The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

A pair of fine diners

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Kevin Perridge, of Land O’ Lakes, snapped this photo of a male and female Eastern bluebird. These bluebirds eat mostly insects, wild fruit and berries. Bluebirds typically sit in the open on power lines or along fences, with an alert, vertical posture, according to AllAboutBirds.org. When these birds drop to the ground for an insect, they make a show of it, with fluttering wings and a fairly slow approach, followed by a quick return to the perch.

Pasco hospitals get top ratings

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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has recognized all AdventHealth hospitals in the greater Pasco County area for providing the highest quality care to patients, according to a news release of CMS hospital quality scores.

Since joining the AdventHealth network in 2018, AdventHealth Dade City has experienced a significant advancement, rising to a CMS four-star rated facility in just four years.

Additionally, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealthZephyrhills both maintained a CMS five-star rating for overall hospital quality and patient safety.

AdventHealth is committed to cinical excellence and providing the safest facilities for patients to receive care when they need it most, the release said.

Chalk Talk 07/20/2022

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Shining a light on hatred
Students are shining a light on antisemitism with a new art exhibit, ‘Shine a Light Youth Art Contest,’ produced by the Tampa JCCs & Federation. The contest included a Junior Division (fourth- through seventh-graders) and a Senior Division (eighth- through 12th-graders). The exhibit is helping to raise awareness about antisemitism, share educational resources and empower individuals to stand against the hatred of Jewish people, through the power of art. The winning artwork can be found in the lobby of the Tampa Municipal Office Building, 306 E. Jackson St., in Tampa, through Aug. 8. The exhibit’s next stop will be the Tampa International Airport in late fall.

Citizens’ Academy is back
Pasco County Schools is accepting applications for the third year of its Citizens’ Academy, to give members of the public an in-depth insider’s look at every aspect of the school district.

The academy will consist of eight monthly meetings; the first class will be on Aug. 18. Five meetings will take place during the day, and three meetings will be in the evening.

Sessions will be a combination of informational lessons, tours and classroom presentations.

Participants will visit several of Pasco County’s diverse schools; meet with district leaders, school personnel, and principals; and learn about special programs, curriculum, athletics, budget, student nutrition, school safety initiatives and more.

The academy class will have 30 members to 50 members from the community. Graduation is set for April 27.

Anyone interested can apply online by July 24, at PascoSchools.org/comm/page/ca.

Those selected will be notified by email the week of July 25.

Human trafficking webinar
Saint Leo University and Pasco F1RST will offer a free, online webinar about fighting human trafficking, on July 26 at 7 p.m.

“Danger! Social Media Recruitment is on the Rise Since COVID-19” will be presented by the Mel Greene Institute to Combat Human Trafficking.

The guest speaker will be Marina Anderson, regional human trafficking coordinator for the northeast and northwest regions for the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Anderson is a recognized expert in safety methodology, providing training and mentoring to child protective investigators and the Child Protective Investigations Section in law enforcement agencies.

For information on how to register, email Karin May at .

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.

Free Early Childhood tuition
Fred K. Marchman Technical College will offer free tuition to enable potential early learning teachers to be trained and certified, in an effort to address the shortage of teachers working in private child care in Pasco County.

The free tuition is made possible through a federal Preschool Development Grant in the amount of $524,212 awarded to the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties Inc., the release said.

“This opportunity addresses a critical need in our community,” said Tonia Shook, director of Marchman Technical College, in the release.

“The grant benefits our students, as it provides monetary incentives to complete their education, enter the field, and advance their career,” said Shook.

More information is available online at tinyurl.com/7uwz6u7c.

Student graduates
These local students graduated from The University of Tampa:

  • Sarah Aledo-Cubano, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Allied Health (Dean’s List)
  • Joseph Allen, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Finance
  • Mackenzie Allen, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Marketing
  • Jaime Banks, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Finance
  • Himanshu Bhatt, Odessa: Master of Business Administration in Executive
  • Alyssa Cabrera, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in Journalism; Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre (Dean’s List)
  • Leigh Dittman, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Dean’s List)
  • Noah Doble, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Economics (Dean’s List)
  • Cheyenne Dula, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations
  • Liam Fennel, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Sport Management
  • Rye Gapinski, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in Applied Sociology
  • Ellen Hannaman, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Marketing
  • Emalee Jansen, Lutz: Master of Science in Accounting
  • Kristina Layton, Lutz: Master of Science in Nursing
  • Joshua Luther, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (Dean’s List)
  • Sarah Miranda, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
  • Connor Molloy, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems
  • Samuel Neal, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in Communication Media and Culture
  • Carly Peirano, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
  • Trevor Puleo, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Business Information Technology
  • Michael Recenello, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Finance
  • Sydney Rose, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems
  • Maxim Stepanets, Lutz: Master of Science in Finance
  • Kayla Wittyngham, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Dean’s List)

Other local graduates include Steve Luttrull, of Lutz, who earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands, Williamsburg, Kentucky; and Nathan Shane, of Lutz, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from The Citadel, Charleston, South Carolina.

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.

Student recognitions
These local students have been named to the Dean’s List at their respective schools:

  • Hunter Balistreri, Odessa: University of Tampa
  • Cole Benjamin, Odessa: University of Tampa
  • Braden Contreras, Lutz: Florida Institute of Technology
  • Robert Cooper, Lutz: University of Tampa
  • Jacqueline Figueredo, Lutz: Florida Institute of Technology
  • Alyssa Gomez, Odessa: University of Tampa
  • Julianne Grega, Lutz: University of Tampa
  • Lilly Kiester, Lutz: University of Tampa
  • Hope Lelekacs, Odessa: University of Tampa
  • Brandy Lindauer, Land O’ Lakes: Saint Mary’s University, Winona, Minnesota
  • Michelle Loefstrand, Odessa: University of Tampa
  • Madison McElhone, Lutz: University of Tampa
  • Zoe Papageorgiou, Odessa: University of Tampa
  • Vasant Ramnarine, Lutz: Florida Institute of Technology
  • Gage Robinson, Lutz: University of Tampa
  • Indraneel Raut, Wesley Chapel: Gustavus Adolphus College, Saint Peter, Minnesota
  • Angelina Santana, Lutz: University of Tampa
  • Jacob Statman, Lutz: Rochester Institute of Technology, New York

Physicals & backpacks
Premier Community HealthCare will offer $15 back-to-school physicals through Aug. 31, on Mondays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Tuesdays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Students can receive complete physical examinations, state-required screenings, and a free backpack with starter supplies. (Backpacks are available for all school-aged students, while supplies last.)

To schedule an appointment at one of Premier’s eight locations, visit PremierHC.org, or call 352-518-2000.

Grants available for nonprofits

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The Florida Support Autism Programs Specialty License Plate annually generates funds that support nonprofit organizations that provide direct services for individuals with autism and related disabilities in Florida.

(Courtesy of autismlicenseplate.com)

The Autism Services Grant Council in 2022 awarded a total of $124,160 in grants to 19 Florida-based nonprofit organizations, according to a news release.

All nonprofit organizations with a current Internal Revenue Service designation as a 501(c)(3) exempt organization, and a current State of Florida Charitable Solicitation Registration number that provide services to individuals with autism and related disabilities in Florida are eligible to apply for grants, the release said.

For information and to apply, visit AutismLicensePlate.com/grant-application/.

The deadline for proposals is July 31.

The Autism License Plate Fund and the Autism Services Grant Council are administered by Arc Broward, a nationally accredited Florida nonprofit, Section 501(c)(3) exempt organization, the release said.

“Every Autism license plate we put on the road is a rolling billboard reminding people that individuals with autism are a meaningful part of the community,” Dennis Haas, chair of the grant council, said in the release.

“It is amazing to see that even a small investment in a specialty license plate helps to fund the good work of these organizations throughout the state,” said Haas.

Published July 13, 2022

A 4th of July Celebration

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club sponsored the big 4th of July Parade and Celebration in Lutz, for the first time since the pandemic — to the theme of “We’re Back!” The event attracted thousands of spectators for an old-fashioned, small-town, family friendly Independence Day.

Hospital names new officer

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Michael Irvin (Courtesy of HCA Healthcare West Florida)

HCA Healthcare West Florida has promoted Michael Irvin to chief executive officer (CEO) of HCA Florida Trinity Hospital, according to a news release.

Irvin has served as CEO of Palms of Pasadena Hospital since April 2020, leading the hospital through the pandemic and the HCA Florida Healthcare brand launch earlier this year.

In the new role, Irvin will oversee the operations of the 340-bed facility with an expansive array of services on five campuses in three counties — including the main campus in Trinity; HCA Florida Trinity West, New Port Richey; HCA Florida Lutz Emergency; HCA Florida Citrus Park Emergency, Hillsborough County; and HCA Florida Lake Tarpon Emergency, Pinellas County.

Services include obstetrics, neonatal intensive care, maternal fetal medicine, heart and vascular surgery, accredited community cancer program, lung nodule screening program, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, men’s health, mental health services, and neurosurgery.

Irvin earned his Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Business Studies from Webber International University.

Prior experience includes serving as CEO at Bayfront Health Spring Hill; chief operating officer (COO) at Merit Health Wesley in Mississippi; assistant CEO at Medical Center Enterprise, Alabama; and physician practice administrator at Lake Wales Medical Center.

Chalk Talk 07/13/2022

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(Courtesy of Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office)

Essay contest winner announced
Alyssa Gardiner, a student at River Ridge High School’s New Teacher Academy, was selected as the winner in the Pasco County Tax Collector’s essay contest. Gardiner wrote about the expansion needs and environmental challenges associated with the Ridge Road Extension. ‘The New Teacher Academy has given me, as well as many other students, an abundance of opportunities….Participating in this contest was a special opportunity that I have never had before. I was able to connect with this essay because I love writing, while also connecting with the community,’ said Gardiner in a news release. Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano presented Gardiner with a $500 Visa gift card.

Open registration
Registration for Hillsborough County’s after-school programming is now open.

The two-week sessions, offered through Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation, run from the end of the school day until 6 p.m., for children in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Parks & Recreation also has inclusive and adaptive after-school programs for those with special needs.

Activities include indoor and outdoor games, athletic leagues including flag football, soccer and basketball, and a character-building curriculum.

The cost is $76, or $60 with a reduced lunch letter, or $40 with a free lunch letter.

The programs follow the Hillsborough County School District calendar.

For information or to register, visit HCFLGov.net/AfterSchool.

Camden Moors (Courtesy of Foote Communications)

Eschool student scholar
Camden Moors, a Pasco Eschool student from Land O’ Lakes, was honored as a 2022 Denny’s Hungry for Education Scholar during a special virtual program.

Denny’s scholarship program recognizes and rewards students who show initiative and creativity in helping Denny’s bring communities together.

Partnering with 11 leading nonprofit, minority advocacy organizations, Denny’s awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships this year to deserving elementary, high school and college students.

Moors, selected by Partners for Youth with Disabilities, said in a news release, “To help bring the commuity together, connecting food waste with homeless shelters, food banks and direct to the needy willing to pick it up would most certainly help bring the community together. We all need to have a hand in helping solve hunger in our communities.”

The virtual celebration focused on the winners, along with their family and friends, and can be viewed at DennysHungryForEducation.com.

School Supply Drive
Florida Avenue Brewing Co., 2029 Arrow Grass Drive in Wesley Chapel, will host a School Supply Drive from July 18 through July 27.

Taproom guests, age 21 and older, will have the opportunity to donate $4 toward the purchase of school supplies for Wise Supplies, a free school supply center in Land O’ Lakes for economically challenged students, founded by the Pasco Eduction Foundation.

Each $4 donation will include a free pint, one per guest, one per day.

Stuff the Backpack
The team at First National Bank of Pasco is hosting a Stuff the Backpack Drive through July 22, at all four of its county branches.

Items that are needed include: pencils/pens; scissors; ear buds (wired); spiral notebooks; folders; paper; glue sticks; colored pencils/crayons; liquid soap; Ziploc bags; Kleenex; highlighters; erasers; pencil boxes; rulers; and hand sanitizer.

Monetary donations will be used to purchase additional school supplies.

Back to School event
The Church at Myrtle Lake, 2017 Reigler Road in Land O’ Lakes, will host a Back to School Drive-Thru on July 23 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Children in kindergarten through 12th grade must be in attendance to receive one free backpack and school items, while supplies last.

For information, visit MyrtleLake.org.

Freshman 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.

ABC Program
All five offices of the Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano will accept donations during July for the Pasco County School District’s ABC (Assist, Believe & Care) Program.

The program was created to provide financial assistance to students and their families who are experiencing economic hardship, especially when those needs interfere with the student’s ability to be academically successful.

Monetary donations go into a fund that teachers can use when they see or learn of a need a child may have.

For information and office locations, contact Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, at 727-847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

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.

Physicals & backpacks
Premier Community HealthCare will offer $15 back-to-school physicals through Aug. 31, on Mondays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Tuesdays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Students can receive complete physical examinations, state-required screenings, and a free backpack with starter supplies. (Backpacks are available for all school-aged students, while supplies last.)

To schedule an appointment at one of Premier’s eight locations, visit PremierHC.org, or call 352-518-2000.

Poster contest winners
Pasco County Utilities, the Florida Govermental Utility Authority and Pasco County Schools hosted its 13th annual Water Awareness Poster Contest for students in Pasco elementary schools. The theme was “Do Your Part, Be Water Smart.”

Judges used science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) learning standards to choose the top posters.

Winning posters are on display in the lobbies of the West and East Pasco Government Centers.

These students in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area came out on top, in their respective grade levels:

  • First Grade: Jayden Chavez, first place; Ezhil Vashisht, second place; and Rishaan Gandhi, third place, all from Odessa Elementary
  • Second Grade: Anderson F., first place; Judy Ahmed, second place; and Elle Patel, third place, all from Countryside Montessori
  • Fourth Grade: Mariska Jarboe, first place, and Adelee Buntin, second place, both from Wesley Chapel Elementary
  • Fifth Grade: Payton Burton, first place, Lake Myrtle Elementary; Jazmin Ayo, second place, San Antonio Elementary; and Gian Figueroa, third place, Wesley Chapel Elementary
  • Honorable Mention “Hope the Dolphin’s Choice” was awarded to Max Weiss, Wesley Chapel Elementary.

To see all the winning entries, visit WaterContest.org.

Published July 13, 2022

S’mores is a wiggler

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S’mores is 3 years old. He came home from Pasco County Animal Services when he was a puppy. He is a mixed breed who loves to play ball, go on walks, and get belly rubs. When he meets new people, his tail-wagging makes his whole body wiggle! S’mores enjoys living with the Fox family in Land O’ Lakes.

A friendly hello

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Betsy Crisp, of Land O’ Lakes, was delighted to see this male, red-bellied woodpecker (caught in the security camera) in her large oak tree, in her backyard.

A friendly hello!

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Lisa Vaile lives in Wesley Chapel and loves to take wildlife photos when she takes her boat out. Here, this pelican seems to be waving a hearty hello. See more of Vailes’ photos in our Local Wildlife section.