The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Ready to explore

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Bonnie Caston, of Zephyrhills, has been watching a pair of American Kestrels in her backyard, and patiently waiting for the arrival of little ones. She snapped this photo as a young one that still has peach fuzz on its head decided to fledge the nest. The kestrel parents were keeping a close eye on their offspring.

Chalk Talk 06/21/2023

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(Courtesy of San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union)

Credit Union awards $15,000 in scholarships
San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union (SACFCU) presented 10, $1,500 “Be the Difference” scholarships to its members who graduated from local high schools this year. From left: scholarship recipients Alexander Gard, Caitlin Eudy, Anna Anderson, Makaelynn Cameron, Jacob Partain, Scout Newlon, Jillian Payne, Belal Mansour and Adeline Shiver; SACFCU leaders Tony Coleman, board of directors; CEO Patty Sarne; John T. Vogel, chairman of the board; and Jay Vogel, supervisory committee chairman. Not pictured is scholarship recipient Effie Tillack.

Lauren’s Kids
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s offices have raised $24,399 for Lauren’s Kids, through donations and the promotion of the Lauren’s Kids specialty license plate. Lauren’s Kids works with local school districts to prevent childhood sexual abuse through education and awareness. It also helps to heal survivors with guidance and support. To learn more, visit LaurensKids.org.

In addition to the funds raised, there are now 30 new Lauren’s Kids tags on the roads of Pasco County.

For information about the tax collector’s charitable giving programs, call Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, at 727-847-8719.

Student achievements

  • Evan Cuervo, Lutz: Dean’s List, Presbyterian College, Clinton, South Carolina
  • Hannah Houser, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, The University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Jack Houser, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, The University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Peter Katsaros, Odessa: Master of Science, The University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Carly Price, Odessa: President’s List, Husson University, Bangor, Maine
  • Leia Randall, Land O’ Lakes: Dean’s List, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Scholarship winners
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced more than 3,000 winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities. Officials of each sponsored college selected their scholarship winners from among the finalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program who plan to attend their institution. These local students were named as recipients:

  • Isabel A. Bequer, Lutz (Academy of the Holy Names, Tampa): National Merit University of Florida Scholarship
  • Salpriya Gande, Lutz (Academy at the Lakes, Land O’ Lakes): National Merit University of Florida Scholarship
  • Louis F. Li, Lutz (Steinbrenner High, Lutz): National Merit University of Florida Scholarship
  • Andrew J. Maroun, Lutz (Steinbrenner High, Lutz): National Merit University of South Florida Scholarship
  • Lily A. Taylor, Lutz (Hillsborough High, Tampa): National Merit University of Florida Scholarship
  • Kaitlyn H. Tran, Lutz (Hillsborough High, Tampa): National Merit University of Florida Scholarship
  • Leina E. Owens, Odessa (Blake High, Tampa): National Merit University of Florida Scholarship
  • Anastasia Bogdatova, Wesley Chapel (Cypress Creek High, Wesley Chapel): National Merit University of South Florida Scholarship
  • Jenna Ly, Wesley Chapel (Wesley Chapel High): National Merit University of Florida Scholarship
  • Megha Mano, Wesley Chapel (King High, Tampa): National Merit University of Florida Scholarship

Creative Writing course
Saint Leo University will offer a creative writing micro-credential, open to anyone who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in any subject or from any university or college who loves to write. This includes graduates of Saint Leo’s Master of Arts in creative writing or other creative writing programs.

The summer residency will run July 8 to July 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the school campus, 33701 County Road 52 (formerly State Road 52) in St. Leo.

The residency is an immersive and community-oriented retreat with daily morning workshops, afternoon craft talks, and opportunities to share and receive feedback on writing in progress. Students will submit original creative writing in either fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry for a small workshop group; however, throughout the week, students also will learn about all three genres, as well as the editing and publishing world of creative writing.

The deadline to enroll is June 30.

For more information, requirements and cost, email .

New stamp pane features Florida panther

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America’s natural bounty includes a variety of unique and priceless wildlife. Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which marks its 50th anniversary in 2023, more than 1,300 imperiled plant and animal species are safeguarded to increase their chances of survival, according to a news release. The Florida panther is among the endangered species.

The endangered Florida panther will be featured on the U.S. Postal Service’s new stamp pane. (Courtesy of the United States Postal Service)

The First-Day-Of-Issue stamp dedication ceremony for the United State Postal Service’s new collector edition took place on May 19.

The pane, which may be purchased at local post offices, presents a photographic portfolio of 20 endangered animal species, which are found within the 50 states and American territories and possessions or living near U.S. borders.

The endangered species featured include: the Laysan teal, black-footed ferret, Roanoke logperch, thick-billed parrot, candy darter, Florida panther, masked bobwhite quail, Key Largo cotton mouse, Lower Keys marsh rabbit, Wyoming toad, Vancouver Island marmot, golden-cheeked warbler, Guam Micronesian kingfisher, San Francisco garter snake, Mexican gray wolf, Attwater’s prairie chicken, Nashville crayfish, piping plover, desert bighorn sheep and Mississippi sandhill crane.

The endangered creatures on the stamps are selected from among more than 13,000 species featured in Joel Sartore’s National Geographic Photo Ark project, which aims to document every species living in the world’s zoos, aquariums and wildlife sanctuaries; inspire action through education; and help protect wildlife by supporting on-the-ground conservation efforts, the release said.

In the 50 years since President Richard Nixon signed the ESA into law on Dec. 27, 1973, other nations worldwide have emulated the pioneering U.S. initiative. The ESA provides a framework to conserve and protect endangered and threatened species and their habitats both domestically and abroad.

Scientists estimate that hundreds of species have been rescued from the brink of extinction in the United States since the ESA began. A species found to need protection is listed under the ESA as either threatened or endangered, the latter defined as “in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range,” the release said.

Published June 14, 2023

Pasco Schools offers free food program

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Pasco County Schools’ Summer Food Service program will provide breakfasts and lunches, Monday through Thursday, to anyone age 18 and younger, now until July 28, according to a news release.

Students attending PLACE or Extended School year programs at the various participating schools will receive their meals on campus while attending the program.

Meals will be available at the following schools:

  • Central Pasco: Crews Lake Middle; Dr. Mary Giella Elementary; Shady Hills Elementary
  • East Pasco: Centennial Elementary; East Pasco Education Academy; New River Elementary; Pasco High; Pasco Middle; Quail Hollow Elementary; R.B. Cox Elementary; R.B. Stewart Middle; San Antonio Elementary; Woodland Elementary; and Zephyrhills High.
  • West Pasco: Anclote Elementary/High; Chasco Elementary; Cotee River Elementary; Dayspring Academy (Harmony location); West Pasco Education Academy; Fivay High; Fox Hollow Elementary; Gulf Highlands Elementary; Gulfside Elementary; Gulf Middle; Hudson Primary Academy; Mittye P. Locke Elementary; Moon Lake Elementary; Richey Elementary; Schrader Elementary; Sunray Elementary; Wendell Krinn Technical High; and West Pasco Education Academy.

Additionally, buses will stop to provide lunch, Monday through Thursday, at these locations:

  • Hilltop Landings Apartments, 37611 Colina Drive, Dade City
  • Resurrection House Park, 37124 Lock St., Dade City
  • Trilby United Methodist Church, 37504 Trilby Road, Dade City
  • Zephyrhills YMCA, 37301 Chapel Hill Loop, Zephyrhills
  • Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills

For information and questions, email .

Published June 14, 2023

Recycling can benefit the environment

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Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

That is the mission of the Pasco County Recycling and Education Department, as it is “committed to reducing the waste stream through recycling, encouraging environmental stewardship, and providing educational resources for residents about the benefits of recycling and waste reduction,” according to its website.

Recycling can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators. It can conserve natural resources such as timber, water and minerals, and can prevent pollution and reduce greenhouse gasses.

In Pasco County, these items can be recycled: aluminum cans, cardboard, metal food cans, paper, plastic bottles and containers.

Items that cannot be recycled include: glass, juice and milk cartons, plastic bags, Styrofoam, tanglers, and anything wet or dirty.

There are size restrictions as well — Pasco County does not recycle items that are larger than a cat litter container or smaller than your fist.

Pasco County Solid Waste and Recycling offers these drop-off locations:

  • East Pasco Recycling Center, 9626 Handcart Road in Dade City. Open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional materials accepted. Call 352-521-0500.
  • Holiday Area Recycling, Anclote Gulf Park, 2305 Baillies Bluff Road, Holiday. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Land O’ Lakes Area Recycling, Senior Services Center, 6801 Wisteria Loop, Land O’ Lakes. Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • West Pasco Recycling Center, 14606 Hays Road in Spring Hill. Open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional materials accepted. Call 727-857-2780.

The county’s Recycling and Education Department also provides free educational presentations for groups and communities.

For more details on acceptable items and to learn more about program presentations, visit Pascocountyfl.net/546/Recycling.

Published June 14, 2023

Gracee is a sweetheart

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In late April, Gracee was dumped at the Lakeland SPCA. She seemed to be a perfect fit for what Emma Pettit was looking for in a dog. Pettit has no idea of what Gracee’s life was before she was adopted, but she is a true sweetheart and loves a good game of tug-of-war. Within a few days, Gracee made herself at home with Pettit in Zephyrhills. True to a Schnauzer personality, Gracee is very protective, yet lovable. 

A cooler, shady spot

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Darrell Thompson, of Long Lake Ranch in Lutz, caught this Canada goose mom and baby seeking some shade. Thousands of these ‘honkers’ migrate north and south each year, filling the sky with long V formations. 

Local hospital named one of the best

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AdventHealth Wesley Chapel has been named to Newsweek’s list of World’s Best Hospitals 2023, an award presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider, according to a news release.

An aerial view of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, off Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. (Courtesy of AdventHealth West Florida Division)

Four data sources were used for the evaluation:

  • Hospital recommendations from medical experts — an international online survey sent to more than 80,000 doctors, hospital managers and health care professionals
  • Patient experience — survey of patient satisfaction with hospitalization
  • Patient reported outcome measures — surveys measuring patient satisfaction with hospitals
  • Hospital quality metrics — patient safety, hygiene measures, waiting times and quality of treatment

“We are honored to be on this highly recognized list. This award underscores our unwavering commitment to deliver world-class health care services to our community,” said Erik Wangsness, president and CEO AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, in the release.

“It’s also a testament to the hard work, dedication, and expertise of our committed team members and physicians,” said Wangsness.

Chalk Talk 06/14/2023

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A presentation was made to the Hillsborough County School Board of total funds raised through this school year’s Kids Tag Art Program. (Courtesy of Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office)

Tag art reaps rewards
Forty-three Hillsborough County schools participated in the Kids Tag Art Program for the 2022-2023 school year, yielding more than 1,000 plate design entries. The Kids Art Program is a creative fundraiser that allows students to showcase their artistic abilities by designing front license vanity plates in art class.

The plate designs are printed on metal plates and sold to family, friends and the public. Proceeds from the plate sales and sponsorships go back to the participating schools to help support their arts program. This year the program raised more than $37,800, and to date, the program across the state of Florida raised more than $2 million.

Top honorees this year were Aaliyah Greene-Walker from Dunbar Elementary School, who received the Sponsor’s Choice Award; and Katilyn Pace from McDonald Elementary, who received the Tax Collector’s Choice Award.

For a complete list of each school’s winner and artwork, visit https://www.hillstax.org/kids-tag-art/tag-art-winners-2022-2023/.

For information about the Kids Tag Art Program and other initiatives by the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office, visit HillsTax.org.

Flag Day lesson
Wreaths Across America (WAA) has announced the addition of new Flag Day lesson plans to its TEACH Program, which provides free access to curriculum and educational resources for all, according to a news release.

Flag Day is celebrated on June 14 and commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States. The new lesson plans are designed for all grade levels and learning abilities, and have an objective for civic ideals and practices.

“An understanding of civic ideals and practices is critical for full participation in society and is an essential component of education for citizenship,” said Cindy Tatum, WAA curriculum developer and Gold Star mom, in the release. “This theme enables students to learn about the rights and responsibilities of citizens of a democracy, and to appreciate the importance of active citizenship.”

To learn more or to download the plans, visit WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/teach.

Summer break tips
With schools in ‘recess’ for summer break, Dr.  Tammy Lowery Zacchilli, a professor of psychology at Saint Leo University, offers these useful tips to help avoid your children having meltdowns or experiencing boredom.

  • Consider your own schedule for the summer and try to take some time off to spend with your children this summer.
  • Take a vacation or staycation. Take a road trip or make quick trips to the beach, park, zoo, aquarium or amusement park.
  • Check out camps offered in your area. Some local elementary schools offer camps, but there also are programs for dance, music, gymnastics, art, and more. Visit Fun4TampaKids.com/Camps/Variety-Camps/. Saint Leo University also offers camps ranging from athletics to robotics and more. Visit SaintLeoCamps.com.
  • Plan activities for days at home. Break out board games, make chalk drawings in the driveway, make crafts, paint pictures with the kids, play outside, check out books from the library.

Student achievements

  • Tiana Alfsen, Wesley Chapel: Dean’s List, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Emersen Angel, Lutz: Dean’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Anthony Rocco Becht, Wesley Chapel: Dean’s List, Iowa State University-Ames
  • Camryn Bliss, Lutz: Chancellor’s Honor Roll, University of Mississippi
  • Cameron Douglas Coughlin, Land O’ Lakes: Dean’s List, Iowa State University-Ames
  • Caitlyn Culpepper, Odessa: Chancellor’s Honor Roll, University of Mississippi
  • Gabrielle Fontanez, Land O’ Lakes: Dean’s List, Saint Leo University, and inductee into and board secretary of the PSI CHI International Honor Society for psychology
  • Angelica C. Gonzalez, Lutz: Dean’s List, Iowa State University-Ames
  • Abigail Greene, Lutz: Dean’s List, Pennsylvania Western University, California, Pennsylvania
  • Madeline Griggs, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Christian Hewett, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Logan Hinsberg, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Graydon Horn, Odessa: President’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Igor Christian Ibaka Kabasele, San Antonio: Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas
  • Noah Kilpatrick, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Charles King, Odessa: President’s List, Georgia Southern University-Statesboro
  • Alexis Leighty, Lutz: Dean’s List, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee
  • Midhun Raj, Lutz: Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, Oregon State University-Corvallis
  • Kaitlyn Ryan, Lutz: Chancellor’s Honor Roll, University of Mississippi
  • Christiana Till, Odessa: President’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa

Truck driver partnership
FleetForce Truck Driving School and Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) have launched a partnership to recruit commercial truck drivers in West Pasco and surrounding areas, according to a FleetForce news release.

PHSC’s West Campus is now home to one of FleetForce’s six new locations statewide. This partnership helps generate an additional 3,000 commercial truck drivers annually, helping to alleviate the critical need for commercial drivers. The partnership, with assistance from the State of Florida and CareerSource Pasco Hernando includes testing and on-site training, the release said.

FleetForce training programs are designed to teach all the mandatory skills drivers need to obtain a Certified Driver’s License (CDL). It offers a variety of options to help people enroll as soon as possible, including a Pre-Hire Program, created in collaboration with the Florida Trucking Association, to match qualified drivers with potential employers who may sponsor them. FleetForce offers training opportunities for Class A, B, and C licensees, and students can graduate in as little as one month after enrollment, training and passing the CDL exam.

To learn more, visit FleetForceTruckDrivingSchool.com. For information about the college, visit PHSC.edu.

Essay winners
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club sponsored an Essay Contest for fifth-graders at Lutz Elementary School, to encourage and reward students’ writing skills. First prize received a $100 Barnes & Noble gift card; second prize, $50 gift card; and two third prizes, $25 gift card. Two Honorable Mention certificates also were awarded.

Board meeting
The Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) District Board of Trustees will meet on June 20 at noon, at the PHSC East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road, Building A, in Dade City. Visit Policies.phsc.edu/district-board-trustees/agenda to see a copy of the agenda. For information, email Rhonda Dodge at .

HERricane Summer Camp
Pasco County Emergency Management invites high school students to take part in its inaugural HERricane program from July 17 to July 21 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Pasco County Emergency Operations Center, 8744 Government Drive, Building A, New Port Richey. The free, weeklong program gives young women in ninth through 12th grades the opportunity to explore emergency management-related careers.

The program includes multiple sessions and activities with guest speakers. Each student will receive Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) certification upon completion. The program will count toward the student’s volunteer hours.

Incoming ninth-grade students can apply. Students younger than age 18 will need a parental/legal guardian’s signature.

Interested students should apply no later than June 16 by filling out an application that includes a short essay question, online at tinyurl.com/mw625fe8.

Summer Reading Challenge
Pasco County Libraries has launched its Summer Reading Challenge, “All Together Now,” at all Pasco library locations, now through July 31. Requirements include 600 minutes of reading and record-keeping in the Beanstack app.

Readers who complete the challenge will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card, courtesy of Friends of the Library. Other individual prizes also will be up for grabs at all Pasco library branches.

To learn more, visit MyPas.co/SummerRead2023.

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.

A pause for reflection and gratitude

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Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United Sates for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It was originally known as Decoration Day.

The nonprofit Flags for the Fallen was established on May 14, 2012 for the sole purpose of ensuring that an American flag is placed upon every veterans’ gravesite at each national cemetery in the country in recognition of Memorial Day.

More than 3,000 volunteers, team leaders and area coordinators volunteered on May 28 to ‘plant’ a flag and offer gratitude to honor those buried at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, in preparation for the cemetery’s Memorial Day Ceremony on May 29.

The ceremony included a prelude with patriotic music, an introduction and welcome, the presentation of colors, the national anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, an Armed Forces medley, invocation, keynote speakers and special guests, a rifle salute, echo taps and a benediction.

For information about Flags for the Fallen, visit FlagsForFallenMilitary.org.

Wreaths Across America
When: Dec. 16
Where: Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell
Details: Volunteers can sign up to lay remembrance wreaths on the graves of the fallen heroes while saying the name of each veteran aloud.
Info: WreathsAcrossAmerica.org

Published June 07, 2023

American flags were placed by volunteers on each military gravesite in recognition of Memorial Day. (Mary Rathman)
Quiet, peaceful areas are offered for reflection at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. The cemetery was ‘decorated’ for Memorial Day.
More than 3,000 volunteers ‘planted’ American flags at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell in preparation for a Memorial Day Ceremony.