The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Flea market reaps big rewards

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club recently wrapped up its flea market fundraiser at the Old Lutz School and sends out a thank you to all who contributed to its success, through donations of goods or purchases. The monies raised will go far in providing scholarship awards as well as funding the club’s many projects benefiting the local community and beyond. For more about the club, visit its Facebook page or GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.

Help Pasco prepare for extreme climate hazards

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As many residents are aware, Pasco County is vulnerable to extreme climate hazards like flooding, storm surge and heat. There is no way to control these events, but we can control how we prepare for, adapt to and recover from them.

(Courtesy of Pasco County)

Pasco County is inviting the community to take the Resilience and Sustainability Survey, to help shape the preparation for future climate hazards, according to a county news release.

The county is working to create a resilience plan and received a grant of more than $750,000 in Community Development Block Grant Mitigation Funds administered by the Florida Department of Commerce, the release says.

The Resilient Pasco Project consists of these three parts:

The project intends to find ways to strengthen the community and protect Pasco’s environment, communities and economic prosperity.
The survey will be available for the next couple months, according to the release, and is available online at tinyurl.com/9c3pmk23.

Published March 06, 2024

Go on an outdoor quest to the best spots for wildlife

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will launch Florida WildQuest 2024 for Florida residents and visitors to join a wild adventure to complete scavenger hunt missions and discover some of the state’s best spots to see wildlife and enjoy the outdoors.

Participants can download the free and easy-to-use GooseChase app to join the “hunt” on Florida’s Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) across the state from April 27 to May 5, according to a news release.

(Courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

Qualifying players will be entered in a random drawing to win wilderness-inspired prizes.

Those interested should follow these steps:

  • Charge Up: Make sure your phone is charged and the GooseChase app is installed. Not all areas have mobile coverage, but you’ll be able to take pictures for your scavenger hunt missions and submit them later. Visit FloridaWildQuest.com for instructions.
  • Be Safe: Stay on marked roads and trails. Before you enter a trail, be sure it fits your skill level and the distance you are prepared for.
  • Pack Smart: There are no vending machines in the wilderness. Check the weather before you go and pack water, sunscreen and snacks.
  • Snap a Pic: Most WMAs have a kiosk at the main entrance with a welcome sign that includes a map and important reminders for visiting the area. Take a picture of the sign for reference and grab a guide at the kiosk if one is available.

WildQuest is for players of all ages to learn about and explore Florida’s extensive WMA system. Registered players also can qualify for a chance to win wilderness-inspired prizes.

To learn more about the WMA system, visit MyFWC.com/WMAs.

Published March 06, 2024

Bracing against the wind

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Katrina Stitt snapped this photo of a snowy egret at Anclote River Park. These egrets usually wade in shallow water to spear fish and other small aquatic animals. While they employ a sit-and-wait technique to capture their food, sometimes they are much more animated, running back and forth through the water with their wings spread, chasing their prey.

Health News 03/06/2024

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St. Joseph’s Hospital-North labor and delivery and women’s services nurse manager Kelly Howard (in white lab coat) with MOMS Club of Odessa members and their kids. From left: Grayson Portillo, Kristin Portillo, Hailey Owen holding Addison Owen, Kelly Howard, Elise Owen, Jona McCance and Runy Safcik. (Courtesy of Martin Bahl/St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

MOMS Club ‘delivers’
The MOMS Club of Odessa, a chapter of the nonprofit International Moms Club, donated gift bags to new moms giving birth at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North.

“MOMS Club is mothers supporting mothers,” said Hailey Owen, member of the Odessa group, who presented the bags to Kelly Howard, nurse manager of labor and delivery and women’s services units at the hospital, in a news release.

“The goody bags include the basics and some items that are nice to have that you might not think about until someone gives them to you,” said Owen.

Items included a journal, lip balm, makeup remover, hair ties, gift cards, facial tissues, ultra-healing lotion, a skin-strengthening mask and a congratulations card.

Event raises over $22,000 for hospice
For more than a decade, motorcycle riders have been coming together to raise funds for Gulfside Hospice and support patients in need and their families. During the 12th annual Hittin’ the Road for Hospice, the crowd raised just over $22,000 for the nonprofit, according to a news release.

Nearly 150 riders attended the motorcycle poker run on Feb. 10, starting at Harley-Davidson New Port Richey and ending with a celebration at Zephyrhills Moose Lodge 2276, with several stops along the way.

Several motorcycle clubs worked to raise money before the event in competition for the “Wings & Wheels Award” given to the top fundraising team. Ultimately, the Golden Eagles Motorcycle Club took home the trophy for the seventh year in a row by raising a record-breaking $4,000.

“We are very grateful for the caring generosity of the biker community and their support of Hittin’ the Road for Hospice these last 12 years,” Carla Armstrong, director of philanthropy, said in the release.

“Because of their incredible support, more than $200,000 has been raised since this event first began, and all of that has helped provide hospice care and bereavement services right here in our local community,” said Armstrong.

All event proceeds benefit Gulfside Hospice and provide hospice care and resources for patients and families in Pasco County, regardless of their ability to pay.

For more information, contact Marissa Hartley, fundraising and event planning manager, at 727-845-5707 or .

 

Chalk Talk 03/06/2024

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(Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation)

Memorial scholarship established
Laura Raposa, Pasco-Hernando State College’s dean of accelerated learning, and her husband Ben established the Kimberly Ann Montgomery Scholarship in memory of Laura’s sister, who dedicated her life to nursing and caring for others. Kimberly’s calling was to be a nurse and care for others and she served 21 years as a nurse at North Bay Hospital. The family hopes the scholarship will help other like-minded students achieve their goals. To make a gift to the scholarship, visit Giving.PHSC.edu.

Student achievements

  • Zoe Adkins, Lutz: Dean’s List, Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pennsylvania
  • Kenza Brown, Lutz: Dean’s List, Kennesaw State University, Georgia
  • Justus Espinoza, Odessa: The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Florida State University
  • Flagler College has recognized these area students to its President’s List: Mikayla Croissant, Lutz; Niamh Kirkwood, Odessa; and Madeline Rodriguez, Lutz.
  • The Florida Institute of Technology named these area students to its Dean’s List: Lance Fales, Land O’ Lakes; Anika Futo, Lutz; Daniel Vassallo, Lutz; Max Martino, Lutz; Jackie Figueredo, Lutz; and Madison Rooth, Odessa.
  • Jaeden Lowther, Odessa: President’s List, Kennesaw State University, Georgia
  • Jacob Statman, Lutz: Dean’s List, Rochester Institute of Technology
  • The University of Tampa named these students to the school’s Dean’s List: Samantha Park, Odessa; Robert Cooper, Lutz; Cole Benjamin, Odessa; Hope Lelekacs, Odessa; Tristan Hilson, Lutz; Michelle Loefstrand, Odessa; Madison McElhone, Odessa; Angelina Santana, Lutz; Lindsey Reed, Lutz; Zoe Papageorgiou, Odessa; Margret Gudmundsson, Lutz; Ashley Mantei, Odessa; Gabrielle Reim, Odessa; Charles Pals, Odessa; Alyssa De La Sala, Lutz; Makenzie Reynolds, Lutz; Olivia Jacinto, Lutz; Andrea Centeno, Odessa; and Timothy Chen, Odessa.
  • Payton VanNort, of Lutz: attended the Musical Theatre Intensive (MTI) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and competed in the MTI competition in late January. VanNort is majoring in Theatre-Directing.
  • Claudia Vitale, of Lutz, to its Dean’s List, Georgia Institute of Technology

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
The East Pasco Education Academy, 35830 County Road 52 in Dade City, will host Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on March 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The event also will include pictures with the Easter Bunny, a petting zoo, Bunny Express tractor ride, and an Egg Scramble.

Admission is $10 for children ages 2 and older. Adults are free (breakfast is $5). All proceeds will benefit the students at the academy.

For information, call 352-524-5700.

Five for Five Dinner
The Republican Party of Pasco will host its fourth annual Five for Five Dinner on March 14, at the Timber Greens Golf & Country Club, 6333 Timber Greens Blvd., in New Port Richey, to benefit the party’s $5,000 scholarship fund. Check-in and cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m.

Special guests will include Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco, Sen. Ed Hooper, Rep. Brad Yeager, Commissioners Seth Weightman and Gary Gradford, and school board member Colleen Beaudoin.

Individual tickets and a la carte Host a Toast are $100. Table sponsorships are available.

For tickets and information, call Sandy Graves at 813-817-3011 or 727-863-5400.

Women in Education
NOTE TIME CHANGE: Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) will host an Empowered! Women in Education Conference on March 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the PHSC Instructional Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

Participants can explore leadership, confidence, empowerment, and engage in networking opportunities. There also will be a celebration of Women’s History Month.

To view the agenda, visit PHSC.edu/empowered/agenda. To register, visit PHSC.edu/about/events/campus/empowered-women-education-conference.

For information, contact Jessica White, associate dean student life and leadership, at 727-816-3764 or .

Community Action Board Scholarships
The Hillsborough County Community Action Board Scholarships are available to eligible Hillsborough County students who want to continue their post-secondary education. Scholarships are worth up to $5,000, can be used to accredited trade schools, community colleges, or four-year universities, and are awarded to students to help alleviate some of the financial burden of tuition.

All applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

  • Applicants must be between 16 and 24 years old and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent (16-year-olds may apply if they are a graduating senior).
  • The candidate must have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
  • Applicants must reside in Hillsborough County.
  • The applicant’s household income must fall within 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines of the Community Services Block Grant.
  • Students seeking a master’s degree or a second bachelor’s degree do not qualify.

Students are encouraged to read through the Community Action Board Scholarship Application Package online, at http://tinyurl.com/3entyf4e, before applying.

Students can apply online at https://form.jotform.com/233123786503151.

For questions, email .

Giving students a voice
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is giving students a voice in the democratic process to influence the decisions that affect them most.

To help students make their voices heard nationwide, NASSP is establishing the National Student Council, an assembly of student leaders from across the country to serve as powerful advocates for their peers at the federal level, according to a news release.

NASSP’s National Association of Student Councils (NASC), formerly known as NatStuCo, will administer the National Student Council.

“It’s incredibly rare for policymakers to ask my classmates and me for our opinions,” said Shreeya Gogia, an NASC member and senior at Carroll Senior High School in Southlake, Texas, in the release. “NASC’s National Student Council will finally give students like me a seat at the table so we have a say in the decisions that will have the biggest impact on our schools and futures.”

Elections and appointments to the National Student Council will take place from March to September, after which the representatives will identify the most pressing challenges facing students and then advocate for solutions.

In addition to the National Student Council, the NASSP will give away $100,000 in new scholarships to NASC members each year.

For more information, visit NatStuCo.org.

Schools of Distinction
Pasco County Schools has announced three of its schools have been recognized as National Merit Schools of Distinction. Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools, awarded the title.

The schools earning the commendable designation are Hudson High School’s Cambridge Programme, Sunray Elementary’s Cambridge Programme and Sanders Memorial STEAM Elementary, according to a news release.

Each school has distinguished itself through its dedication to integrating specialized themes into curricula and instructional methods, ensuring students don’t just learn but thrive through enriched educational experiences that are both engaging and challenging.
By achieving this distinction status, these schools have demonstrated their effectiveness in raising student academic achievement, providing diverse educational environments, and fostering continuous improvement through evidence-based instruction aligned with their theme, the release says.

Men of Excellence
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) hosted its first Men of Excellence event on Feb. 20, at the PHSC Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel.

The event featured a panel discussion and vendor fair, and was designed around a barbershop-style concept aimed at encouraging men to come together and openly share and discuss a wide array of topics and how to incorporate excellence into their lives, according to a news release.

“When you’re presenting yourself, whether it’s on the job, in the community, or in the classroom, you want to reflect a standard of excellence and helping young men and women be able to identify, understand and exhibit excellence is critical,” said Nathaniel Brown, PHSC linking in faith and education (LIFE) coordinator, in the release.

Several community leaders addressed current challenges facing youth by offering personal stories, advice and encouragement.

Javon Parker, a sophomore at Wharton High School, was in attendance and said he enjoyed gaining knowledge from the speakers and hearing about the variety of experiences and challenges they overcame. The event was open to the community as well as PHSC students.

PHSC plans to host additional similar events. For more information, visit PHSC.edu/about/events.

Business Digest 03/06/2024

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East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet on March 12 at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301, in Dade City. 

Speakers will include Melonie Monson, past Zephyrhills chamber director/CEO, mayor of Zephyrhills; Dr. Randall Stovall, PHSC provost dean emeritus, chairman of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce; and Kathryn Starkey, Pasco County commissioner, District No. 3.

For more information, contact Nils Lenz at 813-782-9491 or .

Collaborative Center looks for feedback
A new survey launched on Feb. 29 to seek input from the small businesses that use the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center to learn how the ECC can more effectively serve small businesses and facilitate growth, according to a news release. The survey will help ECC leaders better communicate events and continue to grow the offerings for entrepreneurs, the release says.

Hillsborough entrepreneurs and small business owners can take the survey until March 14, through this link: https://hillsboroughcounty.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=25be437fec610a7fad7518885&id=314bab7570&e=b312e4fc79

Contractors sought for construction projects
Hillsborough County is seeking qualified firms to partner with for construction projects. The county has budgeted $1.6 billion for Fiscal Year 24 for Capital Improvement Program projects. The projects range from sidewalk repairs and stormwater repair and replacement, to large design build projects.

The county’s website, HCFL.gov/Vendors, lists current procurement bidding opportunities, according to a news release.

For questions, contact Hillsborough County Procurement Services at 813-272-5790 or .

RP&G Printing celebrates 40 years
RP&G Printing will celebrate its 40th anniversary on March 21 at 5:30 p.m., at 4450 Pet Lane, Suite 106, in Lutz. The free event will feature refreshments, giveaways, equipment demos, and more.

RSVP by March 7 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rpg-printing-40th-anniversary-celebration-tickets-828620314667.

Economic Development Briefing
The North Tampa Bay Chamber will hold an economic development briefing on March 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meeting provides chamber members with up-to-date information on economic development activities going on in the North Tampa Bay area.

The guest speaker this month will be J.D. Porter, owner/developer of Wiregrass Ranch.

The briefing will be at the NTBC Office @ Signature Workspace,The Shops at Wiregrass, 28210 Paseo Ave., #190, in Wesley Chapel.

RSVP at https://northtampabaychamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register.

For more information, email Jen Tussing at .

Celebrate with flowers!

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(Valeria Boltneva/Pexels)

National Floral Design Day on Feb. 28 recognizes the art and history of floral design. For thousands of years, floral design has been an important cultural art form, which can be celebrated in a bouquet, painting, in textiles, a garden or a floral arrangement.

Longer Pasco scallop season approved

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has approved a change to the bay scallop season for the Pasco Zone management region. This regulation change, which goes into effect this year, sets a 40-day season for the Pasco Zone that starts on July 10 and runs through Aug. 18 annually, according to an FWC news release.

(File)

“Along with moving away from the Independence Day holiday, the longer season will increase both the public’s safety and access to one of our state’s most fun family resources,” said Preston Farrior, FWC commissioner, in the release.

“There will be many positive impacts for the local communities,” said Farrior.

The Pasco Zone bay scallop region includes all state waters between the Hernando-Pasco county line and the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County, and includes all waters of the Anclote River.

For more information, visit MyFWC.com/commission and click on “Commission Meetings.”

For current recreational bay scallops regulations, visit MyFWC.com/scallops.

Published February 28, 2024

Pasco youth group releases human trafficking service announcements

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The Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking has shared two public awareness videos, developed in partnership with Teens Battle Human Trafficking (TBHT), a local youth-led anti-trafficking group, educating teens on how to identify when they are being groomed and the importance of notifying a trusted adult, according to a news release.

The videos were released on WFTS-TV ABC Action News, WFLA-TV NewsChannel 8 and the commission’s social media platforms on Feb. 23. 

“We wanted to give examples of situations that kids might find themselves in that make them feel uncomfortable,” said Meghna Manjith, TBHT president and Wiregrass Ranch High School senior, in the release.

The videos encourage kids to Stop. Block. Talk.

“We want them to stop that interaction immediately, block that person from having further contact with them, and talk about what happened with a trusted adult,” said Manjith.

“Most youth who are trafficked are groomed and manipulated into the trafficking situation, in many instances by someone they know and trust,” said Megan Harding, Pasco County School Board chair, in the release. “It’s critical that our children recognize these grooming tactics and feel empowered to immediately put a stop to them.”

If there is an imminent threat, or a child is involved, immediately call 911.

To report human trafficking, or to seek help and resources, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

To report a tip to local law enforcement, call 1-855-FLA-SAFE.

For more information and resources, and to view the public service announcements, visit MyPas.co/StopHumanTrafficking.

Published February 28, 2024