The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Life’s Treasures Thrift Store plans Dade City location

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Colliers helped facilitate a lease for Chapters Health System to bring a Life’s Treasures Thrift Store location to Dade City. Photo courtesy of Colliers

DADE CITY – Chapters Health System, a nonprofit hospice organization, has leased a 10,000-square-foot retail space at 12709 U.S. 301 in Dade City to serve as a new Life’s Treasures Thrift Store location.

The thrift store is moving from Zephyrhills to provide a more modernized shopping experience.

The relocation is part of a strategic update of the health system’s thrift stores that benefit the charity grief and hospice services of HPH Hospice and LifePath Hospice, affiliates of Chapters Health System. The organization also recently leased a 10,000-square-foot thrift store location planned for The Villages.

Ginger Gelsheimer and Juan Vega, of Colliers, represented Chapters Health System, in both transactions. Brandon Eggleston, of RMC Property Group, represented the landlord, RMC Morningside LLC, in the Dade City transaction.

“We were pleased to deliver a successful transaction for one of several new resale boutique locations for Chapters Health System this year,” said Gelsheimer, vice president of Colliers. “It was a smooth transaction working with RMC’s local team, and Chapters is confident that the new location will generate a lot of customer activity.”

The new Dade City location will offer increased visibility at the intersection of U.S. 301 and Morningside Drive in one of Pasco County’s fastest-growing corridors. The property was already configured to meet the tenant’s needs.

Life’s Treasures Thrift Store is part of Chapters Health Foundation and offers a wide selection of clothing, furniture, antiques, books, jewelry, collectibles, home décor and other gently used merchandise. There are five locations in the Tampa Bay area, including Brandon, Carrollwood, Tampa and New Port Richey.

The foundation supports community programs and helps patients and their families who cannot afford hospice, home health or palliative medicine services. It raises more than $5.2 million annually to supports patients and families.

Chapters Health System expects the Dade City location of Life’s Treasures Thrift Store to open by October.

Pasco Clerk & Comptroller’s Office breaks down finances

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DADE CITY – Understanding how taxpayer dollars are managed should not be difficult. 

That’s why the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office publishes Common Cents, the office’s Popular Annual Financial Report, also known as the PAFR.

The annual report gives Pasco County residents a clear, easy-to-read overview of the county’s financial activity. Common Cents is designed to help citizens better understand where public dollars come from, where they go and how they support county services.

“Have you ever wondered where your tax dollars are going and what county leaders are doing with those dollars?” asked Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Pasco County clerk and comptroller. “Common Cents puts that information right at your fingertips in a way that is accessible, transparent and easy to understand.”

Alvarez-Sowles’ office plays a vital role in Pasco County’s financial operations, handling financial transactions that range from purchasing to payroll. The office also prepares several financial reports each year to provide accountability and oversight for county government.

Common Cents takes information from more detailed financial documents and presents it in a simplified format for the public. The report includes helpful charts, summaries and explanations that allow residents to review the county’s financial picture without needing a background in accounting or government finance.

“Common Cents gives residents a simplified look at the county’s finances without requiring them to sort through more technical financial documents,” said Matt Lazar, financial services director. “It is designed to be informative, transparent and easy to follow.”

The Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office has been recognized for 42 consecutive years for excellence in financial reporting.

“We are proud of the work our team does to ensure the public has access to accurate financial information,” Alvarez-Sowles said. “Common Cents is one more way we help citizens stay informed about their county government.”

View Common Cents at https://www.pascoclerk.com/Archive.aspx?ADID=2569.

 

Wesley Chapel Automotive dealers unite to sponsor Habitat home

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Three auto dealerships partner on a donation to Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County that will support a local family. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County

WESLEY CHAPEL – Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County announced that Wesley Chapel Toyota, Wesley Chapel Mazda and Wesley Chapel Chevrolet have joined forces to provide a $130,000 Whole Home Sponsorship.

The sponsorship will support the construction of a new Habitat home in East and Central Pasco County, providing a safe, affordable place where a local family can build a brighter future.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and vision of Wesley Chapel Toyota, Wesley Chapel Mazda and Wesley Chapel Chevrolet,” said Crystal Lazar, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County. “Their collective commitment will help build not only a house, but a foundation for stability, opportunity and hope for a local family. This partnership exemplifies the spirit of community that makes Pasco County such a special place to live.”

Through Habitat for Humanity’s affordable homeownership program, partner families invest sweat equity hours alongside volunteers and participate in financial education and homeownership preparation. Once completed, the home will be purchased by the Habitat family through an affordable mortgage.

Visit www.habitatpasco.org for details about the nonprofit, volunteer opportunities or sponsorship programs.

BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel expands emergency heart care

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CLEARWATER – BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel is now licensed to provide advanced cardiac care services, improving access to lifesaving, emergency care.

Effective July 1, the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration  designated the hospital as a Level 1 adult cardiovascular services provider. 
This designation reflects the timely, specialized treatment that patients experiencing chest pain or other cardiac conditions can expect from the hospital’s physicians, interventional cardiologists, clinical nurses and technicians. 

This licensure means patients In fast-growing east Pasco County will not need to travel far to get critical cardiac interventions, particularly during an emergency.  
“This marks an important advancement in our cardiovascular capabilities,” said Nanette Wilcox, hospital president.
The Level I licensure allowing hospitals to perform interventional coronary care requires adherence to strict standards for cardiac catheterization volume, equipment, staffing, quality and safety.  
Patients who require more complex procedures, including open-heart surgery, will be transferred to BayCare’s Heart and Vascular Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. The institute has earned the highest level 3-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgery, placing it among the nation’s top performing cardiothoracic surgery programs and ensuring continuity of care across BayCare.
With this achievement, BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel joins 10 other BayCare hospitals offering advanced adult cardiac services. Since opening in 2023, BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, BayCare’s 16th hospital, has steadily expanded its clinical capabilities, bringing more specialized care closer to home for east Pasco County residents. 

 

USF students get exposure to teaching at Pepin Academies

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Maya Moneze was among University of South Florida students who worked with students at Pepin Academies this summer. Photo courtesy of Pepin Academies

TAMPA – Twelve University of South Florida students pursuing degrees in Exceptional Student Education gained teaching experience while helping children with learning disabilities at Pepin Academies.

The four-week Summer Institute wrapped up recently, giving both groups a chance to learn and grow. 

Pepin Academies students in grades 3 to 12 received individualized support from aspiring special education teachers, while USF students applied what they are learning in their coursework to a classroom environment.

“This has been great. It’s been nothing I could have prepared myself for,” USF student Solee Boutilier said. “I think this is the kind of thing where you can read about it in a textbook, but you’re not going to understand it until you’re in the classroom. So, this has been awesome.”

Boutilier said her time in the classroom deepened her understanding of teaching.

“It’s made me more appreciative of my teachers because, wow, there is a lot that goes into it,” she said. “Being able to adapt what students need into every single lesson… I feel very grateful for all my teachers growing up.”

Learning alongside future educators gave Pepin Academies students encouragement and extra support as they prepare for the upcoming school year.

“I feel that they want us to learn more and be ready for a new grade, a new level,” said Pepin Academies student Savannah McGowan, an incoming sixth grader. “They made it fun and treated you with respect. If something was hard for us, they would find a way to help us understand it in our way.”

USF student Maya Moneze said the experience has reshaped how she approaches instruction and lesson planning.

“I took what they know and enjoy and morphed it into our daily routine,” Moneze said. “We learned through games, so everything I taught used activities that engaged them. I changed my lesson plans at least three times a day based on comments they told me, and that’s been a really big part – being able to adapt to their needs.”

The Summer Institute concluded with a student showcase featuring performances created in partnership with Arts4All Florida, a USF-affiliated arts education program. Students spent part of the summer working with dance, music and visual arts instructors to develop an original production celebrating America’s 250th birthday and the nation’s diverse cultures and traditions.

The Florida Aquarium offers patriotic experience 

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A lemur chows down amid patriotic decorations. Photo courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

TAMPA – Families can enjoy a patriotic experience as The Florida Aquarium hosts “Sea to Shining Sea.” 

The three-day Fourth of July event will feature patriotic divers, special animal encounters, family entertainment and a chance to leave a conservation legacy under one roof.

“As America commemorates its 250th anniversary, we’re proud to provide a patriotic experience that unites us around animals, nature and fun,” said Roger Germann, president and CEO of The Florida Aquarium. “While our Sea to Shining Sea celebration runs throughout the summer, guests visiting over the holiday weekend will enjoy additional animal encounters, family-friendly entertainment and never-before-offered opportunities that bring our community together to celebrate our nation’s historic birthday.”

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, guests who buy tickets at the Aquarium’s ticket window after 2:50 p.m. each day of the celebration (July 3 to 5) will receive 25% off admission. 

Throughout the three-day event, guests can experience:

  • Patriotic décor throughout the aquarium
  • Animal ambassador appearances at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
  • Character meet-and-greets
  • “Dive into Adventure” performances at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
  • Holiday-themed stilt walkers
  • Costumed Divers making special underwater appearances dressed as Lady Liberty, Uncle • Sam, Captain America and a Bald Eagle
  • Holiday food and beverages, including picnic plates with hamburger or hot dog, watermelon slice and potato salad, themed drinks, festive desserts and candy jars at Café Seventy One
  • Themed caricatures and face painting by Goofy Faces
  • Commemorative photo frames from Photogenic
  • Exclusive America 250-themed merchandise in the aquarium’s gift shop

Guests can also help leave a living legacy for future generations by donating $25 to support the aquarium’s goal of planting 250 mangroves on World Mangrove Day, July 26. Guests can also  arrange behind-the-scenes experiences from close-up encounters with stingrays to a Wild Dolphin cruise and the SeaTREK underwater walking adventure. 

The Sea to Shining Sea celebration continues through Aug. 9. Guests can still experience patriotic décor, the popular “Dive into Adventure” show and extended hours.

On the web: flaquarium.org

Water shortage order extended for Pasco County

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PASCO COUNTY – The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board is extending the Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage through Oct. 1, due to ongoing water shortages causing drought conditions. Under the extended order, the irrigation window for potable, well and surface water remains between midnight and 4 a.m. or between 8 p.m. and midnight. Confirm your one assigned watering day at mypas.co/SaveWater and follow all watering guidelines.

  • Potable, well or surface water use – between midnight and 4 a.m. or between 8 p.m. and midnight
  • Reclaimed water use – between midnight and 8 a.m.
  • HOAs may not require more watering than restrictions allow, landscape replacement or pressure washing for aesthetic purposes.

“Irrigation often accounts for more than half of a homeowner’s water costs, and irrigating efficiently is one of the most effective ways to save water and save money,” said Sandra Anderson, customer information and services director for Pasco County Utilities. “Regardless of your water source, in Pasco, you can only water once a week on your assigned day.”

Tips for efficient landscape irrigation:

  • Know your single watering day and stick to your schedule: mypas.co/SaveWater
  • Get help programming your irrigation controllers: email
  • Have your irrigation system evaluated for free with UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County to ensure your system is operating properly and efficiently: mypas.co/FreeSprinklerCheck
  • This is also a good time to check your home for water leaks or drips. And if you’re considering upgrading your toilets or irrigation system, you might qualify for rebates.

Visit PascoCountyUtilities.com for more information about water conservation and Pasco County Utilities.

Pasco County offices to close for Independence Day

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PASCO COUNTY – Pasco Board of County Commissioners offices will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day.

The following Pasco County departments will remain closed through Saturday, July 4, 2026:

  • Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Offices, Recreation Complex Buildings and Community Centers will be closed; however, the parks and beaches will stay open to the public from dawn to dusk.
  • Pasco County Public Transportation (GoPasco) will provide regular transportation services (fixed‑route and demand response) on Friday, July 3; however, administrative offices will be closed. Bus service will not operate on Saturday, July 4.
  • All Pasco County Libraries will be closed.
  • Pasco County Animal Services Administration Office, Adoption Center, Intake/Reclaim Shelter and Field Services will be closed. An animal control officer will be available for emergencies.
  • The Pasco County Resource Recovery Facility, West Pasco Class III and the East Pasco Transfer Station will be open on Friday, July 3. They will be closed to the public on Saturday, July 4; however, they will be open to Pasco County licensed commercial haulers.

BCC government offices will reopen Monday, July 6.

Three families receive keys to Habitat homes

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Jazhel Honrado, Erica Soto, her son Gabriel, her daughter Leilah, and Frederic Unterberger pose with the keys to their Habitat homes. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside

 

CLEARWATER – Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside celebrated the Honrado, Soto and Unterberger families as they received the keys to their new Habitat homes June 18 at the Grove in St. Petersburg. 

St. Petersburg Councilman Corey Givens Jr. presented each family with a Bible. St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch officially welcomed the families to their new community.

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch addresses the crowd at Habitat for Humanity’s Triple Home Dedication at The Grove. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside

“This is what progress looks like in our city when we work together with focus and intentionality,” Welch said. “I want to thank Mike Sutton (Habitat president and CEO), the Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside team, all the board members, volunteers, community partners and everyone who played a role in making this possible. To the Honrado, Soto and Unterberger families, we extend our warmest congratulations. Today marks a new chapter, and we could not be happier for you.”

Jazhel Honrado addressed the crowd on behalf of the new homeowners. 

“We’d like to first thank Habitat. Everyone here was integral in making this a reality,” Honrado said. “We can’t express enough how much this means to us. We are forever grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We are blessed, honored and proud to be a part of this community.”

AdventHealth Carrollwood expanding to add patient tower

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AdventHealth Carrollwood 001/002: Bob Rohrlack, of the Tampa Bay Chamber, moderates a community conversation on AdventHealth Carrollwood’s investment in the community. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
  • AdventHealth Carrollwood 001/002: Bob Rohrlack, of the Tampa Bay Chamber, moderates a community conversation on AdventHealth Carrollwood’s investment in the community. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
  • AdventHealth Carrollwood 003: Malee Brookbank, a Hillsborough County teacher, shared how team members at AdventHealth Carrollwood helped save her from cardiac arrest. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
  • AdventHealth Carrollwood 004: Clinical team members learned about the impact of this expansion, from what it means for patients, to how it will help them provide whole-person care to the community. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
  • AdventHealth Carrollwood 005: From left: David Ottati, president and CEO of AdventHealth West Florida; state Rep. Susan Valdes; Joe Johnson, president and CEO of AdventHealth Carrollwood; Bob Rohrlack, Tampa Bay Chamber president; and state Sen. Brian Nathan. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
  • AdventHealth Carrollwood Expansion Project Rendering. Rendering courtesy of HuntonBrady
  • AdventHealth Carrollwood Expansion Project Rendering. Rendering courtesy of HuntonBrady
  • AdventHealth Carrollwood Expansion Project Rendering. Rendering courtesy of HuntonBrady
  • AdventHealth Carrollwood Expansion Project Rendering – New Parking Garage. Rendering courtesy of HuntonBrady

 

AdventHealth Carrollwood 004: Clinical team members learned about the impact of this expansion, from what it means for patients, to how it will help them provide whole-person care to the community. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

TAMPA – AdventHealth Carrollwood will soon begin construction on an expansion with a new six-story patient tower, increased inpatient capacity and enhanced surgical and specialty services. 

AdventHealth said the expansion will create a more seamless experience for patients while preparing the hospital for continued growth across the Tampa Bay region.

AdventHealth Carrollwood Expansion Project Rendering. Rendering courtesy of HuntonBrady

The project includes:

  • Expanded surgical support areas, including pre-operative and recovery capacity
  • A new cardiac catheterization/electrophysiology lab
  • A new parking garage to improve hospital campus access
  • Flexible space for future clinical and support services
  • Additional space reserved to support future bed expansion

More than 300,000 residents live within a short distance of the hospital. Demand for complex and inpatient care has steadily increased, according to AdventHealth, with many patients traveling outside the area for higher-acuity services.

During a community conversation on June 18, physicians, patients and leaders shared how this expansion will not only improve coordination across the AdventHealth network, but also meet the growing demand for specialized healthcare services in Carrollwood.

“We are honored to serve a community that continues to grow and evolve,” said Joe Johnson, president and CEO of AdventHealth Carrollwood. “This expansion represents our commitment to caring for our neighbors – body, mind and spirit – bringing more complex care closer to where they live and work. It allows us to continue extending the healing ministry of Christ while improving access, convenience and the overall patient experience.”

Construction is set to begin soon. The parking garage is expected to open ahead of the tower, which is projected to welcome patients in 2029.