The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Back for the spring

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Theresa Sierra and her husband, Frank, live on Lake Thomas in Land O’ Lakes. This juvenile green heron seemed to pose for Theresa, for more than 5 minutes.

Health News 06/03/2020

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COVID-19 testing sites
The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County is working with community partners to provide COVID-19 testing throughout Pasco County, according to a news release.

Those interested should call the facility prior to going in for testing to ensure they meet any guidelines required by the partner.

This is the current list of testing sites in Pasco County, in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area:

  • CVS Pharmacy, 2322 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Lutz: (813) 949-3641
  • Florida Medical Urgent Care, 2352 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite 101, Wesley Chapel: (813) 929-3600
  • Florida Medical Urgent Care, 38021 Market Square, Zephyrhills: (813) 715-0374
  • Premier, 14027 Fifth St., Dade City: (352) 518-2000
  • Premier, 38724 Mudcat Grant Blvd., Dade City: (352) 518-2000
  • Premier, 2114 Seven Springs Blvd., Trinity: (352) 518-2000
  • Med Express, 22945 State Road 54, Lutz: (813) 909-9099
  • AdventHealth, 1127 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Wesley Chapel: (813) 973-2889
  • Doctor’s Urgent Care, 13256 Gunn Highway, Odessa: (813) 290-0023

Assisted Living agreement
Hillsborough County has entered into an agreement with an assisted living facility to serve as a transition unit, which sets aside 60 transitional beds for senior care facility residents who were hospitalized with COVID-19, but who now do not require hospitalization.

The facility, The Inn at University Village, will serve as a transitional unit between the hospital and its senior care community for those patients while they await final clearance to return to their previous residence.

Patients are expected to be moved from hospitals to the facility, where they will temporarily reside in a separate wing specifically designed for COVID-19 patient.

The initiative is one of several being undertaken by a senior care facility rapid response task force formed by Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa, the Florida Department of Health-Hillsborough County, the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, and four hospital systems: Tampa General Hospital, BayCare, AdventHealth, and HCA Healthcare-West Florida Division.

Hand-washing, the correct way
The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County urges members of the public to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and practice proper hand hygiene, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The CDC recommends practicing everyday preventive actions like social distancing (at least 6 feet), wearing a cloth face covering when you are out in public, and washing your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

An alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol also can be used, but not as a substitute for cleaning hands with soap and water.

Five steps to wash hands the right way:

  • Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap and apply soap.
  • Lather hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of hands, between fingers and under nails.
  • Scrub hands for last least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end, twice.
  • Rinse hands well under clean, running water.
  • Dry our hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Chalk Talk 06/03/2020

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(Courtesy of Barbara Gilmore)

A strong finish for Denham Oaks
On the last day of school, Denham Oaks Elementary organized a ‘Finish Strong’ staff parade through 14 neighborhoods to show the students that even if the last months were full of change, nothing would dampen the dragon school spirit. Students lined the streets with signs saying good-bye to their teachers, as the teachers paraded by with signs on their own cars saying good-bye to their students. From left: Isadora Burge (first grade), Harvey Burge, (third grade), Vincent Gilmore (first grade), Nate Gilmore (fourth grade), Jamie Neiubauer (first grade), Gabe Neiubauer (friend), Nykolus Di Roma (first grade) and Ayden Cawthon (kindergarten).

Honors medallions awarded
Florida State University (FSU) awarded honors medallions to 383 high-achieving graduates — the university’s largest class to date — during a virtual ceremony on April 30.

The FSU Honors Program supports the efforts and talents of the university’s most intellectually curious students who have the potential, dedication and drive for creating change.

Designations are: HON – University Honors; HITM — Honors in the Major; DUAL — dual honors; and, OSS – dual honors with a 3.9 GPA or higher.

The following students in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area received honors medallions:

  • Alannah Cranwell, of Lutz: Social Work, HON
  • Alexander Dabbs, of Lutz: Psychology, HITM
  • Riley Garrison, of Lutz: Applied/Computational Mathematics, HON
  • Emily Geraghty, of Land O’ Lakes: Finance, HON
  • Isiah Parfait, of Land O’ Lakes: Spanish, HON
  • Kimberly Ward, of Odessa: Biological Science, HON

Scholarship winners
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners.

The 2,500 Merit Scholar designees were chosen from a pool of more than 15,000 outstanding finalists in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program.

The winners are the finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

These local students were awarded the National Merit Scholarship:

  • Jonathan E. Barbara, George M. Steinbrenner High School, Lutz
  • Aidan J. Persaud, Wiregrass Ranch High School, Wesley Chapel
  • Amber L. Seaberg, J.W. Mitchell High School, Trinity
  • Jennifer R. Zartman, Land O’ Lakes High School

Western Governors graduates
These area students have earned a degree from Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, Utah:

  • Courtney Jack, of Trinity: Master of Business Administration, Healthcare Management
  • Holly Montgomery, of Lutz: Bachelor of Science, Nursing
  • Richard Pearson, of Odessa: Bachelor of Science, Nursing
  • Crystal Pla, of Trinity: Master of Business Administration, Healthcare Management
  • Donna Reid, of Odessa: Bachelor of Science, Nursing

Top high schools
According to U.S. News & World Report, these are the top five high schools in Pasco County:

Land O’ Lakes High School: No. 1 in Pasco rankings (No. 84 in Florida rankings); 94% graduation rate; 49.9% college readiness; 1,846 enrollment grades nine to 12

Sunlake High School: No. 2 in Pasco (No. 133 in Florida); 94% graduation rate; 39% college readiness; 1,942 enrollment grades nine to 12

James W. Mitchell High School: No. 3 in Pasco (No. 137 in Florida); 94% graduation rate; 42.2% college readiness; 2,189 enrollment grades nine to 12

Wiregrass Ranch High School: No. 4 in Pasco (No. 152 in Florida); 95% graduation rate; 31.2% college readiness; 2,253 enrollment grades nine to 12

Wesley Chapel High School: No. 5 in Pasco (No. 239 in Florida); 93% graduation rate; 25.6% college readiness; 1,497 enrollment grades nine to 12

Zephyrhills High School ranked No. 12 and Pasco High was ranked No. 13.

In Hillsborough County, Steinbrenner High School ranked No. 4 in Tampa Metro Area Rankings (No. 1,023 in National Rankings); 96% graduation rate; 54.4% college readiness; 2,432 enrollment grades nine to 12.

For a complete list, visit USNews.com/education.

Glitz & Gala prom
Barrington Hill, 16117 Lake Iola Road in Dade City, invites all Pasco County seniors, from public and private schools, to a Glitz & Gala prom on June 20 from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Tickets are available online.

For information, contact Alicia Trias at (727) 642-6128 or

Best metros for college grads
Apartment List has issued its list of Best Metros for 2020 College Graduates.

Instead of considering its usual social and lifestyle factors, metros were ranked on the stability and resilience of the local job markets, as circumstance has dictated.

Graduates are participating in digital commencements, hitting the job market as unemployment spikes, and many cities are under some form of lockdown.

According to its latest report, Tampa ranks No. 41 out of 50 for college graduates.

Apartment List found that:

  • The average wage for recent college grads in Tampa is $38,504, ranking No. 42 in the nation.
  • 72% of recent college grads in Tampa work in a remote-friendly occupation, making it easier to find and secure a job during lockdown.
  • Recent college grads are likely to be renters. And, in Tampa, 42% are cost-burdened, spending more than one-third of their income on rent.

To view the full report, visit tinyurl.com/yc4wdo56.

Student money tips
The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) offers tips to save money on intangible costs when comparing the costs of various colleges.

Tangible costs include tuition and fees, and room and board.

Intangible costs include everything else: textbooks and supplies; computers; and personal items, such as shampoo, clothes, entertainment, laundry, and other expenses.

Students can save money by controlling the discretionary costs of their lifestyle, by finding sales or using coupons, and looking out for buy one, get one free deals.

Cutting back on treats, like entertainment and dining out, also can save quite a bit of money. Or, students can do these things less often.

The less spent on intangibles, the less is needed to take out in student loans.

KHEAA is a public, nonprofit agency established to improve students’ access to college. It provides information about financial aid and financial literacy, for free, to students and parents.

For more about KHEAA services, visit KHEAA.com.

Virtual orientations offered to ‘Bigs’

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Due to the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Tampa Bay has had to cancel all in-person community orientations and trainings for adult mentors and role models, or “Bigs.” Virtual orientations now are offered, instead.

‘Big’ Howie Taylor, right, stands alongside his ‘Little’ Hunter, last year, after being united through the mentorship program Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. (File)

Throughout the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it is crucial for the organization to maintain its mentoring of relationships.

Many of the BBBS children in the program, called “Littles,” would welcome hearing from a friend who can help ease their fears and provide a distraction.

Depending on the program, all it takes is four hours to eight hours a month, with a focus on being consistent and spending “virtual” quality time with a Little.

The first step is to attend a Big Orientation & Training session to learn about the BBBS programs, commitments, expectations, and its kids.

Virtual orientations are offered twice a week. No preregistration or RSVP is required.

Upcoming meetings are:

  • June 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and June 6 from 10:30 a.m. to noon
  • June 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and June 11 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • June 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and June 18 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
  • June 23 and June 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

To find out more on how to make a difference, visit BBBSTampaBay.org/virtual-big-orientation-trainings/.

Published May 27, 2020

Carl is a Texas rescue

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Carl, a 5-year-old Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix, was rescued from a shelter in Round Rock, Texas. She — yes ‘she’ — was adopted by a loving family and moved to Wesley Chapel. Carl welcomed two new ‘people puppies’ into her life when her owner had twin girls. Her favorite way to spend time is to chew the special shoes (with beads or glitter) in the boxes, and going to Disney. Carl’s proud owner is Caitlyn Allan, of Wesley Chapel. Note: The dog’s name is actually Ava, but the family began calling her Carl, after a character in ‘The Walking Dead’ series — and the name stuck.

The most colorful waterfowl

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Wood ducks perch and nest in trees, and are comfortable flying through woods. They can be seen in wooded swamps, marshes, streams, beaver ponds and small lakes. The ducks usually stick to wet areas with trees or extensive cattails. Janna Rolfe, of Wesley Chapel, snapped this photo of a male wood duck, also called a drake.

Health News 05/27/2020

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Dr. Nabeel Hamoui peers into a console used for robotic surgery. (Courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point)

First robotic prostatectomy
Dr. Nabeel Hamoui performed the first robotic prostatectomy at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, utilizing Intuitive Surgical’s advanced, four-arm robotic technology.

“Use of the robot allows for better visualization of the anatomy, improved ability to spare nerves responsible for erections, and improved continence compared to open surgery,” Dr. Hamoui said, in a news release.

Dr. Hamoui will perform minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgeries including prostate surgeries for cancer and enlarged prostates, kidney cancer, and female pelvis surgeries to treat incontinence.

 

OneBlood tests for antibody
OneBlood, the nonprofit blood center, is testing all donations for the COVID-19 antibody.

The antibody test is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and will indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the virus, regardless of whether they ever showed symptoms.

According to OneBlood, convalescent plasma donors have the ability to help critically ill coronavirus patients. The transfused plasma with COVID-19 antibodies into a patient fighting the virus can help boost the patient’s immune system and potentially help with recovery.

OneBlood began collecting and distributing COVID-19 convalescent plasma in April.

The antibody testing also will provide statistical information to public health officials.

COVID-19 antibody testing will be performed in addition to the standard infectious disease testing all blood donations receive.

Donors will be able to see their results approximately 48 hours after donating, by logging into their donor portal at OneBlood.org.

Due to social distancing measures OneBlood has in place, all donors are required to make an appointment online at OneBlood.org or by calling (888) 936-6283.

Chalk Talk 05/27/2020

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Dade City essay winner
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano announced the winning student chosen for the annual Middle School Essay Contest.

Julia Alcocer, Torchbearers’ Christian Academy (Courtesy of the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office)

Essays were submitted by students, grades six to eight, from public, private, parochial, charter, online and home-schools throughout Pasco County. Participants had to answer the question, “If you could spend tax dollars to fund any program, what would it be and why?”

A panel of judges, not knowing the age, gender, grade or school of each entrant, chose the essay written by Julia Alcocer, an eighth-grader at Torchbearers’ Christian Academy in Dade City, as the winner.

Alcocer wrote that she would fund a program that “would aid elderly people with day to day living and provide lifesaving practices to the vulnerable citizens,” which would include nutritional needs, temperature control in living spaces, and affordable medications.

The judges noted that her essay best communicated her response to the topic question, and met the contest criteria of overall structure, appearance and readability.

This annual essay contest is just one of the community related events the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office participates in throughout the year.

Glitz & Gala prom
Barrington Hill, 16117 Lake Iola Road in Dade City, invites all Pasco County seniors, from public and private schools, to a Glitz & Gala prom on June 20 from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Tickets are available online.

For information, contact Alicia Trias at (727) 642-6128 or ">

University of Tampa graduates
The University of Tampa (UT) virtually hosted its 150th commencement on May 9

The Class of 2020 included these students in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area:

  • Allison Barthel, of Odessa, Bachelor of Science in Public Health
  • Amy Clement, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science in Writing
  • Samuel Collins, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
  • Michael Dailey, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
  • Bernard Deysson, of Odessa, Master of Business Administration
  • Courey France, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science in Allied Health
  • Madison Ghodsi, of Lutz, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
  • Talia Goldenberg, of Odessa, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Jordan High, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Jean Labossiere, of Lutz, Master of Science in Exercise and Nutrition Science
  • Michaela Lewis, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science in Education–Elementary
  • Ashley Martin, of Odessa, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
  • Amanda Mencia, of Odessa, Bachelor of Science in Allied Health
  • Trent Puleo, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science in Management
  • Nina Sennott, of Odessa, Bachelor of Science in International Business-Marketing
  • Ashlee Stormer, of Odessa, Master of Business Administration
  • Gianna Taravella, of Lutz, Bachelor of Arts in Communication
  • Nikea Veney, of Lutz, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
  • Derian Yeretzian, of Odessa, Master of Science in Accounting

The event was viewed online by the students, their family members and friends, UT faculty and staff members, and the general public. The ceremony included remarks by Ronald Vaughn, the school’s president, and special messages from the academic deans and student challenge speakers.

Each graduate also received a personalized video commemorating their achievement.

Black Hills commencement
More than 300 graduates were recognized during the 179th Black Hills State University (Spearfish, South Dakota) virtual commencement ceremony, which took place on May 8.

Local student Conor Heaney, of Land O’ Lakes, was part of the Class of 2020 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Services.

A total of 27 master degrees, 282 bachelor degrees and 20 associate degrees were awarded.

Student procrastination
The online homework help website, Brainly.com, surveyed 17,000 United States high school students, ages 14 to 18, to find out about the types of school assignments they procrastinate the most on, how often they procrastinate, and which states have the students that are the biggest procrastinators.

Nationwide, 82% of high school students admitted they procrastinate on homework at least some of the time. Louisiana high schoolers take the lead for the top procrastinators, with 19% saying they always procrastinate on schoolwork.

Top 5 states where students procrastinate the most:

  • Louisiana, 19%
  • California and Florida, 15%
  • Idaho, 13%
  • Pennsylvania, 11%
  • North Carolina, 10%

How often high schoolers said they procrastinate (compared to national average):

  • Always, 4%
  • Somewhat Often, 35%
  • Every now and then, 43%
  • Never, 18%

Causes of procrastination:

  • There are other things they would rather be doing, 74%
  • They don’t know how to do the work or where to start, 26%

More interesting statistics:

  • 32% say that math is the school subject they most procrastinate on, while 45% say it is English curriculum
  • 43% of students say they procrastinate more on homework that requires writing or research
  • 49% admit that procrastinating on schoolwork is their biggest academic hurdle

 

Together, again

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Dixie Mae, left, and Colton are Goldendoodles, and are going to turn 5 in July. They were womb-mates, separated the first year after birth and then reunited when Colton was in need of a new, loving home. They both love a green apple yogurt ‘cookie’ before breakfast every morning. Their favorite toys are a stuffed sloth and duck. Dixie Mae can solve a strategy board and can stand on and walk on just her hind legs. Colton loves to give warm hugs to everyone – a feat since he weighs more than 97 pounds. He also can toss a tennis ball as far as a toddler. The duo shares the title of residential squirrel patrol at the home of their owners, Kimberlie and Stephen Glogowski, of Land O’ Lakes.

The king of butterflies

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A monarch butterfly use its eyes to locate flowers, its antennas to smell the nectar and the receptors in its feet to taste sweet substances. Adult monarchs feed on nectar and water by sipping on it using a sucking tube, called a proboscis, that lies coiled under its head when not in use. Fred Perkins, of Zephyrhills, snapped this photo on his daughter’s property.