Lloyd Sowers

Tampa

Anchor and Reporter at WTVT-TV (Tampa, FL)

News anchor/reporter, WTVT FOX 13 Tampa Bay. Dad, husband, fan of cars, history and politics. Skier, wanna be beach bum. Call Sign W4WOM. WVU Go Mountaineers!

Articles

Family of Tampa’s first heart transplant patient - a highflyer - marks 40th anniversary of historic surgery

2 days ago | fox13news.com | Lloyd Sowers

The transplant team at Tampa General Hospital hosted Tom Thrasher’s family to mark the first successful heart transplant in Florida. The backstory: Thrasher received his new heart on June 6, 1985, and he lived for 11 years after the transplant. He took up skydiving and made 22 jumps to raise awareness and advocate for patients in need of transplants. Linda Thrasher Donalson was Tom’s wife at the time.
St. Petersburg Housing Authority hosts summit to attract more landlords

3 days ago | fox13news.com | Lloyd Sowers

Mia Kolar owns a small mobile home park with 15 units in St. Petersburg, and she rents them out. "It's a great investment first of all, and I also wanted to help people," says Kolar. Mia Kolar owns a small mobile home park with 15 units in St. Petersburg. On Tuesday, she attended a landlord summit hosted by the St. Petersburg Housing Authority. Big picture view: The agency is trying to tackle a growing issue.
Bradenton officials fine-tuning plans for hurricane season

4 days ago | fox13news.com | Lloyd Sowers

The City of Bradenton’s newest high-water rescue truck is gassed up and ready to go. It arrived just in time last fall for a trial by fire. "Last year we took a wallop with the three storms that came over a short period of time, and we learned a lot," said Rob Perry, Bradenton's city administrator. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube Big picture view: On Monday, Bradenton’s Public Safety Operations Center was filled with representatives from city departments who were fine-tuning hurricane plans.
Horse Soldier Bourbon to open Kentucky distillery

1 week ago | fox13news.com | Lloyd Sowers

A group of retired Green Berets who started a bourbon business in the Bay Area are planning to open a distillery in Kentucky with hopes of leaving a lasting legacy for the next generation. The backstory: Scott Neil remembers the September 11 attacks like they were yesterday. "It was 24 years ago, but those emotions are still raw," explained the retired soldier who got the chance to get even in an exciting but dangerous special operation following the attacks.
Gold Star families honored in Memorial Day ceremony in downtown Tampa

1 week ago | fox13news.com | Lloyd Sowers

On Memorial Day, Americans pay tribute to their military men and women who have died serving their country all over the world. "My husband was Captain Alan Aertker, [who] was killed in a plane crash over Germany," said Jean Aertker.
Gold Star families honored in Memorial Day ceremony in downtown Tampa

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Lloyd Sowers

The BriefGold Star families were honored in a ceremony at a downtown Tampa park that was built in cooperation with MacDill Air Force Base. While American flags and uniforms dominated the event, the military uniforms of other nations were also seen in the audience. Centcom's Chief of Staff, Major General Brandon Tegtmeier, delivered the main speech, telling Gold Star Families that the nation won't forget their sacrifice. TAMPA, Fla.
Arts & Mind Village Convening conference brings art, science together

2 weeks ago | fox13news.com | Lloyd Sowers

How does it make you feel when you see art? If it's music or dance, or paintings or sculptures, do you experience joy or peacefulness? Some say art is good for your health, and they say there's science that proves it. What they're saying: "Art has a dynamic effect on our heart, our nervous system, and on the natural medicines of the body," said Fred Johnson, an artist in residence at Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa.
Arts & Mind Village Convening conference brings art, science together

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Lloyd Sowers

The BriefThe Arts & Mind Village Convene conference held this week brought art and science together. It's a growing movement of people in the arts, medicine, and wellness who believe in the healing power of art. TAMPA, Fla. - How does it make you feel when you see art? If it's music or dance, or paintings or sculptures, do you experience joy or peacefulness? Some say art is good for your health, and they say there's science that proves it.
2-time prisoner of war veteran inspires grandson to become physical therapist

2 weeks ago | fox13news.com | Lloyd Sowers

A local family shares a war story like no other. It's about Richard Keirn, an Air Force man who served his country spanning from World War II to Vietnam. His grandson, Cory Keirn, grew up with him until his grandfather passed away in 2000. "Growing up as a teenager I would see him struggle to get around.," says Cory. The backstory: His grandfather's fighter jet was hit by a North Vietnamese missile. When his parachute landed hard, both of his ankles were broken.
2-time prisoner of war veteran inspires grandson to become physical therapist

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Lloyd Sowers

The BriefA two-time prisoner of war veteran has inspired his grandson to become a physical therapist. Richard Keirn's grandson, Cory Keirn, grew up with him until his grandfather passed away in 2000. Cory is a physical therapist at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa. He's helped hundreds of veterans walk again. TAMPA - A local family shares a war story like no other. It's about Richard Keirn, an Air Force man who served his country spanning from World War II to Vietnam.