Ron Vaughn, University of Tampa president, and Dr. David Gudelunas, dean and professor
of the school’s College of Arts and Letters, welcomed Tracy K. Smith, the Poet Laureate of
the United States, who presented a reading of her works on campus, following a reception in
her honor.
soft and cushy, and sparkling clear water.
The park has boardwalk trails and canoe
and kayak trails through the mangroves.
Steven and Natalie Gillis chaired the
2018 Wishmaker’s Ball to raise funds for
Make-A-Wish Southern Florida to help
it provide life-changing experiences for
local children who have critical illnesses.
They raised enough to grant more than
40 wishes for area children.
Tarpon Springs Mayor Chris
Alahouzos was not surprised when USA
Today named the city as the Best Historic
Small Town in the country. Alahouzos
says he already knew that.
Jane Strong, a founding owner of
Happy Feet Plus, a local, independent
company with 12 shoe stores in Tampa,
Wesley Chapel, Clearwater, Largo,
St. Petersburg, Ellenton, Brandon,
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Aimee Helms, the managing partner at the new Metro Diner at
4001 W. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa, is proud of the chicken waffle platter
served with strawberry butter.
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Cory Lattuca, the executive chef of Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria,
which began in Brooklyn, N.Y., introduced some new spring and summer
offerings at Grimaldi’s WestShore Plaza in Tampa. He explained why the
unique flavor and crisp crust of their pizza can only be achieved with a coalfired
brick oven. The restaurant offers gluten-free crusts as well as salads and
New York-style housemade desserts including a new banana cheesecake.
Rabbi Jacob Luski and his wife Joanne of Congregation B’nai
Israel in St. Petersburg were honored for their more than 40 years
of service, commitment and guidance to their congregation and
community. The event had a Cuban theme since Luski was born
and raised there. The Luskis were instrumental in founding the
Pinellas County Jewish Day School and have helped to build
understanding between a variety of religious groups. They have
been married for 46 years and have four children.