Tampa Bay residents can get free medical resources TAMPA – Pioneer Medical Foundation hopes to bridge the gap some residents across Tampa Bay face […]
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This Week
Bilirakis applauds expansion of newborn screening
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) praised the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ decision to add Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Metachromatic Leukodystrophy to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel. Bilirakis joined HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., members of Congress, patient advocates and families at the Dec. 16 announcement. “As co-chair of the […]

Chalk Talk (12/24/25): Saint Leo builds on reputation with veterans
Saint Leo builds on reputation for educating veterans ST. LEO – Saint Leo University has been recognized as a national leader in serving military-affiliated students, earning top placements across multiple categories in the 2025 Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges rankings. The university improved its standing in every category from 2024. Saint Leo University’s 2025 […]

Chalk Talk (12/17/25): Donations help thousands of students
Two Good Soles donations help thousands of students NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County Government and Constitutional Offices collected more than 8,000 pairs of shoes and socks for kids in Pasco County Schools during the Two Good Soles Shoes and Socks Drive. This year’s drive resulted in 2,757 pairs of shoes and 5,325 pairs of socks. […]

Business Digest (12/17/25): Models volunteer at Metropolitan Ministries
Models volunteer at Metropolitan Ministries CLEARWATER – Several models in the 2026 Hooters Calendar volunteered Dec. 5 at Metropolitan Ministries. Hooters has a longstanding partnership with Metropolitan Ministries. The models assisted the organization by helping in the daycare. They took part in activities with the children and assisted with cleaning. “A big part of the […]
Dual Enrollment program saves $4M+ for families
NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College’s Dual Enrollment program not only helps students get a head start on college but also creates financial savings for families across Pasco and Hernando counties. The program allows high school students to take college-level courses at no cost to the student or their family. During the 2024-25 academic year, […]

Health & Wellness (12/17/25): Doctors catch hidden prostate condition
Doctors catch hidden prostate condition SEBRING, Fla. – An ER visit at AdventHealth Sebring led occupational therapist Marc Marasigan to a surprising diagnosis and a life-changing treatment. After arriving with fever and back pain, doctors discovered a kidney stone too large to pass. During the procedure to break it up, urologist Dr. Ronald Chee-Awai also […]

Citrus fruits carry many benefits
By Shari Bresin
The winter months are known for many things, with citrus fruit season being one of them: oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, tangerines, clementines, kumquats and more. You may even have some in your backyard ready to be harvested soon. Native to Southeast Asia along the Himalayas, they were brought to the Americas by Spanish explorers in […]

Creativity on display at Arts and Crafts Show
ODESSA – The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club drew large crowds at its 46th annual Arts and Crafts Show on Dec. 6 and 7 at Keystone Prep High School. More than 150 vendors showcased a wide variety of handmade goods, art and holiday gifts. The club’s own “Green Shirt Ladies” were busy at their […]
Credit union helps uncover $6M in taxpayer savings
TAMPA – A volunteer team from USF Credit Union, using secure AI technology and rigorous human review, helped Hillsborough County uncover an estimated $6 million in savings for taxpayers. Earlier this year, Hillsborough County Comptroller Victor Crist requested assistance from USF CU to help evaluate the county’s banking service agreement. A team of 10 USF […]
This Week (cont)
Unwrap a smarter way to tackle holiday debt
The final stretch of holiday shopping is often the costliest, with many Tampa residents feeling the pressure of rising prices, packed calendars and higher interest rates. According to the Bank of America Institute’s 2025 Holiday Survey, 62% of respondents report feeling financial strain this season, underscoring the importance of having a clear plan to manage […]

BayCare provides free joint replacements
CLEARWATER – Four local people without insurance received a life-changing holiday gift. They will start 2026 by regaining their mobility with a new knee or hip replacement. BayCare’s Orthopedic Institute partnered with the Clearwater Free Clinic, the St. Pete Free Clinic and Operation Walk USA to provide the four with free joint replacement surgeries. The surgeries were performed by […]

What’s Happening (12/10/25): Woman’s club supports wildlife group
Woman’s club supports wildlife organization LAND O’ LAKES – The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club welcomed special guest Kris Porter, director of the Owl’s Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife, to its November meeting. Porter provided an engaging presentation on the organization’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate and release injured wildlife throughout the region. She shared stories […]

Local Wildlife (12/12/25): Woodpecker
What’s all that noise over by that palm tree? Oh, it’s a red-headed woodpecker. Come on, buddy. If you want to claim the tree, it’s yours. You don’t have to keep pecking. Are you hungry? You don’t have to try so hard to get bugs. Would you knock it off?
Local Sports & Rec
Dude Perfect running it back with Squad Games Tour
TAMPA – After a record-breaking 2025 tour, Dude Perfect is taking live entertainment to the next level with an all-new 360-degree arena layout during its Squad Games Tour. Dude Perfect will stop at Tampa’s Benchmark International Arena at 6 p.m. Aug. 1 for an action-packed night of competition and trick shots, complete with new, larger-than-life […]

MLB, NFL legends raise money for health and wellness center
• Charity Golf 001 & 002: More than 20 retired MLB and NFL players participated in the annual event to benefit the AdventHealth Sebring Foundation. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth • Charity Golf 003: Retired MLB pitcher Thomas “Flash” Gordon thanked the event participants for supporting the community by taking part in the event. Photo courtesy […]
Sports & Rec – Check This Out

Adopt a Pet (3/26/25): English Muffin is quite the treat
By justin
English Muffin is an incredibly loving 2-year-old who lives to spread happiness. The moment she sees you, she will joyfully roll onto her back, eagerly awaiting belly rubs. Her tail never stops wagging, showcasing her happy and affectionate nature. Although English Muffin was previously adopted, she was returned because she prefers to be the only […]
USF Women’s Basketball volunteers with Habitat for Humanity
The University of South Florida Women’s Basketball team volunteered with Habitat for Humanity on Aug. 24 in Safety Harbor. The players and coaches painted the exteriors of two Habitat Homes alongside the future homeowners, the Baker and Glazman families, according to a news release. This continues USF’s tradition of community service, as various USF sports […]
PHSC golf tournament
The Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) Foundation will host its annual golf tournament on Oct. 18, at the Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club in Dade City. Registration will be at 7:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. For more information, contact Jen Ferguson at 727-816-3431 or . For sponsorship opportunities, visit Giving.PHSC.edu/golf.
Reasons To Smile

Celebrate with your canine friend!
By Mary Rathman
National Dog Day is Aug. 26 — an opportunity to celebrate man and woman’s best friend, and to help find loving homes for dogs in the community. Here are five ways to make a difference: Adopt a new best friend Spay and neuter. Foster first. Not ready to adopt? Fostering is a great option to […]
