Pine View sophomore’s cancer research wins global award
A sophomore from Pine View School recently won international recognition for identifying a previously unknown cellular mechanism that potentially explains why lung cancer is notoriously hard to treat.
Yatharth Kakkad earned the first place Grand Award in the Biomedical and Health Sciences category at the International Science and Engineering Fair, the world’s largest STEM competition for high school students. The annual competition, sponsored by Regeneron, involved 1,700 finalists from over 60 countries competing for $7 million in prizes and scholarships.
Kakkad was recognized for his project titled “Identification of a Novel TBX2-DependentMechanism Linking Pericyte Dynamics to Abnormal Vasculature in Lung Adenocarcinoma.” The project helps explain why some tumors are resistant to therapies.
Kakkad also proposed a novel therapeutic strategy aimed at improving normal vascularstructure. A portion of Kakkad’s research was conducted under the mentorship of Dr. SauliusSumanas and his team at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine.
Sarasota Humane Society to host ‘Mega’ adoption event
More than 200 dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens will be looking for homes on June 19-21 during the Petco Love Florida Mega Adoption Event at the Humane Society of Sarasota County.
Adoption fees will be waived for all available animals as shelters across Florida work toward a goal of helping 2,000 pets find loving homes. The statewide event brings together nearly 50 animal welfare organizations in one of the largest coordinated adoption efforts in Florida. Last year, the Sarasota community helped 122 pets find homes during the three-day event.
The adoption event at HSSC (2331 15th St., Sarasota) runs Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Food trucks will be on site each day. For more details, available pets, and “know before you go” information, visit hssc.org/mega26.
Manatee County opens new Animal Welfare Resource Center
Manatee County recently celebrated the opening of its new Animal Welfare Resource Center at 401 17th Ave. W. in Bradenton, expanding access to affordable and no-cost veterinary services for residents.
The center will serve as the home of the CARE Program (Community Animal Resource & Enhancement), a new initiative to provide veterinary services to underserved communities throughout Manatee County. Made possible through a $305,750 grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation, the CARE Program will provide spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and basic wellness services to qualifying residents, rescue organizations, and high-need animal populations.
“The Animal Welfare Resource Center represents a major investment in both animal welfare and the families who love their pets,” said George Kruse, Manatee County commissioner. “By increasing access to preventive veterinary care, we can help residents keep their pets at home, reduce shelter intake, and build a stronger, more compassionate community.”
For more information about Manatee County Animal Welfare programs and services, visit mymanatee.org/pets.
Sarasota County Tax Collector launches PaymentExpress
The Sarasota County Tax Collector’s Office recently launched PaymentExpress to support property tax, driver’s license, motor vehicle, and tourist tax payments across all four office locations.
The new contactless payment options provide a smoother in-office experience by reducing friction at checkout, speeding up transactions, and helping lines move more efficiently during busy periods, Sarasota County Tax Collector Mike Moran said.
“Sarasota County residents deserve the same modern, secure payment options they have come to expect everywhere else,” Moran said “PaymentExpress lets us offer tap-to-pay, digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal), and stronger fraud protection at the counter and online. Adoption on the first day tells us residents were ready for it.”
The new PIN pad terminals accept tap-to-pay, contactless cards, and digital wallets and use point-to-point encryption, protecting card data. PaymentExpress also enhances the Tax Collector’s Office online payment experience, giving residents more ways to pay from anywhere, including via digital wallets.
Around and about
· The 2026 Freedom Swim across the Peace River in Punta Gorda is July 4. The swim, paddle, and float event begins offshore of the public beach and boardwalk near the U.S. 41 bridges. Visit facebook.com/groups/everythingpuntagorda for more information.
· Selby Gardens will present an exhibition featuring legendary American photographer Lynn Goldsmith from June 20 through Sept. 13 at the Downtown Sarasota campus. Goldsmith is known for celebrity portraits and fine art images. selby.org.
· Warm Mineral Springs Park in North Port is extending summer hours to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on select Fridays, including June 12, June 26, July 10, and July 24. For admission information, park rules and visitor details, visit NorthPortFL.gov/WarmMineralSpringsPark.
Submissions by Alexandria Benjamin, Vishal Kakkad, Hannah Howard, Manatee County Government, Erin Murphy, Lori Cavallaro, Nancy Seijas Kipnis, and City of North Port.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Pine View sophomore’s cancer
research wins international recognition
Reporting by Special to the Herald-Tribune, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Special to the Herald-Tribune, Sarasota Herald-Tribune | USA TODAY Network
