The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

‘Building’ awareness for everyone’s safety

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Pasco County’s Building Construction Services Department will participate in the International Code Council’s 43rd annual Building Safety Month.

(Mike Camunas)

This year’s campaign, “It Starts with YOU!” is raising awareness about the role everyone plays in ensuring the buildings in which we all live, work and learn are safe.

Building Safety Month is celebrated in May to:

  • Raise awareness about building safety
  • Reinforce the need for regular, updated building codes
  • Help people, families and business owners understand the process of creating safe structures

“Safety is our number one priority in Building Construction Services,” said Pasco County building official Esther Oluyemi, in a news release.

“Dedicating a month to raise awareness about building safety will help everyone in our community understand what it takes to create safe, sustainable structures,” said Oluyemi.

For those interested in learning more, follow Pasco’s Development Services Facebook page during the month of May, at Facebook.com/PascoDevServices.

For general building safety questions, visit MyPas.co/BuildingConstruction, or call 727-847-2411.

Published May 17, 2023

Poppy is an absolute love

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Poppy is a Havanese and about 7 months old. She rarely barks, but she will whine when she wants something. She loves people and thinks everyone should stop and pet her. Poppy couldn’t wait for her owner to brush her teeth, so shown here, she did it herself (she really likes the toothbrush). Poppy lives with her proud owner Donna Denommee in Zephyrhills.

A colorful songbird

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Carmen Harris, of Land O’ Lakes, enjoys bird-watching, especially in her own backyard. She was delighted to spot a painted bunting that frequents her feeder. These fairly common songbirds breed in the coastal Southeast and in the south-central United States, where they often come to feeders. Harris said the bird looks so tropical!

Health New 05/17/2023

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Capt. Toni Roach (Courtesy of Pasco Sheriff’s Office)

Officer is Woman of the Year
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) announced that Capt. Toni Roach, who oversees PSO’s Behavioral Health Intervention Team (BHIT), was selected as Tampa Bay Business and Wealth Magazine’s Tampa Bay Business Woman of the Year for 2023 in the Military and First Responder category.

The BHIT works to connect individuals who are frequent users of emergency services due to mental health or substance-use conditions with community-based services.

Capt. Roach also oversees Crisis Intervention Training for PSO deputies, which provides the officers with skills they can use on a call for service to help those experiencing a crisis.

Read more about the award, at tinyurl.com/y5bv87uv.

Nurses Week
AdventHealth celebrated Nurses Week (May 6 to May 12) with a variety of events and activities to recognize nurses’ roles in health care, and to give them an opportunity to relax, rejuvenate and feel appreciated. This year, the theme was “Nurses Make a Difference: Anytime, Anywhere – Always.”

Events included educational seminars, appreciation luncheons, massages, ice cream socials, pet therapy, games, food trucks, and more.

AdventHealth is committed to investing in its nurses and providing them with the resources and support they need to fulfill their professional and personal goals, including opportunities with AdventHealth University. Nurses are encouraged to continue their education and pursue advanced degrees, certifications, and other professional development programs.

For more information, visit AdventHealth.com.

Mental Health Month
NAMI Pasco County (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month with these events:

Upcoming awareness weeks/days include: 

  • Mental Health Action Day, May 18
  • National EMS Awareness Week, May 21 to May 27
  • World Schizophrenia Awareness Day, May 24

For more information, follow NAMI Pasco on Facebook, or visit NAMIPasco.org.

Hospitals earn an A
Two area hospitals have earned an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, according to a news release.

This national distinction recognizes a hospital’s achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and error in the hospital.

The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public.

Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

HCA Florida Trinity Hospital, 9330 State Road 54 in Trinity, received the top safety grade.

“We are grateful to again receive this recognition,” said Mike Irvin, CEO of HCA Florida Trinity Hospital, in a news release.

“This recognizes all of the efforts our physicians and caregivers do every day to provide a safe environment for our patients,” said Irvin.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road, Lutz, also was awarded an A.

The hospital’s president, Sara Dodds, stated in a news release, “…Patient safety is the highest of our priorities and goals. Each team member and medical staff member takes ownership of their patient care responsibilities as it relates to safety. Patients and visitors to our hospital can be assured we have taken exhaustive measures to provide quality and safe care. These consecutive grades of ‘A’ are indicators of that.”

To see the hospital’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

Chalk Talk 05/17/2023

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Woman’s club awards scholarships
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club announced it awarded a total of $16,000 in scholarships to students of the Class of 2023. Kelly Beilfuss and Humberto Martinez were each awarded a scholarship from the Lutz Volunteer Fire Department Endowment Fund, and  Alessandra Digs, Allen Ho and Edyth Krook each received a Woman’s Club scholarship. From left: Elayne Bassinger, woman’s club president; Alessandra Diggs ($2,000), Allen Ho ($2,000), Kelly Beilfuss ($5,000), Edyth Krook ($2,000) and Lucy Albury, chair. Humberto Martinez ($5,000) is not pictured.

Student achievements

  • These Lutz students graduated from the University of the Cumberlands, Williamsburg, Kentucky: Emma Layman, Anusman Panda and Harika Yarlagadda.
  • Austin Sikes, Lutz: Flagler College, Bachelor of Arts in business administration
  • Kevin Spillane, Odessa: Dean’s List, at Berry College, Rome, Georgia

Cornhole fundraiser
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) will host a PHSC Foundation Cornhole Tournament on May 20 at 11 a.m., at Backdraughts Pizza, 6351 Grand Blvd., in New Port Richey, to benefit the PHSC Foundation. There also will be a 50/50, live auction, raffles, and a guaranteed sponsor payout for first, second and third place. Participants should bring their own bags; six games are guaranteed. The cost is $25 through the Scoreholio App or the day of the tournament. For information, contact Lisa Yeager, foundation advancement coordinator, at 727-457-7888 or .

(Courtesy of Mary Hanchar)

Outstanding seniors recognized
The Lexington Oaks Women’s Club bestowed merit awards to five outstanding seniors in its community, on May 1 at Bahama Breeze. Pictured clockwise, from left: Luciana Gutierrez, John Cole, Jack Carbone and Cameron Choate. Brian Roof was also honored but is not pictured.

Committee Town Hall
Pasco-Hernando State College, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey, will host a Cultural Competence Committee Town Hall on May 22 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., in Room R151. The guest speaker will be Meriel Martinez, program director at the Nonprofit Leadership Center, with a presentation on “Leading Inclusive Teams.” Registration is online at EventBrite.com.

Musicians needed
First United Methodist Church, 6209 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, will host a Community Memorial Day Ceremony on May 29 at 6 p.m., to honor those who gave their lives fighting for freedom. The event is looking for high school teen musicians to join — one or two trumpet players and two or three drummers are needed. For information, email , or call 813-575-8339.

Youth Ambassador Program
The World Literacy Foundation (WLF) is looking for young people who would like to be an advocate and changemaker for the issue of illiteracy, over the summer. The organization is accepting applications for its Summer 2023 Youth Ambassador Program, a four-month youth leadership development program that provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective advocates for literacy in their communities and around the world, according to a WLF news release. Young people between the ages of 16 and 30 are eligible to apply to the free program. Applications must be submitted through the WLF online portal before May 26. The ambassador program will begin on June 6.

Interested individuals can access the online application at WorldLiteracyFoundation.org/ambassador-program.

(Courtesy of Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation)

Local student’s showpiece in museum
Savannah Gagen, a student at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, holds her artwork that will be displayed in the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg. Her piece is entitled, ‘Poise of Harmony and the Absurd.’ Gagen lives in the Dade City area.

Homeschool Conference
The Tampa Bay Homeschool Conference is scheduled for July 22 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at The Common at Trinity, 1540 Little Road in Trinity. The keynote speakers will be Brenda Dickinson, founder/president, Home Education Foundation; and Nicole Thomas, founder/CEO of Nicole the Math Lady. The conference’s mission is to inspire, educate and empower the community. Whether you are new to homeschooling, wondering if homeschooling is right for your family, or you’re a homeschooling veteran, there will be something for everyone at this event.

For details, visit TampaBayHomeschoolConference.com.

New classes at Lighthouse
Lighthouse Community School will begin offering classes for elementary school age children in the 2023-2024 school year, according to a news release. Lighthouse Preschool of Wesley Chapel already has 3- to 4-year-olds enrolled in its programs. 

The community school model brings together aspects of homeschooling and the benefits of classroom learning. Students are given qualified instruction on campus two days per week. Parents are responsible for homeschooling two days per week using the curriculum and lesson plans sent home by the classroom teacher.

“After many years of requests from parents, we decided to expand Lighthouse to include these older students,” said Director Heather Olsen, in the release. “Our plan is to begin with two teachers in a combined kindergarten/first grade class and to add additional classes as more people express interest.”

Lighthouse Community School is a Christian school that meets at Grace Community Church, and is located 1.5 miles north of State Road 54, near Wesley Chapel District Park.

For information, visit LighthouseWesleyChapel.com. To schedule a tour, call 813-994-8678.

Annual food drive gears up

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Mark your calendar. The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will conduct its 31st annual national Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on May 13, according to a news release.

The letter carriers once again will join forces with communities to help fight hunger across Central and Southwest Florida. The campaign provides residents with an easy opportunity to donate food to those in need in the community.

Post offices will collect the food items and volunteers then will sort through the donated items to distribute them back out to the community to food banks, pantries and shelters, to help families in need.

To participate, residents are asked to leave a sturdy bag containing nonperishable food items next to their mailbox prior to the time of regular mail delivery on May 13. The letter carrier will take care of the rest.

Millions of Americans live in challenging situations, uncertain of where their next meal will come from or if it will come at all. Sadly, one in five households needing help with food is home to a military veteran, the release said.

With more than 30 years of letter carriers’ commitment to the nation’s largest single-day food drive, communities are still in need across the country.

For information, visit Stamp Out Hunger on Facebook, NALC.org or tinyurl.com/59kxmd84.

Published May 10, 2023

Health News 05/10/2023

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City Hall (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Thrives)

A campaign for mental health care
Tampa Bay Thrives kicked off Mental Health Awareness Month by unveiling a campaign featuring residents across the region who are sharing their stories of mental health, according to a news release.

The campaign, “If you know, you know” (IYKYK), builds upon the social media hashtag that speaks to those who have shared or lived experience.

To show its support, the City of Tampa illuminated city bridges and landmarks in green, the official color of mental health awareness, from May 1 to May 8.

Hillsborough, Manatee and Pinellas County governments all recently passed resolutions to light up the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in green from May 21 to May 28.

Tampa Bay Thrives also will launch a video featuring the stories of four Tampa Bay residents who share the struggles that led them to slip into various stages of depression. They also talk about seeking therapy, receiving support from loved ones, and finding outlets that lifted them from darkness, the release said. A new website shares resources and highlights additional stories from across four counties, too. 

Thrives also offers confidential support for mental health through its free Let’s Talk line, to help callers figure out what support they might need for their mental health. This service includes: short-term telehealth bridge counseling; an appointment at a local AdventHealth Express Care at Walgreens; a referral to a licensed counselor at Tampa General’s Urgent Care; a connection to a licensed clinical social worker at Northside Behavioral Health Center. All these options are available by calling Let’s Talk at 844-YOU-OKAY.

For additional information, visit TampaBayThrives.org.

Mental Health Month
NAMI Pasco County (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month with these events:

Upcoming awareness weeks/days include: 

  • Children’s Mental Health Week, May 7 to May 13; Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, May 11
  • Brain Injury Awareness Week starts May 11
  • National Women’s Health Week starts May 14
  • Mental Health Action Day, May 18
  • National EMS Awareness Week, May 21 to May 27
  • World Schizophrenia Awareness Day, May 24

For more information, follow NAMI Pasco on Facebook, or visit NAMIPasco.org.

Promoting awareness
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club promoted awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month and sold blue pinwheels at all of its April club meetings, the funds of which were donated to social services working with child victims of abuse. GFWC members Gail Howard and Roseann Lange planted a large garden of pinwheels at the Historic Old Lutz School to draw community attention to the issue. Club members also displayed the pinwheels in their gardens and yards.

Honorary membership
Trainers at the AdventHealth Wellness Center Wesley Chapel honored 100-year-old veteran Roy Caldwood with an honorary membership in recognition of his dedication to health and wellness, according to a news release.

Caldwood, a retired World War II U.S. Army Buffalo soldier, began his fitness journey last summer, after his wife passed away. He works out regularly at the center and his home gym to keep himself fit.

Caldwood says the key is to keep moving, and he’s “not ready for the rocking chair just yet,” the release said.

“We are honored to have Roy as a member of our wellness center,” said Erik Wangsness, president and CEO of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, in the release. “His dedication to health and wellness as a centenarian is an inspiration to us all! We are grateful for his service to our country and are proud to be able to help him achieve his fitness goals,” said Wangsness.

Hospital promotion
HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital has promoted Marcus Smith to vice president of operations, where he will ensure the development and implementation of effective operations systems to meet current and future needs at the 320-bed acute care hospital.

Now in his fifth year at HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital, Smith has served as its manager of facilities, director of facilities management, and most recently as assistant administrator.

Chalk Talk 05/10/2023

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(Courtesy of Cristina Spiegel)

West Point bound
Theodore Spiegel, of Wesley Chapel, is a 2022 graduate of Land O’ Lakes High School and he received a fully paid West Point Association of Graduates of the USMA Preparatory Scholarship in February 2022.

Spiegel was one of 35 high school students in the country to receive the scholarship. He is currently attending the Marion Military Institute (MMI) in Alabama, a prep military institute to prepare him to attend West Point. His rank at MMI is staff sergeant.

Spiegel received his congressional nomination from Rep. Gus Bilirakis this past January and his appointment to West Point in February. He is now in transition to attend West Point in the fall and will depart for cadet boot camp on June 26.

Classes will begin on Aug. 13.

Alternative Peer Group
Victory High School in New Port Richey will host an Alternative Peer Group from May 15 through July 27, for youth ages 14 to 19 who have a substance use disorder or co-occurring disorder and no sex or violent offenses. The program will run Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with two weeks off: May 29 to June 2 and July 3 to July 7.

The group will take educational field trips to discover new career options, trades, vocational opportunities and tour colleges, and it will participate in sober, fun activities in Tampa Bay. There also will be yoga, art, and sound healing sessions.

To register, visit SummerAtVictory.com.

Musicians needed
First United Methodist Church, 6209 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, will host a Community Memorial Day Ceremony on May 29 at 6 p.m. The event is looking for high school teen musicians to join — one or two trumpet players and two or three drummers are needed. For information, email .

(Courtesy of Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce)

Student Citizens recognized
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce has named its Student Citizens of the Month, for April. Students are chosen by the teachers and administration of their individual schools for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community. This is the 25th year for the program. Students receiving the honor were: Jeremiah Andino, Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Arianna Harris, The Broach School; McKenzie LaHaye, The Broach School Elementary Campus; Violet Barton, Chester W. Taylor Elementary School; Odessa Benton, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Jules Wright, Heritage Academy; Vivianna Santos, Raymond B. Stewart Middle School; Lillian Burton, West Zephyrhills Elementary; Wyatt Cooner, Woodland Elementary; and Yaxiel Nieves Natal, Zephyrhills High

Cornhole fundraiser
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) will host a PHSC Foundation Cornhole Tournament on May 20 at 11 a.m., at Backdraughts Pizza, 6351 Grand Blvd., in New Port Richey, to benefit the PHSC Foundation. There also will be a 50/50, live auction, raffles, and a guaranteed sponsor payout for first, second and third place. Participants should bring their own bags; six games are guaranteed.

The cost is $25 through the Scoreholio App or the day of the tournament. For information, contact Lisa Yeager, foundation advancement coordinator, at 727-457-7888 or .

Committee Town Hall
Pasco-Hernando State College, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey, will host a Cultural Competence Committee Town Hall on May 22 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., in Room R151. The guest speaker will be Meriel Martinez, program director at the Nonprofit Leadership Center,  with a presentation on “Leading Inclusive Teams.” Registration is online at EventBrite.com.

Youth Ambassador Program
The World Literacy Foundation (WLF) is looking for young people who would like to be an advocate and changemaker for the issue of illiteracy, over the summer.

The organization is accepting applications for its Summer 2023 Youth Ambassador Program, a four-month youth leadership development program that provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective advocates for literacy in their communities and around the world, according to a WLF news release.

Young people between the ages of 16 and 30 are eligible to apply to the free program.

Applications must be submitted through the WLF’s online portal before May 26. The ambassador program will begin on June 6.

Interested individuals can access the online application at WorldLiteracyFoundation.org/ambassador-program.

Student achievements
These local students were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most-selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines:

  • Grace Ackerman, Lutz – Elon University
  • Zachary Board, Lutz – University of North Florida
  • Brody Grissom, Odessa – University of Florida

The Alexander Graham Bell Honor Society at Curry College, in Milton, Massachusetts, welcomed Angelo Sardegna, of Lutz, for academic excellence.

(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Stepping up for Maniscalco
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club stepped up when Lutz Guv’na Atlas Cortecero brought to its attention Maniscalco Elementary School was in urgent need of a secure, locked and mobile medical cabinet for its nurse’s office. The club wasted no time in donating $1,450 toward the purchase of a suitable cabinet. From left: Atlas Cortecero; Maniscalco staff and Trish Long (holding check); woman’s club president Elayne Bassinger; and club members Linda Buzzee, Linda Mitchell and Pam Blumenthal.

Homeschool Conference
The Tampa Bay Homeschool Conference is scheduled for July 22 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at The Common at Trinity, 1540 Little Road in Trinity.

The keynote speakers will be Brenda Dickinson, founder/president, Home Education Foundation; and Nicole Thomas, founder/CEO of Nicole the Math Lady.

The conference’s mission is to inspire, educate and empower the community. Whether you are new to homeschooling, wondering if homeschooling is right for your family, or you’re a homeschooling veteran – there will be something for everyone at this event.

For details, visit TampaBayHomeschoolConference.com.

Meet King George

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This is King George, a rescued feral cat. He is a very calm cat and grants his rescuer short brushing /petting time. King George stays in his outdoor ‘recovery condo,’ but loves the warmth of the car engine — his favorite spot during the winter. His face seemingly shows he does not approve of having his photo taken. Anita Cooney has rescued King George and five other ferals as a community service.

A magnificent transformation

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Sam Lopez captured this photo of a monarch butterfly emerging from its chrysalis at his house in Land O’ Lakes. A monarch will remain in the chrysalis for 10 days to 14 days, depending on temperature. When the chrysalis is completely transparent, the butterfly will emerge.