NAMI Pasco County (National Alliance on Mental Illness) will host its first-ever Pasco Wellness Fest on May 18, at 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd., in New Port Richey. The event will feature the reveal of the Sasquatch Mental Wellness Trail, NAMI Pasco Heroes of Hope Awards, a DJ, games, resources, and more. Free event space is available for wellness-based nonprofits, on a first-come, first-served basis. Nominations will be accepted for outstanding wellness professionals. This family friendly event’s goal is to elevate your senses, ignite your energy, and help to make positive changes to your well-being. Any funds raised will help people in Pasco County with mental health conditions and/or addiction with support, advocacy, outreach and education. For a full agenda and questions, visit RunSignUp.com/race/fl/newportrichey/pascowellness.
Health News 03/20/2024
Sertoma Club commitment on display
The West Pasco Sertoma Club Inc., announced it is a recipient of the 2023-2024 Sertoma Club Grant, marking the club’s continued commitment to volunteer service, charitable support, and community leadership in the New Port Richey area. Funds from the grant will go to benefit the Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida Inc., in support of hearing needs of the adults of Florida, which include hearing screenings, hearing aids and other hearing-related needs. Harvey Rhinehart, secretary/treasurer, presents the $2,000 grant to Deborah Golinski, president/CEO of Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida. To learn more about the Sertoma club, email , or visit Facebook.com/darrell.huling/.
Tampa General receives donation
Tampa General Hospital (TGH) received a $65,000 donation from Aetna Better Health of Florida, part of Aetna and the CVS Health family, to support the new TampaWell Community Garden and Food Pharmacy, according to a news release.
The community hub, built on the concept that “food is medicine,” will enable patients at the TGH Family Care Center Healthpark greater access to nutritious foods and the opportunity to learn how to grow healthy produce in a sustainable way.
TampaWell, activated by TGH in partnership with the City of Tampa, is a “revolutionary health and wellness initiative focused on preventive health to reduce chronic disease and repeated hospitalizations, while supporting the city’s most at-risk residents by addressing underlying social factors that impact health,” the release says.
New PET/CT technology
During American Heart Month (February), Premier Heart and Vascular Center announced it is one of the first cardiology practices in the Tampa Bay area to offer PET/CT imaging, according to a news release.
The PET/CT Scanner combines state-of-the-art PET and CT technology, allowing cardiologists to detect conditions such as coronary heart disease and damaged heart muscle earlier, with higher accuracy and efficiency, and with reduced radiation.
PET imaging uses very small amounts of radioactive tracers to detect decreased blood flow through the heart. It also can be used to detect less-common diseases such as cardiac amyloid and cardiac sarcoidosis.
The CT imaging creates high resolution pictures of the heart and its blood vessels.
Combined, the PET/CT scan produces extremely detailed 3D images of the heart and surrounding structures, detecting specific conditions, their location, and causes, the release says. The test can be performed in one 45-minute exam.
“We are proud to bring this cutting-edge technology to improve the care of our patients. This technology allows us to accurately diagnose conditions early and initiate important treatment to improve and save lives,” said Dr. Chetan Khamare, interventional cardiologist and partner at Premier Heart and Vascular Center, in the release.
For more information, visit PremierHeartAndVascular.com.
Crisis Center wins award
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay received the Community Catalyst Award at the State of Uptown event. The award is presented annually by Soaring City in partnership with the University Area CDC (UACDC) and has a focus on organizations emerging in community leadership, inclusion and growth, according to a news release.
The Crisis Center operates TransCare Medical Transportation, which provides 911 basic life support ambulance service, interfacility transports and emergency behavioral health transports. The award recognizes TransCare’s partnership with Ultimate Medical Academy in operating an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) apprenticeship program, the release says.
Through the apprenticeship program, students attend classes at Ultimate Medical Academy while receiving on-the-job training and experience working as a behavioral health attendant at TransCare.
Due to grant funding provided by CareerSource, qualifying students are able to have tuition costs covered.
For more information about the EMT apprenticeship program, visit CrisisCenter.com/transcare-uma/.
Chalk Talk 03/20/2024
Celebrating the holiday of Purim
Hebrew Academy Tampa Bay (HATB) hosted its annual Purim Sunday Funday, a free community-wide event to celebrate the holiday of Purim, all things STEAM, and a special building expansion.
The event’s family friendly atmosphere hosted Tampa Bay families from a variety of school and Jewish communities where guests mingled, shared Shalach Manot, stuffed their own soft Hamentashen, made STEAM projects of wooden noisemakers, and enjoyed treats and Grille Express food.
Some attendees came in costume and built Lego robots, while others collected goodies in their HATB tote bags as they moved through various stations of science, art, creativity and play.
Sulha Dubrowski, head of school, also shared with the crowd that HATB will be expanding to accommodate the ever-growing student body. Plans are underway for the construction of four new classrooms for the upper elementary and middle school, which will leave room in the existing building to expand the infant, toddler and primary programs as well.
For more about the school, visit HebrewAcademyTampaBay.org.
Student achievements
- Scott Abramson, Odessa: Dean’s List, Illinois Wesleyan University
- Derek Baker, Wesley Chapel: Honor List, Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Alyssa Bongiovanni, Lutz: Honor Roll, Rhodes College
- Ethan Forrester, Land O’ Lakes: Deans’ Honor Roll, Fort Hays State University
- Natalia Kaminski, Wesley Chapel, Honor List, Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Thea Wangsness, Dade City: Dean’s List, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Chasco Fiesta Education Expo
The Education Expo, orchestrated by Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC), is a new addition to the Chasco Fiesta. It is designed to grow into a “one-stop shop” venue for local educational organizations to come together to showcase/highlight their programs and services to help educate the community. There will be interactive demonstrations, classes, trainings and community leader engagements.
The expo will take place on March 22 from noon to 7 p.m., and March 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Sims Park, Grand Boulevard and Bank Street, in New Port Richey.
For information, contact Aaron Ellerman, public information officer, at 727-816-3259 or .
Magnet certifications awarded
Two schools within the Pasco County School District have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to academic excellence and innovation: Paul R. Smith Middle School and Pasco Middle School.
The Lower Secondary Cambridge Programmes at both schools have been awarded Nationally Certified Magnet Schools by Magnet Schools of America, according to a news release. The honor is a testament to the schools’ unparalleled dedication to the principles of innovation, choice, diversity and academic excellence.
“We are immensely proud of the Cambridge Programmes at Paul R. Smith and Pasco Middle schools for achieving this significant milestone,” said Superintendent Kurt Browning, in the release.
“This recognition is a reflection of our tireless commitment to fostering an educational environment where every student can thrive. We look forward to continuing our drive towards excellence and setting new benchmarks for quality education,” said Browning.
This certification acknowledges the schools’ successful implementation of the five pillars of magnet schools and the National Magnet School Standards of Excellence.
It also honors the active participation and support from the schools’ staff, students, families and community partners.
Wellness initiative launched
Emotional Vaccines, the emotional education platform provided by Dr. Rahul N. Mehra, M.D., has partnered with the Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of Pasco and Hernando counties to support the well-being of early childhood educators and parents across nearly 300 child care centers, according to a news release.
The partnership comes at a time of increased global focus on issues like stress and anxiety, and as early learning educators are noticing more challenging child behaviors in the classroom, the release says.
Emotional Vaccines is a Tampa-based organization that provides adults and children with science-backed coping skills before these issues become more serious.
The partnership, dubbed “Mondays with Mehra,” is a weekly offering that will provide ELC teachers and parents with free access to Emotional Vaccines’ video content on managing stress, regulating emotions, and avoiding burnout.
Videos will be accessible via QR codes on posters placed in every ELC center. The content library will continue to build over the weeks ahead.
“This collaboration will introduce a comprehensive approach that prioritizes the health of early learning educators and the families we serve,” said Steve Knobl, Ph.D., executive director, Early Learning Coalition Pasco Hernando, in the release.
“We are excited to share these invaluable resources with our community. Our goal is to continue to empower and support child care providers and parents/caregivers through prevention and education,” said Knobl.
For more information, visit EmotionalVaccines.com.
Roots in Education grant
Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) announced the 2024 Roots in Education teacher grants. The annual Roots in Education program awards 25 teachers each with a $1,000 grant to enhance their classroom and teaching process. Nominees must be residents of Michigan or Florida.
Those who receive the award are recognized for having a particular admirable trait as an educator.
Grants can be used for classroom supplies, subscriptions to online services, or anything that will positively impact the educational experience for students.
This year, LMCU is celebrating educators who possess an outstanding attitude of optimism. Any teacher from pre-K through high school can be nominated for this award. Students, peers, parents and community members are encouraged to nominate those teachers who are positive and have cheerful energy and have impacted their community for the better.
For details and full eligibility requirements, visit LMCU.org/TeacherGrant. Nominations will be accepted through March 31.
Magnet Mania goes to Round 3
Pasco County Schools celebrated a win in Round 2 of the Magnet Schools of American Magnet Mania 2024 Superintendent of the Year contest, according to a news release.
This lighthearted contest allows MSA member districts to highlight progress and success in areas crucial to magnet schools: diversity, innovative curriculum and professional development, academic excellence, family and community partnership, and leadership.
Superintendent Kurt Browning is the reigning champion, the release says.
This year’s tournament will culminate at the National Conference on Magnet Schools in New York City, with the winning district receiving a grand prize of $2,500.
Cast your vote online at Pasco.k12.fl.us.
National Puppy Day is March 23
National Puppy Day was founded in 2006 by celebrity pet and home lifestyle expert and author Colleen Paige and celebrates the unconditional love that puppies bring to our lives. Paige also is the founder of National Dog Day, National Mutt Day, National Black Dog Day, National Cat Day and National Wildlife Day, among others. There are numerous ways to celebrate National Puppy Day, including:
• Adopt a puppy from a local shelter
• Have a puppy party with friends and their puppies
• Buy your puppy a new toy or cute outfit
• Take your puppy to the beach
• Puppy-proof your home — make it pet-friendly
• Pledge to never hit or yell at your puppy — be patient and kind
• Microchip and ID tag your puppy so the shelter can locate you if he gets lost
• Donate money, food or toys to a local shelter
For a list of 42 more ideas to show your love, visit NationalPuppyDay.com/celebrate.
Business Digest 03/20/2024
New human resources director
Vistra Communications, of Lutz, has appointed Karen Hanes, MBA, SPHR, as its new human resources director. Hanes brings more than 20 years of applied and instructional HR business experience to Vistra, according to a news release.
NTBC Lunch N Learn
The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a Lunch N Learn with Mike Gross, owner of Outplay Marketing, on March 21 at 11:30 a.m., at the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce at Signature Workspace, 28210 Paseo Ave., Suite 190, in Wesley Chapel. Admission is $15 per person, and more information can be found at northtampabaychamber.com
Openings and ribbon-cuttings
The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host these upcoming events:
- Andy’s Frozen Custard will host a grand opening of its Odessa location on March 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 13402 Pine Gap Spur. In honor of the opening, Andy’s will offer one-topping sundaes for $1, all day, at both the new Odessa location and the Clearwater location.
- Integrative Health, 17724 Hunting Bow Circle, Unit 101, in Lutz, will have a grand opening on March 26 at 4 p.m. Visit IntegrativeHealthFl.com.
- Maeva Modern Apartments, 3000 Grand Cypress Drive in Lutz, will have a ribbon-cutting on April 4 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Light refreshments and wine tasting will be available. Admission is free. For information, visit www.LiveAtMaeva.com, or call 813-945-6695.
Magdalene Office Center opens
The Magdalene Office Center, a suburban lakefront office complex at 15436 N. Florida Ave., in north Tampa, is now open for business and accepting new tenants. The two-building complex offers flexible layouts, as well as private balconies and patios, a courtyard, green lawns and shade trees, water views, and easy access to residential communities and Interstate 275. Magdalene Office Center is managed by Nathan Gennara with A.L Commercial. Call 813-334-6455.
Boots to Business webinar
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will offer a free Boots to Business (B2B) Reboot Webinar for Veteran Beginning Farmers and Ranchers on April 8 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
B2B is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program. The course provides an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals.
This one-day, virtual session will feature speakers from the USDA, farmer veteran business owners, SBA resource partners and industry experts from across the country. Topics will include:
- What is entrepreneurship?
- Evaluating a business opportunity
- Doing your market research: who is buying what you are growing/raising?
- Selecting the correct legal structure for your farm/ranch
- The economics of agricultural
- Business planning: from idea to road map
- Financing your venture: short-term and long-range
- SBA/USDA resources for you
Active-duty service members (including National Guard and Reserve), veterans of all eras, and spouses are eligible to participate.
For information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/2p8b8wd8.
Look, and listen, for these ‘striking’ birds
Dave Maynard captured this photo of a pileated woodpecker in San Antonio. The pileated woodpecker is one of the biggest, most striking forest birds on the continent. These birds whack at dead trees and fallen logs in search of their main prey (carpenter ants), leaving unique rectangular holes in the wood. On occasion, pileated woodpeckers will visit backyard bird feeders, especially for suet.
Health News 03/13/2024
Executive director named
AdventHealth Pasco County Foundations has elevated Nick Burgess to the role of executive director, according to a news release.
Burgess continues to report to Kristen McCall, president of AdventHealth Foundation West Florida. He will be responsible for philanthropy for the Dade City, Zephyrhills and, now, Wesley Chapel hospitals, having previously served only in Dade City and Zephyrhills.
Before joining AdventHealth, Burgess served as director of operations for Bahrs Construction, where he managed more than 150 projects a year.
Burgess has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from the University of South Florida.
He enjoys spending time with his wife, Kassidy, and their two Australian shepherds. He also loves to cook and even competes in barbecue competitions.
Three-year accreditation
TransCare Medical Transportation, a division of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, has received a three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS), through 2026, according to a news release.
CAAS is the “gold standard” for medical transportation within the U.S., and TransCare is one of only 23 ambulance services in the state of Florida to hold this accreditation, the release says.
Accreditation validates that an ambulance service is providing the highest quality care to all patients it transports. CAAS evaluates various aspects of a provider’s operations, including financial management, clinical standards, human resources, communications, equipment, and risk management.
TransCare provides Basic Life Support (BLS) transports and Advanced Life Support (ALS) inter-facility transports throughout Hillsborough County; behavioral health transports to and from all area hospitals and psychiatric facilities; behavioral health transports for Pasco County Public Schools students while on campuses; behavioral health transports from Pasco County medical facilities, non-emergency medical transportation between medical facilities; and stand-by services for special events.
Auction raises money for ‘the love of all children’
The Johns Hopkins All Children’s Foundation Seminole Guild hosted a For the Love of All Children Quarter Auction on Feb. 17 and raised over $11,000 for Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. More than 200 people attended this year’s event at The Peacock Center in Seminole.
Jazzercise Dade City opens
Jazzercise Inc., announced the opening of its newest fitness center in Dade City, located in the Shepherd of the Hills Church, 37015 Orange Valley Lane. Jazzercise is a dance party workout fitness program. The center offers 16 classes weekly.
To find classes, visit Jazzercise.com, or download the myJazzercise mobile app on iOS or Android.
For more information, visit Jazzercise.com, or call 813-466-9930.
New assistant chief nursing officer
HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, has named William H. Constantine IV as its new assistant chief nursing officer, according to a news release.
Constantine will serve as a key member of the hospital’s nursing team responsible for implementing strategic direction for the nursing department, assisting with the management of clinical quality and patient safety, and assisting with the recruitment, training and professional development of the hospital’s growing nursing staff, the release says. The new officer comes on board as the facility continues to add registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and other essential staff. This year, the hospital has hired 111 full-time nurses.
Constantine most recently served as the director of Emergency Services at HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital in St. Petersburg, where he led his department to two consecutive Unit of Distinction awards.
Chalk Talk 03/13/2024
Pasco Schools wins Round 1
Pasco County Schools has emerged as the Round 1 champion in the Magnet Mania contest, orchestrated by the Magnet Schools of America (MSA), edging out Aurora Public Schools in Colorado, according to a news release.
The MSA tournament coincides with National Magnet Schools Month and spotlights districts nationwide, showcasing their remarkable achievements across the five pillars of magnet education.
Ramin Taheri, CEO of Magnet Schools of America, visited the Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation and delivered the $500 winning donation.
Magnet Mania runs from February through April — the ultimate prize awaits when a winner is announced at the National Conference on Magnet Schools in New York City.
To cast a vote for Superintendent Browning, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us, and click on the Magnet Schools 2024 Contest.
Purduettes on Tour
The Purduettes of Purdue Musical Organizations will make a stop on March 14 at 7 p.m., at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 17512 Lakeshore Drive in Lutz, as part of its spring tour.
The organizations’ mission is to inspire, educate and entertain through the power of music and its students are ambassadors of Purdue University, bringing its legacy of musical performance excellence and student success to people around the world, according to a news release. The ensemble hopes to connect with Purdue alumni during the tour.
For more information, visit Purdue.edu/events.
‘Judaism is about Love’
Saint Leo University’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies (CCJS) will present “Judaism is about love” on March 21 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Congregation Rodeph Sholom, 2713 Bayshore Blvd., in Tampa.
The event will explore the misconception that the Jewish tradition is about the law rather than love. The guest speaker will be Rabbi Shai Held, philosopher, theologian and Bible scholar, as he “recovers the heart of the Jewish tradition.”
Held will discuss how love is foundational and a part of true Jewish faith as well as the Jewish perspective on injustice and protest, grace, family life, responsibilities to neighbors and even enemies. His presentation will be based on his book, “Judaism is About Love,” which will be published this month.
There also will be a Q&A session.
For information, contact Laurie Gens at or 352-588-7711
Chasco Fiesta Education Expo
The Education Expo, orchestrated by Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC), is a new addition to the Chasco Fiesta. It is designed to grow into a “one-stop shop” venue for local educational organizations to come together to showcase/highlight their programs and services to help educate the community. There will be interactive demonstrations, classes, trainings and community leader engagements.
The expo will take place on March 22 from noon to 7 p.m., and March 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Sims Park, Grand Boulevard and Bank Street, in New Port Richey.
For information, contact Aaron Ellerman, public information officer, at 727-816-3259 or .
Roots in Education grant
Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) announced the 2024 Roots in Education teacher grants. The annual Roots in Education program awards 25 teachers each with a $1,000 grant to enhance their classroom and teaching process.
Nominees must be residents of Michigan or Florida.
Those who receive the award are recognized for having a particular admirable trait as an educator.
Grants can be used for classroom supplies, subscriptions to online services, or anything that will positively impact the educational experience for students
This year, LMCU is celebrating educators who possess an outstanding attitude of optimism. Any teacher from pre-K through high school can be nominated for this award.
Students, peers, parents and community members are encouraged to nominate those teachers who are positive and have cheerful energy and have impacted their community for the better.
For details and full eligibility requirements, visit LMCU.org/TeacherGrant.
Nominations will be accepted through March 31.
HEART initiative launched
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) recently announced the HEART — Hear, Empathize, Assess, Respect, Talk — initiative in recognition of Teen Health Relationship Month (February), according to a news release.
The collaboration between DCF and the Department of Education aims to spread awareness of healthy relationship information for teens, and to equip Florida’s teenagers, schools and communities with resources to help students develop healthy relationship skills as they begin dating.
“As the (DCF) department secretary and a mom, our goal is for all young adults to know what healthy relationships look like from the very beginning,” said Shevaun Harris, in the release.
“Through the HEART initiative, we are able to create more awareness of what a healthy relationship entails, and through our partnership with the Department of Education we will be able to spread this messaging to every school district in the state. We are focused on early intervention, and we are prioritizing prevention programming for teens, parents, caregivers, and guardians,” said Harris.
This annual monthlong effort focuses on advocacy and education to stop dating abuse before it starts.
To access resources to use within schools and to learn more about the initiative, visit MyFLFamilies.com/HEART.
Published March 13, 2024
Community celebrates Benedictine Sisters
The Saint Leo University community celebrated the 135th anniversary of the founding of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida on Feb. 28, the date in 1889 when five nuns arrived in rural East Pasco County from Pennsylvania to staff schools.
At the request of Father Gerald Pilz, the nuns began teaching in San Antonio and St. Joseph, helping to create the school that would become Saint Leo University and to found the Benedictine Sisters of Florida.
During Saint Leo’s lunch and program, Father John McEvoy gave the opening prayer and Town of St. Leo Mayor Mike D’Ambrosio read a proclamation, recognizing the 135th anniversary and in honor of the sisters’ service to the community.
Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, acknowledged the significance of the occasion: “We are grateful for all that God has done for us throughout these 135 years since our founding sisters ventured forth from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Pasco County, Florida. We’ve opened and withdrawn from schools — all still a credit to our transitional skills as they continue in some form to serve the founding purpose. Some changes were welcome and settled in easily; some sat uneasy on the sisters’ shoulders as they responded to ‘the call of our times,’” said Bailey in a news release.
From 1929 to 1959, the sisters operated St. Benedict’s Prep school for boys. Holy Name Academy provided day and boarding programs for girls until 1964, according to the release.
“Shifting gears, we built new dormitories and a cafeteria to provide services to Saint Leo College students,” Bailey said. “In 2014, we made the courageous decision to ‘begin again’ the great adventure of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida. We sold our property north of Highway (County Road) 52 to Saint Leo University and built a one-level house on a former citrus grove across the highway.”
The prioress also noted the many careers the sisters have had: classroom teachers, principal, mission superior, CCD teachers and coordinators, and “mom” at Good Counsel Camp. The Benedictine Sisters of Florida have served as archivists, hospice volunteers, health care providers, laundry and kitchen staff, seamstresses, artists and more.
“The Benedictine Sisters, and the monks, offer an example of flexibility, perseverance and stability. Their many friends within and outside our community clearly pay tribute to our sense of radical Benedictine hospitality. In conclusion, the Benedictine Sisters of Florida continue to ‘do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, thanking God through him,” said Bailey.
Published March 13, 2024
Pasco Extension opens food pantry in Dade City
UF/IFAS Cooperative Extension Pasco County has announced a new food bank providing essential food items for community members at the One Stop Shop, 15029 14th St., in Dade City.
The food pantry will be open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. It will be stocked by The Volunteer Way and will provide these types of food: protein, beans, frozen vegetables, and fruit, according to a news release.
Families can receive one box per week, with amounts of food based on family size. Food items will vary, as will amounts.
For additional information, call 352-521-1254.
For more about the Extension Service, including volunteer opportunities, visit MyPas.co/UFIFASPascoExt.
Published March 13, 2024