The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Playful and photogenic

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Don Cimino, of Land O’ Lakes, goes for a daily walk around his Grand Oaks subdivision. At a small pond, he noticed swirling water and the next thing he knew, two otters jumped onto the grass and to the top of a drainage tunnel. The otters were nice enough to pose and even make some barking sounds, after which they dove back into the water for their swim. Cimino said he sees a lot of wildlife on his walks, but this is the first time he has seen otters.

Contemplating the next step

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Sumitra Gangavaram caught these black-bellied whistling ducks heeding the “No Trespassing” sign at Brooker Creek Preserve. Known as “squealers” in the waterfowl world, these ducks will usually hang out on power lines and rooftops, don’t like to swim, and act more like geese than ducks.

Health News 08/14/2024

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Autism in the home
Creating an autism-friendly home environment is important to promote comfort, safety and independence for children on the autism spectrum. Parents can foster an environment that supports the child’s well-being and development by implementing sensory-friendly design, organization and routine strategies. Mark Blakey, a writer for Autism Parenting Magazine, discusses the top 10 ways to create an autism-friendly home for a child.

(Yuri Shirota/Unsplash)

Minimize sensory overload. Children with autism can be sensitive to certain sounds, lights and textures. Blakey says, ‘Consider using soft lighting, noise-canceling headphones, and sensory-friendly materials to create a calming environment.’

Establish consistent routines. Routines provide structure and predictability, which can be comforting for children with autism. Develop consistent routines for daily activities, such as mealtimes, bedtimes and playtime.

Create a sensory-friendly space. Designate a quiet, low-stimulation area in the home where a child can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. This space can include comfortable seating, calming lighting and sensory toys or activities.

Organize and label. Clear organization and labeling can help children with autism navigate their environment more easily. ‘Use visual cues, such as pictures or color-coding, to label items and areas in your home,’ says Blakey.

Provide visual schedules. Visual schedules can help children understand and anticipate daily activities and transitions. Use pictures, symbols or written schedules to communicate routines and expectations.

Incorporate sensory-friendly furniture and décor. Choose furniture and décor that are comfortable and calming for the child. ‘Consider using soft textures, muted colors and minimalistic designs to create a soothing environment,’ says Blakey.

Limit clutter. Clutter can be overwhelming and distracting for children with autism. Keep living spaces organized and free of unnecessary items to promote a sense of calm and order.

Offer sensory-friendly activities. Provide sensory-friendly activities and toys that align with the child’s interests and sensory needs. These can include fidget toys, weighted blankets, or sensory bins.

Involve your child. Bring the child into the process of creating an autism-friendly home environment. Seek their input and preferences to ensure the modifications meet their specific needs and promote their comfort and independence.

For more information, including autism-related topics, events, treatments, success stories, and more, visit AutismParentingMagazine.com.

AEDs are medical devices used when a person is in cardiac arrest. (Courtesy of AdventHealth)

Teaming up to save lives
AdventHealth Heart of Florida teamed up with the Haines City Police Department to provide more lifesaving devices to help officers when they respond to emergency calls.

The hospital donated eight additional AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) along with cases and supplies to be placed in patrol cars. Last year, AdventHealth donated seven AEDs to the police department.

Tim Clark, AdventHealth Polk market president and CEO, said he is delighted to have such a strong relationship with local law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel, in a news release.

AdventHealth also sponsored a Breast Cancer Awareness patrol car.

Chief Greg Goreck, Haines City Police Department, added that with these donated AEDs and the additional AEDs purchased by the department, every current patrol car will now have an AED in their vehicle, the release says.

Chalk Talk 08/14/2024

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Business leadership recognitions
Pasco-Hernando State College’s (PHSC) Collegiate Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) received honors at the National Leadership Conference in Orlando, in June. 

From left: Caleb Barnhart, Samantha Mutter, Emmalise Feliciano, Joe Conte, Krista Knowles, Nicole Miller, Holland Haley, and Gilberto Mattei-Fernandez (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

The PHSC state finalists who attended the conference were Caleb Barnhart, Emmalise Feliciano, Holland Haley, Krista Knowles, Gilberto Mattei-Fernandez and Samantha Mutter, according to a news release.

The school’s Collegiate FBLA was recognized as an outstanding chapter due to the collective efforts of the group and its detailed work documenting their accomplishments.

Feliciano was awarded first place in the nation for public speaking, out of 50 competitors.

Mutter received first place for business presentation, out of 42 competitor teams.

Haley and Knowles were awarded eighth and ninth place, respectively, for foundations of hospitality management, the release says.

“We are beyond PHSC proud of these accomplishments and how the team handled themselves at the conference. They are all future leaders, and their legacy will live on. The accomplishments here also reflect on the programs and the faculty at the college,” stated Nicole Miller, associate dean of academic affairs, in the release.

“To compete and win on the national stage, including competing against the university level students is so impressive,” said Bob Bade, senior vice president and chief student affairs officer, in the release.

Stellar grades for Pasco County Schools
The State Board of Education recently voted to approve the Florida Department of Education’s updated school grading scale, which is used to determine school grades.

The board voted on amendments to the rule that adjust the school grading scale so that elementary schools are graded using the scale, which was previously used from 2014-2015 and 2021-2022, and all other school types are graded using a new scale. This approach considers the components included in the school grade formula for different school types, the release says.

School grades for the 2023-2024 school year demonstrate that Pasco County Schools continue to show improvement over last year, according to a news release.

Pasco County Schools maintained a B grade for 2023 as it has since 2017. Eighty-eight percent of Pasco schools earned an A, B or C grade, and nearly half of Pasco’s schools earned As and Bs.

Twenty-six percent of Pasco’s 95 schools received As, and two schools moved up from Bs to an A, the release says.

This year, 14 schools increased their overall grade.

Three Pasco schools received an I (incomplete) and Pasco County Schools will be looking at appeals. Often, an “I” is given to schools that do not meet the participation rate.

For more information on school-by-school and district level grades, visit https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/accountability-reporting/school-grades/.

Arwen Arriaga, left, took first place in high school cosmetology at the National SkillsUSA Championships. (Courtesy of Corey Dierdorff/Pasco County Schools)

A spotlight on student skills
Arwen Arriaga, a student from Fred K. Marchman Technical College, secured first place in the high school cosmetology competition at the National SkillsUSA Championships in Atlanta, according to a news release.

SkillsUSA is known for being one of the largest hands-on workforce development events globally, with more than 6,000 state champions competing in 115 skilled and leadership contests, the release says. The competition aims to reward student excellence, involve industry in evaluating performance, and ensure that training remains relevant to employers’ needs.

Arwen’s victory featured rigorous assessments of her technical skills and creative flair.

Earn community service hours
A Safe Haven for Newborns is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to preventing infant abandonment and supporting mothers in need through education, direct assistance and community involvement.

By educating the younger generation, the organization aims to foster a more informed and compassionate community who can contribute to spreading awareness and saving lives, according to a news release.

Safe Haven has developed a community service mobile app to educate high school and college students about this life-saving program, while they earn their required hours from wherever they are, the release says.

To ensure accountability for hours earned and project completion, students can choose one or more of the projects listed, including:

  • Create a Safe Haven awareness video and earn up to six community service hours
  • Create a Safe Haven article and earn up to three community service hours
  • Create a Safe Haven poster and earn up to three community service hours

Students will receive a letter of completion and a certificate of appreciation for their portfolio, while raising more awareness to help save the lives of innocent newborns.

To learn more and to be part of the solution, visit ASafeHavenForNewborns.com, or email .

Emily Peake represented Girls Nation in Washington D.C. (Courtesy of Jennifer Donovan/American Legion Auxiliary)

Local student takes on role of ‘senator’
Emily Peake, of Land O’ Lakes, was one of 100 high school seniors selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Girls Nation in Washington D.C. The weeklong program, founded in 1947, provides civic education to thousands of students, teaching them how the federal government works, according to a news release.

Peake was one of two participants representing Florida as a “senator” at ALA Girls Nation and took part in mock Senate sessions complete with caucuses and debating bills that range from personal to political interests.

Other activities included a visit to Arlington National Cemetery to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a visit to Capitol Hill to meet with U.S. senators from their state, and a tour of D.C. monuments.

Peake is a rising senior at Cambridge Christian School. She also participates in the Student Leadership Institute, Ovation Ensemble, STEM Club, Speech and Debate, Future Lancer Business Leaders, Key Club, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Science Honor Society, English Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and volleyball.

To learn more about ALA Girls Nation, visit https://www.legion-aux.org/ALA-Girls-Nation.

Student graduations

  • Zoe Adkins, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, Muhlenberg College, Pennsylvania
  • Taylor Marie Morja, Lutz: Master of Science-Management, University of Maryland Global Campus
  • Lisa Demos, Master of Arts-Happiness Studies, Centenary University, New Jersey
  • Ellis Erickson, Lutz; Bachelor of Arts in Communication-Organizational-Corporate and Bachelor of Science in Sports Management, Northern Illinois University
  • Jesse Filippelli, Land O’ Lakes: Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management, magna cum laude, Southwestern College, Kansas
  • Hannah Houser, Odessa: Master of Business Administration, The University of Alabama
  • Jack Houser, Odessa: Master of Business Administration, The University of Alabama
  • Noah Kilpatrick, Lutz: Master of Arts, The University of Alabama
  • Alexandra Koch, Bachelor of Arts-Individualized Studies, summa cum laude, Centenary University, New Jersey
  • Jameson Miller, Lutz: graduate, Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Elliott Morales, Wesley Chapel: Master of Science-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Vraj Patel, Lutz: graduate, Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Vedant Ruia, Odessa: graduate, Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Giselle Sang, Land O’ Lakes: Bachelor of Science-Cell Biology/Chemistry, Bucknell University, Pennsylvania
  • Marissa Reyn Schabes, Lutz: magna cum laude, Furman University, South Carolina
  • Sanjana Srinivasan, Lutz: graduate, Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Shania Tjhang, Lutz: graduate, Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Christiana Till, Odess: Bachelor of Science-Communication & Business Administration, The University of Alabama
  • Marcos Tolentino, Odessa: Bachelor of Arts, Harding University, Arkansas
  • Allison Trask, Lutz: Bachelor of Business Administration, Harding University, Arkansas
  • Payton VanNort, Lutz: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater-Directing, Marietta College
  • Claudia Vitale, Lutz: Faculty Honors, graduate, Georgia Institute of Technology

Health News 08/07/2024

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Muscular Dystrophy fundraiser
The offices of Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano will feature Pasco Fire Rescue’s annual “Fill the Boot” Drive as its charitable organization during the month of August. All proceeds from the campaign will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association, a key organization supported by Pasco Fire Rescue/Pasco Firefighters Charities. Donations (“filling the boot”) can be made at any of the five tax collector locations in Pasco County or can be made online through Pasco TC Gives, at GovHub.com/fl-pasco/tc-gives/donate.

Zephyrhills hospital recognized
AdventHealth Zephyrhills has been recognized as a Maternal Levels of Care verified hospital by The Joint Commission through its collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and support from the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative, according to a news release.

The national verification is awarded to hospitals that meet comprehensive maternal standards of care based on guidelines established by ACOG that work to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.

To achieve the verification, AdventHealth Zephyrhills voluntarily went through a rigorous independent review to verify that it has the right staff, equipment, resources and processes in place to provide risk-appropriate maternal care. The process also includes a comprehensive on-site assessment, evaluation of maternal care capabilities and a policy compliance review, the release says.

The verification designated the Zephyrhills hospital as a Level I facility, which means it has demonstrated it can care for low to moderate-risk pregnancies, and detect, stabilize and initiate management of unanticipated maternal-fetal or neonatal challenges that occur throughout pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period until the patient can be transferred to a facility where specialized maternity care is available.

New health institute on the horizon
Pasco-Hernando State College received $1.5 million in state appropriations to fund the establishment of the new Nursing and Allied Health Advancement Institute. The innovative and collaborative institute will address the well-documented allied health and nursing shortage in the state of Florida and can be used as a model nationwide, according to a news release.

“Well-trained nurses and medical staff are needed over the next several decades not only for our community, but for our entire state,” said Rep. Randy Maggard, in the release. “I was honored to sponsor this funding request for my alma mater, so that we can ensure our best and brightest have the opportunity to study nursing right here in our community. Through this program, these future nurses and medical professionals will have the tools they need to prevent a crisis level nursing shortage in the future.”

The institute will be housed at the college’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel.

For more information on the Nursing and Allied Health Advancement Institute, call Lisa Richardson, vice president of advancement, innovation and strategic partnerships, at 727-816-3404.

(Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

Merger for families and kids
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and Success 4 Kids & Families announced the two organizations will merge operations. The projected date for the transition is Jan. 1 and programs run by Success 4 Kids & Families will be run by the Crisis Center as a core service area, according to a news release.

The Success nonprofit organization provides support and services for individuals and families coping with behavioral, emotional or mental health challenges.

The nonprofit Crisis Center operates a telephone contact center that answers seven crisis and community information lines; provides trauma counseling at three locations through teletherapy; serves as Hillsborough County’s certified rape crisis center; and operates TransCare Medical Transportation.

“I am thrilled that the quality programs that Success 4 Kids & Families has operated for years are going to continue to flourish with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. This merger complements the strengths of both agencies. Our clients and stakeholders can expect a seamless transition so they can continue to receive the same care and service they have received in the past,” said Pam Jeffre, executive director, Success 4 Kids & Families, in the release.

Chalk Talk 08/07/2024

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A lesson in being ‘upstanding’

Fifteen schools in Hernando County were among nearly 300 schools throughout Florida that participated in the 2023-2024 Holocaust Learning Experience (HLE), “a program designed to educate students about the importance of being ‘upstanders’ instead of bystanders when confronted with hate, bigotry and prejudice from others,” according to a news release.

Leigh Routman speaks at the 2023-2024 Holocaust Learning Experience. (Courtesy of the Holocaust Learning Experience)

“This program is more than just a history lesson about the Holocaust,” said HLE Executive Director Leigh Routman, in the release. “It’s a multi-sensory documentary that lets students watch historical footage and hear directly from Holocaust survivors who experienced the horrific consequences of unchecked hate and intolerance,” said Routman.

Since 1994, Florida has required public school districts to include Holocaust lessons to help students understand the consequences of racism, prejudice and stereotyping, as well as develop respectful and responsible behaviors accordingly.

To date, at least 35 Florida school districts have enrolled in the 2024-2025 Holocaust Learning Experience and hundreds of teachers have already received access to the instructional program, the release says.

For more information, visit HolocaustLearningExperience.org.

Meal eligibility provision

The District School Board of Pasco County has announced the district will participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) during the 2024-2025 school year, providing meals, regardless of eligibility category, at no charge for all students at all schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, according to a news release.

CEP serves breakfast and lunch to all children at no charge and eliminates the collection of meal applications for free, reduced-price and paid student meals, the release says.

This new approach reduces the burdens for both families and school administrators and helps ensure that students receive nutritious meals.

For questions regarding the Community Eligibility Provision or the school food program, call 813-794-2480, or email .

Recycling art contest

Hillsborough County’s second annual Recycling and Waste Reduction Art Contest is now open. Students are asked to submit creative pieces that connect the art world with the recycling world.

The theme of the contest is “What Can We Do to Help the Community Reduce Waste, Reuse What We Have, and Recycle More?”

Using the theme as a framework, students can submit a drawing using drawing tools, including programs such as Photoshop. They also can submit a collage using drawings, photographs, or other material. Other types of submissions will not be judged. Students cannot use artificial intelligence (AI) programs to create the art.

To enter, students must work alone, create original art, live in Hillsborough County, and be entering fourth through 12th grade by the start of the 2024 school year.

Winners in grade categories will receive countywide recognition and sustainable-themed prizes.

Once artwork is finished, students must submit a Recycling & Waste Reduction Art Contest form found online at https://hcflgov.formstack.com/forms/hillsborough_county_recycling_waste_reduction_art_contest.

Artwork can be submitted until Aug. 31. For questions, email .

Marilyn Pearson-Adams (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

New board leadership

The Pasco-Hernando State College Board of Trustees (DBOT) recently elected new board leaders. Trustees Marilyn Pearson-Adams and Rebecca Schulkowski were elected to respectively serve as chair and vice chair of the board for the 2024-2025 academic year, according to a news release.

Pearson-Adams, owner and CEO of Century 21 Alliance Realty-Hernando County, was appointed to the DBOT in 2014, marking 10 years served. During this tenure, she has served as board chair in 2020-2021 and vice chair in 2022-2023. She succeeds previous board chair Lee Maggard.

Rebecca Schulkowski (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

 

Schulkowski, first president of BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, was appointed to the DBOT in 2021. She has served as director of operations and director of surgical services at BayCare Health Systems, director for surgical services at Riverside Health System in New Port News, Maryland, and director of pharmacy at Cardinal Health in Baltimore, Maryland.

Gilberto Mattei-Fernandez (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

 

The board also reelected Gilberto Mattei-Fernandez as the executive statewide president for the Florida College System Student Government Association, to serve a second term as the DBOT student representative, the release says.

 

 

Science education option

Discovery Education has announced the Science Techbook for Florida has been added to the Florida Department of Education’s initial list of adopted instructional materials for science, according to a news release.

Among the courses now available for use in classrooms statewide are Science for grades K-5; Earth/Space Science, Life Science, Physical Science, and Comprehensive Science 1,2 and 3 for grades six to eight.

Accessible through Discovery Education’s digital platform, Science Techbook empowers Florida school systems to integrate an innovative digital-print-kit blended curriculum into instruction to create unique, student-centered learning experiences. Included in the core curriculum are engaging digital resources, print student and teacher editions, hands-on activity kits, and virtual investigations.

The Science Techbook for Florida curriculum includes ready-to-use, phenomena-driven lessons that motivate students with powerful technology tools — such as toggle-on authentic Spanish translation — that personalize the student experience, and labor-saving teacher tools that streamline preparation and grading.

Studies show that regular use of Science Techbook in the classroom has many positive academic results for educators and students across a variety of districts and populations in the United States, the release says.

All educators using Discovery Education’s digital resources have access to the Discovery Educator Network.

To learn more, visit DiscoveryEducation.com.

 

University of Tampa recognitions:

Dean’s List: Rowdie Maloney, Lutz; Makenzie Hershey, Odessa; Tristan Hilson, Lutz; Samantha Parker, Odessa; Ashley Mantei, Odessa; Alexander Ruhe, Lutz; Michelle Loefstrand, Odessa; Robert Cooper, Lutz; Charles Pals, Odessa; Alyssa De La Sala, Lutz; Madison McElhone, Odessa; Hope Lelekacs, Odessa; Zoe Papageorgiou, Odessa; Jenna Delgado, Lutz; Echo Prescott, Lutz; Tanner Dishman, Lutz; Gabrielle Reim, Odessa; Margret Gudmundsson, Lutz; Ntalia Katsaros, Odessa; Jack Federman, Lutz; Kaitlin Price, Odessa; Makenzie Reynolds, Lutz; and Dominick Rappa, Odessa.

Graduates: Angelina Santana, Lutz; Becca Turner, Lutz; Bhavya Priya Akula, Lutz; Cole Benjamin, Odessa; Hope Lelekacs, Odessa; Isabella Zabaneh, Lutz; Jacey Fennell, Odessa; Jessica Valente, Lutz; Kranthi Kumar Manda, Lutz; Kristina Roberts, Odessa; Lindsay Castro, Lutz; Livia Bezerra Costa, Lutz; Madison McElhone, Odessa; Makenzie Hershey, Odessa; McKenzie Grimshaw, Odessa; Molly Schmidt, Lutz; Sarah Jones, Lutz; Tristan Hilson, Lutz; and Vanessa Sanchez, Odessa.

 

A gold medal for cuteness

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(Courtesy of AdventHealth)

AdventHealth Zephyrhills is celebrating the wins of Team USA at the Olympics in Paris with a surprise for new parents at the Baby Place. During the games, all babies born at the hospital will get an AdventHealth onesie and extras to show off their Team USA support. Here, baby Dylan, takes first place in cuteness!

Girl Scout receives ‘gold’ for magazine

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The Girl Scouts of West Central Florida (GSWCF) has recognized Gold Award Girl Scout Emily Conner as the recipient of the Girl Scouts of the USA Gold Award Scholarship. Conner, a St. Petersburg Collegiate High School 2024 graduate, earned $5,000 in honor of her enterprise entitled, “Astraea Zine Project,” according to a news release.

Emily Conner was honored for her magazine, “Astraea Zine.” (Courtesy of Maddi Dolan/GSWCF)

Astraea Zine is a magazine in which photography, art and writing are published both digitally and in print to amplify the voices of girls who would not otherwise have the resources or ability to express and share their experiences. With the help of 10 girls, Conner published five issues of the magazine, showcasing hundreds of submitted works, the release says

“I was inspired to create Astraea Zine because of my love for writing, art and sisterhood. I had submitted some of my poems to similar online magazines, and I felt really fulfilled and proud to be part of a publication. I wanted to help other girls, especially younger girls just starting their creative journey, to get published, too,” said Conner in the release.

“Anyone who submits to Astraea Zine, no matter the experience level, can be part of the publication,” said Conner.

Each year, the Gold Award Scholarship recognizes one outstanding Gold Award Girl Scout, per council. 

The Gold Award is the highest achievement a Girl Scout can earn, available to girls in high school who create sustainable change in a community.

As a recent graduate, the scholarship Conner received will assist with tuition as she begins her college career this fall, at which she plans to study psychology.

In addition to the $5,000, Conner also earned the local council’s scholarship of $450 and the Ann Hensler Scholarship of $600.

For more information about Conner’s project, visit www.astraeazine.com or GSWCF.org/gold.

Published July 31, 2024

Unique tree on view at MOSI

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A new Moon Tree is now on display at the Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa. (A new Moon Tree is now on display at the Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa. (Courtesy of MOSI)

Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) has become one of the first sites on Earth to place a new Moon Tree on display, unveiling the tree in honor of the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing on the Moon, according to a news release.

The new Moon Tree was grown from a seed that flew around the Moon aboard the Artemis 1 spacecraft in 2022. The seed traveled 270,000 miles aboard Artemis 1 and after returning to earth, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service planted it and nurtured it until it was large and healthy enough to be delivered to MOSI.

The Moon Tree idea originally “sprouted” during the Apollo era. NASA astronaut Stuart Roosa was a former smokejumper (forest firefighter). He carried hundreds of tree seeds in special containers aboard his Apollo 14 spacecraft, which circled the moon in 1971, the release says. Many of those seeds were grown into trees that were planted around the world, giving people on earth a closer connection to its nearest neighbor in space.

NASA is working to place similar Moon Trees in other locations across the country; MOSI was the first selected.

Guests at the museum can see the sweetgum tree growing in MOSI’s Science Park, near the LIVECycles Butterfly Garden, Sky Trail Ropes Course and SciLinx Mini-Golf course.

Published July 31, 2024

Nestled in safety

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Susan Moore, of Dade City, found this precious fawn curled up under a tree in her backyard. Notice the heart-shaped white spot on its back!