The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

A gesture of kindness

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The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club hand-made Easter bunnies from washcloths, and added an egg with candy for the children, to donate to the Sunrise Domestic Violence Shelter. The women also made up Easter baskets for the Sunrise staff. From left: Melissa Zincke, LeeAnn Carr, Annette Bellingar, Shantel Meyers, Carmen Quiles, Linda Jenkins and Liz Chavez. (Courtesy of Shantel Meyers)

Chalk Talk 04/27/2022

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Jazz performance
The Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road in Tampa, will host “Jazz with Jim” on April 29 at 7:30 p.m.

The show with Jim Burge and The Jazz Directions will feature young performers of the Hillsborough County High School All-Star Jazz Ensemble.

Burge hand-selected the musicians during the All-County Jazz event on April 22 and April 23, and invited them to perform with him and his band.

Tickets are $13 for cultural center members and $18 for non-members.

For information and tickets, visit CarrollwoodCenter.org, or call 813-922-8167.

Enrollment Day events
Hillsborough Community College (HCC) will host High School Enrollment Day events at each of its five campuses.

Students will have the opportunity to participate in advising and financial aid sessions, complete fall registration, and leave with a full course schedule.

The event is for high school graduates only.

To attend, students must RSVP online, complete the HCC admission application for the fall term, and provide any ACT, SAT, PERT, AP or IB test scores, if taken.

Only one guest per registrant is allowed, if attending in person.

Space is limited. Registration is online at HCCfl.edu/enrollment-day.

In-person enrollment days:

  • April 30, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Dale Mabry, Plant City, SouthShore, Ybor City campuses

Virtual enrollment days:

  • May 3, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Brandon campus
  • May 10, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Dale Mabry, Plant City, SouthShore, Ybor City campuses

For more information, contact individual campuses by email: Brandon, ; Dale Mabry, ; Plant City, ; SouthShore, ; and YborCity, .

Textbook drop-off/pickup
Pasco County Schools has released the dates for Dual Enrollment spring textbook drop-off and summer textbook pickup.

Drop-offs:

  • Central Pasco: May 2 to May 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the District Office Complex, 7205 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.; park in front of Building 3N, by the ATM
  • East Pasco: May 2 to May 4 from 3:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Thomas Weightman Middle School, 30649 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel; park in the lot between Weightman Middle and Wesley Chapel High
  • West Pasco: May 3 to May 5 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Marchman Technical College, 7825 Campus Drive, New Port Richey; park in the lot in front of the administration building

Pickups:

  • Central Pasco: May 9 to May 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the District Office Complex
  • East Pasco: May 9 to May 11 from 3:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Weightman Middle School
  • West Pasco: May 10 to May 12 from 3:30 p.m., at Marchman Technical

For more information, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/oll/age/dual-enrollment, and click on the “Textbooks” tab.

Odyssey of the Mind
Pasco County Schools on its Facebook page congratulated the Odyssey of the Mind teams from Dayspring Academy (Port Richey), Sunlake High (Land O’ Lakes) and Wiregrass Ranch High (Wesley Chapel), as they will be competing in the OM World Finals, in May.

Nominate a student
Hillsborough County is accepting nominations for the Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards (YEA! Awards), until 5 p.m., on May 13.

The YEA! Awards were created in 2010, to recognize Hillsborough County students for making a difference in their community.

Students honored show initiative, innovation, and a commitment to themselves and others, while pursuing excellence in a leadership capacity. This can be demonstrated in academics, community service, athletics, performing arts, conservation, or other areas.

Nominations can be submitted for both middle and high school students, in each of these categories:

  • Leadership — demonstrating positive impact on others in an ongoing endeavor, such as sports, academics or the arts
  • Success Despite Difficult Odds — overcoming tremendous personal difficulty to attain success and to make a positive impact on others
  • Volunteer or Community Service — allocating discretionary time to help others to complete a project that has improved the community

Nominations will be reviewed by the Commission on the Status of Women.

The awards will be presented in June by the Hillsborough County Commission.

Forms are available for online submissions at HCFLGov.net/YEA.

For more information, call Hillsborough County Communications & Digital Media at 813-272-5194.

Fifth-grade exhibition
Pine View Elementary, an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, will host the Pine View Elementary International Baccalaureate Magnet School PYP Exhibition on May 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at 5333 Parkway Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Fifth-grade students will showcase their culminating, collaborative experience of their final year of the IB primary Years Program. The exhibition is a “demonstration of student agency, as learners exercise voice, choice and ownership by inquiring into local or global issues that are significant to them,” an email to The Laker said.

The opening ceremony will be at 5:30 p.m., followed by student presentations.

A spring cleaning was in order

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Keep Pasco Beautiful once again encouraged volunteers to scour 43 locations in Pasco County for debris pickup, during its annual 2022 Great American Cleanup.

More than 750 volunteers logged 2,244 hours to help to clear public spaces, roadsides and waterways in Dade City, Holiday, Hudson, New Port Richey, Port Richey and Wesley Chapel.

Zephyrhills Public Works’ employees were on hand to assist with cleanup and drop-offs during the city’s annual Neighborhood Clean-Up. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills Public Information Office)

The effort yielded 45,300 pounds of collected trash throughout Pasco County.

For information on how to reduce litter, promote waste reduction and encourage beautification, call 727-834-3611, ext. 1072, or email Keep Pasco Beautiful coordinator Kristen King at .

The City of Zephyrhills also hosted its seasonal “Neighborhood Clean-Up,” targeting Gall Boulevard to 12th Street and 12th Avenue to Fifth Avenue.

Fifteen Zephyrhills Public Works employees were on hand to assist with check-ins and roving cleanup in alleyways, and to facilitate the drop-off site at Zephyrhills City Hall, according to a news release.

Numerous items were disposed of, including tires, electronics, appliances, yard debris, mattresses and more.

Collection totals in Zephyrhills were: 150 cubic yards of mixed-debris; four appliances; seven TVs/electronics; 35 tires; and 17 drive-up drop-offs.

The idea of the city’s clean-up program is to help alleviate various Code Enforcement issues in certain areas, and the municipality at-large.

Published April 20, 2022

Chalk Talk 04/20/2022

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Dr. Davina Jones (Courtesy of Kevin O’ Farrell)

Acting provost steps in
Dr. Davina Jones is the new acting provost for Pasco-Hernando State College’s (PHSC) Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch.

Jones has more than 20 years of experience in higher education and is a ‘bridge-builder’ with a servant-leader mindset, according to a news release.

She currently serves as PHSC special assistant to the president of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Prior to PHSC, Jones has served at the College of Central Florida, the Florida State College of Jacksonville, Bethune Cookman University and Adler University.

She has worked as an administrator, researcher, and full professor, and is an accomplished presenter and author, the release says.

Jones holds a Bachelor of Arts from Bethune Cookman, and a Master of Arts and a Ph.D., from Bowling Green State University.

Scholarships awarded
Three high school seniors from Pasco County have been awarded the 2022 Sunshine Opportunity Scholarships, worth $25,000 over four years of full-time undergraduate study.

The scholarships target high-achieving high school seniors who have overcome significant obstacles in life, have financial need, and plan to stay in Florida for undergraduate university studies.

The recipients are: Camden Moors, Pasco e-School; Legasse Remon, Anclote High School; and Danielle Timony, Gulf High School.

For more information, visit SunshineOpportunityScholarships.com.

Essay deadline is soon
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano is reminding Pasco students that his office will accept entries in his annual essay contest until 5 p.m., April 22.

Students enrolled in Pasco’s public/charter, private, parochial, nonpublic, and home-school programs can participate.

In 500 words or less, students must answer the question, “Since the 1980s, Pasco County has seen a steady growth in population that now has us nearing 600,000 residents. To accommodate this growth, we have seen many additions made to our county’s general infrastructure (expanded roads, public transportation, additional shopping venues, etc.). What is one addition that has been made that was most beneficial to Pasco County, or what is one addition that you believe should be made to further accommodate our county’s growth?”

The winner of the contest will be notified by telephone no later than May 13, and will receive a $500 gift card.

For questions and information on how to submit an essay, call Jose Rodriguez Sierra at 727-847-8165, ext. 3826.

Enrollment Day events
Hillsborough Community College (HCC) will host High School Enrollment Day events at each of its five campuses from April 23 to May 10.

Students will have the opportunity to participate in advising and financial aid sessions, complete fall registration, and leave with a full course schedule.

The event is for high school graduates only.

To attend, students must RSVP online, complete the HCC admission application for the fall term, and provide any ACT, SAT, PERT, AP or IB test scores, if taken.

Only one guest per registrant is allowed, if attending in person.

Space is limited. Registration is online at HCCfl.edu/enrollment-day.

In-person enrollment days:

  • April 23, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Brandon Campus
  • April 30, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Dale Mabry, Plant City, SouthShore, Ybor City campuses

Virtual enrollment days:

  • May 3, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Brandon campus
  • May 10, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Dale Mabry, Plant City, SouthShore, Ybor City campuses

For more information, contact individual campuses by email: Brandon, ; Dale Mabry, ; Plant City, ; SouthShore, ; and YborCity, .

Student news
• Ahanna Costa and Carl Herndon, both of Lutz, have been initiated into Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society. Costa attends Florida International University, and Herndon attends Florida State University.

• Catherine Calistri, of Odessa, and Joseph Martinez, William Peterson and Sofia Schultz, all of Lutz, were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at Florida State University.

(Courtesy of Stephen Hegarty)

A ‘spectacular’ performance
Starkey Ranch K-8 teamed up with Maestro Michael Francis, music director of The Florida Orchestra, to host the first-ever Starkey Symphony Spectacular. The free outdoor concert was a collaboration between aspiring Starkey Ranch K-8 student musicians, community members and professional musicians of The Florida Orchestra. The school’s music programs received a portion of the proceeds from the on-site food trucks, and business and individual donations.

Health News 04/20/2022

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Ron Graff and pet therapy dog Jackson (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

Limited therapy pet visits resume
The pandemic has affected every aspect of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz, including the hospital’s pet therapy program.

During COVID peaks and visitor restrictions and pandemic safety measures, the pet program for all patients and team members was suspended and stopped completely.

At other times, pet therapy was offered only for team members in restricted non-patient areas and outdoors.

And during lulls and periods of lower COVID presence, the program was available to some patients.

During the outbreak at the end of 2021 into early 2022, pet therapy again was shut down.

St. Joseph’s now is happy to report that some patients can resume visits with the furry friends, bringing back smiles and joy.

Jackson, a 7-year-old golden retriever, wore bunny ears for his pre-Easter visit to a hospital room, with his handler Ron Graff.

 

 

Beeping egg hunt a success
The Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind hosted its annual Beeping Easter Egg Hunt on April 9. Kids who are visually impaired searched for beeping eggs, while their sighted siblings looked for the regular eggs. At the end of the hunt, everyone exchanged their eggs for candy.

The Beeping Easter Egg Hunt is just one of Lighthouse’s many programs and activities for visually impaired youth. To learn more, Visit LVIB.org.

(Courtesy of Becky Finley)

All aboard, for good causes
The Woman’s Club of Zephyrhills presented to a sold-out audience Maria Buckley’s production of ‘Murder on a Budget Cruise Line’ dinner theatre. Proceeds from the production were donated to the Healing Hearts Cafe and a domestic violence shelter. Club members and guests, from left, are: Emily Keene, Sue Trebour, Robin Burke, Brenda Dougherty, Peggy Berry, Missy Moon, Tammy Hanlon and Tom Dougherty.

Health resources
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office has compiled commnity-based health resources on its website, to help serve citizens.

Resources are available for a variety of challenges that citizens may encounter, including mental health issues, houselessness, suicidal thoughts, and more.

The list was developed to give those seeking assistance a place to start when they may not know how.

For information, visit PascoSheriff.com, and click on “Community Based Resources.”

(Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Wellness Center opens to the public
Saint Leo University on April 8 opened the doors of a $20 million, 59,500-square-foot Wellness Center that features an outdoor pool, basketball courts, state-of-the-art gym amenities and locker rooms, a cafe and more, to the public. ‘We anticipate offering a variety of fitness classes in the Mind, Body, Spirit Studio, Group X Studio, and Cycling Studio on an ongoing basis as well,’ said Kathleen Pantalone, executive director, Wellness Center Services and Events.

Hank loves everyone he meets

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Hank is still a puppy that moved to Lutz, as a baby, with his humans, Tim and Anne Howe. He is lucky to have two brother dogs that love him a ton. Hank tries to be like his big brother, Winnie, a white golden doodle who also was famous as a past Pet of the Week. Hank’s Scottish terrier brother, Fitz, wrestles with him all the time and teaches him how to track down lizards. Hank is very busy on his walks through the neighborhood, and his mom works hard on his training so he will grow up to be a ‘super doodle’ one day.

A mid-day snack

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DG Moore captured the incredible moment when this gator decided to chow down, in the backyard pond. Moore lives in Northwoods Palms in Wesley Chapel.

‘Spring aboard’ for boater education

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(Courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

Many residents and visitors will be flocking to Florida’s beaches and waterways during the spring and summer.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wants boaters to “Spring Aboard” and get educated, before the summer boating season starts, to make the most of their time on the water.

Florida boating accident statistics indicated that in 2021, 83% of boating deaths occurred on boats where the boat operator had never received educational instruction, according to an FWC news release.

Although not currently required, owners of human-powered watercraft, such as paddleboards and kayaks, also are encouraged to take a boating education class, so they are aware of critical boating knowledge that anyone who gets out on the water should have, and to be better prepared for the risks they might face.

“In Florida, boaters who were born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 are required to complete and pass a boater safety education class. But everyone interested in boating should take a course,” said Maj. Rob Beaton, FWC’s Boating and Waterways section leader, in the release.

There are many ways boaters can educate themselves, from classroom courses offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons, to online offerings available any time day or night.

To learn more about boater safety education, visit MyFWC.com/boating and click on “Boating Safety and Education.”

Published April 13, 2022

Chalk Talk 04/13/2022

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Kevin D. O’ Farrell (File)

Provost leaves position
Kevin D. O’ Farrell, provost, Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, announced his upcoming departure from Pasco-Hernando State College, in an email letter.

O’ Farrell has served PHSC for the past 12 years, and has been serving as provost for the last 5 1/2 years.

In his new role as chancellor for Career and Adult Education at the Florida Department of Education, he will provide leadership to the Career and Technical Education Programs, Workforce Education, and Adult Education throughout the state.

O’ Farrell’s last day with PHSC will be April 22, and he and his family will relocate to Tallahassee.

Financial literacy
Pasco County Schools in collaboration with community partners is recognizing Financial Literacy Month by offering virtual experiences and opportunities.

Visit Pasco County Schools on Facebook for student, home/community, and teacher workshops, contests, and more.

Student news

  • Hope Lelekacs and Joshua Luther, both of Odessa, have been initiated into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, at the University of Tampa.
  • Payton VanNort, of Lutz, worked behind the scenes as an assistant stage manager in Marietta College’s (Ohio) production of “Reefer Madness.” VanNort is majoring in theater (BFA) directing track.

Kindergarten & VPK
Kindergarten registration for the 2022-2023 school year is on April 18, at all Pasco County elementary schools.

Requirements include:

  • The child must be 5 years of age by Sept. 1
  • Birth Certificate or other proof of birth date
  • Health Examination – HRS Form 3040
  • HRS Certificate of Immunization
  • Three different proofs of residency including deed or property tax assessment or lease, current utility bill, and an additional document supporting stated address such as auto registration, driver’s license, voter registration.

For more information on registration, visit tinyurl.com/p7txr4j4.

Pasco County Schools also offers free VPK (voluntary prekindergarten).

Children must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, to be eligible.

For information and instructions on how to apply, visit pasco.k12.fl.us, click on “News” and search for “VPK.”

Duke Energy grants
The Duke Energy Foundation and Duke Energy Florida have awarded more than $641,000 in grants to support a wide range of kindergarten through 12th grade initiatives focused on energy and engineering education, as well as programs serving underrepresented, low-income and diverse students, according to a news release.

This year’s grant recipients range from local education foundations to community organizations that provide unique learning opportunities for students, especially those with diverse backgrounds and abilities, to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) concepts.

In The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, the Pasco Education Foundation Inc., was the recipient of $25,000. This foundation partners with Pasco County Schools, and the Energy and Marine Science Center (EMC) to help improve STEM curriculum and enhance its reach in providing the opportunity for underrepresented, low-income Title I students to visit the EMC.

Statewide, the Consortium of Florida Education Foundation received $50,000, to support local education foundations in Duke Energy Florida’s footprint in understanding the local landscape of career/technical education, college/career readiness and STEM education needs, and increase knowledge of capacity building tools for organizational stability, the release says.

In total, six organizations in the Tampa Bay area received grants; in the Greater Orlando area, nine; and in the Greater Tallahassee/Gainesville area, six.

Financial aid tip
As college students register for classes this fall, the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) encourages students to consider taking more classes.

A heavier course load helps to cut the total cost of college, because students will finish their technical or degree program more quickly, a KHEAA news release says.

A full-time load for undergraduates usually is 12 credit hours per semester.

Associate degrees usually require 60 credit hours to finish; bachelor degrees, 120 hours.

At 12 hours each semester, students will need five semesters to finish an associate degree and 10 semesters to finish a bachelor degree.

By taking 15 hours per semester, a student can finish an associate degree in four semesters and a bachelor degree in eight semesters, the release says.

Many colleges do not charge students more for 15 hours than they do for 12 hours.

The expanded course load may save students thousands of dollas in tuition and fees.

KHEAA is a public, nonprofit agency that helps to improve student access to college, and provides information about financial aid and financial literacy at no cost to students and parents.

For more information, visit KHEAA.com.

A true ‘beach bum’

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Otis is a 13-year-old Shih-poo. He loves fishing, boating and the beach. He loves his owner and follows her wherever she goes, even to the bathroom. Otis is part of the Karen Williams family and lives in Land O’ Lakes with his feline buddy, Moe, too.