The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Brian Fernandes

Boy Scouts build a new pathway at Lutz Nature Park

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It was the break of dawn, and while many were spending their Saturday sleeping in — members from Boy Scout Troop 12 were hard at work at Lutz Nature Park.

Equipped with rakes and shovels, the youths were building a new sidewalk, under the direction of Luke Romesburg, a 15-year-old leading the effort in his pursuit for the rank of Eagle Scout.

Luke Romesburg, of Lutz Boy Scout Troop 12, decided to give back to the community in an effort to obtain his Eagle Scout medallion. Romesburg and fellow scouts, on Aug. 3, helped construct a new sidewalk at the Lutz Nature Park. (Brian Fernandes)

The Lutz Nature Park recently had constructed a sidewalk connecting its pavilions, but there was no pathway leading to the parking lot. So, the teenager decided to address the need.

He reasoned: “Originally, they (patrons) could not get the wheelchairs out here to the existing sidewalk. If someone that was handicap came out here and wanted to go through the park, they would have to go through the grass – and that’s just not safe.”

Before the project began, the Boy Scout received the go-ahead from Terry Donovan of the Lutz Nature Park, as well as Travis Hancock of the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department.

After learning about the scout’s community efforts, Jeff Potvin of Coastal an Oldcastle Company, donated stacks of the concrete blocks for the project.

The county dug out the existing grass, going 4 inches deep, where the concrete blocks would be placed.

While this was Romesburg’s project, fellow troop members rallied around him to help out, donning their signature red shirts.

The boys came early on Aug. 3, unloading the blocks, one by one, and strategizing how to make them fit, stay level and have an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Troop members were sure to fill in the open crevices of the blocks with dirt and to pack down sod in the shoulders where the blocks meet the grass. They did that to  help ensure the new sidewalk will remain sturdy.

Lutz Boy Scout Troop 12 rallied around fellow member Luke Romesburg in developing a new sidewalk to help disabled people at Lutz Nature Park. The new pathway connects the pavilions to the parking lot.

Nicholas Evans, senior patrol leader for Troop 12, was one of the many, hard at work .

Romesburg and his dad recently helped him to complete his Eagle Scout project, and the patrol leader was eager to return the favor.

Evans noted: “I think that it’s good that it’s helping everybody. It’s just a really positive impact. Troop 12 has been here for over 85 years, and we’ve always given back to the community.”

The scouts have been a fixture in Lutz, contributing to its Fourth of July Parade festivities, assisting other organizations and helping at various community events.

They also pick up trash along U.S. 41 every month.

Paul Evans, Troop 12 scoutmaster, said in addition to benefiting the community, these projects also benefit the boys.

“There’s a lot of personal growth that the boys develop as they do outdoor activities,” he said.

“The boys are actually doing the work. It’s a legacy that we’re giving, and that will continue on for years and years,” the scoutmaster said.

Published August 21, 2019

Local donors help propel playground development

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A new playground designed to be welcoming for children with disabilities is planned for Wesley Chapel District Park, and the project got a big boost from some local donors.

The Wesley Chapel Rotary Club, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and the Lennar Foundation are contributing a combined total of $125,000 to help Pasco County pay for the project.

Members of the Pasco County Commission and the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club display a check representing the Rotary Club’s contribution to help pay for a playground designed for children with special needs. The playground will be built at Wesley Chapel District Park. AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and the Lennar Foundation also contributed, bringing the total contributions to $125,000. (Brian Fernandes)

The Pasco County Commission recognized the groups and their contributions at their meeting on Aug. 6.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore has been involved in the initiative since the beginning.

He noted that he has spent quite a bit of time at the park, coaching teams.

“I realized there was a void of playground equipment for children with special needs,” Moore said.

So, he approached Keith Wiley, director of Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, to discuss the issue.

Wiley shared the same concern.

So, the two men set out to find accessible playgrounds around the country, to serve as a model for an “inclusive” playground in Wesley Chapel.

Moore also reached out to the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and the Lennar Foundation to ask for their help to make the playground happen.

Wiley and members of those local organizations expressed their thoughts about being part of the project.

With a video and an unofficial schematic, Wiley explained some potential features of the playground.

The new amenity will be built next to the district park’s current playground and be connected with several sidewalk paths as easy access points.

The play space will have rubber flooring for safety. The surface also will offer a smooth transition for those moving about in wheelchairs.

Equipment will be spaced apart to provide enough room for mobility, and built at low levels to provide an easier reach.

This is an unofficial concept of elements Pasco County would like to implement for the new playground at Wesley Chapel District Park. The play space is intended to welcome children with special needs. It will be adjacent to the park’s other playground, with access between them. (Courtesy of Keith Wiley, director of Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources)

Some children may not be able to get out of their wheelchair, Moore said, so there are things they’ll be able to reach from a seated position — for them to play with.

Benches will be shaded by canopies and a butterfly garden is expected to be planted nearby.

“When we look at our brand promise, our brand promise is to feel whole,” said Tyson Davis, interim CEO of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. “I can’t think of a better way to apply that brand promise in our community, than being a part of this project.”

Chris Casella, president of the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club, added: “It’s about helping them (special needs children) get together in the community with other children [and] have fun just like everyone else.”

Part of the contribution came from a grant from Rotary District 6950, which oversees the Wesley Chapel branch.

During the same meeting, commissioners approved a request from the Parks, Recreation and  Natural Resources Department to transfer $215,000 from the Connerton District Park budget to the Wesley Chapel District Park budget, to help pay for the cost of the universally inclusive playground.

With funds in place, the county expects to break ground on the project by early October.

Published August 14, 2019

How to stay safe while enjoying the water

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Although summer is winding down — being safe around water is a year-round pursuit.

Practical tips to help avoid danger, in or near water, can make a difference for both experienced and non-experienced swimmers.

In fact, infants are being encouraged to get acquainted with swimming before learning to walk.

“The earlier you start, the better,” said Maggie Mueller, site manager at the Seal Swim School in Lutz. “Just being in swim lessons can help prevent drownings from happening.”

At the Seal Swim School, even infants can learn proper breathing control while in the water. (Brian Fernandes)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the No. 1 cause for unintentional, injury-led deaths among children between ages 1 and 4.

For ages 5 to 9, it is the second-leading cause for unintentional, injury-led deaths.

To help reduce these cases, organizations like the Seal Swim School have implemented classes for infants to adults.

With several branches spread throughout Tampa Bay, the school’s Water Babies course allows little ones to get familiar within a pool setting.

At 6 months old, they can transition into a new class that helps them learn proper breathing control in water. This entails gradually raising infants up overhead, then briefly dipping them underwater.

“Once they have their breath control down, then it comes to learning their balance and buoyancy,” Mueller explained. “Once you get all three of those together, they’re able to swim a little bit on their own.”

Babies have the capacity to learn these swimming techniques within a matter of weeks, she said.

How to keep safe
One common misconception is that skilled swimmers are fine if left alone in the water. However, they, too, should have someone else present.

Parents are more likely to leave their child unattended if they have swimming experience, according to Safe Kids Worldwide.

The organization reported that nearly half of those from ages 10 to 17, who drowned between 2005 and 2014, were reportedly trained swimmers.

As long as the swimmer is within a clear field of vision, the observer can be inside or out of the pool.

Mueller also suggests not using floatation devices when training a child in a home pool. This may give the child a false sense of security.

She noted that, “if they’re used to wearing a life jacket or puddle jumpers, they don’t know the difference – whether that’s on or not. If they get access to the pool, they’re going to run, jump in and think they can [float].”

Another false notion is that if a child is struggling in the water, they will always scream or splash, making a scene. However, many sink to the bottom without notice.

In some cases, the descent may be so quick, that the child may not have time to react.

This is why vigilance in the water is always a good idea.

What to do during an incident
Aside from precautions, there are methods that can be used during an incident.

At Seal Swim School, kids are taught to “get the wall” if they accidently fall in the water.

With this, children are drilled to immediately turn around and clutch the edge of the wall they fell from.

If they cannot grasp the edge or need time to breath, they are shown how to roll onto their backs and float facing upward.

Alex Delgado is the Aquatic and Programs director at the YMCA in Zephyrhills.

There, he and his staff also provide helpful techniques, such as Jump-Push-Turn-Grab.

“If you fall in, you push off the bottom, it gets you back to the top, then you grab the edge and climb out,” he explained.

YMCA students practice this drill by diving into the water and going through the steps, in cycles, to become more accustomed.

In a situation where a victim feels helpless, the reaction may be to fight the water, said Mueller. However, she suggests that the best thing to do is “relax, take a deep breath, roll on your back and float.”

By doing this, the individual will maintain buoyancy while preventing water from filling the lungs.

Because these techniques do not come instinctively, Mueller and Delgado stress the importance of taking swimming classes to sharpen those skills.

When tending to a victim in the water, one should still be tactful in the approach.

If a child should go missing, the search should first begin at any large body of water, whether a pool or a nearby lake, because time is crucial. Any objects obstructing a clear view should be moved out the way in order to scan the bottom of the water.

Instructors also tell students to “reach or throw, don’t go.”

This encourages throwing a floatation device, or extending a long object to a struggling victim.

They suggest the rescuer lay on his or her stomach while using an object, like a pole or foam pool noodle, to draw the victim to the edge.

“You never want to jump in and try to save somebody unless you’re a 100 percent sure they cannot overpower you,” Mueller advised.

The rescuer should be at an advantage, such as an adult tending to a small child.

Even if CPR has been performed successfully, call 9-1-1 just to be on the safe side.

Even when someone remains conscious after a near-drowning incident, it is still important to seek medical attention.

Early warning signs to watch for include:

  • Someone positioned vertically instead of horizontally while underwater
  • Age: The very young or elderly may need more vigilance
  • A swimmer not removing hair from his or her face, could signal they’re having trouble staying afloat
  • Someone struggling to cling to nearby objects

It’s always a convenient time to learn how to swim, and the measures in reducing danger.

To find a local Seal Swim School branch, visit SealSwimSchool.com.

To find a nearby YMCA class, visit TampaYMCA.org.

Stay safe while enjoying the water.

Follow these precautions:

  • Never swim alone; always have at least one other person present.
  • Avoid jumping into water known to be shallow.
  • Require kids to ask adults’ permission before going into water, to be sure that someone always knows where they are.
  • Avoid going into water if you are tired or drowsy.
  • Keep track of large groups in pool by doing a head count.
  • Avoid rough play or bearing weight on another in water.
  • Become trained and certified in CPR.
  • Avoid eating or chewing gum while in water.
  • Keep home pool fenced off from small kids.

Warning signs a swimmer might be in trouble:

  • Someone positioned vertically instead of horizontally while underwater
  • A swimmer not removing hair from his or her face, could signal they’re having trouble staying afloat
  • Someone struggling to cling to nearby objects

Note: Very young and elderly swimmers may need more vigilant supervision.

Source: Seal Swim School and Zephyrhills YMCA

Published August 14, 2019

Health and Wellness Fair focuses on the elderly

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A free community Health and Wellness Fair, held recently in Land O’ Lakes,  focused on services that are available to the elderly, as they face changes in mind and body.

The Aug. 1 event was hosted by Keystone Place at Terra Bella, 2200 Livingston Road, which offers residential options for independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Bryan D’Onofrio spoke at the event on behalf of the North Tampa Behavioral Health Hospital. The Wesley Chapel facility serves people who are suffering from issues such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse, by providing in-patient and out-patient services – including a geriatrics unit.

Local organizations in the Tampa Bay area gathered at a Health and Wellness Fair held at Keystone Place at Terra Bella to inform the public about various services available to help the elderly. (Brian Fernandes)

Many of the elderly patients who are admitted are dealing with depression,  D’Onofrio noted.

“As we get older, things don’t work like they used to,” he said. “As those things hit us, we can suffer some depression.”

At the behavioral health hospital, patients engage with a psychiatrist, therapist, social workers and licensed mental-health counselors, to receive the right treatment.

Patients also partake in group therapy to keep social, and recreational therapy, such as board games, yoga and other exercises. They are encouraged to continue activities when released home, to help them stay positive, D’Onofrio said.

Bayada Home Health Care and Bluestone Physician Services also participated in the event.

These companies offer mobile services — providing medical care to residents in assisted living facilities, such as Keystone Place at Terra Bella in Land O’ Lakes.

Tyler Patrick, marketing manager at Bayada, said that the goal of this type of care is to help prevent the need for hospitalizations.

Patrick added that, “If you’ve got a resident that has a disease that’s becoming exacerbated, the doctor may want an RN (registered nurse) checking in on that resident two, three times a week to monitor [and] make sure the medications are working. Our nurses can come in and do that.”

Assisted living facilities also provide a safe and secure environment for those known to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.

Amanda Wood, a program manager at the Alzheimer’s Association, shared information that help individuals, or their loved ones, identify the disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association, offers this list of 10 early warning signs:

  • Memory loss that disrupts daily life
  • Challenges in planning or solving problems
  • Difficulty completing familiar tasks
  • Confusion with time or place
  • Trouble understanding visual images
  • Difficulty with speaking or writing
  • Misplacing things and difficulty retracing steps
  • Decreased or poor judgement
  • Withdrawal from work or social activities
  • Changes in mood or personality

“One of the best things to do for noticing these signs, is to talk about it,” Wood said. “Go talk to your primary care physician.”

She emphasized the importance of initiating the conversation, whether it’s the individual exhibiting the signs, or a loved one witnessing them.

That person’s doctor can then refer them to a neurologist for further analysis.

An ongoing consistency in these signs may be a red flag that can differentiate them from usual memory loss, Wood said.

When a current or potential Alzheimer’s patient is living at home, it is also important to plan ahead for emergencies.

Teresa Haver, of the Alzheimer’s Family Organization, gave a demonstration on how the Wanderer’s Reunification Program is set up. This personalized kit can be useful in helping locate an Alzheimer’s patient gone missing.

Teresa Haver stood at the Alzheimer’s Family Organization booth and showed visitors one preparation technique – the Wanderer’s Reunification Program.

This is a free kit made up of sterilized equipment used in helping locate a missing patient.

“What you do is take the sterile pad and rub it on your loved one to get their scent, put it in the jar [and] seal it up,” Haver explained.

The jar is then placed on top of the refrigerator and is good for seven years.

Should the person go missing, the local sheriff’s department has already been trained to look for the jar on the fridge. Deputies then use blood hounds to search for the scent on the pad.

Haver also said the caregiver should familiarize themselves with the patient’s dominant hand, because they tend to wander in the direction of that hand.

She also recommended that a caregiver place an identification bracelet on the patient’s wrist and to have door locks that are higher than the patient’s reach.

Wood said there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are lifestyle choices that may help the brain age well.

Those include exercise, staying socially active, challenging the brain and a proper diet.

“Every time our heart beats, 25 percent of that blood goes to our brain,” Wood explained. “If we’re getting exercise, we’re getting more nutrient and oxygen-rich blood up to our brain.”

Exercise can include such things as walking up stairs and dancing, she noted.

Social activities, such as playing strategic games like chess, can help preoccupy and strengthen the mind, she said.

Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets are good alternatives, Wood noted.

These heart-healthy choices consist of nuts and grains, as well as foods high in protein and low in sodium.

The Rev. Virginia Walsh, of Unity North Tampa Church, also shared her knowledge at the health and wellness fair.

Proper nutrition can help lead to effective meditation practice, Walsh said.

Before doing a meditation session, participants should drink plenty of water.

They also should eat foods rich in protein, and stay clear of foods high in carbohydrates, processed sugar, flour and starches.

Walsh conducted a meditation class during the fair, offering participants tips they could apply at home.

“Meditation can help us think more clearly, be able to focus, and also has shown to often improve memory,” the reverend said. “Being mindful helps us to cope better with what happens in life.”

This in turn, produces more peace and may lead to a healthier brain, she said.

Published August 14, 2019

Under Construction 08/07/2019

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Edmonson Electric
Edmonson Electric Inc., is set to open an office warehouse at 5611 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The two-story building will consist of two dozen offices, several breakrooms and an indoor gym. Construction on the 22,000-square-foot facility began in January and is scheduled to wrap up in August. The grand opening is expected in September.

Jammin Car Wash
Motorists will have a new facility to shine their ride with Jammin Car Wash in Lutz. The 5,500-square-foot center is at 21356 Walmart Way, just off of U.S. 41. The business, set to open in October, will offer a single drive-thru tunnel that will be able to hold multiple vehicles for washing.

Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel
Pinecrest Academy Inc., is opening a new public charter school in the Avalon Park West community. Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel, at 33427 State Road 54, will be a two-story school and is expected to open for the 2020-2021 school year. It is expected to focus on the arts, including fine arts and performing arts. For more information on the school, visit PinecrestWesleyChapel.com.

CubeSmart
A CubeSmart self-storage facility is being built at 16900 State Road 54 in Lutz. The 97,500-square-foot complex will hold approximately 600 storage units varying in size, along three floors, equipped with an elevator and air conditioning. It also will have a lot to accommodate recreational vehicles. Construction began in March. The facility is expected to open in January 2020.

Curious about something new that’s popping up in your community? Please send us the location — along with the address, if possible — and we’ll see what we can find out. Send your email to .

Published August 07, 2019

Wiregrass Ranch High uses online orientation

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Virtual orientation was back by popular demand at Wiregrass Ranch High School.

The online amenity, offered Aug. 1 to Aug. 6, provided an alternative to help Wiregrass Ranch students get situated for the coming school year, which begins for students on Aug. 12.

The option allowed students who are returning to Wiregrass Ranch, and their parents, to view class schedules without being present on campus.

“Now parents and students can access the same information from the convenience of their mobile device or computer from home,” explained Rebecca Jarke, assistant principal at Wiregrass Ranch. “It’s more convenient for families who have multiple children in the school system and may not be able to get to each school during the various orientations.”

The high school, located in Wesley Chapel, introduced virtual orientation last year, alongside its traditional on-campus orientation day.

The online version was so well-received, Wiregrass Ranch decided to make it the primary means for orientation for returning students. The options allows students to avoid long lines and wait times.

First-time freshmen had their own on-campus orientation on Aug. 1.

“It gives them an opportunity to make connections with current students and staff – to make the first day of high school a little easier,” Jarke said. “Also, with only ninth-grade students being here, the campus is not as crowded.”

Re-entering students, and their parents, were still accommodated at Wiregrass Ranch — receiving online assistance on Aug. 6.

In a computer lab, students could access their myPascoConnect accounts, while parents were able to log in to or create their own parent portal accounts.

Both private platforms allowed student schedules to be viewed, as well as the ability to purchase items like lockers or gym gear.

Parents can access the accounts year-round to stay up-to-date with their child’s academics. Viewable information includes grades, attendance records and test scores.

Users of the virtual orientation are encouraged to offer feedback on their experience and possible ways to improve it, Jarke said.

Wiregrass Ranch is one of several Pasco County schools that use virtual orientations.

Published August 07, 2019

Police officers help kids start school year in style

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Eleven-year-old Jayden Boykin made his way from one aisle to the next, as he went shopping for school clothes with his new buddy – Officer Troy Fulford of the Dade City Police Department.

The police officer and fifth-grader were on a mission, to make sure Jayden will look fashionable for his first day back at Rodney B. Cox Elementary School.

Fourteen-year-old James Walker was offered tips for new school clothes from Sgt. Lorenzo Moreno of the Dade City Police Department during the Summer Shop with a Cop event. The Aug. 2 program allowed the new freshman to pick his own gear at the Dade City Walmart before starting his first year at Pasco High School. (Brian Fernandes)

The pair was among those taking part in the second annual Summer Shop with a Cop event that brought 18 local kids and Dade City police officers together to select new school gear, on Aug. 2.

At the Dade City Walmart on U.S. 301, the police officers pushed shopping carts — following the lead of eager children ready to select clothing, to their liking, off the shelves.

Members of the Dade City Youth Council and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Explorers also teamed up with the officers in helping the students shop.

Victoria Conn is part of the Youth Council and helped kids comb through the clothing.

“I think it really helps – being able to show the kids, ‘Yeah, you’re being partnered with a cop,’” the 17-year-old said. “It really breaks a lot of boundaries, and I think it’s good to be able to have that interaction.”

The off-duty officers volunteered to help out at the shopping extravaganza.

Jayden Boykin stocked up on a new wardrobe of clothes with the help of Officer Troy Fulford of the Dade City Police Department. The Shop with a Cop event on Aug. 2 helped the 11-year-old pick his own fashion style before returning to Rodney B. Cox Elementary School this fall.

Sgt. Lorenzo Moreno said he was happy to be there. It gave him the chance to make friends with James Walker, 14, a Pasco High freshman.

“He’s the boss,” the sergeant said, with a smile. “Wherever he wants to go, whatever he wants to get – I’m here for him.”

The shopping experience initially was suggested by the Youth Council, after they found out about it being done in other Florida towns.

Since last year, the Youth Council and the Explorers have been working with the police department to help Dade City students.

Kids are recommended for assistance by teachers who may notice their unmet needs.

Each event sees a new round of kids being helped with shopping.

Lt. Brian Uppercue of the Dade City Police Department said the experience helps to build a good relationship between students and law enforcement.

Because the program gives youths a chance to meet officers in a different environment, it’s also believed that it helps them feel more at ease to approach officers in various situations.

Three Shop with a Cop events are held each year, supported by funds from the Youth Council and the police department.

In the spring, kids get to shop for school supplies. During the holidays, they can buy gifts for family members, and in the fall, they get to pick out new school clothes.

Timothy Rayford was excited to pick out his superhero attire with the help of Kayla Contreras, a Dade City Youth Council member. The first-grader was one of 18 youths chosen for the Summer Shop with a Cop event on Aug. 2.

“We want them to feel positive about what they’re wearing and build that self-esteem on their first day of school,” Uppercue said.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez helps to oversee the Youth Council and to organize the Shop with a Cop events.

Besides helping the students, it also helps their parents, Hernandez said, noting that it reduces the financial pressures they face.

“Parents love that we do this,” the mayor said. “The word has spread and it’s been a very positive reception.”

Another opportunity to engage with kids will be the upcoming ‘Cop-sicle’ event, Hernandez mentioned. The Youth Council and the police department plan to hand out popsicles within the Dade City community.

Meanwhile, it won’t be long now until the students get to show off their new school fashions. The new school year starts in Pasco County on Aug. 12.

Published August 07, 2019

Medical Center of Trinity marks a first in Tampa Bay area

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Medical Center of Trinity is the first medical institution in the Tampa Bay area to use the CorPath GRX system – a robotic-assisted device used in coronary care.

The hospital had a celebration on July 30 to unveil the device to the public.

Dr. Patrick Cambier, an interventional cardiologist at the medical center, has had the opportunity to operate using the new device.

Brandon Davis of Corindus Vascular Robotics Inc., demonstrated how the CorPath GRX system operates during a July 30 ribbon cutting ceremony at Medical Center of Trinity. The device is used to help treat blocked arteries. (Brian Fernandes)

“We’re very excited for the Medical Center of Trinity, that they decided to be the first hospital (in the Bay Area),” Cambier said. “It’s a completely new paradigm.”

The robotic arm handles medical tools that would otherwise be manually used by physicians – including a catheter and stents.

At a console station, the doctor maneuvers the arm using a set of joysticks. A large monitor shows where to guide the catheter, as its inserted into the patient’s artery.

The blockage can be pinpointed, through the use of an X-ray. A stent is inserted into the clogged artery with a balloon catheter. The balloon is inflated and the stent is locked into place, to keep the artery open.

Brandon Davis of Corindus Vascular Robotics Inc., explained the functions of the device, at the event, which took place in the hospital’s lobby.

“This robot can stretch out all the way across the patient and can go to any access point. It’s driving the wires and balloons through your artery, through your arm and all the way up to your heart,” he said.

In addition to being inserted through the forearm, it can also go through the femoral arteries in the thighs.

Although patients have limited exposure to radiation during a stent procedure, medical staff have higher safety risks that are two-fold, Davis added.

Despite wearing lead suits for precaution, staff are still exposed to radiation as they spend time around X-ray equipment.

The weight of the lead suit can also pose risks of spinal injury.

However, with the CorPath GRX, medical staff can work from their console station and keep a safe distance from the X-ray machine, while using the robot to operate.

Dr. Cambier said patients benefit because the machine reduces the chance of a medical error during the procedure.

“This allows us to raise the bar of existing equipment to a more precise fashion,” the cardiologist said. “It takes all of the variables of a human out, in terms of tremors [and] fatigue.”

While this is a new feature in the Bay Area, it has had considerable growth in the United States and abroad after being introduced in 2017.

There are more than 60 devices in use across the U.S., and the device is reaching such countries as Singapore, Japan, China and Brazil, Davis said.

The system also allows doctors to perform remote procedures.

“We’ve already done our first remote case in India where the physician was 20 miles away from the patient,” Davis explained. “That was done all wireless.”

Both Cambier and Davis pointed out that this technology is only advancing as efforts are underway to broaden its use into neurology. This would allow stroke victims to receive treatment from their operating physician, while in another region of the globe.

Last year, Cambier had to travel to Texas to train and acclimate himself to the new device. However, he welcomes other Bay Area physicians to train locally at Medical Center of Trinity and understand the robotic benefits.

“It starts making things much more uniform,” he said. “Uniformity leads to more consistent outcomes and [that’s] good for the patients of the Tampa Bay Area.”

Published August 07, 2019

Pasco educator embraces theater again

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During college years and beyond, Patty Smithey has devoted much of her time traveling the globe, and helping kids as an educator.

Earlier this year, though, the Land O’ Lakes resident decided to devote more of her leisure time tapping into her artistic side with acting – a lifelong passion.

“I realized recently that I needed to do something that really, truly made me happy,” Smithey explained. “I need to help other people, but it’s OK to help yourself, too.”

Patty Smithey, of Land O’ Lakes, recently became reacquainted with her love for performing on stage. She recently played Ariel, the lead role in ‘The Little Mermaid’ musical. (Courtesy of Patty Smithey)

The college admissions recruiter made her debut theater performance, as an adult, in June, in Cabaret. And, she just finished starring as the lead role Ariel, in The New Tampa Players’ production of “The Little Mermaid.”

While she just got back into acting this year, her fascination with the craft dates back to her early childhood.

Smithey recalls getting bit by the acting bug when she was just 3 years old.

The Tampa native said she and her younger sister would put on their own performances at home.

These homemade productions often involved acting, dancing and singing.

Smithey described herself as being a shy kid, but said acting provided an outlet for her to comfortably express herself.

“I just really love musical theater,” she said. “It’s always been in the back of my mind burning.”

That passion helped her break out of her shell as she got older, eventually joining the drama club while attending Steinbrenner High School, in Lutz.

The experience granted her the opportunity to venture outside the school auditorium with her group and perform statewide.

She did consider acting as a possible career path, but said her mother encouraged her to pursue other avenues.

Smithey attended Florida State University where she received both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just four years.

“I majored in international affairs, which was an amazing experience,” Smithey stated. “I got to study abroad in Panama, Prague, Croatia – the most beautiful places.”

She credits her travels in helping her to develop a greater appreciation for daily life, and a broader understanding of other people.

“One thing I learned throughout my educational experience, that’s consistent, is about people and human nature,” Smithey added.

Her newly found connection to others compelled her to focus her career on academics and to inspire others in their educational endeavors.

After school, she moved to New York, where she worked as a college recruiter before returning to the Sunshine State.

Back in Florida, Smithey continued a role in academics, but this time catering to a much younger demographic.

At Spring Hill’s Classical Preparatory School, she taught reading, writing, mathematics and science to fourth-graders.

Currently, she’s an admissions recruiter at the Land O’ Lakes branch of Rasmussen College.

She enjoys her work, but she also has felt a tug to return to the stage.

So, instead of thinking about it, she told herself: “Why don’t I just get out there and do it, even if it’s not professional.”

She then took to Facebook to see what local theater productions were available.

Off the heels of her Cabaret performance, the actress didn’t hesitate in auditioning for “The Little Mermaid” musical.

So, once she landed the role, she began sharing her time between work and rehearsals for the production, which just wrapped up at the University Area Cultural Development Center in Tampa.

Playing in the lead role was an honor, and gratifying, too, Smithey said.

“It came [as] a complete shock to me. It was like ‘Wow, these people have faith in me,’” she said.

Even as the experience rekindles her love for acting, the teacher within Smithey can’t help but see her experience as an opportunity teach youths a lesson.

She said it gives her a chance to tell them: “There’s always going to be obstacles, but if you put the work in, it really pays off.”

Published August 07, 2019

Car donation gives veteran smoother path to success

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Chauncey Roberts, a veteran of the U.S. Army, arrived at Lutz Ferman Collision, as a passenger — but when he left, he was driving his own set of wheels.

Roberts was surprised when a silver 2011 Volkswagen Jetta sedan pulled up and was presented to him, during a July 24 event at the collision center.

Geico Auto Insurance and Enterprise were key contributors working in the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program to make this donation.

The teams of Lutz Ferman Collision and Geico Auto Insurance rallied around Chauncey Roberts after he received a donated car from the companies on July 24. Even the Geico Gecko was present to cheer on Roberts during his special occasion. (Brian Fernandes)

“It’s tears of joy,” the New Port Richey resident said, with emotion. “This is going to be so much better for me.”

Behind Roberts, a crowd – mostly made up of business participants – broke out in applause.

Teressa Knab, an attendee, is a public affairs coordinator for Geico Auto Insurance.

“It feels really good,” Knab noted on the occasion. “As the largest auto insurance in the state of Florida, we feel like it’s our obligation to make sure we’re taking care of the people in our state.”

Scott Rippelle, general manager at Ferman Collision, heard about Roberts’ transportation needs and was intrigued by his service in the U.S. Army.

As Rippelle stated: “When I was growing up, the biggest thing I always thought about [was] ‘Who’s our heroes?’ When I got older, I realized our heroes were the high school students coming out of school to give up their lives to fight for our country.”

Rippelle referred Roberts to Geico, who actively donates vehicles to the Recycled Rides program.

After the veteran went through an approval process, his soon-to-be ride was sent to Ferman Collision in Lutz to get a brand new look.

Recycled Rides was established in 2007 to help everyday commuters get around with ease by having their own means of transportation.

In 2018, 90 vehicles were donated nationwide and, this year, that number is expected to exceed 200 vehicles.

For Roberts, the vehicle will make it easier for him to pursue his goal of becoming a nurse anesthetist.

After his honorable discharge from the service, he experienced multiple setbacks.

While working at Tampa General Hospital, Roberts had no immediate family close by and struggled to find stable residency.

Chauncey Roberts, a veteran of the U.S. Army, posed next to his 2011 Volkswagen Jetta sedan on July 24 outside of Ferman Collision in Lutz.

He briefly stayed at a friend’s home while she was hospitalized.

After her unfortunate passing, Roberts reached out to the Supportive Services for Veteran Families and was provided permanent housing.

With a stable home, he is currently working evenings and going to school.

Without a car, he had challenges getting to and from school. He walked, rode a bicycle, caught buses, and used Lyft and Uber.

“We hear that all the time, that customers or recipients will spend like three hours commuting just to their jobs,” Knab said. “With a car, it cuts that commute down and gives them more time to be with their family [and] potentially work a better job.”

As a student at A-1 Healthcare Academy in New Port Richey, that’s precisely what Roberts hopes to achieve.

And, besides making it easier to achieve his own goals, Roberts said he’s now in a position to help others.

“I have coworkers who don’t have cars,” Roberts said. “I can give them a ride home or give them a ride to work. I understand that situation – been there, done that. Now I can bless others.”

So, it turns out that the generosity that Roberts has received will have a spillover effect — spreading that kindness to others.

Published July 31, 2019