The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

justin

Chalk Talk (10/29/25): Pepin Academies named Yass Prize Contender

By

Pepin Academies named Yass Prize Contender

TAMPA – Pepin Academies, a Tampa Bay-based network of public charter schools for students with learning disabilities, has been named a 2025 Yass Prize Contender.

The network was one of 23 organizations nationwide recognized for innovation in education. 

The Yass Prize honors programs that are sustainable, transformational, outstanding and permissionless. 

Pepin Academies serves more than 1,200 students in grades 3-12 across campuses in Tampa, Riverview and New Port Richey, plus a Transition Program for students ages 18–22 focused on life and workforce readiness.

“Every child has dreams and potential, and our job is to remove the barriers that stand in their way,” said Jeff Skowronek, executive director of Pepin Academies.

If selected as the $1 million Yass Prize winner on Dec. 4, Pepin Academies plans to expand its therapeutic education model, enhance staff development and strengthen programs that prepare students for life after graduation.

 

Students win YEA! Awards

TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners honored six students with Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards (YEA! Awards) on Oct. 15. 

The awards recognize middle and high school students who show leadership, perseverance and community service. 

This year’s recipients were as follows: 

  • Leadership: Arin Jadhao of Williams Middle Magnet and Ainara Gomez of Sickles High  
  • Community Service: Tritiya Rajagopal of Williams Middle Magnet and Suma Gadde of Hillsborough High
  • Success Despite Difficult Odds: Alidy Clark of Ferrell Girls Preparatory Academy and Malia Kirschman of Steinbrenner High

 

Schools earn grants for water resources education

BROOKSVILLE – The Southwest Florida Water Management District awarded $113,138 in Splash! school grants to 52 educators. 

The program provides up to $3,000 per school for K-12 projects that teach students about freshwater resources. Grants promote hands-on STEM learning and community engagement through water education activities focused on the water cycle, ecosystems, water quality and conservation. 

Winners included Chris Anzalone (Dayspring Academy), Keri Helmus (Wendell Krinn Technical High School), Dennis Koslin (J.W. Mitchell High School), Shamsher Lamba (West Pasco Education Academy) and Jose Olmo (East Pasco Education Academy).

On the web: WaterMatters.org/SchoolGrants

 

Quick Hits

  • Jace Druschel, of Lutz, earned the David R. & June Demmerle Scholarship this fall at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. The George M. Steinbrenner High School graduate is majoring in exercise science. 
  • Florida Recovery Schools of Tampa Bay holds its Golfing for Victory charity golf tournament Nov. 17 at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club. Register at golfingforvictory.com. 
  • Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation received $35,000 from the Hernando Healthcare Foundation for health programs and more thana $34,500 from the Florida College System Foundation for scholarships. 

 

Start-up plans to help growers feed more people

By

Arnold Schumann, a UF/IFAS professor of soil, water and ecosystem sciences at the Citrus Research and Education Center, is shown with a remote-operated vehicle. Photo courtesy of UF/IFAS

By commercializing their research, two University of Florida scientists are trying to get practical artificial intelligence tools into the hands of farmers. 

The goal is to build their business by increasing farm profitability, lowering the costs of inputs, such as pesticides and labor, and feeding more people. They are doing that by building a new business.

About two years ago, Nathan Boyd joined forces with Arnold Schumann, a frequent research collaborator, to form EZ Ag Innovations. Boyd is the president, Schumann is the chief scientific officer and Martyn Ballestero is the CEO.

EZ-AI technology, which is patented and licensed by UF, can help growers spray only weeds and minimize damage to surrounding crops, including strawberries and tomatoes.

The EZ-AI team has already started asking growers what they want, to make sure they build technology that addresses their needs. Then, they’ll demonstrate the technology on farms so growers can use it and provide clear, reliable data on the benefits, costs and return on investment.

“We are committed to working with growers and helping them be successful,” Boyd said. “We believe food security is important to national security, and we want to be part of the solution. Our targeted spray systems apply pesticides only where they are needed and will lower costs for growers.”

It’s hard work but well worth it, said Boyd, a professor of horticultural sciences and associate director of the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, part of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

“Running a startup is incredibly difficult and stressful,” Boyd said. “There are the standard steps like registering with the government, finding space, getting grants, hiring people, choosing accountants, building pitch decks and so on. There is significant research and development needed to go from a prototype to a minimal viable product (the simplest version that will work) and that takes time.”

Targeted spraying means preserving the environment.

“We are committed to sustainability and responsible stewardship of the land,” Boyd said. “Our precision-spraying techniques minimize the use of chemicals and minimizes environmental impact, while still providing optimal crop protection.”

Boyd described the start-up process as “hectic and challenging to navigate but rewarding to see progress.”

“Understanding what is needed to develop technology to reach the grower helps me understand as a researcher how to focus my time,” he said. “For example, perhaps I can build a widget, but if it’s not commercialized because the customer base is too small and the costs are too high or it doesn’t address an issue for growers, then I am wasting my time and the government’s money if I spend my time on something that ultimately has no chance of being useful to the end user.”

Schumann, a professor of soil, water and ecosystem sciences at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center, said he went into business with Boyd because they shared goals.

Both scientists recognized commercialization as the most expedient avenue to get research-based solutions to growers to help them solve practical problems.

“I would not create a startup by myself,” Schumann said. “It is a steep learning curve to navigate, and it helps me greatly that I can focus on research and development, while my co-founders manage the other essential aspects of a business.”

 

Fall concert sought to uplift community

By

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University shared a message of hope Oct. 8 at its Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee 2025 Concert. 

From African American spirituals like “Go Down Moses” to contemporary Christian tunes like “Hold on to Me” by Lauren Daigle to the classic rock of The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun,” the event showcased the musical and vocal talents of students and faculty while highlighting themes of hope and renewal.

“Our world hungers for hope,” said senior Luigi Meschino, president of the Student Government Union. “Wars, poverty, injustice all diminish and almost destroy human dignity and the joy of human life.”

Meschino noted the late Pope Francis declared the Jubilee Year of Hope that will began in December 2025, saying, “In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future may bring … Looking to the future with hope entails having enthusiasm for life and a readiness to share it … The coming Jubilee will thus be a Holy Year marked by the hope that does not fade, our hope in God.”

In his welcome to the concert, Meschino said, “May the words, songs and music that we hear and experience lead us to become heralds of hope.”

Edward DeBerri, chair of the Catholic Identity Advisory Committee, shared the words of Pope Leo XIV: “Where there is evil, we must seek the comfort and consolation that can overcome it. In the church, this means never being alone. Resting your head on a comforting shoulder. Finding someone who cries with you and gives you strength. All are signs of love. Where pain is deep, the hope that comes from communion must be even stronger. And this hope does not disappoint.”

Saint Leo students and faculty members provided the music of hope in many forms. 

From Handel’s “Let the Bright Seraphim,” featuring a trumpet solo by Dr. Orlando Ruiz and piano by Jeffrey Chodil, to the beautiful rendition of “The Prayer” by Dr. Cynthia Selph, director of Saint Leo’s music program, and Chris Romeo, vocalist and faculty member, the music created a sense of belonging and joy for those attending.

“A jubilee calls us to remember, to rejoice and to renew our commitments,” Saint Leo University President Jim Burkee said. 

Burkee quoted St. Paul, who in Romans 5:5 stated, “Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.”

The concert also served as a call for Saint Leo to become a university that hopes.

 “Let me offer three simple practices,” Burkee said. “First, we remember. The Benedictine tradition teaches us that memory matters, remembering who we are and whose we are. Second: We accompany. At Saint Leo, hospitality is not a courtesy; it’s a habit of the heart. Third: We build. Ora et labora, pray and work. Hope is not a feeling we wait for. It is a future we build together.”

Saint Leo’s Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee 2025 Concert served as a reminder that “hope has a melody,” Burkee said. “Sometimes, it’s a chorus we all can sing. Sometimes it’s a quiet harmony beneath the noise of the day. But it’s always there, asking us to add our voice.”

 

Upcoming Performances

Saint Leo University will host its annual Christmas Celebration on Dec. 3 and the Department of English, Music and the Arts will present two holiday concerts: 4 p.m. at Holy Name Monastery, 12138 Wichers Road, and 7 p.m. at the Saint Leo Abbey Church with parking at University Campus, 33701 County Road 52.

AdventHealth gets rezoning approval next to Zephyrhills hospital

By

ZEPHYRHILLS – AdventHealth has been granted more flexibility to develop 23 acres next to its Zephyrhills hospital.

The hospital system applied to rezone four parcels east of Dairy Road and north of Daughtery Road to general commercial uses. Most of the land is undeveloped wooded area, with the exception of some unpaved parking and a community garden.

William McCaw, a planner for the city, told the Zephyrhill City Council on Sept. 22 during the first reading that AdventHealth will use the site across Dairy Road to replace parking as it expands the hospital.

The hospital system will also continue to maintain the community garden.

AdventHealth offered deed restrictions to eliminate certain uses from the commercial zoning.

Some of these uses include big box retail, convenience store, gas station, hotel, landscape supply, garden center, pawn shop, drinking establishment, distillery and auto service, repair, retail, wash or detailing.

Barbara Wilhite, who spoke on behalf of AdventHealth on Oct. 13 during the second reading, said the petitioner has met with staff for three rounds to discuss prohibited uses. The most recent round of restrinctions included mini-warehouse and recreational vehicle storage.

“These are voluntary deed restrictions for the record,” Wilhite told the council. “We were not told we had to do this. We volunteered to do this. We were asked about those uses and we said, ‘absolutely, we’ll prohibit those as well.’”

The city advised AdventHealth that a traffic study would be needed for the intersection of Gall Boulevard and Daughtery Road prior to construction, according to McCaw.

City leaders have also expressed a desire for the parking area to be well-lit to protect pedestrians.

Public Works Director Shane LeBlanc assured the council that he has been working with the petitioner to add flashing pedestrian crossings to the site that are ADA-accessible.

“We’re working behind the scenes with them to make sure it’s a safe intersection,” LeBlanc said.

Saint Leo University observes Veterans Appreciation Month

By

Saint Leo University’s 2023 Veterans Appreciation Ceremony by the For Those Who Serve statue. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

St. LEO – The public is invited to join Saint Leo University in honoring veterans throughout November with events that celebrate their service, sacrifice and strength. 

Veterans Appreciation Month events that are open to the public include:

  • Virtual 1M, 5K and 10K (Nov. 1-30): Hosted by the Office of Military Affairs and Services, this virtual race supports the university’s Military Excellence Fund. Participants may run, walk, or jog at their own pace and location. All registrants receive a race T-shirt and finisher medal. Register at https://your.saintleo.edu/virtual5k.
  • Opening Ceremony & Lunch (Nov. 6, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Student Community Center boardrooms): Celebrate veterans with keynote speaker Lt. Col. Anthony J. Pinto, U.S. Air Force (retired). Lunch is available at the dining hall. Online guests may join via Zoom.
  • Veterans Mass (Nov. 12, noon-1 p.m., Saint Leo Abbey Church): Join in prayer and reflection at this Catholic Mass with Benedictine Monks of Saint Leo Abbey. Mass will be streamed on Facebook live for online participants.
  • Conversations About Success Beyond Service Webinar (Nov. 12, 6-7 p.m.): This webinar will feature Julie Bryson, Saint Leo alumna (classes of 2007 and 2009), Army veteran, advocate, author and founder of the nonprofit organization, Boots 2 Benefits. Attend on Zoom (Meeting ID: 913 6689 0816).
  • 4th Annual Chili Cookoff (Nov. 20, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Student Activities Building loggia): Join students, faculty and staff for a competition and sample all the chili entrees.
  • Military Excellence Fund: Individuals can support Saint Leo University’s veteran and military-affiliated students by donating to the Military Education Excellence Fund to support scholarships and programs for military-affiliated students.

 

Did you know?

Saint Leo University was named by U.S. Veterans Magazine as a Veteran-Friendly Yellow Ribbon Program school, ranking it as one of the top Veteran-Friendly Institutions and a Premier Yellow-Ribbon School. The university was honored for not only meeting the criteria b

What’s Happening (10/29/25): RUSH adds Tampa date

By

RUSH adds more dates to tour

TAMPA – RUSH co-founders Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson announced 17 additional cities on their 2026 headline tour, “Fifty Something,” due to demand.

The tour, celebrating RUSH’s music, legacy and the life of late drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, will stop at Tampa’s Benchmark International Arena at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9, 2026.

RUSH initially announced shows in seven major North American cities, all of which sold out. These new dates have been added due to the demand for tickets on those dates.

These shows mark the first time Lee and Lifeson have toured together in 11 years since the finale of RUSH’s R40 Tour in 2015 at the Forum in Los Angeles

For “Fifty Something,” Lee and Lifeson will be accompanied by German drummer, composer and producer Anika Nilles, who has performed as Jeff Beck’s drummer for more than 60 shows and has released four solo albums.

RUSH just revealed the 50-track super deluxe anthology, “RUSH 50.” The band has sold more than 45 million albums and earned seven Grammy Award nominations over the course of their career. 

Tickets for this event go on sale Oct. 31 at noon at Ticketmaster.com. Advance parking passes are available at ParkWhiz.com. Visit benchmarkintlarena.com or call 813-301-2500 for details. 

 

Oct. 29

Toddler Storytime

Join in stories, songs, movement and other fun activities with little ones at Hugh Embry Library. Designed for ages birth to 2 years. Space is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

10:15-11 a.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Preschool Storytime

Enjoy stories, songs and activities for preschoolers at Hugh Embry Library. Designed for ages 3–5. Space is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

11:15 a.m.-noon; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Chess Club 

Improve your chess game and strategy with Chess Master–rated coach Rick McKnight at New River Library. Open to kids and teens in grades 4–12 who are experienced chess players. Registration required. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

3:30-4:30 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Chess Club 

Learn and play chess with Chess Master–rated coach Rick McKnight at New River Library. Open to kids and teens in grades 4–12 who want to learn and play. Registration required. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

4:30-5:30 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Chess Club

Play in a weekly U.S. Chess Federation–affiliated club open to all ages and skill levels at Hugh Embry Library. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

5:15-7:45 p.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

English Conversation 

Improve English reading, writing and speaking skills with trained tutors at Land O’ Lakes Library. Designed for ESL learners and English speakers seeking to strengthen literacy. Call 813-929-1214 to save a seat.

6-7:30 p.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Oct. 30

Storytime Fun

Read, sing and dance with little learners during Storytime Fun at Zephyrhills Public Library. Space is limited, but registration is not required. Recommended for toddlers and preschoolers. Call 813-780-0064 for details.

10-10:20 and 10:30-10:50 a.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Tech Help

Get assistance with computer or mobile device basics from Hugh Embry Library staff. Bring your own device or use a public computer. Registration required. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

10-11 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

BayCare Health Screening

Receive free health screenings from BayCare at Hugh Embry Library, including blood pressure, lipid, BMI and glucose checks via finger sticks. Each screening takes about 10–15 minutes. Walk-ins welcome. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

10 a.m.-noon; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Preschool Storytime

Ms. Christy leads a Preschool Storytime with stories, songs and other activities at Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. Space is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. For ages 3 to 5 years. Call 727-815-7126 for details.

10:15-11 a.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Preschool Storytime

Enjoy stories and songs for children ages 3–5 and their caregivers at Land O’ Lakes Library. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

10:15-10:45 and 11:15-11:45 a.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Book Club

Join the monthly Land O’ Lakes Book Club to discuss The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis at Land O’ Lakes Library. Copies of the book are available for pickup. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

10:30-11:30 a.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Book Discussion

The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System hosts discussions of Mary Roach’s “Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law,” an exploration of the curious intersection between wildlife and human behavior, at Ruskin Branch Library. Recommended for adults. Registration recommended. Call 813-273-3652 for details.

2 p.m.; 26 Dickman Drive S.E., Ruskin

 

Mat Yoga

Michelle Mack instructs a mat yoga session at Zephyrhills Public Library. Bring a mat. Space is limited. Call 813-780-0064 for details.

4-5 p.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Yarn for a Cause

Join other yarn enthusiasts for a weekly gathering at New River Library. Participants share projects, tips and inspiration. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

6-7 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Oct. 31

Toddler Storytime

Share stories and songs with toddlers ages 1–2 and their caregivers during Toddler Storytime at Land O’ Lakes Library. Call 813-929-1214 for details.

9:45-10:05, 10:15-10:35 & 11:15-11:35 a.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

English Conversation 

Improve English reading, writing and speaking skills with trained tutors at Hugh Embry Library. Designed for adult ESL learners and English speakers seeking literacy support. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

10-11:30 a.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Hay Bale

Celebrate the sixth anniversary of the Dade City Hay Bale Painting Project presented by the Dade City Center for the Arts. Enjoy colorful hay bale displays created by local artists throughout Dade City, on view through Veterans Day. Free trolley rides provided by the Dade City Heritage & Cultural Museum, departing hourly from The Welcome Center. Locations include Agnes Lamb Park, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Hardy Trail on Church Avenue, Le Garden Bistro, Price Park and Treehouse Mercantile.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.; 37800 Church Ave., Dade City

 

Tech Help 

Receive one-on-one tech assistance during Final Friday appointments at New River Library. Each session lasts 30 minutes and volunteers can help with personal devices and passwords. Registration required. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

1-2:30 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Costume Parade

Celebrate Halloween during a trick-or-treat costume parade at Zephyrhills Public Library and City Hall. Parades leave every 15 minutes starting at 2:15 p.m., with the last parade at 3:15 p.m. Kids can also enjoy crafts and games in the library meeting room. Call 813-780-0064 for details.

2-3:30 p.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Film Screening

Enjoy a special screening of the classic horror film “Halloween” (1978) at Bloomingdale Regional Public Library. Recommended for adults. Call 813-273-3652 for details.

3:30-5:30 p.m.; 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico

 

Nov. 1

Crafty Creations

Join a monthly themed craft program for children at Zephyrhills Public Library. Space is limited, but registration is not required. Call 813-780-0064 for details.

10-11 a.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Read to Rover

Young readers can share stories and spend time with therapy dogs from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs at Hugh Embry Library. Call 352-567-3576 for details.

10:30-11:30 a.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Book Club

Discuss “Sense and Sensibility” by Jane Austen at New River Library. Pick up a copy of the book at the branch or read digitally using Libby or CloudLibrary with your Pasco Library Card. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

10:30-11:30 a.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Ukulele Jam

Bring a ukulele and jam with the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society at New River Library. Call 813-788-6375 for details.

Noon-2 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Author Talk

The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System hosts New York Times best-selling author Mary Roach for a discussion of her book “Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law” at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. The first 150 attendees will receive a free copy. A book signing follows the talk. Call 813-273-3652 for details.

1:30-2:30 p.m.; 8550 Hunters Village Road., Tampa

 

English Conversation 

Improve English reading, writing and speaking skills with trained tutors at New River Library. Designed for ESL learners and English speakers seeking to strengthen literacy. Call 813-788-6375 to save a seat.

3-4:30 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Nov. 8

Fall Fest

Enjoy a community fall festival with a large yard sale, vendors, bake sale, and chili at Christ Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Activities take place indoors and outdoors. Email for details.

8 a.m.-2 p.m.; 19501 Holly Lane, Lutz

 

Plant Sale

Shop a wide variety of indoor and outdoor plants, including flowering and specimen plants, at the Fern Garden Club Annual Plant Sale at Keystone United Methodist Church. Enjoy a gourmet bake sale and enter raffles for gift baskets. ferngardenclub.com

9 a.m.-1 p.m.; 16301 Race Track Road, Odessa

 

Nov. 10

Zephyrhills Art Club

Meet fellow artists during the Zephyrhills Art Club meeting at First Baptist Church. Guests should use the back entrance. The club offers workshops and demonstrations. Call 352-523-1213 for details.

7 p.m.; 38231 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills

 

Nov. 22

Model Train Show

Explore more than 70 tables of vendors selling model trains, toys, and collectibles during the Regal Railways Model Train Show & Sale at the Hernando Fairgrounds. Enjoy a running train layout, a test track, and a chance for kids to be an engineer. Food will be available for purchase. Admission is $6 for adults and free for kids 12 and under. Credit cards accepted; prepay at www.regalrailways.com. Call 727-244-1341 for details about being a vendor. 

9 a.m.-2 p.m.; 6436 Broad St., Brooksville

Give feedback as Hillsborough tweaks long-term roadway plans

By

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – The Florida Department of Transportation anticipates Hillsborough County’s population could increase by about 1 million people by 2070.  

To keep up with the growth, Hillsborough planners are mapping out future roadways to ensure the scale, location and rights-of-way are adequate to serve the needs of Hillsborough residents. To do so, an update is needed to the Corridor Preservation Plan, which is part of Hillsborough’s Comprehensive Plan.  

The last major update to the CPP was 15 years ago. 

As land use patterns and travel habits constantly change, county planners want to ensure transportation is safe and efficient in Hillsborough for years to come. In July, Hillsborough County hosted the first round of public feedback on the CPP. 

Using the feedback from that first engagement, county leadership has updated the plan further and is now collecting additional public comment from Oct. 29 to Nov. 30.  

The county will conduct a virtual engagement using the Hillsborough Engagement & Education Hub to collect feedback from the public on the Corridor Preservation Plan. 

Visit HCFL.gov/HCEngage to participate.  

 

Business Digest (10/29/25): Better Together to host job fair

By

Better Together to host job fair at Crossover Church

TAMPA – Better Together is partnering with Crossover Church to host a community job fair for Tampa residents on Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Registration is now open for job seekers and employers to participate in the November event at BetterTogetherUS.org/Crossover or by texting “JOBS” to 844-987-3949.

Participating employers include Aqua Home Care, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Kane’s Furniture, Lutheran Services Florida and Suncoast Community Health Center. 

Local resource partners will also join Better Together in offering various on-site services. Free one-on-one job coaching sessions are available to job seekers to review resumes, and additional services will be available onsite.

Church-based job fairs empower job seekers by connecting them with local employers who are ready to hire, while offering services that foster meaningful connections and increase opportunities for lasting employment. 

Churches interested in hosting a Better Together job fair can visit BetterTogetherUS.org for details.

 

Seminar explaining finding business capital

TAMPA – The Florida SBDC at USF will host Finding Business Capital in Today’s Economy on Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to noon at the USF Research Park, 3814 Spectrum Blvd. 

The free event connects entrepreneurs with lenders and finance experts to explore funding options, including traditional loans, microloans and trade credit. Attendees will learn strategies to strengthen their business financing opportunities. 

Registration is required at bit.ly/SBDC_BusinessCapital.

 

Pro photographers share stories

TAMPA – In an increasingly digital world, high-quality photography is a valuable tool. Three local entrepreneurs who have transitioned their passion for photography into a small business were scheduled to take the stage for Hillsborough County’s October Local Stories Live.

Panelists for Local Stories Live were Matthew Bowie, Bowie Productions; Rita Bowie, Bowie Productions; and Pamella Lee, PamElla Lee Photography.

The panel discussions will also be available live on Hillsborough County’s Facebook Page: @HillsboroughFL.

On the web: HCFL.gov/ECCEvents.

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host Findlay Friday and Coffee & Conversations. 

  • Members network during Final Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 31 at Residence Inn Tampa Wesley Chapel, 2867 Lajuana Blvd., Wesley Chapel. 
  • Leaders at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel provide updates on the hospital’s growth during Coffee & Conversations from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Nov. 4 at Fairfield by Marriott, 2650 Lajuana Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Members pay $10. Others pay $15. Register in advance. 

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

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a ribbon cutting and young professionals programming. 

  • Michael Cox, of Coastal Bay Wealth Management, serves as the speaker for the Young Professionals Group Coffee Connections event from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 31 at Starkey Market, 3460 Starkey Blvd., Trinity. 
  • Members celebrate a ribbon cutting for Gulfside Hospice Dr. Jay Well Center for Hospice Care from 11 a.m. to noon Nov. 3 at 5229 Deer Park Drive, New Port Richey. The ribbon is cut at 11:30 a.m. Register in advance.

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

 

East Pasco events

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

  • Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Oct. 31 at the Zephyrhills location (38550 5th Ave.) and from 8 to 9 a.m. Nov. 4 at the chamber’s Dade City location (14112 8th St.). Register in advance. 

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

 

Pasco MPO eyes regional transportation projects

By

ZEPHYRHILLS – Metropolitan Planning Organizations in Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties are continuing talks about joining forces to secure more funding for larger transportation projects across the Tampa Bay region. 

Tania Gorman not only serves as executive director for the Pasco County MPO but she’s also a resident of Zephyrhills. She updated the Zephyrhills City Council on Oct. 13 about efforts to consolidate. 

“Tampa Bay is growing fast,” Gorman said. “I moved here in 2019 and all I saw were beautiful cows and now I can’t get out of my house on Chancey Road. So, we know we’re growing fast. We want to consolidate to be stronger, faster and efficient and also align with the regional goals of how we want to move our people, our services and our goods around the Tampa Bay area.”

The MPOs have enlisted Whitehouse Group to facilitate discussions, like the MPOs are scheduled to have at the Regional MPO Principals’ Workshop on Nov. 14 at St. Petersburg College. Gorman invited Zephyrhills leaders to that event so they could make their voices heard. 

Gorman said representatives have met with MPOs across the nation to discuss what it’s like to merge. Local leaders planned to meet with MetroPlan, a merged group of MPOs in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties, at the end of the month. 

She explained that some of the challenges of merging MPOs are consolidating data and deciding on a governing board. She said Tampa Bay leaders have been discussing joining forces for 30 or 40 years. 

 “Do you have any fears that Pasco, being the smallest county and kind of the crown of Tampa Bay, would be marginalized at all if we do join?” Council Member Steve Spina asked her. 

Gorman explained how there are ongoing talks about the makeup of the board. They’re leaning toward 25 members. There have been talks among Pasco County MPO members about the cities having a rotating seat. She said cities could also be represented as a board committee, though there are many ways to incorporate their interests. 

 “The advocacy reaches a whole other level when we talk about regionalism,” Gorman said. “The MPOs would be going to work every day not solely for each of their counties but for the regional good.”

Zephyrhills Council Member Lance Smith, who serves on the Pasco County MPO, said there was some concern among city reps on the board they would lose out by merging with larger counties.

“The way they explained it to us was we’d be a better contender for some really large federal dollars when they’re available for the region, like for a huge interchange on (Interstate) 275 or something going to the port,” Smith said. 

 

Gulf Coast Bike Trek raises nearly $120K 

By

DUNEDIN – More than 125 cyclists from across the Tampa Bay area rode in the American Lung Association’s third annual Gulf Coast Bike Trek on Oct. 18 at the John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park. 

The participants have raised nearly $120,000, and counting, to support the American Lung Association’s efforts to save lives through research, education and advocacy.

The trek raises awareness for pediatric lung health. 

Here in Tampa, nearly 40,000 children have been diagnosed with asthma and many more are exposed to poor indoor air quality, respiratory illnesses and tobacco use. The Lung Association has resources and tools for parents and children on a variety of lung health-related topics at Lung.org.

“For the third year, the Tampa community has made every mile count by joining our Gulf Coast Bike Trek to raise awareness for pediatric lung health,” said Steven Riddle, executive director at the Lung Association in Florida. “Thank you to our participants, sponsors and partners who are helping fund our important work advocating for clean air in schools, homes and neighborhoods, protecting kids from the dangers of tobacco use and funding pediatric lung disease research. Every dollar makes a difference. Because when you can’t breathe, nothing else matters.”

Cyclists of all experience levels, from beginners to experienced riders, took to three scenic Pinellas Trail rides through Dunedin and Tarpon Springs: the 10-mile Alpha-1 Foundation Family Ride, a 40-mile ride and the 62-mile Metric Century ride. 

Dunedin Vice Mayor Jeff Gow and Commissioners Tom Dugard, Steven Sandbergen and Robert Walker addressed riders during the opening ceremonies.

Sponsors included Raymond James, LEAD, Alpha-1 Foundation, Emerald Engineering Inc. and Johnson & Johnson.

On the web: GulfCoastBikeTrek.org