Congratulations go out to Jade and Duran Thompson (with scissors in photo above), the owners of the new Ivybrook Academy in the Tampa Palms Professional Center at 5392 Primrose Lake Cir., who hosted a North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) ribbon-cutting event on Sept. 10.
Neither Jade, who is a Doctor of Pharmacy, nor Duran, an Army veteran who has a Masterâs degree in Finance, had any experience in education when they started their journey âabout two years ago,â Jade said at the ribbon-cutting event, âwith our son Jaden After looking at every preschool from Wesley Chapel to Lutz for him, we finally found one we liked, but there was a rift between the ownership and the local administration and the entire administration left overnight. I remember I said to Duran, âI think I can do this better.ââ
So, Jade went back to school to earn her teaching credentials and they started looking to buy an existing school that was already profitable. âBut, we just couldnât find the right school to renovate or location, until this school, which was owned by another family, but got taken over by the Ivybrook franchise, which was looking for local ownership and listed it for sale â nine months before it had ever opened.
âSo, even after our bad experience with that other franchised school, this was so similar to what I had in my business plan I said, âLetâs do it!,â even though it was just dirt at the time.â
Jade also liked that Ivybrook combines two popular curricula â Montessori and Reggio Emilia. âWe have Montessori, which stresses individualized, independent learning groups, for our reading and math curricula, and Reggio Emilia, which promotes collaborative, project-based learning, for a more creative aspect.
Not a lot of pre-schools combine them.âÂ
There are about 50 Ivybrook Academies currently open in six states. Tampa Palms is number five in Florida, with the closest other Ivybrook being in Sarasota. âbut there are about 150 more in development,â Jade said.
She added, âItâs been really heartwarming to open the doors for the first time two weeks ago and actually see families that had agreed to trust me with their child when I didnât even have a building for their child to attend. Itâs been really exciting.â
We also congratulate business coach Jacqueline Nelms (at far right in left photo) of Mindful Elevation, which is located in the former location of this publication, at 2604 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Suite 102D. Jacqueline, who hosted her NTBC ribbon-cutting event on Sept. 11, has had a 25-year professional career in the health care field, but has been an executive for the past 12 years, âwhere Iâve led large teams, built operational strategies, and focused on organizational growth and resilience. She has a Doctorate in Health Sciences with a concentration in Leadership & Organizational Behavior, as well as a Masterâs degree in Strategic Leadership. She also is a certified professional life coach and mental health first aider.Â
âThis combination informs my coaching of academic research, practical leadership experience and a deep commitment to helping individuals and organizations grow in purposeful, ethical and sustainable ways,â she said.
During her ribbon-cutting event, Jacqueline thanked her husband Ross, âwho has been absolutely amazing and supported me through every crazy idea Iâve had over the years,â as well as her kids, Dominick and Nicholas, and all of the Chamber members on hand to support her.
For more info about how Jacqueline and Mindful Elevation can help you, call (813) 943-4560 or visit MindfulElevate.com. â GNÂ
Monday, October 6, 10 a.m. – BayCare Annual Pet Blessings. At BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel (4501 Bruce B Downs Blvd.). Bring your pets to BayCare and hospital Chaplain Reid Isenhart will say a blessing over them at this annual event. For more info, call (813) 914-1971.
Tuesday, October 7, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. â North Tampa Bay Chamber Business Breakfast. At Pasco-Hernando State College, Porter Campus (2727 Mansfield Blvd., Conference Center â Third Floor). This monthâs guest speaker is Lisa Richardson, ED.D., the VP of Advancement, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships for Pasco-Hernando State College. $25 for members, $30 for non-members to attend. For more info or to register, call (813) 994-8534, visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com.events.
Wednesday-Thursday, October 8-9, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. â Solo Spotlight Series: The Light Bringer. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). This is the first Solo Spotlight Series of the season: The Light Bringer, an Arab immigrantâs story of family, freedom, and finding the American Dream. In this one-woman storytelling show, Laila Lee brings to light her experiences growing up Muslim in the American South, how she discovers her place in the world, and what sacrifices she has had to make. Tickets $15-$20, depending upon seat selection. For info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/solo-spotlight-series-the-light-bringer.Â
Saturday, October 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. â 10th Annual Candy Crawl, presented by Fun 4 Tampa Kids/Tampa Bay Moms Group. At The Shops At Wiregrass (28211 Paseo Dr.). Local businesses and organizations will give guests a very unscary day of fun, with booths featuring crafts, games, candy and treats. There will be a Not-So-Spooky Haunted Obstacle Course, a Monster Bouncer and more. Kids get a free trick or treat bag (while supplies last) so arrive early. Costumes are optional but there will be costume contests. Free to attend but please register for special giveaways. For more info and to register, visit candycrawl25.eventbrite.com.Â
Renowned tenor saxophonist Jeremy Carter and his Quintet will try to keep you âUp All Nightâ at his Tampa Jazz Club show at the New Tampa performing Arts Center on Saturday, October 11. (Photo from Jeremy Carterâs Instagram page)Â
Saturday, October 11, 8 p.m. â The Tampa Jazz Club Presents âUp All Night,â Featuring Tenox Saxophonist Jeremy Carter. At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.) Electrifying tenor saxophonist Jeremy Carter (left), backed by trumpeter James Suggs & the Jeremy Carter Quintet, will provide an exciting evening of music designed to keep you âUp All Night.â Table seats cost $35 ($30 for Tampa Jazz Club members) or theatre seats for $30 ($25 for members). For tickets & more info, visit TampaJazzClub.com.Â
Wednesday, October 15, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Coffee Social. At BayCare Hospital (4502 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., 1st floor classroom). Wake up and join your fellow Chamber members for your morning brew and networking. Free to attend. For more info or to register, call (813) 994-8534 or visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com.events.Â
Wednesday, October 15, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. â Fall Fest Senior Expo. At Amberlin Apartments Clubhouse (28149 Sparrows Edge Cir.). Meet local businesses that help seniors in our area. There will be raffles and giveaways. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 553-3138 or email AmberlinWiregrass@SparrowLiving.com.
Friday, October 17, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. â Caribbean Chillers Concert. At The Shops at Wiregrass (Piazza Ave). Kick back, relax, and let the island vibes take over as the Caribbean Chillers, the ultimate Jimmy Buffett tribute band, hit the stage! From flip-flops to beachy beats, youâll be dancing, singing, and soaking in paradise under the stars. Please no outside alcohol or coolers. Lawn chairs and blankets are recommended. Free to attend. For more info, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com/event/31388-the-caribbean-chillers-live-concert.Â
Friday-Sunday, October 17-19 & October 24-26 â The New Tampa Players Present: âOklahoma!â At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Tickets $22 – $40 depending on seat selection. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaPlayers.thundertix.com/events.Â
Saturday, October 18, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. â Fall Community Yard Sale. At Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel (4424 Friendly Way). Plan to attend for a morning of treasure hunting throughout the neighborhood. Free to attend. For more info, email Info@AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com or call (813) 783-1515.
Saturday, October 18, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. â Avalon Park Spooktackular. At Downtown Avalon Park (4424 Friendly Way). There will be trick-or-treating, food trucks, community performances, bounce houses, vendors and a costume contest. Fun for the whole family. Free to attend. For more info, email Info@ AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com or call (813) 783-1515.
Monday, October 20, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. â Broadway Open Mic Night. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Broadway Open Mic Nights are for everyone â whether youâre a seasoned performer, practicing for an audition, or just love to sing. Live piano accompaniment (bring your own sheet music). Cash bar. Free to attend. For info, call (813) 829-2760 or visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/open-mic-oct.Â
Saturday & Sunday, October 25 & 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. â 2nd Annual Wesley Chapel Craft Festival. At The Shops at Wiregrass (along Paseo Dr.). Discover unique handmade treasures as you stroll through the Shops at Wiregrass and explore a wide variety of jewelry, pottery, art, photography, plants, specialty foods, and more â all crafted by talented artisans. Free to attend. For more info, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com/event/30968-2nd-annual-wesley-chapel-craft-festival.Â
Saturday & Sunday, October 25 & 26, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. â North Tampa Bay Chamberâs Wesley Chapel Fall Festival & Carnival. At The Grove (5854 Wesley Grove Blvd.). The 21st annual Fall Festival returns to The Grove. There will be a full carnival, food trucks, kids play zone & activities, pumpkin photo stops, âTrunk or Treatâ on Sunday, costume contests, local bands, community performances and more. For more info, call (727) 674-1464, email Drew@FloridaPenguinProductions.com or visit northtampabaychamber.com/2025-fall-festival.Â
Wednesday, October 29, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. â Steinway Signature Series: Nikolov-West Duo: Under Four Hands. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). This special concert by the Nikolov-West Duo, featuring Viktor Nikolov and Jane West, brings a fresh perspective on the piano duo experience. This dynamic piano four-hands program will weave together beloved traditional masterpieces with bold, rarely heard gems. Whether or not youâre already a classical piano lover, this is one performance you should not miss. Tickets $17.50-$25 depending upon seat selection. For info, call (813) 829-2760 or to purchase tickets visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/under-four-hands.Â
Friday, October 31, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. â North Tampa Bay Chamberâs âFinal Friday.â At the Marriott Residence Inn at Wiregrass Ranch (2867 Lajuana Blvd, at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus). Join Chamber members as they engage and network in a relaxed environment. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com.events.Â
Friday, October 31, 5 p.m.-11 p.m. â Halloween Party on the Rooftop. At Skybox Rooftop Bar at the Marriott Residence Inn at Wiregrass Ranch (2867 Lajuana Blvd, at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus). There will be live music, games, costume contests and more. Register for the Grand Prize, a free 2-night hotel stay. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 591-2915.Â
Saturday, November 1, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. – 36th Annual India Festival. At Florida State Fair Grounds (4800 US 301, Tampa). Come out to experience dances that dazzle, food that delights and shopping that excites. For more information visit IndiaFestivalTampaBay.com.Â
(Left Photo, l.-r.) Marine Sgt. Chris Lawrence raises the American flag at his new Homes for our Troops Home. Michelle, Cristiana, DeliaMarie, Chris and his sister Tameka check out their new kitchen. (Right Photo) Quincy, Skye & Warren pose for a picture in their new kitchen.Â
Congratulations go out to former Marine Sgt. Christopher Lawrence and former Army Sgt. Quincy Lopez, who have now received the keys to their respective Homes for our Troops (HFOT)-provided homes, located in different parts of Wesley Chapel.
Both severely injured veterans lost their respective right legs to improvised explosive device (IED) blasts while serving in Iraq and both chose Wesley Chapel for their new HFOT homes, both custom-designed by Kent Custom Homes.
(l.-r.)Â Chris Gordon, Warren, Quincy & Skye Lopez, HFOTâs Bill Ivey & Chris & Michelle Lawrence.
They both also were honored at a dual ceremony that began at Sgt. Lawrence and his familyâs new home on Steeplechase Rd. and continued at Sgt. Lopez and his son Warrenâs new home on Country Club Rd. Both injured vets took down the HFOT flag they raised during their respective âVolunteer Dayâ events a few weeks earlier and raised American flags at the end of their respective Key Ceremonies. And, both expressed tremendous gratitude to HFOT, Kent Custom Homes, all of the volunteers who helped lay the sod and plant the plants at their new homes and, of course, to their families.
Among the speakers preceding Sgt. Lawrenceâs Key Ceremony were community engagement coordinator Jocelyn Phipps and executive director Bill Ivey of HFOT, which (as weâve previously reported) is a 501(c)(3) military nonprofit that puts roughly 90 cents of every dollar it raises into building specially-designed homes for severely wounded soldiers who served after 9/11 â and that number is now up to 419 homes and still going. But, in addition to Sgt. Lawrence himself, the speaker who made sure no one in attendance had a dry eye was Sgt. Lawrenceâs sister, Tameka.
âIt was no surprise when, right out of high school in 2005, Chris proudly joined the U.S. Marine Corps,â Tameka said. âHe would always call me to say âI am safeâ and update me on where he was going. Then, on August 17, 2007, came the call that no family wants to hear â that Chris was being airlifted back home with life-threatening injuries. But, in his true spirit, he ended up coming back stronger and more determined than ever. Today, as we step into this beautiful new home, we are stepping into a space that represents healing, hope, honor and independence. This is a place where he will live with his family, where laughter will echo through the halls, where his family and friends will gather memories for years to come. On behalf of the Lawrence family, thank you from the bottom of my heart, to Homes for our Troops, for recognizing Sgt. Christopher Lawrence, his sacrifice, his service and his future. You have not only built walls and a roof, you have built a legacy of respect. Thank you all. I love you.âÂ
Not to be outdone, Chris said, âThis day â September 6 â is a day of celebration, but itâs also [the anniversary of] one of the saddest days of my life. It was the day that I lost my crew, my team, so I have to acknowledge that. Iâm a stubborn guy. After I got injured, they said, âYou probably wonât be able to walk and you absolutely wonât be able to run.â Now I run every chance I get and walk anywhere I can.â
He added, âI was trying to find a purpose and decided to try to become a police officer. I put myself through the Police Academy, got turned down by a lot of departments until I was given an opportunity by a phenomenal academy and police department in Chula Vista, CA. I served there eight years before I realized that police work was probably not the right choice for someone with no toes. I also realized that stairs were not my friend and a friend of mine, a fellow Corpsman who also had a prosthesis, got a home from Homes for our Troops and I saw that he could get around and be a part of his family all the time. And that really motivated me to apply. And now, I know that this house is meant for me and my family to be in forever. So, thanks to Homes for our Troops and to all of you for being here today.â
Sgt. Lawrence then got to raise the American flag at his new home (above right photo).Â
On To Sgt. Lopezâs House
(Above, l.-r.) Sgt. Quincy & Warren Lopez receive the keys to their new home from HFOT president & CEO, retired Gen. Tom Landwermeyer.Â
Although both Sgt. Lawrence and Sgt. Lopez were honored at the first ceremony at Sgt. Lawrenceâs house, the dual âKey Ceremonyâ event continued a short time later that same day at Sgt. Lopezâs new HFOT home on Country Club Rd., which also was custom-designed by Kent Custom Homes.
At Sgt. Lopezâs ceremony, HFOT community engagement coordinator Krystina Goroshko first introduced Sgt. Lopezâs friend â and fellow HFOT home recipient â former Army Staff Sgt. Chris Gordon, who received his home in Groveland in Lake County, FL, in 2018.
âI thought the house I got was pretty magnificent,â Staff Sgt. Gordon said, âbut Iâll admit that Iâm a little bit jealous of Quincyâs house. Not only does it have a lot of new features that mine doesnât, this Wesley Chapel community is amazing!â
Staff Sgt. Gordon also talked about a lot of the battles wounded soldiers with prosthetic limbs go through, including getting infections at their amputation sites, âbut at least, when we receive these homes from Homes for our Troops, we donât have to battle to take a shower or fix food in the kitchen anymore.âÂ
He added, âBut, Quincy and Chris are now part of the [HFOT} family. Iâm really excited to hear about all of the great things you go through in your new home, Quincy.â
Next up was HFOT president and CEO and retired Army Brigadier General Tom Landwermeyer, who first echoed what Bill Ivey said at the first ceremony:
Sgt. & Skye both love the new wide entrance way to the shower in his new home.Â
âYou all could be doing anything you want to do today, but you chose to be here with us, celebrating two veterans of the family. So, thanks for coming. But now, Iâm going to say a few words about Quincy. He was 20 years old and living in New York when 9/11 happened. He decided at that time, as so many others did, even though he was already serving the public as a police officer, to change uniforms and join the military.â
He added, âI always tell people that the one thing these homes canât fix is their injuries. Yes, they make it easier for them to live, but they will have those injuries for the rest of their lives. Quincy is a single parent, one of the hardest jobs in the world, but heâs doing it. Heâs a well-educated young man and a teacher and mentor to other veterans. So, Wesley Chapel, you have one of the most dedicated vets we have.â
Sgt. Lopez said that one of the great things about his new home is that, âIâve suffered a lot of injuries since my service in the bathroom and kitchen. I would have to use my wheelchair to get to the toilet and my walker to get where the toilet was and grab bars to get out of the toilet. But, this home is going to allow me to be a better veteran, a better father and serve my community better. Homes for our Troops isnât just rebuilding families, youâre giving families back their brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, uncles and aunts. Youâre rebuilding whole communities. I canât thank you all enough.â
He also thanked HFOT, âwhich gives 90 cents of every dollar to build these homes. That means the staff is so dedicated to this cause that theyâre willing to sacrifice pay and time just to give back and serve us. I canât thank all of them enough either.â
Sgt. Lopez also said that he learned very quickly that âWesley Chapel is awesome. Itâs a great community for my son to grow up in and Weâre so excited to come here to live.â
To make a donation or for more info about Homes for our Troops, visit HFOTUSA.org. â GN, all photos by Charmaine GeorgeÂ
New Hospital In Wiregrass Ranch Also Names Its Top Management In Advance Of Early 2026 Opening!Â
Congratulations go out to Pasco Hernando State Collegeâs Institute for Nursing and Allied Health Advancement, a college initiative housed at PHSCâs Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, which received a $500,000 gift from Orlando Health, Inc., on Aug. 28 (photo).
PHSCâs Nursing Institute focuses on addressing critical workforce shortages in nursing and allied health fields within the region. This collaborative effort between the school and Orlando Health â which is getting ready to open (in the spring of 2026) the Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital just across S.R. 56 from PHSCâs Porter Campus â brings together PHSC and Orlando Health in a collaborative partnership certain to benefit both entities.
âAt a time when our communities face urgent health care staffing shortages, PHSC is proud to lead the way in developing collaborations that will work to increase the pipeline for both highly qualified faculty and expertly trained employees in the nursing and allied health care fields,â said PHSC president Eric Hall, Ed.D.
Orlando Healthâs $500,000 gift to the PHSC Foundation establishes a fund to support nursing and health care services.
âWeâre excited about this new alliance with Pasco-Hernando State College,â said Andy Gardiner, senior vice president of external affairs and community relations at Orlando Health. âOur contribution is not only an investment into the future of nursing, but also an investment into health care throughout the region.â
The check presentation, held at the PHSC Porter Campus, featured a number of guest speakers, including District 54 State Representative Randy Maggard, Dist. 23 State Senator Danny Burgess, Dr. Hall, Lisa Richardson, Ed.D. (the vice president of advancement innovation and strategic partnerships at PHSC), and Gardiner.
Last year, PHSC received $1.5 million in state appropriations to establish The Institute for Nursing and Allied Health Advancement. The mission of the institute is to cultivate a thriving heath care workforce in the region by fostering innovative partnerships, conducting impactful research and providing exceptional education and training in nursing and allied health fields.
Meanwhile, Orlando Health is a not-for-profit healthcare organization with $9.6 billion of assets under management that serves the southeastern U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Founded more than 100 years ago, the 3,487-bed system includes 33 hospitals and emergency departments â 26 of which are currently operational, with seven coming soon.
More than 4,950 physicians, representing more than 100 medical specialties and subspecialties, have privileges across the Orlando Health system, which employs more than 29,000 team members and more than 1,400 physicians.
We were unable to attend this event, so we do not have any additional information about it.
Management Team Named
The management team at Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital, which will open next spring as a 102-bed hospital with the capacity to expand to 300 beds, has been named by the new hospitalâs president Joe Delatorre.
Courtney Adams, MSN, BSN, RN was named the chief operating officer, Tanya Knepp, MHA will serve as chief financial officer, Suzan Dolezal, MBA-HCM, BSN, CENP, RN, has been named chief nursing officer, and Richard Matte, MBA CST, will serve as assistant vice president, business development at the hospital.
The area in red is the 938-acre Kirkland Ranch, also known as âVillage Kâ in the Villages of Pasadena Hills. The property being preserved extends from north of the Watergrass community to Kiefer Rd. & east from where Curley Rd. meets Elam Rd. to the Kirkland Ranch property line. (Pasco County map modified by Joel Provenzano)Â
Residents wanting to see land and the environment protected in eastern Pasco County are getting their wish, as one local family intends to sell their almost 1,000- acre ranch to the state for natural preservation, instead of to developers for homes or apartments â and the state just approved the funds to do exactly that.
How much?…. $30.8 million.
Days after our article went to print last month, entitled âWhere Are The Villages of Pasadena Hills (VOPH) & Why Should You Care?,â a surprise press release came from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD, aka âSwiftmudâ) on Aug. 26, explaining that the Kirkland Ranch portion of the land in VOPH â immediately between the Kirkland Ranch school complex and the community of Watergrass â was approved to be purchased by Swiftmudâs board, with funds being provided by the stateâs Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
âWe appreciate Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislatureâs commitment to preserving this conservation land in one of the fastest-growing areas in Pasco County,â said Swiftmudâs executive director Brian Armstrong. âThis important purchase will help preserve the regionâs lands and water resources for future generations.â
Deemed to be a critical watershed for the state of Florida, and specifically Pasco County, the six contiguous cattle farming parcels owned by Kirkland Ranch since 1956 (938 acres total, of which 41% is wetlands), would have made up almost all of the residential area of âVillage Kâ in VOPH, directly along the burgeoning Curley Rd. corridor (see attached map for location). But now, that land will remain fully undisturbed.
âThis acquisition meets all four of the Districtâs âAreas of Responsibility,â which are water supply, water quality, flood protection and natural systems,â the Swiftmud news release from Aug. 26 says, âand is consistent with the Districtâs âFlorida Foreverâ workplan.â
For those not familiar, VOPH is the 20,000+ acre special development district making up the area directly between Wesley Chapel, Dade City and Zephyrhills.
This purchase will presumably affect two of Pascoâs so-called âvision roads,â the first being the northern Watergrass Pkwy. extension that was supposed to cut diagonally through Kirkland Ranch, serving as an important north/south corridor. The other is the eastern Elam Rd. extension, which would have run behind the Kirkland school complex (which includes the Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation and the Kirkland Ranch K-8 school) â all of which was shown in the âPasadena Hills Land Use Vision Planâ and transportation maps, but now that itâs no longer being developed, these road extensions are likely off the table. But, weâll keep you posted.