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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Museum of Science & Industry

Halloween events aim to include those with sensory differences

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The Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), The Florida Aquarium and ZooTampa at Lowry Park are collaborating to raise awareness for autism in the Tampa Bay community through “Day of Discovery” Halloween events.

The events will provide special-needs families with unique programming, special animal encounters, enrichment and hands-on activities.

Each venue makes unique modifications regarding the environment setting, to ensure surroundings have been adapted for those individuals with sensory differences.

ZooTampa hosted “Sensory Creatures of the Night” on Oct. 6, allowing individuals to explore the zoo’s Halloween-themed areas through scavenger hunts.

Next up is MOSI’s sensory-friendly Trick-or-Treat on Oct. 20 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Working with Believe It and Achieve It Therapy Services of Tampa, the museum will set up a low-stress environment of lights and sounds, and invite guests to trick-or-treat throughout the museum. Children also can meet MOSI’s astronaut, Moonbase Mike, and have treats that are organic, gluten-free and dye-free. For information, visit MOSI.org.

The Florida Aquarium will participate on Oct. 27 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., by offering a sensory-friendly “Guppyween.”  The event will allow families to trick-or-treat throughout the aquarium in a low-stress environment, which includes a meet-and-greet with Tango, the sea turtle mascot. The 501st Legion and Rebel Forces also will join in for photo ops. For information, visit FlAquarium.org.

All three attractions also are planning Day of Discovery events in December, to continue to support and positively impact children and families of all abilities, and celebrate the spirit of inclusion in the Tampa Bay community.

Published October 10, 2018

Connected City vote on Pasco’s agenda

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A final decision on an ambitious technology-driven community in eastern Pasco County – known as Connected City – is at hand.

The Pasco County Commission will have a final public hearing on the project on Feb. 7 at 1:30 p.m., in Dade City.

The Meridian Autonomous vehicle, known as the World Bus by Mobi-Cubed, will be the first self-driving vehicle tested in the Connected City. The ‘city of the future’ is being developed by Metro Development Group in partnership with Pasco County.(Courtesy of B2 Communications)

The first public hearing on Jan. 24 offered a review of the project and an opportunity for public comment.

Pasco County and Metro Development Group are partnering on a 10-year pilot project, authorized by state law. About 7,800 acres were set aside for development projects that encourage advanced technology and high-wage jobs.

The area is bordered by Interstate 75, State Road 52 and Curley and Overpass roads.

Metro is the first to offer a development project for the area. More developers are expected to take part in Connected City in the future.

“This project arguably is one of the leading technology designs in the country right now,” said Kris Hughes, the county’s planning and development administrator. “It sets new standards for physical development. It makes Pasco highly competitive and attractive as a place to live and work.”

Several people spoke during public comment on Jan. 24. Most supported Connected City.

“I feel the benefits outweigh the concerns brought up,” said resident Dawn Newsome. “I’m excited to see the opportunities that Connected City offers us.”

Too many younger Pasco residents leave home to find good-paying jobs, but that could change with Connected City, she said.

Hope Allen, president of The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, offered a letter of support from the chamber’s board. She said the project would bring jobs, new housing, economic development and entrepreneurship to Pasco.

Resident Jennifer McCarthy had concerns about property rights of people who have lived in the area for generations. She also worried about increasing traffic congestion.

At build-out in 50 years, Connected City is expected to have a population of about 96,000 residents, living in about 37,000 homes and apartments. About 7.2 million square feet of space will be available for job creation.

“At best, Connected City is going to generate jobs that aren’t just retail and construction,” McCarthy said. “At worst, it adds to the urban sprawl that already plagues the area.”

During a video presentation, Metro developers provided new details on their plans.

A groundbreaking for the manmade Crystal Lagoon at Epperson Ranch will be on Feb. 2. The mixed-use, master-planned community is within Connected City boundaries.

The 7-acre lagoon, with crystal blue waters, is creating a buzz with companies that want to locate within the Epperson community, said Kartik Goyani, vice president of operations with Metro.

To meet demand, Metro now is planning a second and larger lagoon on the northern portion of the site, Goyani said.

Metro previously announced partnerships with Saint Leo University for an education center within Connected City. In addition, Florida Hospital and Tampa General Hospital plan to set up a new medical partnership in Connected City.

Meridian Autonomous Systems will provide support for self-driving and electrical vehicles.

“We are going to be at the forefront of this technology,” Goyani said.

Metro also is developing technology to operate street lights on solar and wind power.

The Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) will partner with Metro to integrate learning activities into Connected City. Goyani also said the nonprofit is planning a $1 million exhibit on Connected City in 2017.

And, job creation already is coming into focus.

On Jan. 30, Metro Places had a job fair at Pasco-Hernando State College where more than 400 jobs were available.

“We hope to make this an annual event,” Goyani said.

Published February 1, 2017

Preparations underway for EcoFest 2016

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An effort that began seven years ago on the Hanna Road campus of Learning Gate Community School, in Lutz, has morphed into an event expected to draw thousands to Tampa’s Lowry Park on April 23 in a festival that pays homage to protecting Mother Earth.

EcoFest is an annual event aimed at raising awareness about the principles of sustainability — ecology, equity and economy.

Lots of people did a double take when they saw Amanda Renaud, of Topsy Turvy — an entertainment troupe — towering above them on stilts at the 2015 EcoFest at Lowry Park. (File Photos)
Lots of people did a double take when they saw Amanda Renaud, of Topsy Turvy — an entertainment troupe — towering above them on stilts at the 2015 EcoFest at Lowry Park.
(File Photos)

Learning Gate Community School, the University of South Florida’s Patel College of Global Sustainability and the City of Tampa have joined forces to present the festival, also dubbed as Earth Day Tampa Bay, near the park’s band shell at 7525 North Blvd., in Tampa.

Michele Northrup, who has been event coordinator of EcoFest since its inception, has watched it grow and evolve.

There were 40 vendors and about 500 attendees at the first EcoFest, she said. This year, there are 158 vendors, plus a waiting list of 20. More than 4,000 people are expected to attend.

Parking and admission are free, and there are plenty of free activities, too, Northrup said.

There are plenty of opportunities to learn and have fun, too, she said.

There will be live music, workshops, costumed superheroes, demonstrations, informational booths, green living products and services.

Local artists, green businesses, environmental organizations, alternative health practitioners, renewable energy specialists, and people from organic farms and gardens will be there, too.

“We have some unique vendors. We’ve got some really cool artisans, craftsmen,” Northrup said.

Most of the vendors are local, coming from such communities as Tampa, North Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Carrollwood and South Tampa.

Last year, the festival was set up deliberately to mimic a marketplace, and it’s going to be set up the same way this year, Northrup said.

“Everybody loved that,” Northrup said.

Another highlight will be an agility course, designed by a competitor from the popular television show “American Ninja Warrior.”

The seventh annual EcoFest, like the one last year, will be presented at Tampa’s Lowry Park. The moss-draped oaks provide a lovely backdrop to the event that aims to promote earth-friendly living
The seventh annual EcoFest, like the one last year, will be presented at Tampa’s Lowry Park. The moss-draped oaks provide a lovely backdrop to the event that aims to promote earth-friendly living

There also will be a yoga zone, with different yoga themes throughout the day. And, there will be a drum circle, too.

All four of Tampa’s big attractions — Busch Gardens, Lowry Park, The Florida Aquarium, and MOSI — will be there, Northrup said.

The City of Tampa’s Solid Waste department will be demonstrating how to use plastic bags to make crafts.

Some members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club will be getting into the act, too. Northrup has invited them to show how plastic grocery store bags can be converted into mats.

To say Northrup is enthused about the event would be an enormous understatement.

“It’s going to be phenomenal,” she said.

Seventh annual EcoFest
Where: Lowry Park, 7525 North Blvd., in Tampa (in the band shell area and across the street)
When: April 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More than 150 vendors, speakers and activities, in a festival aimed at promoting earth-friendly living.

Published April 20, 2016

Human trafficking often unseen problem

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Edie Rhea said she was just 10, when her mother’s boyfriend began sexually abusing her and selling her to strangers for sex.

Others may have never suspected what was going on, because Rhea said she lived in a four-bedroom, two-bath house in a nice neighborhood. She also went to school, like other kids, she said.

Even though there were opportunities to tell someone else, Rhea said she was too frightened, because the man who was trafficking her had threatened to kill her.

And, she believed he would.

Edie Rhea said she spent several years of her life as a victim of human trafficking, being sold for sex, from the time she was 10 until she was 17. She now leads Healing Root Ministry, based at First Baptist Church of Lutz. The ministry is striving to raise money to build a transitional house for women rescued from human trafficking. Rhea wants to help those women reclaim their lives. A fundraiser is planned on March 5 to help raise money for the house, which will be called The Gate. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Edie Rhea said she spent several years of her life as a victim of human trafficking, being sold for sex, from the time she was 10 until she was 17. She now leads Healing Root Ministry, based at First Baptist Church of Lutz. The ministry is striving to raise money to build a transitional house for women rescued from human trafficking. Rhea wants to help those women reclaim their lives. A fundraiser is planned on March 5 to help raise money for the house, which will be called The Gate.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

She finally escaped the situation when she was 17, and her mom kicked the boyfriend out of the house, but Rhea was kicked out, too.

She then found a boyfriend, got pregnant and the couple married, she said.

But, the problems didn’t end there.

“The first 10 years of our marriage was bad news,” she said, noting she was using drugs and alcohol, and was involved in marital affairs.

At one point, she was hooked on prescription drugs, she said. And, she attempted suicide several times.

Rhea said her husband wanted a divorce after 10 years of marriage, but gave her another chance.

One of her turning points came when her husband’s mother invited them to church.

“We accepted the Lord. The pastor told me, ‘You know, Edie, you really need to seek some counseling,’” she said.

She began counseling sessions to work on guilt, shame and trust issues, she said.

“The big doozy was when she (the counselor) told me we were going to start working on forgiveness. I told her, ‘I’ll never do that. I’m not going to do that.’’’

The counselor told her: “You need to learn to forgive yourself before you can forgive others,” Rhea said.

“That was a huge, huge, piece,” she said.

Six years ago, the man who had trafficked Rhea was in the hospital and asked to see her, she said.

She said she did go to see him, and told him she had forgiven him.

She also shared the gospel with him, she said.

“He accepted the Lord, and a couple of weeks later, he passed away,” Rhea said.

Four years ago, she launched Healing Root Ministry, a survivor-founded, survivor-run organization aimed at preventing human trafficking and advocating for survivors.

“We originally started, just bringing awareness and prevention,” she said.

But, then she felt called to share her story, and to open a home for rescued women.

The ministry aims to build a house, to provide a transitional home for rescued women.

The house, which will be called The Gate, is intended to serve women from Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties, said Rhea, who is a member of First Baptist Church of Lutz, where the ministry is based.

“It’s an 18-month program, for women 18 and older. Once they come in, they can pursue their G.E.D. (General Educational Development exam), life skills, job skills,” she said.

The idea is to help these women to reclaim their lives, Rhea said.

“We want restoration. We want them to see that there is hope and that we believe in them,” Rhea said.

Human trafficking is a real problem, that is often unseen, she said.

People have the false notion that the problem is limited to other countries, she said.

They can’t imagine the problem happening to their daughter, or to the daughter of someone they know, she added.

They have no idea that Florida ranks third in the nation for human trafficking, and that Tampa ranks No. 1 in Florida, she added.

Rhea wants to change those statistics.

She also wants the ministry she leads to live up to the words that are written on her business card: “Empowering Women to Live the Lives that God Chose for Them.”

If you would like to help the ministry, or would like more information about it, call Rhea at (813) 458-5970, or visit HealingRootMinistry.com.

2016 Somebody’s Daughter fundraiser
When: March 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Museum of Science & Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa
What: A gala including a dinner, dancing, exhibits at MOSI, a 50/50, and a silent auction featuring sports memorabilia, vacation packages and other items. Christopher Gregory, of Homeland Security, will be the keynote speaker.
Why: The event will raise money for Healing Root Ministry, a nonprofit organization seeking to raise money to build a transition house for women rescued from human trafficking.
For more information, or to register, go to HealingRootMinistry.com.

To report a case or suspected case of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline at (888) 373-7888.
To find out more about human trafficking, visit TraffickingResourceCenter.org.

Published February 24, 2016

Want to go to Ren Fest for free? Keep reading.

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It’s time to party like it’s 1399.

When you think of a Renaissance Festival, you might think of jousting, medieval-style costumes, arrows, swords and people eating turkey legs. And guess what? That’s exactly what you’ll find at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival, 11315 N. 46th St.

A sword fight on a giant chessboard? It must be the annual Bay Area Renaissance Festival. (Photos courtesy of Bay Area Renaissance Festival)
A sword fight on a giant chessboard? It must be the annual Bay Area Renaissance Festival.
(Photos courtesy of Bay Area Renaissance Festival)

Now in its 38th year, the festival sits in an area near the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa that has been converted into a European “village,” complete with all the characters you might find in that era.

And, the people tend to stay in character, too. Don’t ask them about websites and cellphones. They’ll look at you like you’re speaking a foreign language. But, if you want to catch a human chess match or some jesters on a stage, they can point you in the right direction.

There are actually several stages, located throughout the village, with shows running throughout the day. Some are musical, some are muddy, and others are slapstick comedy. There’s usually a performance going on somewhere.

In addition to the aforementioned jousting and human chess, there’s also gypsy dancing, magic, traveling fairies, puppets, games of skill, and activities for younger visitors.

Plus, there are rows and rows of vendors selling items you don’t often come across in the 21st century.

It’s nice to walk around the festival and see all the different shows, games and events happening at the same time.

It’s not fancy, but the people are friendly, and it almost feels like you’re really in a small village from ages past, filled with colorful costumes and plenty of things to do. That includes the visitors, who also dress up in pretty elaborate costumes sometimes. It’s not required, but if you have something that fits in with the time period, you’ll feel right at home.

It’s not exactly like old times, of course.

There are no famines or plagues to worry about, for example. So think of it as a visit to the past, only with plenty of food and drinks. And portable bathrooms, too. There’s something to be said for modern conveniences, right?

Knights will battle it out each weekend at the festival.
Knights will battle it out each weekend at the festival.

Unfortunately, there’s another modern aspect to the Renaissance Festival: At nearly $21 for adults, there’s no sign of 14th century pricing to be found. It’s a fun time, but not a cheap one.

Unless you read this column, that is. Because now you know that this weekend, Feb. 20 and Feb. 21, you can get in absolutely free. All you have to do is donate a little blood and you get a free pass to the festival. That’s worth a few minutes with the leeches, right?

I’m just kidding about the leeches. It’s a normal bloodmobile. But, it’s a great way to save a lot of money and donate to a good cause at the same time.

That’s a good weekend to attend the festival, too.

On Feb. 20 and Feb. 21, the theme is “Highland Fling,” which includes Celtic dancing, a kilt competition and the Highland Games, which are part of a strongman-type contest. That means watching feats of strength and heavy lifting while you enjoy a turkey leg. Hey, those can be heavy, too.

So, if you want to enjoy an annual tradition with plenty of games and entertainment, you can do it for free and help your community at the same time. No matter what century it is — saving money is always a smart move.

The Bay Area Renaissance Festival runs Saturdays and Sundays through March 20. Parking is free. For a complete schedule, visit BayAreaRenFest.com.

By Michael Murillo

Do you know of a fun event or location that might be a good fit for On the Cheap? Email Michael at . Keep it cheap, please.

Published February 17, 2016

On The Cheap Fun on Father’s Day

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Mother’s Day is such a special event, we almost forget about that other day the following month. But Father’s Day is just as important, and a great holiday for people who like to do things on the cheap. After all, who was better at pinching pennies when you were growing up than dear old dad?

So, if you can celebrate Father’s Day and save some money at the same, you’ll earn his admiration and respect. You’ll be a chip off the old block. And we’ve found a few bargains this weekend you both might enjoy.

At Dinosaur World, you and dad will come face to face with some prehistoric parents. (Courtesy of Dinosaur World)
At Dinosaur World, you and dad will come face to face with some prehistoric parents.
(Courtesy of Dinosaur World)

First things first: if you read last month’s Mother’s Day article (and you really missed out if you didn’t), you read about a bunch of great places to take mom at a big discount. Lowry Park Zoo, the Museum of Science & Industry, and the Florida Aquarium all had specials where mom got in free with a paid admission. And the deal was good for Saturday and Sunday, so you could spread things across the weekend.

Well, good news: The same deal applies for Father’s Day, too. Pay for an admission, and dad get gets in free this weekend. So whether he likes safari animals, marine life or science and technology, you have dad covered. And you save a lot of money, too. All of those tickets cost more than $20 per person. So if you visit all three, you’ll save around $70 and get a weekend full of fun memories.

That could be a full column right there, but we already covered those places last month. So how about a couple more we didn’t mention earlier that also have specials running for Father’s Day?

For the Jurassic dad
Does dad like dinosaurs? If so, Dinosaur World, 5145 Harvey Tew Road in Plant City, might be the perfect Father’s Day destination.

Think of Dinosaur World as Jurassic Park without all the mayhem and chaos of live dinosaurs attacking the patrons. Instead, there are around 20 acres filled with hundreds of life-size dinosaur models in a garden setting. They’re very detailed, and many of them tower over you, giving visitors an idea of what it would be like to come face to face with a Brontosaurus, Velociraptor or Tyrannosaurus Rex.

If that isn’t cool enough, they have motion-activated animatronic dinosaurs inside (like a Stegosaurus and Pterodactyl), as well as a museum with real dino fossils. There’s even a Florida Fossil section with a display of fossils native to our state.

It’s all definitely entertaining, but education is a big deal at Dinosaur World. With interactive shows and paleontologists on hand to answer questions, there’s a lot see and learn. And if you go on Father’s Day, dad gets in absolutely free, when accompanying someone with a paid admission ($16.95 for adults, $11.95 for children ages 3 to12).

For the museum dad
Suppose dad likes history, but doesn’t want to go back to the Mesozoic era. How about the Henry B. Plant Museum, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., in Tampa? The national historic landmark was a state-of-the-art hotel in the late 1800s, and while most of it is now the campus of the University of Tampa, a section has been preserved and restored as a museum. Each room is a piece of elegant history, with Moorish Revival (I think that means really fancy) architecture, and some original furnishings. And the self-guided audio tour gives you information and cultural perspective to what you’re seeing. If you want to experience the height of luxury around 125 years ago (it is still pretty luxurious), this is a great place to bring dad on Father’s Day. He gets in free, when accompanying someone with a paid admission ($10 for adults, $5 for children ages 4 to 12).

Remember, these two places are in addition to what we mentioned for Mother’s Day. All you have to do is pick what dad would like most, get ready for a fun weekend and receive endless praise for being so wise with your money. Happy Father’s Day.

For more information about Dinosaur World, call (813) 717-9865 or visit DinosaurWorld.com. For more information about the Henry B. Plant Museum, call (813) 254-1891 or visit PlantMuseum.com.

Published June 17, 2015

Treat mom, save money this weekend

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Mother’s Day is an opportunity to spend quality time with your mom, grandmother, spouse or anyone who best fits that “mother” role.

It’s a day to do something special.

But it’s not a time to be irresponsible with your finances. Sure, you could spend a bunch of money on expensive flowers and take her to a fancy lunch. But what message would you be sending? That you’re not watching your money? That you’re not the kind of person who looks for good deals?

You won't be the only mother-child pair at the zoo on Mother's Day. (Courtesy of Lowry Park Zoo)
You won’t be the only mother-child pair at the zoo on Mother’s Day.
(Courtesy of Lowry Park Zoo)

Mom taught you better than that.

No, if you want to really impress mom, show her that you’re responsible when it comes to your wallet. Show her that you can have a good time and be smart with your money, too. Let her see how much time you spent finding great values that you can both do on a budget.

Actually, you’re not really spending a lot of time looking for deals. You’re just reading this column. But she’ll be impressed either way.

The truth is that you can have a great time with your mom all weekend and save a lot of money. A few different places have Mother’s Day specials that make it easy to spend the weekend doing fun things. Here are some ways you can spend time with mom, without spending a fortune:

  • Museum of Science & Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. Mom gets in absolutely free with a paid child or adult admission. You can check out all their regular exhibits that cover areas like astronomy, robotics and other modern technologies. That includes a special exhibit on 3-D printing and a large area called “Disasterville,” which simulates the effects of natural disasters such as tsunamis, tornadoes, earthquakes and volcanoes. They also have “The Amazing You,” “Mission; Moonbase” and other interactive exhibits to keep everyone entertained. Outside they have a butterfly garden and forest preserve, too.

If mom likes science and technology, this is a great place to take her. There’s a lot to do, and it’s always changing. So if you haven’t seen and done everything, put this on your Mother’s Day agenda.

By the way, this deal also includes an IMAX movie and a Planetarium show. That’s a great deal, and saves you around $23.

  • Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa. If seeing live animals appeals to mom, she gets in free at the zoo with a child or adult admission. And we have a good zoo in Tampa: “Parents” magazine named Lowry Park Zoo one of the top 10 zoos in the country for kids. And whatever’s good for kids is probably good for moms, too.

The zoo is split up into different areas. Safari Africa and Ituri Forest is the place to see cheetahs, zebras, giraffes and many other animals. At the Asian Gardens and Sulawesi Aviary, there are tigers, crocodiles, komodo dragons and leopards, not to mention more than a dozen bird species at the aviary. There’s also a free-flight aviary with even more birds.

The Florida Manatee and Aquatic Center is not only a place to see underwater animals, but the world’s only nonprofit manatee hospital. Primate World has primates (naturally) and Wallaroo Station has a goat petting station, water play area and koalas.

(The koalas don’t play in the water area, but it would be awfully cute if they did).

The zoo also has regular feedings the public can attend, a special “Spirits of the Sky” show featuring birds of prey, and animal keeper talks throughout the day. It’s a full day of diverse animal exhibits and attractions. And most of it is outside, so if the weather is nice, it’s a great place to walk around. Finally, if you or mom like photography, it’s hard to find a better place to bring the equipment and add to your collection. Plus you save about $28.

  • Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive in Tampa. “Parents” magazine also likes our aquarium, naming it a top-five kid-friendly aquarium. And they have a lot of things to see, and moms are free with a paid admission.

The aquarium is a lot more than giant tanks with fish swimming around. Outside, they have a 2-acre water play area for kids. The Wetlands Trail explores Florida’s ecosystem, while the Journey To Madagascar focuses on the wildlife from that island. They have a giant coral reef exhibit, a special penguin area and a number of shows throughout the day.

Just creating a habitat for all the different types of sea life is impressive.

The aquarium, which has been a part of the area for 20 years, features both educational and interactive exhibits, offering lots of ways to appreciate the thousands of animals and plants that live there.

If you or mom has a special affinity toward the water, this is a great place to take her for Mother’s Day. This special saves you between $22 and $24, depending on where you buy the ticket.

Now, you might think that three fun places is simply too much for just one day. And you’re probably right.

But the great thing about these promotions — aside from saving a lot of money, of course — is that they’re good both Saturday and Sunday. So you can take mom to one of them the first day, and visit the others the next day. Or whatever your schedule will allow.

Besides, why should celebrating mom be limited to just one day? Go ahead and make a weekend of it.

On a budget, of course.

So while other people are emptying their wallets on flowers that will be thrown out in about a week or an expensive lunch that will be forgotten by dinner, you’ll creating a weekend of memories with mom.

Which plan is she more likely to remember?

Besides, if you’re worried about food, McDonald’s usually has a free breakfast for mom on Mother’s Day. It’s not fancy, but it’s just the place to plan out your fun day together, and talk about how much money you’re saving.

Happy Mother’s Day.

Published May 6, 2015

Area events honor veterans on special day

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Veterans Day is Nov. 11, and those who have put on the uniform to serve this country have a full day ahead of them.

Saint Leo University and Two Men and a Truck will deliver items to veterans in local shelters throughout the day Tuesday. The donations will be from a collection drive the school hosted last month including items such as soap, shampoo, shaving cream, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, towels, sheets, backpacks, blankets and more.

Saint Leo also will have a ceremony honoring veterans at 11 a.m., at the Greenfelder-Denlinger Boardrooms in the school’s student community center, 33701 State Road 52, in St. Leo.

The keynote speaker at that even is U.S. Army retired Col. K. Steven Collier, who founded a technology company in Dade City.

Bayfront Health Dade City and Gulfside Hospice will host a Senior Circle for Veterans Day at 10 a.m., at the hospital, 13100 Fort King Road in Dade City. It will include a pinning ceremony for all veterans in attendance. There also will be a moment of silence, followed by a complimentary lunch. To RSVP, call (877) 362-5321.

The Museum of Science & Industry at 4801 E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa, is offering $5 admission for all active and retired military personnel, emergency medical technicians, firefighters, first responders and police officers. For information, visit MOSI.org.

Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club will host an Armistice Day fundraiser to support troops and the community’s resident veterans. It will have a special recognition for World War II veterans, and include a dinner. For information, call John Benvengo at (917) 754-1726, or email .

Pasco-Hernando State College will host Honor Our Patriots Events on the Spring Hill campus, 450 Beverly Court, Nov. 12 and Nov. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Military representatives will be on hand to talk about military life and resource groups, with a student veteran panel set for Nov. 12 at noon. All events are free, and information can be found at PHSC.edu/calendar.

Finally, Fifth Third Bank has partnered with the Folds of Honor Foundation to collect and match donations at all 48 of its Tampa Bay-area centers through Nov. 15. The foundation provides scholarships and other assistance to the spouses and children of soldiers killed or wounded in action. The bank will match up to $5,000 locally.

Local Fifth Third Banks are at 1122 Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz, and at 2022 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

MOSI to host digital classroom symposium

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The Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa will host a digital classroom initiative symposium Nov. 13 beginning at 8 a.m. It will bring together education professional and high-technology specialists who will discuss adapting technology for enhanced learning and student achievement advancements.

The symposium is being put together by state Sen. John Legg, and will cover an array of topics addressing the goals, challenges and needs of educators, students and employers.

Among those participating are technology administrators from area school districts, Pasco County Schools superintendent Kurt Browning, Bright House Networks’ Craig Cowden, Florida Senate president Andy Gardiner and Tampa Bay Technology Forum chairman Chase Stockon.

The Legislature has directed Florida’s Department of Education earlier this year to develop and implement a five-year strategic plan for establishing digital classrooms. The $40 million initial plan is to support individual school districts with their respective efforts of integrating technology in classrooms. The program seeks to merge educational practices with digital innovation.

Those who wish to register can do so at tinyurl.com/EdTechFl.

MOSI is located at 4801 E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa.

MOSI wins national award from Noyce Foundation

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The Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa has been selected as one of just seven museums in the country to receive the Bright Lights Community Engagement Award from the Noyce Foundation.

The award recognizes science centers, children’s museums and natural history museums that have done what it considers to be an outstanding job of engaging with their local communities, especially in areas like science, technology, engineering, art and math. It comes with an undisclosed monetary prize said only to be above $100,000.

“For decades, MOSI has been engaged in the issues of Tampa and the region, with particular emphasis on underserved and at-risk populations, and those who work with them,” said Ann Bowers, chair of the Noyce board of directors, in a release. “Outreach and community engagement are not a separate department at MOSI, but embedded in its organization culture and actions. Commitment to community and improving lives permeates everything this institution does.”

The goal of the award, according to the foundation, is to discover and shine a light on those willing to embrace their communities in new and profound ways. A panel of 15 judges helped select the winners.

MOSI provides more than $3 million annually in free passes, scholarships and memberships to those who cannot afford them. In addition, MOSI works with educators, Head Start teachers, families and children to increase science interest and improve science inquiry, according to a release.

“Our impact on students in the Tampa Bay community and beyond through outreach programs, scholarships and trainings, allow us to bring fun, interactive STEAM education to those who might not otherwise make it to our science center,” said Molly Demeulenaere, MOSI’s vice president of growth, in a release. “This award will allow MOSI to continue its mission of being an educational resource with an emphasis on underserved communities.”

Other museums winning the Bright Lights award include Explora in Albuquerque, New Mexico; the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul; the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California; the Hands On Children’s Museum in Olympia, Washington; The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia; and The Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose, California.

The Noyce Foundation was created in 1990 to honor the memory and legacy of Robert N. Noyce, co-founder of Intel and inventor of the integrated circuit, which fueled the personal computer revolution and gave Silicon Valley its name.

The Bright Lights award and donation will allow MOSI to continue reaching underserved populations with initiatives like scholarships, outreach programs, teacher trainings, and science assemblies to help meet the needs of families and schools with limited resources.

For more information on the Museum of Science & Industry, visit MOSI.org.