The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

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.

A plethora of wildlife

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Jack Olson, of Dade City, snapped this shot of a sandhill crane and its two youngsters in his backyard. Olson said his wife likes to feed the birds and squirrels at their home on the northeast shore of Lake Iola.

Health News 08/09/2023

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(Courtesy of AdventHealth Tampa)

Safe sleep for newborns
AdventHealth Tampa has seen an increase in infant injuries in the emergency department due to unsafe sleep practices, including five co-sleeping deaths in fall 2022, according to a news release.

This has prompted AdventHealth Tampa to launch a new initiative aimed at fostering safe sleep habits for newborns.

The new program official began July 25 and its goal is to reduce preventable sleep-related incidents among infants and promoting the best health outcomes for newborns across Tampa Bay.

Parents will receive one-on-one consultations and education, along with specially designed glow-in-the-dark bracelets, to serve as a constant reminder of the ABCs of safe sleep during the challenges of nighttime parenting, the release said.

The bracelets will play a key role in reinforcing safe sleep practices: When the parent finds themselves tired and weary in the middle of the night while doing diaper changes or feedings, the reminder on their wrist will guide them to make the right choices for their infant’s safety.

These are the ABCs of safe sleep, the release said:

  • Alone: Place babies to sleep alone in their crib or bassinet without any soft bedding, toys or other objects that may pose a suffocation risk.
  • Back: Always put babies to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
  • Crib: Provide babies with a safe sleep space in a firm crib or bassinet that meets current safety standards.

Boot Drive for Muscular Dystrophy
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s offices will feature Pasco Fire Rescue’s annual Boot Drive during the month of August, to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Donations can be made at any of the five tax collector locations in Pasco County.

To learn more about Pasco Fire Rescue charities, call Lisa Brekke at 813-244-8619.

For information about the promotional and charitable giving programs at the tax collector’s office, call Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, at 727-847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

New pediatric clinic
Tampa Family Health Centers (TFHC) recently opened its 18th location, Children’s Medical Dental (CMD), at 19203 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz. The facility caters specifically to the youngest patients, offering both medical and dental services. CMD aims to provide a patient-centered holistic approach to pediatric care with general medical services and dental care focusing on the importance of oral health from an early age.

The facility will be open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, visit TampaFamilyHC.com and click on “Locations,” or call 813-726-0360.

BEE award recipients
HCA Florida Trinity Hospital recently recognized eight of its PCTs with a BEE Award, which celebrates and honors the exceptional skills and compassion given by the PCTs and nurse externs. BEE stands for Being Exceptional Everyday.

These caregivers and recipients of the award helped to create a supportive environment for healing by assisting patients with basic needs and collaborating with other caregivers to help ensure optimal outcomes:

  • Edwin Alfaro, PCT, 4 East
  • Rocky Alfaro, PCT, 4 East
  • Joanne Calvillo, PCT, 5 East
  • Gregory Cutrone, PCT, 4 East
  • Amneris Perez Figueroa, PCT, 5 East
  • Allie Jackson, PCT, 5 West
  • Brittany Nolan, 5 West
  • Taylor Pugh, PCT, 4 East

Benefits of breastfeeding
AdventHealth Wesley Chapel is highlighting the health benefits of breastfeeding and raising awareness about important resources available to mothers in honor of National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, which is celebrated every August.

Breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits for both babies and mothers, said Cindy Goad, lactation consultant for the Baby Place at the hospital, in a news release.

Goad says there are five key benefits of breastfeeding:

  • Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies.
  • Breast milk shares antibodies from the mother with her baby.
  • Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases.
  • Breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
  • Mothers can breastfeed anytime and anywhere.

In addition, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel has announced its Baby-Friendly designation. This recognition is bestowed upon health care facilities that provide optimal care and support for breastfeeding mothers and their infants, ensuring that mothers receive the information, confidence and skills necessary to successfully begin and continue breastfeeding.

Chalk Talk 08/09/2023

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Father Nick Kleespie, OSB, of Saint John’s Abbey, discusses Communicating Benedictine Values at Saint Leo University. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Saint Leo discusses Benedictine education
Benedictine Catholic higher education leaders, faculty and staff gathered at Saint Leo University for the Association of Benedictine Colleges and Universities’ (ABCU) annual conference. The week of events also included the Benedictine Leadership Formation Institute and Benedictine Pedagogy Conference, according to a news release.

Saint Leo University was founded in 1889 by sisters, priests and monks of the Order of St. Benedict, and the university’s core values are based on the Rule of St. Benedict and the 10 hallmarks of Benedictine education, focusing on the development of mind, body and spirit.

“Benedictine education is akin to ancient wisdom and traditions in that it stresses the education of the whole person rather than the intellect alone,” the ABCU stated in the release.

This conference differed from traditional academic conferences in that it was organized so that everyone is invited to listen not only to respected elders in the community, but also to listen to the liturgy, said Dr. Thomas Humphries, professor of theology and religion.

“We pray together, eat together and speak together. These are elements of genuine community,” said Humphries in the release.

It was the first time in 24 years that Saint Leo hosted the conference.

Mental health partnership
Hillsborough County Public Schools is partnering with Hazel Health to offer free, virtual mental health services at home and school to all K-8, middle and high school students, with parental consent, as well as free physical health services from home. Hazel Health is a service that connects students with licensed, bilingual, culturally competent therapists for virtual counseling appointments.

The service can help a student build coping skills for a short-term challenge or act as a bridge until students are successfully connected with longer-term resources. Services will be available from home starting Aug. 10, and in-school sessions will roll out in schools from the end of August through October.

Families should be on the lookout for more information from the school district.

For more information, visit tinyurl.com/2czh2ada.

Dwarakamaye Bolla, first place, fifth grade (Courtesy of WaterContest.org)

Contest winners announced
Winners have been announced in the 14th annual Water Awareness Poster Contest sponsored by the Florida Governmental Utility Authority and Pasco County Utilities.

Overall, 18 winners across kindergarten through fifth grade were selected from 1,300 posters, 15 elementary schools and 42 participating teachers. The 2023 theme was, ‘We Need Water, Water Needs Us.’

Among the students recognized in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area were:

  • First Grade: Harlow Long, Ezann N. Rabbi and Epshita Garadagari, all from Odessa Elementary
  • Second Grade: Aadrika Subudhi, Tyler Bennett and Nathanial Chernetsky, Countryside Montessori
  • Third Grade: Andy Friedman and Evan Corridor, Countryside Montessori
  • Fourth Grade: Brandon Corona and Ella Taylor, Pine View Elementary
  • Fifth Grade: Dwarakamaye Bolla, Wesley Chapel Elementary; and Samantha Stone, St. Anthony Catholic School

To view the winning posters in full color, art exhibition dates, and educational materials, visit WaterContest.org.

Make a pencil case
The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host a craft class on Aug. 12 at 10 a.m., for kindergarten through third grade. Kids can make their own one-of-a-kind pencil case to show off this school year. Participants will use fabric markers and paint, so they should dress in clothing that can get stained. Registration is required. For information, call 727-815-7126.

Homework Help
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will offer “Homework Help: Kids,” online. The events will explore a variety of digital library resources, with a spotlight on homework help resources. Registration is through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

  • Aug. 15 at 6 p.m., for elementary school students
  • Aug. 22 at 6 p.m., for middle and high school students

For more information, visit HCPLC.org/HomeworkHelp.

Student achievements

  • Jackie Figueredo, Lutz: Dean’s List, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne
  • Makenna E. Larson, Land O’ Lakes: Dean’s List, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
  • Max Martino, Lutz: Dean’s List, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne
  • Vasant Ramnarine, Lutz: Dean’s List, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne
  • Leia Randall, Land O’ Lakes: Bachelor of Science-Biology, College of Letters and Science, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
  • Madison Rooth, Odessa: Dean’s List, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne
  • Emara Saez, Lutz: Dean’s List, Tuft’s University, Medford, Massachusetts
  • Dylan Schaffer, Lutz: Dean’s List, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri
  • Savana Tribbe, Odessa: Dean’s List, Coast Carolina University, Conway, South Carolina
  • Thea G. Wangsness, Dade City: Dean’s List, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Class Registration Open
The Straz Center Patel Conservatory’s registration is now open for dance, music and theater classes. Fall classes will begin Aug. 28.

Patel offers more than 100 classes, ranging from tap dance to musical theater to improv to trumpet ensemble, for students of all ages and experience levels. New classes this year include Scene Study and Yoga for the Performer. Homeschool classes such as Homeschool Theater and Homeschool Performing Arts are held on Wednesdays.

Some classes require auditions. Registration for auditions can be done online at StrazCenter.org/auditions or by calling 813-222-1040.

Registration for fall classes is online at PatelConservatory.org, through email , in person at the Patel Conservatory Admissions Office, or by calling 813-222-1040.

To arrange a tour, call 813-222-1029 or email .

Stuff the Bus Drive
The Brandon Mall in partnership with Metropolitan Ministries will host its fourth annual “Stuff the Bus” Drive, designed to provide free school supplies, backpacks, uniforms, shoes and other necessities to students and families in need.

Supplies can be donated at the mall, 459 Brandon Town Center Drive in Brandon, at Center Court near Bath & Body Works.

Monetary donations can be made online, at tinyurl.com/2p9xv37m.

Stuff the Bus will accept donations through Aug. 31.

Stay safe from the potential dangers of heat waves

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The Florida Division of Emergency Management urges all Florida residents to practice heat safety, as dangerously hot and humid conditions continue statewide.

Heat index values have been climbing into the triple digits, causing much of the state to be under heat advisories and at a greater risk for heat-related illnesses, according to a news release.

Besides being uncomfortable, hot weather and climbing temperatures also pose potential health risks. (File)

The heat index is the “apparent temperature or feels like temperature” that describes the combined effect of high air temperature and high humidity. The higher this combination, the more difficult it is for the body to cool itself. With prolonged exposure to extreme heat, your body is more at risk for experiencing heat exhaustion or heat stroke, the release said.

Know the signs of heat-related illnesses:

  • Heat Exhaustion symptoms include dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating and weakness. Act quickly by moving to a cooler area, loosen clothing and sip cool water slowly. Seek medical attention if symptoms do not improve. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke.
  • Heat Stroke signs include confusion, hot and dry skin with no sweat, a rapid strong pulse and loss of consciousness. Call 911 immediately and move the person to a cooler area, loosen clothing and remove extra layers, and cool down with water or ice. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not received.

Heat safety tips:

  • Never leave children, vulnerable adults, or pets in a parked car. The temperature in a parked car can rise to 135 degrees Fahrenheit in less than 10 minutes. If you see a child, vulnerable adult, or pet left unattended in a parked vehicle on a hot day, call 911 immediately. If the person or pet is in imminent danger of suffering harm, use necessary force to remove the person or pet from the vehicle.
  • Limit time outside. Avoid being outdoors during the midday heat and spend more time in air conditioning when possible.
  • Utilize public spaces. Take advantage of public spaces with air conditioning, such as a local library, to help stay cool.
  • Dress for summer. Wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing that reflects heat and sunlight and helps maintain a normal body temperature.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water even if you do not feel thirsty.
  • Don’t get too much sun. Apply sunscreen if you are going to be in the sun for extended periods of time. Having a sunburn makes heat dissipation more difficult.

For more heat safety tips, visit FloridaDisaster.org/Hazards/Heat-Wave.

Published August 02, 2023

Precious is a playful ‘pup’

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Ten-year-old Precious, a Lab-Border Collie mix, is absolutely crazy about water! Although she is reaching her golden dog years, she is still a playful puppy at heart. Precious lives with her proud owner, Kathleen Brunet, in Land O’ Lakes.

Wood storks love wetlands

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Donna Church snapped this photo of a wood stork at Zephyr Park in Zephyrhills. Wood storks forage mainly by wading in shallow water and can locate prey (mostly fish) by touch or sight. Wood storks are on the endangered species list, but the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in February proposed removing the bird from that list because it has recovered.

Health News 08/02/2023

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(Mike Camunas)

St. Luke’s opens new facility
St. Luke’s Cataract and Laser Institute has opened a new location in Lutz, at 25232 State Road 54, near the Tampa Premium Outlets. The facility provides these services: comprehensive eye exams; Lasik; dry eye treatment; cataract surgery; diabetes and the eye; glaucoma diagnosis and treatment. For information, visit StLukesEye.com/locations/wesley-chapel/, or call 813-953-1170.

Swallowing studies
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz is offering an outpatient examination for individuals having difficulty swallowing. The examination is called FEES (fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing) and requires a physician referral.

The procedure is done at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road, and can help determine if food or liquid is getting into an individual’s airway. During the assessment, an endoscope with a small camera is passed through the patient’s nose into the top of the throat, taking a video of a patient swallowing food and liquid. The video can provide information to determine the safest way for a patient to eat and drink.

FEES also can provide information about which foods, strategies and positions may help a person swallow better. There is no radiation exposure with FEES and individuals do not need to eat or drink barium for the test.

For more information, call the hospital’s rehabilitation department at 813-443-7341.

Dr. Anand Nayee (Courtesy of BayCare Health System)

New chief medical officer
Dr. Anand Nayee is the new chief medical officer (CMO) at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz. As CMO, Dr. Nayee will assist the hospital’s doctors in providing safe, effective medical care. His responsibilities include training new physicians on the hospital’s policies and keeping staff current on health regulations. He also will provide clinical oversight to physicians, to ensure regulatory compliance and evaluate quality of services.

Dr. Nayee is board certified in internal medicine and affiliated with BayCare Medical Group and BayCare Physician Partners. He has been practicing at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa since August 2010, and is familiar with the Lutz location, as he previously worked there as a hospitalist when the hospital first opened in 2010.

In addition to speaking English, Dr. Nayee is fluent in Gujarati, a language spoken in India, and conversant in Spanish.

Dr. Nayee succeeds Dr. Christopher Bucciarelli, who has been CMO since April 2022 and recently named CMO for BayCare’s ambulatory surgery centers and the ambulatory division’s outpatient imaging.

Wound care recognition
HCA Florida Trinity Hospital’s Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center has been recognized as a Healogics Center of Distinction, according to a news release. The award demonstrates Trinity Hospital’s continued and consistent commitment to excellence, and a focus on creating an exceptional patient experience.

New program launched
Health care workers have experienced significant disruptions, including early retirements, remote work trends, and shifting wage rates. AdventHealth Tampa launched its new Graduate Medical Education (GME) program aimed at addressing the critical shortage of physicians. The program also offers these additional advantages: 

  • Focus on patient safety
  • Lower mortality rates
  • Lower burnout rates

The program will begin with Internal Medicine residents and the opening of the new Internal Medicine Clinic. General Surgery and Obstetrics and Gynecology residency programs will begin in 2024. There are also plans to expand into cardiology and gastroenterology programs.

The new AdventHealth Medical Group Internal Medicine clinic is at the AdventHealth Tampa Medical Arts Center, 13601 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite 160.

(Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation)

Helping to make dreams come true
HCA Florida Healthcare made a donation of $2,500 to the Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation Inc., which will establish the HCA Florida Trinity Hospital Annual Scholarship. The PHSC foundation is proud to partner with HCA and offer this scholarship to assist students in following their dreams of becoming a nurse. There are more than 93,000 nurses throughout HCA Healthcare, which believes that education is key to excellence.

Chalk Talk 08/02/2023

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Seaman Kyson Huang (Courtesy of Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green)

Wesley Chapel native serves in Navy
Submariners make up only 10% of the U.S. Navy’s personnel, but they play a critical role in carrying out one of the Defense Department’s most important missions: strategic deterrence, according to a news release from the Navy Office of Community Outreach.

Seaman Kyson Huang, a native of Wesley Chapel, is one of the sailors continuing a 123-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety. Huang joined the Navy one year ago and today serves as an electronics technician aboard the USS Indiana.
“I joined the Navy to see the world and because I have always wanted to serve,” said Huang in the release.

“I also joined because I was always interested in the nuclear field and I wanted to work in a cool environment,” he said.

Growing up in Wesley Chapel, Huang attended Wiregrass Ranch High School and graduated in 2019.

Skills and values similar to those found in Wesley Chapel are similar to those required to succeed in the military, Huang said.

“I learned in my hometown to be less dependent on others and to be self-sufficient,” he said. “If you depend on other people too much, then you get disappointed when they don’t meet those expectations. I also learned to not avoid problems because the problem will always catch up to you.”

Community Newsletter
Pasco County Schools invites families to view its Back to School edition of the Pasco Post, at https://www.smore.com/dpkt5, that is filled with news and updates as the 2023-2024 school year begins. The first day of school is Aug. 10.

The newsletter contains district calendar events; Parent Portal updates; myStudent application; cellphone usage policy; food and nutrition services; school health updates; navigating elementary, middle and high school; Early Childhood opportunities; new transportation tool; and more.

Logan Carbonaro and Logan Koschman, both Kirkland Ranch High School students, put their robot through its paces. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Robotics Camps draws skills
Saint Leo University’s NAO robots were the star teachers during summer robotics camps hosted for high school and middle school students. Each camp was designed for each age/skills level.

High school students were able to learn Python programming and try it out in the school’s Robotics Lab, using the NAO programmable robots.

Students in middle school used Lego Mindstorms kits to learn how to build and program robots.

Dr. Monika Kiss, chair and professor of mathematics in Saint Leo’s College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Data Science (CARDS), has hosted and taught the camps since 2015. She started the “Girls Can!” camps aimed at exposing more girls to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) experiences.

Free school meals
Pasco County Schools will be implementing the Community Eligibility School Program for the 2023-2024 school year, which means that all breakfasts and lunches served to the public school district’s students will be free, according to Betsy Kuhn, assistant superintendent for support services in Pasco County Schools. No further action will be required on the family’s part for the students to receive the free meals, Kuhn said.

Student graduates
Georgia Institute of Technology:

  • Daniel Castro, Odessa
  • Jameson Miller, Lutz
  • Peng Zhang, Odessa
  • Tariq Zidan, Lutz

The University of Tampa:

  • Hunter Balistreri, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Finance
  • Camille Gammage, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in Applied Sociology
  • Alexander Gonzalez, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Finance
  • Julianne Grega, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in Design
  • Elis Jones, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in Music
  • Jayakrishna Kappaganthula, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Applied Sociology
  • Andrew Kimball, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Sport Management
  • Jordan Lala, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in Applied Sociology
  • Julia Madore, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Mitchell Miller, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
  • Emma Morrison, Lutz: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
  • Michael Neff, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Management
  • Victoria Nelson, Lutz: Bachelor of Music in Music Education
  • Sara Nemat, Odessa: Master of Science in Finance
  • Emma Puleo, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Marketing
  • Gage Robinson, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in English
  • Adachi Selas, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
  • Zachary Simone, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
  • Ankur Singh, Lutz: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
  • Adrienne Villanueva, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Maxwell Winston, Odessa: Bachelor of Arts in Applied Sociology

Back To School Bash
The Gentlemen’s Quarters, 38435 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills, will host its sixth annual free Back To School Bash on Aug. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for kindergarten through 12th grade. The event will include free haircuts, school supplies, food trucks, arcade games, and bounce house. For information, call 813-715-2039.

FAA Training Program
Pasco-Hernando State College has been selected by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for participation in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Initiative program, according to a news release.

This program recognizes institutions that prepare students for careers in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones.

In order to qualify for the initiative, schools must offer a bachelor’s or associate degree in UAS or a degree with a minor, concentration, or are working toward a certificate in UAS.

Schools also must provide curriculum covering various aspects of UAS training, including hands-on flight practice, maintenance, uses, applications, privacy concerns, safety, and federal policies concerning UAS.

The program provides graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to become industry leaders in a variety of unmanned systems-related fields, including UAS and ROV pilots, sensor operators, mission planners and ground technicians, the release said.

The program focuses on problem-solving skills with unmanned systems, provides technical skill proficiency, and practical competency applied training that contributes to the academic knowledge, work attitudes, technical skills and occupation-specific skills in various industries.

For more information about PHSC’s Unmanned Vehicles Systems Operation program, visit PHSC.edu/academics/programs/transportation/unmanned-vehicles.

Make a pencil case
The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host a craft class on Aug. 12 at 10 a.m., for kindergarten through third grade. Kids can make their own one-of-a-kind pencil case to show off this school year. Participants will use fabric markers and paint, so they should dress in clothing that can get stained. Registration is required. For information, call 727-815-7126.

Class Registration Open
The Straz Center Patel Conservatory’s registration is now open for dance, music and theater classes. Fall classes will begin Aug. 28. Patel offers more than 100 classes, ranging from tap dance to musical theater to improv to trumpet ensemble, for students of all ages and experience levels.

New classes this year include Scene Study and Yoga for the Performer. Homeschool classes such as Homeschool Theater and Homeschool Performing Arts are held on Wednesdays.

Some classes require auditions. Registration for auditions can be done online at StrazCenter.org/auditions or by calling 813-222-1040.

Registration for fall classes is online at PatelConservatory.org, through email , in person at the Patel Conservatory Admissions Office, or by calling 813-222-1040.

To arrange a tour, call 813-222-1029 or email .

Stuff the Bus Drive
The Brandon Mall in partnership with Metropolitan Ministries will host its fourth annual “Stuff the Bus” Drive, designed to provide free school supplies, backpacks, uniforms, shoes and other necessities to students and families in need. Supplies can be donated at the mall, 459 Brandon Town Center Drive in Brandon, at Center Court near Bath & Body Works. Monetary donations can be made online, at tinyurl.com/2p9xv37m. Stuff the Bus will accept donations through Aug. 31.

Summer Haul Bus Pass
Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (GoPasco) buses all summer through Aug. 31 for just $20. The special student-rate passes can be purchased at these places:

  • GoPasco Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., New Port Richey
  • Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office, East/West Pasco Government Centers
  • Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores – New Port Richey, Dade City and Wesley Chapel
  • County libraries, various locations

For more information on the pass and GoPasco bus routes and schedules, visit MyPas.co/SummerBusPass.

Growing stronger every day

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club has displayed a new banner in Lutz, to celebrate its large number of volunteer hours (832,853) and projects (9,667) during just this past decade. The club is devoted to serving its community and well beyond. Thousands of dollars have been raised by the women and distributed to charities and causes too numerous to list. The club is proud of its accomplishments and wants to bring attention to its mission and commitment to serving those in need. These ‘Green Shirt Ladies’ have been in action since 1960. Linda Mitchell, vice president, left, and Elayne Bassinger, president, present the banner to the community.  For more information, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org or its Facebook page.