The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Tigger likes to chill out

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Tigger is Anne Griva’s daughter’s cat, but they both now live with her in Land O’ Lakes, so Anne is Tigger’s ‘step-mom.’ Tigger is spoiled, but lovable.

A colorful combination

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Debbie Pallman spotted this black swallowtail butterfly on a plant in the NorthPointe Shopping Center in Lutz. Favorite nectar plants of the black swallowtail include milkweed, clover, thistles and others. Its favorite host plants include dill, fennel, parsley, carrots and celery.

Sheriff’s office announces new app

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The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) has announced the launch of its official app — Pasco Sheriff News — according to a news release.

The app provides citizens with direct access on any mobile device, to news from the sheriff’s office.

In addition to social media platforms and the News.pascosheriff.com website, the PSO will share breaking news through its official app.

The app also will feature PSO community alerts, events, news, and missing people.

This additional resource will allow citizens to “always be in the know about the PSO,” the release said.

The new app can be downloaded from the (Apple) App Store or through Google Play.

Published August 10, 2022

Health News 08/10/2022

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(Courtesy of Linda Mitchell)

Little Women donate books
The Ronald MacDonald House Tampa has opened for visitors, and the Little Women of Lutz presented the ‘home away from home’ with a rolling library, filled with over 200 books for all ages. It is the mission of this community service organization to keep the library full, for the reading pleasure of the residents now and in the future. Those taking part were Zoey Cropper, Fleur Van Buuren, Lyndsey Turnage, Lauren Gualtieri, Linda Mitchell, Dee Knerr and Kiara Palmer. For information on the Little Women of Lutz (for ages 12 to 18), email .

Fentanyl overdoses
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is encouraging residents to be aware of the rise in fentanyl overdoses and its signs, according to its Facebook page.

Fentanyl can be absorbed by the body by skin contact, ingestion or inhalation, and it has rapidly become one of the most common substances seen in overdoses and substance abuse cases.

Signs of an overdose include: blue/purple fingernails; blue/purple lips; difficulty breathing; clammy skin; vomiting; pinpoint pupils; drowsiness; and unconciousness — all of which can occur within minutes of exposure.

If you think someone is overdosing, immediately call 911.

For more information on the PSO’s community-based resources, visit PascoSheriff.com/mentalhealth.

Muscular Dystrophy boot drive
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano will feature the Pasco Fire Rescue’s annual “Boot Drive” as its charitable organization for the month of August.

All proceeds from this promotional effort will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), which is a key organization supported by Pasco Fire Rescue/Pasco Firefighters Charities.

Donations (filling the boot) can be made at any of the five tax collector offices in Pasco County. To find locations, visit PascoTaxes.com.

For more about the charitable giving programs through the tax collector, call Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179.

For information about the Fire Rescue/Firefighters charities, call Sean Messer at 813-929-2750.

Hospital accreditations
HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital, HCA Florida Trinity Hospital and HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital have together earned a three-year accreditation from the Amerian College of Surgeon’s (ACS) Commission on Cancer (CoC), for their integrated network cancer program, according to a news release.

The program was created by the three hospitals after each individually held ACS CoC accreditation for many years and saw the need to provide a coordinated approach to cancer care for patients in Pasco County, Hernando County and surrounding communities.

To earn voluntary CoC accreditation, a cancer program must meet 34 CoC quality care standards, be evaluated every three years through a survey process, and maintain levels of excellence in the delivery of comprehensive patient-centered care.

As a CoC-accredited cancer center, the program will take a multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer as a complex group of diseases that requires consultation among surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists and other cancer specialists.

This multidisciplinary partnership results in improved patient care.

Chalk Talk 08/10/2022

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(Courtesy of Pasco County Property Appraiser)

A ‘step’ in the right direction
Pasco Property Appraiser Mike Wells, Jacques Hakim, the YMCA, and Julio Vega send out thanks to everyone who contributed to the second annual Step Up For Students Back-to-School Fundraiser. Due to the generous support of many, 3,100 pairs of new shoes were donated to Pasco County Schools, topping the total of 2,862 pairs donated in 2021. Wells, third from right, stands alongside school district representatives to show off a colorful variety of footwear the group received.

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 remaining funds will be donated to meningitis research. For more information, call 727-842-7000.

Fishing Club changes name
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has approved changing the name of the High School Fishing Program to the School Fishing Club Program, according to a news release.

The new name more accurately portrays the age range for student participation. The program has grown in popularity in recent years, and continues to support and encourage youth anglers of all ages.

The FWC’s fishing program in 2021 welcomed 21 new and 13 returning student angling clubs from Florida, offering funding for clubs committed to complete the provided FWC curriculum, as well as pre- and post-tests, and at least one conservation project.

Club sponsors worked to provide support and hands-on training in knot-tying and fishing gear assembly, and assisted with the clubs’ local events to increase confidence for student anglers in the sport of fishing.

To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/SFC.

Timothy Beard, Ph.D., president of Pasco-Hernando State College (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

Top marks for president
Pasco-Hernando State College president Timothy Beard has earned near-perfect scores on his annual review by the college’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT), with an overall average score of 4.95 out of 5.0, according to a news release.

Beard was recognized for his excellent communication skills with the DBOT, community stakeholders, and state and national relationships.

John Mitten, DBOT chair, summarized the review comments in a letter to the trustees, commending “Dr. Beard for his leadership, personal and professional demeanor, and the overall positive impact he has on the college,” the release said.

Beard earned a 4.86 for board relations; a 4.99 for community, state and national relations; a 5.0 on fiscal responsibility; a 4.88 for leadership; and a 5.0 for accountability.

The review is consistent with last year’s review that showed Beard’s strong marks in all categories.

Education achievements
• Emara Saez, of Lutz: Dean’s List, Tufts University, Massachusetts
• Victory High School in New Port Richey, Tampa Bay’s first Recovery High School, hosted a ceremony on July 13 for its first graduating student. The female graduate received 1 ½ years of mental health services, recovery support, and an education to accomplish her diploma.

Information Technology training
CareerSource Tampa Bay (CSTB) currently is accepting applications for individuals who would like to receive training in the field of Information Technology (IT).

CSTB has two H-1B Skills Training grants available to help local job seekers living in Hillsborough County gain skills for career advancement. The total grants amount to $466,000, according to a news release.

Participants must be Hillsborough County residents, 17 years of age or older who currently are not in high school and are unemployed or underemployed.

The TechBoost grant provides training assistance up to $5,000. This amount may be provided per participant under the grant award of $387,000, the release said.

TechBoost is a national program that provides comprehensive workforce strategies to prepare the workforce for middle- to high-skilled occupations within the IT industry.

The Tech Quest Apprenticeship (TQA) is part of a federal program and on average can provide $600 in occupational training assistance under the grant.

CSTB has received a total grant award of $79,000 from TechQuest.

TQA assists IT and IT-related apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeship programs in development, expansion, and active enrollment.

To learn more about the two progams, visit CareerSourceTampaBay.com/job-seekers/techboost/.

Crossing guards needed
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) school crossing guards and traffic control officers play an important role in the community — they help students and their loved ones to cross busy streets as they travel school routes safely and ensure drivers are cautious in school zones.

Crossing guards are part-time positions and are available at several locations throughout Pasco County.

For information, visit JoinPSO.com.

Meal applications available
Pasco County Schools has announced the free and reduced-price household meal application process for the 2022-2023 school year is open.

The National School Lunch Act states that households who are below the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines may qualify for free or reduced-priced breakfast and lunch benefits.

Households must complete a new application each school year. Families can visit PascoSchoolMeals.com, for a link to the online application, frequently asked questions, income eligibility guidelines, cafeteria menus and more.

All students will be served breakfast at no charge at these local schools in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area: Centennial Elementary, Centennial Middle, Chester Taylor Elementary, East Pasco Education Center, Lacoochee Elementary, New River Elementary, Pasco Elementary, Pasco High, Pasco Middle, Quail Hollow Elementary, R.B. Stewart Middle, Rodney Cox Elementary, San Antonio Elementary, West Zephyrhills Elementary, Woodland Elementary, and Zephyrhills High, the release said.

For additionl information and a complete list of schools, call Pasco County Schools Food & Nutrition Services at 813-794-2522, or email .

Thriving on a second ‘Chance’

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Chance Hackenjos is a 60-pound, 8-year-old American pit bull terrier mix. Chance (formerly known as Maverick) lost his leg when he was used as a bait dog for fighting. He was adopted shortly afterward and has thrived on the attention his family gives him on a daily basis. Chance has three siblings — Penny, Sophie and Parker — and enjoys riding in his chariot, as his siblings walk the neighborhood. He is a super-sweet boy and very jealous if his siblings get attention and he doesn’t. He is very attached to his daddy. Chance lives in Wesley Chapel with his parents, Steve and Michelle Hackenjos.

The buddy system

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Laurie Charneske spotted these two sandhill cranes in her front yard, in Land O’ Lakes. Sandhill cranes are fairly social birds that usually live in pairs or family groups throughout the year. During migration and winter, unrelated cranes come together to form ‘survival groups’ that forage and roost together.

Metropolitan Ministries seeks help to stock its pantry

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Metropolitan Ministries is turning to the community to help address the critically low inventory at its food warehouse, according to a news release.

The organization is having trouble stocking the food markets in its family support centers, and providing nonperishable food boxes to families who are struggling and counting on the organization for hunger relief.

Metropolitan Ministries is asking the community to help replenish dwindling supplies. (File)

The Ministries has been attempting to purchase food in bulk, but all its traditional vendors and partners are equally strapped, and are delayed in fulfilling orders, or are unable to do so.

“We have faith that between community donations and food purchases, this setback will be resolved. Until then, we are preparing for the situation to get worse before it gets better,”  James Dunbar, associate vice president of outreach and prevention services, said in the release.

Since March 2020, the community has helped to provide 270,000 nonperishable food boxes, 10.9 million meals, and more than $5 million in rent assistance paid directly to landlords to prevent homelessness, the release said.

Metropolitan Ministries recognizes that these are tough times for everyone, but it is asking those who can help to get involved in a grassroots effort to provide nonperishable food donations.

The most needed items are canned meat, peanut butter, boxed cereal, canned vegetables, canned fruit, rice, beans, pasta/sauce, soup, and baby food and formula.

The donation drop-off in Pasco County is on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 13703 17th St., in Dade City, or at 3214 U.S. 19 in Holiday.

In Hillsborough County, drop-offs are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 2101 N. Florida Ave., in Tampa.

Donations also can be made online at MetroMin.org.

Published August 03, 2022

Chalk Talk 08/03/2022

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Edward Dadez (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Saint Leo names president
The Saint Leo University Board of Trustees has elected Dr. Edward Dadez as the 11th president of the university, following the resignation of Jeffrey Senese, according to a news release.

Prior to becoming the second provost of the university, Dadez was a visiting professor in graduate education. He also had the position of vice president in support of the school’s regional education centers, online learning program, student affairs, and campus operations.

Before coming to Saint Leo, Dadez served in administrative roles in student affairs and continuing education at The Ohio State University, University of Dayton (Ohio), Michigan State University, Bucknell University (Pennsylvania) and Chowan University (North Carolina).

“Saint Leo University’s commitment to its core values, Catholic heritage, and close-knit community make it a special place — countless students have thrived here and gone on to make an impact in our world,” said Dadez in the release.

“I am excited to work alongside students, faculty, staff and alumni to strengthen the university experience and to help make it possible for more students to pursue their educational and professional goals,” said Dadez.

Meal applications available
Pasco County Schools has announced the free and reduced-price household meal application process for the 2022-2023 school year is open.

The National School Lunch Act states that households who are below the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines may qualify for free or reduced-priced breakfast and lunch benefits.

Households must complete a new application each school year. Families can visit PascoSchoolMeals.com, for a link to the online application, frequently asked questions, income eligibility guidelines, cafeteria menus and more.

All students will be served breakfast at no charge at these local schools in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area: Centennial Elementary, Centennial Middle, Chester Taylor Elementary, East Pasco Education Center, Lacoochee Elementary, New River Elementary, Pasco Elementary, Pasco High, Pasco Middle, Quail Hollow Elementary, R.B. Stewart Middle, Rodney Cox Elementary, San Antonio Elementary, West Zephyrhills Elementary, Woodland Elementary, and Zephyrhills High, the release said.

For additionl information and a complete list of schools, call Pasco County Schools Food & Nutrition Services at 813-794-2522, or email ">.

Campus Kickoff
Hillsborough Community College will host the 2022 Dale Mabry Campus Kickoff on Aug. 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd., for students and community members. Participants can learn more about degree programs, enrollment steps, student clubs and life, and financial aid. Free snacks will be provided.

Crossing guards needed
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) school crossing guards and traffic control officers play an important role in the community — they help students and their loved ones to cross busy streets as they travel school routes safely and ensure drivers are cautious in school zones. Crossing guards are part-time positions and are available at several locations throughout Pasco County. For information, visit JoinPSO.com.

Meet the Teacher
Seven Oaks Elementary School, 27633 Mystic Oak Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will host two Meet the Teacher sessions on Aug. 8, for students and families. Prekindergarten through second-grade students can attend from 10 a.m. to noon; and third-grade through fifth-grade students can attend from noon to 2 p.m. Families need to report to the cafeteria first, to pick up classroom assignments. Both sessions will provide the opportunity to get teacher assignments, meet the teacher, get transportation information, tour the campus, order a yearbook, purchase spirit gear, join the PTA, and ask questions about the school. For information, call 813-794-0700.

Meet Your Teacher
Woodland Elementary School, 38203 Henry Drive in Zephyrhills, will host a Meet Your Teacher Day on Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the school cafeteria. Members of the Zephyrhills business community will be on hand, too, with flyers, promotional items or giveaways, to share ways they can support Woodland families. For information, call 813-794-6400.

Local students honored
More than 5,200 students in June competed at the 2022 SkillsUSA Championships, a national showcase of career and technical education.

Students were invited to demonstrate their technical, workplace, and personal skills in 108 hands-on competitions including robotics, automotive technology, drafting, criminal justice, aviation maintenance, and public speaking.

Desiree Tirado, of Lutz and a student at Tampa Bay Technical High School, was awarded the high school silver medal in Pin Design.

Isabella Ruiz, also of Lutz and a student at Tampa Bay Technical, was awarded the high school bronze medal in T-Shirt Design.

The annual championship event is for students in middle or high school, or college/postsecondary programs, as part of the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference.

For information, visit SkillsUSA.org.

Workstations gifted to Pace Center
Pace Center for Girls in Pasco and Polk counties received 20 fully refurbished computer workstations from eSmart Recycling, for the girls’ at-home personal use, according to a news release.

Pace procides free year-round middle and high school academic, case management, counseling, and life skills development in a safe and supportive environment that recognizes and deals with past trauma, and builds upon girls’ individual strengths, the release said.

The partnership with Pace and eSmart is designed to help close the digital divide many girls face at home.

“This contribution will help build a pathway for girls to embrace technology for personal use — opening new doors for creativity, exploration, and growth,” said Ellen Katzman, executive director of Pace Polk and Pasco, in the release.

Student achievements
• Megan Blanchard, Dade City: Bachelor of Science in Biology: Environmental & Conservation Biology from Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina
• Thais Jacomassi, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in Writing, Lit and Publishing from Emerson College, Boston, Massachusetts
• Thea G. Wangsness, Dade City: Dean’s List, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, College of Liberal Arts

Back-to-school fundraiser
Step up for Pasco Students! is a back-to-school fundraiser, sponsored by Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells; the YMCA of the Suncoast James P. Gills Family Branch Togetherhood Committee; educator, entrepreneur and philanthropist Jacques Hakim; and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office Charities.

Every $10 donation buys a new pair of shoes for a child in need: The goal is 5,000 pairs.

Sponsorship levels also are available.

For information or to donate, visit bit.ly/2022ShoeDrive.

Health News 08/03/2022

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Muscular Dystrophy boot drive
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano will feature the Pasco Fire Rescue’s annual “Boot Drive” as its charitable organization for the month of August.

All proceeds from this promotional effort will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), which is a key organization supported by Pasco Fire Rescue/Pasco Firefighters Charities.

Donations (filling the boot) can be made at any of the five tax collector offices in Pasco County. To find locations, visit PascoTaxes.com.

For more about the charitable giving programs through the tax collector, call Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179.

For information about the Fire Rescue/Firefighters charities, call Sean Messer at 813-929-2750.

Sertoma Club raises funds
The West Pasco Sertoma Club has donated $26,482.32 to The Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida Inc.

The bulk of the donation will be used in the foundation’s first and last month’s rent, and a security deposit for an upcoming move to a larger location. The remaining $5,000 will help with moving expenses.

The club raises funds each year to support the foundation through three events — barbecue dinners at Chasco Fiesta, Family Fun Day, and the Celebration of Lights.

To learn more about the foundation, visit FamilyHearingHelp.org.

Top hospitals named
AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and St. Joseph’s Hospital-North have been named to the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list, according to a news release.

This is the fifth year in a row both hospitals have been recognized with the honor as a top performing hospital in the U.S.

“It is gratifying to know that one of the best 100 hospitals in the United States is right here in Wesley Chapel,” said Erik Wangsness, president and CEO of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, in the release.

“This is a testament to our physicians and team’s daily commitment to providing compassionate, whole-person care to our community,” said Wangsness.

Tom Garthwaite, St. Joseph’s North president, said in the release, “It is an honor to be recognized as one of the Top 100 hospitals in the U.S. This award speaks to the dedication of our medical staff and team members who work to improve the health care for our north Hillsborough and east/central Pasco communities…By focusing on our patients, we provide true patient-centered care in a pleasant healing environment.”

The hospitals included on the list had better results on key clinical and operational performance indicators, including survival rates, patient complications, health care-associated infections, 30-day mortality and 30-day hospital-wide readmission rates, length of stay, throughput in emergency departments, inpatient expenses, profitability and ratings from patients.

To see more of the top hospitals named, visit 100TopHospitals.com.