The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

On a mission for a meal

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This little blue heron was standing by a pond in Country Walk, in Wesley Chapel, when it approached Sharon Thompson, to take a look at her. The little blue heron is about 2 feet tall, and eats fish, crustaceans, amphibians, insects and reptiles. It stands in shallow water and waits for its prey to go by, and then it grabs its prey with its pointed bill.

Health News 12/22/2021

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New initiative for senior safety
The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco Pinellas (AAAPP), a nonprofit focused on coordinating services to keep seniors healthy and independent, announced a community program in collaboration with Ring, to support senior safety in Pasco and Pinellas counties, according to a news release.

Ring, whose mission is to make neighborhoods safer, is donating 1,000 Ring video doorbells, including free installation and a Ring Protect subscription, to local residents age 60 and older throughout Pasco and Pinellas, as defined by AAAPP.

“Now that so many of the seniors we serve live independentlly, it’s increasingly important to ensure that they’re safe at home,” said Ann Marie Winer, AAAPP executive director, in the release.

Congressman Gus Bilirakis stated, in the release, “We have an obligation to support vulnerable members of our community and help protect them. This exciting collaboration harnesses the technology available in the private sector and the existing infrastructure of an effective senior advocacy organization to help seniors and support AAAPP’s comprehensive initiatives.

“Seniors using this product can feel more comfortable at home or when someone comes to their door, which inherently contributes to safety.”

Those interested in receiving a donated Ring device can apply online, at CommunityPrograms.ring.com/pascopinellas.

Doctor joins Unity VIP
Unity VIP Health Care has welcomed Dr. Evelyn E. Castillo Delgado, to its practice at 1180 Mariner Blvd., in Spring Hill.

Dr. Delgado comes to Unity VIP with more than 30 years of experience as a family physician in evaluating and managing patients.

She received her medical degree from Universidad Central del Este in San Pedro, Dominican Republic.

She completed her residency at Hospital Universitario Ramon Ruiz Arnau Hospital in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and an internship at Hospital de Areia de Aqmacao.

For information, call 352-652-4080.

Chalk Talk 12/22/2021

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Bringing the holiday spirit to families in need
Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club donated Christmas gift items to several families in need, so that they, too, can have a happy holiday with presents under their tree. The ladies worked with three local schools — Connerton Elementary, Land O’ Lakes; Lutz Elementary; and Miles Elementary, Tampa — and delivered requested items from each family member’s wish list.

Club members Lori Zublena, left, and Sabrina Scott, stand in front of Lutz Elementary School, ready to drop off gifts. (Courtesy of Patricia Serio)
Woman’s club member Pat Wagner, right, delivers gifts to a Connerton Elementary staff member.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aquaponics project unveiled
The students at Wendell Krinn Technical High School on Dec. 10 hosted a grand opening of its KTech Aquaponics Project, according to a news release.

Aquaponics is a way for students to gain hands-on, practical experience by applying what they are learning in their technical education programs.

The project incorporates the combined skills of the school’s many technical programs, including engineering, robotics, welding, electricity and cybersecurity.

The result is a structure that produces green, leafy vegetables and herbs, as well as raises tilapia fish, using the classic application of the principles of aquaponics, a sustainable system that combines hydroponics (growing plants without soil) and aquaculture (farming fish), the release says.

In this project, the fish provide nutrients that benefit the plants, and the plants filter and clean the water for the fish.

“This has really been a team effort,” said KTech Principal Chris Dunning, in the release.

Students studying welding and electricity built the structures. The robotics team built a robotic arm that will feed the fish. The cybersecurity students installed cameras to monitor the fish, and the culinary arts program prepares the fish and the vegetables.

New bell times await students
Pasco County Schools wants to remind students and parents of some of the changes that are being put in place for when students return after Winter Break.

New bell times begin on Jan. 4 and are available online at tinyurl.com/53xekftj.

Bus passes are now available in myStudent. The district sent an email notifying parents of the updated bus information. If not received, call the bus garage in your area.

The bus garage phone numbers are as follows:

West Compound: 727-774-0400
Northwest Compound: 727-774-0540
Central Compound: 813-794-0520
East Compound: 352-524-0560
Southeast Compound: 813-794-0500

Temporary delays can be expected. These delays will be reduced, as everyone adjusts to the new schedule.

Pasco County Schools will have safety precautions in place, just as it did during the first week of school.

Fee adjustment meeting
The Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its Jan. 18 board meeting.

Fee adjustment proposals are reviewed and approved for DBOT consideration by PHSC’s Council of Academic Affairs, a committee that includes representation by administrators, deans, academic department chairs, program directors, faculty and staff.

Many fee adjustments relate to vendor increases for workforce courses, laboratories, and program testing.

Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants.

For details regarding proposed fee adjustments, justification for the fees and fee implementation details, visit Policies.phsc.edu, and click on Policies and Procedures, Public Disclosure.

Financial aid tip
Students should learn an important phrase in the language of student aid — satisfactory academic progress (SAP) — according to a Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) news release.

All colleges that award federal student aid must have SAP standards, which are based on three key areas: GPA, pace and a maximum time frame.

The GPA that students are required to have may vary by school, major, and whether a student is pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree.

Pace means that students have to pass a stated percentage of the classes they take, in a given period of time. This also may vary by college.

The maximum time frame SAP standard means that a student may have to finish his or her degree within a given number of attempted credit hours.

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

Visit KHEAA.com for more information.

Calendar showcases Pasco County

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‘Sunset’ by Vincent Hopper, New Port Richey (March) (Courtesy Gulfside Healthcare Services)

Gulfside Hospice once again is offering its one-of-a-kind calendar, for 2022, available at all of its thrift shops.

The annual 15-month calendar features photos exclusively in Pasco County taken by community members to highlight the area that Gulfside serves.

This year’s cover promotes “Community-Supporting Service,” one of Gulfside’s three core values.

More than 140 photos of Pasco events, places, landmarks and wildlife were submitted for judging, and 18 winning photos were chosen for the calendar.

Each winning photographer received a gift certificate for Gulfside’s shops, as well as complimentary copies of the calendar.

Calendars are available for a donation of $5 at any Gulfside Hospice thrift shop location.

All five stores are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For addresses and phone numbers, visit Gulfside.org.

All proceeds from the sale of the calendars go to support patient care and bereavement services for Pasco County residents, regardless of their ability to pay.

For information about the calendars or photo contest, call 727-845-5707.

Published December 15, 2021

‘Feeling Lazy’ by Doreen Damm, New Port Richey (September)
‘Reflections’ by Donald L. Kuhnle, Hudson Beach (December)

Reba is a sociable dog

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Reba is a 2-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier that was rescued by the Cagle family last April as a stray. She loves people and animals alike. Although Reba loves to be around people and dogs, she never barks. She enjoys digging, running around with her tennis ball, and cuddling under the covers with anyone who is willing. Reba is a very good girl and lives with Josh and Alison Cagle, in San Antonio.

A warning gesture

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This wood stork’s fluffed-up chest feathers resemble a huge beard. Lillian Cucuzza, of Land O’ Lakes, had never seen a wood stork do this before and snapped the photo. Wood storks nest in tight colonies with egrets and herons and generally show little aggression, but if a bird or mammal threatens the stork, it may pull its neck in, fluff up their feathers, and walk toward the intruder.

Health News 12/15/2021

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Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s senior leadership team throws shovels of dirt during a groundbreaking ceremony for the hospital’s new medical tower. (Courtesy of Newsome Studio)

New medical tower
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, recently broke ground on a multi-phase state-of-the-art medical tower addition. The $82 million project will expand capacity, helping the hospital stay ahead of the health care needs of the growing community and the West Florida region, according to a news release.

Expected to be complete in midyear 2023, the tower will expand the number of inpatient beds, by 102 beds. This incudes the new Comprehensive Medical Rehabilitation Center, which will provide 30 private patient rooms with associated therapy spaces.

The second and third floor of the tower will add 72 private patient rooms and support areas.

All systems and equipment are being upgraded for energy efficiency, and reflect current design trends in health care.

The project is underway, so the main entrance to the hospital is on the east side of the hospital, Entrance D.

Access Health add staff
Access Health Care Physicians has welcomed new medical personnel to its staff.

  • Dr. James W. Craig III comes to Access Health after completing his residency at HCA Healthcare, USF Morsani College of Medicine, GME: Citrus Memorial Hospital in Inverness.
  • Dr. John Ameen Jr., joins Access Health after completing his internal medicine residency at HCA/USF Morsani College of Medicine, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point.

Both Dr. Craig and Dr. Ameen will practice at 5350 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill.

  • Dr. Francis Mercado joins Access Health after completing a post-graduate internship in the Hospital Auxillio Mutuo in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he actively worked the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Mercado will practice at 13235 State Road 52, Suite 102, in Hudson.

Chalk Talk 12/15/2021

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New resource store
Teachers in Pasco County have a new source for collecting much-needed school supplies for their classrooms, thanks to the Pasco Education Foundation and donors.

The Wise Supplies store at the District Office in Land O’ Lakes officially opened on Dec. 8 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, according to a news release.

“This is going to be a tremendous resource for our teachers,” said Pasco Superintendent Kurt Browning, in the release.

“We all know that teachers spend some of their own money to provide extras for their students. Now, they can arrange to visit Wise Supplies and get those supplies for free,” said Browning.

President of the Pasco Education Foundation Stacey Capogrosso said, “We are so excited to launch our Wise Supplies Center. This has been a vision for quite some time and is now a reality. Wise Supplies allows Pasco County Schools teachers to shop at no cost for essential supplies, ensuring that all students have access to equitable resources.”

The supply center is supported by community partners like Suncoast Credit Union, Creative Contractors, Florida Avenue Brewing, Florida Medical Clinic Foundation of Caring, Volkswagen of Wesley Chapel, and Lutz Walmart.

For information on the store, visit PascoEducationFoundation.org.

Breakfast with Santa
The Cypress Creek High School girls’ lacrosse team will host an inaugural Pancake Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 18 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., in the school’s cafeteria, 8701 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

Those attending will be served a pancake breakfast catered by Mind Over Matter Meals.

Santa will be on site for family photos, and there will be Christmas movies on a big screen, cookie decorating, and holiday music.

Tickets are $10, and $5 for children younger than age 10.

To purchase tickets, visit tinyurl.com/4pmc5yxv.

New bell times await students
Pasco County Schools wants to remind students and parents of some of the changes that are being put in place for when students return after Winter Break.

New bell times begin on Jan. 4 and are available online at tinyurl.com/53xekftj.

Bus passes are now available in myStudent. The district sent an email notifying parents of the updated bus information. If not received, call the bus garage in your area.

The bus garage phone numbers are as follows:

West Compound: 727-774-0400

Northwest Compound: 727-774-0540

Central Compound: 813-794-0520

East Compound: 352-524-0560

Southeast Compound: 813-794-0500

Temporary delays can be expected. These delays will be reduced, as everyone adjusts to the new schedule.

Pasco County Schools will have safety precautions in place, just as it did during the first week of school.

Students & checking fees
Students interested in opening a checking account first should research the fees that may be charged by a financial institution.

Understanding service fees can help students choose the best option and can save money, according to the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA), in a news release.

Establishing good financial practices early is essential for students, to build a financial future.

Fees vary by institution. The most common are maintenance and overdraft fees.

To avoid maintenance fees, a minimum daily or an average daily balance may be required.

To avoid a monthly fee, enough money has to be deposited in the account to meet the minimum balance requirement.

Overdraft or non-sufficient funds fees occur when a transaction costs more than the amount of money in the account. These fees can be expensive.

Most institutions will offer overdraft protection to cover the transaction, but there will be a fee each time.

ATM fees are another cost factor to consider.

Financial institutions charge a fee when an ATM is used that isn’t part of its network. In addition, you can be charged a separate fee by the ATM owner.

KHEAA is a public, nonprofit agency that aims to improve students’ access to college, as well as provide information about financial aid and financial literacy at no cost to the students and parents.

Visit KHEAA.com for information.

Designed with nature in mind, library receives recognition

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Pasco’s brand new Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center (Starkey TLC) is getting some noteworthy attention and national recognition for its unique design.

Pasco County Libraries has announced that the library is featured in the Library Journal’s “Year in Architecture 2021” issue, according to a Pasco County news release.

Staff at the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center spotlight the Library Journal issue that features its national achievement. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The library, which opened in August, is recognized by the magazine for incorporating nature in its design.

The use of soft, natural light in the lobby and natural wood in the main entryways is designed to help connect people with the outdoor environment, the release says.

“To be recognized by such a distinguished publication as Library Journal is quite an honor for Pasco County Libraries,” said Bob Harrison, communications program manager, in the release.

“We’re proud of the innovative design of the Starkey TLC and how the community has responded to it,” said Harrison.

The library was built in conjunction with, and partially funded by, Pasco County Schools, and serves as Starkey Ranch K-8 school’s media center.

Patrons can visit the library at 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa.

The general contractor for the project was the Walbridge Group of Tampa, and the architect was FleischmanGarcia Architecture.

The Starkey Ranch TLC joins three other libraries also featured for reflecting nature in the building design: Brooklyn Pubic Library’s Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center in New York; The Newark Public Library in New Jersey; and, the Ledding Library in Milwaukie, Oregon.

Published December 08, 2021

Health News 12/08/2021

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Young professional honored
Sara Dodds, a Lutz resident and operations director at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, has been named to the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” list honoring young professionals, according to a news release.

Sara Dodds

Every year, the Journal selects outstanding young professionals under the age of 40 from Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties.

More than 500 nominations were received this year and 40 made the final list, the release said.

Nominees are evaluated on business success, community involvement, leadership ability, and influence on the region, public policy or quality of life.

As operations director at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, Sara has oversight in areas that include quality of patient care and finance.

She works closely with all departments in the 216-bed hospital.

Dodds also had a leading role in the hospital’s $76-million expansion that was completed in 2020, and doubled the hospital’s bed capacity and increased services.

Dodds has been in her executive position since 2016.

She has been with BayCare since 2004 when she started at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, as a patient care technician, while attending nursing school. She became an RN at St. Joseph’s in Tampa in 2005.

Dodds is an original team member at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North since it opened in 2010, and has performed the roles of a charge nurse and a nurse manager prior to her current operations director position.

Nonprofits receive donations
For the fifth consecutive year, the Florida Blue Foundation hosted the #FloridaGives social media campaign asking Floridians to share on social media the nonprofits they supported and why, along with the hashtage #FloridaGives, according to a news release.

The foundation randomly selected five of the social media posts and surprised the Florida 501(c)3 charities with a $10,000 donation on Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving.

LYF Inc., in Land O’ Lakes, received one of the donations.

LYF Inc. fulfills the need for individuals with disabilities to learn life skills, independent choice-making and environment-specific learning by maximizing a quality-of-life approach.

Other nonprofits from across the state that received a donation include: Help Now of Osceola (Kissimmee); Epi-Cure (St. Augustine); Haitian American Nurses Association of Florida (Miami); and Wheels of Success (Tampa).

More than 2,000 people submitted names of nonprofits to the 2021 #FloridaGives campaign.

Hospitals get safety grade
The Medical Center of Trinity and Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for fall 2021, according to a news release.

This national distinction recognizes a hospital’s achievements in protecting patients from harm and error in the hospital.

The Leapfrog Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harm to patients.

The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public.

“The mutual focus on safe patient care between our medical staff and caregivers drives this performance in excellence,” said Tripp Owings, CEO of the Medical Center of Trinity, in the release.

“We are proud to provide high quality health care to our community,” said Owings.

The Leapfrog Group assigns an A, B, C, D or F grade to general hospitals across the country based on more than 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, injuries, accidents and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.

“Patient safety is our top priority when providing care to our community. Receiving the ‘A’ grade validates our commitment to safety,” said Gina Temple, CEO of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, in the release.

“I’m extremely proud of our caregivers and the work they do every day to provide safe, high quaity care to our community,” said Temple.