The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Chalk Talk 07/10/2024

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Incoming and prospective students and their families at The MANE Event at Saint Leo University in 2022. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Saint Leo hosts MANE event
Saint Leo University will host its largest admissions event of the year, The MANE Event (a play on the university’s lion mascot), on July 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at University Campus, 33701 County Road 52 in St. Leo, for new and prospective undergraduate students.

Light breakfast items will be served during check-in at 8:30 a.m., followed by a university welcome at 9 a.m. Lunch will be available in the Dining Hall.

The event also will be an opportunity for high school and transfer students to receive an “instant admission” decision, for which students must complete and submit a fall 2024 application by 11:59 p.m., on July 18. Students who have submitted an application will be able to provide transcripts and finalize their enrollment by submitting a deposit.

MANE event programming will include class registration with a student success coach, financial aid meetings with Student Financial Services, housing selection and residence hall walk-throughs, and more. Students can visit the Robotics Lab and other venues, too.

The event also will offer two types of microscholarships, as well as a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship. To obtain a microscholarship, students must make their deposit by 11:59 p.m., on July 21. The scholarship is only eligible for fall semester 2024 and will not apply to another term.

For more information and to register for The MANE Event, visit SaintLeo.edu/maneevent.

Dean’s List recipients

  • Jillian Abarca, Odessa: Valdosta State University, Georgia
  • Scott Abramson, Odessa: Illinois Wesleyan University
  • Zoe Adkins, Lutz: Muhlenberg College, Pennsylvania
  • Emily Bentley, Lutz: Western Carolina University, North Carolina
  • Jacquelyn Claire Abanses, Lutz: University of Nebraska-Lincoln, College of Business
  • Colin Anna, Odessa: State University of New York-Cortland
  • Anthony Rocco Becht, Wesley Chapel: Iowa State University
  • Evan Cuervo, Lutz: Presbyterian College, South Carolina
  • Abigail Flanagan, Lutz: Nazareth University, New York
  • Ethan Forrester, Land O’ Lakes: Fort Hays State University, Kansas
  • Blake Graham, Odessa: Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Indiana
  • Madison Haynes, Land O’ Lakes: Aurora University, Illinois
  • Graydon Horn, Odessa: The University of Alabama
  • Kierra James, Odessa: Georgia State University
  • Charles King, Odessa: Georgia Southern University
  • Adam Shaye Kubinsky Sr., Lutz: University of Nebraska-Lincoln, College of Architecture
  • Jerianne Morris, Land O’ Lakes: Anderson University, South Carolina
  • Alexandria Nabors, Lutz: The University of Alabama
  • Sean Saccomanno, Land O’ Lakes: St. Norbert College, Wisconsin
  • Giselle Sang, Land O’ Lakes: Bucknell University, Pennsylvania
  • Gennaro Scarfogliero, Odessa: Valdosta State University, Georgia
  • Marissa Schabes, Lutz: Furman University, South Carolina
  • Jacob Statman, Lutz: Rochester Institute of Technology, New York
  • Chase Thurber, Odessa: Western Carolina University, North Carolina
  • Allison Trask, Lutz: Harding University, Arkansas
  • Laura Vigna, Wesley Chapel: Mercer University, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Georgia
  • David Weins, Odessa: Western Carolina University, North Carolina
  • Bo Welch, Odessa: The University of Alabama

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.

Lutz student receives prestigious award
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) recently honored 500 National Junior Honor Society middle-schoolers with Outstanding Achievement Awards for community service, including Hailey Tyson from Lutz Preparatory Middle School, according to a news release.

“From teaching coding fundamentals to rural students in India to crocheting bucket hats for teenagers battling cancer, these Outstanding Achievement Award winners have shown remarkable compassion, creativity and commitment to making a difference,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe in the release. “We hope this recognition and investment in their future reminds them of the power they have to change the world.” 

The NASSP also recognized 411 student councils with National Council of Excellence Awards for projects that demonstrate exceptional student leadership. Projects ranged from park cleanups to reading to kindergarten to raising thousands for charities.

“Receiving a National Council of Excellence Award reflects the amazing dedication of the students and school to make their community a better place,” said Nozoe. “These councils have gone above and beyond in elevating student voice to ensure they are establishing a positive climate and culture, as well as fostering academic and social growth for all.”

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. For 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.

Team effort transforms exhibit at Florida Aquarium

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(Courtesy of The Florida Aquarium)

The Florida Aquarium has unveiled the transformation of its second-largest habitat into an Indo-Pacific wonderland and said “g’day” to thousands of new fish, introducing them into the Heart of the Sea, creating a new exhibit that showcases the diversity of marine life from Australia.

“These are some of the most amazing fish our guests may ever see in their lifetimes,” said Cristy Barrett, associate curator at the aquarium, in a news release.

“They’re from Australia and their colors are so vibrant. Some of them actually help clean the other fish — including inside their mouths! We’re delighted with how well they are adjusting. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them thriving and interacting in their new environment,” said Barrett.

Among the new inhabitants are 26 different species, including: Maori wrasse, gold goatfish, spotted unicornfish, blue speckled group, emperor angelfish, giant squirrelfish, various species of butterfly fish, and a large school of fusiliers. Many of these fish are rarely seen in this part of the world.

The transformation process also involved relocating many of the native fish previously housed in the Heart of the Sea habitat. Species such as tarpon, yellowtail snapper and rooster hogfish have been moved to the aquarium’s largest habitat, the Coral Reef.

Some original residents, including bonnethead sharks, honeycomb stingrays, a southern stingray and a loggerhead sea turtle, remain in the exhibit cohabiting with their new Indo-Pacific neighbors.

The Florida Aquarium is at 701 Channelside Drive in Tampa. Visit Flaquarium.org for more.

Published July 03, 2024

Public Works partnership looking for lake monitoring help

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Pasco County’s Department of Public Works is partnering with Florida LAKEWATCH, a citizen volunteer lake-monitoring program to help in the management of Florida lakes, estuaries, rivers and springs through monthly monitoring activities, according to a news release.

LAKEWATCH is coordinated through the University of Florida’s (UF) School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, and UF/IFAS (Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences).

(Mabel Amber/Pexels)

Pasco County residents who live on natural lakes may be eligible for free water quality and lake management support through water quality testing.

The program will train eligible residents to collect water samples and analyze them at no cost. Participants will have access to the latest lake management data and technical assistance from experts, and more. 

“By working with Florida LAKEWATCH, residents can learn the best way to keep their lakes healthy,” said Jonah Mick, Public Works environmental division manager, in the release.

“Healthy lakes are an important part of keeping water clean for everyone,” said Mick.

Space is limited and participants must have access to a boat. 

To determine eligibility, residents should email their name and address to .

For more information, call 727-834-3611.

Published July 03, 2024

Welcome to the Sunshine State

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Nicole Magazu noticed this cormorant sitting on a light pole appearing to enjoy a beautiful, sunny day in Land O’ Lakes. Cormorants’ short wings make them incredibly agile swimmers. Some cormorants also are known for their ability to use rocks as tools to help them open the shells of prey they have captured.

 

Babies Bash celebrates Father’s Day

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Two Bucs babies enter the 2024 Bucs Babies Bash at the AdventHealth Training Center on June 16. (Courtesy of AdventHealth)

AdventHealth hosted the 2024 Bucs Babies Bash, an annual celebration event to bring families together from the Bucs Babies program. The program is available to families who have delivered a baby in an AdventHealth West Florida Division hospital and offers them access to the Babies Bash starting the year after their child’s birth, according to a news release.

This year’s bash was on June 16, in celebration of Father’s Day.

Fun activities included an outdoor petting zoo, a custom airbrush station, fan football experience, face painting and balloon animals.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie players also met with fans and their families.

More than 2,000 people, including 1,000 children, attended the event.

For more information about the Bucs Babies Program and the Bucs Babies Bash, visit https://lp.adventhealth.com/sports-partnership/buccaneers/westflua/.

Chalk Talk 07/03/2024

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Superintendent Kurt Browning speaks to the audience at the “Together We Stand” event. (Courtesy of Corey Dierdorff/Pasco County Schools)

Anti-bullying event draws student leaders
The Pasco County School District recently hosted “Together We Stand,” a training session to empower current and future student leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to stand up against bullying.

During the event, students embraced critical strategies to support one another — identifying signs of bullying and how to stand up to those who engage in such behavior, according to a news release.

“We are so proud of our student leaders for their commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment,” said Kurt Browning, superintendent of Pasco County Schools, in the release. “By equipping our students with these essential skills, we create a community where every student feels respected and valued.”

Events like “Together We Stand” help to create a positive and inclusive school culture.

For more information about anti-bullying initiatives and upcoming Pasco County School District events, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us.

New Horizons program
Saint Leo University is now offering its Next-Level Grad Award, a scholarship available to graduate program students who study online or at one of the university’s education centers.

This graduate program scholarship is for students newly enrolled in Saint Leo’s Master of Business (MBA) or Master of Science in criminal justice degree programs. It covers the tuition costs for the final nine credit hours of the program (all specializations).

Technology, book and assessment fees are not waived for those who receive the award, and up to six transfer credits will be accepted for those enrolling.

Eligibility requirements include that the recipients must be Saint Leo WorldWide students, fully admitted to the MBA or master’s in criminal justice programs that are now enrolling.

To continue receiving the scholarship, students must meet all academic performance requirements and maintain good standing in their program from an attendance, student conduct and GPA requirement standard (3.0 cumulative average or better).

For more information about the Next-Level Grad Award, email , or call 855-523-2472 or 800-707-8846.

Pasco Schools Job Fair
Pasco County Schools will host a Community Job Fair on July 9 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Chasco Elementary School, 7906 Ridge Road in Port Richey. The event will highlight the opportunities available throughout the county from teaching to transportation and more. To preregister, visit ryu.pasco.k12.fl.us/hreq-mform/view.php?id=140520.

Alex Greene, a Wesley Chapel High School student, builds his robot during Saint Leo University’s robotics summer camp. (Courtesy of Caroline Jorgensen, Saint Leo University)

Sparking a passion for STEM
Area high school students not only built robots, but also made them come to life through programming during a recent Robotics Summer Camp at Saint Leo University.

The goal of the camp is to create an atmosphere for students to embrace innovation and spark a lifelong passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).

“The students are stretching their imaginations,” said Dr. Monika Kiss, chair of the Mathematics Department in the university’s College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Data Science, in a news release.

Not every high school has the financial means to incorporate robotics into the curriculum, so “Saint Leo’s camps are providing important, additional learning opportunities for the local area,” said Kiss.

The camp students also explored Saint Leo’s Robotics Lab in Kirk Hall and worked with the NAO programmable robots, for a hands-on learning experience.

Saint Leo summer camps still have spots available for youth looking to participate. To see full details, visit SaintLeoCamps.com, click on the icon for the camp and then go to “Shop” to see details and to enroll.

For more information, email Carrie Fidurko at .

Florida F1rst Summer Camp
Florida F1rst (Forensic Institute for Research, Security & Tactics), an entity of the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, will offer a Summer Camp July 22 to July 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for students ages 15 to 18. 

This intensive camp gives students the unique opportunity to see aspects of the criminal justice system in action. Students will take part in hands-on activities, participate in a mock crime-scene/field recovery and a forensic laboratory exercise. The camp also includes K-9 and unmanned aerial systems (drones) demonstrations.

Students must complete a 500-word essay on why they want to attend and submit a letter of recommendation from a high school teacher.

Transportation to and from the camp is not provided. The cost is $250 per student, which includes lunch, snacks and refreshments.

For more information and to apply, visit FloridaFirstTraining.org/Upcoming-Training/.

Send completed application packet to . Submission deadline is July 15.

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.

Bay scallop season returns

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The 2024 recreational bay scallop season in the Fenholloway-Suwannee River Zone is open through Labor Day, Sept. 2. This includes all state waters in Dixie County, a portion of Taylor County including the towns of Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee, and a portion of Levy County, according to a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) news release.

This map shows the regional bay scallop season, including the Pasco County zone which starts July 10. (Courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

From July 1 through Labor Day in this area, the recreational limits are 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat per person, with a maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or half-gallon (4 pints) shucked bay scallop meat per vessel.

Harvest of bay scallops is permitted only by hand or by using a landing or dip net. Commercial harvest is prohibited, the release says.

Recreational harvesters need a Florida saltwater fishing license to harvest bay scallops unless they are exempt from needing a license or have a no-cost shoreline fishing license and are wading (no swimming, snorkeling or scuba or using a vessel to reach or return from harvest location) from shore to shore to collect scallops.

Scallopers should not discard scallop shells in inshore waters commonly used for recreational activities, such as near boat ramps or swimming areas. Piles of discarded shells can create hazards for swimmers and damage seagrass habitat.

Scallop shells should be discarded in a trash receptacle or in larger bodies of water where they are more likely to disperse. Trash on board a vessel should be secured so it doesn’t blow overboard.

To purchase a Saltwater fishing license, visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or call toll-free 888-347-4356.

For information about boater safety for diving for scallops, visit MyFWC.com/Boating, click on “Boating Regulations” and select “Divers-down Warning Devices.”

For more on seagrass awareness, visit MyFWC.com/Boating, click on “Boating Regulations” and select “Seagrass Awareness.”

Published June 26, 2024

Preparing for and recovering from flooding

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With hurricane season upon us and heavy rain causing flooding in parts of Florida, many homeowners have to deal with flood damage. Quick action can minimize disastrous effects on businesses and homes. 

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), just 1 inch of water in a home can cost more than $25,000 in damage.

Flooding is the single-most common weather-related natural disaster and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) urges all homeowners to take care when choosing businesses and contractors to help with the cleanup work.

(Getty Image)

Water damage restoration: What to do when your house is flooded
To help property owners navigate the recovery and restoration process, BBB offers these tips:

  • Check your insurance policy. Flood damage is not covered by standard homeowners or renters insurance policies. Home and business owners in some high-risk flood areas may be required by law to carry flood insurance. Check with your state’s insurance commissioner on requirements.
  • Repairing the damage. Don’t make any permanent changes to your property until you get approval from your insurance provider, who may not fully reimburse you for repairs made without permission. Take photos of the storm damage to show the insurance company.
  • Get multiple opinions. Get at least three different estimates before deciding on a contractor and make sure the estimates are broken down in the same way. Be aware of high-pressure sales tactics and less-than-trustworthy businesses. Research company profiles at BBB.org.
  • Ask for proof of liability, workers compensation and licensing. Verify the contractor has the correct license to do work in the state, to protect yourself in case something happens while working on your property.
  • Get everything in writing. Demand a clearly written, detailed proposal contract broken down into separate line items, including but not limited to: the type of material being used; scope of work to be done; approximate start and finish dates; payment procedures; warranty; responsibility of repairing/replacing exterior landscape or interior finishes that are damaged during the work; and more.
  • Beware of scams. Look out for door-to-door workers who claim to have leftover materials; a contractor who shows up unannounced; a request for payment in full before repairs are done; and businesses without local addresses. Visit https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker.

Flood preparedness: How to prepare for a flood disaster

  • Take pictures/video of your home or business.
  • Back up critical digital files.
  • Properly anchor fuel and propane tanks.
  • Have copies of insurance policies.
  • Collect family photos or other mementos.
  • Keep medicines together.
  • Prepare an emergency kit.
  • Discuss an emergency plan with family.

For more tips about before and after flooding online at BBB.org/flood.

Published June 26, 2024

These Girl Scouts are ready for a bright future

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The Girl Scouts of West Central Florida (GSWCF) bestowed Gold Awards on 28 inspiring, teen world-changers from across Tampa Bay — the young women earning the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting. 

Twenty-eight young women earned the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. (Courtesy of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida)

The Gold Award is available to girls in high school whose chosen project creates a significant and sustainable positive change in a community. From supporting pediatric cancer patients and their families to creating sustainable water conservation initiatives, the award-winners address the root cause of a problem, plan and implement innovative solutions to drive change, and lead a team of people to success, according to a news release.

The 2024 GSWCF invested more than 2,500 combined hours planning and implementing projects that tackled many pervasive issues throughout the council’s eight-county footprint and beyond, the release says.

Earning Gold Awards were: Phoebe Ancer, Macey Clay, Emma Clough, Prisha Deshmukh,

Alyssa Dufort, Maegan Heink, Jessica Hill, Molly Joiner, Kameryn Knowles, Millay Kral, Nevaeh Motes, Anneliese Murch, Olivia Ondash, Elle Orchard, Emersen Pilon, Lucia Popovich, Bianca Raises, Brynlee Rhodes, Isabel Santiago Reyes, Juliette Selman, Isabella Shafer, Grace

Siguenza, Gabriela Sosa, Josie Stromgren, Haley Thompson, Chloe Wilson, Laila Wood and Emilie Youmans.

The projects are evaluated by the High Awards Committee for scholarship opportunities, too. 

Maegan Heink’s period poverty project and Emily Connor’s artistic expression project earned each of them an Ann Hensler Scholarship.

In addition, a $5,000 GSUSA Gold Award Scholarship will be presented later this summer to a GSWCF Gold Award Girl Scout whose project exemplifies the core components of the Gold Award and demonstrates extraordinary leadership to drive lasting change in her community and beyond.

“Our Gold Award Girl Scouts have demonstrated they are ready for a future of their choosing,” said CEO Mary Pat King, in the release.

“Girl Scouts has prepared them to lead others courageously and confidently as they continue a lifetime of pursuing positive change,” said King.

To learn more about the achievements, visit GSWCF.org/gold.

Published June 26, 2024