The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Justin Vick

Effort underway to make Pasco County streets safer

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NEW PORT RICHEY – Fehr & Peers is developing Safe Streets Pasco, a plan designed to reduce transportation-related fatalities and severe injuries. 

Pasco County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization won a $320,000 Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant in 2023 from the U.S. Department of Transportation to create a safety action plan.

Kathrin Tellez, a principal with Fehr & Peers, shared her firm’s progress on the plan during the June 25 MPO meeting. Tellez said her firm will be engaged in public engagement in the months ahead.

“We know where crashes are currently happening,” Tellez said. “We have that data, but we want to understand where all those near-misses are happening, where people might not feel safe traveling. What are some of those conditions that we don’t quite know about? So, we want to layer on that lived experience onto the data that we already have.”

Once complete, Safe Streets Pasco will provide county leaders with a prioritized list of quick-build projects as well as long-term investments they can integrate into transportation plans. 

Tellez said the focus will be on improving a high injury network, which are the roads with the most of fatal and severe injury crashes. 

“We’ve developed a preliminary network, and we’re finding that over half of the fatal and severe injury crashes in the county happen on about 2% of the roads,” she said. “We don’t need to look at everything. We’re going to focus on those roads where we have the highest prevalence of crashes.”

Pasco County has had between 100 to 120 transportation-related fatalities each year between 2019 to 2024. Tellez said a preliminary look at 2025 revealed the numbers are trending downward. Comparing traffic fatalities per 100,000 people, Pasco is slightly below the state average but above the national average, Tellez said. 

She also noted the region has a higher rate of motorcycle fatalities than are reported statewide and nationally.

Once that high injury network has been identified, the plan will evaluate the characteristics that make these roads susceptible to crashes. This information could help leaders prevent problem areas in the future.

This can extend to driver and pedestrian behavior as well.

“We know, looking at the data, there’s a fair number of people who were killed that were not wearing their seat belts,” Tellez said. “Can we do more to have outreach to those folks to really encourage seat belt use and other safer behaviors on our roads?”

Pasco County leaders are scheduled to adopt the plan in spring 2026. Fehr & Peers will provide updates with the MPO in the meantime. 

Nonprofit seeks funding from Zephyrhills to help families

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Editor’s Note: Francesca Stubbs, senior pastor at Oasis Church, gave these remarks during the June 9 Zephyrhills City Council meeting. 

I stand before you as the founder and chief operating officer of Oasis Community Outreach and Cafe to share the critical needs of our community and to seek your invaluable support.

Oasis Community Outreach and Cafe has taken on the humbling task of being a beacon of hope for many in our city since the unfortunate closing of Healing Hearts Cafe in December 2024, providing essential support to those facing hardship. 

Recently, we have witnessed a dramatic rise in families with young children seeking our services, driven by economic challenges and job losses. 

Our mission has expanded from feeding the homeless to supporting entire families who find themselves in desperate need.

While we are deeply grateful for the generous contributions of food and supplies from our donors, some financial seeds from our friends and our community, and the huge support shown from our church, Oasis Church, and its members, these donations do not always cover all of the growing financial overhead necessary to maintain and carry out our operations.

Despite our best efforts, including a commendable grant application applied for through Pasco County for community development funds, we were not selected due to a limited amount of funding available and the number of organizations with similar applications here in the East Pasco region.

As we face the summer months and an increasing number of children out of school, the need for our services grows ever more urgent. I come before you with a heartfelt appeal for financial assistance as our city council and community leaders.

Your support would enable us to continue our outreach, expand our programs, and ensure that every individual and family, especially those with children in our community, has access to basic necessities that they deserve.

I’m asking the city to look into their budget and to assist with funding our community endeavor. 

We are a 501c3 organization operating under the auspices of Niecy’s Hope for Kings and Queens, who seeks to be able to continue our assistance for the residents of our beloved neighborhood. 

But we know collaboration and help from our partners will provide a significant boost. 

Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Thank you for your time, your compassion and your commitment to our community. 

I look forward to the possibility of partnering with you to make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve here in our beautiful city of Zephyrhills.

 

INFOBOX: Council member responds

Zephyrhills City Council Member Steve Spina said the city provides funding to CHIPZ (Community Hope & Intervention Project of Zephyrhills). He also mentioned homeless outreach by the Zephyrhills Police Department.

Spina asked Stubs if her organization worked with these groups. 

“The idea of CHIPZ was to bring different groups together so everything’s under kind of one umbrella,” Spina said. “I think before we were to pledge more money to another organization, I’d like to see what you can do with CHIPZ and work with the police department and see if we can’t resolve these issues. Because CHIPS does all those things as well – working with providing utility reimbursements, trying to keep families in their houses, and then finding emergency care.”

Stubs said her organization collaborates with CHIPZ regularly but she said there’s a gap in service when it comes to helping children of struggling families. 

Pasco County supports those recovering from addiction

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NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County commissioners approved a proclamation June 17 encouraging the community to support and celebrate people recovering from addiction. 

The proclamation not only recognizes Pasco as an Inclusive Recovery County but also mentions the collaboration of groups like the Alliance for Healthy Communities, The Hope Shot and Drug-Free America Foundation.

“We hope that this proclamation and this movement continues to grow so we can become more diverse and show that recovery is possible for anybody from any walk of life in any side of Pasco County, all over,” said Nathan Cantie, peer support director for The Hope Shot. 

Cantie said collaboration among community organizations helps create opportunities for those battling addiction and empowers them to walk on their own through those doors. 

“Inclusive recovery means breaking down stigma,” Cantie told commissioners. “It means building systems that embrace diversity and offer real opportunities for healing. This proclamation is a statement that Pasco County is committed to that vision, and we are so grateful for your leadership in helping make it a reality.”

Commissioners expressed appreciation for the work that The Hope Shot does in the community. Based in New Port Richey, it has three primary programs: 

  • All Ways Center – A recovery center, based at 6020 U.S. 19, that offers resources and support. 
  • Bridge to Recovery – Peer-led coaching to help people live healthy lifestyles.
  • Community Connection – A program that connects people to employment and housing opportunities. 

Commissioner Lisa Yeager said that The Hope Shot meets people where they are. She’s seen them help people not only overcome  alcohol and substance abuse but also receive help during storm recovery. 

Commissioner Seth Weightman described The Hope Shot’s work as mission-driven and oftentimes thankless. He thanked them for their passion, love, tenderness and care.

 

Upcoming event

The Hope Shot is planning a Stronger Together Recovery Walk from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 20 at Sims Park in New Port Richey. Visit thehopeshot.org or facebook.com/thehopeshot for details about the nonprofit.

Army veteran celebrates 100th birthday

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WESLEY CHAPEL – Kenneth Sawyer has lived for 100 years, with much of that time in service to his country and his community. 

Sawyer served 35 years in the Army, earning the rank of lieutenant colonel before retiring in 1979. 

He also taught calculus for four years at the Florida Institute of Technology, volunteered at a local fire department and a charity thrift shop, served as commander of a VFW Post for more than 10 years and raised a family.

“He continues to always work his mind and his body and stay away from mindless tasks,” granddaughter Holly Mace said. “That was something he taught me as a kid. You can watch TV and enjoy a movie, but avoid those boredoms and those traps. Keep your mind as your strongest muscle and keep exercising it, learning and giving back.”

Mace said her grandfather rode a bicycle until he was 88 years old. After breaking his leg within two weeks of moving to Pasco County, the family gave him an adult tricycle, which he rode until about a year ago. 

Sawyer continues to live an active lifestyle. He visits the Dade City Senior Center twice a week and enjoys playing bridge. He also keeps his mind sharp by playing Sudoku. 

The Pasco Board of County Commissioners recognized Sawyer on June 17 with a resolution in honor of his 100th birthday, which he celebrated on June 6. Everyone at the meeting, including familiar faces from the Dade City Senior Center, sang “Happy Birthday” to him.

Commissioners took turns thanking Sawyer for his military service and congratulating him for making it to 100. 

Commissioner Ron Oakley, who turns 80 years old this month, said he was glad Sawyer was there because he wasn’t the oldest person in the room. Commissioner Jack Mariano encouraged Sawyer to shoot for 105. 

“Just amazing the things that you’ve seen and experienced in your life and watching this country evolve to where we are today,” Commissioner Seth Weightman told him. “I just can only imagine the stories and the memories that you have. So we’re very glad that you’re here with us in the board meeting today.”

Zephyrhills buying land next to park

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ZEPHYRHILLS – The Zephyrhills City Council voted June 9 to purchase two lots at the corner of Fourth Street and Fifth Avenue next to Zephyr Park.

Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson brought the proposal before the council as an emergency item. Because the property was less than $80,000 ($79,999.99 to be exact), the council could move forward with the purchase without an appraisal. 

“As soon as we own the property, I will send it to our designer for the park, our consultant that’s working on the CRA plan,” Monson told colleagues. “The idea is to have control over it, because it is such an important corner, that we can come up with a great idea for it.”

Monson and Council Member Steve Spina didn’t like the idea of using the site just for parking. 

“I don’t think we’d want to just build a parking lot on a corner on Fifth Avenue when we’re trying to develop it,” Spina said. “But I do believe it’s important to be figured into what we’re doing at Zephyr Park. It could be an important asset the way it’s linked to the other vacant property along Fifth Avenue.”

Monson assured colleagues the Community Redevelopment Agency already had $300,000 available to purchase land so there would be no additional funding needed. 

Councilman Lance Smith, whose background is in real estate development, didn’t have any objections with the purchase. He felt the price was fine. 

“I think the value lies in it being adjacent to property that we’re going to do something with,” Smith said.  “I agree with Councilman Spina that the use would certainly be some type of retail use that would be complementary to what we’re doing in the park area.”

Pasco welcomes new management at Wiregrass Ranch 

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WESLEY CHAPEL – The next chapter in Pasco County’s sports tourism legacy begins Aug. 1, as Sports Facilities Companies officially assumes operations of the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus.  

While the transition marks a change in management, the facility’s mission remains unchanged – serving as a premier destination for sports tourism, wellness and local programming.

All scheduled events and programs, including league play, tournaments and training sessions, will carry on without interruption, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition for our community.

“This is an exciting step in our commitment to making Florida’s Sports Coast a premier destination,” said Adam Thomas, executive director for Florida’s Sports Coast.  “Thanks to our partnership with SFC, the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus will continue to thrive, serving local athletes, coaches and our community, while attracting top-tier events to boost our economy.”

Pasco County will retain ownership of the sports campus, while SFC will oversee operations, maintenance and future development.

SFC brings a track record of managing high-impact sports complexes nationwide to Pasco County. 

Officials said SFC expanding sports tourism opportunities will further enhance Pasco County’s economy, generating thousands of room nights annually through events that attract regional and national visitors.

On the web: mypas.co/WRSC

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

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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

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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

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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

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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.”