The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

A dapper duo

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Charley and Lucy are the spoiled fur babies of Faye and Wayne Parker, of Land O’ Lakes. Charley likes to chase lizards on the lanai, while Lucy enjoys the sunshine.

The buddy system

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Nicole Magazu, of Land O’ Lakes, caught these juvenile limpkin siblings just hanging out together. Limpkins specialize in eating apple snails, which they hunt both day and night, and they often leave telltale piles of snail shells at the edges of freshwater wetlands where hunting is good. 

Loud and proud

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Pasco Fire Rescue/EMT Station 22 receives treats from Dee Knerr (Courtesy of Patricia Serio)
Proudly waving their flags alongside U.S. 41.

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club were out in force for their annual commemoration of 9/11, to wave flags along the highway. The club was loudly acknowledged by 18-wheeler air horns, and trucks and vehicles of every sort sounding their horns and giving the ‘thumbs up’ signal. The women also delivered gift baskets full of healthy treats to eight local Fire Rescue/EMT stations, to show their appreciation of their service.

Chalk Talk 09/13/2023

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From left: Eileen Belanger and Zelia; Dee Reed and Boo; Debbie Smith and Shelby; Karin Glessner and Maizie; and Deborah Meyer and Ginger visit James Marlow Elementary School for a special reading event. (Courtesy of Corey Dierdorff, Public Information Officer, Pasco County Schools)

Local therapy dogs visit students
In line with Pasco County Schools’ commitment to expanding literacy among its students, local therapy dogs paid a visit to James Marlowe Elementary School in New Port Richey for a special reading event, “From Woofs to Words.”

A young reader at James Marlowe Elementary shares a book with a local therapy dog during a special reading event at the school.

Six therapy dogs and their handlers recently took the time to read to approximately 100 students. This unique initiative exemplifies the school district’s belief in innovative approaches to enhance the reading experience and bolster literacy rates, according to a news release.

The event also aligns with the district-wide “15 Million Minute R.A.C.E. for Reading” program, which champions the goal of logging 15 million minutes of reading this school year.

“We always explore diverse ways to excite our students about reading. Integrating therapy dogs

and our 15 million-minute RACE for reading program are just a few examples of Pasco County

School’s dedication to fostering a love for literature and achieving our ambitious reading goals,”

Superintendent Kurt Browning said, in the release.

Plant/Animal Teacher Boxes
Hillsborough County Teachers and homeschool parents can sign up today to receive a “tool” box filled with lessons on invasive plants and animals (limited quantities available). The boxes give access to an online Canvas Module and video created by Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful.

To claim a box on animals, visit http://tinyurl.com/yba7cc4z.

To claim a plant box, visit http://tinyurl.com/yjrb8558.

Boxes will be ready for pickup on Sept. 25, at 730 W. Emma St., in Tampa. For information, call 813-221-8733, or email .

There also will be a giveaway of plants for three butterfly gardens, which can be planted at a school or in an approved city or county area in October or November.

Absentee Awareness Month
Pasco County Schools is on a mission to ensure every student shines brightly in the classroom, as it recognizes Absentee Awareness Month in September.

“Every morning is a new opportunity. When parents and guardians actively participate in their child’s morning routine, it’s like lighting a spark for their entire day,” said Superintendent Kurt Browning, in a news release.

“Together, we can fan that spark into a flame of academic achievement by being involved with starting our children’s day on the right foot,” said Browning. 

  • Why Attendance Matters: Students with consistent attendance achieve greater academic heights due to increased instructional time. Missing just two days a month is 10% of a school year.  High absentee rates can lead a student down the path of dropping out. Alarmingly, a 10% or higher absentee rate can steer a child towards future crime and unemployment. Statistics show that the two largest age groups impacted are students in the third and eighth grades.  
  • Get Involved: Parents can dive into Pasco Schools’ website (Pasco.k12.fl.us) for practical tips to ensure their child is school-ready every day.  Join in the conversation by speaking with your kids and family about the importance of school attendance.  Parents, guardians and community members are encouraged to be the change-makers in a child’s academic journey. 

During the month of September, Pasco County Schools will share valuable tips to help students, which will be highlighted on its website, shared across its social media platforms, and communicated directly to parents through district messaging platforms.

Pasco County Schools is committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. 

YEA! Awards
Hillsborough County has opened nominations for its Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards (YEA! Awards) now through 9 a.m., Sept. 18.

Nominations can be submitted for both middle and high school students in each of these categories:

  • Leadership — demonstrating positive impact on others in an ongoing endeavor, such as sports, academics or the arts
  • Success Despite Difficult Odds — overcoming tremendous personal difficulty to attain success and make a positive impact on others
  • Volunteer or Community Service — allocating discretionary time to help others or complete a project that has improved the community

Students honored show initiative, innovation, and a commitment to themselves and others, while pursuing excellence in a leadership capacity. This can be demonstrated in academics, community service, athletics, performing arts, conservation, or other areas.

Submissions will be reviewed by the Hillsborough County Commission on the Status of Women.

The YEA! Awards will be presented by the Board of County Commissioners in June.

Nomination forms can be found online at HCFLGov.net/YEA.

Student achievements
These local students were recognized at Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester: 

  • Dean’s List — Tara Fisher, Kelsey Gulic
  • President’s List — Troy Bacon, David Hernandez, Timothy Hicks, Preeti Sameera Batchala, Matthew Stewart and Steven Turpin

Also, Noah Kilpatrick, of Lutz, earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce & Business Administration from The University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa.

Leadership Training
The North Tampa Bay Chamber in partnership with the Florida Institute for Political Leadership (FIPL), an initiative by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, will host a virtual Campaign School & Community Leadership Training on Sept. 27 and Sept. 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., each day.

The virtual training is recommended for candidates and anyone interested in running for local or state office, serving their community or managing campaigns. 

Training is free and nonpartisan. Participants can attend one or both days.

The sessions will provide a comprehensive briefing on emerging local and state issues, teach attendees on what local opportunities are available for appointed or elected positions, offer guidance on how to prepare to run for office in the future, and provide training on how to run winning campaigns.

Registration is online at FIPL.org/Register.

After-School Program
The Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, will host Early Release Day After-School Programs to coincide with Pasco County Schools’ early release dates: Oct. 4, Nov. 1, Dec. 6, Jan. 10, Feb. 14, March 13 and April 10.

The programs are free and geared to second- to fifth-graders. There will be structured games, sports, and arts and crafts. Program spots are limited and each date opens three weeks prior at 8 a.m. Registration can be done in person or online at secure.rec1.com/FL/pasco-county-fl/catalog.

For more information, call 813-929-1220.

Performing Arts Series
Tickets are now on sale for the Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation Inc.’s 2023-2024 Performing Arts Series. All shows are at 7 p.m., at the PHSC Performing Arts Center, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey.

The concert line-up includes:

  • Dec. 1, The Atlantic City Boys
  • Jan. 19, She Will Rock You!
  • Feb. 23, The Olivia Show
  • March 15, The Beatle Maniacs
  • April 5, The Majesty of Rock

Tickets are $30 to $35. Season tickets are automatically discounted 15%. Groups of 10 or more can use code 15OFF. To purchase tickets, visit Tix.com/ticket-sales/phsc/1015.

For information, contact Jen Ferguson at 727-816-3431 or ">.

Let it Shine!

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Out of Zion Inc., is a 501c3 nonprofit focused on providing creative arts programs to children with medical and special needs at no cost to the caregiver. The organization’s 2023 Summer Camp was a one-week intensive creative arts camp at the River of Life Church in Lutz, culminating in a stage show and event, which included drama, dance, drums and choir. The theme, SHINE: Surf’s Up! helped the children explore the sun, sand and ride the waves to discover music and arts. For more information, visit oozion.org.

(Courtesy of Stefanie Tagliaferro)

On a mission to protect local wildlife

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has recognized the outstanding wildlife habitat management efforts of private landowner Jake English of Pasco County, according to a news release.

Jake English of Pasco County was honored for his habitat management efforts as part of the FWC’s Wildlife Habitation Recognition Program. (Courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

The honor is part of the Wildlife Habitat Recognition Program, which pays tribute to exemplary landowners by giving them a sign to display on their property, as well as a certificate to recognize their habitat conservation efforts.

English began working with the FWC in January 2020 to create a management plan for his 30-acre property, Drexel Farms, where he implements a variety of practices to benefit game and imperiled species, as well as other wildlife species on his property. These beneficial practices include prescribed fire, brush management and invasive plant control to improve the food, shelter and water available to wildlife on the property, the release said.

More than 70% of land in Florida is privately owned, while more than half of all threatened and endangered species in the United States depend on privately owned land to thrive. These private lands play a critical role in wildlife conservation.

Without private landowner efforts, countless plant and animal species would be at risk of significant population declines, which could result in them becoming listed on state or federal threatened and endangered species lists, according to FWC.

“We are impressed by the hard work Mr. English has put into his property,” said Luis Gonzalez, FWC’s southwest regional landowner assistance program coordinator, in the release.

“His management practices have provided tremendous habitat improvement for local fauna. We hope his efforts can serve as an example for all other private homeowners in Florida to follow,”  Gonzalez said.

For more information, visit MyFWC.com/LAP and click on “Landowner Recognition Programs,” and to find help and resources for managing wildlife on property, click on “Wildlife and Habitat Assistance.”

Published September 06, 2023

Health News 09/06/2023

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Prostate surgery alternative
An enlarged prostate, also known as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is a common health issue in men over the age of 50 that can significantly impact a man’s health and quality of life. 

A BPH Aquablation surgery is simulated by Dr. Timothy Weber seated at the console with the surgical table in front of him. (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road in Lutz, performs an innovative procedure that does not use an incision to remove prostate tissue. The procedure uses the power of water rather than cutting away prostate tissue, according to a news release.

The hospital uses Aquablation therapy by Procept Robotics, an advanced treatment that uses water delivered with robotic precision to provide long-lasting BPH relief with low rates of irreversible surgical complications. The procedure uses a heat-free waterjet controlled by robotic technology that combines camera and ultrasound imaging to create a real-time detailed map avoiding sensitive areas. Aquablation can be performed on prostates of any size and shape.

The cause of BPH is unknown and BPH is not prostate cancer, the release said.

BPH’s can impact men in ways that can include:

  • Ability to hold urine, causing men to search for bathrooms throughout the day or waking up several times a night. This can lead to incontinence.
  • Difficulty in emptying the bladder, causing men to push or strain when urinating or having a weak stream that starts and stops.
  • Can cause urinary tract infections, problems with kidney function or stones in the bladder
  • Issues with sexual functions of erections and ejaculations

Charitable giving
The offices of Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano will feature Premier Community HealthCare’s efforts to expand health services to those in need as the featured charitable organization for the month of September. All proceeds from the promotional effort will benefit Premier, which is the primary nonprofit agency to provide health care to the uninsured and under-insured in Pasco County.

“Premier Community HealthCare has a long history of providing medical care for those without access to primary health care in Pasco County,” said Fasano in a news release.

“…Our hope is to raise funds which will help Premier Community HealthCare move closer to their goal to provide these services to even more individuals and families in need,” said Fasano.

Donations can be made at any of the five tax collector locations or online at GovHub.com/fl-pasco/tc-gives/donate. For tax office locations, visit PascoTaxes.com.

For more information about Premier’s services, call Cheryl Pollack, community engagement officer, at 352-518-2000, ext. 9012.

Chalk Talk 09/06/2023

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(Courtesy of Pasco Sheriff’s Office)

School zones are everyone’s responsibility
Roads, sidewalks and pathways experience more traffic during the school year and require additional caution. Keeping students, families and schools protected is everyone’s responsibility, according to a Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) news release.

The PSO shares these tips to keep school zones, where students travel to and from school, safe:

  • Eliminate distractions when driving, such as phones.
  • Take time to learn school bus stop laws to know how to properly obey their lights and signs.
  • Follow posted speed limits, which are reduced in school zones, and obey all traffic laws and directions.
  • Pedestrians and bike riders must follow the rules of the road, including obeying safety signals and crossing at crosswalks, where drivers expect pedestrians to cross.

It is important to slow down and pay attention no matter how you travel, to help keep students, families, neighborhoods and communities safe.

Homeschool Morning
The Tarpon Springs Aquarium, 1722 N. Pinellas Ave., in Tarpon Springs, will host a Homeschool Morning: Backyard Florida Adventure on Sept. 7 and Sept. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., for kindergarten through fifth grade. The event will feature hands-on activities and live animals. The cost is $10 per person (ages 2 and older); $5 per annual passholder (includes day pass admission). For information, visit Tarpon Springs Aquarium on Facebook.

Student achievement
Colin Frederick Gaynor, of Odessa, earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business.

YEA! Awards
Hillsborough County has opened nominations for its Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards (YEA! Awards) now through 9 a.m., Sept. 18.

Nominations can be submitted for both middle and high school students in each of these categories:

  • Leadership — demonstrating positive impact on others in an ongoing endeavor, such as sports, academics or the arts
  • Success Despite Difficult Odds — overcoming tremendous personal difficulty to attain success and make a positive impact on others
  • Volunteer or Community Service — allocating discretionary time to help others or complete a project that has improved the community

Students honored show initiative, innovation, and a commitment to themselves and others, while pursuing excellence in a leadership capacity. This can be demonstrated in academics, community service, athletics, performing arts, conservation, or other areas.

Submissions will be reviewed by the Hillsborough County Commission on the Status of Women.

The YEA! Awards will be presented by the Board of County Commissioners in June.

Nomination forms can be found online at HCFLGov.net/YEA.

Performing Arts Series
Tickets are now on sale for the Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation Inc.’s 2023-2024 Performing Arts Series. All shows are at 7 p.m., at the PHSC Performing Arts Center, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey. The concert line-up includes:

  • Dec. 1, The Atlantic City Boys
  • Jan. 19, She Will Rock You!
  • Feb. 23, The Olivia Show
  • March 15, The Beatle Maniacs
  • April 5, The Majesty of Rock

Tickets are $30 to $35. Season tickets are automatically discounted 15%. Groups of 10 or more can use code 15OFF. To purchase tickets, visit Tix.com/ticket-sales/phsc/1015. For information, contact Jen Ferguson at 727-816-3431 or .

Shoes & Socks Drive
The eighth annual Two Good Soles Shoes and Socks Drive is underway with Pasco County Government and Constitutional offices working together to collect footwear for kids in Pasco County Schools.

“It’s not just about providing a new pair of shoes and socks to each child in need,” said Paula Baracaldo, Pasco County support services director, in a news release. “It’s about giving them a sense of dignity and security. It’s about enabling Pasco County schoolchildren to focus on things other than basic needs,” said Baracaldo.

The types of new shoes and socks that are needed include:

  • Children’s shoe sizes 9 and up
  • Adult shoes in all sizes
  • Socks in all sizes/neutral colors
  • Closed-toe shoes only/no flip-flops

Donations can be dropped off in collection boxes at Pasco County Government locations and the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller, Property Appraiser, and Tax Collector offices (visit PascoTaxes.com). All new shoes and socks will be donated to Pasco County Schools at the end of October.

Grant applications open
Applications are now open for the 2023 McDonald’s Golden Grants program. McDonald’s owner/operators across Florida, southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina will select educators, nonprofit organizations, and the like, who represent programs that fuel the imagination, education and growth of students, as recipients of a grant.

This year, 27 Golden Grants will be awarded in the following amounts based on creativity and hands-on application of projects:

  • Three grants in the amount of $10,000
  • Seven grants, $5,000
  • 12 grants, $2,500
  • Five grants, $1,000

Qualifying activities include arts programs, education initiatives, mentorship and empowerment programs, after-school programs, community service, sports activities, and technology.

To apply, visit GoldenGrantsFl.com through Sept. 15. Winners will be announced on Oct. 12.

School Fishing Club
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s 2023-2024 School Fishing Club Program is now open for registration.

This annual educational program focuses on teaching youth anglers about best fishing practices to help ensure the future of fishing in Florida.

To register, club sponsors need to apply for a Florida R3 Fishing Grant, which is funded by the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, Coastal Conservation Association, and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. 

The grant will award up to 50 school fishing clubs or teams $500 each to assist with club expenses, such as the purchase of fishing licenses or gear for participants.

The grant application period is open until Sept. 15, but grant funding is not required to participate in the fishing club program.

To be considered for the grant, school fishing clubs or teams must have a minimum of five members and be represented by a school faculty member or parent.

Each participating club will be provided with program curriculum and educational materials. The curriculum consists of lessons and activities on ethical angling, conservation, Florida’s aquatic habitats, basic fishing gear, and general fishing concepts, applicable to both fresh and saltwater fishing.

Additionally, at least one conservation project activity must be completed each school year and is an opportunity for clubs to earn points for a chance to win prizes.

Applications can be found online at MyFWC.com/SFC, by scrolling down to “Florida’s R3 Fishing Grant Program.” The deadline for submitting applications is Sept. 15.

Bear is full of positive energy

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Bear is an 8 ½-year-old Chesapeake Bay retriever/border collie mix and a certified service animal. When Bear is not working, he likes riding on the canoe and having his owners paddle him around Lake Myrtle and going shopping and to restaurants. When at home, Bear is a trusty companion, doing whatever his owners do. Bear’s favorite pastime is opening daily packages that arrive because he thinks they are presents for him! Bear lives with his parents, Wendy and Carl Osborne, in Land O’ Lakes.

A picture-perfect perch

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Joanne Dionne, of Dade City, captured this photo of a seagull perfectly perched on a log at Green Key Beach in New Port Richey. A seagull is the only seabird that can walk on land as easily as it paddles in the water and soars in the wind.