The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Paul Anderson

Port Tampa Bay CEO explains regional transportation role 

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Port Tampa Bay sits at the center of how goods, energy and people move through West Central Florida and throughout the state. That role should be reflected in how we plan for its future.

Port Tampa Bay is not a peripheral voice in regional transportation; it is one of West Central Florida’s primary economic engines. As an independent special district of the state of Florida, we serve not only Hillsborough County but the broader Tampa Bay region. As the state’s largest port by tonnage, Port Tampa Bay handled more than 32 million tons of cargo in 2025 across diversified cargo streams, a role defined by both scale and responsibility.

Strategically located as a deepwater port serving Florida’s fastest-growing population and the I-4 distribution corridor, Port Tampa Bay is a critical link in the movement of goods across the state. Port Tampa Bay’s operations exemplify intermodal transportation, integrating water, rail and road to move cargo efficiently through the region. The port moves the commodities that sustain daily life and economic activity, including fuel, food and other essential commodities. That responsibility does not begin or end at a county line; it is regional by design and necessity.

Every day, the port supports supply chains that extend across Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties and beyond. The data reflects that reality:
• More than 192,000 jobs are tied to port activity
• Over $34 billion in regional economic impact annually
• At least 43% of Florida’s fuel supply moves through Port Tampa Bay

Those figures are not abstract. They translate directly into how this region functions, how people commute, how businesses operate and how communities grow across the region.

Pinellas County is deeply connected to the port’s operations, but the impact is far greater. West Central Florida’s supply chain depends on the consistent movement of goods through our terminals, including lumber, steel and aggregates that support residential and commercial growth across surrounding counties. This is shared infrastructure in the truest sense, and it depends on a reliable network of roads and highways to move freight efficiently across the region.

In addition, the port’s cruise business continues to expand, with a record 1.6 million passengers moving through our terminals last year and an estimated 1.8 million this year. Those visitors stay in local hotels, dine in area restaurants, explore our beaches and museums, and support businesses across West Central Florida, underscoring the port’s role as an economic driver well beyond its gates.

The proposed MPO will make decisions that shape freight movement, roadway access and long-term infrastructure investment. Those decisions will directly affect the port’s ability to operate efficiently and support the broader regional economy.

That is why this matters.

If the MPO is intended to reflect how our transportation system actually works, then its governance must include the institutions that carry the greatest operational responsibility within that system. Excluding the port from a voting role does not create balance; it creates a gap between decision-making and real-world impact, particularly in freight movement across the region.

Over time, that misalignment has consequences: missed funding opportunities, slower project delivery and reduced competitiveness at both the state and national levels.

We support a collaborative regional model grounded in a transportation network that moves people and goods throughout West Central Florida. We have a long history of working alongside partners across all three counties to align priorities, strengthen trade and expand economic opportunity. That approach has produced real results and will continue to do so.

Collaboration should be matched with representation.

I respectfully urge you to support a governance structure that reflects the full scope of the regional transportation network, including a voting role for Port Tampa Bay.

We are ready to continue this work with you and ensure the MPO is positioned to support the region’s long-term growth, resilience and competitiveness.

Paul Anderson is president and CEO of Port Tampa Bay. Anderson sent this letter to Dave Eggers and the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners. 

 

Zephyrhills mayor honors wrestler, public works employees

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ZEPHYRHILLS – Melonie Bahr Monson issued two proclamations May 11 recognizing the work of individuals in the community.

One of the proclamations honors staff in the city’s public works department. The other proclamation celebrates the state championship won by Zephyrhills High School wrestler Andrew Bray.

 

National Public Works Week

WHEREAS, public works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities, and services that are vital to sustainable and resilient communities and to the public health, safety, and well-being of the people of the City of Zephyrhills;

WHEREAS, these services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public works professionals, including engineers, managers, and employees at all levels, who are responsible for building, maintaining, and protecting our transportation systems, water supply, water treatment, solid waste systems, public buildings, and other essential infrastructure;

WHEREAS, it is in the public interest for citizens, civic leaders, and youth in the City of Zephyrhills to gain knowledge of and maintain an ongoing understanding of the importance of public works and the critical role it plays in everyday life;

WHEREAS, the year 2026 marks the 66th annual National Public Works Week, sponsored by the American Public Works Association, with the theme “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community,” recognizing the essential contributions of public works professionals to our community

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Melonie Bahr Monson, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Zephyrhills, Florida, do hereby proclaim the week of May 17–23, 2026 as NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK and urge all citizens to join with the American Public Works Association and the City of Zephyrhills Public Works Department in recognizing the dedication, service and contributions of public works professionals who enhance our quality of life each and every day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the official seal of the City of Zephyrhills, Pasco County, Florida, this 11th day of May, 2026..

CITY OF ZEPHYRHILLS, FLORIDA

 

Wrestling Champion Andrew Bray

WHEREAS, the City of Zephyrhills takes great pride in recognizing student-athletes whose dedication, perseverance, and achievements bring distinction to our schools and community; and

WHEREAS, Andrew Bray, a senior at Zephyrhills High School, capped an outstanding wrestling career by capturing the 2026 FHSAA Class 2A State Championship in the 175-pound division at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee; and

WHEREAS, Andrew secured the state title with a late takedown in the championship match against Winter Springs’ Jacob Rodriguez, overcoming a 2-1 deficit in the final minute to earn a 4-2 victory; and

WHEREAS, Andrew concluded his senior season with an exceptional 51-3 record and shattered the Zephyrhills High School career takedown record by finishing with 131 takedowns, surpassing the previous school mark; and

WHEREAS, Andrew’s state championship marked a historic milestone for the Zephyrhills High School wrestling program, ending a 23-year drought and crowning the Bulldogs’ first wrestling state champion since the early 2000s; and

WHEREAS, through hard work, determination, and commitment to excellence, Andrew Bray has represented Zephyrhills High School and the City of Zephyrhills with pride, sportsmanship, and Bulldog spirit;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Melonie Bahr Monson, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Zephyrhills, do hereby recognize and commend Andrew Bray 2026 FHSAA Class 2A State Wrestling Champion for his outstanding athletic accomplishments and for the pride he brings to the City of Zephyrhills and Zephyrhills High School.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the official seal of the City of Zephyrhills, Pasco County, Florida on this 11th day of May, 2026. 

 

Pasco County Schools puts spotlight on Tourette Syndrome

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LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County School Board member Colleen Beaudoin smiled as she watched a video of Adrianna Trader explain how she educates classmates at Thomas E. Weightman Middle School about Tourette Syndrome. 

The video was filmed eight years ago but shown during the May 19 school board meeting in honor of Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month from May 15 to June 15. Adrianna went on to graduate from Wesley Chapel High School in 2023.

“As many of you know, this impacts my family,” Beaudoin told the crowd during the May 19 school board meeting. “I used to facilitate a local support group and Adrianna was in that support group.”

Beaudoin read a proclamation explaining the campaign and encouraged the community to show support by wearing teal on Tuesdays now through June 15. 

She said Tourette Syndrome usually shows up between ages 6 and 10 as motor or vocal tics. These involuntary movements may start as a blink or nose twitch and progress to include tics of the neck or limbs as well as pacing or kicking. Verbal tics may include grunting, throat-clearing, shouting or barking. 

“What you often see portrayed in the media about people with Tourette is called coprolalia, the involuntarily outburst of obscene words or socially inappropriate remarks,” she said. “Only a very small percentage of people with TS experience this. It is important to remember that tics are outside of a person’s control and that Tourette Syndrome does not negatively impact intelligence. In fact, many students with TS are identified as gifted.”

A couple of recent Pasco County Schools graduates were introduced during the topic, including one studying information technology at the University of South Florida. 

Here is the proclamation read into the record by Beaudoin:

 

Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month 

Whereas, Tourette Syndrome is an inherited neurological disorder that is characterized by involuntary physical and vocal tics that occur many times a day; and 

Whereas, Tourette Syndrome is often accompanied by other mental health disorders, such as Attention Deficit, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, learning disabilities and anxiety; and 

Whereas, Tourette Syndrome and persistent tic disorders affect approximately one in 50 children. According to the 2020 Census, more than 85,786 school-age children in the State of Florida alone are dealing with Tourette Syndrome and although some of these cases are aided by medication there is no standard treatment or known cure for this disorder; and 

Whereas, there is an important need for more professional help with interest and expertise to identify, counsel and treat people with Tourette syndrome, a disorder that is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood; and 

Whereas, positive actions to assist children and families living with Tourette Syndrome would result in a broadening of public and professional knowledge and acceptance of Tourette Syndrome; and 

Whereas, the Tourette Association of America is actively providing services to families, educating medial professionals and teachers and supporting research to better understand the signs and treatments of Tourette Syndrome.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that May 15 to June 15,2026, will be recognized as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month in Pasco County as a special month to promote understanding, compassion and acceptance for all of our fellow citizens who serve and need our support to break the stigma that surrounds Tourette Syndrome. 

 

Pasco County agrees on regional MPO structure

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NEW PORT RICHEY – Leaders in Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties have each agreed on the structure for a regional group that will plan major transportation projects. 

Each county currently operates its own Metropolitan Planning Organization, but the MPOs have been in talks for many years about consolidating to take a more regional approach to transportation planning. 

“A single MPO amplifies public input and participation,” explained Tania Gorman, executive director for the Pasco MPO, to her board on May 21. “And then we’re a unified decision-making body to be looked at as not just three single MPOs but one large MPO so that we can possibly get more discretionary funds and be a part of the larger discussions here in the Tampa Bay region.”

Pasco County MPO approved a structure May 21 that would give Hillsborough County 10 of the 25 voting seats. Pinellas County would have eight, Pasco County would have five and Port Tampa Bay and Tampa International Airport would each have one. 

Voting has been a hot topic in Pinellas County as a previous proposal would have given Hillsborough County 13 voting seats, giving it more than 50% of the vote. 

Chris Steinocher, president and CEO of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, wrote a letter to Forward Pinellas Executive Director Whit Blanton calling for the consideration of moving a Hillsborough seat to Pasco and designating the two seats to the port authority and airport. 

Leaders for Port Tampa Bay and Tampa International Airport also sent letters to the Pinellas County Commissioners expressing the importance of their organizations having a vote on the regional MPO. 

These changes were reflected on what Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties have voted on. 

Pasco County’s five seats on the regional MPO will include four designated for the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners and one seat to represent cities, which will rotate among New Port Richey, Port Richey, Zephyrhills and Dade City. 

“I like the structure; however, if four commissioners aren’t going to show to a meeting, I want to make sure the other commissioner that’s not going to be on there can go,” Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano said. “And if he can’t go, then any of the other cities go.”

This generated some brief discussion about alternates. The Pasco County MPO ultimately decided that voting alternates may come from the cities. 

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

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

Students go diving at aquarium

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

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

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

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

 

Saint Leo hosts policy leader 

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

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

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

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

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

 

PHSC trustees to review fee adjustment

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Hillsborough schools get new trees  

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

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

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

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

 

Student veterans support Liberty Manor 

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

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

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

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

 

Quick Hits

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

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

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

1905 Family of Restaurants supports Habitat home

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

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

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

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

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


City of Zephyrhills has job openings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Tickets available for Florida SBDC luncheon 

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

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

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

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

 

Real estate firm recognizes agents 

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

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

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

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

 

IRS offers special hours at Taxpayer Assistance Centers 

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

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

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

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

 

North Tampa Bay events

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

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

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

 

Greater Pasco events

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

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

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

 

East Pasco events

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

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

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

 

Rescue encourages neighbors not to abandon animals

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A DoorDash bag had 10 kittens found inside. Phot

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to consider while incorporating fiber into your diet

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

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

What does fiber do?  

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

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

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

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

How much do we need?  

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

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

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

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

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

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

Many vegetables and whole grains have both types.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

A few ways to increase fiber:

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

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

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

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


Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County, An Equal Opportunity Institution.

 

Hillsborough County extends emergency ban on open burning

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Safety Tips  

Hillsborough County offers some safety tips to prevent fires: 

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

 

Burning Agricultural Plastic       

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

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

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

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

 

Stay updated

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

 

PetSmart supports Rescue Pets of Florida with grants

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the web: rescuepetsofflorida.org