Launch members okay Suncoast Credit Union merger
TAMPA – Members of Merrit Island-based Launch Credit Union have approved the proposed merger with Suncoast Credit Union, the institutions announced Aug. 8.
The approval followed a 45-day voting period conducted earlier this summer.
The merger took effect Sept. 1, with the combined organization operating under the Suncoast Credit Union name.
Launch Credit Union currently serves more than 86,000 members across Florida’s Space Coast and operates 17 branches in Brevard and Volusia counties. The combined credit union will serve more than 1.5 million members and manage over $22 billion in assets.
Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of Suncoast Credit Union, will lead the combined organization. Joe Mirachi, CEO of Launch Credit Union, is retiring following the merger.
During the transition period, Launch and Suncoast will continue operating on separate systems, and members should continue conducting transactions through their existing credit union’s branches, digital banking platforms and service channels. No branches will close.
Hillsborough College unveils reimagined Dale Mabry campus
Hillsborough College unveiled conceptual renderings on Aug. 26 that provide an early look at the continued transformation of its Dale Mabry campus as discussions continue regarding the proposed Tampa Bay Rays ballpark and mixed-use development surrounding the site.
“These renderings represent a vision for the future of Hillsborough College and the students we serve,” said Dr. Ken Atwater, president of Hillsborough College. “This is a rare opportunity to invest in a modern, student-centered campus that helps prepare students in the classroom, in their careers and in the community. We remain focused on creating opportunities for students to succeed while supporting the workforce needs of our region.”
AG: 163 missing children rescued, recovered
TAMPA — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Aug. 25 the recovery of 163 children, ranging in ages from 2 months to 17 years old, during Operation Statewide Shield, the first statewide child recovery initiative and the largest operation of its kind in Florida history.
Operation Statewide Shield was a five-day, statewide operation focused on identifying, locating, and recovering missing children. Developed to provide immediate access to child-focused services, the investigation utilized real-time intelligence and field operations for location and recovery. Sub-operations took place in and across Pensacola, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers, and Miami.
The task force located vulnerable youth across the country and outside of the United States, including 46 recoveries by the Tampa Bay region, 41 by Miami, 32 by Jacksonville, 21 by Orlando, 12 by Fort Myers, eight by Pensacola, and three by Tallahassee. Locations where operations took place in the U.S. and its territories included Alabama, California, Ohio, New York, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, and Tennessee. Outside of the U.S. included Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Dominica, Finland, Ghana, Guatemala, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Spain, and Taiwan.
“Many of these kids have been victimized by those who prey on the most vulnerable,” said Uthmeier. “Thanks to the outstanding work of FDLE, the Office of Statewide Prosecution, and our state and local partners, these children are now safe and receiving the care they deserve. Florida will continue leading the recovery of missing children, hunting down every predator, and prosecuting abusers to the fullest extent of the law.”
There were multiple arrests, including a defendant who was wanted on three counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor and also had a warrant for interference with child custody; another defendant for lewd and lascivious battery on a victim 12 to 16 years old; and one for interference in a child custody case as well as resisting officers without violence. More arrests are expected over the coming days.
Recovered children were safely transported by local law enforcement to designated recovery hubs, where they received support from social services, child welfare professionals, medical providers, victim advocates, and other child-centered resources.
Little Greek expands with opening of 3 new restaurants
TAMPA — Little Greek Fresh Grill, the Mediterranean brand serving cooked-to-order dishes with an American twist, is expanding through a combination of new restaurant openings and its Little Greek Express format.
The brand has opened two Little Greek Express locations so far in 2026, including the re-opening of a location at Tropicana Field and one within Westshore Pizza. Little Greek has plans for two additional express stores and a traditional restaurant: a Little Greek Express in Seffner opening in September, a Little Greek Express opening in Brandon in late September, and a Little Greek Fresh Grill opening in Lutz.
Since introducing Little Greek Express at Westshore Pizza, the location has recorded a 43% increase in sales.
Lutz band wins honors in battle of bands’ contest
LUTZ – A band composed of middle school students from Lutz are among the top musical groups in a national student band competition.
The group, Sick Moose, was named runner-up and fan favorite in Middle School Division 1 of the Bach to Rock competition in the Sixth Annual National Battle of the Bands in Bethesda, Maryland.
Bach to Rock is a music school for students of all ages. The competition showcased a range of young musical talent, with students demonstrating not only their musicianship, but also the teamwork, confidence and stage presence that is cultivated from performing as a band.
A distinguished panel of music industry professionals evaluated the performances and selected first place winners and two runners-up in each of four categories. More than 7,700 fan votes were also cast to select a fan favorite in each division prior to the August event.
Hillsborough students earn top honors at leadership conference
TAMPA — Students from Gaither High School and Marshall Middle School earned top placements at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Leadership Conference held recently in Washington, DC.
FCCLA is a national career and technical student organization that helps students develop leadership, career readiness, and workplace skills through competitive events and service opportunities. Students from Hillsborough County competed against some of the nation’s best and returned home with national recognition for their excellence in career preparation, communication, and leadership skills.
At Gaither High School, Samuel Spears earned fifth place nationally in the Interviewing Skills, Level 3 competition.
Marshall Middle School student Kai Tran earned two national awards: first place nationally in Interviewing Skills, Level 1, receiving a national championship plaque; and fifth place nationally (Gold) in Career Investigation, Level 1, for “students with real-world experiences that prepare them for future opportunities.”
Couple bring wood-fired pizza, self-pour taproom experience
LITHIA — Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom has opened a new location in Lithia at 5607 Circa Fishhawk Blvd. in the Alafia Commons Publix shopping center.
The restaurant has a mix of indoor and outdoor patio space. The location features a self-pour tap wall with 20 taps, two for wine, six for mixed alcoholic drinks, and 12 for beer, many of which are from the local Tampa area brewers.
The restaurant is operated by co-owners Lauren and Korey Hoger. Korey previously worked in real estate and owned his own marketing company, while Lauren built her career in supply chain. The two met by chance when Lauren came in to buy out a lease at the dealership where Korey was working .
Pizzas at Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom are cooked in a high-temperature, oak wood-fired oven in under 2 minutes, while dough and sauces are made in-house daily. The open kitchen design allows guests to watch the process unfold, reinforcing the brand’s transparency and craftsmanship.