The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Stalking its prey in Land O’ Lakes

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Brenna Hicks snapped this waterfowl photo on East Lake in Land O’ Lakes. The blue and black bill identifies it as a little blue heron. Usually slow and methodical in its foraging, this heron walks very slowly in shallows or stands still waiting for prey to approach.

Wesley Chapel hospital welcomes new surgeons

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BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel recently welcomed two new surgeons to its growing medical team.

Dr. Kevin Seeras is a board-certified general surgeon whose clinical interests include robotics and bariatric/metabolic surgery. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and continued his education as a general surgery resident at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Michigan.

Seeras completed his fellowship in minimally invasive, foregut and bariatric surgery at Stony Brook University in New York.

Dr. Sahand Bamarni is a board-certified general surgeon skilled in performing laparoscopic and robotic techniques for a variety of surgical procedures, such as acute care surgery, mastectomy, skin and soft tissue masses, splenectomy and others.

He earned his medical degree from the University of Duhok College of Medicine in Iraq, followed by a general surgery residency at Duhok’s Azadi Teaching Hospital. The doctor completed an internship in general surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio and completed a general surgery residency at Brandon Regional Hospital.

Both doctors are accepting new patients ages 18 and older. To learn more, visit BayCare.org/doctors.

Dr. Kevin Seeras (Courtesy of BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel)
Dr. Sahand Bamarni

Chalk Talk 07/17/2024

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Saint Leo’s Robotics Lab is home to Furhat robots — humanoid conversational robots who have lifelike expressions generated through the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics. (Courtesy of Renee Gerstein, Saint Leo University)

Saint Leo to offer AI degree

Saint Leo University announced the offering of a new degree: Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (AI), according to a news release.

The master’s in AI will be offered as an online STEM-designated degree targeted to individuals currently working in the technology field or engineering to “upskill” and to those just coming out of a bachelor’s degree program who need to build skills.

The university will begin offering the degree in August, building on its undergraduate programs including computer science, robotics and AI, and cybersecurity.

Saint Leo will be one of the few universities in the area offering a graduate degree program solely for artificial intelligence.

Donation drive for ABC

Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices will collect donations during July for the Pasco County School District’s ABC (Assist, Believe & Care) Program, which was created to provide financial assistance to students and their families who are experiencing economic hardship.

Donated cash will go into a fund for teachers to use when they see or learn of a need a student may have. Donations can be made at any of the five tax collector locations in Pasco County or online at GovHub.com/fl-pasco/tc-gives/donate.

For more information about ABC, contact Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

Back-to-School Drive Thru

The Church at Myrtle Lake, 2017 Reigler Road in Land O’ Lakes, will host a Back-to-School Drive Thru on July 27 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., for kindergarten through 12th grade. Children attending will receive free backpacks and school supplies, while supplies last. more information, visit MyrtleLake.org.

Earn service hours

Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes is looking for high school students to volunteer during their summer break, to earn themselves community service hours for Bright Futures. Visit https://bit.ly/3xED43d to learn more about how to make a difference.

  • Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful also is looking for high school seniors and college students to earn service hours and qualify for a scholarship worth up to $3,000. Sign up for one or more events online at EventBrite.com. Students also can organize their own clean-ups and beautification projects for extra qualification and points. Application runs from Aug. 12 to Sept. 21. 

Back to School Event

UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County will host a Back to School Event on July 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the One Stop Shop, 15029 14th St., in Dade City. For information and to register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/back-to-school-event-tickets-923958563937.

New council gives students voice

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) had its first election for the newly created National Student Council. The 10 students elected to the council will advocate on behalf of millions of their peers on federal policies that directly shape their educational experiences, according to a news release.

The election comes at a time when politicians rarely engage students. A 2024 Common Sense Media survey found that nearly two-thirds of 12- to 17-year-olds said elected officials did not reflect the needs and experiences of young people, the release says.

The 2024-2025 National Student Council officers are:

  • President: Anjali Verma, Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School, West Chester
  • Vice president of leadership development: Kaylyn Woods, William M. Davies Career & Technical High School, Rhode Island
  • Vice president of membership: Paige Goble, Lake Braddock Secondary School, Virginia
  • Vice president of communications: Jamyson Posey, Fairmont Senior High, West Virginia
  • Secretary: Khadija Sissoko, Ocean Lakes High, Virginia
  • Junior vice president of leadership development: Jocelyn Ridenour, Margaret Buerkle Middle, Missouri
  • Junior vice president of service: Evan Rawls, John P. Freeman Optional School, Tennessee
  • Junior vice president of membership: Isabella Schmit, Tuloso-Midway Middle, Texas
  • Junior vice president of communications: Jaycee Lang, Mexia Junior High, Texas

The new council members’ terms will start in the fall, at which time they will identify the most pressing challenges facing students and then advocate for solutions. For m ore information, visit https://www.natstuco.org/.

This turtle companion enjoys the view and the sounds of a waterfall while on vacation. (Courtesy of Corey Dierdorff/Pasco County Schools)

A shell-ebration of connection

The staff at East Pasco Education Academy (EPEA) in Dade City started their summer break by selecting a summer buddy from a variety of plush turtles, a tradition that was initiated in summer 2023. The activity is to keep staff connected and smiling during the summer months, according to a news release.

This plushie sits by a sea turtle nest in Miami, “waiting for its cousins to hatch.”

Teachers chose and named a plush turtle companion, embarking on a summer of shared adventures and heartwarming experiences.

Throughout the summer, the turtles were showcased in photos taken on vacation, at meet-ups with other teachers and even during doctor appointments.

“The playful and imaginative connection that this brings to EPEA staff members has really brought us even closer together,” said Principal Shelley Carrino in the release.

The tradition has not only strengthened the bond between staff members but also has humanized teachers, creating a new level of engagement and connection with students and parents.

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

PHSC Foundation awarded grant

The Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) Foundation received a $40,000 grant from the Edward K. Roberts Community College Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, according to a news release.

Over the summer term and continuing throughout the upcoming academic year, the Roberts Community College Fund will provide more than 50 scholarships with preference given to students who are parents and may not qualify for other financial aid, the release says.

The fund was established in 2009 in memory of Roberts, raised by a single mother, a lifelong donor to PHSC. Since 2011, the fund has provided $630,000 to assist PHSC students through scholarships. 

For more information, visit CFSarasota.org, or call 941-955-3000.

Largest turtle release for aquarium center

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(Courtesy of The Florida Aquarium)

After three months of intensive care at The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center in Apollo Beach, eight juvenile green sea turtles made their way home on June 26 to the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in Ormond Beach. The turtles stranded off Florida’s east coast in March had been exposed to prolonged cold air and water temperatures. They all suffered from low body temps and had to overcome medical conditions such as skin infections, pneumonia and other bacterial infections. The eight turtles released: Mel, Pepper, Calico (pictured), Tula, Pompano, Phyll, Mo and Mac.

Bug boom predicted for Florida summer

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Meteorologists across the board are warning of extreme weather during the summer across most of the continental United States, according to a news release.

While natural events such as heatwaves, storms, floods and tornadoes are some of the more devastating impacts of extreme weather, the increase in bug activity is often overlooked. Although bugs generally do not cause the same devastating impacts as extreme weather events, they can become a severe annoyance and getting rid of them can become quite costly for homeowners.

The Pest Dude recently analyzed predicted summer temperatures and rainfall data for 2024 from Climate.gov to determine which pests are more likely to be problem in each state, the release says.

Snails and slugs are among the bug population that is expected to increase during Florida’s extreme summer weather. (Invisible Power/Pexels)

Florida’s warmer summer combined with more rainfall is likely to lead to an increase in activity in the state for mosquitoes, termites, ants, fleas, ticks, aphids, ladybugs, snails, slugs, gnats and moths.

Zachary Smith of The Pest Dude breaks down how each of these bugs can best be treated:

  • Mosquitoes — use insect repellents; eliminate standing water; mosquito nets and screens; treat yard
  • Ants — use baits and traps; seal entry points; maintain clean surfaces
  • Termites — get regular inspections; install termite barriers; get professional treatments
  • Aphids — use insecticidal soaps or oils; encourage natural predators; monitor regularly
  • Fleas — use flea preventatives; vacuum frequently; wash pet bedding; install yard fencing for flea-carrying wildlife
  • Ticks — use tick repellants; trim vegetation; do regular tick checks; treat yard
  • Gnats — use gnat traps; reduce moisture; ensure proper outdoor drainage
  • Ladybugs — seal entry points; vacuum; provide ladybug houses/shelter
  • Snails — reduce moisture; set up barriers; handpick from plants/garden areas
  • Slugs — use slug baits; create barriers; handpick from plants/garden areas
  • Moths — use moth traps; properly store clothing/pantry items; clean regularly

For more information on why specific bugs will be on the increase and detailed treatments to use, visit https://pestdude.com/bugs-boom/.

Published July 10, 2024

Tampa Electric provides meals through Feeding Tampa Bay

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Tampa Electric has answered the auctioneer’s call 35 times this year to purchase hogs for hungry families. The financial investment goes to 4-H students who raised the hogs, according to a news release.

Purchasing hogs from a 4-H auction supports local businesses and local youth. (Courtesy of Jessie Werner/Red Hills Strategies)

The impact of the investment reaches beyond the auction block though.

Every time Tampa Electric purchases a hog from a 4-H auction, it supports local businesses to process the hog and donate the meat to Feeding Tampa Bay, a nonprofit that provides food assistance to 10 counties across West Central Florida.

“We’re grateful for their generous contribution and ongoing support. It’s donors like Tampa Electric that make it possible for us to put meals on the tables of those we serve,” said Rhonda Gindlesberger, chief operating officer at Feeding Tampa Bay, in the release.

Traditionally, food pantries offer shelf staples, but with Feeding Tampa Bay’s operation, it is able to offer fresh, locally raised foods that are high in protein and nutrients.

In 2024, Tampa Electric selected and purchased 35 hogs at 4-H auctions, given the added benefit of supporting youth in the region.

When 4-H youths sell their livestock at auction, they can use the dollars earned to support their families, expand their agricultural operations or save for college expenses.

Published July 10, 2024

Water quality reports available to the public

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In 1996, Congress amended the Safe Drinking Water Act, which requires community water systems to each year publish information about their water, including its sources, how it is treated, and compliance with regulations.

Hillsborough County has released its 2023 annual water quality reports, which are available to the public, according to a news release.

(Pixabay/Pexels)

The reports explain Hillsborough County’s drinking water quality testing results, offer information on local water resources, and outline the county’s continued investment in the local water infrastructure.

Hillsborough County Public Utilities operates 10 community public drinking water systems and each system has its own report.

The county’s Water Resources provides more than 78 million gallons of drinking water per day on an annual average basis to 715,883 people.

In 2023, a county team collected approximately 7,739 water samples and performed 33,200 tests on the drinking water.

The website, HCFL.gov/WaterQualityReports, includes an interactive map that allows viewers to type their address and locate the report that pertains to their residence or business.

Printed copies of the reports can be obtained by calling 813-246-3146.

All customers will receive notice of the available water quality reports through either their mailed bill or e-bill.

For more about Hillsborough County’s water and wastewater services, visit HCFL.gov/Water.

Published July 10, 2024

The importance of staying hydrated for overall health

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While much of the U.S. has been experiencing an extreme heat wave, staying hydrated becomes even more crucial to maintaining one’s overall health.

Hydrating one’s body is important to keeping the right balance of water, salt, minerals and proteins to keep cells, tissues and organs functioning optimally.

Dehydration is more than just feeling thirsty. By the time you feel thirsty, your body already is dehydrated, signaling that the concentration of your blood and other body fluids is too high and needs water to restore balance, according to speaker, author and integrative medicine expert Dr. Sina Smith.

Recognizing and addressing dehydration is crucial during the summer months. (Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels)

Dehydration can become severe if not addressed promptly. Early signs include: dry lips and mouth; peeling or cracking nails; frayed and bleeding cuticles; crepey or flaky skin; darker urine and reduced urination frequency.

As dehydration progresses, it affects blood pressure and can cause these symptoms: dizziness and lightheadedness; rapid heartbeat; weakness and fatigue. If a person experiences symptoms such as feeling faint or a fast heartbeat, they should drink water slowly to avoid fainting.

Persistent dehydration can lead to heat stroke with symptoms of confusion, slurred speech, altered mental status and loss of consciousness. In such cases, 911 should be called immediately and cooling measures provided until help arrives.

Dr. Smith says “good hydration aids digestion, which can alleviate common issues such as diarrhea, constipation, GERD, heartburn and upset stomach. Improved digestion enhances nutrient absorption, promoting overall health and reducing embarrassment associated with digestive troubles.”

Proper hydration also supports endocrine system regulation, which enhances sleep quality, prevents hair loss by maintaining balanced testosterone levels, and more.

A general guideline is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily, with a  minimum of 64 ounces.

Active individuals should replace about 500 mL of water per hour of sweating, and weigh themselves before and after exercise to gauge fluid loss and drink 13 ounces to 16 ounces of water for every pound lost.

According to Smith, most people do not need sports drinks — a tiny pinch of salt in your water can suffice to maintain electrolyte balance.

Hydration has its own misconceptions, too. Cold drinks constrict blood vessels, slowing absorption. Room temperature or warm fluids are more effective. Caffeinated beverages can lead to increased urination and dehydration. Opt for water, herbal teas or decaffeinated drinks.

Everyone should drink water regularly, listen to their body’s signals, and make informed choices to stay hydrated.

Published July 10, 2024

A true double-take

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Christopher Horton snapped this reflection photo of three turtles on a log at the Morris Bridge Road Preserve. The photo is actually upside down….reflection on top, real turtles on the bottom.

Health News 07/10/2024

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Twenty-five volunteers came out to AdventHealth Tampa to help support “Blake’s Blankets.” They created more than 50 blankets to give to kids in the pediatric ER, pediatric unit and NICU. (Courtesy of AdventHealth)

Homemade comfort
Kids at the AdventHealth Tampa Pediatric Unit and Emergency Room now have the comfort of soft, homemade fleece blankets because of the generosity of 25 volunteers.

Volunteers arrived with fabric, needles and thread to AdventHealth Tampa’s Pepin Heart Center to support Blake’s Blankets, an initiative dedicated to providing comfort to pediatric patients, according to a news release.

The initiative was founded by AdventHealth Tampa’s Sandra Burnetter, director of pediatric services, and Rose Trier, a critical care lead in the pediatric emergency room, in memory of Rose’s son, Blake, who passed away in 2022. He had cerebral palsy, was wheelchair-bound and nonverbal.

The hospital is planning its next Blake’s Blankets volunteer event in September and it will be open to the public. Each volunteer session provides community service hours for students.

For more information, visit AdventHealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-tampa/events.

Resident doctors welcomed
AdventHealth welcomed 48 new resident doctors into its health care system with a White Coat Ceremony, marking the start of their post-graduate training. The white coat symbolizes the new residents entering into the medical profession, and their commitment to professionalism and empathy in medicine.

The new doctors will train with experts in various Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs at AdventHealth’s West Florida hospitals.

AdventHealth leaders also honored the first graduating class of Family Medicine residents from AdventHealth Sebring.

The GME programs include general surgery and OB/GYN track at AdventHealth Tampa, and a Family Medicine Residency Program at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.

Over the next three years, AdventHealth West Florida plans to graduate 88 residents through its programs in Sebring, Tampa and Wesley Chapel.