Local News

WESLEY CHAPEL – AdventHealth partnered with Life Church on Aug. 1 to help local students head back to class with confidence through the church’s annual Back-to-School Outreach event.

Throughout the morning, families received shoes, backpacks and school supplies while volunteers worked alongside community members to help students prepare for the first day of school.

AdventHealth helped provide 450 pairs of new shoes for local kids and had volunteers onsite helping distribute resources and support families throughout the event.

For many families, preparing for a new school year means making difficult choices as the cost of clothes, shoes and school supplies continues to rise. Events like this help ensure students can walk into the classroom with the essentials they need for a successful start.

“I’d say the impact is huge,” said Earl Watson, a volunteer from AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. “The climate we’re living in, the economy, so many families are making sacrifices. This shouldn’t have to be one of them.”

Life Church leaders say the outreach has become an important annual tradition that brings together churches, businesses, volunteers and nonprofit organizations to help local families prepare for the school year ahead.

“Just a couple of years ago, we saw a huge need in our community for our students to not just go back to school, but to go back to school confidently – to go back with new shoes, new backpacks, with no one making fun of them,” said Natalie Dougherty of Life Church. “Just having them fit right. It’s extremely important.”

Life Church saw nearly 1,000 children participate in this year’s outreach.

TAMPA – Dinosaurs now roam the Museum of Science & Innovation with the debut of the SciLinx Cretaceous Course, a prehistoric twist on MOSI’s outdoor mini golf experience.

Five massive dinosaurs have been added to the course.

The Cretaceous Course marks the first step in a larger dinosaur transformation across the museum as MOSI prepares for the arrival of SUE The T. rex Experience in January 2027.

The internationally recognized exhibition centers around an exact replica of SUE, the largest, most complete and best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered.

“We’re just getting started with our prehistoric takeover,” MOSI CEO John Graydon Smith said. “There’s something timeless about dinosaurs. They capture our imagination and remind us how much there is still to discover. This is the first step in bringing more dinosaur experiences to MOSI as we prepare to share one of the most iconic dinosaur exhibitions ever with our community.”

These activations add to MOSI’s growing collection of prehistoric experiences already available throughout the museum: 

• Uncover fossils and explore the science of paleontology in Dinovations Lab
• Dig for dinosaur discoveries in Dinovations Dig
• Come face-to-face with one of the world’s most famous predators in the ULTIMATE T. REX VR Experience

Dinovations activations are included with admission, while the Cretaceous Course and ULTIMATE T. REX VR Experience are available as add-on experiences.

On the web: MOSI.org

ST. LEO – As employers increasingly seek professionals who can navigate both business strategy and emerging technologies, Saint Leo University is redefining how those disciplines are taught.

The university announced the launch of the Donald R. Tapia College of Business and Technology, a new academic college created through the merger of the Tapia College of Business and the College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Data Science.

Beginning in fall 2026, the new college will offer an integrated portfolio of undergraduate and graduate programs spanning business administration, accounting, finance, marketing, computer science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics, software engineering and data analytics.

New programs also include a Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics, combining AI applications with data visualization, economics, and marketing analytics to prepare graduates for careers that rely on data-driven decision making. A new drone initiative will provide hands-on experience in unmanned aerial systems across industries ranging from public safety to logistics, addressing growing employer demand in those sectors.

“The challenges organizations face today do not fit neatly into traditional academic silos,” said Derek Mohammed, dean of the Tapia College of Business and Technology. “Business leaders must understand cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and data analytics, while technology professionals must understand finance, operations, risk management and organizational strategy. The Tapia College of Business and Technology was created to develop graduates who can operate confidently at that intersection.”

A September 2025 Pew Research Center survey found that 21% of U.S. workers use AI to complete at least some portion of their work, an increase of five percentage points from the previous year. Research also identifies AI literacy and applied technology skills as increasingly important indicators of workforce readiness and employability. These studies reinforce the need for universities to integrate AI across disciplines, and Saint Leo University is answering that call.

“The Tapia College of Business and Technology represents a bold step forward in higher education by integrating technology fluency, business leadership and innovation across disciplines,” said Jim Burkee, president of Saint Leo University. “The future belongs to professionals who know how to work alongside AI in an ethical way, not compete against it. And that’s what we’re teaching our students.”

Finance and accounting students will expand their use of AI applications in fraud detection, financial forecasting and risk assessment. Cybersecurity students will apply advanced AI technology to identify threats, detect anomalies in network traffic, automate incident response, and analyze malware behavior. Students studying investments will use AI to query company financial data, build projection models and benchmark competitive organizations.

“The key is helping students understand the various roles in which AI can serve, as an information source, collaborator, critique partner, analytical assistant or prediction tool,” said Michele Flint, senior associate dean of the Tapia College of Business and Technology. “While new AI tools will undoubtedly continue to emerge, the ability to apply them effectively will require agility and sound judgment. The new college will capture the synergy between the disciplines, creating learning experiences that align with the rapid evolution we’re seeing in the workplace.”

The Tapia College of Business and Technology also is expanding relationships with regional industries and community partners to align academic programs with workforce needs. Through embedded internships, co-designed curriculum, and capstone experiences, students will learn to translate theory into practice with ethics and integrity.

University officials believe this will help graduates succeed in today’s dynamic workplace.

“Organizations are running integrated business and technology operations, and the points where those functions intersect are often where they face their greatest opportunities and risks,” Mohammed said. “Our graduates will be prepared to lead in those environments.”

On the web: saintleo.edu/academics/colleges/business.

HUDSON – The Hudson Community Health & Resource Center’s second annual Back-to-School Health & Wellness Event welcomed a record-breaking 1,582 attendees on July 18 at Hudson High School.

The event brought together families, healthcare providers, community organizations and volunteers to help students prepare for the upcoming school year by providing essential health services, school supplies and family resources.

More than 850 backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed to students during the event. Due to overwhelming demand, supplies were exhausted before all attending families could receive a backpack. More backpacks will be made available to those families at a future distribution date, which will be announced soon.

The event also provided critical health services to local families, including more than 100 health screenings, consisting of 75 dental screenings, 34 vision screenings and five lung screenings. Healthcare providers also administered 10 Tdap vaccinations and completed about 48 school and sports physicals.

Additional services and activities included:

• 51 free haircuts for children and adults
• 214 bicycle helmets distributed to children who ride bicycles to and from school or participate in after-school activities
• 60-plus community organizations and vendors offering resources, educational information and support services
• Family-friendly activities, games, food, music and raffle prizes

“This event is about ensuring families have access to the resources they need to start the school year healthy, prepared and confident,” said Manny Mayor, program director at Hudson Community Health & Resource Center. “The incredible turnout demonstrates both the need for these services and the strength of our community partnerships.”

Mother seeks support for sarcoma awareness event

DUNEDIN – Trisha Evans is seeking community partners to organize a DSRCT and sarcoma awareness event in Hernando, Pasco and Pinellas counties.

Her daughter, Gianna McCray, is battling desmoplastic small round cell tumor, a rare and aggressive form of sarcoma.

The proposed event would raise awareness of rare childhood cancers, educate the public and support families affected by sarcoma.

Evans is seeking businesses, organizations and residents interested in sponsoring the event, donating goods or services, providing a venue, volunteering or helping with promotion.

She also hopes to establish a foundation in Gianna’s honor. The organization would support families facing rare childhood cancers through education, community support and financial assistance.

Visit her GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/b8fc6b83a.

AdventHealth Auburndale ER reaches milestone

AUBURNDALE – AdventHealth has marked a construction milestone on its new emergency department at 1036 U.S. Highway 92 W. in Auburndale.

Leaders and construction crews signed the final structural beam during a topping out ceremony July 24.

The 13,000-square-foot facility will include 12 private exam rooms, X-ray, CT and ultrasound imaging and a full-service lab. It will also provide pediatric emergency care, pharmacy services and respiratory therapy.

The facility is expected to create more than 35 jobs.

AdventHealth is building the ER to serve Polk County’s growing population. The AdventHealth Auburndale ER will operate as a department of AdventHealth Heart of Florida.

The facility is scheduled to open in early 2027.

Ellie Mental Health adds psychological testing

TAMPA – Ellie Mental Health has launched in-house psychological evaluation and testing services at its St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park and Brandon locations.

The program offers assessments for children and adolescents. Evaluations can help identify ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders and other behavioral or emotional concerns.

“Many families wait months for psychological testing or face significant out-of-pocket costs to receive answers,” owner Allen Whisler said.

The program allows psychologists and therapists to collaborate on treatment plans. Ellie Mental Health also accepts insurance for psychological evaluations.

On the web: EllieMentalHealth.com

House passes Castor’s breast cancer bill

WASHINGTON – The U.S. House has passed Rep. Kathy Castor’s bipartisan Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act reauthorization.

The EARLY Act supports education and resources for younger women and women at higher risk of developing aggressive forms of breast cancer.

“Too many young women face breast cancer without the knowledge or support they need to catch it early and fight back,” Castor said. “For more than 15 years, the EARLY Act has supported young women through outreach and resources that meet them where they are. I’m proud to lead the charge for this bipartisan reauthorization to ensure these critical initiatives that empower women to understand their risks, advocate for their health and get the tools they need to fight the disease continue.”

The legislation reauthorizes three programs administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They include the Bring Your Brave campaign, Young Breast Cancer Survivors Program and continuing medical education courses for health care providers.

Caregiver honored for dementia care

TAMPA – Executive Home Care of South East Tampa has honored Hillsborough caregiver Yudileris “Yudi” Alvarez for her work with people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other special needs.

Alvarez received the Loved01 Cares “Live Like a Legend” Caregiver Recognition Award during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month.

“Yudi has an incredible ability to connect with every client she serves,” co-owner Claudia Mirabella said. “She always finds the best way to communicate with compassion, patience and kindness, while treating every individual with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

Executive Home Care provides companionship, personal care, dementia care, respite care and other in-home services for older adults.

On the web: south-east-tampa.executivehomecare.com

VA resource fair draws 200 attendees

CAPE CORAL – The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System welcomed about 200 people to its America 250 Resource Fair at the Lee County Healthcare Center.

Veterans, their families and community members met with representatives from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs programs. Representatives answered questions, assisted with enrollment and provided information about health care, benefits and other resources.

Events like this ensure veterans have access to the care and benefits they earned, according to David VanMeter, director of Bay Pines VA Healthcare. 

Attendees also enjoyed free Mission BBQ, family activities, giveaways and opportunities to meet other veterans. 

Partnership aims to reduce police stress

TAMPA – The Major County Sheriffs Association has named NuCalm its official Brain Health and Nervous System Regulation Partner.

NuCalm offers a drug-free neuroscience app designed to help users recover from stress and improve sleep.

Under the partnership, NuCalm will support the association’s national Roll Call program and provide education about resilience, nervous system regulation and recovery.

“Law enforcement professionals spend their careers in a constant state of vigilance,” NuCalm President and CEO Jim Poole said. “Without effective recovery, the nervous system can remain trapped in survival mode, increasing the risk of burnout, anxiety, poor sleep and post-traumatic stress.”

Financing secured for nearly 2,000 Dade City homes

DADE CITY – Concord Summit Capital arranged $85.6 million in financing for two master-planned residential communities in Dade City.

The company arranged a $57.6 million land and development loan for Rolling Hills, a 1,014-lot community, and a $28 million land loan for Crosswinds, a 915-lot community.

Quill Development is the developer of both projects. Together, they are expected to bring nearly 2,000 single-family and carriage homes to the area.

Loan proceeds will allow horizontal development to begin immediately at Rolling Hills and in 2027 at Crosswinds.

Concord Summit Capital Finance Director Jeff DiBartolo sourced both financings on behalf of Quill Development.

“Dade City is ripe for this level of investment, especially with the housing shortage facing the broader Tampa Bay region,” said DiBartolo. “We were glad to get our client the financing needed to move dirt quickly and start meeting that demand. During the deal, we had to navigate several legal and financial challenges, and yet we still closed on time, which allowed the borrower to avoid significant extension payments on its prior debt.”

Whataburger celebrates 76 years with deals

LUTZ – Whataburger will celebrate its 76th anniversary with special promotions throughout August, including National Whataburger Day on Aug. 8.

Customers can access the offers through the Whataburger app and rewards program.

• Aug. 5: 76-cent Taquito with Cheese, 6 to 11 a.m.
• Aug. 8: Buy one, get one Whataburger, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Aug. 12: 76-cent 16-ounce Whatafresher, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Aug. 19: 76-cent Big Ranch Wrap, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Aug. 26: 76-cent Signature Chicken Sandwich, 5 to 10 p.m.

Whataburger has locations in Brandon (1426 W. Brandon Blvd.), Largo (10150 Ulmerton Road) and Lutz (25340 Sierra Center Blvd.).

Sims Crane names chief operating officer

TAMPA – Sims Crane & Equipment has appointed Mike Kuffermann as chief operating officer.

Kuffermann has more than 17 years of experience with the company. He began as an apprentice and advanced through service operations, dispatch, outside sales and executive leadership. He most recently served as chief sales officer.

Kuffermann will oversee strategy development, branch operations, fleet and facilities.

“Mike has grown with this company from the ground up, and there is no one better prepared to lead our operations into the next chapter,” CEO Deborah Weber said.

Kuffermann is a second-generation Sims Crane employee. His father, Kurt Kuffermann, spent more than 30 years with the company and served as vice president and general manager of operations.

Adams joins Southern Palm Communications

TAMPA – Southern Palm Communications has named H. Roy Adams as senior public relations strategist.

Adams recently retired from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg after a career spanning more than 40 years in public relations, crisis communications, media relations and strategic messaging.

He previously held leadership positions with the American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter and Pinellas Education Foundation. His experience includes communications during major hurricanes, the Skyway Bridge collapse and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adams serves on the St. Petersburg Museum of History’s Marketing Committee, belongs to the Rotary Club of St. Petersburg and serves on the advisory board for the St. Petersburg Salvation Army.

On the web: Southern-Palm.com

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host Pitch with a Purpose and two ribbon cuttings. 

• The chamber connects its nonprofit members with the business community during Pitch with a Purpose from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 4 at Pasco Hernando State College’s Porter Campus (third floor conference center), 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Members pay $25. Others pay $35. Register in advance. 
• Members celebrate the grand opening of LiveWell Animal Hospital of Wesley Chapel with a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 5 at 26855 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Wesley Chapel. 
• Members celebrate Thriving Joy’s new space with a ribbon cutting from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 6 at 18926 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Suite 102, Lutz.

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber will host a Greater Pasco Veterans Roundtable, business exchange, ribbon cutting and Young Professionals programming. 

• The Young Professionals Group networks during Coffee Connections from 9:30 to 11 a.m. July 31 at Starkey Market, 3460 Starkey Blvd., Trinity. 
• Members celebrate Second Story Thrift with a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 31 at 6612 U.S. 19, New Port Richey. The ribbon gets cut at 11:30 a.m.
• Members trade business materials during the Hudson Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 6 at Vitality Living Baypoint Village, 7927 State Road 52, Hudson. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Lunch costs $14. Register in advance. 
• Members attend the Greater Pasco Veterans Roundtable from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Aug. 12 at 4 & Co Coworking Spaces, 16703 Early Riser Ave., Land O’ Lakes. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance.

Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events. 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – The East Pasco Chamber will host After Hours Networking, Coffee & Networking, a ribbon cutting and women’s programming. 

• Members mingle during After Hours Networking from 4 to 5 p.m. July 30 at Dade City Tap House & Spirits, 37916 Pasco Ave., Dade City. 
• Members interact with each other during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. July 31 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.). 
• Members interact with each other during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Aug. 4 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.) and 8 to 9 a.m. Aug. 7 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.). 
• Members mingle during After Hours Networking from 4 to 5 p.m. Aug. 6 at Dade City Tap House & Spirits, 37916 Pasco Ave., Dade City. 
• Members celebrate the 15th anniversary of Hyperbaric Centers of Florida with a ribbon cutting from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 7 at 5610 6th St., Zephyrhills. The ribbon gets cut at 11 a.m.
• Members interact with each other during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Aug. 11 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.) and 8 to 9 a.m. Aug. 14 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.). 
• Dr. Janel Pastore, chief of breast imaging at Florida Medical Clinic | Orlando Health, speaks at the Women of East Pasco Business Alliance luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 11 at Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club, 12900 Lake Jovita Blvd., Dade City. Members pay $15. Others pay $20. Register by Aug. 3. 

Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events.