The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Full services are back at tax collector’s office

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New and improved, the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office in Wesley Chapel now offers additional seating and windows for the customers’ convenience. (Courtesy of Greg Giordano)

The Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office in Wesley Chapel as of Oct. 31 has relocated back to its original address at 4610 Pet Lane, Suite C-101, after a temporary move for renovations, according to a news release.

The key improvements include additional windows and more seating in the lobby for the customer service area, making the office more efficient and better able to serve its visitors.

“Our goal as an organization is to make a visit to our office as easy and as simple as possible,” said Tax Collector Mike Fasano, in the release.

“The changes made during this remodel will make the customer experience even better than before. We appreciate the understanding of residents who live in Wesley Chapel, Lutz, and surrounding communities over the past few months,” said Fasano.

The office, which has a Lutz post office address but is commonly considered to be in Wesley Chapel, again will be full-service and will offer the entire range of services expected.

For more information, contact the centralized call center at 813-235-6076, 727-847-8032 or 352-521-4338.

Published November 02, 2022

Helping to bring neighbors together

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Hillsborough County’s mini-grant program aims to foster engaged communities through creative projects.

Hillsborough County Neighborhood Relations is accepting applications for the 2023 Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program, which aims to bring neighbors together and boost community involvement, according to a news release.

The program provides up to $5,000 of funding for neighborhood organizations that foster healthy, safe and engaged communities through innovative and creative community projects.

This year’s project categories are: Neighborhood Identification; Leadership Empowerment; Safety Opportunities and Education; Environmental Enhancements; Health and Wellness Engagement; Neighborhood Preparedness; and Neighborhood and Community Innovation.

Civic associations, homeowner associations, or special taxing districts in Hillsborough County are eligible to apply including those in Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace, the release said. Neighborhood organizations must be registered in the Neighborhood Directory Listing before applying for a mini-grant.

The deadline to apply is Nov. 14 at 5 p.m.

For more information about the application process, the requirements, and how to complete an application, contact or 813-272-5860.

Published November 02, 2022

Grigio is very lovable

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Grigio (Grai) will be 10 years old in January. He is smart and friendly, and he loves to roll over so he can get his cat massage. Grigio lives with Frank and Nicole Magazu, in Land O’ Lakes.

A porch with a view

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Barry White has two dogs, Mocha and Mia, that love the view from his back porch in Wilderness Lake Preserve — they can watch the variety of animals that come through on a daily basis, like this family of deer. 

Health News 11/02/2022

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(Courtesy of Michael Detsafino)

Joining the fight against cancer
The Healthy Fit Kidz Foundation partnered with Emerge Trichology and Mercedes Benz of Wesley Chapel for the fourth annual Fight Cancer Run. About 300 participants on Oct. 22 joined the 5K run/walk and kids fun run/walk to raise cancer awareness. In addition to raising money, the primary goal of the event was to come together and support breast cancer survivors and those battling the disease.

Ready-to-feed formulas recalled
According to the Department of Health-Pasco County, Abbott has issued a news release voluntarily recalling certain lots of 2-fluid ounce/59 milliliter bottles of ready-to-feed (RTF) liquid formula products.

“These products are being recalled because a small percentage of bottles (less than 1%) in the recalled lots have bottle caps that may not have sealed completely, which could result in spoilage,” the Abbott release said.

The brands included in the recall are: Similac Pro-Total Comfort; Similac 360 Total Care; Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive – 2 ounce; Similac Special Care 24 – 2 ounce (iron or high protein); Similac Stage 1; Similac Water (sterilized); and Similac NeoSure – 2 ounce.

In addition to these formula products, Pedialyte Electrolyte Solution also has been recalled.

Those who use these products should visit Abbott’s website to view a list of impacted products or use the lot number checker online. It is important to verify the lot number on the bottom or the side of the bottle, as not all products are included in the recall.

If you have a recalled product, discontinue use of the product and contact Abbott customer service at 800-986-8540 for further instructions.

The health department notified current WIC (Women, Infants and Children) participants who may have been issued a recalled product to provide them with alternative options, the release said.

Medical education program
AdventHealth has been approved by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education to institute a Graduate Medical Education (GME) Internal Medicine residency program at the health system’s largest hospital in Tampa Bay, AdventHealth Tampa, according to a news release.

The GME residency program will allow medical graduates to achieve clinical expertise under the leadership of renowned physicians and surgeons leading the way in their specialties.

According to the American Association of Medical Colleges, there is a predicted physician shortfall that could reach 139,000 by the year 2033. Dr. Aftab Ahmad, founding program director fo the internal medicine residency program at AdventHealth Tampa, is eager to begin the work to help close the gap, the release said.

Residents in the internal medicine program will rotate through several hospital departments under the supervision of board-certified AdventHealth physicians at AdventHealth Tampa and AdventHealth Medical Group practices in Tampa.

The first residents in the program will be enrolled in July 2023.

There are plans to launch ob/gyn and general surgery residency programs, as well as cardiology and gastroenterology fellowship programs in the years to follow.

New doctor on staff
Advanced Cancer Treatment Centers, 15211 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville, has welcomed Dr. Frantz Francisque to its staff.

The doctor comes to the Advanced Cancer centers directly from completing his fellowship training in hematology and oncology at the University of Colorado in Denver.

Francisque completed his internal medicine residency at Presence Saint Joseph Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, and he did a one-year residency at Haiti State University Hospital in Port-Au-Prince.

He received his medical degree from the State University School of Medicine and Pharmacy in Port-Au-Prince, and is a member of the American Society of Hematology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians.

Chalk Talk 11/02/2022

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(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

A step in the right direction
Pasco County Schools thanks everyone in the community who donated shoes and socks to Pasco students, through the Two Good Soles campaign. A total of 2,821 pairs of shoes and thousands of socks were donated.

Free TEACH program
Wreaths Across America (WAA) has launched a new TEACH program that was put together by retired educator and Gold Star mother Cindy Tatum, according to a news release.

The program shares an established curriculum designed to teach the next generation about the value of their freedom, and includes stories of courage and character. It also regularly introduces new educational materials, such as recent lesson plans related to Veterans Day.

The program encompasses all grades from kindergarten through the senior year of high school.

The service-based curriculum shares educational materials from philanthropic and patriotic organizations such as The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, the American Rosie Movement, Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, The Congressional Medal of Honor Society, and IKEducation at the Eishenhower Foundation.

Additionally, WAA developed a Veterans’ Oral History Project for youth from fourth to 12th grades that encourages young people to interview a veteran, service member, or Gold Star family member to learn about the sacrifices the military makes on behalf of our country.

The TEACH program is free to download at WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/teach and also is available for all educators and homeschoolers on Teachers Pay Teachers.

Recycle your pumpkins
Learning Gate Community School’s environmental science teacher Steve Warrener’s classes have just started an adopt-a-farm program with Happy Farm, 16610 Tobacco Road in Lutz, for composting.

The public can drop off their pumpkins anytime from Nov. 1 to Nov. 15 in the bins at the farm (signs will be posted). Pumpkins must not be treated with any preservatives.

Warrener also can do bulk pickup if anyone is interested.

For more information, email .

Culinary Arts bake sale
The Land O’ Lakes Academy of Culinary Arts is offering its 11th annual Fall Bake Sale.

Items up for grabs include: Apple Crumble Coffee Cake, $10; French Silk Pie, $12; Pumpkin Cream Cheese Roll, $10; Kentucky Pecan Pie, $15; Vegan + GF Apple Cranberry Crisp, $14; and Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies, $10.

Order deadline is Nov. 4. Pickup is Nov. 16, Nov. 17 and Nov. 18 in the Lakeview Café.

For information and questions, email Chef Blythe at or Chef Cooper at .

Fall Heritage Festival
Moore-Mickens Education and Vocational Center, 38301 Martin Luther King Blvd., in Dade City, will host its third annual Fall Heritage Festival on Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event will include food, live music, vendors, artists, and Buffalo Soldiers. Admission is $7; $25 VIP seating (with an RSVP). For information, call 352-518-8008.

50th Anniversary
Pasco-Hernando State College will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a free commmunity West Campus Anniversary Celebration, at 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey. Activities will include games and prizes, music, refreshments, and tours of the campus (fees for new student applications will be waived during the event.)

To learn more, visit PHSC.edu/history.

Afterschool Meals Program
Pasco County Schools has announced the approval of 51 schools for participation in the Afterschool Meals Program, a subcomponent of the Child Care Food Program.

Afterschool Meals is designed to provide nutritious food to children participating in afterschool programs on campus. Approved schools hosting these activities (including PLACE) after school hours will have the ability to provide meals.

These schools in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area have been approved to participate in the program: • Elementary schools: Centennial, Chester Taylor, Lacoochee, New River, Pasco, Quail Hollow, R.B. Cox, San Antonio, West Zephyrhills, and Woodland

  • Middle high schools: Centennial, East Pasco Education Academy, Pasco, R.B. Stewart
  • High schools: East Pasco Education Academy, Pasco, Zephyrhills

Parents should contact the coordinator of the program their child is participating in, to determine if meals will be provided.

A meaningful conversation
The Saint Leo University Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies (CCJS) will present “Why Dialogue Matters” on Nov. 10 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Congregation Schaarai Zedek, 3303 W. Swann Ave., in Tampa.

This conversation will focus on why the practice of dialogue is essential for the health of traditions, institutions and society.

Guest speakers will be Rabbi David Maayan, Cohn visiting chair in Jewish Thought and assistant director of CCJS, and Dr. Matthew Tapie, associate professor of theology and director of CCJS.

Joining in the panel wil be Friar Henry Fulmer, Sacred Heart Catholic Church; Rabbi Rachel Blatt, Congregation Kol Ami; and Rabbi Joel Simon, Congregation Schaarai Zedek.

Prior to the event, an hors d’oeuvre reception will take place at 6:15 p.m. An RSVP is required online at SaintLeo.edu/Why-Dialogue-Matters.

The program will conclude with a presentation of the 18th Eternal Light Award to Dr. Eugene Fisher for his 50 years of contributions to Catholic-Jewish relations.

Admission is free. For information, email , or call 352-588-7298.

School Choice events
Mark your calendar with the following dates related to School Choice in Pasco County:

  • Nov. 14 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Pasco Pathways Expo, at River Ridge High School
  • Nov. 17 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Pasco Pathways Expo, at Wesley Chapel High School
  • Jan. 9 to Jan. 20: Pasco Pathways Application Window
  • Feb. 27 to March 8: Notification and Acceptance Window

For more information, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/schoolchoice.

Playground fundraiser
Odessa Elementary School will host a golf tournament at Cheval Golf Club, at 4312 Cheval Blvd., in Lutz, on Nov. 13. Money raised from the event will go toward expanding and improving the school’s playground, by adding structures for all ages and abilities.

Cost is $150 per person and $550 per foursome. It will be a 9 a.m. scramble start and includes contests such as a $10,000 hole-in-one chance, on-course refreshments, lunch, gifts and more.

For information or to register, visit bit.ly/wildcat-golf.

Garden club releases 2022 ornament

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(Courtesy of Joan Hepscher)

The Dade City Garden Club since 1994 has designed and sold an annual ornament depicting landmarks, institutions, and activities of Dade City to help to preserve its rich history and strengthen community pride.

The design of the 2022 ornament is based on the garden club itself, and is issued during the club’s 75th anniversary year.

The ornament’s tree denotes the center of the club, with roots running deep into the ground to sustain it.

The club is divided into six circles and each of the flowers on the design represents one of the circles: azalea, camellia, hibiscus, hollyhock, magnolia and poinsettia. The flowers are as varied as the circles they symbolize, and each contributes to the overall mission of education and community enrichment.

The sale of the yearly ornaments is a major fundraiser for the garden club and proceeds are used to maintain the club’s historic building and grounds, and to support its community projects.

Each ornament costs $22 and can be purchased through a garden club member or at the Dade City Chamber of Commerce. Checks should be made out to the Dade City Garden Club.

For information, call Mona Goossens at 352-457-6439.

Published October 26, 2022

The library is not just for books anymore

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Pasco County Libraries (PCL) is now offering the community the chance to borrow all sorts of items other than books, as part of its new Library of Things collection.

Nontraditional items can now be found in the Pasco County Libraries’ new Library of Things. (Courtesy of PascoLibraries.org)

“This new collection is a way for us to provide resources to people in Pasco beyond the typical bounds of a library,” said Program Manager Robert Harrison, in a news release.

“Our hope is that these nontraditional items will further the educational and cultural values of our community,” said Harrison.

Items in the Library of Things include: bird-watching kits, bakeware, children’s toys, adaptive toys, book club kits, Wi-Fi hotspots, and more, the release said.

Everything in the collection was provided for by the Friends of the Pasco County Library System, with the exclusion of the bird-watching kits that were provided by the West Pasco Audubon Society.

PCL offers these guidelines for checking out items:

  • The Library of Things collection is available only to verified library cards in good standing.
  • A damaged or incomplete item may result in a replacement fee.
  • The cardholder is responsible for material checked out to their card.
  • Items should be returned in the same condition as they were upon checkout.
  • Each item has its own loan period.
  • Pick up and return items to the Service Desk.
  • Items may have specific guidelines listed online or on the checkout bag.

For more information about the new program, and the library catalog, e-content and events, as well as links to all library branches, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Published October 26, 2022

Health News 10/26/2022

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Enthusiastic support for cancer society
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club has supported the annual American Cancer Society’s Making Strides walk at The Shops at Wiegrass through active participation and monetary donations. The ladies manned the welcome tent and the Little Women of Lutz passed out water bottles to the participating walkers. Debbie Cardona, along with her pup, took a break in the big pink chair and greeted onlookers. For information about the club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org or its Facebook page.

Hospital celebrates 10 years
AdventHealth Wesley Chapel is celebrating a legacy of transforming health care in the community, for the past 10 years.

The original $150 million investment was the first hospital in Wesley Chapel and opened with 83 beds on Oct. 1, 2012, according to a news release.

Since opening, the hospital has invested more than $400 million in expansion and services to provide award-winning care to more than 800,000 patients, the release said.

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel has amassed national accolades over the years and has exceeded community milestones, including:

  • Achieving 14 consecutive Leapfrog “A” grades in patient safety
  • Performing over 56,000 surgeries
  • Delivering more than 5,000 babies
  • Providing more than $307 million in community benefit services

“It has been an honor to be a part of this truly remarkable team since the first day as we embarked on providing the highest quality of care to the Wesley Chapel community,” said Dawn Hicks-Waldron, chief nursing officer, in the release.

“Our commitment to creating a five-star, patient-focused consumer experience for everyone who enters our doors remains steadfast as we embark on the next 10 years,” Hicks-Waldron said.

Enhanced technology
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz now offers patients an enhanced colonoscopy screening with the help of an innovative technology. This technology, called GI Genius intelligent endoscopy, uses artificial intelligence to help physicians detect polyps — a powerful new ally in the fight against colorectal cancer, according to a news release.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer diagnosed in the U.S., with almost 150,000 new cases every year, the release said.

The module uses advanced artificial intelligence software to highlight suspicious polyps visually and in real-time, serving as the gastroenterologist’s second observer.

The images are processed using advanced algorithms that can identify and mark abnormalities consistent with polyps, including small flat polyps that might otherwise go undetected by the human eye.

St. Joseph’s-North was the first among the 15 BayCare hospitals to offer this module for colonoscopies.

For more information on BayCare cancer screenings, including colonoscopies, visit BayCare.org/honor-screenings.

Chalk Talk 10/26/2022

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(Courtesy of PHSC Foundation)

Foundation receives $3,000 donation
The GHC Ladies Auxiliary presented a $3,000 donation to the PHSC (Pasco-Hernando State College) Foundation for its student scholarships. The auxiliary hosts fundraisers throughout the year in support of various initiatives and organizations in the community. To make a scholarship donation, visit Giving.PHSC.edu, or call the foundation office at 727-816-3410.

Zephyrhills High reunion
The Zephyrhills High School Class of 1972 will host its 50th reunion, including:

  • Homecoming Game on Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m.
  • “A Night to Remember” dinner/dance on Oct. 29 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the Scotland Yards Clubhouse, 9429 U.S. 301 in Dade City — $45 per person
  • Sunday Brunch, on Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by a “Memory Lane Stroll” down iconic Fifth Avenue

For more information, call the school at 813-794-6100.

Recycle your pumpkins
Learning Gate Community School’s environmental science teacher Steve Warrener’s classes have just started an adopt-a-farm program with Happy Farm, 16610 Tobacco Road in Lutz, for composting.

The public can drop off their pumpkins anytime from Nov. 1 to Nov. 15 in the bins at the farm (signs will be posted). Pumpkins must not be treated with any preservatives.

Warrener also can do bulk pickup if anyone is interested.

For more information, email .

Culinary Arts bake sale
The Land O’ Lakes Academy of Culinary Arts is offering its 11th annual Fall Bake Sale. Items up for grabs include: Apple Crumble Coffee Cake, $10; French Silk Pie, $12; Pumpkin Cream Cheese Roll, $10; Kentucky Pecan Pie, $15; Vegan + GF Apple Cranberry Crisp, $14; and Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies, $10.

Order deadline is Nov. 4. Pickup is Nov. 16, Nov. 17 and Nov. 18 in the Lakeview Café.

For information and questions, email Chef Blythe at or Chef Cooper at ">.

Fall Heritage Festival
Moore-Mickens Education and Vocational Center, 38301 Martin Luther King Blvd., in Dade City, will host its third annual Fall Heritage Festival on Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will include food, live music, vendors, artists, and Buffalo Soldiers. Admission is $7; $25 VIP seating (with an RSVP). For information, call 352-518-8008.

50th Anniversary
Pasco-Hernando State College will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a free commmunity West Campus Anniversary Celebration. Activities will include games and prizes, music, refreshments, and tours of the campus (fees for new student applications will be waived during the event.) To learn more, visit PHSC.edu/history.

A meaningful conversation
The Saint Leo University Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies (CCJS) will present “Why Dialogue Matters” on Nov. 10 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Congregation Schaarai Zedek, 3303 W. Swann Ave., in Tampa.

This conversation will focus on why the practice of dialogue is essential for the health of traditions, institutions and society.

Guest speakers will be Rabbi David Maayan, Cohn visiting chair in Jewish Thought and assistant director of CCJS, and Dr. Matthew Tapie, associate professor of theology and director of CCJS.

Joining in the panel wil be Friar Henry Fulmer, Sacred Heart Catholic Church; Rabbi Rachel Blatt, Congregation Kol Ami; and Rabbi Joel Simon, Congregation Schaarai Zedek.

Prior to the event, an hors d’oeuvre reception will take place at 6:15 p.m. An RSVP is required online at SaintLeo.edu/Why-Dialogue-Matters.

The program will conclude with a presentation of the 18th Eternal Light Award to Dr. Eugene Fisher for his 50 years of contributions to Catholic-Jewish relations.

Admission is free.

For information, email , or call 352-588-7298.

School Choice events
Mark your calendar with the following dates related to School Choice in Pasco County:

  • Nov. 14 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Pasco Pathways Expo, at River Ridge High School
  • Nov. 17 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Pasco Pathways Expo, at Wesley Chapel High School
  • Jan. 9 to Jan. 20: Pasco Pathways Application Window
  • Feb. 27 to March 8: Notification and Acceptance Window

For more information, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/schoolchoice.

Playground fundraiser
Odessa Elementary School will host a golf tournament at Cheval Golf Club, at 4312 Cheval Blvd., in Lutz, on Nov. 13. Money raised from the event will go toward expanding and improving the school’s playground, by adding structures for all ages and abilities.

Cost is $150 per person and $550 per foursome. It will be a 9 a.m. scramble start and includes contests such as a $10,000 hole-in-one chance, on-course refreshments, lunch, gifts and more.

For information or to register, visit bit.ly/wildcat-golf.

Options after high school
Education after high school does not necessarily have to be a traditional four-year college degree, according to a news release from the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA).

Two-year degrees can prepare students to continue at a four-year school, but it also can lead directly to a job in the workforce, the release said.

Diplomas and certificates in specialized skills can give students the knowledge they need to compete for good jobs in industry and other careers. These programs can take six to 18 months to complete.

Nearly all states offer grants and scholarships for in-state students, and many offer specific grants for students who want to become teachers or work in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields.

In many states, members of the National Guard also can take advantage of student aid programs geared to guard members.

In addition, most technical schools, two-year colleges and four-year colleges and universities offer their own grants, scholarships and other student aid programs.

Students should check with the financial aid office of the school they plan to attend, to help them understand these and other aid programs.

KHEAA is a public, nonprofit agency established to improve students’ access to college. It provides information about financial aid and financial literacy at no cost to students and parents.

To learn more about its services, visit KHEAA.com. For information about financial aid and college planning, visit ALStudentAid.com.