The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Chalk Talk 10/12/2022

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(Courtesy of Vanessa White, Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class)

Zephyrhills native builds on Seabees 80-year legacy
Since 1942, sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Construction Force have been building and fighting around the world. Construction worker Isaiah Mosley, a Zephyrhills native, is one of those sailors. Eighty years ago, members of Navy Construction Battalions were fittingly nicknamed ‘Seabees,’ a play on the C and B initials. They are responsible for building military bases and airfields, supporting humanitarian efforts and conducting underwater construction projects. Mosley, a 2018 graduate of the James Irwin Education Center, currently serves with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion One at the headquarters for naval construction forces in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Saint Leo alumnus to speak
Saint Leo University’s “Mission-Driven Leaders: Conversations on Purpose” program will return on Oct. 14 at 9:30 a.m., at 33701 State Road 52, in the Greenfelder-Denlinger Boardrooms, in the Student Community Center, in St. Leo, as well as via Zoom.

The guest speaker will be alumnus Colin Bryant, sports executive, on the topice of preparing NBA players for life on and off the court.

Registration is required to attend, for both in-person and Zoom, online at Calendar.saintleo.edu/event.

Poster/bookmark contests
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with its annual Poster and Bookmark Contests for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

The art contests are a way for kids and teens to celebrate the culture and traditions of Hispanic Americans reflected throughout the community.

The contests are open to elementary, middle and high school students, and prizes will be awarded to the winners.

Students in kindergarten through eighth grade can design a bookmark using crayons, markers, colored pencils or paint.

High school students can participate in the poster contest that celebrates Hillsborough’s Hispanic heritage. The poster must be 8 ½ inches by 11 inches.

Participants can scan and submit their finished artwork electronically, via email, to , or drop it off at any public library through Oct. 15, by 5 p.m.

Winners will receive prizes including art supply packages and the opportunity to have their creation professionally printed.

For inspiration, students can view last year’s winning bookmarks and posters at HCPLC.org/events/hispanic-heritage-winners-2021.

Imagine School fundraiser
Trinity Outback Steakhouse, 10860 State Road 54 in Trinity, will host a Give Back Event on Oct. 19 starting at 5 p.m.

Fifteen percent of a diner’s total check will go to support Imagine School of Land O’ Lakes.

For information and to get a flyer to present when dining, call 813-428-7444.

Master’s degree info session
Saint Leo University will host an information session on its Master of Business Administration degree program on Oct. 19 at 6 p.m., via Zoom.

Those interested in gaining a competitive edge, developing a deeper skill set and understanding of business functions, and making an impact in their business, organization and community, are invited to attend.

The MBA program is offered online and on campus with classes available during the day and evening, weekdays and weekends. Students can complete the degree by earning 33 credits in 12 calendar months.

To register for the event, visit Calendar.saintleo.edu/tcob/event.

Taste of India
Carrollwood Day School, 1515 W. Bearss Ave., in Tampa, invites the community to its Indian Culture Club’s “Taste of India 2022” on Oct. 21.

There will be a bazaar and dinner in the Student Union from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by student performances and entertainment. Dinner seating is limited. The cost is $25 per person.

For information and to register (by Oct. 14), visit https://www.events.org/cPage.aspx?e=142291.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Early release dates for Pasco
Pasco County Schools is utilizing a monthly, two-hour early release time again this year, to allow for staff to engage in professional development aligned with student needs, and district and school priorities, according to a news release.

Scheduled early release days for the 2022-2023 school year are: Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Jan. 11, Feb. 1, March 8 and April 12.

On each of these days, students will be release two hours early. The bell times and early release times for each school, can be found at Pasco.k12.fl.us/site/pcs_bell_schedule.

Arturo is as ‘soft as cotton’

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Arturo is a 2-year-old Coton de Tulear rescue. He loves cooling off on the patio floor. The Coton de Tuléar is a breed of small dog known for its cotton-like coat and named for the city of Tulear (also known as Toliara) in Madagascar. This breed is thought to have originated from a group of small white dogs that swam across the Malagasy channel following a shipwreck. Arturo lives with the Blomstrom family — Maddox and Jeff — in Land O’ Lakes.

Showing its colors

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Cathy Vitone found this anole on a crepe myrtle tree in her backyard, in Land O’ Lakes. These lizards inhabit many different types of ecosystems, including deserts, rainforests, scrublands, caves, and even urban areas such as parks and gardens. A variety of the species either live most of their life in trees, or part of their life in trees. The lizard’s colorful chin flap (a dewlap) is used to attract a mate, defend territory, or deter predators.

A ‘salute’ to service

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Gulfside Healthcare Services staff members and volunteers were recognized for their contributions as a veteran or first responder. From left: Clint Boyd, Brett Kessel, Malcolm Byrd, Julie Buck, Jonathan Cashman, Marilyn Essert, David Deenihan, Brenda Freeman and Darlene Boyd. (Courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services)

To celebrate the launch of Gulfside Healthcare Services’ We Salute Veterans & Applaud First Responders program, nine staff members and volunteers from Gulfside were recognized, during a pinning ceremony.

The new program serves to honor and thank patients, families and community members for their service as a veteran or a first responder.

Recipients were: Clint Boyd, Brett Kessel, Malcolm Byrd, Julie Buck, Jonathan Cashman, Marilyn Essert, David Deenihan, Brenda Freeman and Darlene Boyd. Each received a pin, certificate, and custom padfolio, as a keepsake.

“We get to honor you for your commitment and your service to the community and our country,” said Linda Ward, president and CEO of Gulfside, in a news release.

“It’s just wonderful that we have our employees to recognize, their family members, and our volunteers. Thank you for your service and thank you for all you do. Today is for you,” Ward said.

Gulfside representatives are available to host a community pinning at special events and for other organizations.

For information about the We Salute program, visit Gulfside.org, or call 800-561-4883.

Published October 05, 2022

Maximus is a love bug

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Maximus is 9 years old, and just always wants to be where his humans are. Maximus lives in Wesley Chapel with his owner, Heidi Davidson.

Health News 10/05/2022

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(Courtesy of BayCare Health System)

Lutz hospital receives award
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz achieved a Healthy People 2030 goal for low-risk cesarean sections. Healthy People 2030 is a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services initiative that sets data-driven national objectives to improve health and well-being over the next decade. The hospital was one of 26 in Florida to receive the award for reducing unnecessary c-sections. From left: Michele Velasquez; Kelly Howard; FDOH (Florida Department of Health) official Dr. Ulyee Choe; OB/GYN physician Dr. Jessica Greer; FDOH state surgeon general Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo; St. Joseph’s Hospital-North president Tom Garthwaite; Julie VanLaningham; Kathleen Webster; and Teresa Hampton. Velasquez, Howard, VanLaningham, Webster and Hampton are team members in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s Labor & Delivery and Women’s Services departments.

Mammograms are important
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz is encouraging women to make an appointment for a mammogram.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among American women, according to a news release.

Getting a mammogram screening is the best way to detect breast cancer early, the release said.

“It is so important to get routine breast screening mammorgrams because it allows us to detect cancer at its earliest stages,” said Dr. Diane Durgan in the release.

“This in turn offers the best chance of survival for breast cancer when it is caught and treated early,” said Durgan.

For information about Breast Cancer Awareness Month and mammogram appointments, visit ItsInOurHands.org.

Breast Cancer Foundation
The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation will be the featured charity at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office for the month of October.

The foundation’s main objectives are to advocate on behalf of patients, educate the public on all aspects of breast cancer, and to provide funds for research seeking new treatments and ultimately a cure for breast cancer.

“We are proud to once again team up with the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation to help shine a spotlight on the needs of breast cancer patients and their families,” said Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano in a news release.

“The funds our office raises will contribute toward the advancement of research, new treatments, and direct support for breast cancer patients,” said Fasano.

Donations will be collected at all tax collector office locations, which can be found at PascoTaxes.com.

For details regarding the promotion, call Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179.

New doctors added
The Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI) has announced the addition of three surgeons to its team: Dr. Craig S. Radnay, Dr. James J. Creighton III and Dr. Christopher Flanagan.

Radnay is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports and rescontructive foot and ankle surgery, as well as sports medicine and arthritic disorders of the knee.

Creighton is board eligible by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. He did two fellowships to specialize in upper extremity surgery, and cares for all upper extremity conditions.

Flanagan completed an Orthopedic Trauma Fellowship with the FOI. He specializes in the delivery of complex fracture care, as well as the management of the after-effects associated with traumatic injury. The doctor also performs academic research to develop the next generation of patient care techniques.

Chalk Talk 10/05/2022

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(Courtesy of Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce)

Citizens of the Month honored
The East Pasco Chamber Foundation in partnership with the Greater Zehyrhills Chamber of Commerce recognized 10 students as the Greater Zephyrhills Student Citizens of the Month (September). Students are chosen by the teachers and administration of their individual schools for exemplary effort, achievement, and contribution to their school, family and community. These students received the honor: Adam ‘AJ’ Byro Jr., Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Nickolas Kluge, Chester Taylor Elementary School; Brantley Raza, Heritage Academy; Kimberly Zurita, Stewart Middle; Ethan West and Rebekah Santiago, The Broach School; Lilly Saunders, West Zephyrhills Elementary; Abdiel Ruziga, Woodland Elementary; Arya Thurston, Zephyrhills Christian Academy; and Alyssa Rojas, Zephyrhills High.

ABC program supported
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices collected funds and distributed checks to five schools identified as high need for their respective ABC (Assist, Believe & Care) Programs.

The programs were created to provide financial assistance to students and their families who are experiencing economic hardship, especially when those needs interfere with the student’s ability to be academically successful.

The cash donated goes into a fund that teachers can use when they see or learn of a need a child may have.

Managers and staff from all tax office locations in Pasco County delivered a $1,000 check to each of these schools: Rodney B. Cox Elementary, West Zephyrhills Elementary, Denham Oaks Elementary, Chasco Elementary and Sunray Elementary, according to a news release.

“Life in general, the uncertainty that COVID brought to so many families and other factors have put economic pressure on many Pasco residents,” said Fasano in the release.

“The strain can be enormous, especially when a parent loses a job, or a single parent is struggling to raise children while doing all they can to make ends meet. Children without food, adequate clothing or other unmet needs often suffer academically….The assistance provided helps students get back on track and stay on track,” said Fasano.

Financial aid deadlines
Students should keep a close eye on deadlines when applying for student financial aid, according to a KHEAA (Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority) news release.

Every scholarship or grant a student receives can reduce their dependence on student loans.

Here are some helpful tips from KHEAA, according to the release:

  • File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible, beginning Oct. 1. The FAFSA submission must be completed to qualify for most state and federal student aid.
  • Check with the financial aid offices of the schools applied to, to determine if they require any forms other than FAFSA.
  • Look for scholarships using a free online scholarship search.
  • Attend college fairs and financial aid seminars offered. If a company charges a fee for helping with applications, remember that a student can do it themselves, for free. If paying for help, make sure the company is reputable by checking with the attorney general’s office or the Better Business Bureau in your area, as well as the area where the firm is located.

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.

For more about the services, visit KHEAA.com.

Student achievement
Aaron Hatrick, of Zephyrhills, earned a Doctor of Philosophy, English, from Baylor University, Waco, Texas, during summer commencement ceremonies.

Early release dates for Pasco
Pasco County Schools is utilizing a monthly, two-hour early release time again this year, to allow for staff to engage in professional development aligned with student needs, and district and school priorities, according to a news release.

Scheduled early release days for the 2022-2023 school year are: Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Jan. 11, Feb. 1, March 8 and April 12.

On each of these days, students will be release two hours early. The bell times and early release times for each school, can be found at Pasco.k12.fl.us/site/pcs_bell_schedule.

Poster/bookmark contests
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with its annual Poster and Bookmark Contests for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

The art contests are a way for kids and teens to celebrate the culture and traditions of Hispanic Americans reflected throughout the community.

The contests are open to elementary, middle and high school students, and prizes will be awarded to the winners.

Students in kindergarten through eighth grade can design a bookmark using crayons, markers, colored pencils or paint.

High school students can participate in the poster contest that celebrates Hillsborough’s Hispanic heritage. The poster must be 8 ½ inches by 11 inches.

Participants can scan and submit their finished artwork electronically, via email, to , or drop it off at any public library through Oct. 15, by 5 p.m.

Winners will receive prizes including art supply packages and the opportunity to have their creation professionally printed.

For inspiration, students can view last year’s winning bookmarks and posters at HCPLC.org/events/hispanic-heritage-winners-2021.

Flu season is here

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The Florida Department of Health is encouraging residents to get a flu shot for the 2022-2023 flu season, according to a news release.

The vaccine is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older, including pregnant women. Individuals who are most at risk of severe illness from the flu are young children, pregnant women, people with cetain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease or lung disease, and people age 65 years and older, the release said.

It takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop protection against the flu.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reminds everyone that it is safe to receive a flu vaccine at the same time a COVID-19 vaccine is given.

Each of the Tampa Bay area county health departments, and most pharmacies and primary care physician offices offer flu shots.

For information about the flu and to find locations to get the seasonal vaccine, visit FluFreeFlorida.com.

Here are healthy habits to help prevent the flu:

  • Wash your hands, to help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illness. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing to help prevent those around you from getting sick. Clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces in the home, school or office.
  • Contain the virus, too, and stay home when you are sick.

Chalk Talk 09/28/2022

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(Courtesy of Laurie Roberts)

Local student named rodeo queen
Hannah Forkum, 16, is a junior at Land O’ Lakes High School, and the daughter of Jennifer Roberts, of Land O’ Lakes. Forkum competes in breakaway roping, goat tying, barrel racing, and pole bending, and recently was crowned 2022 Miss Florida High School Rodeo (Queen). She also is an active member of the FFA (Future Farmers of America) and 4-H where she shows hogs and cattle. When she is not at a rodeo, Forkum enjoys working with horses, showing livestock, and spending time with her family and friends.

Speaker series
Saint Leo University is now a preferred provider to RGA (Revenue Generating Activities) Network, a group of networking organizations that supports small businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and salesmen and saleswomen. The network meets in locations throughout Central Florida.

Through the RGA preferred-provider agreement with Saint Leo, members now will receive a 10% tuition discount, according to a news release. And Saint Leo students, alumni, staff and faculty are offered RGA Network membership discounts, as well.

As members, students will have access to mentoring from RGA industry experts.

In addition, the Tampa Education Center, 1403 N. Howard Ave., in Tampa, will host an RGA Speaks-Speaker Series, similar to a TED-talk with industry experts, career advice, and more.

The next session is Sept. 29 at 6 p.m., on the topic of “Notepad to Launchpad!” featuring a 90-day sprint framework, discussion of shifting into motion, and how to adapt and overcome problems.

Other upcoming sessions are scheduled for Oct. 27 and Dec. 1.

The network group has meetings each week, including at 11:30 a.m., on Fridays, at Green Door on 8th, 14148 Eighth St., in Dade City.

For more information, contact Tiffany Anderson at or 813-226-2778.

Job Fair
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) and CareerSource Pasco Hernando will host a free Job Fair on Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the PHSC West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey, in R-151.

For questions, email Jackie Eden at or Nathan Stevens at .

Scholarship semifinalists
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has announced the names of 16,000 semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

The students have an opportunity to continue in the competition for 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring, according to a news release.

About 95% of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists will win a scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.

The high school students from The Laker/Lutz News area that were recognized are:

  • Salpriya Gande and Saneyah Khan, of Academy at the Lakes
  • Anastasia Bogdatova, of Cypress Creek High School
  • Jessica Afiat and Britney Pun, of Freedom High
  • Liam Ballard, Sara Fernandez and Olivia West, of Gaither High
  • Thehan Atalugama, Hannah Beatty, Andrew Domonkos, Sarvesh Gade, Allen Ho, Rishabh Kanodia and Andria Wang, of Land O’ Lakes High
  • Kartikeye Gupta, Louis Li and Andrew Maroun, of Steinbrenner High
  • Jenna Ly, of Wesley Chapel High
  • Diganto Ray-Sarkar, of Wiregrass Ranch High

National Merit Scholarship winners of 2023 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July.

Poster/bookmark contests
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with its annual Poster and Bookmark Contests for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

The art contests are a way for kids and teens to celebrate the culture and traditions of Hispanic Americans reflected throughout the community.

The contests are open to elementary, middle and high school students, and prizes will be awarded to the winners.

Students in kindergarten through eighth grade can design a bookmark using crayons, markers, colored pencils or paint.

High school students can participate in the poster contest that celebrates Hillsborough’s Hispanic heritage. The poster must be 8 ½ inches by 11 inches.

Participants can scan and submit their finished artwork electronically, via email, to , or drop it off at any public library through Oct. 15, by 5 p.m.

Winners will receive prizes including art supply packages and the opportunity to have their creation professionally printed.

For inspiration, students can view last year’s winning bookmarks and posters at HCPLC.org/events/hispanic-heritage-winners-2021.