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Pasco County to experiment with traffic technology

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This image distinguishes among different modes of transportation at an out-of-town crosswalk. Different colors distinguish among various uses. The most pronounced uses are vehicles (neon green), buses (royal blue), bicycles (red) and pedestrians (yellow). Photo courtesy of Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County will explore new technology that will allow transportation engineers and planners to gauge traffic volumes  as well as hone in on near-misses on specific roads. 

Eric Katz, of Marlin Engineering, provided an update Feb. 13 to the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization about the project. The MPO is using a grant to get a demonstration of the technology. 

“We’re going to be bringing the latest and greatest in regard to bike/ped(estrian) data collection upon three high priority locations within the county,” Katz said. 

Those locations are as follows: 

  • Starkey Boulevard and State Road 54.
  • Ridge Road and the Suncoast Trail Crossing.
  • U.S. 19 and Sea Ranch Road.

Katz said the AI-powered technology is able to distinguish among vehicles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians to help tell a story about how an intersection is being used. Engineers and planners can use traffic volume and trajectory data to determine how roads can be made safer.

The technology can capture every movement made at an intersection within a 24-hour period. It can track near misses or scenarios that may lead to a crash, isolating each incident with a screenshot for added context. 

Katz’s team will be putting out the equipment and collecting data starting next month. April and May will be used to analyze the data. That data will be included within a strategic plan and a presentation to the Pasco MPO in June. 

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano pressed MPO Executive Director Tania Gorman why U.S. 19 wasn’t a focal point for the study, considering the highway is of special interest to leaders. 

Gorman explained the grant with Marlin Engineering was to demonstrate the technology before investing an exorbitant amount of money into it. Leaders may opt to use it again to analyze more locations. 

Mariano asked Gorman if it was too late to change locations for the study. Gorman said the MPO has already submitted a task order for the grant. Marlin Engineering has already started preparing the three selected locations.

This did not deter Mariano, who was mid-motion to swap out a location before Justin Hall, of the Florida Department of Transportation, approached the podium. 

“So for U.S. 19, we’re actually doing exactly what they’re presenting to you up and down the entire corridor – Pasco Hernando and Citrus counties,” Hall told Mariano. “So if you want us to prioritize an intersection, I can do that. We have a consultant doing the same thing – near-miss analysis cameras – so we could prioritize that intersection, have it turned around. We don’t have to issue a new task because their task is for the entire stretch of U.S. 19.”

Mariano told him to prioritize the Grand Boulevard intersection. 

 

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North celebrates 15th birthday 

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St. Joseph’s Hospital-North team members Julia Pelham Parchuke, Amanda May and Crystal Herring celebrate the hospital’s 15th birthday. Photo courtesy of BayCare Health System

 

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North celebrated its 15th birthday on Feb. 15, marking 15 years of service to the north Tampa community.  

The hospital provides medical and surgical services in more than 20 specialties including breast health, cancer, gastroenterology, heart and vascular, interventional radiology, maternity, orthopedics and urology.

When it opened 15 years ago, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North became the first full-service hospital to open in Hillsborough County since 1985. 

 

The exterior of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North. Photo courtesy of BayCare Health System

Growing with the community

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North had major expansions in 2020 and 2018.

Some of the upgrades from the 2020 expansion include: 

  • Added two patient floors and increased licensed bed capacity to its current total of 210. St. Joseph’s Hospital-North opened in 2010 with a licensed bed capacity of 108. 
  • Increased ICU beds from 12 to 24.
  • Opened a new infusion and chemotherapy center that can treat up to 15 patients at one time. The center relocated to the current Lutz campus to accommodate growth and improve patient convenience.
  • Increased areas for respiratory and physical therapy.
  • Expanded the clinical engineering area.
  • Added a dialysis unit.

A prior expansion in 2018 added four operating rooms to bring the total to eight. Also in 2018, the hospital opened additional gastrointestinal endoscopy services.

In February 2025, an additional mammography suite for diagnostic breast mammograms and biopsies was added.

Other additions include the hospital’s Unit for Psychiatry and Medicine in 2023 and a coffeehouse staffed by people with intellectual and developmental  disabilities in 2024. 

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is using the opportunity of its 15th birthday to announce the opening of a NICU. The NICU is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2025.  

The NICU will supplement St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s labor and delivery unit and Mother & Baby unit.  The NICU will offer “couplet care.” Mother and baby will be in the same room.

“Traditionally, mom and baby would have to go to separate rooms,” said Sara Dodds, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North president. “Our NICU will enable mom and baby to stay together from the very start.”

 

Celebrating with the community

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North has had much to celebrate over its 15 years: 

  • St. Joseph’s Hospital-North earned four out of five stars in the latest Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Hospital Quality Star Ratings Report. It is among only 40% of hospitals nationally to earn a 4 or 5-star rating.  
  • The hospital is accredited as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation. 
  • The hospital received 2024 American Heart Association “Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Silver Plus and Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll quality achievement awards for its care of stroke patients.
  • The hospital is LEED-certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a designation associated with environmental sustainability.

“There is a lot I am proud of,” said Dodds, who has been St. Joseph’s Hospital-North president since April 2023. Dodds is among 80 other team members who have been at the hospital since opening in 2010. The hospital, which opened with less than 500 team members its first year, has more than 1,000 today.

“We have gone through a lot of growth and additions of services,” she said. “I am proud of the team we have created  and culture that we have maintained over the last 15 years. As north Tampa continues to grow, we do also, with a commitment to continue offering our patients compassionate care along with modern medicine.”

 

Barbara’s Kitchen Jams keeps business fresh

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Barbara Young started making jams in 2010 and named her business, Barbara’s Kitchen Jams, after her mother. Photo courtesy of Barbara’s Kitchen Jams

LARGO – Barbara’s Kitchen Jams is more than a store. 

Chef Sharon Young’s products are available at events such as Shopapalooza and local stores including ones at the Tampa Bay International Airport. The company hosts classes, including jam sessions, that teach jam making and history. It also offers tea parties that teach health aspects and the history of the tea.  

“I am most proud of the quality of our jams, service and growth,” Sharon Young said. “Being at local events including Shopapalooza is a great platform for us. We get to showcase our products, and it brings people to our store.”

Barbara’s Kitchen Jams offers a selection of over 30 flavors. The company is constantly adding and changing new flavors based on customer feedback. Jam flavors include Apricot, “Oink “ Bacon Habanero, Banana Nut Bread, Black Raspberry, Blueberry, Carrot Cake and US1 Traffic Jam.  

All products are handmade using fresh ingredients from local farmers. Some of the jams are natural, with no sugar and no artificial sweetener added.  

Young and her husband, Dwight, have two other brands at their store; The Dreaded Fisherman (aged balsamic, organic seasonings, pure syrup and fermented honey) and Brie and Tiffany Organic Herbal Teas (named after her nieces).

Barbara’s Kitchen Jams has been a member of LocalShops1 and a Shopapalooza vendor for several years. The store is located at 12508 Starkey Road. Visit barbaraskitchenjams.com for details. 

 

Pasco County sees decrease in traffic fatalities, serious injuries

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This map shows hotspots where fatal collisions have occurred from 2019 to 2023. Photo courtesy of Pasco County Metropolitan Transportation Organization
Chart courtesy of Pasco County Metropolitan Transportation Organization

NEW PORT RICHEY – The number and rate of deaths and serious injuries on Pasco County roads are trending downward despite the area’s rapid growth. 

The Pasco County Metropolitan Transportation Organization was one of just six MPOs in the state to report a reduction in the number and rate of deaths and serious injuries from 2019 to 2023, according to Andrew Larter, a senior transportation planner for Urban SDK.

Larter presented safety data to the Pasco MPO on Feb. 13 so that leaders could set their annual targets. 

Federal law requires states to annually set targets for safety performance measures. MPOs have to follow suit within 180 days. 

The Florida Department of Transportation set a target this year of zero for all performance measures. This includes fatalities and serious injuries. 

“Obviously, this is an aspirational goal,” Larter told the Pasco MPO. “It’s one that we all aspire to with the Vision Zero principle of roadway safety; however, Pasco MPO supports the statewide target and nevertheless also wishes to establish its own targets to track the safety performance of the transportation system in Pasco County in a more easily understandable way and one that establishes more meaningful and achievable targets than a blanket target of zero.”

Pasco MPO tracks five safety performance measures: the number and rate of fatalities, the number and rate of serious injuries, and non-motorized fatalities and serious injuries. 

These measures are tracked using five-year rolling averages. Despite reductions in every performance measure, the Pasco MPO did not meet targets set in 2024. 

That’s because the MPO sets a goal to reduce deaths and serious injuries by 10% of the current five-year rolling average. 

“This is a methodology that allows the MPO to adopt clear and achievable targets using available and empirical data,” Larter said. 

Chart courtesy of Pasco County Metropolitan Transportation Organization

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano questioned if that was the best approach. He thought it would be more realistic to set goals based on year-to-year data instead of a five-year rolling average. 

“I don’t know why you would set yourself up for failure with that,” he said. 

He wanted to see how the other 26 MPOs in Florida measure their goals. 

“I also think it’s going to be very interesting to see the numbers because our county is growing at such a rapid rate compared to other parts of the state,” Pasco County Commissioner Lisa Yeager said. 

Larter shared several ways that the MPO is addressing safety, including: 

  • Creating a safety action plan after receiving a $320,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation in 2023. 
  • Supporting the Federal Highway Administration’s Safe System approach to highway design.
  • Incorporating safety into transportation planning as well as its methodology for project prioritization.

 

Zephyrhills celebrates opening of Hercules Park

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Children enjoyed playing at the splashpad after the park opened. Photos courtesy of Joe Potter
City Manager William C. “Billy” Poe Jr. talks about the cost to plan, develop and build Hercules Park. Photos courtesy of Joe Potter

ZEPHYRHILLS – The City of Zephyrhills held a grand opening Feb. 13 for its first new community park in 40 years.

Hercules Park is adjacent to Zephyrhills High and Woodland Elementary schools at 38100 County Road 54. 

Entrances to the park are from U.S. 30 (Gall Boulevard) northbound near Culvers and from east- or westbound County Road 54 near Zephyrhills High School. 

Hercules Park features a nature-based playground, splashpad, open play field, restroom, sidewalk around scenic trails, bike trails, picnic areas and enough parking spaces to accommodate 54 vehicles.

It cost $7.6 million to plan, develop and build what City Manager William Poe Jr. called the “showcase park.” Poe said Zephyrhills’ citizens would say, “wow,” after they saw the park and all that it had to offer.

Most of the funding for the park came from the federal government through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, Poe said.

“I could have never dreamed what I’m seeing today,” Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson said during the grand opening. 

Monson described Hercules Park as a place where families could come together to build stronger bonds; a place where kids could create memories that last a lifetime; and a place where people could gather to commune with nature, to step away from the stresses of the world and to renew and refresh their lives.

“It’s been truly a team effort for all of us to work together,” said James Pankonin, vice president of Kimley-Horn, the company that designed the park. “Without the participation of everyone working together and working as a team we couldn’t really done what we did here.”

Johnny Santos, of Wharton-Smith, emphasized the commitment the company made to build Hercules Park. He said the company put some extra benches into the park so parents would have a place to sit and watch their children play.

Pasco County had previously operated Hercules Aquatic Center where Hercules Park is now located. That facility, including its swimming pool, was closed in 2009 due to budgetary constraints. 

The property’s ownership was then turned over to Pasco County Schools. Zephyrhills obtained control of the 12-acre site in June 2018.

The actual planning for Hercules Park began in late 2022 when Kimley-Horn sat down with city officials and came up with designs that would honor the history of the land.

Hercules Powder Company’s Camp #39 had produced pine oil, resin and turpentine from trees on the site while in business from 1946 to 1962. It was at one time the city’s largest employer with 150 people. 

Several of the employees rented rooms in company-built prefabricated homes on the property. There was also a commissary on the site and Hercules Park Camp #39 even had its own baseball team.

Foods carry extra significance on New Year’s Day

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As with most holidays, New Year’s celebrations are centered around food.  

While ordering a pizza on New Year’s Eve or Day is a popular option (those are two of the top five days for pizza delivery), a fun way to welcome 2025 would be with food that represents good things for the new year.  

Whether you’re cooking for just your family or for a potluck gathering with dozens of people, check out these foods that are symbolic for good things ahead.

  1. Black-eyed peas: There are a few theories on this, but one states that because they swell when cooked, it symbolizes growing wealth.  Cook them in Hoppin’ John, a black-eyed pea dip, or in burritos on New Year’s Day.
  2. Leafy greens: Collard greens, Swiss chard, kale, spinach and so on.  These green veggies are said to represent a prosperous year ahead.
  3. Onions: Traditionally seen by the Greeks to hang a bag of onion over your door to indicate growth and rebirth due to onions easily sprouting even when left alone.  Their layers also represent shedding the old to welcome the new.
  4. Rice: Normally seen thrown at weddings, rice symbolizes prosperity and fertility.
  5. Pork: Because pigs push forward as they eat, it’s considered good luck to eat pork so we can move forward in the new year.
  6. Grapes: In Mexico and Spain, it’s good luck to eat 12 grapes for each stroke of midnight.
  7. Noodles: in many countries, the longer, the better, to represent the longevity of life.  In Japan, they traditionally slurp their noodles since it’s considered bad luck to break them.
  8. Lentils: Because they look like little coins, Italy and other countries eat them on New Year’s to bring luck and fortune.
  9. Fish: With so many fish in the sea, they represent abundance.  
  10. Cornbread: The color of gold, it’s said to represent wealth.
  11. Buttered bread: This represents abundance and the absence of hunger for the year ahead.  Ireland traditionally calls New Year’s Day the Day of Buttered Bread, where they leave a slice of buttered bread outside by the front door to thwart hunger.
  12. Doughnuts: These represent the year coming full circle.  In Germany, jelly-filled doughnuts are common on New Year’s Eve.

Have fun incorporating these meaningful ideas into your New Year’s traditions if you haven’t already, and I’ll see you in 2025.  

 

Black-Eyed Pea and Collard Greens Soup, from MyPlate.gov

Ingredients

  • 3 cups collard greens, stems removed and chopped (about 1/2 pound)
  • 2 cans (15 ounce each) black-eyed peas, low-sodium (or 4 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or cooking oil of choice)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 pound deli ham, sliced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounce) low-sodium broth (chicken or vegetable)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

 

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Wash the collard greens.
  3. Drain and rinse the black-eyed peas.
  4. Collect, chop, dice and measure all ingredients before starting to prepare the recipe.
  5. Place oil, onion, garlic and ham in a large pot with a lid over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the onion is clear, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  6. Add collard greens and broth to the pot.
  7. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes until the collard greens are tender.
  8. Place half of the black-eyed peas in a small bowl, and mash with a fork. Stir the mashed and whole peas into the soup. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
  9. Taste and add a small amount of salt and black pepper if desired.

10 Stir in vinegar just before serving.

  1. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Eat within 3 to 5 days.

 

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.

 

News Briefs (02/19/25): Bilirakis wins Congressional Champion Award  

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Congressman Gus Bilirakis receives the Congressional Champion Award at NCDA’s winter meeting. Photo courtesy of NCDA

 

Bilirakis receives Congressional Champion Award  

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Community Development Association recognized U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) recently with the Congressional Champion Award for championing community development programs, such as the Community Development Block Grant program. 

Bilirakis received the award earlier this month during NCDA’s Winter Legislative, Policy and Professional Development Meeting in Washington, D.C.

“It is truly an honor to receive this Congressional Champion Award from the National Community Development Association, a strong group of talented professionals that work tirelessly to maximize federal resources and support thriving, sustainable and affordable communities throughout the country,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “Together, we are working in a collaborative manner to help seniors, veterans, and other vulnerable populations. I will never stop fighting for Americans who need assistance. Our voices are stronger together!”

 

Taking part in the check presentation were Ken Escobio, Operation Patriot representative, Darlene Choe, Dee Knerr, Linda Mitchell, Peggy Andrews, Nancy Branham, Shirley Wilhite, Beth Nevel-Rader and Jean Olsen. Photo courtesy of Pennee Bowen

Operation Patriot gets $1,800 boost

The GFWC Lutz- Land O’ Lakes Womans Club Civic Engagement CSP presented a check for $1,800 to  Operation Patriot, a not-for-profit organization that provides programs for veterans at the Bandolero Lopez Veterans Home. These funds were raised at the Tombola booth at the annual Arts and Crafts show held in December.

 

Food pantry faces eviction  

LAND O’ LAKES – Father and Son Love Free Food Pantry is facing imminent eviction due to financial struggles in meeting its $8,000 monthly rent and utility payments. 

Without urgent support, the ministry could be forced to close its doors, leaving many without access to essential food, support and encouragement.

For six-plus years, the pantry has been providing groceries, meals, clothing, prayer and resources to those who need them most. Clients include veterans, seniors, families and the homeless.

“We have always believed that love in action can transform lives,” said Pastor CJ Johns, founder of the pantry. “Now, we need the community’s love and action to help us keep these doors open for the remaining four months of their lease.”

Immediate financial assistance is needed to cover rent and utilities. Ongoing support will ensure outreach continues in the months ahead.

Checks can be sent to 21418 Carson Drive Land O Lakes Florida, 34639. Email for in-person donations, sponsorship inquiries or other ways to donate. 

On the web: fatherandsonfreefoodpantry.org

 

PHSC providing Financial Fitness

WESLEY CHAPEL – Pasco Hernando State College will host a Financial Fitness workshop that will explain how to achieve financial goals, focusing on homeownership and economic stability. 

The workshop will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 26 at the PHSC Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch Conference Center, 2727 Mansfield Blvd. The event is open to the public and free with lunch provided, sponsored by The Copeland Team.

Community vendors will be on-site, offering information about various programs available to support individuals in Pasco and Hernando counties during transitional periods, ranging from safety shelters to down payment assistance.

On the web: phsc.edu/about/events/campus/community-awareness-series-financial-fitness

 

Hernando County OK’s Habitat development

SPRING HILL – The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners approved Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside’s proposal to build 30 affordable single-family homes on a 9.5-acre lot at Miracle Drive and Century Drive.

Hernando County is donating the 9.5 acres to Habitat.

The homes that will be built by Habitat on this 9.5-acre lot will be sold to partner families that complete the Habitat Homeownership program, which consists of 38 homebuyer education classes and putting in 350 to 450 sweat equity hours on Habitat construction sites. The average sales price for these homes is expected to be $250,000.

Habitat Tampa Bay Gulfside was awarded Hernando County by Habitat for Humanity International in April 2024. This expanded the affiliate’s services from Pinellas and West Pasco counties to include Hernando County, prompting a name change and rebranding. 

 

Tax collector’s office had notable 2024

TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office has released its Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report.

In FY2024, the office served over one million customers in branch offices while maintaining a 93.9% overall customer satisfaction rating and a 4.87 Google Review rating. The office returned $29.5 million in excess (unused) fees to Hillsborough County and other taxing authorities.

“This comprehensive report demonstrates our commitment to transparency, efficiency, and exceptional service,” said Tax Collector Nancy Millan. “Throughout 2024, our office achieved significant milestones while successfully navigating challenges, showcasing our resilience through enhanced technology and expanded community outreach programs. These improvements have strengthened public trust and service delivery.”

Read the annual report at hillstax.org and get more insight from Millan at https://www.hillstax.org/state-of-the-organization.

 

HART partners with transit app 

TAMPA – The Hillsborough Transit Authority announced a new benefit for customers: free access to Transit Royale, the premium service available in the Transit app.

HART recently transitioned to the Transit App for customer-facing real-time travel information. The agency previously developed OneBusAway Tampa, the agency’s longtime real-time information application.

The upgrade provides expanded route maps, full departure schedules, real-time vehicle tracking, and step-by-step trip guidance – all at no cost.

“We’re always looking to improve the customer experience,” HART CEO Scott Drainville said. “By offering Transit Royale for free, we’re giving customers the best tools to plan their trips with confidence and provide immediate feedback on the go.”

On the web: goHART.org

 

Saint Leo University celebrates opening of nursing floor

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Bella Romeo, a junior nursing student, gives Saint Leo University trustees, donors, county commissioners, health care representatives and other guests a tour of the nursing floor in Benedictine Hall. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

 

Kathleen Van Eerden, Ed Narain, Ed Dadez, John Picciano, Dewey Mitchell and Susan Kinsella cut a ceremonial ribbon Feb. 6 for Saint Leo University’s nursing floor. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University celebrated the grand opening of its new nursing space Feb. 6 on the second floor of Benedictine Hall.

The grand opening featured a ribbon-cutting, prayer, blessing, opening remarks and tours.

“Our repurposed, state-of-the-art simulation and learning space on the second floor of Benedictine Hall continues the caring legacy of the Benedictine Sisters [of Florida] who once resided here [Holy Name Priory, 1960-2014],” said Dr. Kathleen Van Eerden, dean of the College of Health Professions. “The new high-tech nursing classrooms and simulated clinical settings provide immersive learning environments that prepare graduates for safe practice.”

The second floor is devoted to the university’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program with 2,158 square feet renovated out of 4,256 square feet, allowing for more spaces to be created and dedicated to health care in the future. 

The second floor includes two conference rooms, two classrooms, five offices, three simulation rooms, one assessment room and one simulation control room.

The simulation rooms are complete with human patient simulators including a child, a pregnant mother and newborn, and an adult model that Saint Leo nursing students use to practice their skills. The  life-size simulators mimic human appearance. They are mechanical and computer-controlled to show symptoms and the way diseases affect a body.

“The simulators have blinking eyes; heart, lung and bowel sounds; pulses; blood pressure; and more,” Van Eerden said. “Faculty can adjust the simulator to mimic various diagnoses and conditions.”

The mom simulator can go into labor, experience difficulties and give birth to the newborn simulator.

Bella Romeo, a junior nursing student, describes the new nursing floor as “home.”

“I feel welcomed and at home here,” Romeo said. “We all come together here, we share ideas and we work as one. This is a no-judgement zone. We know we can make mistakes and learn from them.”

Romeo is interested in becoming a geriatric nurse with the hopes of one day owning a small facility for those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

State funding as well as private donations helped build the nursing program and pay for renovation costs as well as equipment, hiring of faculty and staff, and other needs. 

The university recognized the need for nurses and launched the bachelor’s degree program in 2021. It also created the College of Health Professions, which includes the bachelor’s and master’s programs in social work. 

The Florida Legislature designated $740,000 for the nursing program and building in its 2023-24 budget.

Data from the Florida Hospital Association shows Florida is experiencing a shortage of nurses and projects a deficit of about 59,000 by 2035 while the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the country will need more than 200,000 registered nurses from now through 2031. 

By the end of its first five years of operation, Saint Leo’s nursing program is expected to add nearly 200 nurses to the workforce.

“Thank you for helping us strengthen the future of health care, one nurse at a time,” University President Ed Dadez said to those gathered for the grand opening.

Saint Leo has introduced measures to help nursing students succeed. 

The university provided free housing to more than 70 students during the fall 2024 semester through its Nursing Housing Award.  An annual financial aid award of $7,680 covers on-campus housing costs. Saint Leo is accepting applications for the Nursing Housing Award for fall 2025. Students must meet eligibility criteria to qualify. 

In spring 2024, Saint Leo University’s nursing program formed a partnership with AdventHealth Zephyrhills, creating a Dedicated Education Unit to train future nurses. Students were paired with a nurse preceptor or mentor from AdventHealth. The students worked side-by-side for 12-hour shifts with their mentors and university nursing instructor Paige Porter.

The DEU program has expanded this year, and Saint Leo nursing students now are assigned to AdventHealth Dade City in addition to AdventHealth Zephyrhills. 

“AdventHealth has such a culture of care, for the employees as well as the patient,” Porter said. “This pairs with the core values of Saint Leo.”

With the opening of the new dedicated nursing space, “Saint Leo is positioned to prepare a new generation of nurses for our region, state and nation,” Van Eerden, the dean said. “With our new contemporary learning space and our program focus on the core values and caring, we know that our Saint Leo nursing graduates will make a difference.”

 

Project Vendors

Vendors who assisted with the project were S3 Design Inc. & Consultants, Cooperative Building Solutions, Sound Interiors Inc., GreenTeam Building Services (Plumbing), A&G Electrical Technologies, Total Building Solutions Inc., Skywatch Signs, Cintas, Prodigy Flooring Inc., Miller Electric Co., and AVI-SPL.

President retires from Saint Leo University

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Ed Dadez will be honored for his service to the university during May commencement. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University President Ed Dadez has retired after 25 years of service and two and a half years as president. 

Dadez retired for personal reasons. He announced Feb. 10 that his last day was Feb. 14.

“From the moment I stepped foot on campus, Saint Leo University has always held a special place in my heart,” Dadez said. “Now with the university in a much stronger position, the time has come for me to focus on my other love, my family.”

Dadez became the 11th president of the university following the resignation of President Jeffrey Senese in 2022. He is the university’s first alumni president and held several university leadership positions before being named president.

Under Dadez’s leadership, the university was able to increase student retention rates, exceed annual fundraising goals and strengthen new and returning student enrollment. 

A hallmark of his presidency was enhancing the university’s culture to place greater focus on its Catholic Benedictine identity.

University trustees will honor Dadez as president emeritus during May commencement.

“The board of trustees and I deeply appreciate President Dadez’s selflessness and commitment to the university,” board chair Ed Narain said. “His impact on the university will be remembered by many.”

The board of trustees is conducting a search for the next president. 

James DeTuccio, vice president of business affairs and chief financial officer, will serve as interim chief operating officer and chief financial officer until the search is complete.

GROW Pasco offers entrepreneurs helpful topics, networking

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GROW Pasco offers breakout sessions and opportunities to network. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC

PASCO COUNTY – SMARTstart is hosting the GROW Pasco event to help educate business owners throughout Pasco County and provide an environment to network with like-minded entrepreneurs as we explore healthy mindsets to build and thrive. 

The event, sponsored by E-Assessment Inc., will take place March 20 at the Saint Leo University Wellness Center in San Antonio. 

Grow Pasco will feature 15 breakout sessions led by more than 30 business professionals. The speakers will cover a variety of topics, such as digital trends and artificial intelligence, marketing and social media, and local resources for businesses.

The Pasco EDC entrepreneurship program, SMARTstart, is Penny for Pasco-supported and provides the tools for growing businesses. SMARTstart has helped create over 525 jobs and currently has 43 incubator members.

Members’ businesses vary from food start-ups cooking in the East Pasco Incubator Kitchen in Dade City to high-technology companies with offices at SMARTstart at the Grove in Wesley Chapel. Members have access to the three Entrepreneur Centers across Pasco County.

GROW Pasco is supported by a resource partners involved in SMARTstart that provide valuable guidance to entrepreneurs as they navigate the business landscape. The event’s Community Resources for Small Business panel discussion will highlight these available resources.

“GROW Pasco provides engaging opportunities for entrepreneurs that are looking to start or grow a business in Pasco County,” said Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC President/CEO. “The session topics are hand-picked from input previous attendees have shared to cover the wants and needs of local businesses.”

The lunch session will feature keynote speaker Johnny Crowder, founder and CEO of Cope Notes, a text-based mental health platform that provides daily support to users in nearly 100 countries around the world. His presentation will highlight “Wellness and Community.”

Core Solutions Group LLC CEO Billie Welchman recommends attending GROW Pasco to entrepreneurs after attending last year’s event. 

“From practical startup advice to innovative growth strategies, the presentations offered a wealth of insights,” Welchman said. “The networking facilitated meaningful connections and collaborations. Overall, GROW Pasco’s event provided a perfect platform for personal and professional growth.”

Visit https://smartstartpasco.com/events/details/grow-pasco-2025 to learn more about the GROW Pasco sessions and to register.

Registration costs $45 and includes a continental breakfast and seated lunch. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

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“Each year we hear great feedback from attendees who share how much new information they learned and how many connections they made to benefit their business throughout the event.” – Dan Mitchell, SMARTstart program director