Saint Leo awards nearly 1,500 degrees at 2026 commencement
ST. LEO — Saint Leo University awarded nearly 1,500 degrees April 6 at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall, one of its largest graduating classes in recent years.
The morning ceremony conferred just under 600 master’s, doctoral and Educational Specialist degrees. The afternoon ceremony awarded nearly 875 associate and bachelor’s degrees.
University President Jim Burkee presided over both ceremonies, his first commencement at Saint Leo.
“Class of 2026, go forward with the courage of your convictions,” Burkee said. “The world needs more Leos.”
Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins addressed graduate candidates in the morning, drawing on his shift from military to civilian life. Tech entrepreneur and philanthropist Arnie Bellini spoke to undergraduates in the afternoon.
“The most important thing my degree gave me was not what I majored in. It taught me how to learn,” Bellini said.
The university awarded honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees to entrepreneur William A. Pope and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
Nearly 70% of graduates were Florida residents. The class represented 47 states and 21 countries, and more than 17% were military-affiliated, including nearly 80 active-duty service members. A total of 102 graduates earned a 4.0 GPA.
Founded in 1889, Saint Leo is a Catholic Benedictine university with a campus in the Tampa Bay area, regional education centers and online programs.
Six AdventHealth West Florida hospitals earn ‘A’ safety grades
TAMPA — Six AdventHealth hospitals across West Florida earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade this spring from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit focused on patient safety.
The Tampa Bay-area hospitals receiving the grade are AdventHealth Carrollwood, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Dade City and North Pinellas. AdventHealth Lake Wales also earned an “A.”
AdventHealth Wauchula, which serves Hardee County, is consistently recognized as a top rural hospital by Leapfrog.
The grade is based on more than 30 measures evaluating infection prevention, safe medication practices and communication among care teams. Grades are updated twice a year.
“For patients, an ‘A’ safety grade means peace of mind,” said Dr. Raj Wadhawan, chief clinical officer for the AdventHealth West Florida Division. “It reflects the daily commitment our physicians, nurses and care teams make to protecting patients.”
Dawn Hicks-Waldron, the division’s chief nursing officer, said the recognition reflects consistent teamwork and vigilance.
“Safety lives in the details,” she said. “It shows up in how consistently teams follow best practices, how closely patients are monitored and how comfortable families feel asking questions.”
Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, congratulated the hospitals for what she called a strong culture of safety.
Patients can view full safety grades at hospitalsafetygrade.org.
Main Street Zephyrhills seeks artists for downtown installation
ZEPHYRHILLS — Main Street Zephyrhills is accepting applications from professional artists for a large-scale outdoor public art installation in the city’s historic downtown.
The Public Art Series is a new initiative aimed at enhancing the character of the downtown district. The total project budget is up to $10,000.
Applicants must be at least 18, authorized to work in the United States and able to show experience designing and installing large-scale outdoor artwork. Submissions must include a statement of interest, work samples and professional references.
A review committee made up of Main Street Zephyrhills design committee and board members will evaluate the submissions. Up to five finalists may be interviewed, and up to three will be asked to develop site-specific design concepts. Those three will each receive a $500 stipend.
Submissions are due by noon June 12. Artists should email work samples to director@mainstreetzephyrhills.org with the subject line “Public Art Series.”
DeSantis reappoints three to PHSC board of trustees
NEW PORT RICHEY — Gov. Ron DeSantis has reappointed Nicole Newlon, Jeffrey Harrington and Kirk Wilson to the Pasco-Hernando State College District Board of Trustees.
The reappointments took effect May 1 and are subject to Florida Senate confirmation. All three terms run through May 31, 2028.
Newlon, a partner at the Tampa law firm Johnson, Newlon and DeCort, is the board’s current chair. A former Dade City commissioner, she attended PHSC as a dual enrollment student in 1990-91 and was first appointed to the board in June 2023.
Harrington, a consultant, is a former chief deputy at the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and former New Port Richey police chief. He served on the board from 2017 to May 2024 and rejoined in May 2025.
Wilson is the owner and managing partner of Green Acres Outdoor Power Equipment. A Hernando County resident of more than 40 years, he was first appointed to the board in May 2025.
New Port Richey native named Navy Junior Civilian of the Quarter
Christopher Grace, a New Port Richey native and 2002 Ridgewood High School graduate, was recently selected as Junior Civilian of the Quarter at Naval Medical Readiness Logistics Command in Williamsburg, Virginia.
The award recognizes high-performing Navy employees for exceptional performance, dedication to mission readiness and service.
Grace served in the Navy from 2006 to 2022 before joining the command as a government civilian.
“I was raised in a close-knit community where strong personal relationships and a sense of connection were highly valued,” Grace said. “I sought to carry those principles forward and apply them in a broader, more impactful environment.”
Grace said his decision to enlist was driven by a desire to build a stable career and develop personal discipline.
Second Story Thrift to open New Port Richey location May 15
NEW PORT RICHEY — Second Story Thrift will hold a grand opening for its new shop from 10 to 11:30 a.m. May 15 at 6612 U.S. 19.
Proceeds support Suncoast Housing Connections, which provides housing solutions in Pasco County.