• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About Us
  • Videos
    • Featured Video
    • Foodie Friday
    • Monthly ReCap
  • Online E-Editions
    • 2025
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
  • Social Media
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
  • Advertising
  • Local Jobs
  • Puzzles & Games
  • Circulation Request

The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

  • Home
  • News
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills/East Pasco
    • Business Digest
    • Senior Parks
    • Nature Notes
    • Featured Stories
    • Photos of the Week
    • Reasons To Smile
  • Sports
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills and East Pasco
    • Check This Out
  • Education
  • Pets/Wildlife
  • Health
    • Health Events
    • Health News
  • What’s Happening
  • Sponsored Content
    • Closer Look
  • Homes
  • Obits
  • Public Notices
    • Browse Notices
    • Place Notices

justin

Chalk Talk (6/25/25): Grant funds education for students

June 19, 2025 By justin

Grant funds education for part-time students, parents

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation has received a $40,000 grant from the Edward K. Roberts Community College Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. 

The funds will support scholarships for PHSC students during the summer term and upcoming academic year, with preference given to part-time students and student-parents. 

Since 2011, the fund has awarded over $670,000 to PHSC students. 

Edward K. Roberts overcame early challenges to become a successful philanthropist and lifelong donor to PHSC. Upon his passing in 2009, he established the fund to continue supporting community college students in need.

 

Construction begins on new Catholic school

ST. PETERSBURG – Bishop Gregory Parkes led a groundbreaking ceremony June 13 and blessed the site of a new Catholic school, Mater Dei, to be built next to St. Anne Catholic Church in Ruskin.

The school will serve 300 students from Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Gibsonton and nearby areas when it opens in fall 2027.

The Diocese of Saint Petersburg spent over six years planning the project in response to the area’s rapid growth. 

It will be the first Catholic school in Ruskin, where the nearest one is 40 minutes away. 

“Anybody who drives through here or spends any time here can see how many homes are being built here and how many new families are moving into this community,” Parkes said. 

 

Kroh earns Champion title

LUTZ – Stanley Kroh, a governing board member at Learning Gate Community School in Lutz, has been named a 2025 Charter School Champion of the Year by the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools. 

Kroh is one of three board members honored for contributions to their schools during the 2024-25 school year.

Champion charter school governing board members “are those, who, through their service on their boards, have contributed significantly to the success of their charter schools,” according to nomination materials.

“Each of the winners helps to deliver quality education to Florida’s charter school students,” FCPCS President Robert Haag said. “They are important contributors to Florida’s hugely successful charter school movement.”

 

Hall gets new PHSC contract

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Pasco-Hernando State College District Board of Trustees voted to award Eric Hall a one-year contract to serve as president from June 17, 2025 to June 30, 2026. 

The contract supersedes the full interim contract signed by Hall and trustees on May 20, 2025. 

The decision was made at a board meeting June 17 at the Instructional Performing Arts Center. Hall was

selected unanimously by trustees as interim president during the May board meeting. 

He assumed the interim president role on June 9.

 

Alabama students do well

TUSCALOOSA, Ala – Several area students made honors lists during the spring semester at The University of Alabama.

Lutz residents Emersen Angel, Renata Blatt, Danielle Kanas and Zoe Poulsen made the president’s list for earning a 4.0 GPA. Graydon Horn, of Odessa, also made the president’s list.

Madeline Griggs, of Odessa, made the dean’s list for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

 

Student achievements

  • Jillian Abarca, of Odessa, made the spring dean’s list at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia for earning a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Froohar Barekat, of Lutz, was elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at University of South Florida.
  • Salvador Antonio Castellanos, of Zephyrhills, earned a master’s degree in plant breeding at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.
  • Sietske Drijvers, of Wesley Chapel, made the spring dean’s list at Mercer University in Macon Georgia.
  • Isabella Ann Gurau, of Dade City, earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.
  • Ben Graziano, of Lutz, graduated magna cum laude from the University at Buffalo in Buffalo, New York with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
  • Riley Hall, of Wesley Chapel, made the president’s list at Mercer University in Macon Georgia.
  • Shannon Kendall, of Land O’ Lakes, made the spring dean’s list at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  • Gennaro Scarfogliero, of Odessa, made the spring dean’s list at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia for earning a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Joshua Smart, of Lutz, made the spring president’s list at Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi for earning a GPA of 4.0.
  • Laura Vigna, of Wesley Chapel, made the dean’s list at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia.

 

Potatoes are low in fat but high in interesting tidbits

June 16, 2025 By Shari Bresin

Americans love their potatoes.  

In fact, it was the most purchased vegetable in the U.S. in 2023, according to the International Fresh Produce Association. More than half (63%) of those potato sales are from food manufacturers for further processing, such as for French fries and chips.  

There are over 4,000 potato varieties, with Russet, Yukon Gold and Red among the most common.  

The potato itself, while starchy, is healthy until you start frying it in oil and adding salt or loading it with sour cream or butter, of course.  

Their fiber content, potassium levels, Vitamin C and minerals such as iron, magnesium and manganese make them nutrient dense.  

They are also low in fat and calories and are part of the starchy subgroup of vegetables, along with plantains, yams, corn and parsnips.  

Though their starchiness and high glycemic index effects blood sugar levels, they can still be part of a diabetic-friendly diet, depending on how many grams of carbs you are restricted to, so be mindful of portion sizes.

Potatoes are native to South America.  

Spanish conquistadors came across potatoes in Peru and brought them back to Europe in 1536.  

It didn’t make its way to North America until the 1620s, when the governor of the Bahamas sent a box of gifts to the governor of the colony of Virginia, with potatoes being among the items.  

However, they did not become popular until Thomas Jefferson started serving potatoes to guests at the White House, after he was introduced to them in France while serving as the Ambassador to France in the late 1700s.  

Speaking of France … do you know the history of French fries?  

France’s neighbor, Belgium, claim to have invented fries.  

As the story goes, in a small village in Belgium in the winter of 1680, when the local river froze and they couldn’t catch fish to fry, they used long segments of potatoes and fried them instead.  

However, food historians dispute this, saying oil was too scarce and that they wouldn’t have fried potatoes with it.  

They also question if potatoes were grown in that region at that time.  

Another story goes on to say that a Paris-trained chef traveled around Belgium, selling slices of fried potatoes at first, which he called Paris-style fried potatoes, and then eventually cut them into stick shapes so they would cook faster.

Today, both Belgium and France call them “pommes frites,” or fried potatoes.  

In the U.S., we call them French fries, possibly because of the cooking term, “Frenching,” a Julienne style of cooking, or possibly because U.S. soldiers during World War I discovered them in French-speaking Belgium and just assumed it was French.  

Whatever the origins of the name or the food itself, you can find them everywhere, whether it’s at a sports bar, fast food restaurant, from the frozen aisle, or you make them yourself in the air fryer to go with your hamburger.

 

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.

 

Zephyrhills grads told to be elite but also present

June 12, 2025 By Justin Vick

ZEPHYRHILLS – Joel Torres Espinoza described his parents as the “perfect representation of the American Dream done right.” 

His dad worked countless hours to provide for the family while his mom stayed home and took care of Joel and his three older brothers. 

“My mom is the type of mother who would starve to make sure her baby boys were fed,” he said. “Now she knows she has four boys who would do anything for her.”

Espinoza said he developed his dad’s work ethic. That work ethic led Espinoza to earn the distinction of valedictorian at Zephyrhill High School. 

Espinoza told his classmates June 5 from the graduation stage that someone has a one in 400 trillion chance of being born and then a 4% chance of living in the United States. He urged classmates not to waste that opportunity they are blessed with and push themselves to operate at an elite level. 

Senior Class President Dylan Fleshood said he’s had so much fun at Zephyrhills High School, planning homecoming floats, organizing pep rallies, decorating for prom and coaching soccer. 

Fleshood encouraged classmates to keep striving for greatness in everything they do.

“Remember, your talent defines what you can do, your motivation determines how much you’re willing to do and your attitude will shape how well you do it,” Fleshood said.

Outstanding Senior Alyssa Rojas cautioned classmates about getting too fixated on the future that they overlook the beauty of the present. 

“We get caught up in the race to achieve and be successful that we lose sight of compassion and connection,” Rojas said. “Life isn’t just about reaching a destination. It’s about the journey, the lessons we learn and the memories we create. Let’s remember to cherish each step and find joy in living in the present.”

Principal Amanda McCoy said the Class of 2025 overcame challenges – some expected, others not – through resilience, creativity and heart. More than accolades, McCoy takes pride in the type of people they have become. 

She assured graduating seniors they are ready for what’s next. 

“Go forward with courage, dream big, work hard, stay kind and never forget where you came from,” she told them. “Class of 2025, we’re so proud of you. Congratulations and may your future be as bright as your spirit.”

Wiregrass Ranch grads given partial playlist to success

June 5, 2025 By Justin Vick

WESLEY CHAPEL –  Principal Robyn White offered four songs to inspire the Class of 2025 as they leave Wiregrass Ranch High School to pursue their dreams. 

White said graduates embodied resilience and determination, qualities reflected in songs like Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” and Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).”

“Each challenge you faced has only made you more resilient and prepared for the future,” White told them during graduation. “You’ve learned to fight for your dreams and stand a little taller.”

White told graduates to believe in themselves and stay hopeful, echoing the spirit of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing,” and to face challenges with the strength and courage of Katy Perry’s “Roar.”

White has presided over Wiregrass Ranch graduations for 13 years as principal but this would be her last. 

“As I retire after 39 years in education, the last 20 of which have been in Pasco County, I can’t think of a better time to go,” White said. “I leave with a heart full of gratitude and pride knowing that the future is in the hands of such capable and inspiring young individuals.”

Graduates also spoke about the relativity of time. 

Salutatorian Nicholas Kovacs said looking back at high school was already starting to feel like a dream, though it felt like a lifetime going through the past four years.

Valedictorian Austin McCallister said that if someone would have told him that it would take 4,500 hours to finish high school, it would have seemed like an eternity. He compared the experience to climbing a mountain. 

“Mountains aren’t supposed to be climbed all at once,” McCallister said. “They are climbed step by step – one class, one hour, one caffeine-fueled all-nighter at a time. And look around, we made it.”

McCallister nudged classmates to continue climbing new mountains as they emerge and not be afraid to fall or forge new paths. 

Student Council President Amera Gardner alluded to this in her speech, recalling a mix of excitement and anxiety she felt on the first day of high school.

“We weren’t just the new kids,” Gardner explained. “We were the first full class to return after COVID, stepping into a school, still trying to find its rhythm. But instead of easing in, we brought that energy, we showed up, we got involved and we redefined what normal meant.”

Gardner described how the Class of 2025 finds itself in a familiar spot, ready to fly from the nest but with some apprehension of leaving. She assured classmates they are ready to fly.

“Tonight we soar,” she said, “together, apart and forever connected.”

 

Wesley Chapel High School grads reflect on resilience 

June 4, 2025 By Justin Vick

WESLEY CHAPEL – Pierre-Etienne Boisvert encountered a pair of challenges that could have derailed his education. Instead, they became brief mentions in his salutatorian speech June 4 at Wesley Chapel High School.

Boisvert shared with fellow graduates how he moved from Canada to Florida with very little knowledge of English when he was 10 years old. He overcame the language barrier in about a year thanks to Google Translate and Duolingo.

During the COVID-19 pandemic. Boisvert thrived in virtual learning, earning A’s for a whole year. This motivated him to try to get all A’s throughout high school, bringing the honor of salutatorian within reach. 

Boisvert encouraged classmates to reach their goals. 

“In the future, let’s move forward towards our dreams no matter what,” he said. “Through sheer perseverance and overcoming any obstacle in our way, we will be able to become something greater.”

The Class of 2025 is off to a great start, earning more than $4 million in scholarships, according to Principal Matt McDermott. Among the graduates, McDermott said, 259 graduated with honors, 23 received AP Capstone diplomas, 20 earned associate degrees and nine are enlisting in the Armed Forces.

“I have no doubt in my classmates’ abilities to carry through with their goals because I’ve seen the devotion that brought them here today to walk across this stage with pride in more than just their academic and athletic accomplishments,” Valedictorian Sean Donahue said in a humor-infused speech. “I do, however, doubt their ability to park in between the lines.”

McDermott also recognized the 18 student-athletes that signed scholarships to compete at the collegiate level. 

The Class of 2025 won conference, district and regional titles in various sports, including baseball, basketball, cheerleading, golf, tennis, track, volleyball and weightlifting. 

Then there was the Wildcat band that won superior ratings in several state assessments.

Speaking of music, McDermott channeled a verse from Canadian singer-songwriter Josh Ross: “Life is short and time is swift, do what you love and love what you do.”

“These words hold a profound truth,” McDermott told students. “They remind us that our journey through life is fleeting. And it is essential to pursue your passions and find joy in your endeavors.”

McDermott reminded graduates how they showed resilience, creativity and a commitment to excellence as they faced challenges. He encouraged them to carry those qualities with them into the next chapter of their lives. 

 

Youth place flags at Florida National Cemetery

June 4, 2025 By justin

Event organizers said the event instills a sense of gratitude and a deeper appreciation for citizenship, history and  sacrifice. Photos courtesy of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Tampa Area

BUSHNELL – Youth from congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the Tampa Bay area gathered at the Florida National Cemetery this week to participate in an annual tradition.

They placed American flags in front of thousands of headstones, pausing at each one to speak the veteran’s name aloud and say, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice.”

The gathering brought young people together from communities such as Land O’ Lakes, Lutz, Citrus Park and Spring Hill. 

“It means everything that I am here today,” said 13-year-old Ella Anderson of Land O’ Lakes, “that I can live with my family and friends in a free country.”

Event organizers said the event instills a sense of gratitude and a deeper appreciation for citizenship, history and  sacrifice. Photos courtesy of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Tampa Area

The day carried a personal connection for Abigail Bradberry, 13, of Lutz.

“My great-grandfather is buried here and I never met him,” Abigail said. “But I do know he was a great, fun person, and knowing that helps me realize that I can still remember him and thank him for everything he did – even though I didn’t meet him.”

Emma McCann, 5, of Spring Hill, said her favorite part was placing the flags and reading the names. 

“I noticed a grave had the same last name as me,” Emma said. “My dad and I are going to see if we are related to him.”

Luke Anderson, 15, of Land O’ Lakes, shared a hope that drives many of the youth to return year after year.

“I hope that people remember the men and women that served and died for our country and our freedoms,” Luke said. “I hope they also remember to respect these freedoms and know they weren’t just given. They were earned by these people that served our country.”

 

GoPasco revamps bus service

June 3, 2025 By justin

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Public Transportation is enhancing routes and schedules to provide better service, improved connections and greater accessibility.

“We truly appreciate the input from our community, which played a vital role in shaping these improvements,” GoPasco Director Jannina Elkin said. “The feedback from surveys and public meetings has helped ensure these changes reflect the needs of our riders.”

Here’s what you can look forward to:

  • Enhanced schedules across all routes.
  • Improvements to Routes 14, 18, 21 and 30.
  • Better service along Little Road:
  • New Route 24 – Serving Little Road south of the West Pasco Government Center to SR 52, plus full service on Embassy Boulevard to Gulf View Square Mall
  • Route 23 – Covering Little Road north of the West Pasco Government Center to the YMCA and Bryan Square community off Legend Pasture Road
  • New Route 35 for Zephyrhills. Connecting the Zephyrhills Transfer Station with Eiland Boulevard, Dean Dairy Road, Chancey Road and Paul Buckman Highway.
  • Route 31 expansion – Connecting Fort King Road, Clinton Avenue and service to Moore Mickens.

Visit GoPasco.com for more information about the route improvements and the GoPasco bus routes and schedule changes.

 

Pasco school board member sums up unforgettable year

May 29, 2025 By Megan Harding

Megan Harding

I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every single teacher, staff, parent, community member and student. 

It’s been a year filled with challenges, triumph, change, resilience and dedication. It’s truly been inspiring.

To our incredible students, your hard work and enthusiasm has made this year unforgettable. Whether you’re graduating or moving up a grade, your growth and achievements have made us all very, very proud. I want you to take this summer to recharge, explore and continue pursuing your passions.

To our dedicated teachers and staff, your commitment to the education and well-being of our students is truly remarkable. Your efforts have created a nurturing environment where learning thrives. 

We’ve had to pivot a lot because of hurricanes and different things like that but you really created a learning environment that is nurturing. Thank you for everything you do day in and day out.

As we look forward to summer break, I encourage everyone to take time to rest, rejuvenate and connect with loved ones. Let’s cherish these moments and return with a renewed energy and excitement for the year ahead. I’m wishing everyone a safe and joyful summer. 

 

Megan Harding serves as District 5 representative on the Pasco County School Board. She gave these remarks during the May 20 school board meeting. 

 

Pasco County Schools graduation ceremonies

 

May 29, Center for the Arts at River Ridge

  • 5 p.m. – Marchman Technical College 

 

June 3 – Wendell Krinn Technical School Gymnasium

  • 6 p.m. – Wendell Krinn Technical High School – Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony

 

June 4, Yeungling Center

  • 9 a.m. – Wesley Chapel High School 
  • 1:30 p.m. – Hudson High School 
  • 6 p.m. – Wiregrass Ranch High School 

 

June 5, Yeungling Center

  • 9 a.m. – Zephyrhills High School 
  • 1:30 p.m. – Fivay High School 
  • 6 p.m. – Land O Lakes High School 

 

June 6, Yeungling Center

  • 8 a.m. – Cypress Creek High School 
  • 12 p.m. – Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation
  • 4 p.m. – Pasco High School 
  • 8:30 p.m. – Sunlake High School 

 

June 7, Yeungling Center

  • 8 a.m. – River Ridge High School 
  • 12 p.m. – Gulf High School 
  • 4 p.m. – Anclote High School 
  • 8:30 p.m. – J.W. Mitchell High School 

 

June 10, Center for the Arts at River Ridge

  • 1 p.m. – Pasco eSchool 

DAR chapter celebrates 100 years with speakeasy theme

May 28, 2025 By justin

TAMPA – The Tampa Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution celebrated its 100th anniversary on May 10 by staging as speakeasy at The Columbia Restaurant in the Ybor City area.  

Co-chaired by Tampa Chapter Regent Sarah Hughes and Honorary Regent Bobbie Schofield, the speakeasy was complete with green door and password (Sparkle). Most guests appeared in Roaring 20s attire.  

Greeted by songs from the 1920s, guests were immediately immersed in the speakeasy atmosphere, enhanced by appearances by (flat) Al Capone, Colleen Moore, Don Lockwood and Lena Lamont and Charlie Chaplin.  

Other special guests included Florida State DAR Regent Cindy Addison from Fleming Island, State Vice Regent Kim Zeman from Deerfield Beach, State Registrar Jennifer Marks from Lithia and State Recording Secretary Laura Marriott from Longwood.  

The 120 guests included members from 15 other DAR chapters.  

Led by the Hillsborough River Unit of the Florida SAR Son’s of Liberty Brigade, the festivities began with a procession of color guard, chapter officers and state regent.  

Florida State Regent Cindy Addison’s remarks complimented chapters that lasted long enough to celebrate 100 years, with many of Florida’s chapters celebrating that milestone in the 2020s.  

The program also included presentations of gifts to each Tampa Chapter member in attendance, a check for $750 for the Florida state regent’s project and a skit starring Chapter Regent Sarah Hughes, Corresponding Secretary Madison Wise and Chapter Treasurer and Honorary Regent Bobbie Schofield.  

The Regents, State and Chapter, then lit the sparkling “candles” on the spectacular cake. 

Hughes then presented a moving and heartfelt toast to the past and the future of the Tampa Chapter doing Great Things in Tampa.  

A proclamation signed by Mayor Jane Castor was on display that declared May 10, 2025 as Tampa Chapter NSDAR 100th Anniversary Day in Tampa.  

Also on display were several images of Tampa in 1925.  

Of special note in the silent auction was a decades-old copy of “The Famous DAR Murder Mystery” by Graham Landrum.  

All the guests expressed themselves as having had a great time.

 

Business Digest (5/28/25): Pasco EDC wins awards

May 27, 2025 By justin

Pasco EDC accepts the Innovative Partnership Award for its CO.STARTERS collaboration. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC

 

Pasco EDU accepts the Organic Marketing Campaign Award for its Pasco Ready Sites 3D Property Videos. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC

Pasco EDC wins two awards

PORT CHARLOTTE – Pasco Economic Development Council received two Innovation in Marketing Awards from the Florida Economic Development Council.

The council honored Pasco EDC at its annual conference May 15 in Port Charles. 

The Innovative Partnership Award recognized the Pasco EDC SMARTstart Program and its collaboration with CO.STARTERS, nine nonprofits, United Way and The Vinik Foundation for the CO.STARTERS for Causes inaugural cohort. 

The Organic Marketing Campaign Award recognized the new Pasco Ready Sites 3D Property Videos. The project involved property videos using 3D and drone imaging to highlight location and access, utilities and infrastructure, and scaled renderings of how sites could be utilized by the end user.

“I am delighted to see Pasco EDC’s work recognized at the state level by the Florida Economic Development Council,” President/CEO Bill Cronin said. “Our team works hard to create innovative marketing initiatives and powerful partnerships that further the positive economic growth of Pasco County.”

Tom Ryan, vice president of business development with Pasco EDC, led a presentation that highlighted the partnerships and process that led Bauducco Foods to choose Pasco County for its $230 million business expansion. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC

 

Give input on Downtown Tampa’s future

TAMPA – The Tampa Downtown Partnership is hosting a series of interactive sessions to get feedback on its future. The organization is partnering with small businesses to host the events, and the shops are offering a discount or freebie if you “pop in” and speak your mind.

The “What’s Pop-In?” listening sessions will travel through Downtown Tampa’s seven neighborhoods from May 28 through June 4. At each location, Tampa Downtown Partnership staff will listen to ideas and concerns, track trends, and ask visitors to vote on a question tied to a major topic like growth, transportation, or public parks.

Upcoming sessions include: 

  • Grand Central at Kennedy (1120 E. Kennedy Blvd.), May 28, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Late Start Brewing (1018 E. Cass St.), May 29, 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Top Shelf Sports Lounge (401 E. Jackson St.), May 30, 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Small Giant (1051 Water St.), May 31, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Boulevard at West River (1345 W. Main St.), June 1, 9 a.m. to noon.
  • Ulele (1810 N Highland Ave), June 2, 9 a.m. to noon.
  • Tori Bar (442 W. Grand Central Ave.), June 3, 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta at Lykes Gaslight Square Park (400 N. Franklin St.), June 4, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

 

Prosecutor earns kudos from conservation group

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission presented Assistant State Attorney Benjamin Laing with the 2025 FWC Division of Law Enforcement Prosecutor of the Year award. 

Kaubg represents the 6th Judicial Court, serving Pasco and Pinellas counties.

Laing was nominated for his legal expertise and dedication, which contributed to the prosecution of several major cases, including a high-profile shorebird poaching incident.

He also established a system in which violators donate their financial penalties to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. This idea generated $50,000 last year to support these efforts.

“Benjamin’s invaluable partnership with the FWC and strategic approach has led to stronger legal actions against those who harm protected species, including manatees, gopher tortoises and migratory birds,” said Col. Brian Smith, director of the FWC Division of Law Enforcement. “He is a true advocate for wildlife justice and doesn’t hesitate to take on complex cases.”

 

EōS Fitness opens new gym

LAND O’ LAKES – EōS Fitness has opened 15,406-square-foot, full-service gym at the Village Lakes Shopping Center. 

The gym represents the brand’s second location in Land O’ Lakes and 17th location in Florida. 

EōS Fitness welcomes members 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It offers cardio and strength equipment, recovery solutions, smart technologies and group fitness and personal training options.

A few perks of this particular location include a Evolt 360 Body Composition Scanner that provides data about your body through 40+ fitness measures, as well as an indoor green turf training area, a recovery space with massage chairs and a locker room with showers. 

Memberships start as low as $9.99 per month. 

On the web: www.eosfitness.com

 

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 4
  • Page 5
  • Page 6
  • Page 7
  • Page 8
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 22
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Search

Sponsored Content

All-in-one dental implant center

June 3, 2024 By advert

  … [Read More...] about All-in-one dental implant center

WAVE Wellness Center — Tampa Bay’s Most Advanced Upper Cervical Spinal Care

April 8, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Tampa Bay welcomes WAVE Wellness Center, a state-of-the-art spinal care clinic founded by Dr. Ryan LaChance. WAVE … [Read More...] about WAVE Wellness Center — Tampa Bay’s Most Advanced Upper Cervical Spinal Care

More Posts from this Category

Archives

 

 

Where to pick up The Laker and Lutz News

Copyright © 2025 Community News Publications Inc.

   