The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

A hearty meal

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Shirley Arnold snapped this photo of a great blue heron about to enjoy its catch, at Zephyr Park in Zephyrhills. Great blue herons wade slowly or stand statue-like when they are hunting. They stalk fish and other prey in shallow water or open fields. These birds use their strong bills to stab their prey with a lightning-fast thrust of the neck and head.

All Attie wants is to be loved

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Attie has grown from a young pup into a 115-pound bundle of love. When she is tired, she grabs her binky (her chew toy) and climbs onto her dad’s lap for a nap on the couch. Who could say no to her face? Attie lives with Randy Jones in Dade City.

Reporting for duty

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Steve Warrener, a teacher at Learning Gate Community School in Lutz, caught this rooster in the act, as it eagerly inspected the discarded and donated pumpkins that were collected as part of a compost project involving students at the school.

Health News 11/30/2022

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Eugene and Norma Ymiolek donated eight TVs for treatment rooms at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North. (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

A gift for patients
Norma and Eugene Ymiolek, of Lutz, donated TVs for all eight infusion treatment rooms in the St. Joseph’s Hospital-North Outpatient Infusion Center. The donation was made through the St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation.

“This will provide a wonderful distraction to the many patients that spend hours receiving chemotherapy treatment,” said Michelle Mulvihill, St. Joseph’s Outpatient Infusion Center nurse manager, in a news release.

“We are extremely grateful to them,” said Mulvihill.

The Ymioleks have supported St. Joseph’s for years, including a naming gift to the hospital’s chapel.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is at 4211 Van Dyke Road in Lutz.

Narcan kits available
The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) has announced the availability of free Naloxone (Narcan) Nasal Spray kits, according to a press release.

This lifesaving medication could reduce thousands of substance abuse deaths across the state.

Naloxone is available to people who use drugs; people with a history of drug use; others at risk of experiencing an overdose; and friends, family members and others who may witness an overdose.

“We need new solutions to an old problem when it comes to substance abuse and addiction overdoses,” said Mike Napier, health officer for DOH-Pasco, in the release.

“Distributing Naloxone (Narcan) into our community is just one of the many ways Pasco County is combating this growing problem,” said Napier.

Naloxone reverses the effects of an opioid overdose by restoring breathing and consciousness within minutes of its administration to the person who has overdosed.

The medication can be administered by a bystander (non-health care professional) before emergency medical assistance becomes available, but it is not meant to substitute professional medical care.

Individuals should call 911 immediately when an opioid overdose is suspected, before administering Naloxone.

Persons requesting a kit must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Individuals at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose
  • Caregivers who may witness an opioid overdose or others likely to experience or witness an opioid overdose

The Naloxone kits can be obtained at these health department clinics (no appointment necessary):

  • Dade City Clinic, 33845 15th St. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • New Port Richey Clinic, 10841 Little Road. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Wesley Chapel Clinic, 33845 State Road 54. Monday and Friday only, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Those using Naloxone will receive educational materials, referrals and connections for substance abuse intervention.

For more information, call 727-619-0300, Option 1.

Chalk Talk 11/30/2022

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(Courtesy of Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce)

Student citizens recognized
The East Pasco Chamber Foundation in partnership with the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce recognized eight students as Student Citizens of the Month for November. The students were chosen for their exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community. These students were honored: Joshua Narankevicius, Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Eliza Taylor, The Broach School; Annlee Holcomb, Chester Taylor Elementary; Santiago Sanchez-Mesa, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Adelie Jividen, Heritage Academy; McKayla Oberman, Raymond Stewart Middle; Jaxon Smith, West Zephyrhills Elementary School; and Laila Woolfolk, Zephyrhills High.

Open-Door Grant Program
The Florida Department of Education has awarded Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) $306,644 in funding through the Open-Door Grant Program, which continues to Sept. 30, 2023, according to a news release.

The grant supports credentialing for students completing short-term and technical education courses.

The program aims to increase the skilled and available workforce throughout the state.

With support from the grant, PHSC can better assist future workforce candidates through increased accessibility to obtain certificates for the high-demand fields.

The continuing workforce education department at PHSC currently offers rapid credentialing options for several certifications in the fields of information technology, engineering and manufacturing.

For more information, visit PHSC.edu/academics/job-training.

To apply for a scholarship, visit PHSC.edu/academics/job-training/scholarship.

Tampa director Rod Kirkwood and adjunct faculty member, Assistant Chief Lee Bercaw and Interim Chief Ruben Delgado collect donations during the 2021 Teddy Bears for TPD campaign. (Courtesy of Mary McCoy, Saint Leo University)

Teddy bear campaign
For the second year, Saint Leo University is collecting stuffed animals for use by the Tampa Police Department. As a holiday season project of Saint Leo’s Tampa Education Center, Teddy Bears for TPD will provide cuddly critters for officers to carry in their vehicles in order to provide comfort to children in stressful situations.

In addition to the Education Center, the university community also is helping with the effort, and the Student Government Union, the Office of Greek Life and Community Service, and the East Pasco Education Center at the residential campus in Pasco County are assisting.

Donations of new and gently used teddy bears and other stuffed animals will be collected in donation boxes now through Dec. 13.

Last year, nearly 250 stuffed animals were donated by Saint Leo students, faculty, staff, and the public.

Those interested in participating can drop off items at these locations (look for the Teddy Bears for TPD signs):

  • Tampa Education Center, 1403 N. Howard Ave., Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Dining Hall lobby in the Student Community Center, University Campus, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo
  • Student Activities Building at University Campus
  • Saint Edward Hall lobby (East Pasco Education Center) at University Campus
  • Benedictine Hall lobby at University Campus

“We want interactions with the police to be positive for children, even if it’s a scary situation,” said Rod Kirkwood, director of Saint Leo University’s Tampa Education Center, in a news release.

“These donations will allow the police officers to provide something soft for the children to hold during a hard or difficult time,” said Kirkwood.

Studies show that cuddling a stuffed animal can release “feel good” chemicals in the brain, and help to soothe children (and adults), the release said.

For more information, contact Rod Kirkwood at or 813-226-2777.

Spring registration open
New and returning students can now register for Spring 2023 at Hillsborough Community College (HCC). Classes begin on Jan. 9 at all campus and satellite locations, and online.

HCC offers flexible class schedules and course delivery options that allow students to study at their own pace without compromising their work or family obligations.

Options include:

  • On-campus, with face-to-face instruction and scheduled class meetings at one of five campuses or satellite locations.
  • Hybrid courses combine in-person and online delivery.
  • Simulcast courses combine online videoconferencing and an on-campus component.
  • Online, with no mandatory live class meetings. Instructor communication and feedback is through Canvas.
  • Flexible-start courses that begin at various times throughout the semester, including one 12-week session, one 10-week session, one eight-week session, and three five-week sessions.

HCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

For more information, visit HCCfl.edu.

Trip likes to shop

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All dogs are special, but Trip is the champ. Nearing the golden age of 13, he has the spunk of a puppy that his owners fell in love with at first sight. Trip does his own shopping, even taking his purchase to the checkout where he waits for Dan and Pat Weaver to pay — which they gladly do as a reward for the good boy that he is. Trip lives in Dade City with the Weavers.

The big stare

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This gator was heading from the 12th hole to the 11th hole at the Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club. As he walked out from between two houses, he came face-to-face with a family of sandhill cranes. Generally when there’s a young crane involved, a gator will get very hostile and the cranes will get very defensive and go after the gator. However, in this case, all the actors in this drama left the stage in good shape. In fact, the cranes cleared the way to the water and the gator just followed. Stan Lukasiewicz and his wife are enjoying the wildlife to its fullest in San Antonio.

Health News 11/23/2022

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

A potentially life-saving class
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club took the opportunity to participate in a CPR class sponsored by AdventHealth. Two community outreach AdventHealth staff members presented an informative video, while citing the statistics of saving lives using the “hands-only” CPR method, followed by a hands-on demonstration. AdventHealth generously provided practice mannequins to each member, as well as an instructional video, to teach and share with friends and families. This was an important class to prepare for should an emergency situation arise within one’s own home or in public, and could be lifesaving. Here, woman’s club member Barbara Booth practices her technique on a mannequin.

Narcan kits available
The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) has announced the availability of free Naloxone (Narcan) Nasal Spray kits, according to a press release.

This lifesaving medication could reduce thousands of substance abuse deaths across the state.

Naloxone is available to people who use drugs; people with a history of drug use; others at risk of experiencing an overdose; and friends, family members and others who may witness an overdose.

“We need new solutions to an old problem when it comes to substance abuse and addiction overdoses,” said Mike Napier, health officer for DOH-Pasco, in the release.

“Distributing Naloxone (Narcan) into our community is just one of the many ways Pasco County is combating this growing problem,” said Napier.

Naloxone reverses the effects of an opioid overdose by restoring breathing and consciousness within minutes of its administration to the person who has overdosed.

The medication can be administered by a bystander (non-health care professional) before emergency medical assistance becomes available, but it is not meant to substitute professional medical care.

Individuals should call 911 immediately when an opioid overdose is suspected, before administering Naloxone.

Persons requesting a kit must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Individuals at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose
  • Caregivers who may witness an opioid overdose or others likely to experience or witness an opioid overdose

The Naloxone kits can be obtained at these health department clinics (no appointment necessary):

  • Dade City Clinic, 33845 15th St. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • New Port Richey Clinic, 10841 Little Road. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Wesley Chapel Clinic, 33845 State Road 54. Monday and Friday only, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Those using Naloxone will receive educational materials, referrals and connections for substance abuse intervention.

For more information, call 727-619-0300, Option 1.

The Lighthouse receives grant
The Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind (LVIB) received a grant from the Suncoast Credit Union to help babies who are visually impaired learn the adapted skills needed to meet their unique developmental milestones, according to a news release.

“Every child deserves a fulfilling educational experience and we want to do what we can to make that a reality. Developing life skills is so important, as they are a fundamental part of life,” said Cindy Helton, executive director, Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, in the release.

“Supporting LVIB is a natural fit for Suncoast, as we both share the similar goal of promoting the education, health, and well-being of children in our communities,” said Helton.

Since its inception in 1990, the Suncoast Foundation has raised and donated more than $36 million to help provide a better future for the children of the community.

Each time a Suncoast member uses their debit or credit card, 2 cents is donated to the foundation to support local initiates, like LVIB.

For more information on The Lighthouse, visit LVIB.org/programs/childrens-program.

Chalk Talk 11/23/2022

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(Courtesy of Sunlake Academy of Math and Science)

An honorable assembly for veterans
Sunlake Academy of Math and Science in Lutz hosted a Veterans Day Assembly and honored 41 veterans and their families, for their service to our country. As a surprise for the ceremony, a USCG C-130 flew over the school, flown by the Clearwater CG station’s first African American female command pilot. The guest speaker for the assembly was Sammy Ortiz, a U.S. Army Gulf War veteran who served as the unit armorer for Alpha Company 326 Engineers. Ortiz currently works as a social entrepreneur and is the founder of Young Entrepreneurial Students and Community Collective, a solution-providing organization that focuses on developing underestimated people in underestimated communities, through the introduction of entrepreneurship, life skills education and innovative thinking. This is Sunlake’s fourth year honoring veterans.

Student achievements
Savannah Qualey and Madeline Rodriguez, both of Lutz, were recognized to the President’s List at Flagler College, St. Augustine. Qualey is majoring in hospitality and tourism management, and Rodriguez is majoring in graphic design.

Angelique Mevorah, of Odessa, is a recent graduate of and an initiate of the St. John’s University Circle (chapter). She was selected as Omicron Delta Kappa’s national student vice chair-elect. She served as circle president and was a member of the Marketing Committee for the 2022 National Leadership Conference.

Music performance
As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, Pasco-Hernando State College will host the band Decades Replay on Dec. 1 from 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., at the West Campus Performing Arts Center, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey.

Decades Replay is a tribute band that plays ’70s, ’80s, ‘90s and 2000s music across the nation and is nd is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The band covers the biggest hits by artists such as Madonna, Michael Jackson, Guns N’ Roses, Duran Duran, Prince, Journey, Cyndi Lauper, The Cure, Pat Benatar, The Cars and many others. Costumes, props and performance provide a full decades stage show.

The cost of admission is $50. For information and tickets, visit PHSC.edu and click on the 50 Anniversary banner at the top.

Millions invested for school meals
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Food and Nutrition Service launched a new and innovative initiative for healthier school meals through a $50 million grant opportunity that will support collaboration with the food industry to develop nutritious, appetizing school meals for students, according to a news release.

“School meals programs are on the frontline of providing critical nutrition to millions of children,” said Stacy Dean, deputy undersecretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, in the release.

“USDA is committed to supporting these programs holistically, and that includes strengthening the entire food supply chain that sustains them. These grants are intended to spark innovation in the school food marketplace and build a more equitable and resilient food system that serves all children well,” said Dean.

Up to four non-governmental organizations will be selected by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service to manage funds for the School Food System Transformation Challenge.

These organizations will award competitive grants to support and enhance the food supply chain for K-12 schools.

Grantees may include food producers, suppliers, and distributors; school districts; and community partners.

The request for application is open through Feb. 1.

For more information, visit FNS.usda.gov/cnp/healthy-meals-incentives.

Apprenticeship program
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) is expanding its apartment maintenance technician apprenticeship program beginning on Jan. 9, to include course offerings at its Spring Hill campus.

The expansion helps bolster PHSC’s continued efforts toward increasing opportunities for students seeking non-traditional learning experiences through workforce certification.

The 12-month program includes 183 hours of classroom instruction relating to the technical skills needed, while concurrently placing the apprentices with a leading apartment property management team in the area, where they complete 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training.

Students can expect to earn their OSHA 10, HVAC EPA 608, HVAC EPA General, and certified apartment maintenance technician certifications, as well as a certificate of completion from PHSC.

Upon completion of the program, students will receive job placement assistance to fill industry vacancies as full-time apartment maintenance technicians.

For more information on the program and to apply, visit PHSC.edu/apprenticeships, or contact the Workforce Development/Career & Job Training department at 727-816-3123 or .

Band program headed to D.C.
The Pasco High School Band Program, under the direction of Kyle Spence, is set to head to Washington D.C., from May 25 to May 30, to perform in the National Memorial Day Parade.

The “Marching Band of Pirates” also are scheduled to perform in front of the Lincoln Memorial, and will visit the Smithsonian Museums and Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at the World War II Memorial and the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier.

If you would like to donate to the band’s trip, visit PHS.pasco.k12.fl.us/dc-page/. A schedule of the trip also is on the website.

Fanny is aptly named

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Fanny is a 16-year-old Siamese. Her name came from the fact that she was found caught in a fan belt of a car. Fanny was adopted by Lloyd Firestone, of Lutz, about 16 years ago from a veterinarian who took care of her. She has very soft fur and loves sitting outside on the lounge chairs.