The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Giving back, for the animals

By

(Courtesy of Pasco County Animal Services)

Girl Scouts Troop 50156 donated numerous supplies, including much-needed food and litter, to Pasco County Animal Services in Land O’ Lakes. Troop members also helped to weed the shelter’s spree yard and took a tour of the shelter to learn more about what happens there.

Zoey is the best dog ever

By

Zoey is an 11-year-old mixed breed that resembles a dingo. She loves going on walks with her owners, and jumping across their laps to get hugs and kisses. When Pat Lohn and her husband come home, Zoey greets them at the door with a big smile and lots of doggie kisses. The Lohns, of Wesley Chapel, said Zoey is the best dog they’ve ever owned and hope that she will be with them for many more years.

A tender moment

By

Linda Hannah spotted this doe nursing her newborn twins under the shade of a tree, at The Groves in Land O’ Lakes.

Vessel turn-in program hopes to ease backlog

By

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has approved the final rule establishing a statewide Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP), as part of the Derelict Vessel Prevention Program. The new rule will create a voluntary program to remove at-risk vessels before they become derelict, which helps Florida’s environment and public safety, according to a news release.

The Division of Law Enforcement’s Boating and Waterways Section is spearheading a multi-year effort to dramatically reduce the backlog of derelict (abandoned or deserted) vessels currently on Florida’s waters.

These abandoned vessels cause the destruction of valuable seagrass resources and endanger marine life. They also threaten human life, safety and property, as the vessels drift on or beneath the surface of the water or block navigable waterways, posing a navigational hazard to the boating public.

Vessels that are deserted are more costly and complicated to remove than at-risk vessels. The VTIP is designed to allow owners of vessels at risk of becoming derelict the ability to voluntarily turn the at-risk vessel over to the state for removal and destruction.

“Removing at-risk vessels from Florida’s waterways before they become derelict is not only a win for the environment, but also for public safety, taxpayers and the vessel owners,” said Roger Young, director of the FWC Division of Enforcement, in the release.

For more on this topic, visit MyFWC.com and search “derelict vessels.”

Published July 27, 2022

Unlikely best friends

By

One-year-old Pixie and 15-year-old Raven are the best of friends. Their owners, Cindy and Todd Thornton, have a history of fostering dogs. This puppy, though, was a ‘foster fail’ and Pixie now is part of the family. They weren’t sure how Raven would react to a 4-month-old puppy, but true to her nature (she is a certified therapy dog), she was accepting of the spunky pup. Pixie brought a new liveliness to Raven, who was starting to slow down in her old age. They love playing together and couldn’t be closer! Pixie and Raven live in Lutz with their proud parents.

Pretty in pink

By

This reflective photo of a roseate spoonbill was captured at a Zephyrhills park by Lynn Spradlin. Spradlin said: ‘I wish I’d had my good camera instead of my cellphone,’ but the composition came out quite nicely!

Health News 07/27/2022

By

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has announced that as of July 16, the three-digit dialing code 988 is available nationwide, to reach trained crisis conselors who can help in a mental health, substance abuse or suicidal crisis.

The new code will connect people to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), where accessible care and support is available for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress.

People also can dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

To learn more, visit Nami.org/988.

Best Maternity Hospital
AdventHealth Wesley Chapel has been named one of Newsweek’s Best Maternity Hospitals for 2022, according to a news release.

This award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., which invited more than 10,000 medical professionals to participate in a survey. Only 350 winners were recognized on the list.

“We have some of the best health care workers in the Tampa Bay area. Our entire team is engaged and pride themselves on quality care, safety and patient experience for every patient we serve,” said Maria C. Boyd, director of The Baby Place at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, in the release.

“We know families have many choices for care when it comes to bringing precious life into this world and we are honored to be a part of their special moments,” said Boyd.

To learn more, visit AHWesleyChapel.com.

Fire Rescue award
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Plus achievement award for its commitment to offering rapid, research-based care to people experiencing the most severe form of heart attack, ultimately saving lives, according to a news release.

Mission: Lifeline is the American Heart Association’s national initiative to advance the system of care for patients with high-risk, time-sensitive conditions, such as severe heart attacks.

The program helps to reduce barriers to prompt treatment for heart attacks, starting from when 911 is called to EMS transport, and continuing through hospital treatment and discharge.

Optimal care for heart attack paients takes coordination between the individual hospital, EMS, and the health care system.

Chalk Talk 07/27/2022

By

(Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

Donation to help children in crisis
The Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) Chapter of Association of Florida Colleges collected brand-new stuffed animals to deliver to first responders in Pasco and Hernando counties. PHSC employees and community members donated 285 stuffed animals, which were given to the Pasco and Hernando Sheriff’s Offices. First responders will use the donations for children in crisis situations, to help them calm down. From left: Hernando County Sheriff’s Office officers Sgt. Matt Lillibridge, Deputy Juan Perez and Deputy Deena Groves; and Samantha Apostolou, senior office assistant, Academic Success Center, and PHSC Chapter of AFC Spring Hill Campus representative.

Wiregrass Round-Up
Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will host a “Freshman & New to Wiregrass Round-Up” on July 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Student drop-off begins at 8:45 a.m.

Participants will have the opportunity to meet some of the teachers, tour the school, and create a freshman memory box to take home. A pizza lunch will be provided.

For more information and to register, visit WRHS.pasco.k12.fl.us.

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.

Backpack handout
Verizon retailers, TCC and Wireless Zone stores will be handing out backpacks full of school suplies, to help students prepare for the upcoming school year and to help parents reduce their supply spending.

Participating stores will be giving out backpacks on July 31 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., or while supplies last.

In addition to getting a backpack filled with supplies, students also can be entered into a sweepstakes to win a $10,000 college scholarship through the School Rocks Backpack Giveaway’s Big Impact. Children in kindergarten through 12th grade are eligible for entry. A total of five scholarships will be randomly awarded to select winners.

These local stores will be handing out backpacks: In Lutz, 18959 State Road 54. Call 813-949-0999; and in Wesley Chapel, 28329 Paseo Drive, Suite 190. Call 813-991-7202.

Stuff the Bus
The Pasco Education Foundation is looking for community partners, businesses and individuals to help “Stuff the Bus” on Aug. 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the foundation’s Wise Supplies Center, 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Portable 30, in Land O’ Lakes.

The needed supply list includes: copy paper; primary paper and journals; highlighters; washable markers; sharpies; dry erase markers and erasers; gel pens and erasable pens; scientific calculators; batteries; Clorox wipes; laminating pouches; lunch boxes; construction paper; scissors (all sizes); velcro dots; bandaids; Ziploc bags (all sizes); graph paper; recess equipment; and No. 2 pencils.

For information, call 813-794-2705, visit PascoEducationFoundation.org/wisesupplies/, or email .

Volunteers needed
AdventHealth Center Ice is looking for volunteers for the U.S. Figure Skating 2022 National Showcase, Aug. 1 through Aug. 6.

Available opportunities include: spotlight operators; performer check-in; registration assistance; and assistance with performers on and off the ice.

Necessary training will be provided prior to the event.

Students can receive applicable volunteer hours for the Bright Futures program.

For information, visit tinyurl.com/2j66krk4.

Sewing for home-schoolers
The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will offer Homeschool Sewing for Beginners on Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., for ages 9 and older.

All supplies will be provided. Participants can create a needle book, using basic sewing tools, and practicing simple skills such as measuring, cutting, straight stitch and backstitch.

Safety and waiver forms are required. A guardian/parent must complete the form for anyone under the age of 18. Forms can be picked up at the service desk before the class.

Registration is online at PascoLibraries.org.

National pilot program
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) is among 15 of the country’s leading community colleges selected for the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) Entrepreneurial College of the Future national pilot program, according to a news release.

The new initiative harnesses teams of three leaders at each college who will work together and with other colleges to tackle challenges and opportunities in their campus and local communities.

PHSC representatives will be Lisa Richardson, associate vice president of alumni and college relations/executive director, PHSC Foundation; Jim Myers, assistant professor and program director of business; and Sonia Thorn, assistant vice president of academic affairs, marketing and communications.

Through the collaboration, a group of leading experts in ideation, fundraising, student and employee engagement, and workforce development will identify the best innovative practices that will be shared through NACCE’s network of colleges reaching over 4 million students, the release said.

Explore more, with a Discovery Pass

By

The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library’s Discovery Pass program is back, with a new and easier-to-use digital system, according to a news release.

A Discovery Pass gives you free admission or a tour pass to select local museums and attractions, and all you need is your library card.

Each pass provides a one-time admission or tour to an attraction on a specified date chosen by the customer.

The passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so reserving a pass in advance is recommended. Only one Discovery Pass can be checked out per adult library card.

Library customers can reserve a pass online and choose a specific date that they would like to visit the attraction within a 30-day period.

The customer can then print the pass or present it by phone at the museum or attraction for entry.

Participating museums and attractions include: the Tampa History Center; Hillsborough County Conservation Parks; the Glazer Children’s Museum; the American Victory Ship and Museum; the Tampa Theatre; the Henry B. Plant Museum; the Florida Holocaust Museum; Stageworks Theatre; the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts; the Tampa Museum of Art; the Straz Center for the Performing Arts; and The Florida Orchestra.

To sign up for a library card, visit HCPLC.org/GetACard.

Passes are not renewable; however, e-Passes can be replaced if lost.

To learn more about the Discovery Pass program, or to register, visit HCPLC.org/Discoverypass.

Published June 20, 2022

Diesel is a talker!

By

Diesel is a big hunter when he is outside on the patio. He likes to carry his toys up on the bed to show his love for his play things. Diesel lives with his family — Rick, Michelle and Wyatt Deaton in Wesley Chapel.