The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Chalk Talk 08/23/2023

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Southport Springs Golf & Country Club collected school supplies and set up a makeshift store for teachers to shop in prior to the new school year. (Courtesy of Joe Grigelevich)

‘Christmas In July’ benefits teachers
Residents of Southport Springs Golf & Country Club in Zephyrhills had their annual ‘Christmas In July’ on Aug. 8 to collect much-needed school supplies for the teachers at Chester Taylor Elementary and the new school year. 

The community set up a Christmas tree in the lobby decorated with handmade ornaments that had various school supplies written on them. Residents would take one or more of the ornaments and purchase the needed items. 

Members of Southport’s Women’s club delivered four truckloads of supplies to the school and were greeted by school principal Julie Marks. Marks, along with club members, set up the school’s media center with all of the supplies and invited the teachers to the center to shop for their classrooms. 

“It’s an annual event that everyone at Southport really looks forward to,” club leader Carol Dziki said. “We’re thrilled that we’re able to lend a helping hand to our hardworking and dedicated teachers here at our local elementary school.”

Local firm Davron collected more than 2,000 school supply items to benefit Christian Social Services in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Davron)

Annual tradition helps Christian Social Services
Davron, a Land O’ Lakes-based executive search and outplacement firm, hosted a back-to-school supply drive to benefit Christian Social Services (CSS), a nonprofit that provides food, clothing and other services to disadvantaged families in Pasco and northern Hillsborough counties.

Davron collected more than 2,000 individual items, filled 200 backpacks, and donated $2,500 to CSS.

The back-to-school drive has become an annual tradition for Davron and its employees. “We are proud to be able to support Christian Social Services and the important work they do,” said David Coreen, president of Davron, in a news release. “We know that these donations will make a real difference in the lives of children in Pasco,” said Coreen.

To help CSS, those interested can donate school supplies, food pantry items, or make financial contributions through its website, at CSS-helpinghands.org. The nonprofit relies on the generosity of local churches and private donors, and also welcomes volunteers.

Donations currently are being accepted Tuesdays through Fridays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Student Life Retreat
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) hosted its annual Student Life Retreat at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club from Aug. 1 to Aug. 3.

This year’s retreat themed “Level Up” focused on building student skills that will assist them in future academic and life endeavors. The event highlighted ways to level up skill sets of executing, influencing, strategic thinking and relationship building.

New to this year’s event was an opening community resource expo featuring more than 50 booths where students could get resources and network with local colleges and universities, businesses and nonprofit organizations, and PHSC groups and clubs.

The annual retreat is open to all PHSC students with an emphasis on those about to enter the college environment. This year, nearly 100 students stayed on site throughout the three-day retreat to participate in team-building exercises, attend workshops, and hear from keynote speaker Derrick Brooks.

Electrical line program
Hillsborough Community College (HCC) and Tampa Electric (TECO) have partnered to invest in the new Electrical Line Worker Program through the HCC Foundation and the Institute for Corporate and Continuing Education, according to a news release. Program training will take place on the HCC Brandon Campus and starts this fall.

TECO has pledged more than $300,000 annually for scholarships and relevant program equipment for the training.

Qualifying students will have the opportunity to learn the fundamental skills needed to pursue a career in the electric utility industry as a line worker trainee. The program will include 420 hours of training over a four-month period.

Upon completion, students will earn certifications in OSHA 10-hour, Bucket Truck Rescue, CPR & AED, Pole Top Rescue, and First Aid. Students who complete the program will have a chance to interview with TECO for an entry-level electrical line worker position.

For information and to apply, visit TampaTraining.com/Electrical-Line-Worker.

Florida school system one of the best
The personal-finance website WalletHub released its report on 2023’s States with the Best & Worst School Systems, according to a news release.

WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 32 key measures of quality and safety. The data set ranges from pupil-teacher ratio and dropout rate to media standardized-test scores.

Florida ranked as follows (1=Best; 25=Average):

  • First – Existence of Digital Learning Plan
  • Seventh – Reading Test Scores
  • Eighth – Bullying Incidence Rate
  • Ninth – Dropout Rate
  • 15th – Percent of Threatened/Injured High School Students
  • 17th – Math Test Scores

To view the full report, visit WalletHub.com/edu/states-with-the-best-schools/5335.

Dog days of summer!

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Fabio is an 8-year-old Yorkie who loves the outdoors, but is not too fond of our hot days of summer. He loves cooling off in his own pool. Fabio loves chasing squirrels and birds. He’s never far from his momma’s side, and he’s very sweet, lovable and friendly to all he comes in contact with. Fabio lives with his human, Jackie Arendes, in Wesley Chapel.

A temporary refuge

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Tom Hammen, of Dade City, snapped this photo of a black-bellied whistling duck that appears to seek shelter from the heat in a tree at Zephyr Park. On the other hand, whistling ducks were formerly known as tree ducks, and a few, such as the black-bellied waterfowl, actually nest in trees.

Don’t let bites and stings ‘bug’ you

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Spending time outdoors is good for your health, but whether you are heading out on the water, hiking a trail, or just hanging out in the backyard — be sure to know how to protect yourself and your family from bites and stings.

AdventHealth’s Network of Care provides tips on how to avoid the most common culprits. AdventHealth also provides guidance on what to do if you get bitten or stung this warm-weather season:

Learn how to protect yourself and your family from bites and stings when spending time outdoors.

Mosquitoes: These insects are a nuisance and love warm, wet environments. Their bites can be itchy and can also carry some of the Zika virus.

Try to stay inside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. If you go outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin. Adults can safely use insect repellent with DEET, but children younger than 2 months old should not be exposed to the chemical. Over-the-counter remedies can soothe the sensation and redness. Avoid scratching the bite so it does not become inflamed and trigger a skin infection.

Jellyfish stings — Jellyfish stings are painful but avoidable.

Check marine warnings ahead of going in the water (a purple lifeguard station flag means there is something dangerous in the water). Keep an eye out for jellyfish that wash up on shore, too. If you get stung, get to safety and wash the area well with seawater. Remove any tentacles that are left behind, using gloves if you can. Head to the lifeguard station for a vinegar solution to pour on your skin and leave it on for about 30 minutes before rinsing. Swelling and redness should go away, but if it increases, seek medical attention.

Stingrays: Check for marine warnings before entering the water.

Do the “stingray shuffle” by slowing down your walk and shuffling your feet through the top layer of sand as you wade into the water. This will alert stingrays that are buried under the sand in 10 inches or 12 inches of water. If you do get stung and a barb remains, head to the emergency room. Do not attempt to remove the barb by yourself. If there is no barb, soak the area in a bucket of hot water for about an hour, to soothe the pain. If you experience severe reactions like a rash, vomiting or trouble breathing, get medical help.

Snake Bites: If you see a snake, avoid it. Don’t try to catch, trap or kill it.

Avoid tall grasses and piles of leaves where snakes may be resting or hiding. Snakes are most active at night or early in the morning. If you are bitten by a snake, take a photo of the snake if you can. If not, pay attention to its coloring and patterns. Snake bites tend to swell, so remove jewelry around the area if you get a bite on your hand or arm. Call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. Do not suck venom from the bite wound, as it will not stop the venom from spreading.

Ticks: Though most tick bites are benign, some are associated with certain diseases, like Lyme disease.

Hiking trails are common places to pick up ticks. Wear protective clothing like long sleeves, pants, tall socks and boots when venturing into a heavily wooded area. Tuck your pants into your socks to close any gaps and use a lotion with DEET to repel ticks. Inspect your skin when you get home. If you find a tick, remove it with sanitized tweezers and clean and disinfect the area. If you develop a rash that spreads or experience a fever or joint pain, go to the doctor.

Bees: Bees can pack a painful sting, but usually do not need professional treatment unless you have an allergic reaction.

Bees do not respond to insect repellant. Give flowers a wide berth and keep an eye out for hives. If you are stung, bees will release a stinger into the skin, which can be removed by scraping or pulling it out. Apply ice to the area to help relieve the pain. Benadryl may reduce itching. A mixture of baking soda and water can help remove the stinger. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have a reaction such as trouble breathing, a rash over the entire body, swelling or vomiting. If you have had severe reactions in the past due to insect bites or stings, consider carrying an EpiPen, which can be prescribed by your doctor.

Published August 16, 2023

Health News 08/16/2023

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(Mike Camunas)

AdventHealth opens new care pavilion
AdventHealth West Florida Division and Robins & Morton, a construction firm, celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the AdventHealth Care Pavilion Central Pasco, 2435 Bexley Village Drive in Land O’ Lakes, on Aug. 7. The two-story, 28,605-square-foot facility includes 24 patient beds, two procedure rooms, and an imaging suite featuring MRI, CT, X-ray, mammography, and bone density rooms. A lab and babysitting area complete the space. The pavilion is adjacent to the AdventHealth Central Pasco Emergency Department.

Safe Haven for Newborns
A Safe Haven for Newborns is dedicated to saving the lives of newborns from the dangers of abandonment and assisting pregnant girls/women in crisis. Child abandonment is escalating worldwide, according to a Safe Haven newsletter.

The Safe Haven program provides a mother with the resources she needs prior to giving birth, allowing her to make an informed decision that is in the best interest of her unborn child and hers.

The foundation does not charge for any services offered.

Safe Haven offers referrals across all 67 Florida counties, for services such as maternity homes, shelters, counseling, health-related issues, help for abuse, suicide prevention, connecting to Medicaid, and information for adoption (open or closed).

It also offers a 24/7 multilingual confidential helpline and information through its website, ASafeHavenForNewborns.com.

By Florida law, a newborn 7 days of age or younger and unharmed, can be surrendered at any of the participating hospitals or 24/7 staffed fire/EMS stations displaying the Safe Haven for Newborn signage and surrendered in the arms of a staff member. No questions are asked and mothers are free from the fear of prosecution.

Health care professionals also can use Safe Haven’s free web-based training, on the steps to follow when a newborn is surrendered.

For information on how to help through monetary donations, in-kind donations and the donation of time, visit ASafeHavenForNewborns.com.

The Florida helpline can be reached at 877-767-2229. The national helpline is 844-767-2229.

Both helplines are open 24/7 and are confidential and multilingual.

 

 

Chalk Talk 08/16/2023

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Edwin Narain (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

New Saint Leo board leadership
The Saint Leo University Board of Trustees announced the appointment of three Tampa Bay area leaders to its executive team, effective July 1. Former Florida legislator Edwin Narain, vice president of external and legislative affairs for AT&T Florida, will served as chair; Noel Boeke, partner with Holland & Knight, will serve as vice chair; and Iskra Sbraccia, Citi compliance sanctions director and global head of CitiScreening content management, will serve as secretary.

Volunteer recruitment
The Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills, will host a Teen Volunteer Recruitment Session on Aug. 23 at 2:30 p.m., for students who may need volunteer hours for scholarships.

Teen volunteers will help with upcoming events by preparing and assisting with children’s programs. Members also are being sought to form a teen advisory board to help plan and execute teen programs. All volunteers must submit an application and personal injury waiver, which will be provided at the meeting. Applicants will need to provide their social security number, too.

Pizza will be served. Register for the session by calling 813-780-0064.

Victory High has successful summer
Victory High, a nonprofit private school in Pasco County for teens in recovery from substance-use disorders or co-occurring disorders, reported a successful “Sober Summer,” according to a school email.

The facility provided: 38 hours of individual counseling; 40 hours of academic classes passed; 12 hours of group therapy; 12 hours of visual arts classes; nine hours of trauma informed yoga; and five field trips.

A lifetime of connections was made for the 144 participants that attended.

(Courtesy of Sky Strategic Marketing)

Ice Cold Air gives back in a big way
For the 16th consecutive year, Ice Cold Air franchisees in Tampa Bay joined together to host a Back to School Supplies Drive and accompanying Back to School Bashes. This year, through the end of July, six franchise locations offered free oil changes in exchange for $20 worth of school supplies donated. It also gave away 50 backpacks with school supplies to pre-registered families. From left: Ashley Butler, Adrien Julious-Butler, Sarah Price, Keith Cox and Brittany Taggett.

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.

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.

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.

Essay scholarship winners
Negative Population Growth (NPG) leaders announced 18 student winners in its annual Essay Scholarship Contest. Awards ranged from $5,000 to $1,000, to help with a student’s tuition and other expenses.

Graduate students competed for the scholarship awards by writing an original 750-word to 1,000-word essay addressing the provided prompt.

Students were asked to consider a future in the U.S. with an additional 70 million people and to discuss the aspect of their lives that would be most affected by the increase in human population.

They also were asked to include their thoughts on whether or not the U.S. government should encourage policies designed to reduce population growth to a more sustainable level.

High school seniors and undergraduate students competed for the awards by writing an original 450-word to 600-word essay on considering what life in the U.S. would be like with 70 additional people over the course of 40 years and to describe three aspects of their lives that would be most affected by the growth.

NPG is a national nonprofit membership organization dedicated to educating the American public and political leaders regarding the damaging effects of population growth. The organization has worked with teachers nationwide to help bring facts about population to American classrooms.

For more information, visit NPG.org, follow on Facebook @NegativePopulationGrowth or on Twitter @npg.org.

Student achievements

  • Liam Andrews, Lutz: Dean’s List, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
  • Charles Clerc, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Maryland Global Campus, Adelphi, Maryland
  • Brent Knox, Lutz: Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity, University of North Georgia, Dahlonega

Meet Zeus and Cheeto

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Zeus, a Maine coon, who weighs about 20 pounds, has been with John Cuevas and Christine Inge for six years. Zeus’ new best friend is Cheeto, a 4-month-old feral cat found living outside at a trailer park. Cheeto at first was very afraid of people and also of Zeus. But Cheeto has acclimated wonderfully and trusts the members of his family. These two feline friends live with their parents in Land O’ Lakes.

A portrait in pink

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Bonnie Caston, of Zephyrhills, enjoys watching a pair of roseate spoonbills that she sees daily in her backyard. Spoonbills forage, roost and nest in groups often with other ibises, herons and egrets.

Lose yourself, in a good book!

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National Book Lovers Day is celebrated on Aug. 9 — a day for all those who love to read! Find your favorite reading place and a good book, and sit back, relax and read. Share the joy of reading, too, with young people in your life. Read to the even the littlest of up-and-coming readers, to inspire them to get excited about reading.

Rowdy is a loyal companion

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Rowdy is a 15-year-old mini dachshund. Rowdy was eight weeks old, when his owner, Nicki D’Souza, adopted him. Rowdy likes playing with his squeaker toys and taking walks around the neighborhood, and now that he is a senior, he enjoys lots of naps. Rowdy lives in Land O’ Lakes with D’Souza and has been a loyal companion through life’s many ups and downs.