repeatedly recognized for its approach to providing
targeted support to students in the right way at the
right time. Since 2009, the university has increased
six-year graduation rates from 51 to 73 percent.
Nancy Caposey of Caposey’s Whole Works
in New Port Richey is selling T-shirts to raise funds
to benefit breast cancer research and awareness
in honor of her mother and other regular diners
who have battled breast cancer. The sale begins on
Mother’s Day, May 12th, and will continue until
the shirts are gone.
Roger Germann, president and CEO of
The Florida Aquarium, has announced that the
American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA)
has again granted accreditation to the aquarium
for another five years. This accreditation signifies
The Florida Aquarium’s active role in protecting
our world’s wild animals and wild places, while
providing exemplary animal care and meaningful
guest experiences. The Florida Aquarium was first
accredited in 1997 and has been accredited ever
since.
Bob Gualtieri, Pinellas County sheriff, was
named Sheriff of the Year by the National Sheriffs’
Association. The award is given to an active sheriff
who has made outstanding contributions to law
enforcement and the criminal justice profession
and has demonstrated exceptional service to the
community. Bob has been Pinellas County sheriff
since 2011 and deserves this recognition.
Amanda Payne, president of the Clearwater
Beach Chamber of Commerce, and Carol Hague,
CEO of the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce,
have announced that the two chambers are
working on a merger. The goal is to bring the
two organizations together to form one, much
larger voice.
Susan Crockett, interim CEO of Ruth Eckerd
Hall in Clearwater, was delighted that Dunedin
residents Nancy and David Bilheimer are donating
$2.5 million to the school of the arts at Ruth Eckerd
Hall and that the Capitol Theatre, the historic
downtown Clearwater venue, will be named in
their honor. The Bilheimers have been generous
to other arts and education organizations as they
understand the importance of arts education for
children. We look forward to seeing the Bilheimers’
names on the Capitol’s marquee.
Jane Buckman of the Imagine Museum,
Andy Schlauch of the Chihuly Collection and
Duncan McClellan, who helped to start the art
glass movement in St. Petersburg, were ecstatic
that the Glass Art Society held its 48th conference in
St. Petersburg. Last year’s conference was in Murano,
Italy. This international community of glass artists
and collectors flooded St. Petersburg with activities,
shows, lectures and demonstrations. 9
68 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | MAY/JUNE 2019
GRAM
Brandon
O’Donnell,
general manager
of Mole y Abuela
in Tampa, the
newest restaurant
by Top Chef’s
Fabio Viviani,
recommends this
Torta de Tres
Leches for your
sweet tooth.
Judy Lisi, president and CEO of the Straz Center for the
Performing Arts in Tampa, and her husband Ernie greeted
Opera Tampa donors during a special dinner in Maestro’s
Restaurant before the performance of The Pearl Fishers.
Joan Nix Gutierrez of Tampa and Maria Cantonis of Belleair,
co-chairs of the The Florida Orchestra North Suncoast Associates’
25th anniversary Bravura Brunch in Palm Harbor to benefit
TFO’s Teaching Artist Partnership Program with Pinellas County
Schools, thanked TFO’s Stuart Malina, principal guest conductor
and pianist for entertaining the record-breaking crowd.
NORAA NORAA
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