Local News

CLEARWATER – The Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Foundation welcomed a sold-out crowd of more than 400 law enforcement officials, business leaders and supporters to its 10th Annual Gala Sept. 6 at the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach.

The evening spotlighted heroes who have gone above and beyond in protecting and uplifting the Tampa Bay community, while also raising money to support the foundation’s mission. Since 2021, the Foundation has invested nearly $300,000 in training for officers and more than $400,000 in educational and police academy scholarships. Through these efforts, the foundation helps ensure Tampa Bay is protected by the best-trained, most committed professionals in law enforcement.

“Through the foundation, we give our law enforcement the tools, training and support they need,” said Greg Mertz, president of the Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Foundation. “In turn, we help build trust, hope and safety for everyone who calls Tampa Bay home.”

Law enforcement winners were as follows: 

• Deputy of the Year: Deputy John Howes, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

For risking his life to save a woman held hostage at knifepoint during a disturbance call, breaking through glass with his bare hands to stop the threat and rescue the victim. 

• Officers of the Year: Officers Jeremiah Harvey, Landen Hopkins, Jason Sikoski, Benjamin Urdiales and Jeremy Wells, Tampa Police Department 

For working together to lift a car off a man trapped underneath, then administering CPR and medical aid that ultimately saved his life. 

• Agent of the Year: Deputy U.S. Marshal Mario Price

For leading Operation Dragon Eye, the largest missing child recovery operation in U.S. Marshals history, rescuing 60 critically missing children and arresting eight suspects on charges including human trafficking.

• Unsung Hero: Digital Forensic Consultant Jared Luce, Florida Department of Law Enforcement

A double amputee Marine veteran whose expertise has been instrumental in stopping a bomb threat, dismantling a global child exploitation ring and assisting with the arrest of an elementary school teacher charged with possession of child sexual abuse material.

• Community Policing Program of the Year: Sgt. Jason Deary and Officers Patrick McGovern, Richard Van, Samantha Reeder, Karrie Landes, Jonathan Schweiger, Christian Exantus, James Fuchs Jr., and Luis Martinez, St. Petersburg Police Department

For leading a coordinated effort across multiple city departments that dismantled a persistent criminal enterprise tied to 10 unsafe properties.

Community winners were as follows: 

• Business Partner of the Year: Mike Harting, 3 Daughters Brewing, St. Petersburg City Council

For his generosity and support of law enforcement, first responders, and the community, including donating venues, raising critical funds, supporting mentorship programs, providing storm shelter and feeding SWAT teams during major events.

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Richard Gonzmart, Columbia Restaurant Group

For a lifetime of business leadership, philanthropy, and cultural stewardship in Tampa Bay. Gonzmart has dedicated more than 50 years to growing the Columbia brand, giving back millions through charitable causes and uplifting many organizations that support education, healthcare, law enforcement and the arts.

Last year’s gala raised more than $250,000 to support law enforcement across seven Tampa Bay counties and strengthen the communities they serve and protect. At this year’s gala, presenting sponsor Pepin Family Foundation is matching up to $100,000 of funds raised.

TAMPA – When Becca Gaschler graduated from the University of Central Florida and returned home to Tampa, she was ready to kickstart her career. But like many young professionals, she found few affordable housing options, renting a room from a friend and then moving back in with her mom.

Becca, 25, had studied clinical psychology and political science, but was inspired by the craftsmanship of things her grandfather had built. She decided to try her hand at construction and soon found a job with Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough, steadily rising from apprentice to construction site foreperson to help build affordable homes for families who need them.

While working alongside volunteers and future homeowners, Becca saw firsthand the opportunity that homeownership creates. She asked herself: Could I become a Habitat homeowner, too?

“That was the biggest part for me, seeing the stability it brought to so many people, hearing their stories, meeting their kids and families, and seeing the widespread effects homeownership had for their communities,” Becca said. “Now, to finally get my own house. It’s like a dream for me, honestly.”

Like other Habitat homeowners, Becca put in long sweat equity hours, this time on her future home. One Habitat tradition that touched her: before the walls were finished, workers and volunteers wrote personal messages and good wishes on the framework – later hidden beneath the paint, but forever part of the house’s foundation.

“I think it’s pretty powerful, walking in and knowing all the love that went into it,” Becca said.

Tuesday, friends, family, coworkers, volunteers and Habitat leaders, along with representatives of major financial sponsor Publix Charities, joined Becca for a home dedication celebration. Becca was handed her keys and the crowd cheered, “Welcome home!” She got to tour her new East Tampa house, which has a yard for her rescue dog, Scout.

“Homeownership is a building block for strong and thriving communities,” said John Doran, executive director of Publix Charities. “We’re very proud to support this foundation for a better future.”  

Through Habitat’s program, families invest hundreds of volunteer hours and get affordable mortgages that do not exceed 30% of their income.

“Home isn’t about how many people live under one roof or what that household looks like. It’s about safety, stability and dignity. Whether someone lives alone, with children, extended family, with roommates or a partner, every person deserves a safe, stable place to call home,” said Tina Forcier, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough. “That’s the mission of Habitat, alongside our generous community partners like Publix Charities, one home at a time.”  

Becca agreed: “Habitat doesn’t exist without the help of the volunteers and sponsors. I’m just super grateful on all fronts.”

“My life is forever changed,” she said. “I can actually plan for my future now.”

PINELLAS PARK – More than 150 riders got on their bikes and rode 11 miles Aug. 28 throughout Pinellas Park in support of the Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch’s ninth annual Alive Ride. 

The race began and ended at Quaker Steak & Lube on 49th Street. Riders received a police escort courtesy of the Pinellas Park Police Department with assistance from the Pinellas Park Fire Department. 

Stops included Pinellas Park Fire Station 33, Pinellas Park Elementary, Morgan Fitzgerald Middle School and Pinellas Park High School.

Mike Delancey Jr. began the Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch in 2015 in Pinellas Park. The nonprofit was inspired by his desire to help other wounded veterans get out and get active in the community. 

While on tour in Iraq as a Marine on Sept. 1, 2006, Delancey was shot by an enemy sniper. Delancey became paralyzed from the chest down. 

Delancey and his family refused to let this be his defining moment. It would be a launching point to a whole new outlook on life. 

The City of Pinellas Park helped Delancey start Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch with available land in the city. Delancey uses every day to help those who feel lost and forgotten after sacrificing so much for their country.

“I talked to one woman whose husband was in Vietnam and she told me he hadn’t left the house in over 20 years,” Delancey said. “We started this foundation mainly to get veterans out of the house and just doing something. Don’t stare at a wall. Don’t get in your own head. Go out and meet friends and get reintegrated back in the community.”

Delancey and his family believe their foundation is thriving because of the community support from the people in Pinellas Park and the efforts from businesses and the city to help make the Alive Ride a can’t-miss event. 

“It means a lot to have people from public works, the city manager, the police and fire departments,” Delancey said. “This area is extremely patriotic and seeing all of us ride by schools and the kids are all chanting ‘USA.’ It’s a cool feeling and the message is you can accomplish a lot when you have great support.”

TAMPA – The Glazer Children’s Museum is marking a milestone this month: 15 Years of Play. To celebrate, Florida residents can get in with $15 admission all September long. Families are invited to join in a month packed with birthday-themed activities, special performances and a giant free Birthday Bash in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on Sept. 27.

“Play is the foundation for curiosity, confidence and lifelong learning,” said Sarah Cole, president and CEO of the Glazer Children’s Museum. “When a child plays, they’re not just having fun, they’re discovering new skills and building imagination that will carry them into the future. More than three million children and families have discovered that joy within our walls, each experiencing the growth and connection that play makes possible. That’s the true impact of play, and it’s what makes this milestone so meaningful to celebrate with our community.”

Throughout September, families can:

• Get creative making party headbands and glasses in Make Space Craft; the perfect accessories to wear to the big Birthday Bash.
• Cozy up for birthday-themed story times.
• Play together with classic games like Pin the Cherry on the Cupcake, limbo, charades and dance parties.
• Experience live theater, including special performances of Quince by Victoria Rios on Sept. 20, 21 and 28, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The Big Birthday Bash

This year’s Birthday Bash is extra special. It’s part of Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play, a global initiative encouraging kids and families to step away from screens, head outdoors and discover the joy of play. 

The free community celebration will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 27 at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. 

Activities include live performances, touch-a-truck experiences, bounce houses, local artisans and kid-run vendor booths, costumed characters and food trucks.