The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

A cause that is good for the ‘sole’

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Scores of shoes were collected during the 2021 Two Good Soles campaign, a collaborative effort between Pasco County government and the school district, now in its seventh year. (FILE)

The Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office once again is participating in the new shoes and socks collection drive, Two Good Soles, to assist local students and families in need.

The campaign, now in its seventh year, is a collaborative effort between the Pasco County government and the school district.

The goal of the drive is to collect as many new pairs of shoes and socks as possible.

“It is heartbreaking to know that children come to school without socks or shoes in good repair,” said Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano in a news release.

“I am pleased that our office is once again part of this county-wide effort to collect as many pairs of footwear as possible. …Every item will go to a Pasco student in need,” said Fasano.

The need for shoes is primarily at the middle school and high school level, although shoes for elementary students also will be accepted.

The sizes most in need are children’s shoes size 9 and bigger, adult shoes of all sizes, and socks of any size. It is recommended that sneakers, shoes and socks be of a neutral color. However, no flip-flops or open-toed shoes, please.

Donations will be accepted through Oct. 21, the final day of the drive, at the labeled collection box near the door, at these sites:

  • New Port Richey, 8731 Citizens Drive, Room 120
  • Gulf Harbors, 4720 U.S. 19, New Port Richey
  • Land O’ Lakes, 4111 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. (U.S. 41)
  • Wesley Chapel, 4614 Pet Lane, Suite 109 (Lutz)
  • Dade City, 14236 Sixth St., Room 100

For information about the Two Good Soles drive, call Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector for communications and special projects, at 727-847-8179.

Published September 14, 2022

Everyone deserves some downtime

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club took some time off for a beach getaway at Treasure Island, after a very busy summer of projects. This summer respite was a well-deserved break for the ladies, before they dive into a new club year filled with a multitude of community service projects and volunteerism. For more information on the club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.

Mabel and Luna are inseparable

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Mabel (yellow lab) and Luna (black lab) are attached and bonded, not only to each other, but to each member in Kate Myers’ family, in their own way. After Kate had surgery, both dogs would rest their head on Kate’s leg to let her know they were offering comfort. Mabel and Luna live in Land O’ Lakes, but love to visit the dog park in Lutz.

A display of beauty

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Lynn Spradlin snapped this egret, with its beauty on full display, near the retention pond close to her home in Ramblewood Village senior park in Zephyrhills.

Health News 09/07/2022

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Matthew Johnston, chief operating officer (COO), HCA Florida Trinity Hospital (Courtesy of HCA Florida Trinity Hospital)

Chief operating officer named
HCA Florida Trinity Hospital has announced the addition of Matthew Johnston as chief operating officer (COO). Johnston will oversee daily operations with direct supervision of the hospital’s essential departments, according to a news release.

Johnston comes from The Medical Center of Aurora, an HCA system in Colorado, where he was vice president of operations and chief staffing officer. His executive leader responsibilities included rehabilitation services, respiratory therapy, laboratory, wound care, facilities, construction, environmental services, food services, security and guest services with more than 500 caregivers across five campuses, including a Level II trauma center, behavioral health and wellness facility, a boutique surgery hospital and a free-standing rehabilitation facility, the release said.

He joined HCA in 2012 as an administrative resident, and quickly rose through a variety of positions and responsibilities within the Colorado hospitals.

Johnston joined HCA Florida Trinity Hospital on Aug. 15 of this year.

Orthopaedic Institute adds staff
The Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI) announced the addition of Dr. Karen Derr and Dr. Thomas S. Stang to its practice, as it continues to grow across Florida, according to a news release.

Dr. Derr cares for all conditions of the spine and extremities. Her special interests include the non-surgical management and rehabilitation of intervertebral disc-related conditions, such as disc degeneration, disc bulging and disc herniation syndromes.

As a trauma osteopathic orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Stang takes a holistic approach to patient care, recognizing that all body parts/systems are interconnected, and that the musculoskeletal system is fundamental to well-being and the quality of life.

For information, visit FloridaOrtho.com, or all 813-978-9700.

Chalk Talk 09/07/2022

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The GoldRush Dancers welcome students and families to check-in, in the university’s parking garage. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Classes begin at Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University welcomed new students to its campus in Pasco County with two move-in days for new and transfer students.

Incoming students and their families were greeted by volunteers, including faculty, staff, coaches and students, and received keys to their residence halls and information packets.

Saint Leo kicked off the new school year with on-campus classes that started on Aug. 30.

Here are some quick reference stats from move-in day, according to a news release:

  • New students: 988 registered
  • Where they come from: 59% are from Florida; 24% from out of state; and 17% are international students
  • First time college students: 85%; transfer students, 15%
  • Students living on campus: 709; students commuting, 279
  • Top major: biology: biomedical and health sciences
  • Top 10 countries: Bahamas, India, Canada, Jamaica, Brazil, France, Honduras, Morocco, Argentina and Colombia

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.

Early release days for the 2022-2023 school year are: Sept. 7, 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.

Affordable college
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) has made the U.S. Department of Education College Affordability and Transparency List for Lowest Net Price and Lowest Tuition, according to a news release.

Net price is the cost of attendance minus grant and scholarship aid. Tuition reports include tuition and required fees.

“PHSC is proud to be recognized as among the most affordable colleges in the nation,” said PHSC President Timothy Beard in the release.

“We have worked diligently to keep tuition and fees low without compromising the quality of instruction, facilities or support services. PHSC is committed to our open-door policy — to provide our district with accessible, affordable, high quality higher education and workforce training,” said Beard.

PHSC has not raised tuition since the 2012-2013 academic year, the release said.

The school now serves more than 14,000 students annually and has conferred approximately 57,000 degrees and certificates.

More than 60% of PHSC students receive some form of financial aid each year.

The PHSC Financial Aid Office provides information and advisement about federal, state and instutitional aid programs, as well as local scholarships to help students achieve educational goals.

PHSC currently is enrolling and registering students for the fall 2022 term.

For information, visit PHSC.edu.

Anniversary plans
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) will celebrate 50 years of service to the district with free community celebrations, a speaker series, and other events and initiatives. The school’s golden anniversary year officially began in July and will conclude on June 30, 2023.

The first of five campus-based community celebrations will be presented at the East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road in Dade City, on Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event, taking place during Hispanic Heritage Month, will feature the flavors and sounds of Latin culture, and guest speakers will explore local history and Hispanic culture.

Free entertainment, family activities, food, campus tours and demonstrations will be included, and application fees to PHSC will be waived for prospective students attending the event.

Other campus celebrations will be hosted at the Brooksville, New Port Richey, Spring Hill locations, and the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel throughout the anniversary year.

Details on events and activities will be posted and announced online at PHSC.edu/history.

Discovery Crew contest
AAA – The Auto Club Group is bringing back its contest for eighth-graders, and the winners will be taken on a weeklong educational river cruise in Europe (March 12 to March 19, 2023).

There is no cost to enter the contest, and the prize includes the cruise, airfare, travel insurance and money for passports (for the student and a parent or guardian).

The “Discovery Crew” contest began on Aug. 23 and runs to Sept. 23.

Students must be at least 13 years old (at the start of the contest); be entering the eighth grade and in good standing; be willing to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 at the time of the cruise; and reside in select states (visit AAA.com/DiscoveryCrew to confirm eligibility).

Winners will be selected on a creative selfie that showcases their passion for travel, and their answers to three essay questions about travel.

Boaters must keep current on laws, equipment

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If you are a boater, there are new laws and requirements effective this year.

The Clearwater CG (Coast Guard) Auxiliary will teach virtual boating safety classes, via Zoom, to make sure boaters are up to date on all the equipment and operating laws, as well as the basics of boat handling, according to a news release.

Boat America is a boating certificate class that offers an in-depth boating safety course and provides the knowledge needed to obtain a certificate.

Some insurance companies offer discounts on boating insurance to those who successfully complete the course, the release said.

A boating safety class also is a requirement for many boaters in Florida, as anyone born after Jan. 1, 1988 must complete a boater safety course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in order to operate any boat powered by more than 10 horsepower.

Boaters should check their safety equipment to make sure it’s up date. They also should review laws to be sure they’re in compliance. (File)

Online classes are scheduled for Oct. 22 and Oct. 23, and Nov. 19 and Nov. 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The courses will cover topics including:

  • Introduction to Boating: Types of power boats, boating vocabulary, sailboats, paddleboats, powering boats, and engine types
  • Boating Law: Boating registration, regulations, hull identification numbers, required safety equipment, federal boating law, state boating law, and reporting accidents
  • Safety Equipment: Life jackets, fire extinguishers, sound-producing devices, visual distress signals, anchors, and other safety equipment
  • Safe Operation and Navigation: Buoys and beacons, aids to navigation, navigation rules, docking, and the dangers of alcohol on the water
  • Boating Emergencies: Hypothermia, boating accidents, man overboard, capsizing, emergency radio calls, carbon monoxide dangers, and weather
  • Trailering: Types of trailers, lights, hitches, towing a trailer
  • Sports and Boating: Water-skiing, hunting and hunting gear, PWC operation, and other boating tips

These classes are not lectures or animated cartoon sessions.

Each course is $50 per student.

For information or to sign up, contact the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Clearwater Flotilla, at CLWboatingsafety.com, email , or call 727-469-8895.

Published August 31, 2022

No creature sighting here

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(Courtesy of Angie Ng)

Wesley Chapel resident Angie Ng took a fun selfie after finding the Loch Ness Monster, or Nessie — a tiny stuffed animal she got while on her trip to Scotland. (See full story, A Monster Accomplishment, in Local Sports.)

Health News 08/31/2022

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AdventHealth’s innovative self-serve pharmacy kiosks will make it easier for patients to access medication faster. (Courtesy of AdventHealth West Florida Division)

AdventHealth adds pharmacy kiosks
AdventHealth has added SpotRx pharmacy kiosks, to make it convenient and more accessible for patients to fill prescriptions before leaving the doctor’s office.

The kiosks will provide acute and chronic medications, over-the-counter products, as well as creams, ointments, eye drops and test strips. The stations will not house controlled substances such as diazepam or oxycodone.

Patients insert a prescription receipt, and the kiosk dispenses the medication.

The SpotRx pharmacy kiosk currently is available at AdventHealth Care Pavilion Westchase in Hillsborough County, and another one will be installed later this year at AdventHealth Care Pavilion Heathbrook in Marion County.

With the SpotRx embedded pharmacy model, home delivery also is available.

AdventHealth Care Pavilion patients will receive:

  • Convenience of immediate access to prescriptions
  • Free contactlesss next-day home delivery for all prescriptions and over-the-counter medications
  • Instant access to SpotRx pharmacists via kiosk or phone
  • Coordinated care between clinic provider and the pharmacy ensuring quality of patient care
  • Follow-up care calls from a local SpotRx pharmacist after receiving the prescription

State-of-the-art clinic
Tampa General Hospital has opened a new TGH Urgent Care at 13531 State Road 54 in Odessa, according to a news release.

This state-of-the-art clinic, featuring five exam rooms, will provide urgent care for patients ages 3 months and older.

Common illnesses and injuries treated at the new Trinity at Starkey Ranch TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track include: cough; sore throat; ear infections; eye problems; colds and fevers; skin rashes; simple factures; nausea and other stomach issues; and urinary tract infections.

“Additionally, we offer school and sports physicals, laboratory testing including for COVID-19 and the flu, and a number of diagnostic procedures from X-rays to EKGs,” said Dr. Daron Diecidue, chief executive officer, in the release.

“Testing, diagnosis and treatment can all be done in one location,” said Dr. Diecidue.

Occupational health services also are available and include pre-employment screenings, employment physicals and assessments for workers’ compensation injuries.

The Urgent Care will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. Walk-in appointments are available; however, a FastPass reservation is recommended.

For information, visit FastTrackUrgentCare.com, or call 813-925-1903.

Chalk Talk 08/31/2022

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Join youth council
The Dade City Youth Council is looking for eighth- through 12th-graders who are interested in learning to be a leader in the community, earn service hours, and make valuable connections. Participants must live in Dade City or attend a zoned Dade City school. Those interested also must attend a one-hour meeting each month and participate in three service projects during the year.

Applications are due by Sept. 1. For information and an application, email .

New school name sought
The Pasco County School Board is seeking community input into the naming of a new school under construction in the new Angeline development in Central Pasco County, near the Suncoast Parkway Ridge Road exit.

The school will be a dedicated STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) magnet school with grades six through 12, and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2023.

School board policy encourages community members, educators and students to submit suggestions for school names, and encourages names that involve the general location of the school, features of the area, or historical information.

If the suggested name is an individual, it should be a person of either local or national prominence recognized for their outstanding civic or educational contribution.

If the person is an elected official or a former school district employee, they must either be deceased, no longer in public office, or no longer employed in the school district for at least two years.

Suggestions must be submitted before Sept. 5 to be considered by the school board. The name of the new school will be determined by school board vote.

To access the suggestion form, visit tinyurl.com/yc26s9j4.

Threats & consequences
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) is urging parents and guardians to speak with their children about the consequences of making threats, and to report anything suspicious to a trusted adult.

The PSO investigates all threats it is made aware of.

If you see a social media post that appears to be a threat to a school or an individual, do not share the post online. Instead, report threats or tips to the Pasco County Non-Emergency Line at 727-847-8102, option 7.

Additionally, the PSO suggests speaking with students about the impact their actions have on social media. A threat made on social media is still a real threat, which can result in criminal consequences.

Scholarship benefit
BCMF Calstrong in Trinity/Odessa and LiveFit in Hudson are partnering to host their first Walk-A-Thon on Sept. 10, at 11539 Pyramid Drive in Odessa. The event will benefit The Ashley Morrison Heart Scholarship for Pasco County high school athletes. Any remainding funds will be donated to meningitis research. For more information, call 727-842-7000.

Student helps recycle bikes
Ananth Kutuva is an IB junior at Land O’ Lakes High School and is an avid mountain biker who enjoys tinkering with bikes. Kutuva has been volunteering since ninth grade at WellBuilt Bikes.

WellBuilt Bikes is a nonprofit shop that sells refurbished bikes at affordable prices and invests the sales revenue into the Earn-A-Bike program, so those with little to no money can access and personally own a bike.

In partnership with WellBuilt Bikes, Kutuva is collecting bikes in any condition that will be refurbished and given to those in need. As of Aug. 20, he has collected 60 bikes.

For information or to donate, contact Kutuva at or 813-701-7870.

Saint Leo enrollment
Saint Leo University is now accepting applications for the upcoming fall start term. To contact an enrollment counselor, email or 813-226-4851.

Local achievements

  • Scott Abramson, Odessa: Dean’s List, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington
  • Colin Gaynor, Odessa, is part of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s 300-member Cornhusker Marching Band, which will make its debut Sept. 3 at Memorial Stadium. Gaynor plays the clarinet.
  • Nana Kusi, Wesley Chapel: Dean’s List, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri
  • Abigail Pesansky, Odessa, is a student-athlete (rowing) named to the Southeastern Conference Spring Academic Honor Roll, The University of Alabama
  • Emily Rogers, Lutz: Dean’s Academic Honor List, Baylor University, Waco, Texas

Classroom grant program
The Pasco Education Foundation helps to leverage money from the community to support local schools, to fund projects that improve student learning and make a positive, long-term impact in the classroom.

The grant program serves to provide schools and educators with an opportunity for financial support for innovative and creative curriculum, special activities, and classroom or school projects.

Innovative Classroom Project applications for 2022 are now open.

Every teacher has ideas to help their students engage in learning, and the foundation is looking to bring these to fruition in the classroom.

The grant program provides teachers across Pasco County the financial resources they need to inspire learning. (Individual projects have a limit of up to $1,000. Group projects may vary.)

To read all the guidelines and complete an application, visit PascoEducationFoundation.org/departmentsschool/. Applications are due on Sept. 12.

School Fishing Club
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) 2022-2023 School Fishing Club Program offers school fishing clubs or teams the opportunity to apply for the Florida R3 Fishing Grant.

The grant program is focused on engaging youth anglers to ensure the future of fishing in Florida.

The Florida Sport Fish Restoration R3 Grant will award up to 40 high school fishing clubs or teams $500 to assist with club expenses, the purchase of fishing licenses or gear for the participants.

The grant program is open to new or existing freshwater and/or saltwater fishing clubs or teams in public, private and charter schools throughout Florida.

To be considered for the grant, the clubs or teams must have a minimum of five members and be represented by a school faculty member or parent who will follow the provided instructor’s manual.

Applications can be found online at MyFWC.com/SFC — scroll down to “Florida’s R3 Fishing Grant Program.” The deadline for submitting applications is 5 p.m., on Sept. 16.

Anniversary plans
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) will celebrate 50 years of service to the district with free community celebrations, a speaker series, and other events and initiatives. The school’s golden anniversary year officially began in July and will conclude on June 30, 2023.

The first of five campus-based community celebrations will be presented at the East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road in Dade City, on Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event, taking place during Hispanic Heritage Month, will feature the flavors and sounds of Latin culture, and guest speakers will explore local history and Hispanic culture.

Free entertainment, family activities, food, campus tours and demonstrations will be included, and application fees to PHSC will be waived for prospective students attending the event.

Other campus celebrations will be hosted at the Brooksville, New Port Richey, Spring Hill locations, and the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel throughout the anniversary year.

Details on events and activities will be posted and announced online at PHSC.edu/history.