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Police seek details about Zephyrhills man missing since 2007

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Carlton McCarthy Ireland (Photo courtesy of Zephyrhills Police Department)

ZEPHYRHILLS – The Zephyrhills Police Department is renewing its appeal for information concerning the disappearance of Carlton McCarthy Ireland, who has been missing since spring 2007.

Ireland was 54 years old when he disappeared from Zephyrhills. His last known account activity was a water bill payment on April 18, 2007. Five days later, he was documented pawning a ring in Tampa. His red 1997 Toyota Tercel also disappeared and has never been recovered.

Ireland was born in Jamaica and had acquaintances there. He was also known to frequent Tampa and Dade City. as well as attend dog track races, according to police. 

Nearly two decades have passed, but Ireland’s family continues to search for answers.

“Carlton Ireland has a family that has lived with unanswered questions for far too long,” Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer said. “As time passes, people’s circumstances and relationships change. Someone who may not have felt comfortable speaking in 2007 may be ready to come forward today. Even a seemingly minor memory could help provide Carlton’s family with the answers they have been waiting for.”

The Zephyrhills Police Department asks anyone who knew Ireland, encountered him around the time of his disappearance, saw his vehicle or has heard information about what may have happened to him to contact investigators.

Information may come from Zephyrhills, Tampa, Dade City, Jamaica, dog tracks or any other location where Ireland had personal, employment or social connections. Police said no detail is too small.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Zephyrhills Police Department tipline at 813-819-8847. Information may also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-8477.

AdventHealth adds to therapy dog pack

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Boots, Skye and Pilot are joining in the footsteps of Wilbur (far right), chief barking officer. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
  • 1: Skye serves alongside AdventHealth’s AirStar 1 helicopter crews. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
  • 2: The six-month-old pups were given a special community welcome recently during a Puppy Pawty at AdventHealth Dade City, complete with pup-friendly ice cream and hugs. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
  • 3: Wilbur has worked with AdventHealth team members and first responders in Pasco County for more than five years. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

 

 

Skye serves alongside AdventHealth’s AirStar 1 helicopter crews. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

DADE CITY – AdventHealth has welcomed three new members to the hospital system’s therapy dog team.

Pilot and Skye are joining their dad, Wilbur, in bringing comfort and emotional support to patients, families and caregivers in AdventHealth hospitals across the Tampa Bay area. A third puppy from Wilbur’s litter, Boots, has joined AdventHealth EMS partner Pasco County Fire Rescue.

The 6-month-old pups were given a special community welcome recently during a Puppy Pawty at AdventHealth Dade City. Patients, visitors and AdventHealth team members got to meet the new therapy dogs and hear more about the work they will be doing alongside their handlers.

Wilbur, chief barking officer for AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, has worked with AdventHealth staff and first responders in Pasco County for more than five years. Wilbur provides encouragement and companionship.

Skye serves alongside AdventHealth’s AirStar 1 helicopter crews. Boots works with Pasco County Fire Rescue. All of the dogs will provide comfort and support during stressful situations and challenging moments.

Brendon Sanders, chief flight nurse for the AdventHealth AirStar 1 helicopter program, said they are very grateful to have Skye as part of their team and part of his family.

“She brings a lot of comfort to people, especially in times of stress. She kind of lightens the mood and is there to bring peace to otherwise stressful situations,” Sanders said.

Skye is living with Sanders full-time.

The six-month-old pups were given a special community welcome recently during a Puppy Pawty at AdventHealth Dade City, complete with pup-friendly ice cream and hugs. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

“She’s very affectionate and she’s naturally well-disciplined,” Sanders said. “It’s been really amazing.”

He said it has been great to have her with him every day at work as they go about their duties.

“If we are in the office, she’ll run around and go into everybody’s individual office and visits with them,” Sanders said. “Then we will go to visit AdventHealth hospitals in different parts of the Tampa area. We will walk through the ER, she greets patients and families, then we’ll go to other floors and visit the ICU or go over to labor and delivery and visit with team members at hospital. She just lightens everyone’s mood and brings some joy into their day.”

AdventHealth has used a pet therapy program for decades with dogs supporting patients, caregivers and first responders in a variety of roles, from cheerleaders to entertainers and even physical therapy assistants.

 

Paralyzed veteran receives mortgage-free smart home

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• The homecoming ceremony took place Aug. 19 in Pinellas Park. It featured local officials, first responders, donors and supporters who helped make the home possible. Photo courtesy of Tunnel to Towers Foundation

 

Michael DeLancey enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 2004 after graduating from high school. He had been deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq before he was shot by a sniper in September 2006. He was just 21. Photo courtesy of Tunnel to Towers Foundation

PINELLAS PARK – The Tunnel to Towers Foundation delivered physical and financial independence to Marine veteran Michael DeLancey on Aug. 19 with a mortgage-free home in Pinellas County.

The foundation’s Smart Home Program builds or modifies homes to make them accessible for injured veterans and first responders. Each home is designed to address the individual’s specific needs.

A sniper attack in September 2006 in Haditha, Iraq, left DeLancey paralyzed from the chest down. 

The lance corporal sustained a gunshot wound that entered through his left shoulder, shattered his seventh vertebra and fragmented into his right shoulder. He was airlifted from Iraq to Germany before being transferred to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he spent more than 50 days hospitalized.   

DeLancey returned home to Tampa and dedicated himself to rehabilitation while discovering adaptive sports and outdoor recreation. He began mentoring newly injured service members at Walter Reed.  

DeLancey started Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch in 2015. The nonprofit helps veterans stay active through sports and activities in the Tampa Bay area. 

Some of the features of his new home include automated exterior doors; wider halls and doorways; automatic door locks; adjustable cabinets, counters and stovetops; wheelchair-accessible showers; smart controls for lighting, temperature, security and sound; and backup generators.
“To me, this house represents the foundation of the strong community bond that I have been lucky enough to have since coming home,” said the Pinellas Park native.

 

Want to help?

Visit T2T.org to support Tunnel to Towers’ mission and help deliver life-changing mortgage-free smart homes.

 

Saint Leo University focused on the future of work 

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Saint Leo University prepares its residential campus for the start of the 2026-27 academic year. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University is entering the 2026-27 academic year with expanded academic programs, new student resources and a continued focus on becoming the region’s most workforce-oriented university.

“After almost one year serving this community, I am encouraged by the progress we are making and the momentum building across Saint Leo University,” said Jim Burkee, university president. “As we begin a new academic year, our focus is clear: We are preparing students not just for their first job, but for the future of work. We are developing the next generation of leaders, who bring our core values and ethics to every challenge.”

Nearly 850 new students will begin the fall semester at Saint Leo’s residential campus. Classes begin Aug. 24.

 

Academic innovation

For the 2026-27 academic year, Saint Leo University is introducing new undergraduate and graduate programs in health care, technology, business, criminal justice, education and ministry. 

The new offerings, along with revamped experiential learning opportunities, are designed to prepare students for high-demand careers and meet the changing needs of employers.

The university recently received $1.8 million in state funding to expand its cybersecurity and nursing programs. Dewey and Becky Mitchell donated $1 million to launch the Derek J. Mitchell Collegiate Recovery Program, which is currently accepting applicants with the first cohort expected to begin in spring 2027. 

Arnie and Lauren Bellini donated $2 million to develop an accelerated graduate program designed to prepare executives for leadership roles in cybersecurity, also planned for spring 2027.

“At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to helping students thrive in a work environment that looks nothing like it did even five years ago,” said Bryan DePoy, provost and vice president of academic affairs. “We’re strengthening the programs our students already count on while introducing new ones, bringing emerging technologies into the classroom and reimagining what experiential learning looks like from day one of a student’s time at Saint Leo University.”

New academic programs for 2026-27 include:

College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services

  • The college is introducing a new Bachelor of Arts in Medical Humanities with a Pre-DPT concentration and a new Master of Education in Exceptional Student Education: Autism Spectrum Disorder Practices and Intervention.
  • Saint Leo also is expanding its forensic science education through a forensics specialization within the Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and a new Doctor of Criminal Justice in Forensic Science.
  • A new online Graduate Certificate in Pneumatology and Renewal Leadership provides additional opportunities for graduate-level study in ministry and theology.

College of Health Sciences

  • The new Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing offers a hybrid format for career changers holding a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
  • New degree programs include a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science and an asynchronous online Master of Social Work.
  • A Doctor of Social Work is planned for spring 2027, pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Tapia College of Business and Technology

  • The newly merged Tapia College of Business and Technology is expanding its offerings with a new Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics, a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a minor in artificial intelligence.
  • Other new programs include advanced MBA Advantage tracks in finance and economics and a Master of Science in Applied Business and Leadership that can be applied toward Saint Leo’s existing Doctor of Business Administration.
  • A new Cybersecurity Executive Track is planned to launch in spring 2027.

Visit saintleo.edu/academics/academic-affairs/catalogs to view the 2026-27 Academic Catalog. 

 

Connecting classroom learning to careers

As employers increasingly seek AI and digital skills, Saint Leo is putting its university-wide AI training initiative into practice this fall in partnership with IBM. AI and digital fluency training through IBM SkillsBuild is being embedded in every academic program. Saint Leo aims to become the first university in the nation to fully integrate the SkillsBuild platform across all areas of study.

The university also is expanding experiential learning through internships, externships, clinical experiences and employer partnerships, giving students opportunities to apply classroom learning in professional settings.

“We’re also rethinking how we support students beyond the classroom,” DePoy said. “Plans are underway to bring career services, workforce engagement and academic advising together into one integrated model, so students get consistent guidance connecting what they’re learning to where they’re headed.”

The university continues to invest in campus spaces, resources and programs that support students.

LEO 360, a centralized hub for student-facing services, brings together academic advising, accessibility services, career and workforce engagement, the registrar and student financial services in one convenient location. 

Other improvements for 2026-27 include new gathering spaces, a new campus store and enhanced dining options.

 

By the Numbers

  • Nearly 850 new students at University Campus
  • 10+ new academic programs
  • $4.8 million in recent state and donor investments
  • 100% of students to receive AI training

 

Cinnaholic bakery pops up in Wesley Chapel 

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The Mendes family believed the community was a strong fit for Cinnaholic and chose the Hub at Lexington, which is surrounded by family-oriented neighborhoods. Photo courtesy of Cinnaholic
Cinnaholic has surpassed 90 locations nationwide. Thiago and Juliana Mendes have opened a location in Wesley Chapel. Photo courtesy of Cinnaholic

WESLEY CHAPEL – After opening their first Cinnaholic location in South Tampa, Thiago and Juliana Mendes took their time finding the right opportunity for their second bakery. They chose the Hub at Lexington.

“This location puts us in the middle of a growing area with so much energy and activity,” Thiago said. “We’re excited to bring Cinnaholic to even more customers throughout Wesley Chapel and the surrounding communities.”

Originally from Brazil, the Mendes family dreamed of living in the United States and building a business together. With backgrounds in business and complementary strengths, they found a natural fit in Cinnaholic. 

Thiago, who has a passion for baking and cooking, takes a hands-on approach to the bakery’s operations. Juliana brings her background in human resources and love of customer service to the front of the house. 

The couple liked Cinnaholic’s approach to plant-based desserts and saw an opportunity to build a business they could truly be a part of. 

“We fell in love with Cinnaholic the first time we tried it,” Juliana said. “Everything is completely plant-based, but you don’t have to be vegan or vegetarian to love it. We’ve loved being hands-on owners at our South Tampa location, and we’re excited to bring that same experience to our new bakery in Wesley Chapel.”

Having recently moved to Wesley Chapel, the couple is looking forward to growing their business in the community. They celebrated the shop’s opening on Aug. 21. 

The gourmet vegan bakery is known for its customizable cinnamon rolls and plant-based treats. Customers can customize their cinnamon rolls with more than 20 frosting flavors and 20 topping choices.

In addition to cinnamon rolls, Cinnaholic offers baby buns, cookies, brownies, soft serve and cinnamon roll cakes.

 

Want to go?

Cinnaholic Wesley Chapel is located at 27145 Halter Loop, Wesley Chapel. Cinnaholic also offers catering for events, such as weddings, conferences and conventions.

On the web: cinnaholic.com 

News Briefs: Pasco Extension hosting 4-H open house

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Pasco Extension hosting 4-H open house

DADE CITY – UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service will host a 4-H open house to highlight 4-H clubs, projects, camps, workshops and community service opportunities.

Families can drop in during the event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Pasco County Extension Office, 36702 County Road 52.

Children ages 5 to 18 can participate in 4-H community clubs with adult volunteers. Project areas include animal science, environmental science, food and nutrition, leadership, citizenship, gardening and shooting sports.

Members can also participate in events at the county, district, state, regional and national levels.

Email for more information.

 

Pasco seeks input on West Port channel marker

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources will hold a community meeting to discuss the installation of a slow-speed channel marker in the West Port Channel.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. Aug. 31 at the West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive.

The meeting will give community members and stakeholders an opportunity to provide input on the proposed channel marker. Representatives from other government agencies have also been invited.

On the web: MyPasco.net

 

Water district seeks input on water priorities

BROOKSVILLE – The Southwest Florida Water Management District seeks public input on priorities for establishing minimum flows and levels for lakes, wetlands, rivers, streams and aquifers.

The district will hold a virtual workshop at noon Aug. 27 through Microsoft Teams.

The district plans to publish its draft 2026 priority list after the Governing Board’s Aug. 25 meeting. The board will consider approval in October.

Written comments may be submitted to by Sept. 7. 

On the web: watermatters.org

 

Hillsborough to mail out notices of proposed property taxes 

TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Office will begin mailing Truth in Millage Notices to property owners on Aug. 13.

The notice is not a tax bill. It contains information about a property’s market value, assessed value, exemptions and proposed property taxes.

The notice reflects proposed tax rates and budgets established by the various taxing authorities. The reverse side includes the dates, times and locations of public budget hearings at which comments regarding proposed tax rates and budgets may be presented directly to the appropriate taxing authorities.

Questions concerning a property’s market value, assessed value, exemptions or classification should be directed to the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Office. 

Reviewing the notice provides an opportunity to address questions or concerns before property tax bills are issued in November.

 

Hillsborough seeks applications for Neighborhood Awards

TAMPA – Applications are open for the 2026 Hillsborough County Neighborhood Awards.

The awards recognize projects, programs and events held in unincorporated Hillsborough County between July 2025 and June 2026.

Neighborhoods may apply in three categories: promoting conservation, environmental stewardship or healthy living; enhancing safety or boosting disaster preparedness; or building community spirit through volunteerism or communication. 

Each neighborhood may submit one application and compete in multiple categories.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. Sept. 11. One category winner will be named the 2026 Neighborhood of the Year and receive $500.

Visit HCFL.gov/NeighborhoodAwards for details.

 

HART offers discounted fares for young riders

TAMPA – Hillsborough Transit Authority has brought back its HART Youth Pass for the new school year.

The pass gives riders ages 6 to 18 a 50% discount on regular HART fares. A one-way ride costs $1, a one-day pass costs $2 and a monthly pass costs $32.50. Children ages 5 and younger ride free with a parent or guardian.

Eligible riders must register with a valid form of identification at the Marion Transit Center or University Area Transit Center.

The Youth Pass is available through Flamingo Fares, HART’s mobile app and smart card payment system.

On the web: goHART.org 

 

Quick Hits

  • Pasco County Fire Rescue celebrated the grand opening of Station 2 at 32134 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Wesley Chapel.
  • The Wesley Chapel Rotary Club will celebrate its 21st anniversary during the week of Aug. 19. 

Arts Briefs: Jonas Brothers expand concert series

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Jonas Brothers expand concert series

TAMPA – The Jonas Brothers will bring The Burning Up Tour All Over Again to Benchmark International Arena at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11.

Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas expanded the concert series into a 45-city North American tour after sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden. Magnus Ferrell and Deleasa will join the band as special guests.

The tour revisits the Jonas Brothers’ original Burning Up Tour.

“The response was so overwhelming announcing the MSG shows that we knew we couldn’t stop at New York,” the Jonas Brothers said. “We’re taking The Burning Up Tour All Over Again on the road so we can relive it with all of you, city by city.”

 

Chelsea Handler books comedy show in Tampa

TAMPA – Comedian Chelsea Handler will bring The High and Mighty Tour to Tampa Theatre at 8 p.m. Dec. 18.

Handler hosted E!’s “Chelsea Lately” for seven years and later launched the Netflix documentary series “Chelsea Does” and talk show “Chelsea.” She has written seven New York Times best-selling books. Her latest is “I’ll Have What She’s Having.”

Handler earned a Grammy nomination for her 2020 comedy special “Evolution.” She also hosts the “Dear Chelsea” advice podcast. Her third Netflix comedy special, “The Feeling,” premiered in March 2025.

Tickets range from $99 to $139 plus taxes and fees. They go on sale at 10 a.m. Aug. 21 at the Tampa Theatre box office and online.

 

Public radio hits the Tampa Theatre stage

TAMPA – WUSF will present “This American Life” creator and host Ira Glass in “Stories for a Saturday Night” on Dec. 5 at Tampa Theatre.

The live show gives audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the public radio program and podcast. Glass will explain how producers find stories and create the show. He will also recreate its sound on stage through narration, prerecorded quotes and music.

“This American Life” reaches more than 3 million public radio listeners each week. It became the first radio show or podcast to win a Pulitzer Prize.

WUSF members can purchase tickets beginning Sept. 28. Remaining tickets go on sale to the public Oct. 5 through Tampa Theatre.

 

Suncoast celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

TAMPA – Suncoast Credit Union will present Juntos y con Ritmo, a concert celebrating Hispanic culture, Oct. 17 at the Yuengling Center.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. A pre-concert celebration begins at 5 p.m. with entertainment, nonprofit showcases and community activities.

Latin Grammy-winning Cuban duo Gente de Zona will headline. Grupo Manía and Alexandra “The Bachata Queen” will also perform.

Suncoast is partnering with Hispanic Chambers of Commerce across Florida. Participating chambers will nominate local nonprofits to receive a portion of concert proceeds.

“Juntos y con Ritmo is a phenomenal celebration of culture, connection and community impact,” Suncoast President and CEO Kevin Johnson said.

Suncoast members will receive 50% off eligible concert tickets.

 

GeckoFest returns to Gulfport on Sept. 5

GULFPORT – The 26th annual GeckoFest will bring live music, food, art and street performers to downtown Gulfport from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 5.

The free festival takes place along Beach and Shore boulevards. This year’s “Gecko Music Awards” theme celebrates Gulfport’s music and arts scene.

Activities include live music on two stages, street theater, artisan vendors, food trucks and Gecko Skateboard Races. Acrobats, magicians, dancers, aerialists and fire eaters will perform throughout the festival.

Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes and participate in a walking parade at 6 p.m. A birthday celebration for the G. Gordon McFly sculpture will follow.

Admission and parking are free. Courtesy shuttles will serve designated off-site parking areas.

 

Model train rolling into Brooksville

BROOKSVILLE – Regal Railways will host a model train show and sale with more than 70 tables of vendors offering model trains, toys and other items. 

The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Hernando Fairgrounds, 6436 Broad St. It will also feature a running train layout, test track and food vendor.

Admission costs $6 for adults. Children ages 12 and younger are admitted free. Credit cards will be accepted for admission.

Visit regalrailways.com for advance tickets, vendor information and additional details.

 

Steve Lacy to perform … Oh yeah?

TAMPA – Grammy Award-winning artist Steve Lacy will bring his Oh yeah? Tour to the Yuengling Center at 8 p.m. Oct. 28.

The North American tour marks Lacy’s first run of headlining shows since his sold-out Give You The World Tour in 2022.

Lacy recently released “Oh yeah?,” his first album in four years. The self-produced, 10-track album features collaborations with SZA, Erykah Badu and Cecile Believe.

The 28-year-old artist has two songs in Spotify’s Billions Club and has won two Grammy Awards.

Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster.

 

Stage West Playhouse hosting New Works Festival

SPRING HILL – Stage West Playhouse will showcase 11 original plays during its second annual New Works Festival Aug. 21 to 23.

The festival features nine 10-minute plays and two full-length productions written by members of the Stage West Playwriting Group. The short plays will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21 and 2 p.m. Aug. 22.

Brian Brijbag’s “One Seat Over” premieres at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 22. Lil Barcaski’s Dinner for Six closes the festival at 2 p.m. Aug. 23.

Other activities include an improv battle, showtune karaoke and food trucks.

Tickets cost $15 per show. An all-access pass costs $35. Stage West Playhouse is at 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd.

 

Live Oak Theatre staging ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’

BROOKSVILLE – Live Oak Theatre will present five performances of “The Diary of Anne Frank” from Sept. 11 to 13 at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd.

Matinees begin at 2:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The theater will offer a special Sept. 11 matinee for school and homeschool groups. Groups receive one additional seat for every 10 seats purchased.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning play is based on the diary of Anne Frank and was written by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett.

Tickets cost $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 13 and younger with the purchase of an adult ticket.

Sheriff’s deputy involved in murder-suicide

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SPRING HILL – A deputy with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office killed his ex-girlfriend and then himself, according to the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. 

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco said the victim and her two children were returning home to Hudson from the beach around 5:30 p.m. Aug. 10 when they saw her ex-boyfriend standing in their yard. They started arguing over his TV. 

The victim tried calling 911, but the suspect took the phone from her hands. She told her children to go inside and call 911. One of the children identified the suspect to dispatch as Deputy Troy Savetz with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. 

Deputies arrived at the scene but Savetz and the victim were gone. The sheriff’s office learned that Savetz was using a rental vehicle. The Pasco Sheriff’s Office alerted neighboring jurisdictions to the kidnapping. 

A deputy spotted the rental vehicle around 7 p.m. on Platinum Drive in Spring Hill. Deputies found both bodies inside.

Savetz worked for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office for 14 years. Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri described the situation as horrific. 

“There is no reason to have a permanent solution to a temporary problem,” Gualtieri said. “The fact that he made that kind of a decision to leave two kids, 12 and 9 years old, without a mom for the rest of their lives is just awful. Our hearts go out to her family.”

Nocco praised the cooperation of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

“The moment this individual committed a crime, he was no longer a law enforcement officer,” Nocco said. “He was a criminal.”

Nocco credited the children for listening to their mother by going inside to call 911. After listening to the 911 audio, he was struck by how brave and calm they were as they relayed information to the dispatcher under pressure. 

“We’re so proud of you and I know your mom is,” Nocco said in a message to the children. “But know this entire community is praying for you and our arms go around you. We’re going to do everything we can because we know that you’re going to be going back to school and we’re going to make sure the resources are there for you.”

 

Baby reports for duty at 50-year-old Tampa Bay business

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Jackson is the fourth generation representing Alvarez Plumbing & Air Conditioning, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. Photo courtesy of Alvarez Plumbing & Air Conditioning

TAMPA – Alvarez Plumbing & Air Conditioning is celebrating its 50th anniversary by introducing the newest member of the family business. 

Jackson, representing the fourth generation of the Alvarez family, has officially made his company debut as the face of a new billboard campaign appearing across 10 Tampa-area locations. Wearing an Alvarez hard hat and shirt, Jackson appears alongside the campaign message: “4 Generations. 2 Trades. 1 Family.” 

“People do not expect to see a baby in a hard hat on an HVAC and plumbing billboard,” said Marcia Reyes, grandmother of Jackson. “It makes people smile, but it also tells our story immediately. We have been here for four generations, and we plan to be here for many more.”

Alvarez Plumbing & Air Conditioning was founded in Tampa in 1976. 

The company has grown from a local plumbing operation into a diversified plumbing and air-conditioning contractor serving residential, commercial and construction customers throughout the region. 

Alvarez remains locally owned, family-operated and independent. 

“A lot has changed in our industry over the past 50 years, but our core values have not,” said Lisa Craddock, controller. “We still believe in answering the phone, standing behind our work, treating employees with respect and building long-term relationships with our customers.”

The company continues to invest in employee training, technology, fleet expansion, commercial services, plumbing construction, water conservation and customer service capabilities. 

Alvarez is also expanding opportunities for plumbers, HVAC technicians, apprentices, sales professionals and operational leaders who want to build long-term careers with a locally owned company. 

“For 50 years, Alvarez has been built one customer, one employee and one generation at a time,” said Marcus Reyes, CEO of Alvarez Plumbing & Air Conditioning. “Seeing the fourth generation wearing the Alvarez name is both emotional and exciting. It reminds us where we came from and reinforces our responsibility to protect this company for the next generation.” 

Jackson’s first official position has not yet been determined. For now, his responsibilities are expected to include appearing in company photographs, attending selected family events and maintaining high employee morale. 

“He may be a little young for the on-call rotation,” said Julia Morissette, HR manager and grandmother of Jackson, “but he already understands the importance of wearing the Alvarez name proudly.”

 

Health & Wellness (8/21/26): Hospital hosts Girl Scouts

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Girl Scout Troop 24402 from Spring Hill visits a St. Joseph’s Hospital-North operating room.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North hosts Girl Scouts

LUTZ – Girl Scout Troop 24402 from Spring Hill recently visited St. Joseph’s Hospital-North to learn about the use of robotics in surgery. 

The troop donned surgical gear, toured a St. Joseph’s Hospital-North operating room and got hands-on experience with a surgical robot. The classic table game, “Operation,” was used in their learning. 

Jennifer Downing, the hospital’s surgical services director, and surgical team members Lisa Lockhart, Louis Garcia and Lauren Hale led the demonstration. They described the various roles of team members assisting the surgeon during procedures.  

Marissa Davis, a representative from the robot’s manufacturer, also participated and provided insight. 

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North has three robots that are guided by specially-trained surgeons.

Robotic surgeries are minimally invasive and can provide patients with smaller incisions, less pain and faster recoveries. The robots provide St. Joseph’s Hospital-North surgeons with improved dexterity, vision and surgical access compared to conventional minimally invasive surgery or traditional open surgery.

 

New AdventHealth Polk Market President and CEO Mike Murrill recently met with local government and community leaders during a special event at AdventHealth Heart of Florida. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

Hospital leader tapped to lead Polk market

DAVENPORT – AdventHealth named veteran health care leader Mike Murrill president and CEO of AdventHealth Polk Market, which includes AdventHealth Heart of Florida and AdventHealth Lake Wales.

Murrill previously served as president and CEO of AdventHealth Zephyrhills and AdventHealth Connerton in Pasco County and provided executive oversight and support for AdventHealth Dade City. Since joining AdventHealth’s West Florida Division, he has led strategic growth initiatives, operational improvements and team member engagement efforts while advancing AdventHealth’s mission throughout the region.

Murrill succeeds Tim Clark, who has accepted a new role as regional CEO for the Tampa Bay Metro Region within AdventHealth’s West Florida Division. 

 

BayCare named among Companies That Care

CLEARWATER – Great Place To Work and PEOPLE magazine have named BayCare Health System to the 2026 PEOPLE Companies That Care list.

BayCare ranked No. 21 nationally, marking its sixth appearance on the list.

“This recognition belongs to BayCare’s team members, who are our greatest asset,” said Stephanie Conners, BayCare president and CEO. “Every day, they make a difference in the way they care for our patients, support one another and strengthen our communities.”

The rankings were based on employee survey responses and company data. Companies also submit essays about their efforts to support employees, communities and the environment. 

Organizations must be Great Place To Work Certified and have at least 10 U.S. employees to be considered.

 

BayCare names CFO for physician, ambulatory division

CLEARWATER – BayCare has named Erin Gerner the vice president and chief financial officer of its physician and ambulatory division.

Gerner is a certified public accountant with more than 20 years of health care finance experience. She previously spent eight years as chief financial officer of PeaceHealth Ambulatory Services in Vancouver, Washington.

She also spent 13 years at INTEGRIS Health in Oklahoma City.

“Erin brings years of health care industry experience, with expertise in the ambulatory care setting,” said Janice Polo, BayCare’s chief financial officer. “Her strong work ethic, collaborative approach and commitment to our values make her a great addition to the finance team.”

 

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers support for mothers

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North will offer free support groups and classes for mothers during September.

The programs focus on breastfeeding and newborn care and are open to participants regardless of where they delivered or plan to deliver their babies. Events will be held in classrooms at the hospital, 4211 Van Dyke Road.

The schedule includes:

  • Breastfeeding Support Group – Breastfeeding mothers can receive guidance from certified breastfeeding consultants and support from other mothers. Babies and an optional support person are welcome. The group meets Thursdays in September from 11 a.m. to noon.
  • Understanding Breastfeeding – Expectant mothers and an optional support person can learn about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, returning to work and when to contact a health care provider or lactation consultant. The class meets Sept. 3 from 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Understanding Your Newborn – Expectant mothers and an optional support person can learn about feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness, cues and communication. The class meets Sept. 17 from 2 to 5 p.m.

 

Quick Hits

  • NeckWise Land O’ Lakes recorded 2,328 patient visits and 154 new patients during its first year, according to co-founder Dr. Matt Morris. The upper cervical chiropractic clinic serves patients from Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Lutz and the northern Tampa Bay area.
  • AdventHealth Heart of Florida collected more than 100 backpacks and more than 2,500 school-supply items for students at Loughman Oaks Elementary School in Davenport.