The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Chalk Talk (04/01/26): Students go diving at aquarium

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The AQUA Experience (Achieve, Question, Understand, Aspire) offers students hands-on opportunities to explore the natural world and develop leadership skills. Photo courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

Students go diving at aquarium

TAMPA – Three middle and high school students from historically underserved Tampa neighborhoods swapped backpacks for dive helmets March 19 at The Florida Aquarium. 

As part of the Teen Achievers AQUA Experience, they explored the aquarium’s 500,000-gallon Heart of the Sea habitat during the SeaTREK underwater walking adventure, coming face-to-face with rays, a rescued sea turtle, and hundreds of Indo-Pacific fish.

The Teen Achievers AQUA Experience is a partnership between Bank of America, the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, and The Florida Aquarium that prepares teens to become future leaders through college readiness resources, leadership development, and opportunities to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Following the dive, 17 additional Teen Achievers participated in a panel on careers in conservation, enjoyed lunch, toured exhibits, and set out on a Wild Dolphin Cruise in Tampa Bay. 

 

Saint Leo hosts policy leader 

  1. LEO – Saint Leo University invites the community to attend Breakfast with Tom Sullivan for a conversation on the policy environment shaping small businesses and entrepreneurship across the United States. 

Sullivan is senior vice president for small business policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he works with chambers nationwide to ensure small businesses’ voices are heard in Washington. 

The breakfast starts at 8 a.m. April 10 at the Wellness Center on Saint Leo’s University Campus, 12338 Priory Circle, St. Leo.

The event will give regional business leaders and members of the Saint Leo community a chance to engage with one of the nation’s leading voices on small business policy.

Registration for the event is free but required. Register at calendar.saintleo.edu/event/16741-breakfast-with-tom-sullivan.

 

PHSC trustees to review fee adjustment

WESLEY CHAPEL – Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees is considering a proposed course-related fee adjustment.

A decision may come at 11:30 a.m. April 21 at the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel.

Fee adjustment proposals are reviewed and approved for DBOT consideration by PHSC’s Council of Academic Affairs.

Visit policies.phsc.edu/policies-and-procedures/public-disclosure for details regarding proposed adjustments, justification for the fees and implementation details.

Many adjustments relate to vendor increases for workforce courses, laboratories and program testing. Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants. All fees charged by vendors are negotiated by the college, with additional fee increases and decreases expected in the coming academic year.

PHSC has not raised tuition since the 2012-13 academic year.

 

Hillsborough schools get new trees  

TAMPA – Trees play a vital role in local communities by protecting people from extreme environmental elements.  

Through a hands-on educational opportunity, Hillsborough County’s Environmental Services Division and Hillsborough County Public Schools will teach students about the resilience of trees and how they help mitigate storm surge, absorb stormwater, decrease urban heat island effects and provide shade to lessen chances of heat stroke and dehydration.

In celebration of Arbor Day and Earth Month, two local schools are receiving donated trees from TECO as part of the county’s third annual Classroom to Canopy Tree-Planting. The private events will take place at Thompson Elementary School and Giunta Middle School.

Students will have a chance to assist in the tree-plantings by carefully refilling the trees’ new homes with soil to help them grow strong, resilient roots.  

 

Student veterans support Liberty Manor 

TAMPA – Students representing the Hillsborough College Student Veterans of America Chapter at HCC Tampa participated in a day of community service at Liberty Manor for Veterans. 

Members at the event were Jazmin Collins, John Smith, Maria Pena, Issac Ruiz, Christopher Reed, Jacques Noel, Rozel Matthews, China Booker, Francesca Ruiz, Michael Wisneski and Charlye Torres.

The HCC Veterans Club enhances the relationship between the students who have served in our Armed Forces and those who haven’t.  

Liberty Manor for Veterans promotes the developmental and social needs of disabled and honorably discharged veterans who have fallen victim to homelessness.

 

Quick Hits

  • Landon Raab, of Odessa, was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, at University of Florida.
  • Kiran Gopala Iyer, of Odessa, and Carter Mogridge, of Lutz, graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. 
  • The Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa organized the Sisterhood Summit for high school girls across Tampa Bay. The event was scheduled for March 27 at Tampa Bay History Center. 

Business Digest (04/01/26): 1905 Family of Restaurants supports Habitat home

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Casey Gonzmart, Andrea Gonzmart Williams, Homeowner Denaye Ward, Richard Gonzmart and Ryu were all smiles at the celebration. Gonzmart and other representatives from his restaurant group, which includes The Columbia Restaurant, Ulele and Casa Santo Stefano, joined Ward, her 4-year-old daughter, Romey, and 3-year-old son Ryu. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough

1905 Family of Restaurants supports Habitat home

TAMPA – Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough presented a new home to Denaye Ward and her two children, providing relief after rising rent costs consumed more than half her income.

The home at 2913 E. 28th Ave. was made possible through volunteers and support from the 1905 Family of Restaurants, led by restaurateur Richard Gonzmart.

“Strong communities are built when we invest in people who are working to build better lives for themselves and their families,” Gonzmart said. “I’m proud to support this effort that strengthens families and makes them feel more connected to where they live.”

Habitat homeowners contribute “sweat equity” by helping build their homes and receive affordable mortgages.

“I am very grateful for each volunteer who has dedicated their time, skills and energy to help build my home,” Ward said.


City of Zephyrhills has job openings

ZEPHYRHILLS – The City of Zephyrhills is inviting qualified candidates to apply for vacancies across various departments.

Opportunities are available for candidates with diverse backgrounds, including administrative, technical, public safety, and skilled trades.

City of Zephyrhills job openings include: chief plant operator (wastewater), code support specialist, GIS technician/community planner, heavy equipment operator, human resources assistant, patrol officer, planning director, records clerk (police), sanitation driver, sanitation superintendent, sanitation worker, SCADA specialist and utilities service worker (wastewater).

All positions are open until filled and offer competitive salaries and excellent benefits, along with opportunities for career advancement within a growing municipal organization. 

Interested applicants are encouraged to view full job descriptions and submit applications at zephyrhills.gov/jobs.aspx

Applications may also be submitted in person from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at Zephyrhills City Hall, 5335 8th St., Second Floor, Zephyrhills, FL 33542. 

Questions regarding applications and the hiring process may be directed to City of Zephyrhills Human Resources Department via email at or phone at 813-780-0012.

 

Tickets available for Florida SBDC luncheon 

TAMPA – The Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida will host its fourth annual Business Awards Luncheon on May 13 at the USF Marshall Center.

The event will recognize SBDC and U.S. Small Business Administration award winners for 2025, along with outstanding SBDC team members. Activities begin at 11:30 a.m. and include networking, exhibitor booths, lunch and a keynote address by Jay Rogers, CEO and co-founder of Haddy.

“As we gather again to honor the remarkable achievements of our region’s small businesses, I am reminded of the resilience, creativity, and determination that define our entrepreneurial community,” Regional Director Carl Hadden said.

The event is open to the public. Tickets cost $99. More information is available at https://events.blackthorn.io/6g3Q8Wa7/5a1eVOCHQNN.

 

Real estate firm recognizes agents 

TAMPA – Weichert, Realtors – Exclusive Properties announced that local agents were honored by the national franchise organization, Weichert Real Estate Affiliates Inc., for outstanding real estate performance in 2025.

The following agents earned recognition for reaching specified levels of real estate production in gross commission income or units closed in 2025:

  • Chairman’s Club: Alvin Satram and Walter Southard
  • Executive Club: Dillon Abernathey
  • Sales Achievement Certificate: Sergio Duran and Claudia Forero

“We are incredibly proud of our affiliates and their agents for their remarkable achievements over the past year,” said Bill Scavone, president of Weichert Real Estate Affiliates. “Their dedication, expertise and commitment to providing outstanding service truly set them apart. They persevered and found success during what was widely considered one of the most challenging years in real estate.”

 

IRS offers special hours at Taxpayer Assistance Centers 

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service announced that special Saturday hours will be available over the next few months at select Taxpayer Assistance Centers across the country. 

The special Saturday openings will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on select Saturdays through the end of June. 

The IRS encourages taxpayers to visit IRS.gov/SaturdayHours for a list of participating TAC locations and instructions to review before traveling to an office. During these Saturday hours, taxpayers can receive assistance with all services routinely offered at a TAC, except for making cash payments.

More than 200 IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers nationwide are also extending their weekday hours through April 30 to give taxpayers more time to get the help they need during the filing season. 

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a Business Breakfast, Leading Ladies Network event and member celebrations.

  • Members celebrate the grand opening of Chase Bank at Epperson with a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 1 at 32106 Pioneering Place, Wesley Chapel. Register in advance.
  • Sarah Rasheid, chief content creator for the North Tampa Bay Chamber, talks about marketing during the Leading Ladies Network event from 9 to 10:30 a.m. April 3 at USF Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. Registration costs $15. Register in advance. 
  • Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson speaks at the Business Breakfast from 9 to 10:30 a.m. April 7 at Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Members pay $25. Others pay $30. Register in advance.
  • Members celebrate the fifth anniversary of Florida Central Credit Union from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 8 at 17502 Dona Michelle Drive, Tampa. Register in advance.

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

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber will host the Hudson Business Exchange as well as roundtables for the medical industry and veteran community. 

  • The chamber hosts the Greater Pasco Medical Roundtable from 8 to 9 a.m. April 2 at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, 6600 Madison St., New Port Richey. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance.
  • Members trade business materials during the Hudson Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 2 at Vitality Living Baypoint Village, 7927 State Road 52, Hudson. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Lunch costs $14. Register in advance. 
  • Members attend the Greater Pasco Veterans Roundtable from 8 to 9:30 a.m. April 8 at 4 & Co Coworking Spaces, 16703 Early Riser Ave., Land O’ Lakes. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance.

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

 

East Pasco events

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

  • Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. April 3 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.) and from 8 to 9 a.m. April 7 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.). Register in advance.

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

 

Rescue encourages neighbors not to abandon animals

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A DoorDash bag had 10 kittens found inside. Phot

PLANT CITY – Outside a local PetSmart store, an orange DoorDash bag was left next to the front door. Inside of this bag were 10 kittens, left alone and defenseless for an unknown amount of time. With temperatures in the 40s that night, this could have ended in tragedy.

“We are committed to providing the kittens with full veterinary care, including vaccinations and spay/neuter, and will ensure they are placed in safe, loving homes,” said Tara Pisano, one of the directors of Rescue Pets of Florida.

This isn’t the first time that Rescue Pets of Florida has taken in abandoned animals. 

A storage tote had a litter of abandoned puppies inside. Photo courtesy of Rescue Pets of Florida

A few weeks ago, a litter of puppies were abandoned and left in a storage tote, with no protection. The puppies were placed in loving foster homes and are all doing well. They’re expected to go up for adoption after they’re vaccinated and spayed/neutered.

With the warming temperatures, the community is entering into what rescuers call, “Kitten Season,” which is when many animals, including cats and dogs start to give birth. It can be an overwhelming time for shelters, rescues and even neighbors who may find kittens or puppies and feel a need to help get them to safety.

But abandoning them in totes or bags outside of shelters, stores or rescues can do more harm than good. Rescue Pets of Florida recommends reaching out to a humane society, shelter or rescue group. 

Many rescues, including Rescue Pets of Florida, work with county shelters and take in animals to help prevent overcrowding.

To prevent unwanted kittens, Rescue Pets of Florida spays/neuters 90 to 120 cats at each of their pop-ups, which occur on three Sundays every month. 

These pop-ups focus on spay/neuter of cats within the rescue as well as TVNR (trap, vaccinate, neuter, return) animals from the community. This is in addition to the low-cost spay/neuter clinics available throughout the area.

Rescue Pets of Florida has about 230 cats/kittens and 70 dogs/puppies in its care. Visit Rescuepetsofflorida.org/ to learn more about fostering animals, volunteering and donating.

Things to consider while incorporating fiber into your diet

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March is Colorectal Awareness Month, but you may have heard year-round how diet plays a role in reducing the risk for several types of cancer, including colorectal.  

Getting enough fiber in your diet is one of the key things you can do, though only 10% of adults get enough.

What does fiber do?  

A few things, according to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.  

For one, it improves the microbiome by cultivating a healthy population of bacteria in the gut and colon.  

It also decreases inflammation as it’s fermented by the bacteria, which protects the colon cells.  

Additionally, fiber speeds up the time it takes for food to pass through our gut. For any unhealthy food consumed, this means the gut has less contact with it.

How much do we need?  

The recommended amount depends on age and sex, ranging from 20 to 35 grams per day.  

For most people, aim for at least 28 grams per day.  

Studies done on fiber supplements like psyllium fiber reveal that they don’t reduce colon polyps.  

Thus, the American Cancer Society recommends getting fiber from food sources, not through supplementation.  

Additionally, food sources have vitamins and minerals that fiber supplements may lack.

Fiber, both soluble and insoluble, can’t be digested and is found naturally in plant-based foods.  

Many vegetables and whole grains have both types.  

Soluble fiber attracts water into the intestines, forming a gel and supporting good bacteria in the colon.  

Whole fruits like citrus, berries, apples and bananas, as well as vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes and peas, are high in soluble fiber.  

Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water, passes through our system intact, quickly removes waste from the body and is found in nuts, seeds, leafy greens, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, lentils, celery and whole grains.  

According to Harvard Health Publishing, data from nearly 250 studies show evidence on disease and fiber: death rates of colon cancer, as well as heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes, decrease by 16% to 24% among people who eat more fiber compared to those with insufficient fiber intake.  

And for every 8 additional grams of fiber, the risk for these diseases decreased 5% to 27%, with risk reductions the highest when fiber intake was between 25 to 29 grams.  

Additionally, the American Institute for Cancer Research reports that 3 ounces of whole grains per day reduces the risk of colorectal cancer by 17%.

A few ways to increase fiber:

  • Choose a whole grain cereal and top it with fruit
  • Swap white rice and pasta for brown rice and whole wheat pasta
  • If you normally snack on processed food such as chips, add fruit or vegetables to your snacking sessions.  Include hummus or salsa as healthy dips for the vegetables.
  • Add nuts, seeds and fruit to yogurt
  • Think of meals you already eat, such as soup and chili, and add in extra beans and vegetables
  • Make wraps and burritos with whole grain tortilla shells instead of refined

If you are increasing fiber in your diet, make sure to do so slowly so your body can adjust.

Too much too quickly can cause digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, cramps or diarrhea.  

It’s also important to increase your water consumption as you increase your fiber.


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.

 

Hillsborough County extends emergency ban on open burning

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TAMPA – Hillsborough County extended an emergency burn ban March 12 on all outdoor open burning in all areas of the county for the ninth consecutive week.

The overall dry conditions continue to increase the danger of wildfires in Hillsborough County with drought conditions expected to remain high to very high in March. Since the beginning of January, 1,249 forest and brush fires throughout the state have burned over 77,162 acres.

The only exceptions to the emergency burn ban are a constantly attended barbecue grill for outdoor cooking, certain agricultural enterprises in eastern and southern Hillsborough County that can dispose of agricultural plastic through controlled burns and burning that has been specifically allowed by the Florida Forest Service.

County Administrator Bonnie Wise signed the Executive Order on March 12. Under the order:        

  • A local state of emergency is declared.      
  • All outdoor open burning is prohibited.        
  • The order bans fireworks, sparklers and fire pits.         
  • Outdoor grilling is allowed, as long as the flames are contained within a grill and the fire is constantly attended.    

By law, the order can be in effect for no more than seven days. If conditions persist, the order can be extended.  

 

Safety Tips  

Hillsborough County offers some safety tips to prevent fires: 

  • Remove fuels that can lead flames to your home or that can be ignited by windblown embers.         
  • Clear away dead grass, leaves, twigs and branches from structures, roofs, rain gutters, decks and walkways.         
  • Store firewood at least 30 feet from occupied structures.         
  • Plant landscaping that retains moisture and resists ignition, such as native, fire-resistant vegetation.         
  • Help emergency responders find your home faster by making sure that street numbers are easy to read.         
  • Know where the closest firefighting water source is to your home or building.         
  • Dispose of cigarette butts properly.         
  • Pick up light-refracting metal items, such as soda cans, that can spark a fire.         
  • Don’t park vehicles over high grass that could come into contact with hot engines and other components.    

 

Burning Agricultural Plastic       

Agricultural plastic is used to suppress weed growth and help retain soil moisture.          

It is crucial for farming operations to dispose of the plastic from the most recent growing season to meet critical timeframes for the next season. Burning of agricultural plastic is the accepted means of disposal under state statute and is allowed on weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. 

Farmers are required to always have a field supervisor on-site during the burning.

Burning agricultural plastic does not create embers that could ignite fires elsewhere. However, as a precaution, burning may take place only in open fields and not near any structures.

 

Stay updated

Visit HCFL.gov/HCFLAlert to sign up for Hillsborough County’s official public notification system to receive text or email updates related to the burn ban. 

 

PetSmart supports Rescue Pets of Florida with grants

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TAMPA BAY – A new grant from PetSmart Charities will allow Rescue Pets of Florida to help more pets throughout the Tampa Bay area get healthy and adoption-ready.

The grant will support National Adoption Week events at local PetSmart stores taking place March 23 to 29.

Millions of pets find themselves in U.S. shelters each year, adding strain to many local shelters coping with strained resources. Funds from PetSmart Charities support Rescue Pets of Florida and the community by providing medical care in the form of spay/neuter, microchipping, vaccines and care of sick animals, as well as supplies, food and education to make in-home fostering more accessible for members of the community.

The grant also helps to fund Rescue Pets of Florida’s Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return program, which provides medical care and sterilization to feral/community cats in the community. The program’s goal is to reduce the number of homeless pets, including kittens that are at a higher risk of disease and death when living outdoors.

“Our animal welfare partners in local communities are determined to keep pace with the need and deserve support,” said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities. “We’re proud to work alongside Rescue Pets of Florida and appreciate the critical steps they take to advocate for the animals that come through their doors in need of love, safety, care and nutrition.”

PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week is a special time during the year. Stores will host adoptable pets to meet and cuddle in spacious areas. Staff and volunteers are ready to make introductions and answer questions. Potential pet parents can also learn about the products and services they’ll need for the best possible start with their new pets. 

Adoptable pets are available at the following times and PetSmart locations throughout the year, with National Adoption Week events occurring March 23 to 29:

  • Spring Hill: 1345 Wendy Court | Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Valrico: 3313 Lithia Pinecrest Road | Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Wesley Chapel: 6001 Wesley Grove Blvd. | Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
  • St. Petersburg: 7777 Doctor Martin Luther King Junior St. N. | Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
  • Plant City: 211 W. Alexander St., Suite A | Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

On the web: rescuepetsofflorida.org

Hope Services provides inclusive prom-style event 

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WESLEY CHAPEL – Hope Services is providing a prom-style celebration for young people with disabilities.

The fifth annual Dance Your Dream will allow guests 14 and older to enjoy a night of music, dancing and fun – complete with a raffle and silent auction to raise funding in support of the nonprofit’s mission.

The Land O’ Lakes nonprofit provides vocational training and job readiness for people with disabilities and others facing barriers to employment.

This year’s Dance Your Dream celebration will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. April 18 at Wesley Chapel District Park. Sponsorships are available, with proceeds benefiting Hope Services’ Life Skills and Vocational Training Center.

Hope Services is helping girls prepare for Dance Your Dream.

Girls ages 14 and older will have the opportunity to select a free dress of their choice to wear to Dance Your Dream during a Gowns for Girls pop-up event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 14 at Wesley Chapel District Park. 

At the pop-up, attendees can browse more than 1,500 formal gowns and dresses in a variety of styles, colors and sizes. Each gown has been donated by members of the community and local partners.

“This is our first opportunity to offer Gowns for Girls in partnership with founder Stephanie Brown, and we are so excited to bring this special experience to our community,” said Cindy Bray, founder and CEO of Hope Services. “It is a wonderful opportunity for girls to walk away with a beautiful dress completely free. We cannot wait to see all the beautiful gowns and watch the red carpet at Dance Your Dream, filled with smiling faces and stunning dresses on that special night.”

Hope Services also plans to host a special event providing complimentary suits for men attending the dance. Those interested are encouraged to visit hopegetsjobs.org or follow Hope Services on social media for event updates.  

Visit hopegetsjobs.org to register, become a sponsor or learn more about Dance Your Dream. 

 

Campaign designed to keep mosquitoes at bay

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ODESSA – Pasco County Mosquito Control District is rolling out a campaign to rid neighborhoods of discarded tires, which are ideal breeding habitats for species that can transmit viruses.

Rainwater collects in tires, which creates the perfect home for Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Once water gets into tires, it does not drain. This wet, hidden environment helps mosquitoes complete their life cycle to become adults that bite people and animals with the potential to spread life-altering diseases. 

The district is partnering with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County on Free Tire Drop-Off Week.

Pasco County residents can drop off used tires at the Pasco County Mosquito Control District, 2308 Marathon Road, Odessa. Additional drop-off locations include: 

  • March 16, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., John S. Burke Memorial Park, 13220 Jean Nelson Road, Dade City.
  • March 17, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Samuel Pasco Recreational Complex, 9835 Chancy Road, Zephyrhills.
  • March 18, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Land O’ Lakes Recreational Center, 3032 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes.
  • March 19, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Veterans Memorial Park, 14333 Hicks Road, Hudson.
  • March 20, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Moon Lake Park, 8985 Lake Drive, New Port Richey.

“We are proud to offer this valuable service to our community,” said Adriane Rogers, executive director of the Pasco County Mosquito Control District. “By disposing of tires, we’re directly helping to reduce mosquito production sites, which in turn helps protect the health of our residents from mosquito-borne diseases. Every tire we remove brings us one step closer to a safer, healthier Pasco County.”

Residents can bring up to 24 car tires each, without rims and free of debris, to the event. Pasco County Mosquito Control District will dispose of the tires at no cost to residents. Only on-road vehicle tires will be accepted at this event. 

The district also encourages residents to dump out any standing water around their homes and businesses. 

 

Don’t get bit

Pasco County Mosquito Control District encourages residents to take preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites, including: 

  • Using US EPA-approved insect repellent that contains DEET or picaridin. 
  • Wearing long sleeves and pants when spending time outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk when most mosquito species are most active. However, dengue mosquito vectors are also active during the day. 
  • Eliminating standing water around homes, as it serves as mosquito breeding habitat. 
  • Installing or repairing window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of homes. 

On the web: pascomosquito.org

 

Pasco deputies trade fire with suspect in fatal shooting

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NEW PORT RICHEY – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating a fatal shooting on March 9 that led to the suspect exchanging gunfire with Pasco Sheriff’s Office deputies.

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco said a man and woman were clearing land around noon at the intersection of Davista Avenue and Sawtell Street when they were confronted by 32-year-old Aaron Rodriguez. The male victim called 911, telling dispatch they were being harassed by Rodriguez.

“While he’s on the phone with 911, the male victim is shot,” Nocco said. “He collapses at the intersection.”

Nocco said Rodriguez also shot the woman. She ran down the street to get away from him. 

Nocco described this as a horrific scene, not only for the victims but also for the dispatchers who heard everything unfold during the call. 

Deputies arrived at the scene and began rendering aid to the victims. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Three deputies, including one with a canine partner, approached the suspect who was in a nearby garage.

“The suspect has a gun,” Nocco said. “They start ordering the suspect to drop the gun. He does not drop the gun. Shots start being fired.”

The canine handler was shot. The other two deputies continued moving toward the suspect. The suspect was hit in the exchange.

Nocco was proud of how the deputies handled themselves during the tense scene. 

“We tell people if you put your hand on something hot, like a boiling pot, your hand is going to burn,” Nocco said. “If you play with glass, it’s going to cut. If you point a gun at a Pasco deputy, you’re going to get shot. And that’s what happened today. There’s no apologies. There’s no sympathy. He got shot. I feel horrible for the victims.”

The deputy, woman and suspect were all taken to the hospital. The deputy did not have life-threatening injuries. His canine partner was also OK. Nocco said he wasn’t aware of the status of Rodriguez or the woman when he spoke to reporters about the incident. 

The FDLE investigation is standard protocol with deputy-involved shootings. The deputies who fired the shots have been placed on paid administrative leave, in keeping with policy. 

The sheriff’s office described the shooting as an isolated incident, assuring the public there was no safety threat. 

“It’s an absolute horrible incident that occurred,” Nocco said. “It all happened because the suspect did not, one, just be a normal person and allow people to go about their business and clean a lot – their own lot. Second, when you get orders to drop a gun from a Pasco deputy, you drop that gun. It’s that simple.”

Bresin: Nuts offer many health benefits

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If you look at the food label (and hopefully you do), you’ll see that nuts are high in calories. 

For example, there are 170 calories in a one-ounce serving of mixed nuts, or 180 calories in a quarter cup of walnuts, while three small chocolate chip cookies come in at 160 calories. 

We tend to think that if something is high in calories, we should refrain from eating it if we are trying to lose weight. 

And while that is true, it’s also important to factor in the quality of calories, not just the quantity. 

Although nuts are high in calories (and excess calories can lead to weight gain), they have a lot of nutritional value and health benefits, making them a nutrient-dense food. Some of their health benefits include:

  • Fiber.
  • Monounsaturated fat, which lowers LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol levels, while maintaining the HDL, or “good” cholesterol.
  • Protein.
  • Vitamins E and B6, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, potassium and more.
  • Phytochemicals that play a role in preventing heart disease.

Just a handful (about one ounce) five times a week is all it takes to pack a nutritional punch.

Did you know the peanut is not a nut? While we group peanuts in the nut category in the food and culinary world, botanically speaking, because they grow underground, they are a legume, which are edible seeds enclosed in pods. 

Therefore, they are in the same family as peas, beans and lentils, according to the International Food Information Council. 

Whereas nuts like cashews, almonds and walnuts grow on trees. 

This is why peanuts and peanut butter are cheaper than other nuts and nut butters. They cost less to cultivate and harvest.

Tree nuts take several years to harvest versus planting peanuts in the ground each year. 

Because peanuts and tree nuts have different proteins, people with an allergy to one aren’t necessarily allergic to the other. 

That’s why you’ll see on a food label’s allergy warning “contains peanuts and tree nuts,” since they are technically two different food types.

It’s best to avoid salted or honey roasted nuts, but if you don’t want them plain, go with lightly salted; the sodium difference is usually around 50% less per serving. 

We should not be consuming more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, and even less, at 1,500 mg per day, for those with hypertension. 

Another thing to note: plant-based milks, such as almond milk, don’t have the same nutrient levels as the actual whole nut. 

And for those prone to certain types of kidney stones, nuts and peanuts should be limited, so make sure to talk with your doctor or dietitian about your diet.

In addition to snacking on a handful of nuts, incorporate them in your meals too, such as adding cashews to a salad, adding walnuts to your bowl of oatmeal, topping peanuts onto stir fries or throwing in some nuts into the blender when making a smoothie. 

There are lots of ways to enjoy them.

 

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.