The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Piccolo Buco Concept expands in Tampa

By

TAMPA – Piccolo Buco, from the team behind Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, was scheduled to open its third location in Tampa on Oct. 20 at 14904 N. Dale Mabry Hwy.

This newest restaurant continues Cooper’s Hawk’s mission to bring exceptional culinary and wine experiences to guests’ backyards. Piccolo Buco is designed as an intimate dining destination that captures the essence of Rome. 

The restaurant brings authentic Italian traditions to Tampa in partnership with Chef Luca Issa, owner of the original Piccolo Buco in Rome.

Cooper’s Hawk founder Tim McEnery discovered Piccolo Buco while traveling in Rome and set out to bring its pizza experience to wine club members and guests.

“Tampa is a perfect fit for Piccolo Buco’s authentic approach to pizza and Italian dining,” McEnery said. “As we establish our presence in Florida for the first time, we’re excited to become part of this vibrant community. This third location reinforces our vision of crafting exceptional dining experiences that bring people together around great food and genuine hospitality.”

The Tampa location features 192 seats: 144 inside and 48 on an enclosed patio. 

Upon entry, guests are met with a grand tasting bar with a custom mantelpiece and light-framed shelving showcasing vintage treasures. Here, wine tastings come alive with subtle nods to Rome, local culture and the Piccolo Buco identity through bespoke artwork and wall features.

The dining room offers a mix of seating and a clear connection to the kitchen, all beneath a suspended industrial ceiling adorned with woven string lights, evoking an al fresco feel. A mural of Roman statues pays homage to the restaurant’s history.

The main bar features warm woods, vintage floral walls and a curated gallery of nostalgic pieces for a more intimate escape. 

The menu showcases traditional Italian favorites alongside interpretations prepared with a mix of authentic and local ingredients. 

Signature items include Luca’s Red, Yellow or White pizza that finishes with a crisp yet cloud-like dough and tall crust. 

Starters include Mama Luca’s Meatballs, Crispy Stuffed Squash Blossoms and Crispy Calamari. 

Roman-style entrees include Cacio e Pepe, Truffle Fondue Cappellacci and Braised Short Ribs. The dessert selection includes Mama Luca’s Tiramisu, Amalfi Pound Cake and Raffaello Gelato. 

An extensive wine selection features both Italian varietals and Cooper’s Hawk’s own wines.

The lunch menu features a collection of Sardinian sandwiches made with the brand’s signature pizza dough. 

Cooper’s Hawk wine club members can also enjoy the perks of their membership at all Piccolo Buco locations.

 

Want to go?

Piccolo Buco operates from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 14904 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa. 

On the web: piccolobuco.coopershawk.com

Chalk Talk (10/22/25): PHSC offers apprenticeship programs

By

Pasco-Hernando State College honored recent apprenticeship graduates Aug. 13 during an alumni dinner. Eugene Figueroa, a graduate of the apprenticeship program, said he’s very grateful to the college for the “opportunity to excel and gain experience and guidance.” Photo courtesy of PHSC

PHSC offers apprenticeship programs

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College’s construction technician worker and apartment maintenance technician programs have made an impact on the workforce since their launch in 2022.

As of fall 2025, PHSC enrolled 64 apprentices in total, with 21 graduates having completed both the Related Technical Instruction and On-the-Job Training components of their programs. An additional 20 apprentices are currently active, working with local partners and gaining hands-on experience in their respective fields.

“We’re hoping to expand both of the programs as we enter the 2026 spring term,” said Wendy Villa, associate director of workforce development. “We currently have over 60 interested applicants for the AMT program and over 85 applicants for the CTW program. For this upcoming semester, we’re hoping to increase the program to allow for two cohorts of each program, doubling the number of current spots.”

PHSC’s overall job placement rate for apprenticeship graduates is between 80% and 85%, thanks to strong partnership with local companies in Pasco and Hernando counties. 

Many students transition directly from apprenticeships into full-time roles with these companies.

On the web: phsc.edu/academics/job-training/apprenticeships

 

Support helps at-risk freshmen stay the course 

SAINT LEO – Saint Leo University is celebrating a boost in student success, thanks to the generosity of alumnus Jody “Allan Joseph” Luihn and the Taco Bell Foundation.

Their support has helped provide direct aid to at-risk first time-in-college freshmen through the university’s Retention Task Force.

Through the Access to Excellence Fund, more than $50,000 in one-time scholarships are distributed annually, including Taco Bell Foundation contributions that also support student success in areas of financial literacy, advising and career readiness. 

While the Retention Task Force serves students across multiple groups, the Taco Bell Foundation grant was directed specifically to at-risk freshmen on campus.

In the 2024-25 academic year, 43 at-risk freshmen received critical support to stay enrolled. The program expects to reach more than 130 students facing similar challenges this year. 

Saint Leo’s retention rate jumped 7 percentage points in one year, from 59% to 66%, outpacing the national average for private nonprofit universities.

“This partnership directly impacts our most vulnerable students, providing the confidence and resources they need to succeed,” said Stephen Kubasek, vice president of University Advancement.

 

Turning Point USA launches pilot chapter

LAND O’ LAKES – Turning Point USA has launched a Middle School Pilot Chapter.

The new chapter will bring middle school students and parents together to learn about the values that have shaped America, such as freedom, community, civic engagement and faith. 

The 501c3 nonprofit strives to inspire the next generation to become informed, engaged and responsible citizens.

Email or search for TPUSA Junior Patriots on Facebook for more information. 

 

Make sure your spooky scary skeleton is in good shape

By

With the skeletons coming out in full force this month, have you given much thought to your bones?

After all, your skeleton does so much. It provides structural support, allows us to move, protects vital organs, makes red and white blood cells and more.

We’ve all heard of calcium and Vitamin D for bone health, but phosphorus is a big one, too.  

Phosphorus and calcium make up the structure of our bones, where they are stored.  

The two have an inverse relationship: when one rises, the other drops.  

The concentration of calcium and phosphorus in the blood is tightly regulated through hormones as our bodies strive to stay in homeostasis.  

Many processed foods have phosphorus additives.  

You might see them on the ingredients list as phosphoric acid, sodium phosphate and polyphosphates.  

You’ll find these additives in sodas, baked goods, crackers, pizza, cured meats, candy and other food sources.

Meanwhile, you can get phosphorus naturally in dairy food, salmon, beef, poultry, pork, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole wheat products and certain vegetables, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance for phosphorus is 700 mg/day.  

When consumed from natural food such as milk, only 60% of it gets absorbed.  

But when consumed from processed food, 100% of it gets absorbed.  

Too much phosphorus, namely from processed food, causes the calcium in the blood to drop, and so your body pulls it from the bones to try to maintain the balance.  

Over time, this can lead to brittle and weak bones.  

The calcium to phosphorus ratio is crucial to bone health, and what we eat makes all the difference.  

If you’re already eating a healthy eating pattern, then you are probably getting enough of this mineral.  

Check the food label too to see if you’re getting enough calcium or Vitamin D (don’t forget the sun can help with Vitamin D levels too).  

Daily calcium requirements vary by age and gender:

  • 9 to 18 years old: 1,300 mg
  • 19 to 50 years old: 1,000 mg
  • Men 51 to 70 years old: 1,000 mg
  • Women 51 to 70 years old: 1,200 mg
  • All adults 71+: 1,200 mg

Dairy has high calcium levels that are well absorbed by the body, but there are other food sources that have calcium too, whether naturally or fortified.  

For example, look for grains fortified with calcium, such as cereals and bread.  

Among vegetables, dark leafy greens such as collards, kale and bok choy are good sources of calcium.  

While spinach does have calcium, it also has oxalates, which inhibit calcium absorption.  

And if you’re a fan of orange juice, make sure it’s fortified with calcium and vitamin D.  

Kumquats, oranges and dried figs also have some levels of calcium.  

Within protein, fortified tofu and certain beans and seafood have calcium.

As for Vitamin D, intake varies a bit by age:

  • 1-70 years: 15 micrograms per day
  • Over 70: 20 micrograms per day

You’ll find Vitamin D fortified in many foods and beverages, including milk, yogurt, cheese, cereal and orange juice.  

Naturally, you’ll find it in fatty fish and egg yolks.

Other habits matter too, like staying active with weight-bearing exercises such as walking and resistance training, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco.

So as you hang up the skeletons in your yard, don’t forget about your own skeleton.

 

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.

 

Hunks in the running for Emmy Awards

By

TAMPA – “HUNKS vs. The Hurricanes,” the short documentary highlighting heroes of last year’s back-to-back storms, has been nominated for four Regional Suncoast Emmy Awards.

The film premiered at the Tampa Theatre, where Mayor Jane Castor and community leaders celebrated the city’s spirit of service and sacrifice. The documentary features interviews with Castor and meteorologist Denis Phillips, and spotlights the efforts of College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving crews, who worked around the clock to remove storm debris and support neighbors, even while dealing with personal losses.

“We were spared so many times in the past, but this, Helene and Milton, got everyone’s attention,” Castor said in the film. “To see everyone come together to do whatever it took to get our city back up and running, I think that was amazing.”

Co-produced by Brick Creative, Outbound.com and College HUNKS co-founder Nick Friedman, “HUNKS vs. The Hurricanes” highlights Tampa’s resilience and community spirit. The film is now available on YouTube.

“We wanted to capture the spirit of service and sacrifice we witnessed,” Friedman said.

The documentary features College HUNKS employee Mario Martinez, who lost his home in the floodwaters yet never stopped helping neighbors. 

“I had nothing left, but I knew my neighbors needed me,” Martinez said. “Helping them helped me heal. That’s what being part of this community and this company is all about.”

The nominations come as College HUNKS celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025 and has grown into a national brand with nearly 200 franchises. The Regional Suncoast Emmy Awards will take place on Dec. 6.

 

Health & Wellness (10/15/25): Center provides hospice care options

By

Attendees listen to speakers at the grand opening, seated under the porte cochere of the new Dr. Jay Weil Center for Hospice Care. Photo courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services
  • Photo 2: Attendees listen to speakers at the grand opening, seated under the porte cochere of the new Dr. Jay Weil Center for Hospice Care. Photo courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services
  • Photo 3: Dr. Jay Weil speaks at the grand opening, with Carla Armstrong, Director of Philanthropy (foreground in blue) and Linda Ward, president and CEO, looking on. Photo courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services
  • Photo 4: Guests tour the new Gulfside care center. Photo courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services
  • Photo 1: Leigh Massengill, former chair of Gulfside’s board and former CEO of Trinity Hospital, with Linda L. Ward, president and CEO of Gulfside Healthcare Services. Photo courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services
  • Photo 5: Guests enjoyed appetizers and beverages while celebrating the grand opening. Photo courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services

 

Leigh Massengill, former chair of Gulfside’s board and former CEO of Trinity Hospital, with Linda L. Ward, president and CEO of Gulfside Healthcare Services. Photo courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services

Center provides hospice care options

NEW PORT RICHEY – Gulfside Healthcare Services celebrated the opening of its newest inpatient care facility Sept. 19 in New Port Richey. 

Guests not only toured patient rooms and family areas but also applauded the announcement of a gift by Dr. Jay Weil. The new care center will be called the Dr. Jay Weil Center for Hospice Care in honor of his generosity.

The new Gulfside Center for Hospice Care features 24 private patient rooms designed for comfort and dignity, as well as private gathering spaces where families can spend time together in peace and privacy. The grounds also offer a memorial butterfly garden with a serene fountain and a covered pergola, providing a tranquil space for remembrance and reflection.

The center provides specialized, round-the-clock services for patients who require a higher level of care, as well as respite care for families of hospice patients. It also offers programs such as The Gift of Time, a compassionate extubation program that supports patients and families in making the most of meaningful final moments together.

“This new facility represents our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional, compassionate care to patients and families when they need it most,ˮ said Linda L. Ward, president and CEO of Gulfside Healthcare Services. “We’re honored to open our doors to the community and share the healing, comfort and peace that this center will provide.”

 

AdventHealth Sebring Expands Internal Medicine Residency Clinic

SEBRING – AdventHealth Sebring’s Internal Medicine Residency Clinic has relocated to a larger facility at 4421 Sun N Lake Blvd., Suite B. 

The new space includes 16 exam rooms, which is more than triple the previous location, allowing physicians to serve more patients. 

The clinic supports 31 resident physicians training to become independent doctors through hands-on experience and AdventHealth’s whole-person care model. 

“At our Internal Medicine residency program, every patient benefits from the compassionate care of our dedicated resident physicians, paired with the expertise of our talented and knowledgeable attending doctors,” said Dr. Thomas Shimshak, program director. 

 

BayCare to break ground on behavioral health building

NEW PORT RICHEY – BayCare plans to break ground this month on Pasco County’s first Behavioral Health Central Receiving Facility at 8002 King Helie Blvd.

The center will offer crisis intervention, assessment and referral services for those facing mental health or substance use crises. 

The $2 million project expands on BayCare’s Integrated Stabilization Unit and is expected to open next summer. 

 

Hospital offers free one-day childbirth class

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road, will host a free Comprehensive Childbirth Class on Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The one-day session is ideal for busy parents-to-be and covers labor, birth, breastfeeding and newborn care, led by RN-certified childbirth educators. 

The class also includes a tour of the hospital’s private labor and delivery, mother and baby, and NICU rooms, featuring two couplet care rooms where mothers and babies stay together. 

Registration is required at BayCareEvents.org or by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing 2.

 

Pink on Parade raises awareness and hope

SEBRING – More than 260 people dressed in pink Oct. 5 joined AdventHealth Sebring Foundation’s annual Pink on Parade 5K and 1-mile walk to honor breast cancer patients, survivors and loved ones. 

Among them was nurse and survivor Jacqueline Loney, who was diagnosed at 37 and inspired by her care team to enter nursing. 

“Some of the best nurses I had either had cancer or had someone close to them with cancer,” Loney said. “I wanted to have that same level of compassion for someone else and help in their journey.”

Since 2017, the event has raised more than $300,000 for early detection and treatment. 

Learn more or schedule a mammogram at scheduleyourmammo.com.

 

Event promotes early detection

TRINITY – Community members in Trinity attended AdventHealth’s “Her Health Matters” on Oct. 4, featuring expert panels, mobile mammography screenings and a variety of clinical and wellness vendors. 

Participants were able to speak with healthcare professionals and gain knowledge about prevention, early detection and treatment options.  

Tiffany Nieters, lead mammographer at AdventHealth North Pinellas, said getting a mammogram is a quick and easy step women can take for their health that could potentially be lifesaving. Mammograms can take about 15 minutes.

“They sometimes hear horror stories and once they get here they see it, and they realize it’s not that bad,” Nieters said. “So, events like this show exactly what they’re going to be having done and they see how easy it is.”  

 

Get answers on Medicare

  1. PETERSBURG – SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas. 

Specially trained volunteers can assist you with your Medicare, Medicaid and Health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.

They’ll answer questions at the following Medicare Basics programs: 

  • Medicare Fraud Prevention: Oct. 16 at 1 p.m. at Seminole Community Library, 9200 113th St. N., Seminole. 727-394-6922.
  • Medicare Part C Advantage Plans: Oct. 20 at 4:30 p.m. at Clearwater Countryside Library, 2642 Sabal Springs Drive, Clearwater. 727-562-4970.
  • Medicare Open Enrollment Presentation: Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. at AdventHealth North Pinellas, 1395 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs. 
  • Medicare Part C Advantage Plans: Oct. 21 at 2:30 p.m. at Aging Well Center, 1501 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater. 727-562-4904.
  • Medicare Part C Advantage Plans: Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. at the Safety Harbor Public Library, 101 2nd St. N., Safety Harbor. 727-724-1525.
  • Medicare Basics: Oct. 16 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL 54, Wesley Chapel.  813-788-6375.
  • Medicare Basics: Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214.
  • Medicare Open Enrollment Period: Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. at Advent Health North Pinellas, 1395 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs.
  • Medicare Basics: Oct. 23 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St, Dade City. 352-567-3576.
  • Medicare Basics: Oct. 28 at 10:30 a.m. at the Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday. 727-834-3204.

SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential. Counselors do not sell anything. They can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.

News Briefs (10/15/25): Garden Club to host plant sale

By

Dade City Garden Club to host Plants & Treasures Sale 

DADE CITY – The Dade City Garden Club will use proceeds from its Plants & Treasures Sale to help recover from recent financial losses due to the 2024 hurricane season. 

In addition to raising money for the garden club, the sale supports sustainability by keeping unwanted goods out of the landfills.

The sale takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Dade City Garden Club, 13630 Fifth St.

Plants are not the only draw. The club will offer an array of gently used items for resale. 

Breakfast food and lunch will be available for a donation from Eagle Scout candidate Talon Pergarten of BSA Troop 311, Dade City, who is raising funds for his project to be built on the garden club grounds.

Contact Vicki Griepenburg at for more information. 

 

HART operator reunites lost child with mother

TAMPA – The Hillsborough Transit Authority commends Bus Operator Barbara Baker for her quick thinking and compassion that helped reunite a young child with his family.

As captured in a recent onboard video, Baker spotted a small child in the middle of a roadway. Without hesitation, she safely pulled her bus to the side, exited the vehicle and brought the child out of harm’s way. She stayed with the child until officers from the Tampa Police Department arrived. The child was reunited with his family shortly after.

“This is a powerful reminder that our operators do far more than drive buses — they also serve as guardians of the community every single day,” HART CEO Scott Drainville said. “Operator Baker’s courage and attentiveness exemplify the dedication and heart that define our team.”

HART vehicles are designated as a Hillsborough County Safe Place. Operators are trained to remain vigilant and situationally aware in cases involving lost children or human trafficking. 

 

Hillsborough roads to close for CSX maintenance

TAMPA – Three eastern Hillsborough County roads will be closed for four days apiece in the coming weeks as CSX performs railroad crossing maintenance. 

County crews will be on site to ensure the roads have smooth transitions across the repaired tracks.

  • Falkenburg Road will close between East Broadway Avenue and Nancy Watkins Drive from Oct. 20 to Oct. 24.
  • Sydney Washer Road will close between Salem Church Road and Sydney Dover Road from Oct. 27 to Oct. 31.
  • South Forbes Road will close between Sydney Road and Varnadore Lane from Nov. 3 to Nov. 7.

Detours will be posted and navigation apps will be updated accordingly.

 

Better Together honors community partners 

By

Better Together leaders Joy Harris (far left), Tampa Bay executive director, and CEO Megan Rose (far right) presented the Community Partner of the Year Award to the City of Tampa. Nancy Suriel, Manuel Pelegri accepted the awardd on the city’s behalf. Photo courtesy of Better Together

TAMPA – Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to families and children, recently honored its Tampa-area volunteers, supporters and community partners who have made a significant impact on the organization and its mission.

The privately funded nonprofit relies on the support of donors, community partners and volunteers to provide its services to families across the state. 

Each year, Better Together hosts a series of Doing Good Together receptions in all six of its regions to honor and showcase the efforts of these individuals and organizations. 

Each honoree receives a specialized award, in the style of a prized baseball card, recognizing the recipient’s impact with Better Together.

Better Together recognized several honorees during the reception held Sept. 16 at the Tampa Bay Yacht & Country Club. 

Honorees include:

  • Host Family of the Year was presented to Kelly Taylor and her family. She and her daughters welcomed children into their home to care for them while the children’s parents worked to get back on their feet.
  • Community Partner of the Year was presented to the City of Tampa. The city’s Homeless Outreach Team helps individuals and families find housing, and their partnership has helped families build a stable foundation.
  • Church Partner of the Year was presented to Northwest Church of Christ. Pastor Joel Harper empowers the congregation to serve the community with energy. The church is all in, from hosting job fairs and prayer night to last-minute team meetings.
  • Department of Children and Families Partner of the Year was presented to Devonique Freeman. She creates a supportive and uplifting environment, even in the midst of challenging work. She is professional, knowledgeable and always quick to offer help.
  • Mentor of the Year was presented to Shelevia Dawson. She lives with open hands and an open heart, always ready to help those in need.
  • Super Volunteer of the Year was presented to Kerri Sheeran. She has mentored three moms and gone above and beyond for each of them.
  • The Staff Appreciation Award was presented to Madison Williams, Nancy Suriel, Viviane Kunak, Sophia Safford and Candice Chukes. The entire Tampa team went above and beyond this year, serving double the number of children over this time last year: 1,341 children.

“Our Better Together team is so grateful for the donors, volunteers, partners and advocates who stand in the gap and support us in fulfilling our mission,” CEO Megan Rose said. “These groups and individuals are the reason we are able to transform lives and help our community flourish. It was an honor to recognize them for their generosity and unwavering support this year.”

This year’s Tampa Doing Good Together reception was sponsored by GTE Financial.

Business Digest (10/15/25): Target opens Wesley Chapel store 

By

Target opens Wesley Chapel store 

WESLEY CHAPEL – Target was scheduled to celebrate the grand opening of its newest store in Wesley Chapel on Oct. 12. 

The 149,000-square-foot store, located at 27920 Pink Flamingo Lane, will employ about 170 team members and feature 16,000 square feet of fresh produce, meat and dairy. 

Guests can enjoy Target’s full range of brands, an Apple shop, CVS Pharmacy, Target Optical and Starbucks Café. 

The store will offer drive-up, order pickup and same-day delivery through Target Circle 360. 

Store hours are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekends.

 

Credit union giving grants to schools 

TAMPA – The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation will award $3,268,750 in grants for the 2025-26 school year to support education across Florida, a 4% increase from last year. 

Of that, $2.8 million will benefit K-12 schools and $434,000 will go to colleges for scholarships and food pantries. 

County-specific investments will include over $527,500 in Hillsborough County to tackle attendance issues, expand early literacy and support teacher and administrator development initiatives. 

Pasco County received funds for a mobile podcast studio to highlight student and community partnerships. 

The foundation has invested more than $55 million in youth well-being since 1990.

“By advancing and supporting education, we help build stronger, more vibrant, and prosperous communities where opportunities can grow and thrive,” President and CEO Kevin Johnson said. 

 

Young professionals to help with Habitat 

CLEARWATER – Tampa Bay Business Journal and Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside are partnering together for the fourth consecutive year to host a volunteer build day for the publication’s 40 Under 40 Honorees.

This year’s build was scheduled to take place Oct. 10 at Longlake Preserve, a 54-home community featuring 52 townhomes and two single-family homes, all purchased by Habitat homeowner families.

Each year, the 40 Under 40 Awards honor 40 rising stars, under the age of 40, in the local business world.

Two of this year’s honorees with personal or professional ties to Pasco County include: 

  • Matt Suggs, vice president of community development of Homes by Westbay.
  • Kristen McCall, president of AdventHealth Foundation West Florida.

 

Bellini named Tampa Tech Legend

TAMPA – Tampa Bay Wave, an accelerator for high-growth tech startups, announced Arnie Bellini as the 2025 Tampa Tech Legend honoree. 

Bellini will be recognized at Tampa Bay Wave’s annual Hall of Fame Celebration on Dec. 18 at the Florida Aquarium.

Bellini has become one of Tampa Bay’s most influential champions for cybersecurity, AI and workforce development. In March 2025, he and his wife, Lauren, made history with a $40 million gift to the University of South Florida to establish the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing. 

Bellini has supported cybersecurity education initiatives at institutions such as Saint Leo University and has advocated for positioning Tampa Bay as a national hub for digital defense and tech innovation. 

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a coffee social, luncheon and ribbon cutting.

  • Members mingle over coffee during the Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 15 at BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel (first-floor classroom), 4501 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Wesley Chapel. 
  • Mike Gross, owner of Outplay Marketing, discusses “The Unofficial Guide to Google: Getting Found and Getting Noticed” during the Lunch N Learn from noon to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at USF Credit Union,  20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. Admission costs $15. Register in advance. 
  • Members celebrate the grand opening of Florida Blue | Sanitas Medical Center with a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 21 at 4546 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey. The ribbon will be cut at 11:30 a.m.

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

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host two brochure exchanges and programming for women and young professionals. 

  • The Professional Women in Business holds its monthly Networking Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 15 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance. 
  • Members exchange business information during Trinity Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 16 at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., Trinity. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance. 
  • Members exchange business information during New Port Richey Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 23 at Catered By VESH, 5811 Richey Drive, Port Richey, Members get in free. Others pay $10. Lunch costs $15. Register in advance. 

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

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host Coffee & Networking events. 

  • Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Oct. 17 at the Zephyrhills location (38550 5th Ave.) and from 8 to 9 a.m. Oct. 21 at the chamber’s Dade City location (14112 8th St.). Register in advance. 

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

 

New Port Richey Public Library launches mobile library branch

By

The new Mobile Library Branch will bring the library to the community. Photo courtesy of New Port Richey Public Library

NEW PORT RICHEY – The New Port Richey Public Library is preparing to hit the road with a new Mobile Library Branch that will bring books, resources and services directly to the community. 

Launching in the coming months, this mobile branch will expand access to library materials and programs for residents who may not be able to visit the library in person.

The new bookmobile, officially named ELROY (Expanding Literacy & Reading Opportunities for You), will serve as both a mobile library and an outreach vehicle. It will make regular stops at schools, assisted living facilities and other locations, ensuring that people of all ages have the opportunity to access library resources. 

ELROY will also be a familiar sight at local events and community gatherings, bringing the library’s services wherever people are.

“The Mobile Library Branch has been a long-term vision, and we are thrilled to bring it to our community,” Library Director Andi Figart said. “ELROY expands access to library resources across the city, ensuring greater connection and enhanced services for all.”

The name ELROY also carries a special significance. 

It honors Elroy M. Avery, the founder of the New Port Richey Public Library and the city’s first mayor. Avery, a former state senator, historian and author, established the library more than a century ago with the belief that access to knowledge strengthens both individuals and communities. 

This project was made possible with support from the City of New Port Richey and the Friends of the New Port Richey Public Library, whose fundraising efforts played a key role in bringing ELROY to life. 

On the web: nprlibrary.org