The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Human Trafficking Prevention Month

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January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) is partnering with the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking to prevent and respond to human trafficking cases.

The PSO says everyone can play a vital role by recognizing common warning signs and reporting potential human trafficking activity, according to a news release.

It is important to understand and recognize common indicators of trafficking. Physical signs of trafficking can include evidence of violence or untreated wounds, exhaustion and malnourishment, addictions or even branding.

Social and interpersonal signs can include being accompanied by a controlling individual, isolation from friends or family, little to no possessions, being severely underpaid or paid nothing at all for their work, and not being in control of their money or personal documents such as their driver’s license, the release said.

Mental and emotional signs can include low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, fearful behavior and not identifying as a victim of trafficking.

Behavioral signs can include individuals being submissive and nervous, avoiding eye contact with others, being afraid of law enforcement personnel and not being permitted to speak for themselves.

Rapid reporting of potential trafficking activity can help end human trafficking.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline is a national, toll-free number, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in over 200 languages. The hotline number is 1-888-373-7888, and is a safe place to report tips, seek services and ask for help.

Discreet text messages or online chat communication also is available by texting “BEFREE” (233733) or by visiting HumanTraffickingHotline.org.

Chalk Talk 01/18/2023

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New dean announced
Hillsborough Community College (HCC) has announced Chris Paynter as the new Dale Mabry Campus dean of associate of science programs.

Paynter has served as a higher education leader and advocate for community college students for 16 years, including most recently at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina, as dean of educational partnerships and dean of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, according to a news release.

Paynter holds an Ed.D in adult and community college education and a bachelor of arts degree in political science from North Carolina State University, as well as a master of arts degree in geography from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

The new dean assumed his position at HCC on Jan. 17.

Little Shop of Horrors
The Land O’ Lakes High School drama students will perform “Little Shop of Horrors The Musical” on Jan. 19, Jan. 20 and Jan. 21, at 7 p.m., at the Wesley Chapel Performing Arts Center, 30651 Wells Road. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

The show is rated PG-13. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door or online at LOLHS.pasco.k12.fl.us.

For questions, email .

Classes for home-schoolers
The Land O’ Lake Library, 2828 Collier Parkway, will offer these upcoming classes for home-schooled youth:

  • Jan. 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Introduction to Machine Sewing for Junior Sewers

This class is for ages 9 to 18 who have not previously used a sewing machine. Participants can learn to thread a machine; fill a bobbin; sew straight, zigzag and curvy lines; learn the names of basic sewing tools; and use an iron. There is no project for this introductory class. Registration, as well as safety and waiver forms are required (these can be picked up at the Service Desk before the class). A guardian must sign all forms for minors.

  • Jan. 25 from noon to 2 p.m.: Introduction to Tools for Homeschooled Junior Woodworkers

This class is for ages 9 to 15. This month’s project is an old-style carpenter toolbox. All materials, tools and safety equipment will be provided. All minors must have waiver and safety form completed by a guardian prior to the class. Forms are available at the Service Desk.

Registration is required for both classes, online at PascoLibraries.org.

Student achievements
• Abigail Greene, of Lutz, was recognized to the Dean’s List at Pennsylvania Western University, California, Pennsylvania.
• Leia Randall, of Land O’ Lakes, was named to the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.

Associate professor named
Dr. David Kilmnick, PhD, MSW, a national advocate and organizer for the LGBT communities for more than 30 years, has joined the faculty of the University of South Florida School of Social Work, according to a news release.

Kilmnick will be joining the USF School of Social Work as an assistant professor of instruction and chair of the online MSW program.

As founder, president and CEO of one of the largest LGBT nonprofit organizations in the New York area, Kilmnick has worked to defend and protect LGBT rights while raising awareness and being a voice for many social issues on the local, national and international level, the release said.

The professor meets with government officials, community leaders, and business and education executives to discuss the latest issues and concerns affecting the LGBT community.

He appears in the media as a spokesperson for both well-established and underserved LGBT communities, discussing the wide range of equity, social, advocacy, and policy issues.

Kilmnick has more than 25 years of teaching experience and more than 15 years of expertise and practice in online instruction, learning management systems, and course and curricula development.

New course offered
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of South Florida will offer a new course entitled, “Imprisoned Without Trial: Japanese Internment in WWII,” presented by Denny Kato, starting on Jan. 26 and ending on Feb. 16.

There will be four classes each Thursday, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Unisen Senior Living, 12401 N. 22nd St., in Tampa.

The course will discuss the fear, hatred and racism toward the Chinese and Japanese that began in the mid-1800s, culminating with the incarceration of more than 120,000 people of Japanese descent in designated camps throughout the country during WWII.

Thirteen members of Kato’s family were sent to those camps.

The cost of the course is $40 for OLLI members.

For more information, contact Denny Kato at or 727-215-5345.

Stick bridge competition
Saint Leo University’s Department of Natural Sciences will host its annual Popsicle Stick Bridge Competition on March 9 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., in Selby Auditorium in Lewis Hall, at the campus at 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

Saint Leo University and Pasco County high school students are invited to design and build bridges to compete in the contest.

The winners will be selected in two categories: the strongest bridge that can hold the most weight and the most aesthetically pleasing bridge that receives the most votes from the audience.

Teams of one to three students may compete, and members should come up with a name for their bridge.

The goal of the contest is to build the strongest bridge using only Elmer’s glue and no more than 200 standard Popsicle sticks. Entries must bridge a 1.2-meter span as described in the contest rules.

Last year’s winner was “Bridge to the Starz” that held 66 pounds.

High school faculty who would like to enter their students, as well as interested students, may participate by emailing by Feb. 18, then pick up a kit, design a bridge build (test if you want to) and then join in the competition on March 9.

The public is invited to attend the event to watch the teams compete.

Mr. Pepe is a conversationalist

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Mr. Pepe is an 18-year-old Quaker parrot. He has an incredible vocabulary and greets his owner, Judith DelValle, in the mornings with, ‘Good morning, Judi. How are you today? Did you sleep good?’ Mr. Pepe has lived with Judith since he was 4 weeks old. They reside in Wesley Chapel; Judith adores Mr. Pepe and cannot imagine her life without him. They occasionally converse throughout the day.

Limpkins hunt both day and night

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Joel Jackson captured the image of this limpkin at Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, a 240-acre park in Northeast Hillsborough County. Jackson last year was honored to have the nature center at Lettuce Lake Park renamed the Joel E. Jackson Nature Center for his conservation efforts over the last 50 years. These leggy birds seem to limp as they walk across uneven wetland surfaces — hence the name, limpkins.

10 Big Benefits of Smiling

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Everyone is encouraged to choose to smile every day, to boost mood and health. According to Very Well Mind, the 10 biggest benefits of this simple act are: Smiling helps you live longer; smiling relieves stress; smiling elevates mood; smiling is contagious; smiling boosts the immune system; smiling may lower blood pressure; smiling reduces pain; smiling makes you attractive; smiling suggests success; and smiling helps you stay positive. Check out VeryWellMind.com, for more information.

Chalk Talk 01/11/2023

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SAT prep workshop
Pasco County will host an educational SAT Prep workshop on Jan. 17 through Feb. 7, every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at Wesley Chapel District Park, for high-school age youth.

The program is limited to 25 students. The cost of the eight-session workshop is $350.

Register now or online at Secure.rec1.com/FL/pasco-county-fl/catalog.

For information and questions, call 813-345-3145.

Open house
Tampa Fine Arts Academy, 17886 U.S. 41 in Lutz, will host these upcoming events:

• Jan. 18 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Ribbon-cutting and Open House. Light refreshments will be provided.

• Jan. 21 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Open House and Lesson Giveaway. Participants can visit the school’s new location (there also is one in Wesley Chapel) and meet the teachers. There will be refreshments and kid-friendly activities, as well as prizes such as a free ukulele and lessons.

For information about either event, call 813-591-3004.

New course offered
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of South Florida will offer a new course entitled, “Imprisoned Without Trial: Japanese Internment in WWII,” presented by Denny Kato, starting on Jan. 26 and ending on Feb. 16.

There will be four classes each Thursday, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Unisen Senior Living, 12401 N. 22nd St., in Tampa.

The course will discuss the fear, hatred and racism toward the Chinese and Japanese that began in the mid-1800s, culminating with the incarceration of more than 120,000 people of Japanese descent in designated camps throughout the country during WWII.

Thirteen members of Kato’s family were sent to those camps.

The cost of the course is $40 for OLLI members.

For more information, contact Denny Kato at or 727-215-5345.

Stick bridge competition
Saint Leo University’s Department of Natural Sciences will host its annual Popsicle Stick Bridge Competition on March 9 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., in Selby Auditorium in Lewis Hall, at the campus at 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

Saint Leo University and Pasco County high school students are invited to design and build bridges to compete in the contest.

The winners will be selected in two categories: the strongest bridge that can hold the most weight and the most aesthetically pleasing bridge that receives the most votes from the audience.

Teams of one to three students may compete, and members should come up with a name for their bridge.

The goal of the contest is to build the strongest bridge using only Elmer’s glue and no more than 200 standard Popsicle sticks. Entries must bridge a 1.2-meter span as described in the contest rules.

Last year’s winner was “Bridge to the Starz” that held 66 pounds.

High school faculty who would like to enter their students, as well as interested students, may participate by emailing by Feb. 18, then pick up a kit, design a bridge build (test if you want to) and then join in the competition on March 9.

The public is invited to attend the event to watch the teams compete.

Violet is a loving pup

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Violet is a 4-month-old Basset hound; her nickname is ‘Loop.’ She is a fun, shy, loving, happy-go-lucky pup. She loves to play with her brother, Rusty, a beagle/whippet mix. Violet lives in Zephyrhills with her owner, Joseph Yingling.

The ‘circle of life’

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John Oddo lives in San Antonio and enjoys taking photos of the wildlife in his area, as is evident in this incredible snapshot of a reflection of a gator in a pond. Oddo lives in the Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club community.

Health News 01/04/2023

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Jennifer Downing

New director named
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz has named Jennifer Downing as its director of surgical services, according to a news release.

In the new position, Downing will lead teams in preoperative, anesthesia, surgery, postoperative, PACU (postanesthesia care unit) and ambulatory care.

Her responsibilities include monitoring quality of care and safety, and ensuring the hospital adheres to regulatory guidelines and established national standards, the release said.

Prior to her appointment at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, Downing was nurse manager in surgical services at BayCare’s Mease Countryside Hospital in Safety Harbor (2016-2022) and Morton Plant North Bay Hospital in New Port Richey (2011-2016).

Downing has more than 30 years of health care experience with BayCare including registered nurse experience in preoperative, PCAU, recovery and discharge, critical care and operating room. She also is a certified nurse of the operating room, in addition to having registered nurse credentials.

Her education includes a master’s in nursing from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio; a bachelor in science from Florida State University, and two associate degrees, one in nursing and another in science, both from St. Petersburg College.

Resolve to be healthier
The West Central Florida County Health Departments, including Hillsborough and Pasco counties, recommends these healthy resolutions for the new year, according to a news release:

  • Quit Smoking. Kicking the habit can lower the risk of cancer and heart disease. Free help is available at TobaccoFreeFlorida.com for tips, support and supplies.
  • Be More Active. Join a gym or work simple exercises into your day such as walking, playing with the kids, or riding a bicycle. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of exercise a week, which can be broken into five 30-minute brisk walks. Visit CDC.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults for more guidance.
  • Eat Healthier. Add more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet. There is no need to give up sweets and treats, but they should be saved for special occasions. Learn how to make a healthier plate by visiting CDC.gov/healthyweight/losing_weight/eating_habits.html.
  • Visit Your Doctor. Use the new year as a time to reconnect and have a regular doctor checkup. Preventative maintenance is far less expensive than a trip to the hospital to treat an emergency. Call the local health department to see what resources may be available if you are uninsured or underinsured.
  • Get Vaccinated. Vaccines can help prevent illnesses such as tetanus, measles, polio, mumps and whooping cough, in addition to COVID-19 and the flu. Make sure vaccines are up to date.

For more information or questions, call your local health department: DOH Pasco at 727-619-0300 or DOH Hillsborough at 813-307-8000.

Chalk Talk 01/04/2023

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Aquaculture comes to the classroom
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Marine Fisheries Enhancement Center has been working with school administrators, teachers and students to bring Aquaculture and Stock Enhancement Research into the classroom for more than two decades, according to an FWC news release.

Partners from the Coastal Conservation Association and Duke Energy work together to unload 500 red drum fingerlings at a middle school in Auburndale. (Courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

The Aquaculture program is designed for students from fifth grade through college, and aims to teach students the basic principles of aquaculture, marine research and how stock enhancement plays a role in supporting Florida’s marine fisheries.

Over the past two years, the FWC has partnered with the Duke Energy Mariculture Center and the Coastal Conservation Association that provided hatchery-reared red drum fingerlings to several participating schools, along with the Energy and Marine Center in Pasco County, the release said.

Through the partnership, school classrooms participating in the Aquaculture program were provided with the fingerlings, starter feed and technical advice on how to raise the fingerlings. Information on system development and grant opportunities also are provided.

At the end of the school year, the fingerlings are harvested and transferred to another facility or returned to the FWC to be used for outreach and education exhibits.

Through the program, FWC biologists work with teachers to develop curriculum that meets Florida Sunshine State Standards and provides students the opportunity to design aquaculture (fish-raising) systems, perform daily animal husbandry (care) routines, and conduct research projects such as salinity tolerance tests, feed studies, and water quality/chemistry investigations, the release said.

To learn more about the program, or to refer a teacher or school, email ">.

Student achievement
Kali Christie, of Dade City, has been named to the fall Dean’s List at the University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth, Kansas.

Scholarship applications
Supervisor of Elections Brian E. Corley is now accepting applications for the Florida Supervisors of Elections (FSE) Scholarship.

Applications for the scholarship can be accessed online at PascoVotes.gov, and are due in the supervisor’s office by March 10. 

The association will award four $1,200 scholarships statewide to a political science, public or business administration, or journalism/mass communications major.

Applicants must be registered Florida voters and have lived in the state for at least the preceding two years. Those applying also must be at least a junior in college.

Students must be enrolled or accepted as a full-time student in a senior college or university in Florida and have at least a C average or above for the previous year.

Additional requirements, guidelines, and eligibility information can be found at PascoVotes.gov by selecting the 2023 FSE Scholarship Application under “Noteworthy” on the homepage.

Applicants will be personally interviewed by Corley, who will then select one finalist from Pasco County for consideration by the FSE Scholarship Committee.

Financial aid tips
The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) offers these financial aid tips for students and their families:

  • Net price calculators can be used to estimate college costs. Graduating high school students can get an idea of how much it may cost to attend a college or technical school by using the school’s net price calculator. The calculator gives families a clearer idea of expenses at each school, so they can compare, plan and save. Students and parents must enter information about the student’s academic record and the parents’ finances to get a net price estimate for the cost of attending a trade school, two-year community college or four-year school. Families should look at the net price, not the net cost. The net price is how much a family can expect to pay toward a student’s technical or college education, including loans.
  • Know your school’s satisfactory academic progress standards. Satisfactory academic progress (SAP) is an important phrase in the language of student aid, according to KHEAA. The SAP comes into play after a student has taken college or technical school classes and is applying for student aid for the next school year. All colleges that award federal student aid must have SAP standards, which are based on three areas: GPA, pace and maximum time frame. The GPA students may vary by school, major and whether a student is pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree. To meet the pace standard, students must pass a certain percentage of classes they take in a given period of time. Maximum time frame means students have to finish their degree within a given number of attempted credit hours.

KHEAA is a public nonprofit agency that helps to improve students’ access to college, by providing information about financial aid and financial literacy at no cost to students or parents.

For more information, visit KHEAA.com.