The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Lucky is an amazing dog

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Lucky is a Shetland Sheepdog that will be 15 years old next month and has been with his family just as long. Kymber Kincaid-Felske, of Brandon, has raised Lucky from a 6-week-old puppy and he has been her best friend and security guard ever since. Even though Lucky’s vision and hearing are failing, he still likes to play with toys and bark when company is near. Lucky loves his grandparents, too, who live in Zephyrhills.

A ‘painted’ spirit animal

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Theresa Sierra snapped this photo of a male painted bunting at her home in Land O’ Lakes. Sierra said the bird is a yearly visitor, and prior to migrating further south, he and the female bunting produce about two clutches (total eggs a bird lays each nesting attempt). Painted buntings enjoy small wild birdseed and millet, too. As an animal spirit, the painted bunting represents knowledge and intelligence, and a reminder to add color and vitality to your life.

Urban garden possibilities grow

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Urban gardening — think of rooftop container gardens, vertical plant walls, communal veggie plots — is growing in popularity.

Vertical plant walls are gaining popularity as a way for residents to grow an urban garden.

It turns out that Tampa is one of the top cities in the country for urban gardening, according to LawnStarter.

The organization compared the 200 largest U.S. cities based on four categories, broken down into 12 metrics, looking for cities with easy access to gardening space and supplies, an ideal climate, and a big gardening community, according to a news release.

According to the key stats, the top 10 cities best for urban gardening, ranked from first to 10th, are: New York, New York; Atlanta, Georgia; San Francisco, California; Portland, Oregon; Tampa; Seattle, Washington; Miami; Austin, Texas; Pasadena, California; and Orlando.

New York boasts the most community gardens with 775. By comparison, Atlanta, the second-highest, had 120.

To view rankings on community gardens, growing seasons, yard square footages, nurseries and gardening supply stores, and gardening clubs, visit https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/studies/best-cities-urban-gardening/#rankings. 

Only two states, Florida and Illinois, have “Right to Garden” laws on their books, the release said.

Residents should check local ordinances or homeowners association rules to see if there are any restrictions for on-property gardening.

Published April 12, 2023

Health News 04/12/2023

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(Courtesy of Alex Fasano, Pasco County)

A special connection to nature
Mobi mats are portable, durable mat systems that are designed to provide accessibility to beaches, parks and other outdoor locations for individuals using wheelchairs or with limited abilities. Pasco County now has the mats installed at SunWest Park, Green Key Beach (Robert K. Rees Memorial Park Beach), Anclote River Park, Moon Lake Park and Hudson Beach (Robert J. Strickland Memorial Park). Hudson Beach, shown here, was the fifth park to have a mobi mat installed.

New inpatient unit
BayCare, a provider of behavioral health services, will expand with the addition of a 24-bed inpatient psychiatric and medical unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz, 4211 Van Dyke Road.

The St. Joseph’s Hospital-North Unit for Psychiatry and Medical Services (UPM) is expected to open in mid-April, according to a news release.

“UPM will deliver care in a nontraditional way from most mental health programs,” said Anthony Santucci, BayCare director of behavioral health nursing, in the release.

The unit will treat patients simultaneously for both medical and psychiatric diagnoses and needs, said Santucci.

A former medical/surgical unit at the hospital has been redesigned and constructed to meet the regulatory requirements for licensed inpatient psychiatry. The design changes are mostly from a safety perspective and include changes to furniture, beds, shower facilities, sink fixtures and ceilings.

The UPM will be staffed by registered nurses, mental health technicians, patient care technicians, behavioral health therapists, psychiatrists and medical hospitalists (hospital-based doctors).

Chalk Talk 04/12/2023

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Second School Choice window
The Pasco County Schools school choice application window will open at 8 .m. on April 12 and will close at 4:30 p.m. on April 19.

This second application window is for families who may have missed the January window or who have recently moved to Pasco County, according to a school district news release.

This application window is for select schools, grade levels, and programs, including STEM and STEAM magnet schools, Wendell Krinn Technical High School, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, Angeline Academy of Innovation, International Baccalaureate (IB), and the Cambridge Programme.

To see a full list of what is currently available, go to PascoSchools.org/schoolchoice.

Parents should pay attention to this important notice: If a student applied for school choice during the January application window and received an acceptance notification for next school year, applying during this second window will cancel their previous application. This will forfeit the seat previously accepted, or position on the waitlist, and the student will be assigned to their zoned school.

Community Expo
Saint Leo University and Moffitt Cancer Center will host a Community Expo on April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Saint Leo campus, 33701 County Road 52 (formerly State Road 52) in St. Leo.

As Moffitt plans to begin construction on phase one of its Speros FL medical research park in Pasco County, it is partnering with Saint Leo to create job, internship and educational opportunities not only for Saint Leo students, but also surrounding community members.

Events will include a welcome by Dr. Ed Dadez, university president; remarks from Moffitt representatives; and a kickoff celebration, at 10 a.m., in the Greenfelder-Denlinger Boardrooms of the Student Community Center (SCC).

For most of the day, the focus will be on careers and education, with a “Resume on the Run” resume review from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the SCC lobby and loggia.

There will be a career fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the same location.

Sessions offered will include:

  • Exciting Opportunities at Moffitt and How Saint Leo Can Help You Get There
  • Pasco Community Partnership Opportunities
  • A presentation to be determined

A networking luncheon is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m., in the boardrooms.

Saint Leo’s Wellness Center also will host a series of activities from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., devoted to healthy bodies and minds.

For more information and to register, visit Moffitt.org/SaintLeoCommunityExpo.

Sign language basics
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will present “American Sign Language Basics” on April 17 at 6 p.m., virtually, for adults. Participants can join Jackie’s American Sign Language Crash Course, the library’s speaking deaf presenter, who will livestream and show the signs anyone can learn and use. The course will teach: how to ask for a person’s name, how to introduce yourself, and how to gain information about the person’s culture and communities. Registration is through the calendar feature online at HCPLC.org.

Kindergarten Countdown
Pasco County Schools’ Countdown to Kindergarten has begun. All new student registration for the 2023-2024 must be completed online at Pasco.k12.fl.us/ssps/page/back-to-school-newcomer-guide.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to enroll your child, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us.

New kindergarteners will have their first opportunity to visit their school on April 17. The child’s school of enrollment will send information in the upcoming weeks.

If your child was enrolled in a Pasco County school as a VPK student, no further action is needed by parents at this time. VPK students will be connected to their home-zoned school prior to the start of the 2023-24 school year.

Parent Network
Pasco County Schools will host a virtual districtwide ESE/504 Parent Collaborative Network on April 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The meeting is to provide an opportunity to share new or important information and initiatives related to students with disabilities with an Individualized Education Plan or 504 plan, and to present topics in parent-identified areas of need. This is not an individual student meeting. For information and questions, email Jennifer Hykes at .

Living History Event
The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City, will host a Special Field Trip Day for its World War II Living History Event on April 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. only. Public, private and home-school students are welcome to attend. The field trip is not open to the public. Pre-registration is required at PioneerFloridaMuseum.org. Admission is $5 for students and chaperones. For information, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org, or call 352-567-0262.

Until next year….

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Zippy helped his ‘cousin,’ the Easter Bunny, deliver baskets, and now that the job is done, he relaxes at home with Julie Brucker and family in Land O’ Lakes.

A beneficial snake

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Jessica Eile Keith, of Darby, snapped this photo of two Southern black racers in a hoya plant. Both racers and rat snakes are beneficial to humans, as they eat large amounts of mice, rats and other rodents. The snakes are non-venomous and will only bite if they feel threatened. Black racers are helpful to have in a field, farm or backyard.

Helping veterans to stand tall

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One Community Now will host its free veterans-only event, Operation Stand Down, from April 21 to April 23, at The Concourse Rotary Pavilion, 11919 Alric Pottberg Road in Shady Hills.

The annual event offers free services, workshops and resources to help homeless and at-risk veterans overcome the barriers they face.

Providers will be on site on April 21 and April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with services that include: legal advice; housing assistance; VA benefits/SSDI/SSI; education/trades; gift cards/donations; dental/dentures; medical/immunizations; personal hygiene/haircuts; food stamps; employment opportunities; hot meals, and more. Workshops focusing on whole health and community resources will be offered from 2:15 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by dinner.

Transportation and overnight accommodations will be provided for veterans in need.

One Community also is seeking these donations for Operation Stand Down:

  • Gently used items: towels/washcloths; men’s jeans and shorts, sizes 30 to 44; and men’s and women’s T-shirts, all sizes. All clothing items need to be clean and free of stains or holes. No dress clothes will be accepted.
  • New items: packaged men’s boxers, size small to 3XL; and packaged women’s underwear, size small to 2XL
  • Miscellaneous items: $5 to $10 gift cards to fast food restaurants, Walmart, Wawa or grocery stores; bike locks, bike lights; solar-powered phone chargers; glasses; backpacks; and sleeping bags.

Donations can be dropped off at the One Community office, 5841 Main St., in New Port Richey, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

For information, call 727-849-4724, email , or visit OCNStandDown.org.

Published April 05, 2023

Chalk Talk 04/05/2023

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Purim Sunday Funday at Hebrew Academy Tampa Bay included festivities with refreshments and games. (Courtesy of Hebrew Academy Tampa Bay)

Celebrating Purim
Hebrew Academy Tampa Bay recently hosted a Purim Sunday Funday, attracting more than 200 people. The event celebrated the holiday of Purim and all things STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.)

Families attending mingled and were able to share Shelach Manot, which are gifts of food and drink.

Hebrew Academy Tampa Bay is a Jewish Montessori Day School. The academy cultivates student growth and success as active lifelong learners, responsible citizens, leaders and independent thinkers grounded in Jewish pride, living knowledge and personal ownership of their rich heritage.

To find out more, call Sulha Dubrowski at 813-963-0706 or 813-731-3619.

Youth empowerment
STAND Above the Influence, powered by the Alliance for Healthy Communities, is a youth coalition that empowers youth to be agents of change by strengthening their voices and educating others to build a healthier community.

The club meets once a month and works on projects they feel are important, from preventing underage alcohol and vaping use to educating on the dangers of bullying and lack of inclusion.

For those who would like to use their voice for positive change, STAND will meet on April 13 at 5:30 p.m., at the YES – Youth Entrepreneurial Students office, 15029 14th St., in Dade City.

Volunteer hours and pizza will be provided.

For information, visit EmpoweredCommunities.org/stand/home/.

To RSVP for the meeting, email .

Community Expo
Saint Leo University and Moffitt Cancer Center will host a Community Expo on April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Saint Leo campus, 33701 County Road 52 (formerly State Road 52) in St. Leo.

As Moffitt plans to begin construction on phase one of its Speros FL medical research park in Pasco County, it is partnering with Saint Leo to create job, internship and educational opportunities not only for Saint Leo students, but also surrounding community members.

Events will include a welcome by Dr. Ed Dadez, university president; remarks from Moffitt representatives; and a kickoff celebration, at 10 a.m., in the Greenfelder-Denlinger Boardrooms of the Student Community Center (SCC).

For most of the day, the focus will be on careers and education, with a “Resume on the Run” resume review from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the SCC lobby and loggia.

There will be a career fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the same location.

Sessions offered will include:

  • Exciting Opportunities at Moffitt and How Saint Leo Can Help You Get There
  • Pasco Community Partnership Opportunities
  • A presentation to be determined

A networking luncheon is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m., in the boardrooms.

Saint Leo’s Wellness Center also will host a series of activities from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., devoted to healthy bodies and minds.

For more information and to register, visit Moffitt.org/SaintLeoCommunityExpo.

Kindergarten Countdown
Pasco County Schools’ Countdown to Kindergarten has begun. All new student registration for the 2023-2024 must be completed online at Pasco.k12.fl.us/ssps/page/back-to-school-newcomer-guide.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to enroll your child, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us.

New kindergarteners will have their first opportunity to visit their school on April 17.

The child’s school of enrollment will send information in the upcoming weeks.

If your child was enrolled in a Pasco County school as a VPK student, no further action is needed by parents at this time. VPK students will be connected to their home-zoned school prior to the start of the 2023-24 school year.

Student achievement
Jacob Leuthold, of Odessa, earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, with honors, from the Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta.

Career & Tech Expo
Pasco County Schools will host a Beyond: Career & Tech Expo on April 18 at Fivay High School, 12115 Chicago Ave., Hudson; and on April 20 at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, 9100 Curley Road in Wesley Chapel. These expos provide graduating seniors with real-world connections to businesses, post-secondary institutions, on-the-job training, employment and more.

Seniors from neighboring schools can attend the expo closest to them.

Students must register with their school’s career specialist by April 11 to attend.

Parent Network
Pasco County Schools will host a virtual districtwide ESE/504 Parent Collaborative Network on April 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The meeting is to provide an opportunity to share new or important information and initiatives related to students with disabilities with an Individualized Education Plan or 504 plan, and to present topics in parent-identified areas of need. This is not an individual student meeting.

For information and questions, email Jennifer Hykes at .

Living History Event
The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City, will host a Special Field Trip Day for its World War II Living History Event on April 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. only. Public, private and home-school students are welcome to attend. The field trip is not open to the public.

Pre-registration is required at PioneerFloridaMuseum.org. Admission is $5 for students and chaperones.

For information, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org, or call 352-567-0262.

PROMise program for students
The Auto Club Group, AAA, is working with Florida schools to prevent prom and graduation season from turning deadly on the road, by launching its annual AAA PROMise program designed to help teens avoid substance-impaired driving, as well as distracted driving, according to a news release.

The program works by having teens sign a pledge banner and make this promise before prom and graduation celebrations:

  • I promise not to drive impaired or distracted.
  • I promise not to let my friends drive impaired or distracted.
  • I promise my parents I will get home safely or call them for help.

Parents also can PROMise that they will always pick up their teen, regardless of the time or location.

Public and private schools can participate in the program for free by registering at AAA.com/PROMise.

Schools will receive a tool that includes: fact sheets/resources; a pledge banner; and premium student items, such as drawstring bags, an AAA PROMise keepsake and more.

Last year, more than 300 schools participated in the program.

The deadline to order is May 31.

Meet Fred and Jolene

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Fred and Jolene are Bengals, and bring smiles to their owners’ faces and laughter to the family every day. Both felines love to play fetch and love to chase milk rings around the house. Fred and Jolene live with their proud owners, Alan and Kris Fischer, in Lutz.