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DAR chapter celebrates 100 years with speakeasy theme

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TAMPA – The Tampa Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution celebrated its 100th anniversary on May 10 by staging as speakeasy at The Columbia Restaurant in the Ybor City area.  

Co-chaired by Tampa Chapter Regent Sarah Hughes and Honorary Regent Bobbie Schofield, the speakeasy was complete with green door and password (Sparkle). Most guests appeared in Roaring 20s attire.  

Greeted by songs from the 1920s, guests were immediately immersed in the speakeasy atmosphere, enhanced by appearances by (flat) Al Capone, Colleen Moore, Don Lockwood and Lena Lamont and Charlie Chaplin.  

Other special guests included Florida State DAR Regent Cindy Addison from Fleming Island, State Vice Regent Kim Zeman from Deerfield Beach, State Registrar Jennifer Marks from Lithia and State Recording Secretary Laura Marriott from Longwood.  

The 120 guests included members from 15 other DAR chapters.  

Led by the Hillsborough River Unit of the Florida SAR Son’s of Liberty Brigade, the festivities began with a procession of color guard, chapter officers and state regent.  

Florida State Regent Cindy Addison’s remarks complimented chapters that lasted long enough to celebrate 100 years, with many of Florida’s chapters celebrating that milestone in the 2020s.  

The program also included presentations of gifts to each Tampa Chapter member in attendance, a check for $750 for the Florida state regent’s project and a skit starring Chapter Regent Sarah Hughes, Corresponding Secretary Madison Wise and Chapter Treasurer and Honorary Regent Bobbie Schofield.  

The Regents, State and Chapter, then lit the sparkling “candles” on the spectacular cake. 

Hughes then presented a moving and heartfelt toast to the past and the future of the Tampa Chapter doing Great Things in Tampa.  

A proclamation signed by Mayor Jane Castor was on display that declared May 10, 2025 as Tampa Chapter NSDAR 100th Anniversary Day in Tampa.  

Also on display were several images of Tampa in 1925.  

Of special note in the silent auction was a decades-old copy of “The Famous DAR Murder Mystery” by Graham Landrum.  

All the guests expressed themselves as having had a great time.

 

Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on seven homes 

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Seven future Habitat homeowners break ground in Pasco County. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside

NEW PORT RICHEY – Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside put shovels into the ground May 19 to mark the beginning of the build process for seven homes on Kiowa Drive.  

The groundbreaking ceremony included the future homeowner families, Habitat staff, community supporters and elected officials. The homes are expected to be completed by this fall.

“This is another important step for Habitat in West Pasco County,” said Mike Sutton, president and CEO at Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside. “We are thrilled we could purchase these lots and build seven homes that will sit side-by-side and be owned by seven families going through the Habitat homeownership program. These families will be neighbors and be able to support one another for years to come.”

Candi Hagler, executive director – Pasco, addresses those gathered at the groundbreaking ceremony. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside

This area of New Port Richey has provided ample opportunity for Habitat to build new homes for families. Three streets away on Teak Street, Habitat has built six homes in the last 18 months.

Habitat for Humanity has served over 900 homeowner partners since 1985. The affiliate serves Pinellas, West Pasco and Hernando counties. 

Volunteers and future homeowners construct the homes, which are sold and financed with a zero-interest loan. Habitat homeowner candidates earn 30% to 80% of the area median income. Candidates must demonstrate the need for adequate shelter; the ability to pay back a zero-interest loan; and the willingness to partner with Habitat to complete a robust homebuyer education curriculum and invest 350 to 450 “sweat equity” hours. 

Mortgage monies are used to build even more homes, making each donation to Habitat a perpetual legacy to the community. 

Publix Supermarket Charities is sponsoring all seven homes. This will bring Publix’s home sponsorship total with Habitat Tampa Bay Gulfside to 26 homes. 

Below are the families that have been working toward homeownership. 

 

The Blackshear Family (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside)

The Blackshear Family

Maggie Blackshear and her 10-year-old twin granddaughters, A’Keena and A’Kacia, are excited to have a new beginning in their Habitat home. 

The family of three is currently living in a one-bedroom apartment where the twins sleep in the bed while Maggie sleeps on the sofa. 

“Our life will be different in our Habitat home because we will no longer be paying rent,” Maggie said. “We will be paying a mortgage to our forever home – somewhere that we will always be safe and secure.” 

Maggie is excited to decorate the house with her girls and to cook meals in her new kitchen.

 

The Dorsey Family (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside)

The Dorsey Family

Danyelle and Justin Dorsey and their two daughters, Layla (8) and Liyah (4), are on their journey towards homeownership, which will bring the family a sense of stability and comfort. They currently live in an income-based townhome complex that is uncomfortable and undesirable due to the lack of space and unaddressed maintenance issues. 

“Justin and I are working together as a team to give our girls the loving, stable home we didn’t have growing up,” Danyelle said. The family is excited to have a yard to play and have family grill-outs in. “We will feel better about letting the girls play outside because we will have the space for them to do so.”

 

The Fisher Family (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside)

The Fisher Family

Alicia Fisher is a hardworking single mother to her 5-year-old son, Tristan. 

The two enjoy spending time together at the park, visiting the beach or advocating for Autism, which Tristan is diagnosed with. 

Alicia is eager to provide stability for herself and her son in their new home. She not only wants to have a safe place for Tristan but his friends as well. She has always wanted a place where her son’s friends can come over to play. 

“Being a part of this journey has been meaningful to me,” Alicia said. “Not only am I learning to budget and build a home, but I am also meeting all kinds of new people that will be lifelong friends.”

 

The McLeod Family (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside)

The McLeod Family

Life has been a challenge for Johnnie Mcleod and her grandson (now adopted son) Tazarious. 

The family of two is determined to overcome all life’s obstacles and create a lifetime of happiness and prosperity with the help of Habitat for Humanity. 

After experiencing high rent prices, difficult living conditions and even homelessness, the family is ready for a new beginning. 

“Our new beginning will consist of stability and affordability,” Johnnie said. 

She and Tazarious are excited to have a yard where they can hang out and enjoy the beauties of the world. 

“This home will be a starting point of new memories, new expectations and new blessings,” she said. 

 

The Rodrigues-Hart Family (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside)

The Rodrigues-Hart Family

Anna Hart, a 19-year-old college student, and her mother, Claudia Rodrigues, have been living in a one bedroom apartment for the past eight years. 

The limited space causes many frustrations and has left them with many sleepless nights and no privacy or space to call their own. 

Getting accepted into the Habitat program brought Anna and Claudia a lot of relief and gratitude. 

“Our house will be someplace I look forward to coming home to,” Anna said. “Somewhere I pull up to and smile knowing all the work it took for it to be there.” 

The mother-daughter duo is most excited about the sense of security their forever home will bring. They will no longer have to worry about their rent being raised and will finally have the privacy of their own bedrooms and bathrooms that they have been longing for.

 

The Seija Family (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside)

The Seija Family

Miriam Seija is a single woman from Colombia who came to America looking for a better future. Now, she is doing the same with Habitat and is looking forward to the peace and tranquility her forever home will bring her. 

Before being accepted into the program, Miriam faced many hardships including the death of her husband, her own medical issues and the struggle to find a safe and affordable place to live.

After learning about the Habitat program, Miriam was determined to make her dream come true of owning a home and having time to herself in the comfort of a house that she can call her own.

 

The Wiggins Family (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside)

The Wiggins Family

For the past five years, Quytesha Wiggins has been dreaming of becoming a homeowner. Her dream will finally come true with the help of the Habitat program. 

Quytesha is a single woman who loves to laugh, spend time with family and listen to music. With increasing rent prices over the past few years, she has had to pick up an extra job which has caused her to miss out on spending time with her family. 

She imagines life in her new Habitat home to be peaceful and is eager to create generational wealth for her future family. 

Quytesha hopes that one day her home will become the place where her family hosts holiday gatherings and they can make many new memories together.

 

News Briefs (5/28/25): Site links to info amid emergency

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Website connects to information during emergencies

TAMPA BAY – A new lifeline for residents of Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Manatee and Sarasota counties during hurricane emergencies has launched at TampaBaySafe.org.

The website is designed to function when traditional communication channels fail. By eliminating bandwidth-heavy elements like images and videos, the text-based website ensures residents can access life-saving updates even on severely degraded connections. 

“After each major hurricane, we see the same pattern – people desperately seeking basic information about water safety, power restoration, and supply distribution, but unable to load graphics-heavy emergency websites,” founder Howard LaVine said. “TampaBaySafe.org fills this critical gap with a platform engineered specifically for crisis conditions.”

The site serves as an information hub featuring links to county alert systems, information for medical facilities, power and water, locations for emergency resources, road status and emergency contact numbers. 

TampaBaySafe.org aggregates information from authoritative sources to provide a centralized, easily accessible platform before, during and after severe weather events. It also offers practical safety guidance for everyday life.

 

County launches Adopt-A-Pond

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County’s Public Works Department has launched an Adopt-A-Pond and Lake Management program.  

The program is open to homeowners (and neighborhood associations) who live on or near ponds that connect to the Pasco County stormwater system.

The volunteer-driven initiative encourages neighbors to adopt a stormwater pond and help remove invasive plants, plant native vegetation and clean up trash and pollutants.

Fill out an application at mypas.co/adoptapondform to get started.

“There are two main benefits of adopting a pond,” Environmental Program Coordinator Milla Turner said.  “By cleaning up a stormwater pond you help improve water quality before it flows downstream, and you create a healthier environment for Florida’s native plants and wildlife.”

 

Pasco County Libraries launches Summer Reading Quest

ZEPHYRHILLS – Pasco County invites you to join its Once Upon a Summer Reading Quest, transporting you to a place with captivating performers, binge-worthy books, prizes and a shared community journey.

Enter 600 minutes of reading and record-keeping in the Beanstack app through Aug. 2 to qualify.

When you complete the challenge, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card in your age group, courtesy of Friends of the Library and Friends of Zephyrhills Public Library.  Other prizes will be up for grabs at all library branches.

Visit bit.ly/PascoSRC2025 to learn more about the quest and events.

 

Theater camps have openings

BROOKSVILLE – Live Oak Theatre Camp has limited openings available for its annual summer theater camps.

Camps are as follows: 

  • Live Oak Theatre Camp – Boys and girls, ages 7 to 18, explore acting, auditioning, costume and set design, movement, song interpretation and vocal technique from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 9 to 13. Tuition costs $150. 
  • Dance Camp – Children, ages 8 to 16, explore dance from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 16 to 20. Tuition costs $75.
  • Improv Camp – Ages 8 and older learn acting with a focus on the skill of improvisation from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. June 16 to 20. Tuition costs $75.

Visit https://www.liveoaktheatre.org/summer-camp or email for details and registration details.

 

Camp has ‘Seussical’ theme

NEW PORT RICHEY – Richey Suncoast Theatre  invites young performers to step into the whimsical world of “Seussical the Musical” at its 2025 Youth Theatre Camp. 

This week-long experience is designed for children, ages 6 to 9, who are ready to explore the magic of live theater in a fun, imaginative and supportive setting.

The camp takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 16 to 20 at 6237 Grand Blvd. 

Campers will explore acting, musical theater, set and costume design and improvisation. 

The week culminates in a Friday showcase performance for friends and family at 2:30 p.m., followed by an optional pizza ($5) and karaoke celebration. Tuition costs $250. 

Call 727-842-6777 or email for registration details. 

 

Theater shows classic films

TAMPA – Tampa Theatre’s Big Picture lineup for June features a selection of films that offer iconic representations of historic figures.

The lineup includes: 

  • ”Marie Antoinette” (2006, PG-13) – 7:30 p.m. June 4 
  • ”Amadeus” (1984, PG) – 7:30 p.m. June 18 
  • ”The Passion of Joan of Arc” (1928, Not Rated) – 7:30 p.m. June 25        

“The Passion of Joan of Arc” will be presented with live organ accompaniment by Steven Ball. 

Tickets cost $14.50 ($11.50 for Tampa Theatre members) for “The Passion of Joan of Arc”  and $10 ($7 members) for all other Big Picture films. 

Buy tickets at the Franklin Street Box Office or at www.tampatheatre.org.

 

Hillsborough honors Betz 

TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners has presented the 2025 Ellsworth G. Simmons Good Government Award posthumously to Louis G. Betz Jr.

Betz led the charge for the Florida Legislature to pass the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act, which allows cities and counties to implement and use red light camera safety programs. 

In 2011, he partnered with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and other organizations to help convince the Legislature to pass landmark sexual assault legislation, the Walk in Their Shoes Act in 2011.

Betz passed away Jan. 20 at age 61.

 

Complex offers 140 units of affordable housing

SEFFNER – Hillsborough County held a ribbon cutting recently to celebrate 140 units of affordable housing for seniors at the Casa Di Francesco apartment complex.

The four-story complex will contain 100 one-bedroom units and 40 two-bedroom units, all of which will be rented at below market rates to low-income residents. Apply at casadifrancesco.com/applicants.

Amenities include a clubhouse with exercise room, library, walking trail, community garden and picnic area. The complex was built on land owned by St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. It is restricted to households with at least one member who is 55 or older.

Blue Sky Communities developed the project. Hillsborough County helped provide $6.1 million in funding. 

 

Nodal to tour in the U.S. 

TAMPA – Coming off the success that Christian Nodal has had with concerts in the Mexican Republic so far this year, he brings the  “Nodal Tour 2025” to the United States.

Produced by CMN (Cardenas Marketing Network), the tour includes a local stop at Tampa’s Amalie Arena at 8 p.m. Nov. 29. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.

 

Quick Hits

  • Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa talks with Pasco Corrections staff in a recent episode of the Pasco Podcast in honor of National Correctional Officers Week. 
  • Elks Lodge Tampa #708, spearheaded by Rita Smith, hosted a breakfast event at Golden Corral in Tampa for the Veterans at Liberty Manor.  Call 813-831-4280 to join the Elks Lodge.

Pasco first responder earns cybersecurity degree 

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Kipper Connell Jr. crosses the stage May 7 at the Florida State Fairgrounds during Saint Leo University’s morning commencement. Connell works for Pasco County Fire Rescue and is interning at SOFWERX in Tampa. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

 

ST. LEO – Kipper Connell Jr. holds many titles: U.S. Army veteran, firefighter/paramedic, driver/engineer for Pasco County Fire Rescue, husband, father and now, college graduate.

Not only did he cross the commencement stage on May 7, but he also graduated cum laude from Saint Leo University with a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity and earned the College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Data Science Dean’s Award for Excellence along the way.

Connell was surprised that he won the honor, which he received at the April 3 Celebration of Academic Excellence, especially after hearing his fellow award-winners’ bios. 

“There were some amazing students achieving incredible things, and I felt truly blessed that the CARDS college felt I deserved such a high honor,” he said.

Earning his bachelor’s degree in a tech field and claiming the top honor didn’t come easy. He’s worked for Pasco County Fire Resue for about eight years and recently was promoted to driver/engineer, while attending Saint Leo.

“Our shifts are 24 hours on, 48 hours off, and that meant that often I was having to head straight to campus after getting off work in the morning or heading to work as soon as I was out of class. There were several times that the hard shift or busy night took a toll on me, but I was motivated about the education and driven to succeed. Regardless of how tired or hurt I was, I wanted and needed to be in that classroom.”

Cybersecurity and being a first responder may sound like two totally different jobs, but Connell said he finds some similarities. 

“My mindset was: My job is most often the worst day of someone’s life – experiencing the emergency of a loved one or one themselves,” he said. “So, it was important that I not only do my job with integrity, but also always strive to keep training and learning new skills. Taking that mindset into cybersecurity was no different.”

Securing digital data is integral to people’s and companies’ livelihoods, he noted, and “working to be better and learn new skills could be the difference one day in preventing disaster or mitigating risks.”


Kipper Connell Jr., of Land O’ Lakes, has worked with Pasco County Fire Rescue for more than eight years and recently was promoted to driver/engineer. He graduated from Saint Leo University on May 7 with a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity. Caroline Jorgensen/Saint Leo University

Serving His Country

Connell served in the Army for six and a half years, ending his career as an infantry squad leader. He led a seven-man team in Afghanistan which performed many roles including as a personal security detachment for VIPs and delegates, as a Quick Reaction Force, and as training instructors for local military as well as patrolling throughout the province.

The U.S. Department Veterans Affairs touted Saint Leo as an excellent university for veterans and military personnel, he said. 

“They said that the school provided great resources for veterans,” Connell said. “I utilized the Veterans Student Lounge throughout my time at Saint Leo. It was great to have a community here of other veterans.”

Connell said he chose Saint Leo because of the size of the university, the community, and its proximity to his home in Land O’ Lakes. “The size and community within the school allowed me to really get to know my instructors and receive great mentorship and feedback from them,” he said. “I don’t feel like that would have been possible at another school where I would have just been a nameless face in the crowd.”

 

Life at Leo

Being an adult learner, first responder, and a husband and father didn’t stop Connell from being involved at the university. He was the inaugural president of the Epsilon Pi Epsilon International Honor Society for computer sciences. And in his junior year, he was a member of the PenTest Club. Students in the club come together to learn about pen testing — ethical hacking — and some participate in Capture the Flag competitions, too.

Before selecting cybersecurity as his major, Connell researched the job market and fast-growing industries. With help from the VA, he took tests to show his strengths compared to what he was interested in learning. “Cybersecurity stood out because of my interest in threat assessment and mitigation, which I specialized in while serving in the military,” he said. “It was only a small adjustment to shift that focus into the cyber world.”

 

Support Team

Connell found support for his pursuit of a college degree at home, at work, and at the university. “My wife and my children were instrumental in my school career here,” he said of Saint Leo. “. . .  Giving me the time to do schoolwork and study. My wife encouraged me at my most stressful times and was always understanding of the time demand that allowed me to be a successful student.”

At the university, Connell found encouragement from the CARDS faculty members. Katrina Weicht, computer information systems instructor, asked him to assist with the first international computer science honor society. 

“Her help both inside and outside of the classroom was inspiring,” Connell said. “Her passion for helping the Computer Science Department at Saint Leo expand and making connections within the community made our experience worthwhile.”

Dr. Ed Santiago, assistant professor of computer science, also was supportive. “He was always giving us ideas, looking at resumes, helping with projects and offering guidance,” Connell said. “He added a personal touch to the educational experience I don’t think I would have gotten at any other school.”

 

What’s Next

Connell recently began an internship with SOFWERX in Tampa. He said he would like to see what opportunities the internship provides. 

“Ideally, I would like to stay working for Pasco County within the IT or cybersecurity field.

“I enjoy the ever-evolving aspect of cybersecurity,” Connell continued. “It is not a field that will go stagnant. Cyber threats are always evolving, and just as rapidly we see new technology emerging. This means the field will always be rewarding.”

Top college grads want to make a difference 

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Kristina Arwady, valedictorian for University Campus, Saint Leo University, at commencement May 7 at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo Universit

ST. LEO – Kristina Arwady hopes to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps in health care.

He was a Mexican immigrant, who started as a janitor, worked hard and became a family medicine physician with his own practice. Just like her grandpa, Arwady is working toward becoming a physician.

“I want to follow in his footsteps, pursuing medicine, and hopefully one day having the business skill set to manage my own practice, too,” she said about her grandfather. “My ultimate goal is to attend medical school and become a physician.”

Arwady, of Altamonte Springs, was valedictorian for Saint Leo University’s Class of 2025. She graduated May 7 summa cum laude with a 4.0 grade point average and earned bachelor’s degrees in management and medical humanities: pre-med and a minor in Spanish. She also graduated from Saint Leo’s Honors Program.

“I am currently working on medical school applications, but in the meantime, I will be pursuing an MBA in health care management, continuing with graduate school at Saint Leo,” she said. “I am so excited.”

Arwady also played on the women’s soccer team, tutored other students in chemistry and biology, and served as president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. As an extension of her role as SAAC president, she promoted several community initiatives including a partnership between Saint Leo University Athletics and Make-A-Wish Southern Florida.

“Saint Leo has pushed me to be courageous in my academic pursuits, my sports career and my faith,” Arwady said. “Pursuing a double major and being part of the Honors Program while being a student-athlete was not easy, but Saint Leo gave me a pathway to do just that.

“I had the courage to come back from three knee surgeries and return to play each time, all because of the Saint Leo Athletics staff and the other amazing people who supported me along the way,” she continued. “With my faith, Saint Leo encouraged me to defy the norm and be different than the rest of the world, trying my best to choose Christ and follow and surrender everything to him. I am so grateful.”

Jacqueline Pollok, salutatorian for University Campus, Saint Leo University, at commencement May 7 at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

Salutatorian Jacqueline Pollok

A keen interest in the world helped Saint Leo University’s salutatorian, Jacqueline Pollok, select her fields of study. 

Pollok, who is from Dade City, graduated summa cum laude with bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice: homeland security and international studies. She also graduated from the Honors Program and was the recipient of the 2025 Clara McDonald Olson Scholarship Excellence Award. 

“I chose my majors in international studies and criminal justice because of my deep interest in global security and the ways that international events and policies shape our world,” Pollok said. “International studies provided me with the necessary historical and cultural context to understand the dynamics between countries, which is essential for comprehending current global issues. Criminal justice offers me a deeper understanding of the legal systems and enforcement structures that help maintain order and security, both domestically and internationally.”

Pollok was a member of the Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society, the Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society, and the Sigma Iota Rho Honor Society for International Studies. 

Pollok presented a paper, “The Influence of the Southern Border Crisis on International Human Trafficking,” at the Florida Conference of Historians, a professional academic conference held earlier this year in Punta Gorda.

Experiential learning also was an important part of her academic journey. 

Pollok completed three diverse internships. She served as an undergraduate researcher, examining the relationship between sport, global culture and World War II; worked as a customer service representative for a local business; and interned at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Tampa, assisting the Economic Crime and Transnational Organized Crime divisions.

Her community service efforts included volunteering at the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Office in Dade City, working weekly at the Scared Heart Earl Childhood Center in 2022, and volunteering with the Pasco County Teen Court Program in 2021, helping support juvenile rehabilitation initiatives.

“I plan to pursue a professional role that allows me to engage with issues related to national security, law or international affairs – areas I’ve grown passionate about through my academic work and internships,” Pollok said. “I also intend to pursue graduate work in security studies to strengthen my expertise and prepare for long-term career opportunities in public service.”

 

YMCA to build branch in Wesley Chapel

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WESLEY CHAPEL – The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA plans to build a $35 million branch to serve the Wesley Chapel area. 

The new YMCA is expected to open in summer 2026 at 4379 Wellbeing Way, at the southwest corner of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and Eagleston Boulevard. 

Stephanie Conners, president and CEO for BayCare Health System, said the land for the new YMCA was made possible through a lease with her organization. 

“With our newly opened Wesley Chapel hospital, BayCare saw the YMCA as a natural partner. Both organizations have a shared mission to improve the overall health and well-being of our communities,” Conners said. “We are excited to have them as our neighbor and to work together to bring new resources to Wesley Chapel.”

This Y will serve as a community hub, empowering people to live their healthiest lives.

The branch will include a main family facility building, an aquatic center with a lap pool, a teaching pool and a family adventure pool. There will be a child watch area, spa-inspired locker rooms, group exercise studios and a wellness floor with fitness options.  

The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA said the new branch will improve the health and well-being of the community in the following ways: 

  • Create more than 300 new jobs.
  • Reduce accidental drowning by teaching kids to swim and be safe around water.
  • Help reduce the obesity epidemic in adults and children by offering the community chronic disease prevention programs.
  • Give the nearly 20,000 nearby seniors a welcoming place where they can exercise, socialize and celebrate health.
  • Strengthen and support cancer survivors and their families through the Y’s Survivorship & Wellness Program Powered by Moffitt.
  • Nurture the potential of the more than 27,000 youth who live within minutes of the project by offering after-school care, youth sports, summer camps and teen leadership programs .
  • Create a community “hub” by offering the more than 40,000 households who live within minutes of the location a place to connect and be healthy.

“Every community deserves a great YMCA where kids can grow in health and confidence, adults can progress along their path to better well-being, and seniors can thrive in a welcoming social environment,” said Matt Mitchell, president and CEO of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA. “We are excited and look forward to engaging the growing Wesley Chapel area.”

 

Heritage Arts Center Association awards two scholarships

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Pasco County students Colette Hanke and Lindsey Overland show off award-winning work. Photo courtesy of Heritage Arts Center Association

DADE CITY – The Heritage Arts Center Association gives a $1,000 Nereim Fine Arts Award each year in honor and memory of founding members Gordon and Jean Nereim.

Their love of the arts lives on through this award. Talented seniors in Pasco County schools submit artwork (paintings, sculpture, drawing or photography) each spring to be considered. 

Due to a generous grant from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation this year, the organization was able to present $1,000 art awards to seniors Colette Hanke and Lindsey Overland.

Colette, of Academy at the Lakes, has had a fascination with art since childhood. Colette submitted an acrylic painting, created to experiment with the “cell shading” style.  She used a white charcoal pencil to sketch out the piece and then blocked out the light and shadow for the process. Her painting depicted an artist’s workspace, with a blank canvas – suggesting the endless possibilities of creation. Her teacher is Matthew Paltoo.  

Lindsey’s primary field of interest is illustration. The Cypress Creek High School senior plans to attend Ringling College of Art and Design. She submitted a mixed media piece of birds with pearl craft stickers on canvas, which reflected the theme of femininity and connectedness. Her teacher is Zach Krieder

Because of the large number and quality of entries this year, the Heritage Arts Center Association also named Brianna Mercado and Alenna Raza as Honorable Mention artists.  

The Heritage Arts Center Association will feature these four artists at the Moonlight and Ivory concert and art show held Nov. 1 at Dade City’s Woman’s Club. 

On the web: heritagearts.org

 

Florida SBDC at USF gives out awards to top performers

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Florida SBDC at USF earned the SBA 2025 Small Business Development Center of the Year award. Photo courtesy of Florida SBDC at USF
Dr. Nick Bottaro, of Beatific Vision in Odessa, accepts the award for SBDC Fastest Growth Business of the Year. Photo courtesy of Florida SBDC at USF

TAMPA – The Florida Small Business Development Center at University of South Florida recognized top professionals May 14 during the 2025 Florida SBDC at USF Annual Business Awards.
Winners are now eligible for Florida SBDC Network state awards. State award winners will be announced at the Network’s Annual Conference this coming August in Tampa.
During the awards, the Florida SBDC at USF was also recognized with the SBA 2025 Small Business Development Center of the Year Award by the U.S Small Business Administration.
“Our Florida SBDC at USF Annual Business Awards continues to be a great opportunity to celebrate entrepreneurship and recognize the Florida SBDC professionals who help businesses in our 10-county Tampa Bay region thrive,” said Carl Hadden, regional director of the Florida SBDC at USF. “We are fortunate enough to have a dedicated team, who worked tirelessly to make this a successful event, and honored to have been selected as the 2025 State of Florida SBDC Center of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.”
Below is a list of all the award winners.

Florida SBDC Performance Awards
• Team Spirit of the Year: Bill Burnham
• Rising Star of the Year: Debra Schweikowsky
• Performance Excellence Award: Randy Hayes
• Ambassador of the Year Award: Stephanie Ordonez
• Resource Partner of the Year: Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce
• Graduate Student Team Project of the Year: Lithium Battery Company (University of Tampa)
• Undergraduate Student Team Project of the Year: Pinoy Cravings (Florida Southern College)

Florida SBDC at USF Small Business Awards
• SBDC Start Up Business of the Year: ABA on Demand LLC
• SBDC Export Business of the Year: Collective Circularity LLC
• SBDC Businessperson of the Year: Salty Roots Salon, LLC
• SBDC Veteran-Owned Business of the Year: Spectrum Custom Molds and Manufacturing
• SBDC Fastest Growth Business of the Year: Siloam Medical dba Beatific Vision
• SBDC Government Contractor of the Year: Onyx Cleaning Services, LLC
• SBDC Woman-Owned Business of the Year: Little Law, P.A.

SBA Small Business Awards
• SBA 2025 Small Business Development Center of the Year: Florida SBDC at USF
• SBA 2025 South Florida District & State Exporter of the Year: Yo Mama’s Foods Co.
• SBA 2025 South Florida District & State Small Businessperson of the Year: Point Summit
• SBA 2025 South Florida District Veteran Business Owner of the Year: PVM, Inc.
• 2025 Top SBA Certified Development Company Lender: Florida Development Corporation
• 2025 Top Lender by Number of Loans to Rural Businesses: SouthState Bank
On the web: sbdctampabay.com/award/

Are you financially prepared for hurricane season?

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As we enter what’s predicted to be a dynamic hurricane season, many Tampa Bay residents may have an emergency plan, but it’s just as important to make sure you are financially ready.

Here are five tips to help you financially prepare ahead of the significant impacts of a storm:

  • Create a financial first-aid kit. Put copies of any important physical financial documents that might be needed immediately in a waterproof “go-bag,” such as financial statements, utility bills, credit card statements, insurance policy account numbers, health insurance cards, medical records and more. Consider switching to secure electronic delivery for bank, credit card and other financial statements to prevent misplacing hard-copy financial records.  
  • Protect and preserve important documents. Store other key papers you’re likely to need in the future, such as recent tax returns, property deeds, and brokerage and retirement account information, in a safe-deposit box or home safe that can resist fire, water or structural damage. You may also consider scanning important documents and uploading them to a reliable cloud-based storage service.
  • Evaluate your insurance. Your current homeowner policies may not give adequate protection around certain natural disasters such as floods. Whether you rent or own, it’s good practice to take pictures or a video of the property – inside and out. Also note the make, model, serial number and purchase date of big-ticket items such as electronics, artwork or jewelry you may have to leave behind. Lastly, be sure to upgrade your insurance whenever you update your home.    
  • Establish a source of ready cash. Even with insurance, disaster-related out-of-pocket costs – including unplanned living expenses, if you’re displaced for a time – can be high. To bolster your emergency savings, consider talking with a financial advisor about potentially opening a flexible line of credit such as a home equity line of credit that you can tap in the event of an emergency. You could also consider obtaining a line of credit secured with other assets, such as your investments, or see if your bank has low-cost, short term loan programs.
  • Share information with family members. In many households, one person may manage most financial activities. It’s important that other family members know what expenses or bills have to be paid, where to locate the checking and savings accounts and how to access other important documents. Having regular family financial meetings to discuss where stuff is stored, and how your filing system works can prevent potential confusion and miscommunication.  

No one wants to consider the possibility of a hurricane disrupting their life, but taking practical steps and having a solid financial plan can help you stay resilient when the next storm hits.

Michael Esposito serves as president of Bank of America Tampa Bay.

Summer Classics Movie Series returns to Tampa Theatre

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TAMPA – For more than three decades, the community has flocked to Tampa Theatre on Sunday afternoons to enjoy Summer Classics as they were meant to be seen: on the big screen, with a bag of popcorn and a cold drink as a shared, communal experience.

Now in its 34th year, the Summer Classics Movie Series celebrates more than a century of extraordinary filmmaking.

The oldest offering, a collection of silent comedy shorts from the 1920s, takes Tampa Theatre back to its roots of presenting silent films with live musical accompaniment on its original Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ. Others, like “The Blues Brothers,” “Psycho” and “Monty Python” are celebrating milestone anniversaries. 

Most of these iconic favorites, like “The Wizard of Oz,” “Casablanca” and “The Princess Bride” have been named to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for their cultural, historical or aesthetic significance.

To kick off the season, Tampa Theatre will present a special engagement of Jaws (1975) over Memorial Day weekend, offering audiences a chance to experience “the original summer blockbuster” on the big screen, May 23 to 27.

After that, the Summer Classics lineup includes:

  • “The Princess Bride” (1987) – 3 p.m. June 1
  • “The Blues Brothers” (1980) – 3 p.m. June 8
  • “Dr. Zhivago” (1965) – 3 p.m. June 15
  • “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981) – 3 p.m. June 22
  • “Moulin Rouge!” (2001) – 3 p.m. June 29
  • “Top Gun” (1986) – 3 p.m. July 6
  • “Psycho” (1960) – 3 p.m. July 13
  • “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975) – 3 p.m. July 20
  • “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” (1982) – 3 p.m. July 27
  • “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” (1966) – 3 p.m. Aug. 3
  • “The Wizard of Oz” (1939) – 3 p.m. Aug. 10
  • “Roman Holiday” (1953) – 3 p.m. Aug. 17
  • “Casablanca” (1942) – 3 p.m. Aug. 24
  • “The Silent Clowns” – 3 p.m. Aug. 31

“The Silent Clowns” shorts provide a unique opportunity to see these silent films exactly as audiences saw them back in the 1920s, presented in their original format with live accompaniment on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ. Tampa Theatre’s Artist in Residence Steven Ball will write and perform an original score for each of the films.

Audiences are also invited to stick around after select shows for Film Talks with some of the community’s most knowledgeable movie experts. They will examine the films’ themes, structure and cultural significance as well as answer questions from the audience. 

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of Bank of America’s sponsorship of the Summer Classics Movie Series.

“At Bank of America, we are dedicated to supporting local cultural institutions that have a positive impact on our lives,” said Michael Esposito, president, Bank of America Tampa Bay. “For 10 years, we’ve supported Tampa Theater’s Summer Classics Movie Series and their goal to bring beloved classics to our community. This program has become a local tradition that brings people together each year.”

Tickets for “The Silent Clowns” event are $14.50 ($11.50 for Tampa Theatre members). The rest of the Summer Classics films are $10 ($7 for members).