Jolie Dopa has been working in the fashion industry for the past couple of years. This is a new interest of hers that was inspired, […]
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This Week
The Laker Readers’ Choice Awards 2024
The Laker has opened voting for its 2024 Readers’ choice awards. Readers can nominate their favorite companies in more than 10 categories through October 11. Those with the most votes will be announced during the last week of October. The readers’ choice campaign allows local companies to get the recognition they deserve while also providing […]
Tentative Pasco County budget of $2.262 billion is approved
DADE CITY – The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners adopted a tentative budget of $2,262,949,228 for fiscal year 2025 during a Sept. 3 hearing. Commissioners also adopted a tentative aggregate millage rate of 10.156 mills per $1,000 of assessed property value. This is an increase of 9.61% over the roll back rate. A public hearing […]
Cross Creek Park to get major upgrades
TAMPA – Hillsborough County broke ground Aug. 30 on a project that will transform Cross Creek Park. The centerpiece of the $8.7 million upgrade will be a new 16,000-square-foot community center and gymnasium with a fitness room, multipurpose room, multiple classrooms and a covered outdoor space. The old playground will be replaced with a state-of-the-art […]
Pasco sheriff explains officer-involved shooting
NEW PORT RICHEY – A suspect wanted for a federal warrant was shot Aug. 29 as Pasco Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted to apprehend him. Deputies were part of a U.S. Marshals Task Force trying to locate suspect Tom Rose, 40. “Tom has a very long history of criminal history – a 35-page rap sheet,” Sheriff Chris […]
Adopt A Pet: Madame is a social butterfly
Meet Madame, our delightful 5-year-old tan and white beauty with those irresistibly adorable satellite ears. Madame is a social butterfly who thrives on playing with her canine friends at the shelter and has a knack for getting along with cats, too. This lovable girl is house-trained, enjoys car rides and has a heart full of […]
Better Business Bureau tallies 4,000 investment scam reports
Since 2020, investment scam reports to BBB Scam Tracker totaled more than 4,000, reaching a three-year high in 2023. Scammers blended aspects of various scams, including romance and cryptocurrency, to trick targets into handing over large sums of money. Reports to Better Business Bureau show that investment scams often take the form of long-term confidence […]
What’s Happening (09/04/24)
9/11 Memorial Mile & 5K The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel will pay tribute to the heroes that responded to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks through the 9/11 Memorial Mile & 5K Run/Walk. The event will be held Sept. 7 at Tampa Premium Outlets, 2300 Grand Cypress Drive, Lutz. The club uses proceeds for […]
Hillsborough County hosting 9/11 Remembrance event
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, Consumer & Veteran Services, and the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County invite the community to Patriot Day: 9/11 Remembrance. The annual event starts at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 11, at Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Museum, 3602 U.S. Highway 301 N., Tampa. In honor of Patriot Day, first […]
School impact fees to increase in Pasco County
An increase in school impact fees charged on newly permitted single-family homes, multi-family homes and mobile homes will increase on Jan. 1, 2025. The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners adopted the ordinance on new fees by a vote of 4-1 during its Aug. 21 meeting in New Port Richey. Commissioner Seth Weightman voted against […]
This Week (cont)
Zephyrhills leaders offer ideas to enhance parks
Members of the Zephyrhills City Council shared thoughts on how to enhance enjoyment of parks toward the end of their Aug. 26 meeting. Below are excerpts of remarks they made that have been edited for space or clarity. Jodi Wilkeson: Connecting parks to people I was fortunate enough to attend the Florida League of […]
Zephyrhills Daybreak Rotary Club gives bikes to students
Zephyrhills Daybreak Rotary Club donated 75 bikes with helmets and locks during the 2023-24 school year to ensure students would have a ride to school. The club donated the bikes to Centennial Middle, Stewart Middle and West Zephyrhills Elementary schools. Daybreak President Cory Sommers came up with the idea. Sommers saw firsthand the need because […]
Governor announces expansion of Hope Florida program
(The Center Square) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Aug. 21 that he will expand Hope Florida, an initiative spearheaded by first lady Casey DeSantis. DeSantis said that in early August, Hurricane Debby hit the Big Bend region and caused flooding throughout the Gulf Coast and southwest Florida. He said Hope Florida was involved in […]
Moody: Florida will put transnational criminals in prison
(The Center Square) – From a Romanian theft ring to a notorious Big Boi drug trafficking ring, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution is continuing to prosecute transnational criminal organizations. She’s also issued a warning to criminals: “Florida law enforcement will track you down, and my statewide prosecutors will ensure you end […]
Local Sports & Rec
Back to school: the role of high school sports in student development
High school sports have long been an integral part of the American educational experience, offering students opportunities to develop physically, mentally and socially. As students return to classrooms and playing fields, the significance of these activities extends beyond the pursuit of athletic excellence. High school sports play a crucial role in shaping young minds, fostering […]
Fantasy football tips: building a winning team for the 2024 season
Fantasy football is on the horizon, and enthusiasts everywhere are gearing up for their drafts. Building a winning fantasy football team requires a mix of preparation, strategy and a bit of luck. Here are some essential tips to help you dominate your league this season. 1. Do your research Preparation is key. Before your draft, […]
Reasons To Smile
Celebrate with your canine friend!
National Dog Day is Aug. 26 — an opportunity to celebrate man and woman’s best friend, and to help find loving homes for dogs in the community. Here are five ways to make a difference: Adopt a new best friend Spay and neuter. Foster first. Not ready to adopt? Fostering is a great option to […]
