The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

A surprise visitor

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Sharon Strawn said both she and this corn snake were startled while she was raking leaves on the side of her house in Valencia Gardens, in Land O’ Lakes. Corn snakes are sometimes called rat snakes and their habitats are most abundant in Florida and the southeastern states. These snakes inhabit wooded groves, rocky hillsides, meadowlands, woodlots, rocky open areas, tropical hammocks, barns and abandoned buildings.

Florida activates new ‘Move Over for Me’ law

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With the start of the new year, new laws go into effect, including Florida’s enhanced Move Over law. Floridians have long been required to move over for first responders, tow trucks and municipal vehicles. Now, drivers are required to move over for a disabled vehicle displaying either its hazard lights, emergency flares or emergency signage, according to an AAA news release.

(Courtesy of AAA-The Auto Club Group)

Violators could be cited with a noncriminal moving violation and a fine of up to $158.

“AAA has advocated for a stronger move over law through our ‘Move Over for Me’ campaign, and are glad to see it come to fruition,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group, in the release.

“The roadside is a dangerous place for anyone, whether it’s a first responder or a daily commuter. We hope this enhancement to the current law will save lives by reminding drivers to give extra space when passing anyone on the roadside,” said Jenkins.

AAA shares these safety tips for drivers and stranded motorists:

Drivers:

  • Remain alert, avoid distractions and focus on driving.
  • Keep an eye out for emergency vehicles, including tow trucks, that have their lights on as well as cars that have their flashers on. Move over one lane, and if you can’t move over, slow down to safely pass them.
  • Be a good passenger by helping to identify roadway issues.
  • Watch for people on the roadside that may be bent down by their vehicle, in front of the vehicle, or about to get in or out of the vehicle.

Stranded motorists:

  • Pull over as far on the shoulder as possible.
  • Turn hazard lights on.
  • If possible, safely make it to the next exit or stopping point.
  • Call for assistance by phone, website or AAA app.
  • Remain with your vehicle as long as it’s safe to do so.
  • If getting out of your vehicle, watch the oncoming traffic for a good time to exit and remain close to your vehicle. Avoid turning your back to traffic whenever possible.

For more information, visit AAA.com, or get the AAA mobile app.

Published January 10, 2024

Girl Scouts recognize women of distinction

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Six women have been named honorees of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida’s (GSWCF) Annual Women of Distinction and will be celebrated at a luncheon on International Women’s Day on March 8, at Armature Works.

The event is in its 32nd year and is the longest running Women’s History month celebration, attracting more than 600 business and community leaders from across Tampa Bay, according to a news release.

The 2024 Women of Distinction are:

  • Marilyn Alvarez, master deputy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
  • Alison Barlow, executive director, St. Petersburg Innovation District
  • Ann E. Dunwoody, Gen. (Retired) and first female Four-Star General in the United States Army
  • Bemetra Simmons, president and CEO of Tampa Bay Partnership, and co-founder of Corporate Homie

In addition, GSWCF named Diana Walker as the 2024 Woman of Promise, an award given to exceptional women under age 40. Walker is the special projects coordinator at Hillsborough County Economic Development Minority & Small Business.

The organization also will induct Renee Vaughn into the Women of Distinction Hall of Fame. Vaughn is the president of the Williams Consulting Group, a public relations and marketing firm in Tampa. She was first honored as a Woman of Distinction in 2015.

“For 30-plus years, Women of Distinction has been one of Tampa Bay’s premier luncheons to celebrate Women’s History Month,” said Cami Gibertini, president of the board of directors of GSWCF, in the release.

“As the only fundraising event hosted annually by our local Girl Scouts, this is also the best opportunity for our community and business leaders to invest in future women leaders by showing they support Girl Scouts,” said Gibertini.

To learn more about Women of Distinction, visit GSWCF.org/WOD.

For information about sponsorship opportunities, email Clara Moll, chief development officer, at .

Alison Barlow
Ann Dunwoody
Bemetra Simmons
Diana Walker
Marilyn Alvarez
Renee Vaughn

 

Candy houses add color and smiles to festivities

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Church Street Christmas in Dade City offered an abundance of activities, including a Gingerbread Contest with a variety of donated entries from the community. Judges’ winners were Bard Fuller, first place; Nancy Clemmons, second place; and Corin Hall, third place. The Adult People’s Choice winner was Tanner Politi and the Youth People’s Choice winner was Ashley Weits.

(Courtesy of Lucy Avila, Dade City Center for the Arts)

Jessie is young at heart

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Jessie was adopted at a PetSmart charity event and enjoyed her 15th Christmas with Sharon Welsh and family in Tampa. Although she is an adult, Jessie still plays like a kitten. The family believes every pet deserves a happy, safe and loving home.

A ‘reflective’ duo

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Longtime nature and wildlife lover, and newcomer to the region Kirk Peters sent this photo he snapped of turtles that seem quite ‘focused’ on each other, along the River Rapids Trail at Hillsborough State Park in Thonotosassa. Peters was hoping to see and capture a shot of a resident alligator, but said he settled for this more tranquil scene.

Health News 01/10/2024

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Members of Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s office stand with representatives of the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation, during a check presentation in December. (Courtesy of Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office)

Funds raised to fight breast cancer
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices partnered with the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation to help raise funds and awareness of breast cancer, its symptoms and treatments.

The tax collector’s office promoted the sale of the foundation’s “End Breast Cancer” specialty tag during October, which was national Breast Cancer Awareness Month, according to a news release from Fasano’s office.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Florida (excluding skin cancer). It is estimated that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. Men also can fall victim to this disease, the release notes.

Besides promoting the sale of the specialty license tag, the five branches of the tax collector’s office also accepted voluntary check-off donations on automobile registrations.

All totaled, $15,949.35 was raised to help “end the suffering caused by breast cancer,” the release said.

National Mental Wellness Month
January is Mental Wellness Awareness Month and a time to recognize the importance of attending to one’s mental health, which is just as important as physical health.

The Jason Foundation Inc. (JFI) is a resource that provides information on what to look out for if you have a friend or loved one struggling with mental health.

JFI believes that awareness and education are the first steps to the prevention of suicide.

According to WebMD, good mental health can positively affect your physical health. Being in a good mental state can keep you healthy and help prevent significant health conditions.

Recent research by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) has found that as much as 46% of people who die by suicide had a known mental health condition. As much as 55% of adults with a mental illness receive no treatment, and 60% of youth with major depression also do not receive treatment, according to a news release.

Taking care of one’s mental health can help control or combat some of the physical health problems directly linked to mental health conditions. Some of the most common mental health conditions are PTSD, depression, panic disorder and eating disorders. People who suffer from these conditions are at a higher risk of suicide than those who do not.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) describes mental health as our “emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also determines how we manage stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.”

The Global Wellness Institute defines mental wellness as “an internal resource that helps us think, feel, connect, and function.” The institute also adds that doing things that make you happy and feel good will increase mental wellness, thus increasing mental health.

A sample of activities for improving mental wellness include physical activities, artistic activities, volunteering, enjoying time with family and friends, eating good food, and completing personal goals. Getting enough sleep, developing a positive attitude, and laughing can improve mental wellness, too.

To find more information on mental illness and how it can be associated with suicidal ideation, visit JasonFoundation.com.

Maternity teams welcome first babies of the new year

An and Dad Khang of Land O’ Lakes welcomed their son Wilson Nguyen, the first baby born at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz on New Year’s Day, at 1:43 p.m. (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)
Leyling Nodarse and Erlan Nelson celebrated the birth of their daughter, Enyeling Nodarse, at AdventHealth Tampa, on Jan. 1 at 3:25 a.m. (Courtesy of AdventHealth Tampa)

Chalk Talk 01/10/2024

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Pasco Schools calendar
The remainder of the Pasco County Schools calendar includes these upcoming dates, according to its website.

Early Release Days: Jan. 10 (CANCELLED), Feb. 14, March 13 and April 10.
Holidays: Jan. 15, Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Feb. 19, President’s Day; March 8, Teacher Planning Day; March 25 through March 29, Spring Break; and April 12 (no school).
The last day for students will be May 24.

For additional information, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/calendar. The website also has a link to printable Student/Teacher School Year Calendar Dates for 2024-2025.

Career exploration
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will host “Career Exploration for Middle School Students” on Jan. 17 at 4 p.m., at the Lutz Branch Library, 101 Lutz Lake Fern Road. Participants can explore potential careers and identify career options. To register, visit the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

Student achievements
These students were recognized to the fall Dean’s List at their respective schools: Lillian Hilt, of Land O’ Lakes, Carson-Newman University, Jefferson City, Tennessee; Drew Pitts, of Lutz, Carson-Newman University; and Kevin Spillane, of Odessa, Berry College, Rome, Georgia.

School Choice ends Jan. 19
The Pasco County Schools School Choice application window opened on Jan. 8 and will close on Jan. 19 at 4:30 p.m. The Pasco Pathways Innovative Programs and School Choice application is available via the myStudent parent portal.

The application window will be for all School Choice options, including STEM and STEAM magnet schools, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, Wendell Krinn Technical High School, Angeline Academy of Innovation, Kirkland Ranch K-8, International Baccalaureate (IB), and the Cambridge Programme.

The Notification and Acceptance window will run from March 4 to March 13.

For more information, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/ed_choice.

Tax Collector Essay Contest
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano is accepting entries in his 2024 high school essay contest, which runs through Jan. 26 at 5 p.m. The contest is for high school students (grades nine to 12), in public/charter, private, parochial, nonpublic and home-schools.

Students must answer the question, “What is the most important responsibility of the county tax collector and why?” in 500 words or less. Entries will be reviewed and judged on how well the student communicates his/her response to the question, as well as overall essay structure, appearance and readability.

All submissions must include the student’s name, school, grade and contact information.

Students in public/charter schools should submit their essays to their principal, who will forward them to the tax collector’s office. 

Private, parochial, nonpublic or home-school students should send their essays to: Jose Rodriguez Sierra, communications specialist, Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526.

Entries also may be delivered to the New Port Richey office, 4720 U.S. 19, New Port Richey, FL 34652, c/o Jose Rodriguez Sierra.

Students can send entries via email to , too.

The winner will be notified by telephone no later than Feb. 29.

For information or questions, call 727-847-8165, ext. 3826.

Science Festival
The 2024 St. Petersburg Science Festival is scheduled for Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus, 140 Seventh Ave., S., and Poynter Park, along the waterfront. Families can explore the wonders of hands-on science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM).

The event is held in conjunction with MarineQuest, the open house of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. Guests can walk from one event to the other.

Admission is free to both the festival and MarineQuest.

National Scholars Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications for the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, which aims to encourage students at 1890 land-grant universities to pursue food and agriculture career paths. The deadline to apply is March 1.

Administered through the USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, the scholars program is available to eligible high school seniors entering their freshman year of college, as well as rising college sophomores and juniors.

The program is a partnership between the USDA and the 19 historically Black land-grant universities that were established in the Morrill Land Grant Act of 1890. The USDA partners with these 1890 universities to provide scholarship recipients with full tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Scholarship recipients attend one of the 1890 universities and pursue degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines. The scholarship also includes work experience at the USDA through summer internships.

Scholars accepted into the program are eligible for noncompetitive conversion to a permanent appointment with the USDA upon successful completion of their degree requirements by the end of the agreement period.

The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program awarded 100 scholarships in the 2023 cohort of 1890 Scholars.

Young people can complete and submit their e-applications online at USDA.gov/partnerships/1890NationalScholars.

For more information, email .

How to dispose of a live Christmas tree

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Hillsborough and Pasco counties are offering a variety of ways to dispose of live Christmas trees, after celebrations are over.

(Courtesy of Hillsborough County)

Several options are available to Hillsborough County solid waste customers, including free curbside pickup, free disposal at county yard waste facilities, or recycling and reusing the tree in their own landscapes. 

For curbside pickup: Remove all decorations (lights and tinsel, too), cut tree trunk, limbs and branches into sections no longer than 4 feet by 6 inches wide in diameter, and place curbside on yard waste day.

To drop a tree off at either of the two county locations, remove decorations first. Skip the hassle of cutting your own tree into smaller pieces and drop it off at 13001 U.S. 41 in Gibsonton or 8001 W. Linebaugh Ave., in Tampa. Sites are open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on holidays. Customers must show a valid photo ID and current property tax bill and should be prepared to unload the tree themselves. For information, call 813-272-5680.

And to repurpose your tree, use it in your yard to feed birds (hang suet or sliced fruit from the branches) or grind the tree to use for mulch.

For Pasco County, the Trees to Trails program is in effect until Jan. 13. Residents can drop off their tree, which will be chipped and used in Pasco County parks to mulch trails and planting beds. 

For information, call Wesley Chapel District Park at 813-345-3145, Veterans Memorial Park at 727-861-3033 or Parks Administration at 813-929-2760.

Published January 03, 2024

New license plate aims to help conserve the Florida panther

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Florida motorists now have the option to choose the Protect the Panther license plate — a new design featuring the first female panther documented north of the Caloosahatchee River since 1973, along with her kitten.

The photograph was taken in 2018 by Florida wildlife photographer Carlton Ward Jr.

(Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

The new plate can be purchased through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (https://www.flhsmv.gov/) or by checking with your local tax collector’s office for availability.

Staff with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) worked with Ward and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida to design the new plate.

Florida panthers are native to the state, with the majority of panthers found south of Lake Okeechobee. The animal is listed as an Endangered Species under the federal Endangered Species Act. There are approximately 120 to 230 adult panthers in the population.

Fees from the Protect the Panther plate will go directly into the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund, which is a critical source of funding for the state’s panther-related research, monitoring and conservation efforts, according to an FWC news release.

Purchasing the new license plate isn’t the only way motorists can help panthers — drivers also can follow posted speed limits, particularly in panther zones, which are in place in several counties across south Florida to coincide with areas where panthers are known to cross.

To learn more about Florida panthers and the FWC’s work to conserve the species, visit MyFWC.com/Panther.

Published January 03, 2024