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TAMPA – Most people celebrate their 85th birthday with cake and candles. Lillian Kenney decided to mark hers underwater. 

Kenney completed her 1,980th and last dive at The Florida Aquarium, closing out three decades of being a dedicated volunteer.

Kenney started at the aquarium in 1995, the same year it opened, and has been a fixture ever since. Over the years, she’s logged more than 7,200 hours of volunteer time, diving to keep habitats clean for the animals, supporting local waterway cleanups, and guiding guests on the aquarium’s Wild Dolphin Cruise and Wetlands of Florida trail. 

Kenney was nominated for The Florida Aquarium’s Volunteer of the Year award seven times and earned the title in May 2003.

“It’s been such a big part of my life for so many years. It’s one of the things that I put first on my calendar,” said Lillian Kenney. “There’s such a friendly atmosphere at the aquarium. The people are great. Everybody helps everybody else. I’ll miss the animals. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

Kenney’s retirement from diving coincides with The Florida Aquarium’s 30th anniversary, making her milestone especially meaningful. She has seen the aquarium grow and evolve over the decades, and her story is now a part of its history.

“Lillian has contributed to many different departments of the aquarium, not just diving,” added Karen Benson, coordinator of dive volunteers at The Florida Aquarium. “She has a wealth of knowledge. She used to be a teacher, so she absorbs everything about animals and loves to share what she’s learned with our guests.”

Though she may no longer be suiting up to dive, Kenney plans to continue volunteering at the aquarium and participate in community cleanups. 

WESLEY CHAPEL – The Pasco Economic Development Council hosted its 37th Annual Awards event Sept. 5 at Saddlebrook Resort. 

More than 300 people attended the event, a celebration of economic excellence in Pasco County. 

“We had a great night recognizing businesses who have made a significant economic impact in Pasco County,” said Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC president/CEO. “And it was truly an honor to recognize Dewey Mitchell who has made a tremendous contribution to making Pasco County the place it is today.”

The award finalists this year included companies that exhibited exemplary growth through job creation, capital investment, technology, workforce innovation and community service. 

The award winners for 2025 are:

 

• Economic Excellence Award (small category): Escape Brewing Company

With over $1 million in capital investment, Escape Brewing Company has expanded its operations at Trinity by building a production facility, taproom and beer garden, which has given the company the opportunity to double its production capacity. Additionally, the 2.5-acre expansion has allowed Escape Brewing Company to create a food hall, the first of its kind in Pasco County.

 

• Economic Excellence Award (large category): Merrell Bros Inc.

Over the last year, Merrell Brothers has invested over $10 million in new land, buildings and equipment to expand its Pasco County operations. The company’s product lines consist of biosolids-derived fertilizers used in farming and general agricultural applications. A part of its investment included a new 28,000-square-foot facility called Florida Green. The company has hired over 30 full-time employees in the past year.

 

• Innovation in Workforce Development: METTLER TOLEDO

METTLER TOLEDO Product Inspection Division opened in Pasco County in 2016 and employs over 700 people with a focus on employee retention. The company works with local training organizations to provide educational tours to students. The company created The METTLER TOLEDO Early Career Experience Program, which offers recent graduates a structured program that introduces them to various areas within the company.

• Leadership Award: Dewey Mitchell

Dewey Mitchell is the owner and co-broker of the local real estate firm, Capstone Tropical Holdings, Inc., comprised of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group and other entities through which he has brokered many deals in Pasco County that have resulted in a positive economic impact. 

 

• Pasco Establishment Award: Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory

Located in the West Pasco Industrial Park in Odessa, Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory opened its new facility in September 2024. The company manufactures its own craft beer and co-packs other non-alcoholic beverages. After investing $100,000 in a new canning line and brewing equipment, Thirsty Buffalo is manufacturing its products onsite and entering new markets.

• SMARTstart Entrepreneur of the Year: Andria Roscart, Athenaeum Brew Lounge

Andria opened her brick-and-mortar business in 2024 after building out her facility in downtown Dade City. It combines Andria’s dream of creating a place to get quality beer while spending time with friends and family. Andria learned how to start and grow a business using knowledge gained as a graduate of the SMARTstart CO.STARTERS program. She applied this knowledge to open her facility and expand her business.

 

• Special Contribution: Pasco News Media Group LLC

Reporter Bryan Farrow opened Pasco News in 2020 with a focus on being direct and sharing pertinent information as quickly as possible through his website and Facebook page with over 120,000 followers. During the 2024 hurricane season, Pasco News pivoted all communications to assist in sharing the importance of emergency alerts regarding Pasco County and launched a mobile app, which many residents looked to for updates.

 

DADE CITY – Pasco-Hernando State College recognized 34 Fire Academy graduates with firefighter certificates during a ceremony Aug. 14 at the East Campus.

Cadets completed 16 weeks of training, preparing them for their upcoming state-administered practical and written exams. 

Austin Linville was named class leader and received the Instructor Pick award.

“Each cohort picks its own class motto, and one of our Scottish cadets, Alexander Buchanan, introduced the phrase, ‘It’ll be a skoosh,’ with skoosh meaning easy,” said William Lingo, program coordinator and retired fire chief. “The cadets took this motto and pushed forward through their training to get to their graduation on Thursday.”

Cadets had the opportunity to train and learn using PHSC’s newest state-of-the-art fire tower and training facility, spread over 4,280 square feet. The tower is 50 feet tall and spans five stories. 

The facility includes burn prop stations for training, two classrooms, pre-engineered covered parking and two 40-foot storage containers for training equipment.

“PHSC is proud to celebrate the dedication and resilience of these graduates, who have chosen a path of service, sacrifice and strength,” PHSC President Eric Hall said. “As our communities face increasing demands on public safety services, these well-trained professionals will play a critical role. Their success reflects PHSC’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality, hands-on training that supports workforce development and strengthens our region.”

 

 

Shelby Langford never imagined agriculture would become a focus of her teenage years.

It all began with a middle school elective, “Agricultural Foundations.” She chose the class but had few expectations. What started as a routine course exposed her to opportunities that would shape her future. Before long, agriculture evolved from a passing interest to a passion.

She started cooking for herself and tending a garden at home. Her curiosity deepened to commitment when, before officially enrolling at Gaither High School in Tampa, she volunteered with the school’s agriculture department. The summer before she started high school, Shelby volunteered to show the school’s Future Farmers of America chapter pig. From early mornings at the barn to late-night feedings, she gave her all to raising a pig while learning about swine care and behavior.

“That experience lit a fire in her – a deep desire to continue learning and growing within the agricultural world, especially within the swine industry,” said her mother, Marisa Langford.

In March, Shelby was accepted into the Florida 4-H “Hog & Ham” program, part of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Hog & Ham takes selected participants through the process of pork production and teaches food security.

This month, she went to the main UF campus in Gainesville to learn about meat production.

Hog & Ham, 4-H, FFA, fairs – they’re all part of a journey filled with “opportunities,” which seems to be one of Shelby’s favorite words.

“It’s cool learning about all the different opportunities that agriculture has to offer,” she said, citing, among other things, Ag Day on the Hill, where FFA members go to the state Capitol. “You learn about all the cool things you can do if you pursue agriculture, including lobbying legislators.”

Over the past two years, Shelby has taken advantage of opportunities offered through UF/IFAS Extension programs.

She’s attended meat science and livestock judging clinics, interacted with UF/IFAS faculty and explored the depth and diversity of Florida’s agricultural industry.

Whitney Elmore, director of UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County, praised Shelby for how she sets an example for others.

“4-H participants (and their families) work very hard on their projects, putting a significant amount of time, money and energy into learning by doing,” Elmore said. “Shelby exemplifies the core values of 4-H: head, heart, hands, health.”

It’s not always easy participating in 4-H and FFA, but it’s well worth the effort, Shelby said. The biggest challenge is “getting started.”

“You have to navigate things on your own,” she said. “There’s a lot of pre-planning that goes into everything. It helps you with time management. You have to find opportunities. Some are a little more hidden than others.”

 

ST. LEO – It was a time of goodbye hugs, some tears, a few raindrops, and a lot of sweat as new and transfer students moved into Saint Leo University residence halls Aug. 22. 

The university welcomed more than 850 incoming students while returning students arrived Aug. 23 and 24. Classes began Aug. 25 at the campus in Pasco County as well as online and at the university’s regional education centers in Florida and Savannah, Georgia.

Most of Saint Leo’s new students are “homegrown” with 69.6% being from Florida, while 18.8% are from other states. International students make up 11.6% of the new students. Saint Leo’s fields, courts, track and more will be filled this year as 299 new student-athletes join the pride.  

The incoming Lions and their families found plenty of help from faculty, staff, student-athletes and coaches, spirit teams, resident assistants and orientation leaders to unload vehicles and haul their belongings into their new home away from home.  

Radames Luna, father of new student Izayah Luna, said he is excited for his son to begin at Saint Leo. 

“The best part is when they asked if they could help,” Radames said, laughing as student-athletes and other volunteers surrounded the family’s car and carried boxes and bags to Izayah’s room. He will be majoring in business.  

Krystal Morris, of Wesley Chapel, admitted to feeling a little sad while moving her son, Sian, into his residence hall. “I am not OK,” she said. “He’s my baby.” 

And Krystal said she might be crying in Sian’s room at home after she left campus.  

Isabella Hill, of Naples, happily unpacked items in her residence hall room. 

“I’m looking forward to everything,” said the pre-nursing major. 

Meanwhile, her dad, Marc Hill, was busy assembling items for her room. 

“I’m holding it together and then I’ll cry in the car later,” he said.  

Isabella’s grandmother, Cassandra Hill, said she is “ready to fly like a butterfly” during her time at Saint Leo.  

Sarai Rodriguez and Kiara Clifford, both nursing students, are serving as the resident assistants for Saint Leo’s Nursing Living Learning Communities. 

This year, with 115 pre-nursing students arriving, the university offered two of these communities for those pursuing Bachelor of Science in nursing degrees with students living in Alumni and Roderick halls. Living Learning Communities offer an opportunity for students with shared interests to build connections beyond the classroom. Rodriguez spent the morning meeting the students and distributing notices to make sure the pre-nursing students attend their orientation session.  

“One of my main goals as a nursing RA and within the programs that I host, is to create a strong community among nursing students,” Rodriguez said. “As a senior, if I could give any advice to pre-nursing and junior nursing students, it would be to have an open mind, find friendships that will carry you through your journey, and believe that this dream was placed in your heart for a reason.”

 

TAMPA – Can a machine think like you? Learn like you? Paint your portrait like Picasso?  

Visitors at Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry will soon be able to find out with the Sept. 6 opening of “Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine.”

The interactive, traveling exhibit explores the effects of artificial intelligence. 

Forget the killer robots of science fiction. This is about the everyday technology shaping how people live, work and learn. With games, smart machines and hands-on challenges, it shows how AI works and how it learns to “think” like a human, without getting lost in computer jargon and techno-talk.

“AI might sound mysterious, but at MOSI, we break it down to the basics, so anyone, at any age, can grasp how it works and what it can do in the future,” said John Graydon Smith, president and CEO of MOSI. “It’s already in your pocket, your home and your job, whether you realize it or not. This exhibit makes it fun to see how machines learn, sometimes even better than we do, and why that matters. You’ll leave with a whole new perspective.”

Guests will be immersed in a futuristic playground filled with activities for all ages. Train an AI to recognize your face. Paint a selfie in the style of Van Gogh or Picasso. Press a few keys and hear a piano compose new music using the sounds of 1,400 instruments. Take on stacking puzzles that challenge you to learn like an AI system does.

“Our goal is to give every visitor an introduction to AI that helps them understand what the technology will mean to them,” said HP Newquist, the AI historian and author who created the exhibit. “Kids are certain to work with AI in the years to come, from self-driving cars to digital personal assistants that will help them with their homework. Adults are already trying to make sense of it.”

 

Exhibit highlights

• Giant Simon game: A huge version of the classic handheld electronic game that challenges you to remember and repeat a pattern of colors and sounds.
• Spot the fake: Compare real photos to AI-generated ones and see if human eyes can still tell the difference.
• AI at the movies: Explore how AI is used in films for everything from creating lifelike special effects to bringing digital characters to life.
• Voice mimic: Record a short message and let the AI recreate it in different voices or accents.
• Guess that object: Show the AI different items and see if it can correctly identify them or hilariously miss the mark.
• Cat vs. Not Cat: Try the AI’s original “training” game based on thousands of internet cat photos, then test if it can spot a cat in unusual places.
• Talk to a translator: Type a sentence and watch as AI instantly translates it into multiple languages. See which ones sound closest to the original meaning.
• Pattern detective: Give the AI clues and watch it solve mysteries by finding patterns in huge sets of data faster than any human could.

On the web: mosi.org

 

TAMPA – Maria De Lourdes Perrotta realized her longtime dream of stability and independence thanks to the support of Coca-Cola Beverages Florida LLC 

Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough hosted a dedication ceremony Aug. 20 to celebrate Maria and her son, Matias, receiving the keys to their new Tampa home.

“The dream: To have an affordable house,” said Maria, joined by family, community partners and volunteers who helped build her new home.

A key financial supporter of the Perrotta home is Coke Florida, a family-owned business serving Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami and Orlando. Coke Florida employees volunteered more than 200 hours to help build the new house.

“As we celebrated our company’s 10-year anniversary at the end of May, Coke Florida is proud to also celebrate our long-standing relationships with community partners, such as Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough,” said Percy L. Wells II, group vice president, government relations, public affairs and communications for Coke Florida. “We are proud to provide financial support, create economic empowerment opportunities for new homeowners and encourage our associates to support these impactful initiatives.”

Maria’s struggle to find affordable housing is one familiar to millions of Americans. 

Working as a housekeeper, she spent years renting apartments that were often plagued by mold, noise and ongoing rent hikes. 

“Home is where I feel secure, with peace and love,” Maria said. “Having our home means we are finally in a stable place.”

New homeowners like Maria put in hundreds of hours helping build Habitat houses, assisting at Habitat events and working in the Habitat ReStore home improvement store. They pay an affordable mortgage that never exceeds 30% of their income.

 

Habitat affiliates stay busy

• Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside was scheduled Aug. 22 to celebrate the dedication of its 1,000th home during its 40th anniversary year. A single mom working as a certified nursing assistant is the recipient of the new home located in Lealman. 
• Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco is registering teams for its Women Build: Rock the Block event on Oct. 24 in Dade City. The event dispatches teams of 10 to do things like landscaping, light construction, painting and working on beautification projects in the community.

LAND O’ LAKES – The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club continues to make a visible difference in the community. 

Members of the Civic Engagement Community Service Program, joined by other volunteers from the club, gave Lutz Memorial Park a facelift.

They cleared overgrown areas and removed debris. Neglected spaces now look refreshed and ready for the next phase of beautification.

With cleanup complete, the group is now shifting focus to the next step – choosing what to plant.

 

TAMPA – Several members of the Florida Small Business Development Center at University of South Florida were recognized during the 2025 Florida SBDC Network’s Performance Excellence Awards on Aug. 18 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.

The statewide event celebrates outstanding contributions across Florida’s nine regional small business development centers.

“It was a true honor to attend the Florida SBDC Network’s Annual Awards Celebration and recognize our incredible team members for their hard work, dedication and years of service,” said Carl Hadden, regional director of the Florida SBDC at USF. “Their commitment to supporting small businesses continues to make a lasting impact across our 10-county Tampa Bay region.”

 

Laura Subel Lifetime Achievement Award: Aubri Shauger-Haley

Aubri Shauger-Haley won the Laura Subel Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to Florida’s small business community. 

Shauger-Haley serves as a business manager and procurement specialist for the Small Business Enterprise Program at Pinellas County. She also works as a business consultant for the Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development subcenter. 

She has helped Florida small businesses secure more than $75 million in government contracts. 

 

Ambassador of the Year Award: Stephanie Ordoñez

Stephanie Ordoñez, communications and marketing officer at the Florida SBDC at USF, has been named the Florida Ambassador of the Year. 

The award recognizes her advocacy and dedication to promoting the resources and services of the Florida SBDC at USF. Ordoñez leads efforts to raise awareness of the center’s no-cost consulting and training opportunities for small businesses. 

She helps amplify the impact of the Florida SBDC at USF in the entrepreneurial community through social media campaigns. 

 

Service Awards

Several team members were also recognized for their years of service: 

• 15 years: Selma Canas, Kurt Forster and Yolanda Goodloe.
• 10 years: Karen Krymski and Corey McCaster.
• 5 years: Greg Manning.