The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Record-setting fundraiser

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Several motorcycle clubs worked to raise money prior to Hittin’ the Road for Hospice, in competition for the Wings & Wheels Award. The Golden Eagles Motorcycle Club took home the trophy for the fifth year in a row by raising $2,270. (Courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services)

For a decade, motorcycle riders have been participating in Hittin’ the Road for Hospice, in support of Gulfside patients in need and their families.

During the 10th annual event, records were set when just over $30,000 was raised for the nonprofit, according to a news release.

More than 150 riders started the run at Harley-Davidson New Port Richey and ended with a celebration at Zephyrhills Moose Lodge 2276, with multiple stops along the way.

“We knew the 10th anniversary of this event was going to be a big one, and the community really pulled through this year,” said Leesa Fryer, fundraising and event planning manager for Gulfside, in the release.

The event was a group effort made possible by the sponsors, the poker stop hosts, the motorcycle clubs that fundraised, volunteers, and all the bikers that rode, Fryer said in the release.

All event proceeds will benefit Gulfside Hospice and help to provide hospice care and resources for patients and families in Pasco County, regardless of their ability to pay.

For information, contact Fryer at 727-845-5707 or .

Chalk Talk 03/09/2022

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Police leader speaks
More than 100 Saint Leo University students, alumni, faculty, staff, and members of the public gathered in person and online on Feb. 22, to hear Memphis Police Department Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis talk about her experiences as a leader, according to a news release.

Chief C.J. Davis speaks to a student after her presentation at Saint Leo University. (Courtesy of Chad Gonzalez, Saint Leo University)

Davis’ appearance was part of Saint Leo’s Mission-Driver Leaders: Conversations on Purpose program.

Davis was named as the Memphis Police Department’s first female police chief in 2021 and is a Saint Leo University alumna.

She spoke about the people and events that have influenced her career and how she leads with a service mindset.

“It’s not about you, it’s about helping other people,” said Davis in the release.

As one of six children growing up in a military family in which her father was one of the first African Americans to serve in the Army’s Special Forces at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Davis said patriotism was ingrained in her, as was civic duty.

She told students, “Never turn down an opportunity,” and be ready to “walk through that door.”

Davis also cited the advice of one of her Saint Leo professors who told her, “Learn something about everything.”

Having mentors and being a mentor also is important, Davis noted.

Davis has been at the forefront of examining police reform and creating national standards – what she calls “checks and balances,” according to the release.

She is an advocate for using the position as a law enforcement officer to influence the community, and said that engaging with those they serve can lead to less crime.

Davis also notes that public safety officials should not shoulder all of the responsbility.

Being successful can take a lot of sacrifice, Davis added.

“Anything you want to achieve, you will have to make sacrifices,” she said in the release.

As a leader who lives her mission, Davis reminded the students, “Know that there is nothing that will keep you from your goals if you stay focused.”

After-school tennis
The Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Foundation recently offered free introductory tennis clinics to physical education classes at Raymond B. Stewart Middle School in Zephyrhills.

The Play Days program explained the basics of tennis to local students, many of whom have never been exposed to racquet sports and come from low-income households.

The foundation in March will launch an after-school tennis program at Stewart Middle School in Zephyrhills, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, to give students greater access to lessons and equipment.

The foundation’s mission is to provide tennis and education programming in Pasco County communities through character-building, physical activity, and mentoring.

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.

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.

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/.

Nonprofit aims to take care of a child’s necessities

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Fostering Change Foster Closet is a nonprofit program created to provide needed clothing, personal care supplies and food to children who are removed quickly from their homes and entered into foster care.

Based in Pasco County, the organization offers to help any child who has gone into foster care and was unable to bring even the most basic of personal care needs from their home.

During the month of March, all five Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office locations will be accepting donations on behalf of the nonprofit, according to a news release.

“Fostering Change Foster Closet is proud to be the first, and only at the time of this release, 24/7 children’s foster closet,” said founder George Agovino.

“We want to minimize the time it takes for a foster child to be placed with a loving foster family. However, if that family doesn’t have all the items needed to care for that child, like a crib or other such items, that child can’t be placed with a family until they have all these items. Child Protective Services has 24-hour access to our facility, and we are also available just about any time to meet with foster families,” Agovino said, in the release.

For more information about the nonprofit, visit FosteringChangeCloset.com, or call Agovino at 813-421-1958.

For tax collector office locations and information on its charitable programs, call Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

Published March 02, 2022

Meet Jake (not from State Farm)

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Jake is a 3 ½-year-old loveable, friendly and photogenic boxer pit mix that happened to find his furever home after his owners went on a date night trip to the local 7-Eleven for a late night Slurpee treat. He has blended in smoothly with his doggy brother, Jagger, and big sis, Stella. Jake lives in Zephyrhills with his excited owners, Tonya and Slick Pollard.

A striking presence

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This yellow-throated warbler visited the suet feeder in the backyard of Lillian Cucuzza, in Land O’ Lakes. These warblers may use bird feeders on occasion, but a landscape with native trees and shrubs can provide a habitat for them.

Health News 03/02/2022

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(Courtesy of Pepin Family Foundation)

Helping to grow stronger communities
The Pepin Family Foundation has donated $10,000 to Hands Across the Bay, to benefit Mackenzie’s Empowerment Zone, in Pepin’s new Donation & Empowerment Center. The sponsorhip will go toward hosting classes for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, first responders and law enforcement suffering from PTSD, and parents of chronically ill children. The Pepin foundation works to partner with and support organizations that help to improve access to quality health care services and educational programming. To learn more, visit PepinFoundation.org.

Hospitals named best
AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Zephyrhills have each been named one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals, placing them in the top 5% of hospitals in the country, and positions both as overall leaders in clinical excellence, according to Healthgrades, in a news release.

This is the second consecutive year both hospitals have earned the distinction, and are the only two hospitals in Pasco County and two of only three in Tampa Bay to achieve the honor in 2022.

Healthgrades reviewed outcomes across more than 31 of the most common procedures and conditions to assess overall hospital performance.

Recipients of the award have consistently delivered better-than-expected outcomes for their patients.

For more information, visit HealthGrades.com.

Rescue Plan funding
The Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners has approved $16.4 million in American Rescue Plan funding for three local hospitals, according to a news release.

Commissioners unanimously approved funding for Tampa General Hospital, for the continued development of 28 dedicated inpatient infectious disease beds.

AdventHealth Carrollwood also will receive funding, to repurpose two existing structures to expand its COVID-19 surge capacity by 24 inpatient beds.

In addition, funding was approved for St. Joseph’s Hospital, to build a 25-bed inpatient psychiatric progressive medical unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North.

The hospital funding agreements will be in effect through July 31, 2024.

Chalk Talk 03/02/2022

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Panel discussion
Saint Leo University’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies will host “Theological Perspectives on Nationalism, Antisemitism, and Racism in the United States Today,” on March 3 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., via Zoom.

The discussion will include religious scholars from three faith traditions, on the topic of the impact of each ‘ism’ in the U.S. today.

The program is sponsored by Congregation Kol Ami, Tampa Jewish Community Centers & Federation, and St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz.

Admission is free. Registration is online at SaintLeo.edu/theological. Once registered, the participant will receive a Zoom link.

For information, email Matthew Tapie at .

College career fair
Pasco County Schools will host a virtual College Career Fair on March 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., for middle and high school students and their families.

The event will be beneficial for families planning for college entrance and/or careers after high school.

Presentations and a live Q&A will include:

  • ACT/SAT Test Programs
  • Career Exploration Resources
  • College Admissions Process
  • Collegiate Athletics
  • Financial Aid & Scholarships
  • Florida Bright Futures Program
  • Selecting Mathematics Courses for Your Future Pathway
  • Options After High School
  • Resources for Students with Disabilities

For details and to register, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/oll/page/college-and-career-fair.

Teachers Tour
The Florida Forest Service is inviting educators statewide to apply for the Florida Forestry Teachers Tour scheduled for June 21 to June 24, according to a news release.

The annual tour brings educators from throughout the state to Northeast Florida for an inside look at the state’s largest agricultural commodity.

The tour is designed to provide educators with an opportunity to learn how the industry meets the needs of the state’s communities and environment, from clean air and water to home goods and other wood products.

“The Florida Forestry Teachers Tour is one of the best tools we have to make the next generation aware of the important of Florida’s forests and the career opportunities they provide,” said Erin Albury, state forester and director of the Florida Forest Service, in the release.

Educators of all subjects and grade levels are encouraged to apply.

All lodging, meals and tour transportation are provided at no cost to teachers through the support of private partners and sponsors, including the Florida Forestry Association, Project Learning Tree of Florida, and Friends of Florida State Forests.

The four-day event earns Florida teachers 30 Continuing Education Units.

Deadline to apply is March 11.

To learn more, visit FloridaStateForests.org/TeachersTour.

Saint Leo earns honors
Saint Leo University earned honors in five categories for providing the best online bachelor and master programs in the United States, according to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs edition, a news release said.

Saint Leo received recognition in the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Psychology (36th); Best Online Bachelor’s Programs (tied for 101st); Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans (84th); and Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Business (tied for 98th).

In addition, Saint Leo was named one of the Best Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology Programs (tied for the 65th-85th rankings).

Many online students are looking to advance in or change their careers, and online education appeals to working adults, too.

U.S. News & World Report assessed universities and colleges based on four categories: Engagement; Services and Technologies; Faculty Credentials and Training; and Expert Opinion.

Saint Leo also is designated as a National Security Administration/Department of Homeland Security National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.

To see the rankings, data and methodologies for the Best Online Programs edition, visit USNews.com/online.

Scholarship applications
Supervisor of Elections Brian E. Corley is accepting applications for the Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections Scholarship (FSASE).

Applicants must be at least a junior in college; be enrolled or accepted as a full-time student in a senior college or university in Florida, and have at least a C average or above for the previous year; have been a resident of Florida for two years; and demonstrate a financial need.

Two letters of recommendation, one from a college or university last attended or graduated from, and one from a personal reference should accompany the application.

The applicant also must be a registered voter.

Applications, as well as additional requirements, guidelines and eligibility information, can be found online at PascoVotes.gov, by selecting the 2022 FSASE Scholarship Application under the Newsworthy tab on the homepage.

Deadline for getting applications to the supervisor’s office is March 11.

Applicants will be personally interviewed by Corley, who will then select one finalist from Pasco County for consideration by the FSASE Scholarship Committee.

The association will award four $1,200 scholarships statewide to a political science/public or business administration or journalism/mass communications major.

Action board scholarships
The Hillsborough County Community Action Board Scholarships are now available to Hillsborough County students who want to continue their post-secondary education.

The scholarships can be used at trade schools, community colleges, or four-year universities, and are awarded to students to help alleviate some of the financial burden of tuition.

All applicants must follow specific criteria.

Interested students should read through the full Community Action Board Scholarship Application Package (visit tinyurl.com/2p95vwc6) before applying online, to ensure all documents are complete and requirements are met.

A full list of required documents can be found in the online package.

Students can apply online at tinyurl.com/yc46uy6p, once all the information and documents have been collected.

Applications are due by March 18.

For information and questions, call 813-272-5074, ext. 55316.

5 for 5 Dinner
The Republican Party of Pasco (RPOP) Scholarship Committee will host the return of its 5 for 5 Dinner on March 24, at Timber Greens Golf & Country Club in New Port Richey.

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco will be the master of ceremony, and Chef Adam and Sous-Chefs Sen. Danny Burgess, Rep. Randy Maggard, Clerk of Court Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, and Pasco Commissioners Ron Oakley and Kathryn Starkey will prepare a five-course meal.

Sponsorships and single tickets are available. The money raised will benefit the RPOP Scholarship Fund to award five $1,000 scholarships to seniors applying from any Pasco high school, private, charter or home-school.

Students must attend an accredited Florida college, university or technical/vocational school.

Applications are online at PascoGOP.com/rpop-scholarship/, or at the student’s school Career Resource Center office.

Deadline for application submission for review is March 25.

Scholarships will be awarded in the spring.

For more information on applications, tickets or sponsorships for the dinner, call the Republican Party office at 727-863-5400; Sandy Graves at 813-817-3011; or Jean Nathe at 813-783-4364.

Harvey loves his neighborhood

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Harvey is a 9-year-old blue Merle Australian shepherd that spends his days chasing birds and squirrels (but never catching them) with his partner in crime, Leia, a miniature Aussie. Harvey is fond of carrying shoes around, and he likes to raid the recycling bin for chew toys . He also  loves to go for walks in his neighborhood. Harvey lives with the family of Dale and Debra Hamilton, in San Antonio.

A stunning duo

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This pair of red-shouldered hawks recently visited Robin and John Phillips, at their home in Valencia Gardens in Land O’ Lakes. Male and female red-shouldered hawks look alike. The hawks’ breeding season in Florida is January through May. Hawk pairs are monogamous throughout their life, but will find another mate if one dies.

Health News 02/23/2022

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Members of the surgery team at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North with the da Vinci Xi surgical robot. (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

Second robot added
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz has added a second da Vinci Xi surgical robot, to meet a growing demand for its surgical services.

Robotic surgeries performed at the hospital include general surgery, urology, gynecology and gynecological oncology.

The hospital in 2021 performed 533 robotic surgeries, by 11 surgeons.

“Over the past year, we’ve nearly doubled our robotic surgery volume,” said Hannah Denton, St. Joseph’s operating room nurse manager, in a news release.

“Having one robot with our high volume of cases was beginning to cause an extended wait time for patients to be scheduled for surgery,” said Denton.

Denton added that the “increased surgical time and availability with two robotic systems continues to build our relationships within the physician groups as well as the community.”

The da Vinci surgical robot provides superior dexterity, enhanced vision and improved surgical access compared to conventional minimally invasive surgery or traditional open surgery.

For more information about robotic surgery, visit StJosephsNorthRobotics.org.

New unit for COVID
AdventHealth Carrollwood has announced plans to modernize an existing patient care unit, outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment, to provide the highest level of care for patients with COVID-19, according to a news release.

The unit conversion is part of an $11.9 million investment that is jointly funded by AdventHealth and Hillsborough County, and will strengthen the hospital’s ability to respond to future COVID surges, the release says.

The 10,680-square-foot space for the dedicated COVID unit will be located on an existing unit in the hospital, and will be equipped with technological and structural advancments to assist staff in providing elevated care for COVID patients.

Some of the additions will include:

  • Converting 25 private patient rooms to provide increased infection control and further enhance the nationally recognized safety features at the facility
  • Outfitting all 25 patient rooms with negative pressure to reduce exposure to airborne illnesses
  • Improving monitoring capabilities that will allow team members to streamline care more efficiently and safely