The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Committed to keeping it clean

By

(Courtesy of Marie Ambrosino)

The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club participated in the Adopt a Road project, in an effort to keep its community looking great. The club’s environment chair Cara Alberghina contacted Pasco County and received gloves and vests, and was assigned a street just outside the community’s district park. Seventeen participants helped to clean up the area, including club member’s families and friends. Drinks were provided for everyone. The women have committed to a cleanup four times a year.

Vincent is quite special

By

Vincent, a Siberian cat, bonded from the beginning with his owner. Vincent, aka Vinny, had a rough start to life, as he was rescued from the snow in Manhattan, New York. Now living in Wesley Chapel, Vinny has loved the Florida sun from Day One, He sits in the screened-in pool area during the day. He also loves to snuggle in bed with his owners. When the family decides to rescue or to train a dog or cat, Vinny is their support fur-baby, as he is gentle and assured, as he shows the pets how to behave. He is kind and gentle, and so unique — almost human. Vinny is 18 years old and is slowing down a little. Eileen said she sometimes wonders, who saved who? Vinny lives in Wesley Chapel with Eileen and Robert Halczyn.

Lazy days of summer

By

Laurie Kimball caught these two baby raccoons resting in her backyard oak tree, in Land O’ Lakes.

Center adds audio description for patrons

By

The Carrollwood Cultural Center will increase accessibility for blind and low-vision patrons, by offering audio description for all future center-produced theatrical performances.

The center recently purchased a new assistive listening system, using funds from the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay Competitive Grant. The center also received grant funding through the AARP Community Challenge, to train personnel to provide live audio description services, according to a news release.

Audio description is a live narration of the visual elements of a performance, such as lights, costumes, actions, textures and scenery.

The new system will enable patrons who are hard of hearing to tune into a high-quality audio stream through the center’s wireless network. The patron then can access the frequency through an application on their cellphone, the release said.

The new assistive listening system is part of a larger programming initiative the center has planned for Blind Awareness Month in October.

Events will include Blind Visionaries, a live concert on Oct. 8 at 8 p.m., featuring Daniel Kelly compositions inspired by light photography created by the blind and visually impaired members of The Seeing with Photography Collective. Blind Visionaries also will host a light painting workshop on the same day, at 3 p.m.

Other planned activities include a touch-sensitive gallery exhibition, “Beyond Sight,” from Sept. 28 through Oct. 29, and a free lecture called “The Art of (Braille)” on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit CarrollwoodCenter.org.

Published September 21, 2022

Citizens urged to practice safety, in flooded areas

By

During National Preparedness Month, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) wants to remind citizens to be cautious when driving or cleaning up after a storm, according to a news release.

Storms can easily cause flooding and major damage, including toppled and downed trees. (File)

Flooded areas can have hidden dangers, such as downed power lines, debris and wildlife lurking inside.

The PSO recommends these steps, to stay safe:

  • Never drive through flooded areas. The flooding may be deeper than you think and a small amount of water can float a car, or cause issues such as stalling or loss of control. (Just a foot of water will float most cars; 6 inches of water can cause stalling and loss of control, the release said.)
  • If you must drive during a storm, slow down, allow extra travel time, and plan your route to avoid flooded roadways.
  • Give emergency personnel ample time to clear roadways of debris before driving, unless absolutely necessary.
  • Obey any road closures, emergency personnel or barriers in place. Do not drive around these.
  • Keep landscaping well-maintained before a storm to prevent damage such as tree limbs across power lines.
  • Avoid swimming, walking or other activities in floodwaters or flooded roads.
  • When clearing personal property, be mindful of debris and power lines, and remember to give yourself ample time for breaks while working.
  • Be sure to evaluate your damage carefully and know when to contact authorities for assistance.

Published September 21, 2022

Health News 09/21/2022

By

Dr. Christopher Bucciarelli

Board member named
Dr. Christopher Bucciarelli, chief medical officer at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz, was named to the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA Governance Board, whose members provide fiduciary oversight, set strategic direction and ensure the Y is executing its cause-driven purpose to strengthen the community. The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA has 15 locations in Hillsborough and Pasco counties, including Carrollwood, Dade City, New Tampa and Zephyrhills.

Cyberbullying & social media
Congressman Gus Bilirakis met with several local teens who serve as leaders of the organization STAND in Pasco County, according to a news release.

The lawmaker reached out for input about the teens’ experiences with cyberbullying, social media, and the impact that use has had on their mental health and the mental health of their peers.

Cybercrime against children is a substancial and growing concern.

“These students are remarkable. They’re committed to making a positive impact on the lives of others through advocacy and engagement,” said Bilirakis in the release.

“Unfortunately, many of them report having experienced negative impacts to their mental health as a result of their online activities and cyberbullying. ..They reported incidence of bullying, harassment, and even blackmail via social media platforms, with no remedy or recourse available to them,” said Bilirakis.

The feedback that was given aligns with reports recently heard from Pasco County law enforcement leaders.

Bilirakis has filed the Cooperating Among Police, Tech, and Users to Resist Exploitation (or CAPTURE), which already has received a legislative hearing in the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcomittee, the release said.

“Too often we’ve seen bad actors utilize social media platforms to facilitate crime by luring and exploiting children and other vulnerable populations,” said Bilirakis. “We must hold them accountable for doing better.”

Grant applications sought
The American Lung Association has announced the start of its 2023-2024 research awards and grants cycle, according to a news release.

The organization is accepting research grant applications from researchers in Florida and across the nation with the potential to improve prevention, detection and treatment options for all lung diseases, including lung cancer.

Research projects funded by the Lung Association are carefully selected through rigorous scientific review, and awardees represent the investigation of a wide range of complex issues to reduce the suffering and burden of lung disease.

“Here in Tampa and across the state, we have wonderful search institutions and leading-edge researchers,” said Steven Riddle, executive director for the American Lung Association in Tampa, in the release.

“The Lung Association is committed to supporting the best scientific minds to help develop solutions to alleviate the burden of lung disease. We encourage innovative researchers in Tampa to apply for these grants,” said Riddle.

Current available research funding opportunities, according to the release, are:

  • COVID-19 & Respiratory Virus Research Award: $100,000 per year for up to two years
  • Lung Cancer Discovery Award: $100,000 per year for up to two years
  • Allergic Respiratory Diseases Award: $75,000 per year for up to two years
  • Innovation Award: $75,000 per year for up to two years
  • Catalyst Award: $50,000 per year for up to two years
  • Public Policy Research Award: $50,000 per year for up to two years
  • Dalsemer Award: $50,000 per year for up to two years.

For detailed information about the active research funding opportunities, visit Lung.org/awards.

Chalk Talk 09/21/2022

By

One Nation event
Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch will host its “One Nation” civic engagement event on Sept. 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., via Zoom, to encourage students to register to vote with the party of their choice.

The guest speakers will be the Hon. Jane L. Campbell, president and CEO of the United States Capitol Historical Society; Dr. Allida Black, historian and trustee at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum; and Dr. Camesha Whittaker, senior vice president of Ed Farm.

For more information, email Davina Jones at ">.

(Courtesy of AdventHealth West Florida Division)

A decade of training new health care workers
Leaders at AdventHealth Tampa celebrated their 10th cohort of college students to graduate the Digestive Health Institute Summer Research Program at the hospital. The students participated for three months to gain operating room (OR) experience, work with patients in clinics, make rounds in the hospital, and present their own research project at the end of the program. ‘This program allows young students a small taste of what it is to be a surgeon,’ said Dr. Sharona Ross, advanced foregut and HPB surgeon at the Digestive Institute in Tampa, in a news release. Many students continue to work at AdventHealth while applying to medical schools. Here, students learn in the OR, as part of the summer program.

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 .

Back to School donation
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club donated new and gently used clothing to stock the Back to School Boutique at a local church, which provides free clothing to high school students in need.

The ladies unpacked, sorted and sized clothing and footwear, into a divided room with specific “departments.”

The event was so successful, the club is considering the need for a permanent year-round boutique closet.

For information, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org, or its Facebook page.

Educational website
The Southwest Florida Water Management District has a new educational website for students. (Content is tailored to upper elementary and middle school students.)

H2O Zone is a one-stop shop where students can dive into the world of water and learn about a variety of topics.

Visitors to the site can explore everything from the water cycle and watersheds, to wetlands and water conservation.

The newly redesigned site also features a word glossary.

Visit H2O Zone at WaterMatters.org/H2Ozone.

School safety standards
The National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) and Saint Leo University’s Center for Alternative Pathway Programs (CAPP) have partnered to develop the NSA School Safety Recognition Initiative, which consists of an online assessment that evaluates the effectiveness of a school’s safety efforts against six key categories, as outlined in the association’s School Safety Resolution, according to a news release.

The initiative was created following the Parkland school shooting, to create closer bonds between schools and their law enforcement parties. One of the main goals is to help incentivize schools to re-engage school safety as a priority and to help improve school safety preparedness.

Saint Leo was chosen as an educational partner for the project because of its history and success in facilitating onine learning. The university also offers four-year degree programs in criminal justice and emergency management.

To participate in the initiative, school administrators complete an online application that assesses their school’s safety preparedness efforts against six categories that include: community stakeholders; risk assessment; behavioral assessment/emotional security measures; physical security; policy and procedures; and emergency preparedness. The online assessment is $65 and can be found at tinyurl.com/2p9aveya.

Once administrators complete the assessment, Saint Leo reviews and evaluates the results.

Schools that successfully meet all the criteria receive a letter of recognition from the National Sheriffs’ Association for their efforts to keep their students, faculty and staff safe.

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 released 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.

Business Digest 09/21/2022

By

Pasco EDC award winners
Six businesses and a community leader were recognized during the Pasco Economic Development Council’s 34th annual awards ceremony.

The development council’s event was on Sept. 8, at the Pasco-Hernando State College’s Instructional Performing Arts Center, at 8657 Old Pasco Road, in Wesley Chapel.

This year’s award finalists included companies that exhibited exemplary growth through job creation, capital investment, technology, innovation, and community service, according to a news release from the economic development organization.

Here are the winners from this year’s event:

  • Pasco Establishment Award: TouchPoint Medical Inc.
  • Innovation in Business Award: Rasmussen University
  • International Achievement: Morganna’s Alchemy, LLC
  • Economic Excellence Award: Santander Consumer USA
  • SMARTstart Entrepreneur of the Year: Life Essentials Refillery
  • People’s Choice Award, chosen “by the people” in an online vote: AdventHealth
  • Leadership Award: Billy E. Brown, of Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative

Nearly 400 people attended the award program, which was followed by a dessert and networking hour, giving guests a chance to mingle and develop more business connections.

Zephyrhills Chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its next business breakfast on Oct. 6 at 7 a.m., at the Golden Coral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. Admission is $10 for members and $12 for non-members.

Greater Pasco Chamber bingo
The ambassadors of the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host an Ambassadors Bingo Bash on Sept. 22, at the New Port Richey Elks Lodge, 7201 Congress St. in New Port Richey. Registration is at 5:45 p.m. Games begin at 6:30 p.m.

Contact the chamber for more information, at 727-842-7651 or 813-909-2722.

North Tampa Bay Chamber awards
The North Tampa Bay Chamber is planning its annual Celebrating Excellence Awards for Nov. 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, 6034 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel.

The awards celebrate businesses in the region, and recognize people and companies that have demonstrated a unique vision, innovation, and best business practices.

The awards are based on the chamber’s four core values.

The awards are broken down by the number of employees — one to 20 and 21-plus — in each of these categories:

  • Excellence in Integrity: Honoring an organization that has demonstrated commitment and resilience during the past year that has benefited the community and region
  • Excellence in Collaboration: Honoring an organization that has sought to build bridges and partner with individuals and groups that have strengthened the community and region during the past year
  • Excellence in Inclusivity: Honoring an organization that has demonstrated, through its organizational culture or in service to the community, leadership in diversity and inclusion practice during the past year
  • Excellence in Innovation: Honoring an organization that has demonstrated unique ingenuity during the past year that has benefited the community and region

The ceremony also honors community heroes, who are individuals who have showcased their efforts, concern, and compassionate response to the pandemic.

To nominate an individual or organization for an award, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

New offerings at The Shops at Wiregrass
Two new culinary options have been announced at The Shops at Wiregrass, an open-air shopping center at the intersection of State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, in Wesley Chapel.

The Living Room Restaurant and Lounge, an eclectic restaurant concept, originally from Dunedin, is now in its soft-opening stage. Its menu is inspired by global cuisine, and its upscale, yet relaxed, dining room invites guests to enjoy an immersive space designed with various curated seating areas for a different dining experience every time. It is now serving a limited menu and has modified hours, but will expand more when it gets closer to its grand opening date.

Another offering, which will open this fall, is Leonidas Belgian Chocolates, a premium chocolate company first introduced to the United States in 1991. The shop is located next to JCPenney and will offer an assortment of fine chocolates.

The Shops at Wiregrass currently has 30 culinary retailers with new additions on the way, such as Crazy Sushi, opening later this year.

To explore The Shops’ dining options, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com/directory/#Restaurant.

To learn more about the shopping center, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com.

SMARTstart programs
SMARTstart is the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s capstone program, aimed at engaging entrepreneurs and creating job opportunities in Pasco County. It has a suite of programs intended to benefit companies of all sizes, from start-up to established businesses. It also has incubator and microloan programs. To find out more, visit SMARTSTARTPasco.com.

Free business advice
Pasco Hernando SCORE offers free individual, confidential small business mentoring. It also provides a wealth of free, practical help for businesses. To request a mentor or find out more, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

Laser is happy-go-lucky

By

Laser is an 11-year-old short-haired red mini dachshund, but don’t tell him he is a mini because he will never believe you! He’s has been part of the Jackson family since he was a puppy. Laser has always been a very high-energy dog, even now in his senior years. He loves to take walks in the neighborhood and visit everyone along the way. In fact, Laser is more well-known in our community than his parents. He doesn’t even mind going to the vet because he gets to meet and interact with new people. Laser has been through a several medical issues, but none have slowed him down. Sarah and Paul Jackson, of Land O’ Lakes, love their little Laser Beam.

Look out for cars, and gators, too

By

Lynn Steffen spotted this reptilian in a crosswalk in Connerton, a community in Land O’ Lakes. This alligator seems to know the importance of crossing at crosswalks, or perhaps he was just trying to avoid a speed bump?