapel specializing in authentic Puerto Rican cuisine and other culturally inspired dishes.
  • Da Flava Spot: Serves Jamaican cuisine, specializing in jerk chicken and more.
  • Edenesque: Specializes in homemade beef jerky and freeze-dried fruits and vegetables.
  • Finga Lickin Ting: Offers authentic Jamaican patties and other traditional pastries.
  • Maggie’s Snow Shoppe: Mobile Shave Ice business specializing in making syrups from scratch using fresh fruit.
  • Peppa & Thyme Provisions, LLC: A Jamaican-inspired food truck and catering service bringing bold island flavors to the Tampa Bay area.
  • Pucker and Pop: Serves specialty lemonade and old school dirty sodas.
  • Son’ni Boi & Petal, Inc: Specializes in creating sweet treats for company events, parties or family gatherings, offering their signature cashew brittle and more.

 

Want to go?

The sixth annual Food Vendor Fair will be held Jan. 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the SMARTstart East Pasco Incubator Kitchen, 15029 14th St., Dade City. Admission and parking are free. Vendors’ item prices will vary.