The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Leonardo da Vinci machines on display in new MOSI exhibit

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MOSI makes science and technology accessible to all with engaging permanent and rotating exhibits such as “Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion.” Photo courtesy of Evergreen Exhibitions

 

Get ready to crank, spin and fly into the mind of the world’s greatest inventor. Photo courtesy of Evergreen Exhibitions

TAMPA – MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry has launched a new exhibit inspired by the imagination of one of history’s most celebrated thinkers, Leonardo da Vinci. 

“Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion” is a life-size mechanical playground where visitors can see the artist’s flying machines, try out floats designed for walking on water and climb inside an eight-person military tank.

All of these attractions are based on the sketches found in da Vinci’s famed notebooks.

To bring this exhibit to life, skilled craftsmen in Italy hand-built more than 40 machines, using the same techniques and tools that da Vinci himself would have used in the Renaissance, more than 500 years ago. 

“Leonardo da Vinci was STEAM before STEAM had a name,” said John Graydon Smith, MOSI president and CEO. “He blended science, technology, engineering, art and math into everything he imagined. This exhibit lets you explore that same mix of creativity and curiosity in action.”

In Tampa for a limited time, “Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion” is included with MOSI admission.

 

Ways to strengthen your immune system 

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There are things about respiratory viruses that we can’t control, such as this season’s flu strain, the effectiveness of the flu vaccine or if the person sitting behind you at a restaurant is covering their cough. 

And with cold and flu season well underway, it’s important to take action to prevent these illnesses in ways you can control: washing your hands frequently and minimizing barehand contact of public surfaces such as doorknobs and handrails, and so on. 

Another thing you can control: your diet pattern. 

After all, the immune system can’t work at maximum capacity if you are deficient in nutrients. 

The good news is that the diet recommendations that keep our immune systems in optimal condition are the same recommendations for an overall healthy diet. 

So, if you needed another reason to eat healthier this year, there it is.

For a strong immune system, make sure you are getting these micronutrients (Mayo Clinic, 2025):

  • Iron: Needed for immune cell efficiency. Foods like red meat, beans, nuts and fortified cereals are good sources of iron. 
  • Vitamin A: Shields us from infections by keeping skin and tissue healthy. Orange and red fruits and vegetables, such as carrots and bell peppers, have high levels of Vitamin A.
  • Vitamin C: Promotes the creation of antibodies and the function of white blood cells. Found in strawberries, tomatoes and citrus fruits.
  • Vitamin D: Activates immune defenses and plays a role in your body’s ability to effectively fight off bacteria and viruses. Found in fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified dairy and sunlight. 
  • Vitamin E: An antioxidant that defends cell membranes from free radical damage. Seeds, nuts, peanut butter and some oils have this vitamin.
  • Zinc: Supports immune cells’ function and development, and maintains skin barriers for fighting off bacteria and viruses. Foods such as meats, seeds, nuts and whole grains are good sources.

What about supplements? 

You get more health benefits when your nutrient intake is from food sources, such as fiber, antioxidants and phytochemicals. 

Nutrients are also more potent and are absorbed better from food versus supplements. 

Fat-soluble vitamins, which are D, E, A and K, need fat for absorption, and won’t provide as many benefits if taken as a supplement without a meal or food source with dietary fat. 

It’s important to note that taking supplements in conjunction with eating an unhealthy diet isn’t going to cancel out the risks that come with poor eating habits. 

Supplements should complement a healthy diet, not replace it. 

If you are eating a healthy balanced diet, then you are likely getting enough vitamins and minerals, but getting blood work at your annual checkup will give you a bigger picture of your nutrient levels and finding out what you may be deficient in. 

If your diet falls short (such as vegan diets lacking Vitamin B12), or you’re of a certain population (such as older age where it’s hard to absorb some nutrients, or pregnant women, who have more nutritional demands), then make sure you discuss with your provider about taking supplements.


Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County, An Equal Opportunity Institution.

Bilirakis secures federal grant funding for Pasco projects

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Gus Bilirakis announced Jan. 8 that with the passage of three appropriations bills in the U.S. House, he has secured $14,625,000 in federal grant funding for multiple critical infrastructure, public safety, education and research projects across Florida’s 12th Congressional District.
The funding is included in the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations; Energy and Water Appropriations; and Interior Appropriations packages.

“These investments reflect my commitment to delivering results for our communities and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely,” Bilirakis said. “These projects were identified by local government leaders as priority unmet needs. From improving public safety and protecting public health to strengthening water infrastructure and advancing lifesaving medical research, they have the potential to make a lasting, meaningful impact across our district once these bills are approved by the Senate and signed into law.”

Bilirakis-sponsored projects in Pasco County are as follows: 

  • Pasco County School Board Safety Enhancements: $1.75 million to deploy weapons detection software and additional security cameras across all 100 Pasco County school campuses, allowing the district to proactively address threats and enhance student and staff safety.
  • Pasco County Chlorine Booster Stations Project: $750,000 to support design, engineering, inspection, testing and construction of three chlorine booster stations. This project will reduce water waste, ensure regulatory compliance, protect public health and support Pasco County’s goal of operating infrastructure systems in a safe, compliant and cost-efficient manner.
  • Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Human Performance Program: $1 million to enhance equipment and technology that support deputy wellness, physical readiness and injury prevention-reducing downtime, improving quality of life for deputies and ensuring continued effective service to the community.

Bilirakis also secured funding for projects in Hernando and Citrus counties. 

“These projects represent mission-critical investments that strengthen public safety, protect public health, support students, safeguard our environment and prepare our communities for future growth,” Bilirakis said. “While these bills have passed the House, the funding is still contingent on Senate approval and the President’s signature. I will continue working to ensure our district receives its fair share of federal resources and that these funds are spent responsibly and effectively.”

 

Business Digest (01/21/26): Youth and Family Advocates getting new leader

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The Cake Girl recently surprised residents at Liberty Manor for Veterans as part of a Christmas tradition. The company creates custom cakes, wedding cakes and cupcakes at 14851 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Carrollwood. The Cake Girl has been featured on “Today” and Entrepreneur magazine. Photo courtesy of Liberty Manor for Veterans

Youth and Family Advocates getting new leader

NEW PORT RICHEY – Mark Wickham will retire as president and CEO of Youth and Family Advocates on June 30 after 13 years of service. 

“For over a decade, Mark has led YFA with a passion for service, building community partnerships, and creating resources to support children and families across our seven-county service area,” Board Chair Nicholas Ottaviano emailed supporters. “His greatest legacy is the team he has cultivated: leaders who are courageous, humble and unwavering in their commitment to YFA’s mission and the children and families we serve.”

Susan Eby, who has served as chief operating officer, will replace Wickham as president and CEO. 

“Her leadership is grounded in data-driven decision-making and a deep understanding of quality improvement in human services,” Ottaviano wrote. “Throughout her career, Susan has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing social and emotional wellness at both individual and community levels.”

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a Coffee Social, a ribbon cutting and a New Member Orientation. 

  • The chamber hosts its Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 21 at 28329 Paseo Drive, Suite 195, Wesley Chapel. 
  • Members hold a ribbon cutting from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 22 at Primrose School of Wesley Chapel, 26031 County Line Road, Wesley Chapel.
  • New chamber members go through New Member Orientation from 9 to 10 a.m. Jan. 28 at 28329 Paseo Drive, Suite 195, Wesley Chapel. Register in advance. 

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a legislative briefing, nonprofit roundtable, ribbon cutting and women’s programming. 

  • Jessica Alban, founder of Cloud 9 Feng Shui, talks about leading with purpose during the Professional Women in Business Networking Lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 21 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance. 
  • Members hear from State Rep. Brad Yeager during State Legislative and Pasco Day Briefing from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 23 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance. 
  • The Greater Pasco Nonprofit Network features a roundtable of nonprofits to discuss various issues. They meet from 9 to 10 a.m. Jan. 27 at 4 & Co Coworking Spaces, 16703 Early Riser Ave., Land O’ Lakes. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance. 
  • Members celebrate the opening of the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco & Hernando’s Hudson office from 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 28 at 12107 Majestic Blvd., Hudson. The ribbon cutting starts at 9:15 a.m. Register in advance. 

Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events. 

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – The East Pasco Chamber members will host Coffee & Networking events.

  • Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Jan. 23 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.) and 8 to 9 a.m. Jan. 27 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.). 

Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events. 

Lee works to combat online predators  

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 6719, the Combating Online Predators Act, legislation introduced by Congresswoman Laurel Lee to strengthen protections for children targeted by online sextortion.

The bill explicitly criminalizes intentional threats to distribute child sexual abuse material, a coercive tactic increasingly used by online predators to exploit and silence children. 

Under current law, sextortion has fallen outside existing child sexual abuse material statutes, forcing prosecutors to rely on patchwork charging theories that fail to reflect the gravity of these crimes.

Lee delivered her floor speech in support of the legislation on Jan. 12 during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

“Predators are exploiting gaps in our laws to terrorize children online,” Lee said. “By passing the Combating Online Predators Act, Congress is making clear that these threats will be prosecuted with the seriousness they deserve.”

Reported sextortion cases in the United States rose from 13,842 in the first half of 2024 to 23,593 in the first half of 2025. Children are particularly vulnerable, with boys ages 14 to 17 most often targeted. In tragic cases, sextortion has led young victims to take their own lives.

During her remarks, Lee honored the lives of children lost to sextortion. She shared the story of a Florida mother whose son committed suicide after being targeted online.

The Combating Online Predators Act builds on Lee’s prior work to combat online exploitation, including the REPORT Act, which strengthened reporting requirements for online service providers and was signed into law in the previous Congress.

With House passage secured, Lee emphasized that protecting children from online exploitation must remain a bipartisan priority and that predators must be held fully accountable under federal law.

The bill now awaits consideration in the Senate.

 

Pasco County fights human trafficking

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DADE CITY – The Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking is not only working to combat the crime locally, but it is also helping other communities across the country mobilize against exploitation. 

The commission has worked to ensure every current and future Pasco County employee is trained on human trafficking issues. Members are preparing to expand that to every Pasco County Schools employee. 

Several members of the commission led a workshop at the Shared Hope International conference on Oct. 15 in Orlando. The 90-minute session was on how county commissions can lead in child trafficking prevention.

Liana Dean, chair of the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking, said one of the results of presenting at the conference has been hearing from groups across the country with interest in launching commissions of their own.

“Our reach is growing,” Dean said. “I’m very excited that we’ve had those opportunities to assist other counties across the U.S. in setting up commissions.”

The Pasco Board of County Commissioners presented a resolution Jan. 6 declaring January 2026 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Pasco County. Elected officials praised the work of Dean and her team. 

“Human trafficking is occurring in Pasco County,” according to the resolution. “Through the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking, our community has united to combat this horrific crime and restore dignity to survivors by bringing together the sectors deemed critical to effectively combat human trafficking, such as law enforcement, schools, child welfare, nonprofits, businesses, faith-based organizations, survivors and more.”

Outside of training, the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking has also provided materials to firehouses. Middle and high schools have received posters about sexting and sextortion.

Dean said members have assisted in law enforcement operations involving missing and endangered children, specifically mentioning the U.S. Marshals’ Home for the Holidays, which led to the recovery of 57 kids from the Tampa Bay area. 

Members also assisted the University of South Florida’s Trafficking in Persons Risk to Resilience Lab this past year in launching the first State Report on Human Trafficking.

Members with the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking are also organizing events for the coming year, including a national survivor leadership conference. 

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman credited Dean for her leadership. 

“She’s really, in my opinion, the subject matter expert and the leader in combating these horrific, horrific crimes that take place in our county and beyond,” Weightman said.

 

Castor reacts to Affordable Care Act tax credit extension

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) voted “yes” on a bipartisan discharge petition that would extend the enhanced Affordable Care Act Tax Credits for the next three years. She released the following statement: 

Neighbors across the Tampa Bay area who are grappling with huge health cost increases in the new year have hope for their pocketbooks and affordable care. 

House Democrats successfully forced a vote and were joined by 17 Republicans to pass a three-year extension of enhanced tax credits. 

I appreciate the many Tampa Bay neighbors who shared their stories about the economic stability that affordable health coverage provides. 

Our health care system needs reform, but we cannot allow Republicans to sabotage health care for 22 million Americans in order to fund massive tax cuts for billionaires. 

People deserve affordable, consistent access to the care they need.

The ACA has been a godsend for hardworking Americans since it was signed into law 15 years ago in ending discrimination for preexisting conditions, allowing young people to stay on parents insurance until age 26, and providing true options for the self-employed. 

Our country and economy are stronger when Americans are healthy and can thrive.

I am thankful to the handful of Republicans who worked in a bipartisan manner with Democrats to get this bill across the finish line.

The Senate should immediately pass the three-year so our neighbors have greater access to more affordable health care coverage.

The Office of Congresswoman Kathy Castor is collecting stories about how the Affordable Care Act Tax Credits help her neighbors. 

U.S. Rep. Lee secures investments for Florida’s 15th District

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Laurel Lee praised the passage of multiple appropriations bills through the House on Jan. 8 that address needs in Florida’s 15th Congressional District.

These bills include priorities to strengthen public safety, protect access to clean drinking water and advance medical research and workforce development.

“These bills move Washington toward accountable budgeting by reducing overall federal spending while prioritizing essential investments that protect public safety, clean drinking water and economic opportunity,” Lee said. “As one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, Florida’s 15th District must ensure our infrastructure, public safety systems and research institutions can keep pace with that growth.”

The fiscal year 2026 appropriations package includes the following projects, each selected for its broad public benefit and long-term value to the community:

  • Pasco County Crystal Springs Chlorine Booster Station Project: Improving drinking water safety and efficiency through federal investment in a chlorine booster station at Pasco County’s Crystal Springs facility, reducing unnecessary water loss while ensuring compliance with standards.
  • Moffitt Cancer Center CryoCure: Illuminating Cancer’s Hidden Structures: Accelerating lifesaving cancer research with federal funding for advanced imaging technology that enables researchers to better understand how cancer drugs interact at the molecular level and speeds the development of more precise, targeted therapies.
  • Hillsborough County Drinking Water Infrastructure Inspection and Analysis Program: Preventing disruptive water main breaks by supporting a comprehensive inspection and analysis of aging underground water infrastructure, allowing the county to identify vulnerabilities early and prioritize critical repairs before failures occur.
  • USF Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Makerspace Equipment Acquisition and Installation: Preparing students for high-demand technology careers through investment in hands-on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity equipment at the University of South Florida, strengthening workforce readiness and supporting Tampa Bay’s growing innovation economy.
  • Plant City Vehicle Incident Prevention and Mitigation Program: Protecting pedestrians at public events by providing federal funding for specialized safety barriers used by local law enforcement during parades, festivals and other large gatherings, helping prevent unauthorized vehicle access and reducing the risk of vehicle-based attacks.

“These projects address real needs by keeping families safe, ensuring access to clean and reliable drinking water and positioning our district as a leader in medical research and innovation,” Lee said. 

 

Pasco County to open cold weather shelters

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NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County is opening cold weather shelters on both sides of the county Jan. 15 and 16.

Anyone in need of a warm place to spend the night can head to either shelter.  The shelters will open at 6 p.m. each day and close at 10 a.m. the following day.

Shelters will be at: 

  • Shady Hills Mission Chapel, 15925 Greenglen Lane, Spring Hill. Call 727-856-2948 for details. 
  • First Nazarene Church of Zephyrhills, 6151 12th St., Zephyrhills. Call 615-483-4356 for details. 

The extreme cold expected could be dangerous to anyone who will be outside for long periods of time.  Children, the elderly and pets are especially vulnerable to the cold, and extra care should be taken to protect them.

Saint Leo University launches Lionova Institute

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The launch of the Lionova Institute builds upon the legacy of Dr. Arthur F. Kirk Jr., who served as president of Saint Leo University from 1997 to 2015 and is widely regarded as a pioneer in nonprofit online education. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University has launched the Lionova Institute, a new division focused on faith-anchored, technology-enabled education.

The Lionova Institute will focus on expanding Saint Leo’s impact through online education, healthcare and nursing pathways, international partnerships, military-aligned education, and workforce-connected learning models.

Norm Allgood, Art Monger, Jamie Kravcak and Emily Vance have joined Saint Leo University to lead the Lionova Institute. They were the executive team that helped build Synergis Education into one of the nation’s most respected innovators in healthcare education and online program development.

“We’ve spent years helping universities scale high-quality healthcare education, particularly direct-entry nursing pathways, while also launching innovative doctoral programs,” said Allgood, CEO and dean of the Lionova Institute. “Lionova allows Saint Leo to lead in these areas – meeting workforce needs while staying true to its Catholic and Benedictine identity.”

Officials at Saint Leo University said the appointments bring together leaders known for scaling high-quality online programs, pioneering direct-entry nursing education, launching innovative doctoral programs, driving data-informed enrollment growth and integrating AI responsibly into academic and operational models.

“This represents an extraordinary opportunity for Saint Leo University,” said Jim Burkee, president of Saint Leo University. “The Lionova Institute builds on our mission and our history of innovation.”

The university established its Center for Online Learning in 1998.