Moffitt Cancer Center and SPEROS Announce Hope Innovation District

Moffitt Cancer Center, a leading National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, and its wholly owned subsidiary SPEROS, today announced the formation of the Hope Innovation District, a community development district tasked with delivering services and facilities to Speros, a 775-acre global innovation life sciences campus in Pasco County, Florida.

Established by the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners and serving independently of Moffitt Cancer Center and Speros, the Hope Innovation District functions as a dedicated governance and management body that will guide infrastructure and community facilities, such as water and wastewater facilities, roadways, parks and other amenities necessary for creating a world-class research and innovation campus.

The district’s support will ensure the long-term success of the campus while fostering collaboration across various stakeholders and maintaining transparency in operations. By managing these critical services, the district provides an efficient and sustainable framework to support Speros’ growth in Pasco while ensuring the financial burden of planning and development is not placed on the local community.

“At Speros, we’re creating a place where science, health care, biotech, engineering and other fields converge to drive innovation,” said Patrick Hwu, M.D., Moffitt president and CEO. “It’s a bold vision that will accelerate breakthroughs and impact lives. We’re grateful to have the support of the Hope Innovation District as we shape the future of cancer care and scientific discovery.”

The district will be governed by a five-member board of supervisors, including:

• Chair Ron Christaldi, partner at Shumaker law firm, is renowned for driving complex negotiations, leading transformative initiatives, expanding regional economic development and establishing international collaborations.
• Vice Chair Lisa Ross, managing director with Cushman & Wakefield, brings extensive industrial real estate expertise to the board, with experience leading large-scale leasing efforts in the Tampa Bay area and supporting sustainable growth and community partnership.
• Chief Chase Daniels, undersheriff of community outreach operations for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, brings broad leadership and expertise in fostering community relationships and shaping policy across multiple government levels.
• Danni Gallagher, vice president of planning, design, and construction at CVS Health, brings over two decades of expertise in infrastructure, architectural design, retail expansion and large-scale project management.
• Ashton Hayward, former Pensacola mayor and Shumaker Advisors principal, brings leadership in economic development and public service, having led notable projects like the Pensacola International Airport and Port expansions while in office.

“I am deeply honored to contribute to a project of this magnitude,” Christaldi said. “Speros is unlike anything in the world. It positions Tampa Bay as a global leader in cancer research and care, with the ultimate goal of curing all forms of cancer. Hope truly begins here in Tampa Bay.”