The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Health News 05/20/2020

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NOTE: The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on May 25 and will reopen on May 26. BayCare Health System, DOH-Pasco’s community partner, will temporarily relocate its COVID-19 testing site to 5637 Marine Parkway (at the corner of George St. and Marine Parkway) in New Port Richey from May 26 to May 29, weather permitting.

BayCare has been providing COVID-19 testing at the Gulf High School parking lot since the end of March. This temporary move will allow students and faculty end-of-year access to the building without the concern of proximity to the testing site.

For information, visit FloridaHealth.gov/covid-19, email , or call (866) 779-6121.

Pregnancy centers still open
The Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers are still open, with some creative and temporary changes.

The staff works everyday continuing pregnancy education with clients.

Each week, for a few hours, each center location opens to provide curbside delivery of diapers, wipes, formula and other baby items for those in need.

The centers still offer decision coaching, pregnancy tests, emergency ultrasounds, and more.

In Land O’ Lakes, call (813) 406-4965. In Wesley Chapel, call (813) 618-5037.

For more information, visit OasisPregnancyCenter.org.

Crisis Center funding
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is committed to ensuring that the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) community in Hillsborough County has access to crisis intervention, resource information and referrals, suicide prevention, and rape crisis services.

United Way Suncoast is providing the nonprofit Crisis Center with $25,000 in emergency funding. The funds are part of a more than $1.2 million in COVID-19 emergency assistance from the United Way Suncoast’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, which is being distributed to human services across the Suncoast, to support housing/shelter, food, child care, financial stability and mental health services.

In addition to intervention, resources and referrals, suicide prevention and rape crisis services, the Crisis Center’s Gateway Services 2-1-1 provides 24/7 on-call support for callers who need help with basis needs, such as housing and food access.

For information, visit CrisisCenter.com.

Pharmacy hours back
As of May 16, Publix stores reopened daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and its pharmacies returned to regular operating hours.

Pharmacy hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For hours on Saturday and Sunday, visit your locale store’s website.

Pharmacy hours at hospitals will vary by location.

For customer updates, visit Publix.com.

Virtual chat
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Hillsborough and NAMI Pasco will host a lunchtime chat on May 21, May 26 and May 28, at noon, on Facebook or YouTube.

Those that tune in can hear from local business officials, peers and family members on a variety of mental health issues.

For example, the May 14 episode was provided by nationally certified intervention professional Stephen Sundquist on not only addiction but the importance of recovery, too.

YMCA blood drives
The YMCAs of the Tampa Bay area will continue to host blood drives, in partnership with OneBlood.

The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA and the YMCA of the Suncoast will host blood drives at 11 YMCA locations across Hillsborough, Pinellas and East Pasco counties on May 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The East Pasco Family YMCA, in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, at 37301 Chapel Hill Loop in Zephyrhills, will be one of the donation sites.

All donors will receive a OneBlood T-shirt, and a free wellness checkup including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count and cholesterol screening.

For information and other locations, call (888) 936-6283.

Virtual classes
The Gulfside North AHEC (Area Health Education Center) will host free virtual Tools to Quit classes, covering all forms of tobacco.

The classes will provide information about the effects of tobacco use and the benefits of quitting, and will provide assistance to develop a personal quit plan.

A workbook and materials will be provided, along with nicotine replacement patches, gum or lozenges, if necessary.

The upcoming classes are on May 26 from 10 a.m. to noon; May 27 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; and, May 29 from noon to 2 p.m.

Preregistration is required by calling (813) 929-1000.

Once registration is received, a ZOOM link will be provided to join the conference via video or audio.

There’s no stopping these women

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The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club handed out thank-you notes to staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. (Courtesy of GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club)

The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club continues to be busy during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving back to the community and celebrating Club Federation Day.

The women distributed thank-you cards to first responders and essential workers at BayCare’s St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, as well as to the manager of the Glory Days restaurant in Wesley Chapel, where the club’s first meeting was held.

Using their crafting skills, the women also sewed and embellished bears, called “Cuddle Bears.” They added little notes of kindness, and delivered the bears to Atria Assisted Living in Lutz.

And, they painted, distressed and arranged flowers in individual glass jars, again with individual notes, for Angels Senior Living at the Lodges, also in Lutz.

Shantel Meyers, from the woman’s club, said that “We still continue to do our work no matter what gets in our way. It’s our mission and we are all dedicated to it,” in an email to The Laker/Lutz News.

For information about the club, call Meyers at (813) 361-9542.

Published May 13, 2020

Members of the GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club hand-crafted glass jars with flowers for Angels Senior Living at the Lodges, in Lutz.

 

Tax collector offices reopen lobbies

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The Pasco County Tax Collector’s five offices have again begun to offer in-person lobby services, as of May 4. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Gulf Harbors and Wesley Chapel locations reopened on Saturdays, as of May 9, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, to serve Pasco County residents only.

Each office will maintain social distancing standards, such as limiting the number of individuals allowed in the office at one time.

Dealers may drop off and pick up work through the VIN check/drive-thru, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.

No over-the-counter dealer work will be permitted.

These services will still not be available at this time: road tests, non-U.S., non-Pasco residents, and interpreter testing.

Customers are requested to wear face masks if at all possible, to protect themselves and those around them.

For information and updates, visit PascoTaxes.com, or call (813) 235-6076, (727) 847-8032 or (352) 521-4338.

Published May 13, 2020

A bit of help, for safety on the roadway

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As Floridians seek outdoor exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic, cities are seeing an increase in bicycling.

Members of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office received a donation of 500 bicycle helmets to distribute to children and those in need. (Courtesy of AAA-The Auto Group)

While the American Automobile Association (AAA) urges residents to follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it also wants to help to make sure people are safe when out on the roadway.

To promote bicycle safety, AAA-The Auto Club Group has donated 1,000 bicycle helmets to be distributed to children and others in need throughout Hillsborough County.

“School-aged children are staying closer to home right now, which means more time spent riding their bicycles. Florida law requires children 16 years and under to wear a helmet. Unfortunately, not everyone does,” said Mark Jenkins, AAA spokesman, in a news release.

That led AAA to partner with local law enforcement to ensure children can get a helmet if they do not have one, added Jenkins.

Recently, 500 helmets were delivered to both the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Tampa Police Department. Deputies and officers are planning to distribute the helmet.

For information on how to fit a helmet, COVID-related tips, and general bicycle safety, visit AAA’s Bike Basics Guide at tinyurl.com/y7wdcexz.

Published May 13, 2020

Tampa YMCA receives grant for child care

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United Way Suncoast has granted the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA a $50,000 gift, to help ensure working families in Tampa Bay have access to child care.

The emergency funds are part of a more than $1.2 million in COVID-19 emergency assistance from the United Way Suncoast’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund being distributed to human services agencies across the Suncoast to support housing/shelter, food, child care, financial stability and mental health services, according to a news release.

“Schools play such a vital role in keeping kids safe, engaged and nourished. While school’s out, there is a huge gap in the community to provide those services,” Matt Mitchell, Tampa YMCA president and CEO, said in the release.

“Thanks to the generous support of United Way Suncoast, the Y can provide a safe and nurturing environment for the children of first responders, health care professionals and other essential workers who play important roles keeping us safe and healthy. This generous gift helps the Y serve these critical needs at a very nominal fee for these individuals who are risking a lot. We want to make sure, at least in this part of their life, they can have some normalcy and not have any worry. At this crucial moment, when our communities need us more than ever, we appreciate the continued support of community partners, like United Way Suncoast,” Mitchell said.

The Tampa YMCA will use the funds to offer all-day youth relief care at 11 centers, for families who must continue to work during the COVID-19 crisis while their kids are out of school. The Y’s youth relief care program provides academic support and structure to help children maintain their learning while also enjoying enriching activities.

Published May 13, 2020

These buddies were once castoffs

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Vinny, left, is about 8 years old or 9 years old. He is a rescue (breeder castoff) that was living on the streets of Lake County. Vinny loves people and his tail wags in a perfect circle in moments of pure joy. Franky also is a breeder castoff from a kill shelter in Taylor County. His quirky paw that turns outward and his pokey snaggle tooth make him very distinctive! Franky was shy and underweight, but now is a strong 9-pound ball of fun. Vinny and Franky live with their proud owner, Jill Amore, in Lutz.

A snack on the go

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As its name suggests, the marsh rabbit is found only in marshy habitats, where water is plentiful. The marsh rabbit is slightly smaller and darker than the eastern cottontail, and its tail forms a brown tuft (no cottontail). These rabbits take to water readily and swim well, often for considerable distances. They eat a variety of wetland plants, including water hyacinth, grasses, cattail and herbs. Jennifer Cohn, of Wesley Chapel, snapped this portrait of a marsh rabbit.

Health News 05/13/2020

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(Courtesy of Pasco Federated Republican Women’s Club)

Thanking front line workers
The Pasco Federated Republican Women’s Club (PFRWC) and the Republican Club of Central Pasco (RCCP) delivered 45 meals to the Medical Center of Trinity under the banner of Pasco FLAG (Pasco Front Line Appreciation Group). The front line heroes dined on food provided by Hungry Harry’s Family BBQ and Benedetto’s Ristorante Italiano. From left: Meg Merritt, founder and treasurer PFRWC; Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey; Sandy Graves, president PFRWC and Pasco County Republican committeewoman; and two Trinity Hospital staff members.

Show solidarity
Join NAMI Pasco (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and NAMI Hillsborough for a quick and easy way to show solidarity for those who are feeling alone.

Wear green on May 15 and, at noon, join NAMI for a quick ZOOM conference. NAMI staff will video record 30-second messages of hope to those dealing with mental health conditions.

The Zoom recordings can then be shared with loved ones and community members.

Visit Zoom (881-9795-4665) and use the password 071608.

Hub of support established
In response to an overwhelming outpouring of support from businesses, community groups and individuals, AdventHealth Foundation West Florida has established a central hub for people who want to support the AdventHealth caregivers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic in our area.

The greatest opportunities for community support are: food for care teams; care packages for caregivers who have been impacted by COVID-19; and, financial donations to support response and relief efforts.

All contributions can be made by visiting AdventHealthFoundationWestFL.com.

AdventHealth also welcomes the community to leave a note of thanks or encouragement for the physicians, nurses and other team members on the front lines. Use #SpreadThanks to post a thank-you note on social media platforms for caregivers to publicly see the outpouring of love and support from the community.

Call to action
Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) began using its 3D printers to make face shields for front line staff, when the COVID-19 pandemic started to escalate.

The museum’s Chief Operating Officer Rob Lamke saw a Moffitt Cancer Center social media post asking for the community’s support in making masks for team members.

MOSI had purchased the 3D printers eight years ago to help broaden its STEM programming, to allow the museum to demonstrate prototyping and create new interactive displays for visitors.

To ensure quality control and to make sure the masks were acceptable for medical use, Lamke said MOSI had the National Institute of Health test and clinically review all the designs.

Jay Wright, Moffitt’s supply chain director, said that the patient-facing clinicians will benefit the most from the face shields.

Chalk Talk 05/13/2020

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Pasco provides Wi-Fi hubs
Pasco County Schools has established community-access Wi-Fi hubs at five school sites, as of May 6. The hubs make it possible for families to easily access the internet.

The sites are available from 9 a.m. to 6 pm., Monday through Friday.

Starting on June 8, the sites will be available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

The community-access hubs can be found at these schools:

  • Cox Elementary School, 37615 Martin Luther King Blvd., Dade City
  • Lacoochee Elementary, 38815 Cummer Road, Dade City
  • Pasco Elementary, 37350 Florida Ave., Dade City
  • Woodland Elementary, 38203 Henry Drive, Zephyrhills
  • Cotee River Elementary, 7515 Plathe Road, New Port Richey

At each school, a designated parking lot area will be clearly marked, and Wi-Fi access information will be displayed.

Families are asked to follow social distancing recommendations while on campus and remain in vehicles, as much as possible.

Those using the hub sites also should make sure their devices are fully charged before arriving.

Community input needed
Pasco County Schools’ After School Enrichment Programs department (ASEP) is looking for input from the community through an online survey, as the district gets ready to apply for a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant from the Florida Department of Education.

The purpose of the grant proposal is to extend the district’s before and after school academic enrichment opportunities for students by providing a new and free academic support program at three select elementary schools and four select middle schools.

The new program will focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) curriculum and offer enriching hands-on experiences.

If the grant is awarded, the program would start next school year.

Families are encouraged to share their input to help identify specific needs and potential offerings.

Parents and students who wish to participate in the survey can visit MyASEP.com, and click on the Parent or Student icon next to the “thoughtexchange” logo.

Student of the Year
Cameron Farquhar, a senior at Wesley Chapel High School (WCHS), was named the Pasco County School District’s High School CTE (Career and Technical/Adult Education) Student of the Year.

Farquhar found out about the honor through a Zoom video conference with WCHS principal Matt McDermott.

Other special guests in on the announcement were Kim Moore, assistant superintendent of career and innovative programs; Lori Romano, director of CTE; and Superintendent Kurt Browning.

Honor Society inductees
Three local students were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, at the University of South Florida:

  • Victoria Gonzalez, of Lutz
  • Nikhil Kulkarni, of Odessa
  • Amber Pirson, of Lutz

Local graduates
Tallahassee Community College (TCC) will recognize more than 3,000 candidates in the graduating Class of 2020. The local students earning degrees are:

  • Morgan Blomberg, of Lutz
  • Brian Castro, of Odessa
  • Kallie Cook, of Odessa
  • Natalie Dambrosio, of Lutz
  • Madison Davidson, of Odessa
  • Ryan Fischel, of Lutz
  • Jason Fishman, of Lutz
  • Matthew Julian, of Lutz
  • Mikiah Peeples, of Lutz
  • Carolyne Rogers, of Odessa
  • Kamaria Sherman, Of Odessa

Julianna Mitten, of Odessa, graduated from Cedarville University in Ohio with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

And, the University of Mississippi-Oxford awarded degrees to Timothy John Elko, of Lutz (Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science); and, Kyle Allen Langiotti, of Odessa (Bachelor of Business Administration-Marketing).

Vendor training
Pasco County Schools is scheduled to present a vendor training on June 24 (date may change), to give vendors a chance to familiarize themselves with how to do business with the school district.

The event is planned at the district office, 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Building 2, in the Mangrove Room. The morning session is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and the afternoon session is from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

To register, visit EventBrite.com, and search for ‘Vendor Co-LAB.’

Kindergarten registration
Pasco County Schools’ kindergarten registrations will now be on July 8, at all Pasco elementary schools.

Registration requirements include:

  • Must be 5 years of age by Sept. 1
  • Birth certificate or other proof of birthdate
  • Health examination – HRS Form 3040
  • HRS Certificate of Immunization
  • Three different proofs of residency, including deed or property tax assessment or lease, current utility bill, and an additional document supporting stated address: auto registration, driver’s license or voter registration.

To preregister, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/forms/view.php?id=227457.

Florida education status
The personal-finance website, WalletHub, released its report on 2020’s Most & Least Educated States in America.

In order to determine where the most educated Americans live, WalletHub compared the 50 states across 18 key metrics. The data set ranges from share of adults age 25 and older with at least a high school diploma to average university quality to gender gap in educational attainment.

According to WalletHub, this is how educated Florida is (1=Most; 25=Average)

  • first in gender gap in educational attainment
  • third in average university quality
  • 21st in racial gap in educational attainment
  • 29th in percentage of graduate or professional degree holders
  • 30th in percentage of bachelor degree holders
  • 32nd in percentage of associate degree holders or college-experienced adults
  • 33rd in percentage of high school diploma holders

For a full report, visit WalletHub.com/edu.

Financial aid tip
The federal government requires many students who submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to verify the information included on the FAFSA. The students requiring verification are chosen by the U.S. Department of Education.

Used to apply for most federal and many state student aid programs, the FAFSA asks detailed questions about the income and financial resources of students.

The parents of dependent students must provide that information, too.

Students are considered dependent if they are undergraduates younger than 24 years of age, not married, have no dependents, are not veterans, or were not orphans or wards of the court until age 19.

The college or an agency working with the school will let students know if their information is being verified.

According to the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA), students and parents need to take this process seriously. Until the verification process is complete, students cannot receive financial aid. The information should be provided as soon as the students are contacted about verification.

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.

Saint Leo summer institute
Saint Leo University’s Department of Criminal Justice is converting its Summer Institute to a seminar delivered through a digital platform.

This summer’s topic is “The Art of Identifying, Investigating and Apprehending Serial Killers, Spree Killers and Murderers: An Interactive Learning Experience.”

The four-day seminar will take place May 18 through May 21, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., online via Zoom.

The event will include lectures from prominent speakers on profiling, and small group discussions.

Certificates of completion will be available.

Registration is open at SaintLeo.edu/cj-events.

This pup has a future

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Ben is a Border Collie-Aussie mix rescue. He loves everyone and is in training to join his brother as a therapy dog. Ben lives with his mom, Mary Pietropaoli in Land O’ Lakes.