The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Local Wildlife: Parrot spreads its wings at aquarium

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Photo courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

A double yellow-headed parrot helped the Florida Aquarium kick off 813 Day. The celebration, inspired by the city’s area code, featured special activities to encourage natural behaviors among the aquarium’s animals while keeping them active and engaged. Photo courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

Health & Wellness: Doctor performs 1,000th robotic surgery

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A robot positioned in an operating room for a surgery. The surgeon operates the robot from a console. Photo courtesy of BayCare Health System

 

Doctor performs 1,000th robotic surgery

LUTZ – Dr. Louis Matherne IV, a general surgeon at Lutz’s St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, recently performed his 1,000th robotic surgery.

A surgeon guides and controls the robot’s mechanical arms and surgical instruments from a console with a high-resolution 3-D screen. When the surgeon moves, the robotic arms respond precisely to those movements in real time. The instruments work identically to the movement of a surgeon’s arm, elbow and wrist, however with an enhanced range of motion. 

Matherne performs surgeries on the gallbladder, appendix, colon, small bowel and hernias. Robotic surgery can offer patients smaller, more precise incisions, faster recoveries, shorter hospital stays and outpatient surgery options. 

 

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel expands stroke treatment

WESLEY CHAPEL – AdventHealth Wesley Chapel has added a biplane neurointerventional suite designed to provide advanced treatment for severe strokes.

The technology allows physicians to perform minimally invasive procedures including mechanical thrombectomy, which removes blood clots from the brain and restores blood flow in patients experiencing severe ischemic strokes.

“Having the ability to provide advanced stroke intervention on our campus means patients can receive critical treatment faster, which can lead to better outcomes and improved recovery,” said Dr. Jason Maljaar, medical director of neurology.

The hospital has also added specialized neurointerventional physicians, allowing more patients to receive treatment in Pasco County without being transferred to another facility.

The suite can also be used to treat brain aneurysms, perform diagnostic cerebral angiograms and provide other emergency and elective neurovascular procedures.

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel is a Primary Stroke Center and is pursuing Comprehensive Stroke Center designation.

 

BayCare names first support services VP

CLEARWATER – BayCare has hired Lawrence “Wren” Roberts as its first vice president of support services.

Roberts brings more than 30 years of support services leadership experience, including nearly 20 years overseeing health care operations across multiple facilities.

He joins BayCare from Centra Health in Lynchburg, Virginia, where he most recently served as senior director of support services. He oversaw food and nutrition, environmental services, security, emergency management and life safety across the health system’s campuses.

Roberts previously worked for Marriott and Sodexo. He also managed food production for South Florida Baptist Hospital in Plant City from 1992 to 1995.

 

AdventHealth Heart of Florida earns safe sleep designation

DAVENPORT – AdventHealth Heart of Florida has received the Gold Level Safe Sleep Hospital designation from the Cribs for Kids National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program.

The designation is the program’s highest level of recognition for hospitals providing infant safe sleep education, staff training and community outreach.

AdventHealth Heart of Florida provides safe sleep training for care teams, educates parents and caregivers before discharge and connects families in need with safe sleep spaces for newborns. 

“Every family deserves access to the information and resources that can help keep their baby safe,” said Janell Chyle, director of women’s services at AdventHealth Heart of Florida.

 

Quick Hits

  • September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Tuesday, Sept. 8, is 988 Day. The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay answers local calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It also provides suicide prevention care coordination services. On the web: crisiscenter.com

What’s Happening (Sept. 3-11, 2026)

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Sept. 3

Caregiver Support Group

A facilitator from the Alzheimer’s Association leads a monthly support group at Land O’ Lakes Library for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s. 813-929-1214

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

 

Menacing Mosquitoes

A Master Gardener discusses mosquitoes at Wesley Chapel Library. Learn tips to keep them out of the garden. 352-518-5064

11 a.m.-noon; 27531 Mystic Oak Blvd., Wesley Chapel

 

Butterfly Gardens

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center hosts a Plant Parent Club program on butterfly gardens with gardener Susan Dalton Carney. Registration required to receive a take-home kit. 727-815-7126

6-6:50 p.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Sept. 4

Bingo

Adults play bingo at Hugh Embry Library. 352-567-3576

2-3 p.m.; 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

 

Sept. 5

Book Club

The Saturday Book Club at New River Library discusses “The Book Club for Troublesome Women” by Marie Bostwick. 813-788-6375

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

 

Ukulele Jam

The Tampa Bay Ukulele Society leads a Ukulele Jam at New River Library. Bring your ukulele. 813-788-6375

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

 

Sept. 8

Medicare/Medicaid & SNAP Help

Adults can get help applying for the QMB state buy-in program to help pay Medicare Part B premiums, Medicaid and SNAP benefits at Zephyrhills Public Library. Contact José Rodríguez at 813-420-3013 for more information. 

9 a.m.-3 p.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Indoor Ponds

A Master Gardener explains how to create a planted aquatic system indoors at New River Library. Registration required. 813-788-6375

2-3 p.m.; 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

 

Therapy Dogs

Regency Park Library invites children to practice reading with certified therapy dogs from Sharing Our World Therapy Dogs. 727-861-3049

5-6 p.m.; 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey

 

Sept. 10

Crafty Connections

Wesley Chapel Library hosts a social crafting session during Crafty Connections. Adults can bring their own project or work on a featured craft. 352-518-5064

11 a.m.-noon; 27531 Mystic Oak Blvd., Wesley Chapel

 

Tween Book Club

South Holiday Library hosts Story Seekers, a monthly book club for tweens. 727-834-3331

4-5 p.m.; 4649 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday

 

Republican Club

The Wesley Chapel Republican Club hosts U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis as guest speaker at its September meeting at Myrtle Lake Baptist Church. New members and guests are welcome. Coffee and dessert will be served.

6:30 p.m.; 2017 Reigler Road, Land O’ Lakes

 

Sept. 11

9/11 Remembrance

BNI and Seniors in Service host 9/11: A Time of Remembrance at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village. The event honors those who died on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as veterans and first responders. Brian Orr shares his experience in New York during the attacks. Bring canned food for local food pantries. 

8-9 a.m.; 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City

 

Wesley Chapel Rotary hosting 9/11 Memorial Mile Run/Walk

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WESLEY CHAPEL – Twenty-five years after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel will gather the community for its eighth annual 9/11 Memorial Mile Run/Walk on Sept. 5 at Tampa Premium Outlets.

The one-mile run/walk steps off at 8 a.m. At 8:46 a.m. — the minute the first plane struck the World Trade Center — a ceremonial bell will ring and the field will fall silent. The club’s annual Hall of Heroes Ceremony and plaque dedication follow immediately after.

This year’s Hall of Heroes honorees are Pasco Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Ryan Jackson and K-9 Blake, recognized for their courage during a March shootout in the Moon Lake area, in which Jackson was shot and wounded while confronting an armed suspect.

The ceremony will also feature Lt. Col. Max Bowers, U.S. Army Special Forces (Ret.), who commanded the soldiers who came to be known as the “Horse Soldiers of 9/11” — the first American troops on the ground in Afghanistan, who rode into battle on horseback in the weeks after the attacks.

“Twenty-five years after Sept. 11, it is more important than ever that we continue to tell the stories of those who gave their lives that day and those who continue to serve our communities today,” said Chris Casella of  the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel. “This event allows us to remember the past, honor heroes like Sgt. Ryan Jackson and K-9 Blake, and invest in the next generation of first responders who will carry that commitment to service forward.”

Net proceeds fund scholarships for graduating Pasco County high school seniors pursuing careers in law enforcement, firefighting, EMS and paramedicine.

 

Want to go?

Boutique supports designer with Down syndrome 

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TAMPA BAY – After hearing “no” from more than 15 boutiques, young designer Raquel Caramello walked into Coastal Sol in June carrying something she believed in: her handmade jewelry and coastal shell creations.

This time, the answer was different.

Missy Hardy, the owner of the Tarpon Springs store, immediately connected with Raquel, her story and her creations. Hardy especially loved Raquel’s hand-finished shell keepsakes, shell jewelry and bag charms. 

She encouraged Raquel to continue developing that distinctive coastal niche.

Just months later, Raquel Beautiful has expanded to three additional boutiques throughout the Tampa Bay area, while Coastal Sol continues to carry the collection that first caught Hardy’s attention.

Supporting Raquel felt natural for Hardy. 

“Because of my father’s involvement with Special Olympics, inclusion was simply part of how I grew up,” Hardy said. “When Raquel walked into Coastal Sol with her designs, I saw a young entrepreneur with creativity and determination. I knew I wanted to be part of what she was building.”

Raquel, who has Down syndrome, personally creates each piece in the collection. Her coastal keepsakes begin with scallop and oyster shells that are individually designed, decoupaged and hand-painted with gold edging before receiving a glossy resin finish.

Designs range from coastal landmarks and colorful patterns to personalized monograms, birth flowers and custom college designs. No two pieces are exactly alike.

Raquel also personalizes designs into her shell jewelry collection. Scallop shell necklaces can feature monograms, birth flowers and other custom imagery and are available on both chains and scarf-style necklaces.

“I like to create beautiful things that inspire people and remind them that they are uniquely beautiful, just like my creations,” Raquel said.

The collection reflects the broader message behind Raquel Beautiful: celebrating individuality while creating beautiful products people genuinely want to wear, display and give.

Hardy’s early encouragement also helped Raquel recognize which parts of her collection resonated most strongly with customers. After seeing Coastal Sol customers respond to the shells, shell jewelry and bag charms, Raquel began specializing further in those products and developing them into a larger luxury keepsake collection.

What began with one boutique owner willing to say yes after more than 15 others had said no has quickly become a growing retail brand.

 

More information

Learn more about the Raquel Beautiful collection at RaquelBeautiful.com.

 

Suncoast Credit Union merging with Launch Credit Union

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TAMPA – Launch Credit Union members have approved the proposed merger with Suncoast Credit Union following a 45-day voting period conducted earlier this summer, the credit unions announced Aug. 26. 

With approval from Launch members, both boards of directors and the National Credit Union Administration, the merger will take effect Sept. 1, with the combined organization operating under the Suncoast Credit Union name.

Launch Credit Union serves more than 86,000 members across Florida’s Space Coast and operates 17 branches in Brevard and Volusia counties. The combined credit union will serve more than 1.5 million members and manage over $22 billion in assets.

“Today marks an exciting new chapter as Launch Credit Union members become part of Suncoast Credit Union,” said Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of Suncoast Credit Union. “Together, we’ll continue investing in innovative products, enhanced services and meaningful community impact while remaining focused on our mission of helping our members achieve financial success.”

Johnson will lead the combined organization. Joe Mirachi, CEO of Launch Credit Union, is retiring.

“Our members’ approval reflects confidence in a partnership that positions us to deliver even greater value while preserving the member-first philosophy that has guided Launch Credit Union for more than 60 years,” Mirachi said. “We’re grateful for the trust our members have placed in us and look forward to the opportunities this new partnership creates.”

The integration process will continue over the coming months, and members will not experience immediate changes to their accounts or day-to-day services. Operational Day One, when members and employees are fully operating under the Suncoast umbrella, is expected in summer 2027.

Launch Credit Union will operate as Launch, a Branch of Suncoast Credit Union, during the transition period while both organizations work to integrate operations. Members will be notified in advance of any changes.

During the transition period, Launch and Suncoast will continue operating on separate systems. Members should continue conducting transactions through their existing credit union’s branches, digital banking platforms and service channels. 

No branches will close. The credit union said the merger will not result in job losses and will create new opportunities for employees to grow.

The merger will create opportunities to expand products and services, enhance technology, increase access to financial resources and provide additional value and convenience for members.  

A special dividend of up to $15 million will be paid to qualified Launch accounts before the effective date of the merger. The credit union announced that $5 million will be invested in nonprofits and school districts throughout Florida’s Space Coast.

Police seek details about Zephyrhills man missing since 2007

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Carlton McCarthy Ireland (Photo courtesy of Zephyrhills Police Department)

ZEPHYRHILLS – The Zephyrhills Police Department is renewing its appeal for information concerning the disappearance of Carlton McCarthy Ireland, who has been missing since spring 2007.

Ireland was 54 years old when he disappeared from Zephyrhills. His last known account activity was a water bill payment on April 18, 2007. Five days later, he was documented pawning a ring in Tampa. His red 1997 Toyota Tercel also disappeared and has never been recovered.

Ireland was born in Jamaica and had acquaintances there. He was also known to frequent Tampa and Dade City. as well as attend dog track races, according to police. 

Nearly two decades have passed, but Ireland’s family continues to search for answers.

“Carlton Ireland has a family that has lived with unanswered questions for far too long,” Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer said. “As time passes, people’s circumstances and relationships change. Someone who may not have felt comfortable speaking in 2007 may be ready to come forward today. Even a seemingly minor memory could help provide Carlton’s family with the answers they have been waiting for.”

The Zephyrhills Police Department asks anyone who knew Ireland, encountered him around the time of his disappearance, saw his vehicle or has heard information about what may have happened to him to contact investigators.

Information may come from Zephyrhills, Tampa, Dade City, Jamaica, dog tracks or any other location where Ireland had personal, employment or social connections. Police said no detail is too small.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Zephyrhills Police Department tipline at 813-819-8847. Information may also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-8477.

AdventHealth adds to therapy dog pack

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Boots, Skye and Pilot are joining in the footsteps of Wilbur (far right), chief barking officer. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
  • 1: Skye serves alongside AdventHealth’s AirStar 1 helicopter crews. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
  • 2: The six-month-old pups were given a special community welcome recently during a Puppy Pawty at AdventHealth Dade City, complete with pup-friendly ice cream and hugs. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
  • 3: Wilbur has worked with AdventHealth team members and first responders in Pasco County for more than five years. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

 

 

Skye serves alongside AdventHealth’s AirStar 1 helicopter crews. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

DADE CITY – AdventHealth has welcomed three new members to the hospital system’s therapy dog team.

Pilot and Skye are joining their dad, Wilbur, in bringing comfort and emotional support to patients, families and caregivers in AdventHealth hospitals across the Tampa Bay area. A third puppy from Wilbur’s litter, Boots, has joined AdventHealth EMS partner Pasco County Fire Rescue.

The 6-month-old pups were given a special community welcome recently during a Puppy Pawty at AdventHealth Dade City. Patients, visitors and AdventHealth team members got to meet the new therapy dogs and hear more about the work they will be doing alongside their handlers.

Wilbur, chief barking officer for AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, has worked with AdventHealth staff and first responders in Pasco County for more than five years. Wilbur provides encouragement and companionship.

Skye serves alongside AdventHealth’s AirStar 1 helicopter crews. Boots works with Pasco County Fire Rescue. All of the dogs will provide comfort and support during stressful situations and challenging moments.

Brendon Sanders, chief flight nurse for the AdventHealth AirStar 1 helicopter program, said they are very grateful to have Skye as part of their team and part of his family.

“She brings a lot of comfort to people, especially in times of stress. She kind of lightens the mood and is there to bring peace to otherwise stressful situations,” Sanders said.

Skye is living with Sanders full-time.

The six-month-old pups were given a special community welcome recently during a Puppy Pawty at AdventHealth Dade City, complete with pup-friendly ice cream and hugs. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

“She’s very affectionate and she’s naturally well-disciplined,” Sanders said. “It’s been really amazing.”

He said it has been great to have her with him every day at work as they go about their duties.

“If we are in the office, she’ll run around and go into everybody’s individual office and visits with them,” Sanders said. “Then we will go to visit AdventHealth hospitals in different parts of the Tampa area. We will walk through the ER, she greets patients and families, then we’ll go to other floors and visit the ICU or go over to labor and delivery and visit with team members at hospital. She just lightens everyone’s mood and brings some joy into their day.”

AdventHealth has used a pet therapy program for decades with dogs supporting patients, caregivers and first responders in a variety of roles, from cheerleaders to entertainers and even physical therapy assistants.

 

Paralyzed veteran receives mortgage-free smart home

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• The homecoming ceremony took place Aug. 19 in Pinellas Park. It featured local officials, first responders, donors and supporters who helped make the home possible. Photo courtesy of Tunnel to Towers Foundation

 

Michael DeLancey enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 2004 after graduating from high school. He had been deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq before he was shot by a sniper in September 2006. He was just 21. Photo courtesy of Tunnel to Towers Foundation

PINELLAS PARK – The Tunnel to Towers Foundation delivered physical and financial independence to Marine veteran Michael DeLancey on Aug. 19 with a mortgage-free home in Pinellas County.

The foundation’s Smart Home Program builds or modifies homes to make them accessible for injured veterans and first responders. Each home is designed to address the individual’s specific needs.

A sniper attack in September 2006 in Haditha, Iraq, left DeLancey paralyzed from the chest down. 

The lance corporal sustained a gunshot wound that entered through his left shoulder, shattered his seventh vertebra and fragmented into his right shoulder. He was airlifted from Iraq to Germany before being transferred to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he spent more than 50 days hospitalized.   

DeLancey returned home to Tampa and dedicated himself to rehabilitation while discovering adaptive sports and outdoor recreation. He began mentoring newly injured service members at Walter Reed.  

DeLancey started Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch in 2015. The nonprofit helps veterans stay active through sports and activities in the Tampa Bay area. 

Some of the features of his new home include automated exterior doors; wider halls and doorways; automatic door locks; adjustable cabinets, counters and stovetops; wheelchair-accessible showers; smart controls for lighting, temperature, security and sound; and backup generators.
“To me, this house represents the foundation of the strong community bond that I have been lucky enough to have since coming home,” said the Pinellas Park native.

 

Want to help?

Visit T2T.org to support Tunnel to Towers’ mission and help deliver life-changing mortgage-free smart homes.

 

Saint Leo University focused on the future of work 

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Saint Leo University prepares its residential campus for the start of the 2026-27 academic year. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University is entering the 2026-27 academic year with expanded academic programs, new student resources and a continued focus on becoming the region’s most workforce-oriented university.

“After almost one year serving this community, I am encouraged by the progress we are making and the momentum building across Saint Leo University,” said Jim Burkee, university president. “As we begin a new academic year, our focus is clear: We are preparing students not just for their first job, but for the future of work. We are developing the next generation of leaders, who bring our core values and ethics to every challenge.”

Nearly 850 new students will begin the fall semester at Saint Leo’s residential campus. Classes begin Aug. 24.

 

Academic innovation

For the 2026-27 academic year, Saint Leo University is introducing new undergraduate and graduate programs in health care, technology, business, criminal justice, education and ministry. 

The new offerings, along with revamped experiential learning opportunities, are designed to prepare students for high-demand careers and meet the changing needs of employers.

The university recently received $1.8 million in state funding to expand its cybersecurity and nursing programs. Dewey and Becky Mitchell donated $1 million to launch the Derek J. Mitchell Collegiate Recovery Program, which is currently accepting applicants with the first cohort expected to begin in spring 2027. 

Arnie and Lauren Bellini donated $2 million to develop an accelerated graduate program designed to prepare executives for leadership roles in cybersecurity, also planned for spring 2027.

“At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to helping students thrive in a work environment that looks nothing like it did even five years ago,” said Bryan DePoy, provost and vice president of academic affairs. “We’re strengthening the programs our students already count on while introducing new ones, bringing emerging technologies into the classroom and reimagining what experiential learning looks like from day one of a student’s time at Saint Leo University.”

New academic programs for 2026-27 include:

College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services

  • The college is introducing a new Bachelor of Arts in Medical Humanities with a Pre-DPT concentration and a new Master of Education in Exceptional Student Education: Autism Spectrum Disorder Practices and Intervention.
  • Saint Leo also is expanding its forensic science education through a forensics specialization within the Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and a new Doctor of Criminal Justice in Forensic Science.
  • A new online Graduate Certificate in Pneumatology and Renewal Leadership provides additional opportunities for graduate-level study in ministry and theology.

College of Health Sciences

  • The new Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing offers a hybrid format for career changers holding a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
  • New degree programs include a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science and an asynchronous online Master of Social Work.
  • A Doctor of Social Work is planned for spring 2027, pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Tapia College of Business and Technology

  • The newly merged Tapia College of Business and Technology is expanding its offerings with a new Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics, a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a minor in artificial intelligence.
  • Other new programs include advanced MBA Advantage tracks in finance and economics and a Master of Science in Applied Business and Leadership that can be applied toward Saint Leo’s existing Doctor of Business Administration.
  • A new Cybersecurity Executive Track is planned to launch in spring 2027.

Visit saintleo.edu/academics/academic-affairs/catalogs to view the 2026-27 Academic Catalog. 

 

Connecting classroom learning to careers

As employers increasingly seek AI and digital skills, Saint Leo is putting its university-wide AI training initiative into practice this fall in partnership with IBM. AI and digital fluency training through IBM SkillsBuild is being embedded in every academic program. Saint Leo aims to become the first university in the nation to fully integrate the SkillsBuild platform across all areas of study.

The university also is expanding experiential learning through internships, externships, clinical experiences and employer partnerships, giving students opportunities to apply classroom learning in professional settings.

“We’re also rethinking how we support students beyond the classroom,” DePoy said. “Plans are underway to bring career services, workforce engagement and academic advising together into one integrated model, so students get consistent guidance connecting what they’re learning to where they’re headed.”

The university continues to invest in campus spaces, resources and programs that support students.

LEO 360, a centralized hub for student-facing services, brings together academic advising, accessibility services, career and workforce engagement, the registrar and student financial services in one convenient location. 

Other improvements for 2026-27 include new gathering spaces, a new campus store and enhanced dining options.

 

By the Numbers

  • Nearly 850 new students at University Campus
  • 10+ new academic programs
  • $4.8 million in recent state and donor investments
  • 100% of students to receive AI training