The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Musical talent on display

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Will Kuhns captured this photo of an Eastern Meadowlark at Long Lake Ranch in Land O’ Lakes. Male meadowlarks sing beautiful, flute-like songs from exposed perches, such as fence posts, treetops and utility lines. Eastern Meadowlarks walk on the ground, often concealed by grasses or crops, and live in farm fields, grasslands and wet fields.

Health News 05/01/2024

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Sidd Pagidipati stands alongside his parents after making a historic donation to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation in their honor. (Courtesy of Ashley Ozols-Thomas/BayCare)

Children’s hospital receives historic gift
St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation announced a $50 million gift from the Pagidipati family of Tampa, to support the future of pediatric health care in the Tampa Bay community, according to a news release.

Tampa business leader and philanthropist Sidd Pagidipati, along with his brother Rahul and sister Srujani, made the donation to honor their parents’ legacy as health care providers, their 50th wedding anniversary and their 50th anniversary of coming to the United States, the release said.

The gift will support the new, specially designed pediatric facility for St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, which BayCare announced last October as part of a strategic effort to increase the region’s access to high-quality, state-of-the-art health care for children.

When the new children’s hospital facility opens, it will be named Pagidipati Children’s Hospital at St. Joseph’s, in recognition of the donating family.

The new hospital is scheduled to open in 2030.

Mental health resources
If you or someone you know are facing a challenge with mental health, substance use or other difficulties such as homelessness, suicide, veterans and PTS (post-traumatic stress) or more, there is help available within the community. The Pasco Sheriff’s Office offers a list of community-based resources on its website, to give you a place to start. Visit PascoSheriff.com/MentalHealth-html/ for additional information.

Crisis dispatch service launched
The Tampa Police Department (TPD) and the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay launched a Crisis Intervention Dispatch Service Program on April 15, at Tampa Police Dispatch, during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, according to a news release.

The individuals who answer 911 calls address a range of emergency and crisis situations, including calls from individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis.

Many behavioral health calls to 911 do not require in-person law enforcement intervention. For this reason, the TPD will soon house intervention specialists from the Crisis Center in its dispatch center, the release says.

The program aims to reduce officer dispatched calls relating to individuals undergoing a behavioral health crisis, connect 911 callers in need of behavioral health support to resources, reduce recidivism of Baker Acts, and engage high utilizers of 911 for prevention.

People in the community who are experiencing thoughts of suicide and other crises can call 988. If someone needs information about community resources, call 211. Both numbers are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

The 911 emergency services number is available 24/7 for anyone in need of immediate assistance from police, the fire department or an ambulance.

Dr. Huy D. Nguyen (Courtesy of Martin E. Bahl/BayCare)

Doctor joins BayCare
Huy D. Nguyen, DO (doctor of osteopathic medicine) has joined BayCare Medical Group’s primary care office at 4211 Van Dyke Road in Lutz, on the campus of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North.

The physician is board certified in family medicine, speaks fluent Vietnamese, and treats patients age 18 and older. Nguyen’s clinical interests include hypertension, weight loss, ADHD, diabetes, cholesterol, sports-related injuries, and joint infections.

He completed an undergraduate degree in biology from the University of South Florida-Tampa and earned his DO from the Bradenton campus of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. He also completed a family medicine residency at the University of Incarnate Word/Graduate Medical Education and Research in San Antonio, Texas.

To learn more, visit bit.ly/3PMKhUy. To reach Dr. Nguyen’s office, call 813-960-4026.

Chalk Talk 05/01/2024

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A member of a mariachi band welcomes students to a cultural event at Seven Oaks Elementary. (Courtesy of Corey Dierdorff/Pasco County Schools)

Around the World in a Day
Students in kindergarten through fifth grade at Seven Oaks Elementary School in Wesley Chapel recently grabbed their passports and ventured through four different countries to celebrate cultural diversity.

While the children bustled around campus, a mariachi band played, welcoming the students to the start of Around the World in a Day: Seven Oaks’ Cultural Extravaganza.

Students listen to a presentation about the country of Italy.

The carnival helped to educate the students on different countries such as India, Italy, Colombia and Venezuela, as they ‘visited’ each place to learn about the variety of sports and fashions of each culture and sample food.

Italy showcased a soccer ball, stone from ancient buildings, a coffee maker, and handmade lace for clothing. 

Colombia displayed a rain stick and passed it around for students to see. Venezuela showed off instruments and toys, and demonstrated how to say the names of the items in Spanish.

Students traveled across the school grounds to experience each diverse culture.

Join Leadership Pasco
The Leadership Pasco Recruitment Committee is now accepting applications for the upcoming Class of 2025. 

Since 1990, Leadership Pasco has introduced business and local leaders to major facets of the Pasco County community through an intensive 10-month course. Class members participate in full-day program sessions, tours, and candid conversations with community leaders to broaden their local understanding of the ever-changing needs of Pasco County. Topics include criminal justice, tourism, health care, education, government, infrastructure, media, and business industries.

The class also is responsible for organizing a Class Project that brings charitable people and resources together to address a particular social, educational, economic, environmental or cultural need in the county.

Applications are available online at LeadershipPasco.com and are due by May 15.

The recruitment committee will review all applicants. All selected 2025 class members will be notified by the end of June.

Monthly program sessions begin with orientation in August and conclude with a graduation ceremony in May 2025.

For questions or concerns, contact Laura Raposa at 727-858-6452 or .

History center to celebrate Emancipation Days
The Tampa Bay History Center will present the following:

• Tampa Emancipation Day
A Tampa Emancipation Day will take place on May 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at St. James at ENCORE, 1202 N. Governor St., in Tampa, to observe the historical impact of the Emancipation Proclamation in Florida. The free event will include music, food and new USF research. Guest speakers will include Dr. Elizabeth Horge-Freeman, Dr. Cheryl Rodriguez and Dr. Tomaro Taylor from the University of South Florida (USF), and Fred Hearns, curator of Black History with the Tampa History Center. The event will feature a special reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by several dignitaries. Also included will be performances by local artists and speakers. Seating is limited to the first 100 guests to RSVP at TampaBayHistoryCenter.org.
• Florida Emancipation Day
The Chinsegut Hill Historic Site, 22495 Chinsegut Hill Road in Brooksville, will host a Florida Emancipation Day on May 18 starting at 10 a.m., with discussions on the historical significance of the location by Dr. Gary Ellis and Rodney Kite-Powell. Dr. Michael Jones also will speak about the implications of recent archaeological findings, and Dr. Jesse Pisors, president of Pasco-Hernando State College, will give free tours of the Chinsegut historic house. This free event aims to educate and inspire by celebrating historical milestones in the fight for freedom and equality.

For more information about these events, visit TampaBayHistoryCenter.org.

New president/CEO named
The Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF) has announced Anna Corman as its new president and chief executive officer (CEO). Corman has served as interim CEO since September 2023.

With more than nine years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Corman has been instrumental in promoting positive social change and fostering community impact, particularly in youth development and volunteerism, both locally and globally, according to a news release.

Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from the University of South Florida and a Master of Science in Global Technology & Development from Arizona State University.

In addition, Corman is an active member of the community and a distinguished alumna of both Leadership Tampa (Class of ’23) and Leadership Florida (Education Class 8).

In her new role, Corman will oversee HEF’s strategic direction, partnerships and programs, and she will work with the board, staff and community stakeholders to further the organization’s mission of strengthening public education in Hillsborough County.

Business Digest 05/01/2024

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Habitat for Humanity ribbon-cutting
The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host an open house and ribbon-cutting for Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties’ new office location at 7237 Little Road in New Port Richey, on May 3 at 10 a.m. The event is free to attend.

EMG Motorsport offers U-Haul rentals
EMG Motorsport has partnered with U-Haul to bring rentals of U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, moving supplies and in-store pickup for boxes to their store at 6135 Salt Springs Road, Port Richey, according to a news release. For more information, call 727-847-5668, or visit uhaul.com/Locations/Truck-Rentals-near-Port-Richey-FL-34668/007748.

Wiregrass apartments
A grand opening for Madison Wiregrass, 32257 Snowberry Way in Wesley Chapel, took place on April 25, to showcase the new apartment community. For more information, call 813-947-1207, or visit LiveMadisonWatergrass.com.

RISE Dispensary opens doors
RISE Dispensary had a grand opening on April 26. The new location is at 28053 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Wesley Chapel. For more information, visit RiseCannabis.com.

New Hybrid Training in North Tampa
The North Tampa Bay Chamber hosted a grand opening and ribbon-cutting on April 27 for SETS Hybrid Training, 19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Pebble Creek Collection, in Tampa. Visit SetsBuilt.com for more information. 

Greater Pasco Chamber brochure exchange
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) will host its next Land O’ Lakes brochure exchange on May 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at New Beginnings, 18935 Michigan Lane, which is one-fourth mile north of State Road 52, along U.S. 41.

This is an in-person business card and brochure exchange and networking event, with barbecue lunch from Hungry Harry’s. It’s held on the second Thursday of each month. The event is sponsored by Architectural Signage & Printing. The event is free for GPCC members and $10 for non-members. The cost of food is additional.

More information can be found at https://members.greaterpasco.com/events/details/land-o-lakes-brochure-exchange-05-09-2024-14399.

Health News 04/24/2024

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Dr. Rajan ‘Raj’ Wadhawan (Courtesy of AdventHealth)

New chief clinical officer
Dr. Rajan “Raj” Wadhawan will join AdventHealth West Florida Division as chief clinical officer, effective April 21, according to a news release.

He will oversee the clinical operations and quality of care for the region’s 13 hospitals and will report to David Ottati, president and chief executive officer of the West Florida Division, the release says.

Dr. Wadhawan is board certified in pediatrics and neonatal perinatal medicine, and most recently served as the senior executive officer for AdventHealth for Children and AdventHealth for Women. He was responsible for a care network that includes more than 375 physicians and specialists practicing more than 35 subspecialties, community specialty clinics, pediatric rehabilitation, pediatric emergency rooms and Centra Care Kids urgent care.

In 2022, Dr. Wadhawan was appointed by the Florida Speaker of the House of Representatives to serve as one of the inaugural council members for the state of Florida’s Rare Disease Advisory Council, which works to improve health outcomes for those with rare diseases.

The new chief clinical officer also is a member of the American Board of Pediatrics Sub-Board of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine and holds a faculty appointment as an associate professor at the University of Central Florida, Department of Pediatrics.

Board chair named
Florida Health Kids Corporation (FHKC) board chair Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos was honored as the 2024 Florida Outstanding Woman in Public Health by the University of South Florida (USF) College of Public Health.

The award, initiated by the USF College of Public Health in 1988, celebrates a woman whose career accomplishments and leadership have contributed significantly to the field of public health in Florida.

Dr. Haridopolos was appointed by CFO Jimmy Patronis and has served on the board since 2018. Under her leadership, FHKC has supported Florida KidCare families as they have recovered from hurricanes and navigated a National Public Health Emergency. In addition, the honoree has advocated for legislative change to make the program more affordable for working families.

Dr. Haridopolos is a board-certified family medicine physician with nearly 30 years of experience and serves on the Florida Tobacco Education and Use Prevention Advisory Council.

Dr. Luis R. Annoni-Suau, MD, FACC and the HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital team pause after completing the first non-thermal ablation procedure on April 5. (Courtesy of HCA Healthcare)

A first in Pasco County
HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital has completed its first non-thermal ablation using a new approach for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), a first in Pasco County, according to a news release.

The new approach can minimize risks associated with traditional thermal ablation, potentially expanding access to treatment to more patients, the release says.

During a traditional ablation procedure, a catheter is guided to the interior of the heart and generates extreme temperatures – hot or cold – to destroy targeted areas in the heart associated with abnormal heart rhythms. The non-thermal ablation option relies on tissue selective, non-thermal electric fields to ablate heart tissue and avoid damage to surrounding structures.

People with AF have a higher risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications than those with normal heart rhythms.

Chalk Talk 04/24/2024

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(Courtesy of Krista Roberson)

Looking skyward
Students of the Classical Conversations homeschool group in Lutz look skyward, with eye protection of course, at the solar eclipse on April 8. Classical Conversations was started in 1997 and has campuses all over the world; the Lutz campus has been around since 2018. Students range from preschool to 10th grade. The group has community day once a week to learn new material, do art and music projects, and science experiments. Field trips correspond to study material and have included The Ringling museum, Bok Tower park, Medieval Times, various Straz Center orchestra and theater productions, and the Edgecomb Courthouse in Tampa for a mock trial competition. Visit info.classicalconversations.com for more information.

Student achievements

  • Ella Langiotti, Odessa: Dean’s List, Ohio University College of Fine Arts
  • Marissa Schabes, Lutz: Dean’s List, Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina
  • Kit VanNort, Lutz: Cast member for Marietta College’s performances of “The Rising of the Moon,” a play being showcased during the school’s annual One Act Festival. VanNort is majoring in theater-directing and will perform as Sergeant.

Florida Bar competition winners
The final rounds of the 2023-2024 Florida Bar High School Appellate Brief Writing & Moot Court Competition took place in Tallahassee earlier this month.

The two-part program offered an opportunity for students to learn about the appellate process and what it is like to present a case in a true-to-life court experience. Participants wrote briefs on a fictitious case involving student discipline and evidence, which were graded by practicing attorneys. Six teams were invited to present oral arguments before appellate judges of the First District Court of Appeal. The two top teams took part in a final round at the Florida Supreme Court.

The state champion was the team of Matthew Rodriguez (also named best oralist) and Jacob Zeng. The team from American Heritage School in Broward County was judged best in Florida. Locally, Bell Creek Academy in Hillsborough County competed in the preliminary rounds.

For more information, visit https://www.floridabar.org/about/cmtes/cmte-cm470/high-school-appellate-moot-court-program/.

(Courtesy of Scholar Education)

A furry meet-and-greet
Students got a break from school at Dayspring Academy in Pasco County when, during a teacher workshop session, the classroom had “gone to the dogs.”

Tampa EdTech startup Scholar Education brought two Bernedoodles that inspired the company’s avatar dogs — BaxterBot and Professor Bruce — for a visit.

The visit was part of a workshop day to help teachers “fill their cups” with self-care and knowledge to finish out the school year strong.

The teachers enjoyed a little puppy love and learned about Scholar Education’s artificial intelligence platform.

The Scholar program rolled out in Dayspring’s sixth and seventh grades this school year.

With the help of the virtual versions of the dogs, the program serves as a personalized tutor — answering students’ questions and providing teachers with suggestions for lesson planning.

Scholar Education plans to expand to more locations next school year.

Imaginary Friend contest
B&B Theatres – Wesley Chapel The Grove 16 invites students to submit original artwork for its “Imaginary Friend” illustrative contest, for Pasco elementary-level students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Artwork is limited to 11-inches by 14-inches in size and should be submitted by May 4. Any art medium is welcome.

Submissions will be featured in the theater. Winners will receive a popcorn party for their class and a movie pack for two.

Entries should be submitted with the student’s name, school and grade level and delivered to the theater at 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Dayspring team headed to world competition
Pasco County charter school Dayspring Academy’s Odyssey of the Mind team from its Jazz campus (a Title I school) took first place in the state competition in Orlando in March. The team’s head coach is kindergarten teacher Jennifer Garie.

This first-place team will go on to the world Odyssey of the Mind competition in Iowa, in May. Dayspring’s team also qualified and competed at world’s last year.

The charter school is expected to open a Land O’ Lakes campus this fall, located in the Angeline development, 2 miles north of Land O’ Lakes High School, on U.S. 41.

Decades of ‘planting’ seeds of hope

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Longtime GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club member Elaine Pittman, aka The Plant Lady, once again has donated $500 to Christian Social Services (CSS) in Land O’ Lakes, an organization that provides goods and services to the area’s unhoused and food insecure population. For decades, Pittman has raised funds by propagating, potting and selling plants for funds she dedicates to CSS. At age 94, she shows no signs of slowing down her efforts. Here, Pittman presents a check to CSS staffers.

Expo aims to help residents prepare for year-round disasters

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Pasco County Emergency Management will host the 2024 Disaster Expo on April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Pasco Safety Town, 15362 Alric Pottberg Road in Shady Hills. 

Hurricanes can easily topple and down trees, which can cause major damage. (File)

The expo’s goal is to help prepare residents not only for hurricanes, but for other potential disasters, including tornadoes, flooding and wildfires that can happen in Pasco year-round.

“The safety of our community remains our foremost concern,” said Pasco Emergency Management Director Andy Fossa, in a news release.

“Pasco’s free Disaster Expo provides an invaluable opportunity for us to share vital information to help you and your family prepare,” said Fossa.

The upcoming event will offer assistance for residents to:

  • Plan for evacuations
  • Register for special needs assistance
  • Protect their home or business
  • Learn how to get involved
  • Prepare go-kits for people and pets

Kids also can create go-kits and visit a touch-a-truck display while parents can speak with emergency management experts. Food trucks will be on site, as well.

Emergency Management’s 2024 Pasco County Disaster Preparedness Guide will be available for pick up.

For more information about disaster preparation, including how to sign up for emergency notifications through Alert Pasco, visit bit.ly/PascoEM.

Published April 24, 2024

This is Miss Mittens

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Miss Mittens is a petite Cornish Rex. “Mitt,” for short, is curious and smart, but due to her lack of fur, she is always rather cold. She has a passion for heated blankets and can complete skillful acrobatics when playing with her wand toy. Miss Mittens lives with Lillian Woeste in Lutz.

Have you ever seen this type of white peacock?

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Carol Wolfe snapped this photo of a white peacock butterfly near her home on Lake Le Clare Road in Lutz. Wolfe said she has lived on the same property for 49 years and has seen many birds, butterflies, insects, frogs, owls, foxes and more. White peacock butterflies stay low to the ground because their favorite plants also are low to the ground. This type of butterfly is very common in Central America and the Caribbean, as well as southern Texas and Florida.