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TAMPA – Nearly 120 fifth-graders ran an entire city recently within The Florida Aquarium.

Aquarium staff joined the students inside their storefront, stepping into their world of budgets, businesses and boardroom decisions. One student even served as CEO for the Day, shadowing Florida Aquarium President and CEO Roger Germann and gaining a firsthand look at what it takes to lead a major Tampa Bay organization.

The visit also marked a milestone for Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay: the 20th anniversary of BizTown (now officially Muma BizTown) and Partner Tribute Day, recognizing the aquarium for helping bring learning opportunities to life for students across the region.

After weeks of classroom preparation, students interviewed for jobs, got hired and ran their businesses like real professionals, marketing products, producing goods and making decisions that showed how leadership and financial choices shape a thriving community.

“By investing time, talent and leadership, students are connecting classroom learning to real-world careers,” said Richard George, president of Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay. “By showing up and engaging directly with kids, The Florida Aquarium is shaping the next generation of confident, capable leaders for the future of our community.”

Germann and 16 team members from the Aquarium worked alongside students in the aquarium’s BizTown storefront as part of the organization’s Day of Action.

“At The Florida Aquarium, we believe it’s our responsibility to make the world a better place. Whether we’re saving marine life or inspiring the next generation of leaders, investing in our youth through partnerships like Junior Achievement’s Muma BizTown makes a lasting difference,” Germann said. “Seeing these students confidently dive into professional roles, tackle real-world challenges and make meaningful decisions is energizing and a powerful reminder that anything is possible.”

The 20th anniversary also marks the official renaming to Muma BizTown, in honor of philanthropists Pam and Les Muma. Their decades of support, including a $5 million planned gift and $2 million to $3 million in operational funding, have impacted more than 300,000 students across Tampa Bay.

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LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North expanded its robotic surgery services with the addition of a third surgical robot in January to keep up with demand.

The three robots are guided by surgeons who are specially trained and experienced in robotic surgery. They performed 908 robotic surgeries last year. The hospital saw a 70% increase in robotic surgeries from 2021 to 2025. 

Robotic surgery uses precise incisions, allowing unhealthy tissue to be removed without affecting surrounding healthy tissue. Smaller incisions cause less trauma and pain for a patient’s body, decrease blood loss and infection risk, and allow for quicker recovery and shorter hospital stays. Many robotic surgeries are done as outpatient surgeries and patients are discharged on the same day as their surgery.

“St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is dedicated to offering the safest, most minimally invasive surgeries to our communities, ensuring better patient outcomes, faster recovery times and greater patient satisfaction,” said Jennifer Downing, the hospital’s surgical services director. “Our patients trust that they are receiving the most advanced care, supported by cutting-edge technology and delivered by surgical teams known for their experience and compassion.”

Robotic surgery can provide St. Joseph’s Hospital-North surgeons with superior dexterity, enhanced vision and improved surgical access compared to conventional minimally invasive surgery or traditional open surgery. 

The surgeon-guided robot navigates a precise approach to areas that traditional surgical instruments are unable to reach.

The four interactive arms of the robot are over the patient on the operating table. The surgeon operates the robot from a console. The console has a high-resolution screen that projects 3-D images of the surgical site. 

The surgeon manually guides the surgical arms and instruments from the console using their hands and fingers. When the surgeon moves, the arms respond precisely to those movements in real time. The instruments work identically to the movement of a human arm, elbow and wrist, but with an enhanced range of motion.

“Having the opportunity to use the newest robotic surgical platform, the DV5, has been a profound privilege,” said Dr. Jonathon Tsai, a BayCare Medical Group and St. Joseph’s Hospital-North surgeon. “It has allowed me to leverage cutting-edge technology to deliver the highest standard of care to our patients at BayCare St. Joseph’s-North here in Lutz. Robotic surgery has truly shifted the surgical paradigm, offering a level of precision that significantly minimizes postoperative pain and shortens hospital stays. I look forward to the future features of the DV5 and the possibilities this updated platform holds for our field and community.”

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is accredited as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation. The designation signifies the hospital’s robotic surgery services provide the highest quality of care.

 

Lightning players, mascot brighten day for pediatric patients 

TAMPA – Tampa Bay Lightning players left the ice Feb. 4 to meet young patients at AdventHealth Tampa. 

Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh, goaltender Jonas Johansson and mascot ThunderBug visited the pediatric unit and the pediatric emergency department.

“You can see the kids’ faces when they get to see the players and see ThunderBug,” Johansson said. “They just light up the room, so it’s just amazing to give back to them.”

Players handed out stuffed bears wearing the Lightning’s white road jersey featuring the AdventHealth Patch with a Purpose. The players chatted with patients, signed autographs and took pictures with families.

Wesley Lamotta, the father of one of the pediatric patients, said it was cool for the team to meet the children. 

“It’s one of those moments that you’re not going to forget,” said Joel Funes, the father of another young patient. “It kind of makes you forget a little bit of what’s going on and brings some joy also to the room, so that’s amazing.”

AdventHealth Tampa and the Tampa Bay Lightning share a longstanding partnership focused on improving the health and well-being of the community. This visit is just one way the Lightning supports the Tampa Bay area.

 

Nonprofit offers heart screenings to youth

ST, PETERSBURG – A Florida nonprofit, founded by parents and doctors, offered heart screenings to youth Feb. 7 in St. Petersburg.

The free five-minute electrocardiogram, or ECG, can spot a life-threatening heart defect that leads to sudden cardiac arrest.

Under a new Florida law, all new student athletes taking part in high school sports will need to receive a heart screening before their first tryout or practice of this coming school year. The law, the Second Chance Act, is designed to identify and prevent sudden cardiac arrest, which takes the lives of 23,000 youth each year. 

“It’s our honor to help protect families across Florida from the very worst tragedy imaginable – losing a child to a preventable condition,” said Evan Ernst, executive director of Who We Play For, the nonprofit that coordinated hundreds of heart screenings at events across Florida, including this one.

 

AdventHealth Dade City hosting Feel Whole Night

DADE CITY – AdventHealth Dade City is gearing up for Feel Whole Night, a family-friendly community night.

Activities include food trucks, face painting, giveaways, opportunities to see the surgical robot and meet staff, and free health screenings such as blood pressure, PSA test for men, glucose, cholesterol and A1C.

Feel Whole Night takes place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. March 5 in the main entrance of AdventHealth Dade City, 13100 Fort King Road, Dade City. Register in advance at AHDadeCity.com/Events or call 833-300-2371.

 

Get answers on Medicare in February

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 with Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.

They’ll answer questions at the following Medicare programs: 

• Medicare Basics: Feb. 19 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
• Medicare Basics: Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
• Medicare 101: Feb. 18, 11 a.m. at the Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669
• Medicare 101: Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. at the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1073
• Medicare Fraud & Prevention Presentation: Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. at the Safety Harbor Public Library, 101 2nd St. N., Safety Harbor. 727-724-1525

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.

 

Hospital offers breastfeeding support 

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers a free in-person breastfeeding support group and class in March.

Events are open to all, regardless of which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your children. The events will be held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North classrooms, 4211 Van Dyke Road.

• Breastfeeding Support Group: For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and an optional support person. The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. The support group will be held March 5 and 19, 10 to 11 a.m.
• Understanding Breastfeeding: Provides information to the expectant mother and an optional support person about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, tips for returning to work and when to call a health care provider or lactation consultant. The class will be held March 5, 1 to 5 p.m.
• Understanding Your Newborn: Provides information to the expectant mother and an optional support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. The class will be held March 19, 1 to 5 p.m.

Register for the free events by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the group or class you are interested in attending. Or, you can also register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.

 

 

Primrose School celebrates new location

WESLEY CHAPEL – Primrose School of Wesley Chapel celebrated the opening of its new location Jan. 22 on County Line Road. 

Deanne and Rob Fitzpatrick are the franchise owners of this location, which marks the second Primrose school in Wesley Chapel and the 15th in the Tampa metro area. The 23-classroom school will serve up to 215 children ages six weeks to five years as well as create about 30 jobs.

“Wesley Chapel is growing fast, and we’ve heard from so many families who are looking for an early learning environment that they can truly trust,” Rob said. “Deanne and I have spent decades investing in children and education, including homeschooling our own kids when strong options were hard to find, so opening this school feels deeply personal. We’re excited to bring the Balanced Learning curriculum to more local families, creating a safe, nurturing place where children build confidence, character and a genuine love of learning.”

The event included a community diaper drive that collected 750 diapers for West Lakes Early Learning Center. 

On the web: primroseschools.com/schools/wesley-chapel

 

PHSC converts program to degree  

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College announced the transition of its Surgical Technology certificate program to a full associate in science degree.

“The move to an AS degree ensures PHSC students receive a more comprehensive education that better supports their long-term success in the surgical technology field,” President Eric Hall said. 

The program combines classroom instruction, lab simulation and hands-on clinical experiences in local hospitals and surgical centers. Students are prepared to assist in surgical procedures as vital members of the operating room team.

“PHSC’s transition of the Surgical Technology program to an associate degree better prepares our graduates to meet our regional workforce needs and enhances educational opportunities for students,” said Billie Gabbard, dean of nursing and health programs.

The next cohort is scheduled to begin in August. Applications close on March 30.

On the web: phsc.edu/academics/programs/health/surgical-technology

 

Quick Hits

• Jacquelyn C. Abanses, of Lutz, made the dean’s list at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Abanses, a senior majoring in business administration, had a grade point average of 3.6 or higher. 
• Anna Adcock, of Lutz, and Keeton Burroughs, of Odessa, made the dean’s list at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
• Drew Balentine, of Wesley Chapel, made the president’s list at Riverland Community College. Balentine had a grade point average of at least 3.75.
• Robby S. Burton, of Lutz, made the dean’s list at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. Burton had a grade point average of 3.8 or higher.
• Alexander Noti, of Odessa, made the dean’s list at Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts. Noti earned a grade point average of 3.30 or higher.

 

LAND O’ LAKES – Hope Services is celebrating the graduation of its first Construction Training Class of 2026 at the organization’s Life Skills and Vocational Training Center. The nonprofit offers vocational training and job readiness for people with disabilities and others facing barriers to employment. 

Gabriel Quin, Bo Robinson, Diamante Dejesus and Terrance Hill completed the 80-hour National Center for Construction Education and Research certification course, which began on Jan. 5. 

Two of the graduates will be entering the workforce through on-the-job training opportunities. The other two have secured apprenticeships with Florida Masonry.

“Graduating four individuals from our NCCER Core Construction Program represents more than the completion of a class. It represents opportunity, confidence and a real pathway to employment,” said David Caldas, executive director of operations at Hope Services. “Each graduate has shown commitment, resilience and a willingness to invest in their future. We are incredibly proud of the progress they’ve made.”

The course, taught by Vocational Training Specialist Bobby Reyes, combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning. Students gained experience using tools, practicing safety protocols and completing 14 hours of on-site work with Habitat for Humanity. The NCCER certification demonstrates each graduate’s skills and readiness to employers in the construction industry.

Hope Services credited CareerSource Pasco Hernando and the Community Foundation Tampa Bay for sponsoring the construction program and covering training costs for participants. 

Caldas also played a key role in launching the organization’s Second Chance Program, which provides construction and culinary training opportunities to help break the cycle of incarceration.

In addition to its Construction and Culinary Arts programs, Hope Services offers certification in Retail and Hospitality using a similar hands-on and classroom-based approach. The organization also provides Pre-Placement Training and Self-Advocacy courses, as well as access to assistive technology through its partnership with the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology. Hope Services’ employment specialists work one-on-one with participants across West-Central Florida to help them identify their strengths and build meaningful careers.    

Hope Services also hosts an annual prom-style event called Dance Your Dream for individuals ages 14 and older from 5 to 8 p.m. April 18 at Wesley Chapel District Park. Proceeds benefit Hope Services’ Life Skills and Vocational Training Center, which provides hands-on certification programs.

Visit hopegetsjobs.org/news-events/dance-your-dream/dance-your-dream-2026.html to register or explore sponsorship opportunities.

 

PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco Economic Development Council announced that Bank OZK has donated $4,000 to the SMARTstart Microloan Program and became a Partner Investor in the organization. 

The microloan program gives entrepreneurs the funds they need to start or grow their business.

“At Bank OZK, we believe small businesses deserve more than capital. They deserve partners,” said Ehren McGeehan, senior vice president and business banking sales manager. “We’re committed to helping entrepreneurs by delivering flexible capital, trusted expertise and long-term partnerships so they grow sustainably and build lasting impact in their communities. We are so pleased that our donation to Pasco EDC will support technical assistance to small businesses as well as their microloan program.”

The microloan program helps entrepreneurs and small businesses in Pasco County diversify the economy and create opportunities for growth. The program has supported more than 85 businesses resulting in over 295 direct jobs, according to Pasco EDC. 

“We are very grateful for Bank OZK’s support and their recent generous donation to the microloan program,” Pasco EDC President/CEO Bill Cronin said. “The SMARTstart Microloan Program is an important resource for our community’s entrepreneurs as they establish and build a strong business foundation and continue to grow for years to come.”

Shaila Velazquez, owner of Pampano Coffee, is a recent microloan program recipient who is in the process of opening her brick-and-mortar facility in Zephyrhills. 

“We are incredibly grateful for the Pasco EDC microloan program. This funding will allow us to purchase the equipment and furnishings needed to open our doors,” Velazquez said. “It was the missing piece of our funding mix that will help turn our vision into reality.”

 

Want to learn more?

To qualify for a microloan, businesses must be headquartered in Pasco County. Funds can be used for purchasing inventory and machinery, working capital, supplies and more. Visit smartstartpasco.com/microloan or email Dan Mitchell at if your business is interested in learning more or making a donation to the microloan program. 

 

 

ZEPHYRHILLS – Lexa Duno has supported nearly 200 families and educators in the Tampa Bay area since opening LILLY Education Foundation in July 2024. 

LILLY’s Village in the Valley initiative transforms how Pasco County families access resources for students who benefit from nontraditional approaches to teaching and learning. 

“In many ways, the vision I have for LILLY and Village in the Valley was inspired by and developed under the mentorship of Pasco EDC and the SMARTstart program,” Duno said. “I realized this kind of community and support is exactly what parents, providers and ‘edupreneurs’ need right now.”

SMARTstart provides tools growing businesses need for long-term success in areas such as funding, education, guidance, collaboration and workspace. It has helped businesses create over 929 jobs and currently has 54 incubator members. 

“LILLY Education Foundation will be remembered as one of SMARTstart’s great success stories, not just because of its achievements as a venture, but even more so for the impact it will have on our community’s youth,” said Dan Mitchell, assistant vice president of entrepreneurship for Pasco EDC.

 

Families can find the right providers

LILLY is using a matchmaking approach to educational services with the Find Your Match: A Parent-Provider Speed Dating Event on Feb. 5 at SMARTstart at The Grove.

The Valentine’s Day-themed gathering will unite 11 specialists and professionals offering therapies, alternative education programs and support services with home families.

Unlike traditional resource fairs where providers compete for attention, Find Your Match structures genuine conversations through timed rotations, allowing families to meet each service provider for focused discussions about their child’s unique needs.

“Our LILLY provider speed dating event addresses a critical need among independent, field-based providers seeking professional support and collaboration with like-minded peers who are deeply committed to the children they serve,” said Zielia Crespo on behalf of Calmer Pathways Therapy LLC, one of the participating event providers. 

 

Want to go?

Find Your Match: A Parent-Provider Speed Dating Event starts at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at SMARTstart at The Grove. The free event is open to all home education families and those exploring educational alternatives.

It will feature providers offering a range of services, including occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, specialized tutoring, music therapy, executive function coaching and alternative education. 

Register in advance at eventbrite.com. Local businesses and providers interested in establishing community partnerships may contact .

Pasco Fire Rescue launches new shift

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Fire Rescue officially launching its new D‑Shift.

This new shift allows crews to move from the long-standing 24‑hours‑on, 48‑hours‑off rotation to a 24‑hours‑on, 72‑hours‑off schedule. That extra day off gives firefighters more time to recharge, spend time with their families and return to the job ready to respond at their best.

“We’re proud to be among the pioneers moving in this direction,” Fire Chief Ryan Guynn said. “Providing this benefit to our men and women aims to reduce fatigue, strengthen work-life balance and support the kind of readiness the community depends on.”

The move places Pasco County Fire Rescue among the first fire departments in the Tampa Bay region and one of only a handful in Florida to adopt the 24/72 model.

The idea took shape in 2023 through a collaborative effort between county commissioners and Pasco County Firefighters IAFF Local 4420. Since then, Pasco County Fire Rescue has brought on more than 100 new employees, promoted dozens of team members and invested in new equipment to make the transition possible.

 

Rescue Pets of Florida hosts Neuter Your Ex fundraiser

TAMPA BAY – Rescue Pets of Florida is bringing back the popular Neuter Your Ex fundraiser.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, the nonprofit is offering to name a community cat after a donor’s ex before spaying or neutering them, in exchange for a $20 donation. They’ll also give the exes a special shout out on their social media page with hilarious photos.

The nonprofit encourages the community to have fun with the fundraiser and use the names of grumpy bosses, cantankerous neighbors or annoying siblings instead of romantic partners.

And the best part? Every dollar donated goes toward the support of the rescue and its trap-neuter-return programs, which aim to spay and neuter cats in the community to stop overpopulation and reduce suffering.

 

District declares modified phase II water shortage 

BROOKSVILLE – The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board voted Jan. 27 to declare a Modified Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage due to dry conditions throughout the region.

This action requires all residents, including those on private wells, in several cities and counties, including Hillsborough and Pasco, to follow one-day-per-week watering restrictions from Feb. 8 to July 1.

The district received below average rainfall during its summer rainy season and currently has a 13-inch regional rainfall deficit compared to the average 12-month total. 

Water levels in the District’s water resources, such as aquifers, rivers and lakes, are continuing to decline and many are below normal. Public water supplies in the Tampa Bay area are lower than expected at this time of year.

On the web: WaterMatters.org/Restrictions or WaterMatters.org/Water101

 

Live Oak Theatre presents Winter Ball Fundraiser

BROOKSVILLE – Live Oak Theatre and Conservatory invites the public to “Once Upon a Time,” an evening of dining, dancing and entertainment. 

The event raises money for the installation of a fence to keep students and patrons safe.

The fundraiser starts at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26 in the ballroom of the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd. The suggested donation is $85 per person.

Buy a ticket, sponsor the event or make a donation by reaching out to , call the box office at 352-593-0027 or visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-once-upon-a-time-gala.

On the web: facebook.com/LiveOakTheatre

 

GFWC Woman’s Club organizes golf fundraiser 

SAN ANTONIO – The GFWC TampaBay Woman’s Club invites the community to hit the links for a great cause on Feb. 28 at the newly renovated Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club, 10641 Old Tampa Bay Drive.

The event takes on a mixed team scramble format. Mulligans and extra putts are available.

Highlights include: 

• Unique contests such as a Hit the Bottle putting contest.
• Big prizes such as cash for first-, second- and third-place teams, plus Closest to the Pin and Closest to the Line for men and women.
• High value drawings such as a two-night stay at the Sunset Chateau on Treasure Island or a date night that includes a $100 gift card to a restaurant from Parks Lincoln.
• Entry includes a BBQ buffet lunch.

Pick up a registration form at the pro shop or email . Make checks to GFWC TampaBay Woman’s Club (P.O. Box 604, San Antonio, FL 33576).

Proceeds support charities including the Veteran’s Depot, Joshua House and Sunrise Domestic Violence Center.

Organizers are also looking for hole sponsors and prize donations. 

 

Students make honor lists

Several area students made honor lists at universities across America: 

• Grace Schmitzer, of Odessa, made the president’s list at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia. Students must have a 4.0 GPA. 
• Isaiah Fudge, of Wesley Chapel, made the dean’s list at Quincy University in Quincy, Illinois. Students must earn at least a 3.5 GPA. 
• Royce Porter, of Odessa, made the dean’s list at the University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphi, Maryland. Students must have at least a 3.5 GPA. 
• Nicholas Wolfgang, of New Port Richey, made the dean’s list at Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont. Students must have at least a 3.4 GPA. 
• Arin Basu, of Lutz, Florida, made the dean’s list at University at Buffalo’s in Buffalo, New York. 

 

Quick Hits

• The Florida Strawberry Festival announced Jan. 16 that tickets for Forrest Frank’s headline performance on March 6 have sold out. The festival takes place from Feb. 26 to March 8 at 303 BerryFest Place, Plant City.