Telecommunicator honored for saving a life
BROOKSVILLE — A Hernando County telecommunicator has been recognized for helping save a life.
On April 24, Charles Spivey provided CPR instructions over the phone during an emergency, guiding the caller through lifesaving steps until first responders arrived.
911 call takers are often the first point of contact in an emergency. Spivey demonstrated exactly what that responsibility looks like in action, the Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook statement.
The patient survived and is expected to make a full recovery.
HT-SPIVEY1-05132026 -- On April 24, Charles Spivey played a critical role in saving a life by providing CPR instructions over the phone during an emergency. Through his calm demeanor, clear guidance and professional training, he was able to help the caller take immediate action when it mattered most.
Our Lady of Fatima Academy earns WASC accreditation
WEEKI WACHEE — Our Lady of Fatima Academy has been granted full K-12 accreditation by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
The nonprofit private school operates a hybrid homeschool program rooted in Catholic principles, with an emphasis on fundamental academic skills and Western tradition.
Many students attend tuition-free through the Florida Step Up Program. Students do not need to be Catholic to enroll, and the school welcomes children regardless of creed, faith, ethnicity or disability.
New program pays anglers to collect data on released fish
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is launching a pilot program that pays recreational anglers to help scientists collect data on released reef fish.
The program, “Cast for Cash: It Pays to Fish for Science,” invites private recreational anglers in the Tampa Bay region to record fishing trips with a temporary onboard camera system. Selected anglers can earn $250 per trip for up to six trips, or as much as $1,500 over the three-month research period.
The project aims to help scientists better understand catch-and-release rates during recreational trips and evaluate whether onboard cameras can provide accurate data for fisheries research.
For more information, visit tinyurl.com/3t362ydu.
Openings still available for Live Oak summer camps
BROOKSVILLE — Live Oak Theatre has openings in three summer camps for children and teens.
Theater Camp runs June 8-12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for ages 7 to 18. Tuition is $150. Topics include vocal technique, song interpretation, costume and set design, movement, auditioning and acting.
Dance Camp runs June 15-19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for ages 8 to 16. Tuition is $75.
Improv Camp runs June 15-19 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. for ages 8 and up. Tuition is $75.
To register, visit liveoaktheatre.org/summer-camp, email Marie@liveoaktheatre.org or call the box office at 352-593-0027.
Live Oak Theatre announces auditions for ‘Anastasia’
BROOKSVILLE — Live Oak Theatre is accepting video auditions for its main stage production of “Anastasia,” which will run for three weekends in October.
Auditioners must email a video, a list of rehearsal conflicts and other required information to Marie@liveoaktheatre.org by 11:59 p.m. June 7. Videos should be uploaded as unlisted YouTube clips with the auditioner’s name in the title.
Each video must include a designated monologue and song, recorded in front of a solid-color background. Auditioners should state their name, age and the roles they wish to be considered for at the start of the video.
Callbacks are scheduled for June 25 and 27. For full instructions, visit liveoaktheatre.org/auditions.
Live Oak Theatre to hold a costume and yard sale
BROOKSVILLE — Live Oak Theatre will hold a costume sale and yard sale on May 23.
To donate items, email Marie@liveoaktheatre.org by May 20 to schedule a drop-off.
Brookridge Social Dance set for June 6
BROOKSVILLE — The next Brookridge social dance will be held June 6, featuring The BelAirs performing a variety of music.
The theme is “Cruising,” and dress is casual. Dancing runs from 7 to 10 p.m. The event is BYOB and bring-your-own-snacks; ice will be provided.
There will be no dance in July. Tickets for the Halloween dance are on sale now for $10 per person; call Thad at 352-645-5271.
For more information or to reserve tickets, call Patty at 317-440-6586.
Gear Up Florida cyclists to arrive May 17
SPRING HILL — The Ability Experience Gear Up Florida 2026 team will ride through Spring Hill around noon May 17 as part of a 950-mile journey from Miami to Tallahassee.
Bike Spring Hill will host the team at 16541 Laura Lee Drive, providing lunch, lodging and an honor guard escort. The public is invited to cheer the riders’ arrival.
“We’re honored to welcome these riders to Spring Hill,” said Christine Collins of Bike Spring Hill. “What they’re doing goes far beyond cycling. It’s about building awareness, connection and highlighting ability.”
The YMCA of the Suncoast is offering day passes so riders can shower and cool off before continuing. The Arc Nature Coast will host the team for dinner at its Neff Lake property at 5:30 p.m.
Gear Up Florida brings together undergraduate cyclists from across the country to raise funds and awareness while promoting inclusion. The team rides May 10-23.
Bike Spring Hill is a cycling group with members across Pasco and Hernando counties.
Exhibit looks at U.S. history through the guitar
TAMPA — “America at the Crossroads: The Guitar and a Changing Nation” examines the country’s evolution through its most popular instrument, a fixture of American culture since the nation’s founding. The guitar has served as a symbol of generational divides, racial tensions, politics, consumer marketing and fashion.
The exhibit features 40 instruments tracing key moments from the Spanish arrival in the Americas to the country’s emergence as a global superpower. Video, photographs and illustrations spotlight major events, artists and instruments of the last century.
The exhibition runs through Aug. 23 in the Wayne Thomas Gallery on the fourth floor of the Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Water St. Additional support is provided by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa.
Tickets are available at tinyurl.com/bdcwsp3p.