We checked in with some locals to see what changes they are planning for 2016, and what they are looking forward to most in the upcoming year:
 
Aarene Alessi
Business Development Director, Legacy at Highwoods Preserve
“My New Year’s resolution for 2016 is to master the delicate art of “work/ life balance” and to figure out how to be both a successful industry leader in senior living and a fabulous mom of two beautiful children at the same time.”
Looking forward to: “I am looking forward to being part of growing the innovative senior living community that sets the standard for the next generation of assisted living. I have a passion for serving seniors and my position at Legacy at Highwoods Preserve allows me to be a resource for our community.”
Val Casey
New Tampa Noon Rotary President
“My goal for 2016 would be to raise more awareness for our wounded troops and the Tampa Fisher House.”
Looking forward to:”A change in the current administration. My son Ryan’s graduation from Texas A&M.”
Tracy Clouser
Director of Marketing, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel
“My resolution is to achieve and maintain a healthy balance between work and family and to take care of my health in a well-rounded way…not just related to nutrition and exercise.”
Looking forward to:”My son will be entering his senior year in high school in August, which is bittersweet but exciting. I am also looking forward to our expansion at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel in December so we can better serve the community.”
Victor Crist
Hillsborough County Commission, District 2
“I want to lose 25 pounds, improve my diet by cutting out fatty foods and carbs to help ensure a longer, healthier, happier life.”
Looking forward to: “Spending quality time with my family and friends along with working to bring closure to some very important matters that we are dealing with on Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners.”
Kristy Darragh
Broker Associate, Florida Executive Realty
“My new year’s resolution is to continue to mentor new agents within our company and provide exceptional service to my clients.”
Looking forward to: “Looking forward to 2016, I am excited about watching the changes in our market and promoting the New Tampa area as a wonderful place to call home!”
Peter Gambacorta
Executive Chef and Owner, Private Chef of Tampa
“Spend more time with my grandchildren: Peter, Ella, Tommy, and the little rascals Cole and Lex.”
Looking forward to: “As a Board of Directors member of Rotary’s Camp Florida to work on another large improvement for Kids with Special Needs at the Brandon camp.”
Gary Gunter
Gunter & Gunter Insurance
“The past is history, the future is a mystery, the present is a gift! I resolve to enjoy that gift more often!”
Looking forward to: “I look forward to the excitement of new beginnings that a New Year promises us!”
Shawn Harrison
State Representative, District 63
“My resolution would be to spend less time in Tallahassee and more time with family in Tampa in 2016!”
Looking forward to: “I am most looking forward to continued growth for our business, visits to see our daughter compete for the Washington & Lee Equestrian team in the Spring, and a family vacation this summer.”
Hope Kennedy Allen
President/CEO, The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce
“To quit eating fast food (I have the same one every year).”
Looking forward to: “The grand opening of Florida Hospital Center Ice; we did their ground breaking on my 40th birthday- so it is a special project to me. There are so many more projects happening, and I look forward to all of them coming out of the ground in 2016.”
Lisa Montelione
Tampa City Council, District 7
“Aside from my annual resolution to live healthier, it is my resolution to continue fighting for you as your City Council member. The residents of District 7 contact me every day with problems that need to be addressed in their communities and in our City. I am always happy to address these concerns; whether they are big or small. Though I am proud of the work that my office does, I am resolved to do even better. I am in contact with our departments every day to see what can be done to address possible concerns before they happen. Let me know how I can keep making District 7 and Tampa great!”
Looking forward to: “I am most looking forward seeing all of the efforts I have made while on City Council materialize. This is particularly true of my initiative to develop and implement a Vision Zero plan for the City of Tampa. It can be summed up in one sentence: “No loss of life is acceptable.” In collaboration with Walk Bike Tampa and other regional partners, we are looking to create a pedestrian-safe environment in our city. In 2015, Hillsborough County set a new record high for the number of pedestrian deaths. The most recent data tells us that a total of 53 people have died on our streets in 2015. This does not account for accidents that occurred in the month of December! I am most looking forward to seeing how many lives our initiative will save. Though it will never be enough unless our roadway death toll is zero, if we can save just one life then it will make all the hard work worthwhile.”
Mike Moore
Pasco County Commissioner and Wesley Chapel resident
“Have more family dinners. Meetings, events, cheer practices, football practice, piano lessons, etc., have made family dinners at home a thing of the past. As our kids get older, family dinners are even more important. So, my New Year’s resolution is to carve out at least 2 days a week where all five of us sit down and have a phone-, TV-, iPad-, computer-free family dinner at home.”
Looking forward to: “On a personal level, I’m really looking forward to a couple of family vacations we have planned for 2016. As a County Commissioner, I’m excited about my appointment to the Pasco County Economic Development Council Board of Directors and looking forward to working with the new leadership team to accomplish our goals and objectives. Pasco County is on the rise and I expect great things in 2016!”
Brad Woods
Principal, Paul R. Wharton High School
“I don’t really make New Year resolutions, but I try to make every day better than the day before. I always want to be there for my children and be the best father that I can be. Professionally, I want to continue to make Wharton a great place for students to come to learn and grow into young, productive adults and for them to go out into society and become great leaders.”
Looking forward to: “I am just looking forward to a great 2016 in every way possible.”
— Compiled by Celeste McLaughlin
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