The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Local Wildlife (9/17/25): Duck parenting

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Photo courtesy of Brenna Hicks

You think you’re busy? Consider the growing pains of raising a family of 11 like this black bellied whistling duck. Oh stop, with the whistling, ducklings. Momma is trying to find some snails. 

Health & Wellness (9/17/25): BayCare keeps burnout at bay

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BayCare recognized for keeping burnout at bay

CLEARWATER – BayCare has earned the bronze-level recognition in 2025 from the American Medical Association as a Joy in Medicine organization. 

The recognition honors health systems, hospitals and medical groups that prioritize proven methods to reduce burnout and enhance the professional fulfillment of doctors that comes from patient care. 

“We take tremendous pride in prioritizing the well-being of our physicians,” said Dr. Sowmya Viswanathan, chief physician executive at BayCare. “This milestone is a clear reminder that wellness-focused leadership is critical. When we focus on the well-being of our physicians, they can focus on the joy of providing compassionate care that is aligned with their talents and our mission, vision and values.”

Burnout among U.S. physicians peaked at 62.8% in 2021 during the COVID pandemic, according to a recent study. But with system-level efforts to address burnout, the national physician burnout rate declined to 45.2% in 2023. 

“Joy in Medicine-recognized organizations are leading the gains made against the physician burnout crisis and help clinicians rediscover the deep rewards and joy that comes from helping patients,” AMA President Bobby Mukkamala said. 

 

Hospital to hosti Women’s Health Expo

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is hosting a free Women’s Health Expo on Oct. 6 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. 

Discover the wide range of services available at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, with a special highlight on women’s health including mental health, breast health, pelvic floor care, skin care and fitness. 

Learn about the Hinks and Elaine Shimberg Breast Center and take advantage of free health screenings including glucose, blood pressure and BMI. Shop for unique items at curated pop-up shops, enjoy light refreshments and have fun at a festive photo booth.

Walk-ins are welcome but registration is encouraged at this free event. Register by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing  “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the Oct. 6 class listing. Register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.

Call -855-269-4777 for details about the event.

 

BayCare releases reports on physicians

CLEARWATER – BayCare Health System released Vital Impact, its 2024 Physician and Provider Annual Report. 

The report highlights the work of BayCare’s physicians and clinical teams serving West Central Florida.    

Among the notable milestones in 2024:

  • For the Provider as Customer Survey, a 4.35 engagement score places BayCare at the 79th percentile nationally, reflecting a highly committed workforce.  
  • Year-over-year growth in engagement signals improvement and a commitment to provider satisfaction.  
  • Collaboration with its physicians helped 10 of BayCare’s eligible acute-care hospitals receive an “A” grade from Leapfrog, the patient safety group’s highest rating.  
  • The launch of our BayCare Clinical Institutes.  

BayCare is continuing to expand its academic medicine and research programs. BayCare is also on track to expand its graduate medical education residency positions to more than 650 by 2029, to continue bringing top-notch physicians to the region.  

 

AdventHealth to expand emergency care access in Punta Gorda 

PUNTA GORDA – AdventHealth is bringing a state-of-the-art emergency department to Punta Gorda.

Located at the southeast corner of Jones Loop Road and Mac Ever Street, the new facility will provide 24/7 emergency care, advanced technology and whole-person care minutes away for families across Charlotte County.

This project comes at a critical time for the community. After recent hurricanes damaged and closed a local hospital, many residents have faced longer travel times to receive emergency treatment. 

“We want families in Punta Gorda and surrounding areas to feel confident that help is close by in an emergency,” said Adam Johnson, president/CEO of AdventHealth Port Charlotte. “This new emergency department is the first step in a long-term commitment to bringing more health care services back home to this community.”

 

Florida marks fifth straight year of clean air

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced that Florida has met all federal air quality standards for the fifth consecutive year. 

Florida is the most populous state in the nation to achieve this distinction.

The Clean Air Act requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for six criteria air pollutants that can harm human health and the environment: carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particle pollution and sulfur dioxide. Florida’s industrial emissions have declined 78% since 2000, and ozone levels – the most widespread air pollutant – have fallen by nearly half over the past 20 years.

Florida maintains one of the nation’s most comprehensive air quality monitoring networks, with 180 monitors at 90 sites across the state. The network meets or exceeds federal requirements and ensures accurate, real-time data for residents and communities.  

Floridians can track daily Air Quality Index conditions in their area through floridadep.gov or AirNow.gov.

 

The Battle In The Bay to feature FSU & Texas A&M

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TAMPA – Tampa Bay will be the epicenter of college basketball as Florida State University and Texas A&M University face off in The Battle in the Bay.

The marquee non-conference matchup, organized by Russ Potts Productions Inc., will take place at Tampa’s Benchmark International Arena at 7 p.m. Nov. 28.

The Florida State Seminoles, representing the ACC, will go head-to-head with the SEC’s Texas A&M Aggies in a showdown that’s sure to be a must-see for fans of both schools and college hoops.

Zach Franz, president of Russ Potts Productions, said his team is grateful to work with partners like Benchmark International Arena, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, Vinik Sports Group and both universities to deliver an exciting day of basketball. 

“Our community is excited to welcome back the upcoming edition of NCAA Men’s March Madness and this event will help our community partners prepare so that we’re ready to put our best foot forward in March,” said Rob Higgins, executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. 

The matchup features two head coaches leading their programs in their first season: Luke Loucks of Florida State and Bucky McMillan of Texas A&M. Here is what each coach had to say about the game: 

 

Luke Loucks, Florida State Seminoles coach

We’re working tirelessly to build a championship-caliber program for our great Florida State fans. Every game we play against a quality opponent helps us grow and become a better basketball team. 

Playing Texas A&M is great for us in so many ways. They were ranked in the Top 15 nationally, a No. 4 seed in last year’s NCAA Tournament and finished fifth in the SEC, making this matchup a powerful test for us. 

Playing in Tampa also gives us the chance to showcase our team in one of Florida’s largest cities, home to a vibrant community of Seminole supporters. 

This game strengthens our program and provides our players with valuable experience as we prepare for the rest of our non-conference slate and the upcoming ACC schedule.

 

Bucky McMillan, Texas A&M Aggies coach

“We’re looking forward to participating in the Battle in the Bay in Tampa this November versus a strong basketball program in Florida State University. 

I have great respect for their athletic accomplishments and am excited to be starting this series. 

I think this year and next year’s games will be something that both fan bases can rally around. I just hope our fans leave happier than theirs.”

Tampa Bay Sun FC lose 3-2 in home opener

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TAMPA – The Tampa Bay Sun Football Club weren’t able to overcome a late three goal scoring spree by Sporting JAX in their return to Suncoast Credit Union Field. 

The match was scoreless after the first half, but Sporting JAX scored three goals in the second half to put the visitors up 3-0. The Sun had two late second-half goals to make it 3-2.

Sporting JAX broke the deadlock in the 50th minute when Meg Hughes unleashed a strike from outside the box to the bottom right corner to give the visitors the lead.

Ashlyn Puerta had the second and third goals for Sporting JAX to put them up 3-0, but the Sun made it a game with two late goals.

Sandrine Mauron ignited a late push for the Sun with a well-placed goal in the 70th minute. Just two minutes later, Carlee Giammona netted her second of the season, cutting the Sun deficit to one.

The Sun couldn’t get it done, losing 3-2 in the home opener. The game was the home opener for the Sun, kicking off their Gainbridge Super League championship defense, and culminating in a fireworks show for fans along the Hillsborough River.

The team falls to 0-2 to start the season.

The next match was scheduled at Carolina Ascent on Sept. 6, past the newspaper’s deadline. The next Sun home game is a rematch of the 2024-25 playoff semifinal on Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m. vs. Dallas Trinity FC.

 

CareerSource Tampa Bay observes Workforce Development Month

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TAMPA – CareerSource Tampa Bay is joining workforce boards across the country to celebrate Workforce Development Month with job fairs, industry events and community partnerships throughout September.

“It’s about celebrating the people whose lives are changed through new skills, meaningful careers and stronger connections with employers,” said Keidrian Kunkel, president and CEO of CareerSource Tampa Bay. “We’re proud to work with our staff and community partners to build a talent pipeline that supports both job seekers and businesses in the Tampa Bay region.”

The national observance highlights programs and services that connect job seekers with meaningful employment while helping businesses find the skilled talent they need to grow. 

CareerSource Tampa Bay operates seven career centers in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties and partners with employers and organizations to strengthen Tampa Bay’s workforce and economy.

Events planned for Workforce Development Month include:

  • Sept. 11: WELD (Women for Economic Leadership and Development) Leadership Series – Navigating Your Career Journey: Empowering Workforce Development featuring CareerSource Tampa Bay President Keidrian Kunkel as a panelist.
  • Sept. 16: Second Chance Job Fair.
  • Sept. 16: Tampa Bay Tech Apprenticeship Network Event (employer-focused).
  • Sept. 24: Manufacturing Industry Roundtable in partnership with Pinellas County Economic Development (employer-focused).
  • Sept. 25: Workforce Development Month Fall Job Fair.

CareerSource Tampa Bay also launched a new virtual series earlier this month, Unlocking Apprenticeships, which provides an overview of how apprenticeship programs can build a pipeline of skilled talent for employers. 

CareerSource Tampa Bay will also send staff and leadership to the Florida Workforce Development Association annual conference Sept. 8 to 10 in Orlando. The conference includes programs designed to strengthen the skills of workforce professionals.

On the web: CareerSourceTB.com

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers help build home

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Bianca Anderson thanked Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and others Aug. 21 for their help in building her home. Courtesy Habitat of Tampa Bay Hillsborough

TAMPA – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers teamed up with Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough to help a single mom and her young daughter achieve homeownership.  

Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford, front office leaders and community partners such as Slide Insurance, handed the keys to a new Habitat home to Bianca Anderson and her 3-year-old daughter, Ciana.

The Bucs have been part of the journey from the start of the project. Players Yaya Diaby, Jamel Dean, Mike Greene, Raiqwon O’Neal, Jose Ramirez, C.J. Brewer, Lorenz Metz, and Tavierre Thomas rolled up their sleeves in December to help build the home in East Tampa.

“You are so appreciated, more than you’ll ever know,” Bianca told Buccaneers players and Habitat volunteers.

 

Polk County Hispanic Conference set for Sept. 6

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LAKELAND – One of the largest Hispanic leadership conferences in the nation is coming to Lakeland.

The third annual Conferencia de Transformacion Latinoamericana is coming to the Southeastern University campus Sept. 6. Previous events were held in Atlanta and Los Angeles. 

This marks the first time Polk County will host a major Hispanic leadership conference. The event, held at the Bush Chapel, will feature numerous local leaders alongside national figures.

The conference not only focuses on strategy and networking but also aims to help leaders stay authentic and connected to their family and community while moving forward in their careers.

 

Featured national speakers

  • Mariela Romero: A 27-time Emmy Award winner and the founder of the Latin American Transformation Conference. She will share her exclusive “7 C’s” methodology for personal and professional breakthroughs and high-performance leadership.
  • Giovanni Gonzalez: A communications and leadership strategist who will teach how intentional listening can deepen influence, align teams and transform leadership results.
  • Peter O. Estevez: His journey from immigrant to partner at one of the fastest-growing financial firms in the U.S. now inspires thousands of Latinos to transform their beliefs, finances and future.
  • Mercedes Guzman: She shares her story of overcoming challenges from the poorest neighborhoods of El Salvador, teaching others how to heal past wounds and create a full, empowered life.
  • Consra Rosales: As a managing partner of a U.S. financial firm, her story of resilience and leadership has transformed communities through economic empowerment.

 

Featured Polk County speakers

  • Teresa Martinez: An influential leader and editor of ¡Viva Polk!, she has dedicated her life to amplifying the Hispanic voice in Florida through her work in education, communication and community.
  • Martha Santiago: Recognized for her leadership in politics and education, she drives economic and community progress in Polk County with a strategic vision forged through public service and leadership development.
  • Angela Falconetti: As president of Polk State College, she has received multiple awards for her commitment to education and leadership.
  • Omar Arroyo: As the first Mexican-American mayor in Florida’s history, the Haines City native inspires with his story of achievement, leadership and community service. He promotes an inclusive vision that empowers young people and strengthens his community’s social fabric.
  • Franceen Gonzales: She went from cleaning pools to leading LEGOLAND Florida Resort. She has 30 years of experience in transforming the entertainment industry with a focus on innovation, safety and global leadership.
  • Sergio Perez: His story, which begins with studying English with his mother and culminates in programming at META, proves that purposeful effort can break down any barrier.

 

This is a ticketed event. Visit transformaelfuturo.com for details. 

Tips for parents navigating back-to-school finances

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  • Passing on Financial Education to Students: Money management is a muscle you have to build, and starting early can help children establish a strong foundation. From learning how to build a budget, to understanding the benefits of compound interest, instilling smart spending, saving and budgeting habits before and during the college years will help your student be well-prepped for long-term financial success.

 

  • Mastering Your Back-to-School Budget: Starting a new school year is always a time of change, which can often be accompanied by financial strain for parents and students alike. Creating a budget that covers essentials like textbooks, supplies and tuition is key. Set a spending limit and track your variable purchases (new clothes, locker or dorm decor, etc.) to keep yourself on track and avoid overspending when you hit the stores.

 

  • Pro Tip: Help your children build healthy habits by using free budgeting apps and digital tools to stay on track. Bank of America’s Better Money Habits website offers easy-to-follow guides for students, helping them manage their money and track expenses as they go. Remember, budgeting doesn’t have to be all about sacrifice. Maintain some flexibility to help your financial life’s impact be positive, not overwhelming.

 

  • Building Credit as a Student: College is a great time to start building credit. In the future, your child might want to rent an apartment or apply for a car loan. Having a good credit score can make a big difference. Consider setting them up with a student-friendly credit card, and make sure to set up automatic payments to avoid missing any payments. Maintaining a positive credit score is an excellent way to open doors for future financial engagements.

 

Jeff Crabtree works at Bank of America Tampa Bay.

 

Community rallies around oak tree in Dade City

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DADE CITY – County Administrator Mike Carballa announced Aug. 19 that Pasco County will take steps to preserve an old oak tree outside the courthouse in Dade City. 

This comes after members of the community urged county leaders not to remove the tree in favor of updated landscaping. 

Carballa said county commissioners directed staff to employ a master arborist, who inspected the oak tree, provided a report on its condition and included options for removal, remediation or maintenance.

“Based on the arborist’s report and with the full support of this board, Pasco County will begin implementing a new maintenance plan to protect both the tree and surrounding property and we will reevaluate the tree’s condition biannually to ensure everyone’s safety,” Carballa said. “Pasco County appreciates the community’s patience as we move through the process of gaining a deeper understanding of the tree’s condition.”

County commissioners have received a lot of feedback from the community on the issue, including from Karen Menard of the Dade City Garden Club. Menard read a resolution from the club during the Aug. 19 public comment period urging the board to register Grand Oak No. 7 as a protected heritage tree. 

“This tree is estimated to be between 200 and 250 years old and represents one of the oldest and most significant natural landmarks in Dade City,” Menard said. “The tree has been a witness to the history and development of the community, serving as a gathering place for generations of residents and holding cultural, historic and sentimental value.”

The Dade City Garden Club explained that mature oak trees provide shade, habitat for native wildlife, stormwater management and carbon sequestration.

 

Let’s take a deep dive into the MIND Diet

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We know that our diet is connected to our gut health, mental health, chronic diseases, and also, cognitive health.  

Have you heard of the MIND Diet?  

It’s an eating pattern designed to promote brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.  

Dementia is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Harvard School of Public Health.  

While this diet can’t reverse present cases of dementia, it can play a role in prevention or slow the progression.  

And the good news is that it’s based on existing diets that you may already be following or are familiar with.

The MIND Diet stands for Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay.  

The Mediterranean Diet is a heart-healthy diet that focuses on healthy fats, while the DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) focuses on reducing high blood pressure.  

They are similar in that they promote whole, unprocessed food for cardiovascular health.  

Research has shown that protecting heart health also protects brain health.  

The MIND Diet combines these two diets to include food and serving size recommendations that are considered “brain healthy” while also noting a list of foods to limit.

In the initial study, a group of over 1000 adults without dementia in the Chicago area were recruited, where they had to complete dietary questionnaires for nine years and take cognitive assessments.  

From that, a MIND Diet score was created based on foods and nutrients that were found to protect against cognitive decline.  

How do you score?

Daily MIND Diet foods:

  • Whole grains: 3 servings per day (one serving = 1 slice of bread or 1/3 cup)
  • Vegetables (not green leafy): 1 serving per day (1 serving = ½ cup cooked or 1 cup raw)
  • Nuts: 1 serving per day (one serving = 1 handful or 2 tablespoons)
  • Olive oil as primary source of added fat

Weekly MIND Diet foods:

  • Green leafy vegetables: 6 servings a week (one serving = 1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup raw)
  • Beans and legume: 3-4 servings per week (one serving = 1/3 cup)
  • Berries: 2 or more servings per week (one serving = 1 cup)
  • Poultry: 2 servings per week (one serving = 2 to 4 ounces)
  • Fish: 1 or more servings per week (one serving = 2 to 4 ounces)

Foods to limit:

  • Pastries and sweets: less than 5 servings per week (1 serving = 1 small piece)
  • Red meats (including beef, pork, lamb and products made from these): less than 4 servings per week (1 serving = 2 to 4 ounces)
  • Cheese: one serving or less per week (1 serving = 1 slice or 1 ounce)
  • Fried and fast food: less than 1 meal per week
  • Butter/stick margarine: less than 1 tablespoon

For those who don’t cook and prefer to eat out, this may sound challenging.  

But there are easy ways to incorporate the MIND Diet at home, such as salads with beans and an olive oil dressing, a bowl of unflavored oatmeal with berries and nuts, using whole grain bread instead of white bread on a sandwich or eating nuts as a snack instead of chips.  Eating well at restaurants is harder simply because you don’t have control over the ingredients and cooking methods, but ordering baked salmon instead of a burger, having bread with olive oil instead of butter or skipping dessert are ways to stay mindful of the MIND diet when eating out.

Simple swaps done incrementally make dietary changes less daunting than trying to make big changes all at once.

Of course, it’s more than just food that can play a role in brain health.  

Getting enough physical activity (150 minutes per week), an active social life, and challenging your mind are all important too.

Following the MIND Diet has been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by 53%.  

Even only moderately following the diet can reduce the risk by 35%.  

It was ranked No. 3 in Best Diets Overall in 2024 in US News and World Report.

Clearly, the low inflammation and reduced oxidative stress prompted by the MIND Diet are good for your brain (and heart and waistline).

 

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.