The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Tunnel to Towers breaks ground on amenity center

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The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which has been providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children since 9/11, broke ground on April 15 for the Let Us Do Good Village Amenity Center in Land O’ Lakes, according to a news release.

The Village is a first-of-its-kind community made up exclusively of fallen first responder families, Gold Star families, injured veterans and injured first responders.

The amenity center is set to be a world-class facility accessible to every Village resident. It will feature an indoor ADA-accessible fitness center, basketball court, movie theater, game room and business center, the release says. Its campus also will include a swimming pool, outdoor playgrounds, tennis and pickleball courts, an outdoor kitchen, picnic pavilion, and more.

Construction continues on the Village itself and two dozen specially adapted smart homes are expected to be completed  by the end of 2024.

To donate to the mission to provide these mortgage-free homes, visit T2T.org.

Published April 24, 2024

A rendering of the Let Us Do Good Village amenity center. (Courtesy of Tunnel to Towers Foundation)
An indoor portion of the Let Us Do Good Village amenity facility is shown in this rendering.

Public input session seeks feedback

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Pasco County seeks community input on stormwater areas of concern, including flooding and drainage. (File)

Pasco County’s Department of Public Works is launching a major project to update its Stormwater Master Plan, which will identify stormwater areas of concern, as well as strategies and projects to help reduce flooding and improve drainage across unincorporated areas in Pasco County.

An Eastside Public Input Session is scheduled for April 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Ave., in Dade City, in the second-floor boardroom.

“It’s important we receive thorough feedback from the public on our Stormwater Master Plan,” said Public Works Director Jason Mickel, in a news release.

“We’re working hard to improve stormwater quality and reduce flooding, and these input sessions allow us the opportunity to fulfill that endeavor through community member concerns and suggestions,” said Mickel.

For those on the west side of the county and for those who cannot attend in person, ideas can be submitted online at MyPasco.net/swmp.

Published April 17, 2024

Practice Earth Day, every day

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Since the first observance of Earth Day in 1970, the designation has grown into the largest civic observance in the world, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) website. The day is an opportunity to think about how lives are impacting the environment.

This Earth Day, April 22, join the DEP to recognize Florida’s efforts in sustaining our air, water, land and ecosystems. The department’s theme for 2024 is “Clean is Green: Preserving Florida’s Future,” its website says.

(Lara Jameson/Pexels)

The DEP offers these ways to practice Earth Day, every day:

  • Volunteer. Find Florida State Park volunteer opportunities and other volunteer opportunities near you.
  • Practice Florida-Friendly Landscaping.
  • Sign the pledge and Rethink. Reset. Recycle.
  • Use Green Lodging when you travel.
  • Help your favorite school achieve a Green School designation.
  • Practice clean boating habits and use a Clean Marine Program for boating needs.
  • Increase awareness of Florida’s natural resources by exploring its state parks, aquatic preserves and national estuarine research reserves. 
  • Help protect Florida’s coral reef.

The DEP works year-round to protect and restore Florida’s natural resources by:

  • Providing recreational opportunities for the public to enjoy Florida’s natural resources through the Florida State Parks
  • Conserving the state’s natural and cultural history by acquiring environmentally sensitive lands
  • Using science to identify impaired water bodies and work with local communities to implement restoration and pollution prevention projects
  • Investing in water quality protection and restoration projects
  • Regulating air emissions sources to protect air quality
  • Working with communities to identify and implement projects to improve resilience
  • Communicating real-time water quality status to Florida residents and other interested parties
  • Enforcing the state’s environmental laws

For more information and links to programs, visit https://floridadep.gov/comm/comm/campaign/earth-day-2024.

See The Laker’s What’s Happening section this week for Earth Day events and activities.

Published April 17, 2024

Juvenile Choice Program opens to ages 11 to 17

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The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) has announced its Juvenile Choice Program is now open to anyone ages 11 to 17, according to a news release.

(Olia Danilevich/Pexels)

The program is geared toward mentoring youth by highlighting the real consequences of bad decisions and encouraging kids to make strides toward a positive future, the release says.

Youth in the program learn through classroom instruction and participation in exercises. PSO members also give a virtual tour of Pasco County’s Corrections Center, a walk through the booking process, and review scenarios to teach the importance of making informed choices.

In addition, participants will discuss the challenges they see today such as peer pressure, substance abuse and involvement in criminal activities, and how those challenges influence their paths.

The interactions between PSO members and those in the program focus on empowerment and education. Both law enforcement and the kids can build trust during the program, which opens the lines of communication and, in turn, keeps our community safe.

Students also can reflect on their goals for the future and how they can achieve them.

The Juvenile Choice Program meets in person at various locations across Pasco County and lasts three hours.

The first meeting is open to all ages 11 to 17 on April 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at 7601 Little Road in  New Port Richey.

For more information about times and locations, or to sign up a youth for this program, email the participant’s name, age and parent contact information to .

Published April 17, 2024

Anglers reel in Saltwater state catch records

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Two Catch a Florida Memory anglers had a record-setting spring, reeling in three new Saltwater State Records this year, so far.

In January, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Division of Marine Fisheries Management launched three new Saltwater State Records Categories: Adult and Youth Length categories for catch and release records and a Youth All-Tackle Weight category.

Julia Bernstein logged a 20-pound, 15-ounce cobia and a 1-pound, 8-ounce mangrove (gray) snapper to land her two new state records in Youth All-Tackle Weight.

After a strong release, Joseph Ingold’s 36.25-inch red drum earned him the new state length record in Adult Length.

Visit CatchAFloridaMemory.com/Records to see open categories and applicable rules.

Published April 17, 2024

Julia Bernstein set a new record in the Youth All-Tackle Weight category. (Courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)
A 36.25-inch red drum earned Joseph Ingold a state record in the Adult Length category.

Brightening someone’s day

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club handcrafted Easter favors for recipients of the Meals on Wheels (MOW) program. Darryln Caudill, right, delivered 200 bunnies to MOW Executive Director Steve King for distribution to the elderly, disabled and shut-ins. The woman’s club also hosted a kickoff luncheon to raise funds for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign, another cause the club supports. For more information, visit LutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org or its Facebook page.

Honeybees are pollinators

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Cathy Vitone caught this honeybee, covered in pollen, hard at work on her ligustrum bush at her home in Land O’ Lakes. No doubt about how bad seasonal allergies can be here! Honeybees are important pollinators for flowers, fruits and vegetables. They live on stored honey and pollen all winter. All honeybees are social and cooperative insects.

Health News 04/17/2024

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AdventHealth of Florida offers safe sleep education to parents and caregivers. (Courtesy of AdventHealth)

Safe Sleep designation
AdventHealth Heart of Florida achieved the Gold Level Safe Sleep designation from the Cribs for Kids National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program, the highest recognition possible, for its commitment to reducing the risks of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), Accidental Suffocation and Strangulation in Bed (ASSB), SIDS and unsafe sleep injuries, according to a news release.

The hospital provides extensive training to its health care team on safe sleep practices and offers safe sleep education to parents and caregivers.

Providers also help identify at-risk families who need a safe sleep space for their infant and provide one, free of charge, before they are discharged from the hospital.

Team members also go into the community and teach about safe sleep practices through outreach events.

Mental health trainings
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay’s Organizational Development team is offering group mental health training to anyone interested in learning about behavioral health to better serve their clients, students, kids, employees or customers.

These sessions provide education and training on recognizing signs and symptoms and learning how to provide appropriate and safe support.

Available trainings include: Mental Health First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid, Trauma Informed Care, LivingWorks ASIST (suicide prevention), SafeTALK (suicide prevention), Crisis De-Escalation, Burnout, Resiliency in the Workplace, Mindfulness, and Managing Stress and Self-Care.

Many of these trainings can be modified or packaged together to meet an organization’s specific needs. Some can be done virtually, depending on the requirements.

For more information, visit CrisisCenter.com/training.

Beds for the underserved
AdventHealth North Pinellas recently partnered on April 5 with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build beds for underserved children in Pinellas County.

On average, up to 8,000 children go to sleep in Tampa Bay without the security and comfort of a bed, according to Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Sleep is crucial in the development of young minds and having a safe and comfortable place to get a good night’s rest is essential.

Dozens of hospital team members helped to build about 40 to 50 beds for children. Each bed costs $250 in materials and includes new bedding, mattress and a pillow.

In 2023, Sleep in Heavenly Peace provided 1,000 beds to children (about 600 in Pinellas County).

For more information about the organization, visit https://shpbeds.org/.

New heart procedure offered
AdventHealth Heart of Florida is now offering transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR), a minimally invasive surgery for treating carotid artery disease and preventing future strokes, according to a news release.

TCAR is an alternative procedure where a surgeon works through a small incision to stabilize plaque from inside the artery and restore normal blood flow to the brain. Most patients can go home the day after the procedure and resume normal activities quickly, the release says.

Patients at risk for carotid artery disease may have high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity or a smoking habit, or a vascular disease.

To learn more about stroke and aneurysm care, visit PolkStrokeExperts.com.

Chalk Talk 04/17/2024

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The smiles on the faces of Carter Bass, Tyrell Galloway and Madison Alvarez reflect friendship and kindness during a special event at Wiregrass Elementary. (Courtesy of Corey Dierdorff/Pasco County Schools)

Messages of kindness abound
Wiregrass Elementary School was abuzz during its Spring Fling Spirit Week, which included a Kindness Day, an event dedicated to spreading goodwill and cheer throughout the campus.

From vibrant hats adorned with messages of love to kindness coupons promising acts of goodwill, the students’ creativity knew no bounds. Signs that served as beacons of positivity were posted in the school hallways.

The kindergarten class also took center stage with a Kindness Parade, marching through the corridors.

Wiregrass Elementary is committed to fostering an environment where kindness is not just a lesson, but a practice lived out loud.

School Choice window opens
The Pasco County Schools’ school choice application window opened on April 15 and will close on April 19 at 4:30 p.m. This second time frame is for families who may have missed the January window or who have recently moved to Pasco County.

Applications are for select schools, grade levels, and programs including STEM and STEAM magnet schools, Wendell Krinn Technical High School, International Baccalaureate (IB), the Cambridge Programme, and the new Kirkland Ranch K-8.

To see a full list of what is currently available, visit PascoSchools.org/schoolchoice.

Early Learning seminar
The Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, will host “Early Learning Transition to Kindergarten” on April 20 from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 352-567-3576.

Saint Leo casino fundraiser
The Saint Leo University Athletics Department will host a Casino Night fundraiser on April 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at its Wellness Center, on the west side of the campus at 33701 County Road 52 in St. Leo, for guests ages 21 and older. Proceeds will benefit the school’s athletics department.

Tickets are $70 and include playing chips, hors d’oeuvres and two drink tickets for beer or wine. Guests can “dress to impress” in cocktail attire. There also will be a live DJ for dancing, a raffle and silent auction, as well as a photo booth. Casino games include blackjack, roulette, slot machines, craps, Texas Hold’em, and a Big Money Wheel.

For tickets, visit SaintLeoEvents.totalcamps.com/shop/EVENT.

For more information, email Dawn Boltin, associate athletic director of Business & Finance/SWA, at .

Earth Day contest
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is celebrating Earth Day by hosting its annual Earth Day Poster Contest, for grades four to 12. The theme is “Clean is Green: Preserving Florida’s Future.”

Artwork will be selected from each grade group (fourth to fifth grade; sixth to eighth; ninth to 12th) in each of DEP’s six district regions and winners will receive day passes for Florida State Parks. District winners will be entered into a statewide contest. The winning entries also will receive a full-size printed poster of their artwork.

For complete rules and guidelines, visit https://floridadep.gov/comm/comm/documents/earth-day-2024-rules-and-guidelines.

Poster submissions are due by 5 p.m., April 22. Winners will be announced in May.

Arts Impact Grants
The Hillsborough County Arts Council’s Community Arts Impact Grant Program offers grants of up to $5,000 for nonprofit organizations to support projects of an arts and cultural nature. Projects funded by these grants in the past have included:

  • Offering free art programs for area veterans
  • A hunger awareness event at a local food bank
  • Creating murals for the community at an intersection in Temple Terrace
  • Providing musical instruments for local elementary and middle school students

To learn more about the program and eligibility requirements, visit https://hillsborougharts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/FY25-Community-Arts-Impact-Grant-Guidelines-2.pdf.

The deadline to apply is April 26.

Sled hockey program

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(File)

The Tampa Bay Lightning will host its first Learn to Play Sled Hockey program starting on May 11 through July 20. The eight-week program is for youth: minimum age 5, maximum age 16 (age as of May 4, 2024) who have a physical disability limiting one’s ability to play ice hockey in a standing position.

The program takes place at the Clearwater Ice Arena on Saturdays from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. The cost is $150 plus a transaction fee.

For information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/z4bddh8v or the Tampa Bay Lightning Facebook page.

For questions, contact Aaron Humphrey at .