The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Lily likes dressing for Halloween visitors

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Lily is a rescue from Hillsborough County, as part of a multitude of dogs seized from abuse. Lily is the first dog her owner, Marissa Walrath, has ever adopted. Marissa said the poodle changed her life forever, and Lily can now live her life in peace, love and safety.

Anhinga or cormorant?

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The anhinga and cormorant are often confused. They share similar characteristics, such as long, snake-like necks, and can be seen perched along the coast, rivers, lakes or ponds, often cohabiting in the same areas. Cormorants have striking crystal-like blue eyes and anhingas display a striking blue-green eye ring in its breeding plumage. Betsy Crisp said she couldn’t get close enough to decide on which bird this was, when she snapped this photo on Treasure Lake in Land O’ Lakes.

A very happy reader

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The Laker/Lutz News recently received more than 50 submissions in its Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile coloring contest. One of the winners, Hunter Day, expressed his joy and sent this Thank You note to the newspaper staff.

It’s the great pumpkin — patches!

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Fall is here — and with Halloween approaching fast — it’s time to check out these pumpkin patches for jack-o’-lanterns and other harvest-y items and fun activities.

Barton Pumpkin Patch
Where: 16921 Gunn Highway, Odessa
Details: A quaint, little side-of-the-road stand just down the street from Keystone Park. It not only offers pumpkins through October, but provides several fun photo ops with Halloween-themed cutouts.
Info and Hours: Call 727-243-3538.

Bearss Grove
Where: 14316 Lake Magdalene Blvd., Tampa
Details: Shaded by a tent, this pumpkin patch is next to the produce stand that provides local fruits and  vegetables. While there, be sure to check the estimated 400-year-old Live Oak Tree that was named a Millennium Landmark Tree for the State of Florida by the America the Beautiful Fund in 2003 and the 969-pound pumpkin that will be on display for photo ops.
Info and Hours: Visit Facebook.com/BearssGroves.

Boyette Family Farms
Where: 6715 Boyette Road, Wesley Chapel
Details: All are welcome during the fall and harvest season to stroll through its small pumpkin patch, to go along with locally sourced fruits and vegetables, as well as local vendors and food trucks on the weekends.
Info and Hours: Visit Facebook.com/BoyetteFamilyFarms.

Land O’Lakes pumpkin enthusiast Aubrie Provencher happily picks out her favorite from the pumpkin patch at Harvester United Methodist Church, 2432 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, just in time for Halloween. (Mike Camunas)

Harvester Community Church
Where: 2432 Collier Parkway, Land O’Lakes
Details: This one is hard to miss while driving down Collier Parkway. This church has been laying out hundreds of pumpkins in the field in front of its building for years. Proceeds from the pumpkin sales go toward the church’s youth group.
Info: Visit Facebook.com/harvesterumc.

HarvestMoon Fun Farm Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
Where: 15990 Stur St., MasaryktownDetails: Grab a pumpkin, but also get lost in a 5-acre corn maze that has a different design every year. There’s also a cow train, petting farm and a 70-foot jumping pillow. Food and drink options are available, too, for a family friendly afternoon.
Info and Hours: Visit HarvestMoonFl.com.

Raprager Family Farm
Where: 16907 Boy Scout Road, Odessa
Details: It’s a fall festival the whole month of October at this farm, with a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, hayrides, corn pit, pumpkin carving, inflatable haunted maze, haunted barn, 40-foot hay chute slide, axe throwing, live entertainment, gem mining, and even scarecrow contests. Tickets are recommended to be purchased in advance.
Info and Hours: Visit RapragerFamilyFarms.com.

Starkey Market
Where: 3460 Starkey Blvd., Trinity
Details: Through October, Starkey Market will have a pumpkin patch and stand just in front of its general store, which sells local wares and foods, and The Barn, a local watering hole that serves local beers, wines and ciders.
Info and Hours: Visit Facebook.com/starkeymarket.

Gannon Cheney, of Trinity, picks out a small pumpkin at the patch and stand at Starkey Market, 3460 Starkey Blvd., in Trinity.

Sweetfields Farm
Where: 17250 Benes Roush Road, Brooksville
Details: Tickets are required at this farm, but admission includes hayride, hay play area, corn maze, treehouse play area, hay maze, tumbleweed rollers, jumbo foosball, pitcher pump duck races, access to the harvest barn and, of course, the pumpkin patch.
Info and Hours: Visit Sweetfieldsfarm.com.

Watermelon Swim
Where: 19509 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Lutz
Details: Hundreds of pumpkins will surround the indoor swim facility in Lutz, with a portion of the proceeds funding its special abilities program and to help families and continue to offer scholarships at this location. Pumpkins here will be sold up to and on Halloween.
Info and Hours: Visit Facebook.com/watermelonswimflorida.

Published October 19, 2022

James Plumley, of Land O’ Lakes, just keeps rolling his pumpkin selection at Harvester United Methodist Church’s pumpkin patch in Land O’ Lakes.
Diane Plumley, center, helps her grandsons, Oliver, left, and James, take home their pumpkin selections from the patch at Harvester United Methodist Church, 2432 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.
Noah Cheney, of Trinity, can’t decide if he wants a tiny or large pumpkin, or both at Starkey Market’s patch.

Diversity Council seeks new members

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Hillsborough County Commissioners are seeking interested residents to serve on its Diversity Advisory Council.

The council was created to facilitate communication between Hillsborough County government and diverse populations, and to address matters related to diversity that affect county government and its citizens, according to a news release.

The council is comprised of two individuals from each of these categories: African American; Caribbean; Far East Asian; Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender; Hispanic/Latino; Indian Asian; Middle Eastern; Native American; Northern and Southern European; People with Disabilities; and At-Large (Identification with a specific category is not required).

Currently, nine positions are being sought. Terms are for two years.

Appointments are voluntary positions; therefore, members serve without compensation.

All nominees must reside in and be registered voters in Hillsborough County.

Citizens who are interested must submit:

  • An essay of 200-500 words highlighting what their goals would be as a member of the council, and state why they are most suited to carry forth those goals
  • A completed Questionnaire for Diversity Advisory Council
  • A Standards of Conduct Form

Forms and more information are available online at HCFLGov.net. Click on “Government” at the top of the page, then “Boards and Committees.”

Forms can be filled out and printed, then scanned and emailed, faxed or mailed.

Applications are due by the close of business on Nov. 3.

Appointments will be scheduled for a meeting in December.

Published October 19, 2022

Health News 10/19/2022

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(Courtesy of Linda Mitchell)

A little encouragement goes a long way
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Little Women of Lutz participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event at The Shops at Wiregrass. The girls acted as cheerleaders along the 2-mile course, encouraging runners and walkers. Taking part were Katelynn Andrews, Ava Frederick, Fleur VanBurren, Kate Frederick, Jasmin Doering and Alyssa Mitchell. The Little Women group is sponsored by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club and meets the second Tuesday of each month, at the Lutz Community Center, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For information, call Linda Mitchell at 813-389-2910.

OneBlood urges donations
Efforts are underway to replenish Florida’s blood supply following Hurricane Ian.

“Blood donors are urgently needed. If you are eligible to donate blood, we are asking that you please visit a OneBlood donor center or Big Red Bus blood drive as soon as possible,” said Susan Forbes, senior vice president of corporate communications and public relations, in a news release.

All blood types are needed and there is an increased need for O Negative and O Positive donors, as well as platelet donors.

“A sustained donor response is crucial. We are in the midst of an evolving disaster situation that will continue to impact our operations, our team members and blood donors for the foreseeable future. Blood donation is an easy way people can help during this challenging time,” said Forbes.

As a proactive measure, OneBlood also is arranging for shipments of blood to be brought in to Florida by blood centers from around the country to assist with emergent and near-term needs caused by the storm.

To find a donor center or Big Red Bus drive near you, visit OneBlood.org.

For a list of locations where blood donations have been suspended, visit OneBlood.org/lp/hurricane-closures.stml.

New catheterization lab
AdventHealth Tampa announced a $2 million investment in advanced heart care utilizing the most recent GE Allia technology for catheterization procedures, according to a news release.

According to GE, the technology is the first of its kind in Tampa for heart and vascular procedures, one of only three locations in the state of Florida, and one of only 15 in the United States, the release said.

Additionally, the catheterization lab control room is powered by a monitoring unit from Carrot Medical that is only found in two other locations in the U.S.

This updated monitoring system allows for all monitoring to happen on one large screen, integrating into one system.

In addition to heart and vascular procedures, the lab is adaptable for neurological procedures that also require vascular care.

More than $1.3 million of the project was funded by the AdventHealth Tampa Foundation Pepin Heart Institute fund.

Chalk Talk 10/19/2022

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Making up for ‘lost’ time
Pasco County Schools, after consulting with the state, has confirmed that the district will have to make up some of the lost student instructional time experienced due to Hurricane Ian, according to its Facebook page.

In an effort to preserve both the Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks, the district intends to make up the needed instructional time during Semester Two, so there are no changes to the calendar in Semester One, and the Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks will be preserved.

The make-up time will occur as follows:

  • Jan. 3 will be a regular school day for students and staff. That means students will return on Tuesday, a day early from the two-week Winter Break.
  • Feb. 20 will be a regular school day for students and teachers. Currently, it is on the calendar as a non-school day for both, and is Presidents’ Day.
  • All early release days in Semester Two will be full school days. That includes Jan. 11, Feb. 1, March 8 and April 12. By shifting those days to full school days, the district is able to make up the equivalent of two school days. Early release days in Semester One will remain unchanged.

Student achievement
Phebe Albert, of Odessa, earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, with a concentration in Joint Clinical/Neuropsychology from Georgia State University, Atlanta.

Homecoming/Family Weekend
Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, will host its Homecoming and Family Weekend on Oct. 21 to Oct. 23.

There will be a variety of activities, including a Class of 1972 50th reunion; Spirit of Saint Leo Golf Tournament; Brews & Bites; Student Talent Show; Open Swim; Baseball/Softball/Basketball Alumni Games; Mass and Midday Prayer; Lions Rally and Family Fest; Farewell Brunch; and more.

For more information and a schedule of events, visit SaintLeo.edu, and click on the Events Calendar.

Saint Leo rankings
Saint Leo University was ranked among the best universities in the nation in the 2022-2023 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings, according to a news release.

The university also ranked 46th in the nation in the Top Performers on Social Mobility category, and among the top universities nationally for the most international students and campus ethnic diversity.

This news is a change for Saint Leo, which was ranked among the best regional universities last year.

The school received a new classification status for 2023, which elevated it to a new rankings category among other national institutions.

For information on the Best Colleges, visit USNews.com/best-colleges.

With a long history of educating the country’s military personnel, veterans and their families, Saint Leo also claimed top honors from the 2022 Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges, a news release said.

Saint Leo earned rankings of No. 24 among all schools in the United States; No. 3 among online schools; No. 5 among private schools; and No. 7 among schools in the Southeast.

More than one-quarter of Saint Leo’s population is affiliated with the military, including members of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, National Guard members, retired military officers and enlisted veterans, military spouses, dependents and others.

For information about rankings, visit Colleges.militarytimes.com/.

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.

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 .

College essays
Some colleges require high school seniors to submit an essay as part of the admissions process, and that essay also may help when it comes to paying for college, according to the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA).

The quality and thoughtfulness of a college admissions essay can play an important part in a student’s acceptance to their preferred school.

Students should take the extra time to proofread and revise their essay several times, if necessary, and have a teacher, school counselor or parent review the essay before they submit it.

Essays help schools learn more about students by giving them a chance to set themselves apart from other applicants. The more exclusive the college, the more important the essay may be in an admissions decision.

Some schools let students submit nontraditional essays such as poems, song lyrics or videos, which allow students to display their creativity. Students should confirm with the school that nontraditional essays are accepted, before submitting one.

KHEAA is a public, nonprofit agency established in 1966 to help improve students’ access to college. It provides information about financial aid and financial literacy at no cost to students and parents.

For more about its services, visit KHEAA.com

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 community 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.

Fish art contest
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Wildlife Forever, has announced the 25th Anniversary Fish Art Contest.

The contest is designed to inspire creativity, while developing the next generation of anglers and conservationists.

Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can compete in this free contest for a chance to win state and national honors, and prizes.

One first-place winner and one runner-up will be selected for each grade bracket (kindergarten through third grade; fourth through sixth grade; seventh through ninth grade; and 10th through 12th grade). There will be an award for illustrating the best freshwater fish species and one for the best saltwater fish species.

All first-place winners will advance to the National Competition to be judged for top prizes, such as Best of Show.

The deadline to enter is Feb. 28, 2023.

To enter, students from Florida should submit their entry at WildlifeForever.org.

Beach babies!

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Pixie is 5 years old and Chase is 15 years old. They both love going to the beach in their buggy. The pups are good at helping their owner relax. Pixie and Chase live with Rita Debeer in Zephyrhills.

Grace and beauty

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Steve Vinik followed this great egret from his yard in Wesley Chapel, where it was snatching little lizards from a tree. The bird wandered down the street, and in trying to escape Vinik’s prying eye, flew atop the pool house in the Lexington Oaks neighborhood. The egret then magnificently launched itself in another direction.

Choose wisely, to support relief efforts

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Hurricane Ian has had a devastating impact on Southwest Florida, with its record-breaking storm surge. More than 2 million people have been impacted by the storm, suffering from floods, power outages, home displacements and access to basic necessities such as safe water, according to a Better Business Bureau (BBB) news release.

Many charitable organizations are seeking to provide emergency relief and assistance.

To assist donors seeking to support relief efforts, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers these tips:

  • Is the disaster appeal clear? The contribution request clearly should identify what disaster relief activities you are supporting. There are many possibilities: temporary shelter, food, medical, other emergency needs. Don’t assume what the organization does based solely on the group’s name.
  • Does the charity already have a presence in the impacted area? Charities that already have support staff in the impacted areas are more likely to develop help quickly at a time of immediate need.
  • Is the charity an experienced relief organization? Experienced relief organizations will be able to provide help with greater speed and efficiency than a newly created one.
  • If considering crowdfunding, do you know its procedures? Some crowdfunding sites take measures to vet postings after a disaster, others don’t. Review the site’s policies and procedures. If in doubt, it is safest to donate to people who you personally know and trust.
  • Does the organization meet the 20 BBB Charity Standards? The Better Business Bureau recommends donating to charities that meet all 20 of the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. To access a free evaluative report on charities, visit Give.org.

Published October 12, 2022