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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Small business advocates win statewide awards

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TAMPA – Several members of the Florida Small Business Development Center at University of South Florida were recognized during the 2025 Florida SBDC Network’s Performance Excellence Awards on Aug. 18 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.

The statewide event celebrates outstanding contributions across Florida’s nine regional small business development centers.

“It was a true honor to attend the Florida SBDC Network’s Annual Awards Celebration and recognize our incredible team members for their hard work, dedication and years of service,” said Carl Hadden, regional director of the Florida SBDC at USF. “Their commitment to supporting small businesses continues to make a lasting impact across our 10-county Tampa Bay region.”

 

Aubri Shauger-Haley won the Laura Subel Lifetime Achievement Award. Photo courtesy of Florida SBDC at USF

Laura Subel Lifetime Achievement Award: Aubri Shauger-Haley

Aubri Shauger-Haley won the Laura Subel Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to Florida’s small business community. 

Shauger-Haley serves as a business manager and procurement specialist for the Small Business Enterprise Program at Pinellas County. She also works as a business consultant for the Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development subcenter. 

She has helped Florida small businesses secure more than $75 million in government contracts. 

 

Stephanie Ordoñez won the Ambassador of the Year Award. Photo courtesy of Florida SBDC at USF

Ambassador of the Year Award: Stephanie Ordoñez

Stephanie Ordoñez, communications and marketing officer at the Florida SBDC at USF, has been named the Florida Ambassador of the Year. 

The award recognizes her advocacy and dedication to promoting the resources and services of the Florida SBDC at USF. Ordoñez leads efforts to raise awareness of the center’s no-cost consulting and training opportunities for small businesses. 

She helps amplify the impact of the Florida SBDC at USF in the entrepreneurial community through social media campaigns. 

 

Service Awards

Several team members were also recognized for their years of service: 

  • 15 years: Selma Canas, Kurt Forster and Yolanda Goodloe.
  • 10 years: Karen Krymski and Corey McCaster.
  • 5 years: Greg Manning. 

 

Community rallies around oak tree in Dade City

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DADE CITY – County Administrator Mike Carballa announced Aug. 19 that Pasco County will take steps to preserve an old oak tree outside the courthouse in Dade City. 

This comes after members of the community urged county leaders not to remove the tree in favor of updated landscaping. 

Carballa said county commissioners directed staff to employ a master arborist, who inspected the oak tree, provided a report on its condition and included options for removal, remediation or maintenance.

“Based on the arborist’s report and with the full support of this board, Pasco County will begin implementing a new maintenance plan to protect both the tree and surrounding property and we will reevaluate the tree’s condition biannually to ensure everyone’s safety,” Carballa said. “Pasco County appreciates the community’s patience as we move through the process of gaining a deeper understanding of the tree’s condition.”

County commissioners have received a lot of feedback from the community on the issue, including from Karen Menard of the Dade City Garden Club. Menard read a resolution from the club during the Aug. 19 public comment period urging the board to register Grand Oak No. 7 as a protected heritage tree. 

“This tree is estimated to be between 200 and 250 years old and represents one of the oldest and most significant natural landmarks in Dade City,” Menard said. “The tree has been a witness to the history and development of the community, serving as a gathering place for generations of residents and holding cultural, historic and sentimental value.”

The Dade City Garden Club explained that mature oak trees provide shade, habitat for native wildlife, stormwater management and carbon sequestration.

 

Hillsborough pet shelter takes steps to save pets

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TAMPA – Hillsborough County says 150,000 pets have been saved at the Pet Resource Center since the county improved the live-release rate at the shelter 13 years ago.

Back in 2012, about 12,000 dogs and cats were euthanized, nearly two-thirds of the pets brought to the shelter. Today, the Pet Resource Center’s live-release rate is above 90%.

It took 10 years to reach 100,000 pets saved, a milestone reached in October 2022. It has taken less than three years for that number to reach 150,000.  Of the 150,406 dogs and cats saved, 101,133 were adopted, 27,643 returned home and 21,630 were sent to rescue groups. 

These numbers stand out more when you consider the Pet Resource Center is an open-admission shelter, meaning it accepts all dogs and cats regardless of age, medical condition or breed.  

Among the policy and practical changes responsible for the dramatic improvement in live-release rates and the accompanying drop in euthanasia:

  • Creating a pet support team that helps residents keep their pets rather than turning them over to the shelter. Team members can help resolve issues with pet behavior, provide food and supplies, and even arrange medical care.
  • Actively working with more than 300 pet rescue groups.
  • Establishing a foster program that allows residents to take pets home for as little as a week. The program helps clear shelter space and provides information about the pets’ behavior and personality. Many of the pets are adopted by the foster parents or their friends or families.
  • Establishing pet-enrichment programs such as dog play groups.
  • Spaying, neutering and evaluating pets so most dogs and cats can go home the same day people decide to adopt them.
  • Allowing residents to view nearly all available dogs and cats at the shelter through an online kennel that includes photos, medical information and behavioral notes.
  • Matching people with the right pet, which increases owner satisfaction and reduces return rates.
  • Increasing the number and variety of medical issues that can be treated at the shelter. Animals with ailments that almost automatically resulted in euthanasia a decade ago are now routinely treated at the shelter by veterinary staff and ultimately adopted.

Because the Pet Resource Center does not euthanize for space, the shelter is almost always full. Currently, the shelter is at about 120% capacity for dogs and 300% capacity for cats. Residents interested in adoption, fostering or volunteering can visit HCFL.gov/pets for details. 

 

Kids’ stuffed animals can get checkups

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Back-to-school checkups don’t have to be stressful. The Florida Aquarium lets kids bring plushies for checkups. Photo courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

TAMPA – As kids across Tampa Bay get their back-to-school check-ups, The Florida Aquarium is offering a playful twist on wellness with a check-up for their favorite stuffed animals. 

On Aug. 23 and 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., families are invited to bring their beloved plush toys to the aquarium for the return of Cuddle Clinic, now open to the public for the first time and included with general admission.

The hands-on experience transforms the aquarium into a plush-toy hospital, where children can give their cuddly companions a full health check-up while learning about animal care. Children will guide their patients through different stations throughout the aquarium, including check-in with exam form and animal adoption, X-ray, dental exam, nutrition assessments, eye and ear exam, bandages or stitches, lab tests, treatment and prevention, and physical exam.

The Florida Aquarium’s staff and volunteers will be on call throughout the experience to provide personalized attention and support to make sure every stuffed animal leaves in tip-top shape. Whether it’s a well-loved teddy bear from home or a brand-new aquatic friend adopted onsite, all are welcome for a little extra care.

Don’t Have a Plushie? With the purchase of a general admission ticket for Aug. 23 or 24, guests can symbolically adopt a marine animal through the Aquarium’s Animal Adopt program for $40. The offer includes a plush version and fact sheet of the chosen animal as well as an official adoption certificate.

Registration is not required for the Cuddle Clinic. 

On the web: ​​flaquarium.org

How to ‘strive to thrive’ in college

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New and returning students engage in icebreaker games during New Student Orientation in 2024 at Saint Leo University. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University
Tammy Zacchilli

ST. LEO – As the new school year approaches, college students across the country are preparing to dive back into classes, schedules and campus life. But beyond simply surviving the academic grind, this year is an opportunity to strive to thrive, grow, connect, and make the most of the college experience. With the right mindset and resources, students can turn challenges into motivation and routine into purpose.

Here are some tips for preparing to thrive this academic year:

 

Stay on campus as much as possible.

Whether it’s homesickness, a job, or a boyfriend or girlfriend from home, try not to leave campus too soon or too often. The more time you spend getting to know the campus and your new friends (and your new schedule), the more you’ll feel at home at school. Most universities offer social and cultural events so be sure to check those out!

If you are a commuter student, try to also get involved, because that will help create a closer connection between you, your classmates, and the university.

 

Set boundaries with parents.

Some parents may expect their students to come home every weekend or every holiday. Other parents may understand that college commitments may make it difficult for them to visit often. This can be a difficult conversation to have, but it is important to be clear and consistent about when you can call, text, or visit.

You might also have to let your parents know that you need the opportunity to make your own decisions and mistakes. Communication is an important part of the parent-child relationship even in the college years.

 

Make friends.

Making friends is key to the college experience. Building new relationships is easy for some students but can be difficult for others. Some students may “click” right away while others may not build deep relationships until later in the academic year.

Joining organizations or study groups can help. Many friendships begin when students share multiple classes or sit near each other in class. Finding something in common like similar hobbies or major can also help build these relationships.

Be the kind of friend you’re looking for by showing up for others and offering kindness.

 

Practice radical hospitality.

Radical hospitality goes beyond just being polite – it’s about creating a deliberately inclusive, welcoming environment that makes people feel valued. On a college campus, this might include holding the door for a fellow student, joining an ally organization to connect with neurodivergent students, or joining a service group.

Making eye contact and saying “hello” or “good morning” is also a great way to make others feel important. Sometimes the little things may mean the most to someone!

 

Try to avoid social comparison.

Social media has become a large part of many of our lives. While there are some positive aspects of social media, it is important that you are cautious about how much time you spend on these accounts. Although it is not easy, make a point to avoid social comparison.

Remember that people often post about the positive aspects of their lives, and you might not see the full picture.

 

Don’t be afraid to seek out resources.

Coping with new things, new people, new classes, and more can be challenging and can create

additional stress. If you are a new student at a university, it may take a little while for you to become accustomed to college life. If you are a returning student, you might still feel

overwhelmed.

It’s a good idea to set expectations for the semester, term, or academic year. What do you want

to accomplish and what resources will you need to be successful? Colleges offer many

resources from tutoring to career services to counseling. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

I hope you strive to thrive this academic year!

 

Dr. Tammy Lowery Zacchilli is a professor of psychology at Saint Leo University and teaches the popular course, Psychology of Parenting. She is the Southeastern Regional Vice President of Psi Chi and associate editor of the Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research. Zacchilli earned her bachelor’s degree from Kennesaw State University; her master’s from Augusta State University; and her PhD from Texas Tech.

AdventHealth Center Ice takes us ‘Back to Wizarding School’

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Whether you’re brave, clever, loyal, or cunning, AdventHealth Center Ice offers an enchanted event to celebrate the start of a new school year. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth Center Ice

WESLEY CHAPEL – Get ready to trade your Muggle attire for your house colors and join AdventHealth Center Ice for a magical evening.

AdventHealth Center Ice presents “Back to Wizarding School,” a themed public skate session from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 16.

Before you step into the “Great Hall on Ice,” put on the Sorting Hat to find out which house you belong to. Skate alongside fellow witches and wizards and take part in spellbinding games and let your house pride shine as you compete for glory, bragging rights and magical prizes. AdventHealth Center Ice regularly hosts a two-hour theme skate during public skate sessions.

Whether you’re an avid skater or just looking for a fun way to ice skate for the first time, theme skates offer fun curated music, party favors, games, themed drinks and prizes for best dressed.

“Theme skates at AdventHealth Center Ice give guests a different way to express themselves

and their interests while participating in a community ice skate,” said Matthew Christopher, events director. “For the upcoming event, the in-house restaurant and bar, Top Shelf Sports Lounge, will have kid and adult friendly butter brew to keep the theme going off-ice as well.”

Located at 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., AdventHealth Center Ice is the largest ice-sports training facility in the Southeast. The 150,000 square-foot facility features five ice rinks, 18 locker rooms, off-ice training area, full restaurant/bar, concession stand and pro shop.

On the web: AHCenterIce.com

Glazer Children’s Museum offers activities for toddlers

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TAMPA – When the older kids head back to school, the littlest learners take center stage at the Glazer Children’s Museum with Toddler Takeover, a three-week celebration designed just for children ages 5 and under. 

Running Aug. 11-31, this programming empowers toddlers to climb, crawl, wiggle and explore in a museum made just for them.

From themed sensory activities and storytimes to community resource guests and character visits, Toddler Takeover offers intentional play opportunities that support early childhood development while giving families a fun  experience.

 

CRAFTS & DAILY THEMES

Toddlers can strengthen fine and gross motor skills through colorful crafts and engaging daily activities.

 

MakeSpace Crafts:

Little hands get creative at MakeSpace stations where toddlers can cut, glue, draw and build using safe materials. Activities include:

  • Rainbow hair self-portraits using pipe cleaners and beads.
  • Pom-pom rainbow art with glue.
  • Pokey pool noodle sculptures with everyday items.
  • Cutting colorful construction paper into shapes.

 

Daily Themes:

Each day brings new movement-based adventures:

  • Water Wednesdays: Splash and play with extra toys in KidsPort.
  • Funky Fridays: Dance and groove during music and movement storytimes.

 “Toddler Takeover is all about creating space for our youngest learners to explore, play and grow at their own pace,” said Sarah Cole, museum president and CEO. “Play isn’t just fun, it’s fundamental. At this stage of development, every squish of slime or wiggle to music helps build critical motor, sensory and social skills that set the foundation for lifelong learning.”

 

SPECIAL GUESTS & ACTIVITIES

 

Gabby’s Dollhouse MEOWseum Discovery Days

Meet beloved costumed character Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse”

  • Aug. 16 & 17

Reservations are required. Included with general admission.

 

Sensory Studio (10 a.m.-noon):

Hands-on, messy play designed to stimulate the senses:

  • Aug. 19: Splish Splash Bash – colored water, bubble foam and water beads
  • Aug. 26: Ooey Gooey Sensory – enhanced slime, oobleck and shaving cream

 

WEDU Storytimes (11–11:30 a.m.):

Enjoy themed storytimes and crafts with WEDU:

  • Aug. 19: “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Eric Carle
  • Aug. 26: “Alphabet Mystery” by Audrey Wood

 

Early Childhood Council:

Learn about Help Me Grow developmental screenings:

  • Aug. 14 & 21 (11 a.m.-1 p.m.): Info and pre-registration for screenings
  • Aug. 25 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.): On-site screenings for registered families

 

Early Learning Coalition:

  • Aug. 25 (10 a.m.–1 p.m.): VPK enrollment information available on-site

 

Be Like Blippi Week

  • Aug. 24 to 31: Get curious like Blippi with themed activities that encourage discovery, play, and imagination.

Visit GlazerMuseum.org to learn more or reserve tickets. 

Saint Leo University elects new president 

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ST. LEO – Jim Burkee will leave his post as president of Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri, to lead Saint Leo University. 

Burkee becomes the 12th president in university history, following the retirement of Edward Dadez in February. His tenure begins Sept. 1.

His presidency will focus on growing the university’s Catholic Benedictine mission by increasing new student enrollment and retention, growing philanthropic support, and working with community and industry partners to strengthen the university’s academic programs.

“I felt called to Saint Leo at a distinct moment in its history, when innovation and mission are converging in bold new ways,” Burkee said. “As a historian by training and a longtime teacher of history, I’m inspired by institutions that balance courageous innovation with enduring values. That synthesis is already living at Saint Leo in its inventive online learning, strategic partnerships and unwavering service to underserved communities. I am honored to join with faculty, staff, students and alumni to honor that legacy and elevate what makes Saint Leo truly exceptional.”

Saint Leo University enlisted the help of AGB Search in finding its next president. More than 300 candidates from across the nation applied. Finalists were interviewed by a university search committee, faculty, staff, students and alumni.

“Dr. Jim Burkee’s unique background and past accomplishments made him the absolute best candidate to ensure Saint Leo’s future prosperity and to deliver upon its Catholic Benedictine mission in new and innovative ways,” said Noel Boeke, chair of the board of trustees. 

Burkee brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education to Saint Leo University. During his three years as president at Avila, he tripled the university’s student enrollment, strengthened its academic offerings through partnerships, raised more than $34 million in philanthropic support, and grew its Catholic partnerships and outreach.

Prior to Avila University, Burkee held leadership positions with the College of Mount Saint Vincent (NY) and Concordia College New York. His career in higher education began as a history professor at Concordia College New York and Concordia University Wisconsin.

Burkee holds doctoral and master’s degrees from Northwestern University (IL) and two bachelor’s degrees from Concordia University (WI). He is a first-generation college student who grew up in a working-class family in Wisconsin.

 

Let’s take a deep dive into the MIND Diet

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We know that our diet is connected to our gut health, mental health, chronic diseases, and also, cognitive health.  

Have you heard of the MIND Diet?  

It’s an eating pattern designed to promote brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.  

Dementia is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Harvard School of Public Health.  

While this diet can’t reverse present cases of dementia, it can play a role in prevention or slow the progression.  

And the good news is that it’s based on existing diets that you may already be following or are familiar with.

The MIND Diet stands for Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay.  

The Mediterranean Diet is a heart-healthy diet that focuses on healthy fats, while the DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) focuses on reducing high blood pressure.  

They are similar in that they promote whole, unprocessed food for cardiovascular health.  

Research has shown that protecting heart health also protects brain health.  

The MIND Diet combines these two diets to include food and serving size recommendations that are considered “brain healthy” while also noting a list of foods to limit.

In the initial study, a group of over 1000 adults without dementia in the Chicago area were recruited, where they had to complete dietary questionnaires for nine years and take cognitive assessments.  

From that, a MIND Diet score was created based on foods and nutrients that were found to protect against cognitive decline.  

How do you score?

Daily MIND Diet foods:

  • Whole grains: 3 servings per day (one serving = 1 slice of bread or 1/3 cup)
  • Vegetables (not green leafy): 1 serving per day (1 serving = ½ cup cooked or 1 cup raw)
  • Nuts: 1 serving per day (one serving = 1 handful or 2 tablespoons)
  • Olive oil as primary source of added fat

Weekly MIND Diet foods:

  • Green leafy vegetables: 6 servings a week (one serving = 1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup raw)
  • Beans and legume: 3-4 servings per week (one serving = 1/3 cup)
  • Berries: 2 or more servings per week (one serving = 1 cup)
  • Poultry: 2 servings per week (one serving = 2 to 4 ounces)
  • Fish: 1 or more servings per week (one serving = 2 to 4 ounces)

Foods to limit:

  • Pastries and sweets: less than 5 servings per week (1 serving = 1 small piece)
  • Red meats (including beef, pork, lamb and products made from these): less than 4 servings per week (1 serving = 2 to 4 ounces)
  • Cheese: one serving or less per week (1 serving = 1 slice or 1 ounce)
  • Fried and fast food: less than 1 meal per week
  • Butter/stick margarine: less than 1 tablespoon

For those who don’t cook and prefer to eat out, this may sound challenging.  

But there are easy ways to incorporate the MIND Diet at home, such as salads with beans and an olive oil dressing, a bowl of unflavored oatmeal with berries and nuts, using whole grain bread instead of white bread on a sandwich or eating nuts as a snack instead of chips.  Eating well at restaurants is harder simply because you don’t have control over the ingredients and cooking methods, but ordering baked salmon instead of a burger, having bread with olive oil instead of butter or skipping dessert are ways to stay mindful of the MIND diet when eating out.

Simple swaps done incrementally make dietary changes less daunting than trying to make big changes all at once.

Of course, it’s more than just food that can play a role in brain health.  

Getting enough physical activity (150 minutes per week), an active social life, and challenging your mind are all important too.

Following the MIND Diet has been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by 53%.  

Even only moderately following the diet can reduce the risk by 35%.  

It was ranked No. 3 in Best Diets Overall in 2024 in US News and World Report.

Clearly, the low inflammation and reduced oxidative stress prompted by the MIND Diet are good for your brain (and heart and waistline).

 

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County, An Equal Opportunity Institution.