The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Sawyer brings so much joy

By

This sweet golden retriever joined the Smith family on Jan 29, 2021, when she was only 12 weeks old. Lady Sawyer Smith turned 1 year old last December, and enjoyed being pampered on her special day, with yummy treats and a doggie splash pad to cool off on hot Florida days. She loves long walks to the dog park, chewing on sticks, pup cups from the coffee shop, and jumping to catch ice cubes. Sawyer lives in Land O’ Lakes with her family – Kevin, Sherri, Colton, Eden, Addison and Carsen Smith.

Cleared for landing

By

Numerous recent nature sightings in his yard found Steve Vinik, of Wesley Chapel, grabbing for his camera, again. These whistling ducks seemed to be parachuting onto the ground at a nearby lake. Whistling ducks are more closely related to geese and swans than to a ‘true duck,’ because of their long necks, long legs, bone structure and erect stance.

Health News 03/23/2022

By

Hospice donation
The Bay Area Bassmasters made its annual donation to Gulfside Hospice from money raised through the Ina Mahoney Hospice Challenge, with a record-setting amount of $10,281.67.

The tradition began when Ina Mahoney passed away on Gulfside’s service in October 2009.

Shortly afterward, the fishing club members rallied around Tom, Ina’s husband and president of the Bay Area Bassmasters, to start the challenge as a way to say thank you for the care provided to Ina and her family.

The Bay Area Bassmasters is a B.A.S.S. Nation “Buddy” Team Tournament Trail Bass Fishing Club.

During the Bassmasters’ season, each angler donates $1 per pound for each fish that is caught.

The club also hosts an annual fundraiser at its meeting in November, raising additional funds through prize drawings. The money is then pooled together and donated to Gulfside after each fishing season.

New pediatric office
BayCare Medical Group has opened a pediatrics office in the New BayCare HealthHub (Land O’ Lakes) at the corner of State Road 54 and Sunlake Boulevard.

Dr. Nicole Conde and Dr. Mercedez Cruz, both affiliated with St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz, have joined the practice, and both are board certified in pediatrics.

The HealthHub opened to the community last December and integrates multiple health care services such as adult and pediatric primary care, urgent care, and imaging, at one convenient location.

The pediatrics office is at 18600 Fernview St., Suite 102, in Land O’ Lakes.

For information, call 813-692-8033.

New practice opens
Phoenix American Medical announced the opening of the practice of Dr. Christian Laman, primary care physician and anesthesiolgist, in Spring Hill and Port Richey.

Dr. Laman served as faculty medical director of anesthesia services at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point from 2017 to 2021.

He currently is board certified in anesthesiology through the American Osteopathic Board of Anesthesiologists.

Dr. Laman is a member of the Pasco County Medical Society, American Medical Association, Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, and the American Osteopathic Board of Anesthesiology.

For more information, call 352-691-5050.

Chalk Talk 03/23/2022

By

Nick DeMarinis

Leadership program
Saint Leo University will host a free event on March 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at its University Campus, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, and online via Zoom.

“Mission-Driven Leaders: Conversations on Purpose” will feature guest speaker Nick DeMarinis, vice president of sales at WeWork, a former LinkedIn executive, and a Saint Leo alumnus.

The program also will include an interactive, interview-style conversation with DeMarinis.

Registration is required online at SaintLeo.edu/mdl.

Water Days
The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), 4801 E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa, will host Tampa Bay Water Days on March 25 and March 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The program on March 25 will focus on serving third- to fifth-grade students.

The general public, scouting organizations and homeschool groups will be the focus on March 26.

Water Days is a community event organized by MOSI, to celebrate water conservation, storm water management, and environmental stewardship.

Guests can explore the MOSI Backwoods, learn about local resources and participate in hands-on environmental science activities with MOSI educators, as well as many community organizations.

The first 1,000 people to register also will get free admission into MOSI.

Preregistration is online at MOSI.org.

Route safety
The pedestrian and bicycle routes that students use to get from their residential neighborhoods to Gaither High School and Claywell Elementary in Hillsborough County are being studied by engineers to create safer routes to the schools, according to a news release.

The Hillsborough County School Route Safety Improvement Program aims to address gaps in the pedestrian and bicycle networks that students use to get to schools, and enhance safety by improving the engineering and design of the routes students take.

Proposed improvements for these schools include: High-visiblity crosswalks; new sidewalks; wayfinding; streetlights; raised crosswalks; sidewalk maintenance; improved pedestrian signal timing at traffic signals; pedestrian signage and pavement markings; intersection improvements to manage speed of drivers turning across crosswalks; clearing vegetation along walking paths; and bicycle facilities, the release says.

‘Dorothy in Wonderland’
Union Park Charter Academy in Wesley Chapel will present “Dorothy in Wonderland” on March 29 at 6:30 p.m., at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road.

Tickets are $10. Children age 3 and younger are free.

The event includes a pre-show art exhibit by Union Park art students.

For information, call 813-358-7306.

Musical performance
The Saint Leo Singers, Saint Leo Chamber Singers, Saint Leo Rhythm Machine, and the Saint Leo Ensemble will perform a spirited musical program showcasing tunes of the 20th century on March 29 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., in the Selby Auditorium in Lewis Hall, at University Campus, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

Guests should see the attendant at the box office on the second floor.

Seating is first-come, first-served.

Admission is a donation in the amount the guest chooses. Cash and credit cards will be accepted.

For information, email .

Eagle Scout award
Greater Tampa Bay Area Council Eagle Scouts who are currently registered in an active unit and are graduating from high school this year can apply for the Dadez Family Eagle Scout Values Award.

The award is presented to an Eagle Scout who has lived a life of honesty, integrity, respect, responsibility and leadership with a demonstrated commitment to the ideals of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, according to a news release.

The selected recipient will receive a $1,000 cash award, a medal and a certificate.

Application deadline is March 30.

For information and to apply, visit tinyurl.com/5b2kt5bw.

Essay contest
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano will accept entries from March 28 through April 22 (at 5 p.m.), for his annual essay contest for high school students.

Students enrolled in Pasco 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 will be notified no later than May 13, and will receive a $500 gift card.

Students in public/charter schools should submit their essays to their principal.

Students in private, parochial, nonpublic or home-school programs should send their essays directly to Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano, c/o Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526.

Entries also can be hand-delivered to the tax collector’s office at 4720 U.S. 19 in New Port Richey.

For questions, call Jose Rodriguez Sierra at 727-847-8165, ext. 3826.

Dr. Amy-Jill Levine

Public webinar
Saint Leo University’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies will present the webinar, “Understanding Jesus and Paul Means Understanding Judaism: Pharisees, Prayer, Parable, and Practice,” on March 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., via Zoom.

The guest speaker will be Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, a scholar of the New Testament and Jewish studies.

There also will be a Q&A session, and Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg and a trustee of Saint Leo University will offer closing comments.

The webinar is free. Registration is online at SaintLeo.edu/understanding.

For information, email .

Fish art contest
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Wildlife Forever, is hosting the annual Florida State Fish Art Contest.

Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can compete in the free contest for a chance to win state and national honors, and prizes.

The program inspires creativity, while developing the next generation of anglers and conservationists.

Florida winners will be selected by the FWC in four grade categories: Kindergarten through third grade; fourth grade through sixth grade; seventh grade through ninth grade; and 10th grade through 12th grade.

State winners will advance to the National Competition to be judged for top prizes, including Best of Show.

The deadline to enter is March 31.

For entry guidelines and information, visit WildlifeForever.org/home/fish-art/.

Pasco school news
Pasco County Schools has announced the following:

Check your irrigation timers for consistency

By

Daylight Saving Time began on March 13, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District is reminding residents to check the timers on their irrigation system controllers.

Now is a good time to make sure irrigation system timers are set correctly, to ensure that the systems operate consistently with year-round water conservation measures, according to a news release.

All 16 counties throughout the district’s boundaries are currently on year-round water conservation measures, with lawn watering limited to twice per week, unless your city or county has a different schedule or stricter hours.

Local governments maintaining once-per-week watering by local ordinance include Citrus, Hernando, southern Hillsborough, Pasco and Sarasota counties.

Residents are urged not to water just because it’s ‘your day’ to do so, and should know and follow the local water restrictions.

A lawns should be irrigated when it shows signs of stress from lack of water.

Look for these signs:

  • Grass blades are folded in half lengthwise on at least one-third of the yard
  • Grass blades appear blue-gray in color
  • Grass blades do not spring back, leaving footprints on the lawn for several minutes after someone walks on it

For additional information about water conservation, visit the district’s website at WaterMatters.org/Conservation.

Published March 13, 2022

Salem is friendly and sweet

By

Salem was adopted from the Humane Society and is 1 ½ years old. His owner adopted him the day before Halloween, so Salem seemed like the perfect name. Unlike most cats, Salem is very outgoing. He loves being around people and isn’t afraid to make new friends. Salem may be an all-black cat, but he is the opposite of ‘unlucky.’ Salem lives with his proud owner, Savannah Brotherton, in Wesley Chapel.

Funding approved

By

Hillsborough County soon will receive an infusion of mental health support through a $1.99 million investment from the Hillsborough County Commission, according to a news release.

Commissioners unanimously approved a 30-month contract that supports Tampa Bay Thrives in providing mental and behavioral health services to help residents impacted by the ongoing pandemic, which has created or exacerbated mental and behavioral health issues for millions of Americans, the release said.

The funds come from Hillsborough County’s COVID-19 dollars as part of the American Rescue Plan Act – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARP Funds).

The funding will be used to support a behavioral health program to help residents who are dealing with depression, anxiety, or substance abuse disorder, with a focus on improving early intervention, access, and awareness.

The program will:

  • expand a free and confidential 24-hour Let’s Talk line
  • provide short-term counseling to serve as a bridge to longer-term care
  • create a research and awareness campaign
  • conduct an annual survey
  • deliver a community-wide marketing campaign, providing resources and increasing knowledge of existing resources

Chalk Talk 03/16/2022

By

Student achievements

  • Krystin Hust, of Lutz: Doctor of Physical Therapy in Army-Baylor Physical Therapy, Baylor University, Texas
  • JoAna Mucklow, of Odessa: Chancellor’s Honor Roll at the University of Mississippi
  • Jason Petyo, of Lutz: Master of Science in counseling and psychology, Troy University, Alabama
  • Jorge Zequeira, of Odessa: Bachelor of Applied Science, University of Arkansas-Little Rock

Fall Dean’s List students

  • Augustana College, Illinois: Daniel Higgins, Odessa
  • Baylor University, Waco, Texas: Emily Rogers, Lutz
  • College of William & Mary, Virginia: Kaitlyn Ferguson, Lutz
  • Emerson College, Massachusetts: Thais Jacomassi, Lutz
  • Florida Tech: Jacqueline Figueredo, Lutz; Vasant Ramnarine, Lutz; Max Martino, Lutz; Braden Contreras, Lutz; Zachary Watson, Trinity; Rodrigo Sandoval Sanchez, Trinity; and Tyler Vermillion, Trinity
  • Georgia Tech, Atlanta: Rajshree Bhogshetty, Lutz
  • Mars Hill University, North Carolina: Roland Anthony Chacon, Lutz; and Mykayla Christine Parise-King, Lutz
  • Minnesota State University, Mankato: Kaylyn Burr, Land O’ Lakes (High Honor)
  • Mississippi College, Clinton: Jaelyn Evans, Odessa
  • Norwich University, Vermont: Molly Grace Flanagan, Lutz
  • Rochester Institute of Technology, New York: Jacob Statman, Lutz
  • South Dakota State University: Matthew William Durrance, Lutz
  • Tallahassee Community College: Jacob Alvarado, Lutz; Ryan Bogdanski, Odessa; Wiliam Brockman, Lutz; Matthew Daniels, Lutz; and Skylar Barnes, Lutz
  • Tufts University, Massachusetts: Emara Saez, Lutz
  • University of Mississippi: Madeleine Hendron, Odessa
  • University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Jacquelyn Claire Abanses, Lutz
  • University of Southern Mississippi: Joel Perdomo, Lutz
  • University of Tampa: Joshua Luther, Odessa; Leigh Dittman, Lutz; Madison McElhone, Lutz; Hope Lelekacs, Odessa; Cole Benjamin, Odessa; Noah Doble, Odessa; James Gerakios, Odessa; Gianna Mangiaracina, Odessa; Trevor Puleo, Lutz; Lindsey Marzo, Lutz; Victoria Nelson, Lutz; Rye Gapinski, Lutz; Ashley Mueller, Lutz; Emma Sack, Lutz; Jacey Fennell, Odessa; Atlanta Foskey, Odessa; Tristan Hilson, Lutz; Robert Cooper, Lutz; Gavin Cooper, Lutz; Zoe Papageorgiou, Odessa; and Alyssa Gomez, Odessa

Pasco school news
Pasco County Schools has announced the following:

Clean Tech competition
Students from around the world are invited to share their innovative solutions as part of the 2022 Spellman High Voltage Electronics Clean Tech Competition. The event engages students in identifying and solving real-world environmental challenges by creating innovative solutions.

Each year more than 40 countries participate.

The first-place winner will receive $7,000 in prize money; $5,000 for second place; and $3,500 for third place. Fourth place through 10th place each will receive $1,000.

Prize money will be awarded on Aug. 11 to the top student teams at the competition finals.

Registration is open through April 22. Students must submit their papers by April 29.

Ten finalist teams will be announced online on June 9.

For more information, visit CSTL.org/cleantech, email , or call 516-764-0045.

Essay contest
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano will accept entries from March 28 through April 22 (at 5 p.m.), for his annual essay contest for high school students.

Students enrolled in Pasco 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 will be notified no later than May 13, and will receive a $500 gift card.

Students in public/charter schools should submit their essays to their principal.

Students in private, parochial, nonpublic or home-school programs should send their essays directly to Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano, c/o Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526.

Entries also can be hand-delivered to the tax collector’s office at 4720 U.S. 19 in New Port Richey.

For questions, call Jose Rodriguez Sierra at 727-847-8165, ext. 3826.

Musical performance
The Saint Leo Singers, Saint Leo Chamber Singers, Saint Leo Rhythm Machine, and the Saint Leo Ensemble will perform a spirited musical program showcasing tunes of the 20th century on March 29 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., in the Selby Auditorium in Lewis Hall, at University Campus, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

Guests should see the attendant at the box office on the second floor.

Seating is first-come, first-served.

Admission is a donation in the amount the guest chooses. Cash and credit cards will be accepted.

For information, email .

Do you have a hidden meter box? PCU says clean it up!

By

Pasco County Utilities (PCU) wants to alert residents of the dangers of having a hidden meter box in their yard.

Potable and reclaimed water emergencies can be disastrous when a meter box is hidden from view, according to a PCU newsletter.

The Meter Reading Team of PCU uses Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) technology, which enables the team to gather data regarding usage, while driving past a meter.

(Courtesy of Pasco County)

If a meter box is covered by landscaping, debris or structures, the AMR signal may be blocked.

Data that is not transferred using AMR requires additional time and cost associated with taking a physical read.

Clearly visible meters make it possible for team members to act quickly, especially if a resident is not home.

PCU offers these tips to remember:

  • Check your meter area for visibility.
  • Clear a path to the meter that is free of obstructions and overgrown plants.
  • Keep pets secured for everyone’s safety.

Access to the meter box on the resident’s property is required at all times by law.

The utility company will replace a meter box or meter box lid for free, if it is broken.

This service is available year-round by placing a request through the Utilities Customer Service Center at bit.ly/MeterBoxRepair.

To learn more about usage data, meter reading, and providing access while securing your property, visit bit.ly/myPCUmeter.

Published March 09, 2022

Lennon is the best cuddler

By

Lemon is a Weimaraner and is almost 12 years old. He loves sunbathing, treats, and attention. He is a great big brother to his three human siblings. Lennon is a part of the Kholikov family and lives in Seven Oaks in Wesley Chapel.