The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Hillsborough County is finalist for top Gold Medal Award

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Hillsborough County for the third year in a row has been honored as having one of the top parks and recreation programs in the country.

Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation is one of four national finalists in the Class 1 category for the 2024 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, according to an announcement from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. Class 1 includes the nation’s largest parks and recreation departments, serving populations of more than 400,000.

Only one department will receive the highest award, the Grand Plaque, in October.

Nature Program Specialist Brad Lympany was named the 2020 Rising Star for his work to build relationships with the community, and to develop programs including the county’s Hiking Spree program that featured Lettuce Lake Conservation Park in Hillsborough County. (File)

The list of Hillsborough’s parks & recreation and its impact on the community include:

  • The department offered more than 1,700 partnered, athletic programs with 503,000 visits annually. More than 180 partners provided programming.
  • The county opened its first public performing arts center, the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. The department manages 167 parks, 223 sports fields, 118 playgrounds, 51 recreation centers, 47 athletic complexes, 10 dog parks, five splash pads, and three cultural centers.
  • The department serves more than 6,000 youth each year through after-school, summer camp and sports programming.
  • Miller Park & Life Center serves as the county’s adaptive sports programming and includes a 10,000-square-foot inclusive playground, 3,200-square-foot all-abilities splash pad, and an adaptive archery range. Last year, 412 athletes participated in 35 adaptive sports programs.
  • Hillsborough County Adaptive Sports is the only team representing a government agency in the USA Wheelchair Football League and has hosted a tournament each year since 2022. Additional community partners have invested millions for recreation centers, clubs, hockey rinks and programming.
  • Parks & recreation partnered with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission to host more than 20 tournaments in 2022 and 2023.
  • The Wellness Access Pass promotes healthy lifestyles for $10 per month, which gives participants access to county-owned fitness centers and open gyms.
  • The Hillsborough County Hiking Spree annual event encourages residents to “Take a hike!” and encompasses every trail from paved neighborhood trails to primitive treks.
  • The county invested more than $1 million in building 10 state-of-the-art outdoor fitness zones throughout Hillsborough County.
    The Gold Medal Awards program was founded in 1965 to honor parks and recreation agencies in the United States and military installations worldwide that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and community engagement.

Published June 05, 2024

Deadliest days for teen drivers have begun

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Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and a period known as the “100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers,” which runs through Labor Day weekend, according to an AAA-The Auto Club Group news release.

This mini cooper driven by a 17-year-old collided with a Ford F-250 pickup truck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Both drivers survived. (Courtesy of AAA-The Auto Group)

“The risk gets higher during the summer for teen drivers and everyone else they share the road with,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA in the release. “Now that school is out, these young, inexperienced drivers will spend more time on the road with their friends.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of teen driver-related deaths occur during the 100 Deadliest Days.

Last year in Florida, teenagers were involved in nearly 20,000 crashes during these 100 days — 68 crashes were fatal, resulting in 83 deaths.

The people killed in these crashes are not always the teen driver, but it can be their passengers or anyone else on the road, said Jenkins.

Traffic crashes are the leading causes of death for teens ages 16 to 19. Common risk factors for teen drivers include: distracted driving (cellphones, in-vehicle infotainment systems, passengers); driving with teen passengers; speeding; and not wearing a safety belt.

AAA encourages parents to be more involved to help their teens become safe drivers and offers these tips:

  • Lead by example: minimize risky behavior, wear a seatbelt, avoid distractions.
  • Conduct at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving in a variety of conditions: inclement weather, busy interstates, nighttime.
  • Teach defensive driving skills to avoid road hazards.
  • Establish a parent-teen driving agreement to set family rules on when a teen can drive, where they can go and with who. Outline the consequences if rules are not adhered to.

To learn more, visit AAA.com/Drive, email , or call 888-222-7108.

Published June 05, 2024

Serve up summer food, safely

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As the weather heats up, so do the number of meals that will be served outside, whether with friends at the pool or family at a backyard cookout. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service offers tips to safely serve food to avoid foodborne illnesses.

“The bacteria that causes foodborne illnesses love the summertime as much as we do because they thrive and multiply quickly in warmer temperatures. This causes illnesses to spike during the summer,” said Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Emilio Esteban in a USDA news release.

(Kampus Production/Pexels)

“As we all spend more time outside, it is important to remember these food safety steps to keep your friends and family safe,” said Esteban.

Wash hands
Start with clean hands when serving food. If running water is available, wet hands, lather with soap, scrub for 20 seconds, rinse and dry. If no running water is available, use hand sanitizer or moist towelettes that contain at least 60% alcohol.

Pack perishables safely
Always use cold sources in coolers or insulated containers when traveling with perishable foods to keep food at a safe cold temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (F). Cold source options include: ice, frozen gel packs, and frozen beverages such as water bottles, iced tea, and apple and grape juices. 

Pack beverages in one cooler and perishable food in another cooler. The beverage cooler may be opened frequently, causing the temperature inside to fluctuate and become unsafe for perishable foods. 

Keep coolers and insulated bags out of the sun and in the shade.

Coolers and insulated bags should be full to keep food safe and cold longer.

An appliance thermometer can be placed in a cooler to check to be sure the food stays at 40 F or below.

Keep out of the ‘Danger Zone’
The “Danger Zone” is the temperature range where bacteria multiply rapidly between 40 degrees F and 140 degrees F, including perishable foods such as meat and poultry, sliced fruits and vegetables, and cooked side dishes. These foods should be kept hot or cold to maintain food safety.

Cold foods should be kept in the refrigerator, cooler, insulated container or nestled over ice.

Hot foods should be kept above 140 degrees F by placing them on the grill, in heated chafing dishes, a slow cooker or warming trays.

Follow the two-hour rule
Foods that are kept hot or cold out of the Danger Zone or do not sit out for more than two hours (one hour if above 90 degrees F outside) are safe to keep. Any other items should be considered unsafe and discarded.

For food safety questions, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854, email , or chat live at Ask.usda.gov from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. 

Published June 05, 2024

A tailored prom for teens

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The Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind (LVIB) hosted its annual prom on May 4 for about 50 youth — from five vision rehabilitation agencies — so they could experience an event tailored to their needs.

Days before the prom, some of the teens visited Marjorie’s Hope for dresses and suits, and on prom day, they visited Bene’s Career Academy for hair and makeup before taking a limo to the event.

DJ Jeudy and Kayla Choi were chosen as the LVIB 2024 prom king and queen, from New Vision for Independence and Lighthouse for the Blind & Low Vision, respectively.

Lighthouse offers year-round programs for teens that are focused on the development of skills needed for a successful transition to higher education, employment and independent living.

For more information, visit LVIB.org.

To see more photos of the event, go to Photos.app.goo.gl/MZEZXxi6shCHugsY9.

Published June 05, 2024

From left: J. David Wright, 2024 Chasco Coronation Ball king; DJ Jeudy, prom king; Kayla Choi, prom queen; and Becky Bennett, Chasco queen. (Courtesy of Jayne Maravola/New Vision for Independence Inc.)
Kayla Choi, LVIB 2024 prom queen
LVIB 2024 prom king DJ Jeudy

 

A game of hide-and-seek

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Bonnie Caston caught this red-shouldered hawk trying to hide in a tree, away from the mockingbirds that were dive-bombing it, in her backyard in Zephyrhills.

Health News 06/05/2024

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AdventHealth Wesley Chapel leaders honor the men and women of Pasco County Fire Rescue. (Courtesy of AdventHealth)

A celebration of first responders
AdventHealth Wesley Chapel hosted an EMS ceremony on May 21, commemorating the 50th anniversary of National EMS Week, to celebrate the dedication and bravery of Pasco County Fire Rescue first responders, specifically the service of Station 26 A shift, according to a news release.

Members of this EMS team were recognized for responding to a cardiac arrest patient on Easter Sunday and bringing them to the ER at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. The patient is recovering in the hospital’s cardiac rehab program because of the quick actions and care of the first responders.

The ceremony showcased the importance of honoring first responders who play a critical role in ensuring the health and safety of the community, saving lives and providing essential care during crises.

In addition to the ceremony at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, AdventHealth Zephyrhills hosted a celebration on May 23 to honor Station 29 C shift and AdventHealth Dade City honored Pasco County Fire Rescue Station 32 A shift on May 24.

Veterans Home is charity of the month
The five Pasco County Tax Collector’s offices will feature the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home in Land O’ Lakes as its charity of the month for June.

The nursing home was built for veterans who need long-term skilled nursing care, with about 50% of the beds dedicated to veterans with dementia and related memory disorders.

“It is truly inspiring to serve our veterans who sacrificed so much in protecting our freedoms,” said Administrator Marlies Sarrett, in a news release.

“By supporting them as Charity of the Month, it is a fitting way to honor their service to our country. By donating, you are ensuring the residents of the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home have a refurbished outdoor recreation area to use. It is a way to honor their service!” said Sarrett.

Donations will be accepted at all tax collector offices, through the mail and online.

For information about the nursing home, call Program Director Rebecca Corley at 813-558-5000.

For more about the tax collector’s office’s charities, call Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179.

Mental health first aid
The Alliance for Healthy Communities has scheduled a Youth Mental Health First Aid class for June 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at BayCare Behavioral Health, 7809 Massachusetts Ave., in New Port Richey. The class is open to any adult who works with or interacts with youth.

The course teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among adolescents ages 12 to 18. Participants can learn how to build skills and confidence needed to reach out and provide initial support to young people who are struggling, and learn how to connect them to appropriate support.

For more information, visit MHFA.org. To register, call 727-315-8644, or email .

Detention facility partnership
The Pasco County Detention Facility announced a new partnership with correctional health care company NaphCare to provide services — medical, mental health, dental and pharmaceuticals — for its inmates, according to a news release.

The partnership will build on NaphCare’s 19-year legacy of delivering quality and proactive health care in Florida, with the goal of elevating patient care through innovative solutions while upholding the highest standards of care, the release says.

The detention facility will implement NaphCare’s first-of-its-kind, corrections-specific electronic health records (EHR) system, TechCare, offering the county a customized clinical information tool to efficiently track, organize and manage the medical information of incarcerated patients.

As of April 1, NaphCare began overseeing health care services in the detention facility, providing services to its 1,450 inmates.

Pasco hospitals all earn an A
All AdventHealth hospitals in Pasco County, including AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Zephyrhills, have again earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog, according to a news release.

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

Leapfrog’s hospital safety grade is the only hospital ratings program focused exclusively on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day nationally. The grade is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public.

Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

To see AdventHealth West Florida’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

Chalk Talk 06/05/2024

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‘Big Sky Orange Blossoms’ by Marcus Rideout (Courtesy of Rep. Kathy Castor’s Office)

Art competition winners
Tampa Bay area high school students submitted 91 pieces of artwork to U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor’s annual Congressional Art Competition.

The top prize was awarded to recent Gibbs High School graduate and salutatorian Marcus Rideout for his watercolor piece, “Big Sky Orange Blossoms,” which will be featured for one year in the U.S. Capitol alongside other art competition winners from across the country. Rideout’s piece also will be entered in the national competition.

“Art is a personal expression. With my piece, I illustrate how moving across the country has impacted my childhood,” said Rideout in a news release. “I moved from Montana to St. Pete and in my work, I include the valley of Mount Helena to the waters of St. Petersburg — but I fear I am losing my past, my bones.”

Other area award winners included: Abigail Anderson, Carrollwood Day School – “Whales on Impact,” Sculpture Award; Kai Layton, Wharton High – “A Natural Reconnection,” Honorable Mention; and Grace Qiang, Hillsborough High – “Labyrinth,” Honorable Mention.

Student achievements

  • Troy Bacon, Odessa: President’s List, Southern New Hampshire University
  • Kayla Childs, Odessa: Master of Arts in Economics, University of Georgia
  • Jenna Freligh, Lutz: Dean’s List, Belmont University, Tennessee
  • Abigail Greene, Lutz: Dean’s List, Pennsylvania Western University
  • Kelsey Gulic, Lutz: President’s List, Southern New Hampshire University
  • Rebecca Hernandez, first-generation Mexican American college student, studying economics at the University of South Florida: Hillsborough County Scholarship Award from Achieva Credit Union and the Achieva Foundation
  • Timothy Hicks, Lutz: President’s List, Southern New Hampshire University
  • Lillian Hilt, Land O’ Lakes: Dean’s List, Carson-Newman University, Tennessee
  • William Horn, Odessa: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Flagler College
  • Olivia Jablonski, Odessa: Dean’s List, Samford University, Alabama
  • Madelyn Kamuf, Lutz: Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, University of Georgia
  • Niamh Kirkwood, Odessa: Flagler College Honor Society
  • Evan Nelson, San Antonio: Dean’s List, Columbia College, Missouri
  • Britney Meadows, Lutz: The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, University of South Florida
  • Samantha Moore, Lutz: The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, University of South Florida
  • Matt Moraca, Odessa: President’s List, Southern New Hampshire University
  • Abigail Pesansky, Odessa: student-athlete (rowing) graduate of the University of Alabama
  • Savannah Qualey, Lutz: Bachelor’s degree in hospitality & tourism management, Flagler College
  • Damien Rameau, Odessa: Dean’s List, Samford University, Alabama
  • Akhila Reddy Yadulla, Lutz: graduate of the University of the Cumberlands, Kentucky
  • Alexander Richards, Lutz: President’s List, Southern New Hampshire University
  • Stacy Signarovitz, Odessa: The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, University of West Florida
  • Kevin Spillane, Odessa: Dean’s List, Berry College, Georgia
  • Alice Washburn, Odessa: Dean’s List, Marion Military Institute, Alabama
  • Rocco Zona, Lutz: The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Florida International University

Saint Leo graduates more than 1,300 students
More than 1,300 students celebrated graduation at Saint Leo University during two commencement ceremonies at the Florida State Fairgrounds with 722 undergraduates (bachelor and associate degrees) and 620 master and doctoral degree recipients, according to a news release.

Devon Wilson, of Riverview, became the “first of the first” as Saint Leo University’s first Bachelor of Arts in Veteran Studies degree graduate, as he crossed the commencement stage. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Many of the new alumni are “first generation” — the first of their family to graduate from college. Saint Leo also welcomed the first graduates from its World Campus program in which students live and study online in Latin American countries in their native language.

University Campus’ valedictorian Isabella Riano, grew up in Colombia, was an Honors Program student and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology: clinical/counseling.

The salutatorian was Cole Washko, of Bradenton, an Air Force veteran who graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English: professional writing.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister gave the morning commencement address and State Rep. Fentrice Driskell, House District 67, House minority leader, gave the afternoon commencement address.

Dr. Edward Dadez, university president, challenged the newly graduated to do more and be more. “Use your talents, knowledge, experience, and our core values to serve your God, your families, your clients, your employers, your communities, our nation, and our world,” said Dadez in the release.

Level Up youth summit
Youth for Youth will host the third annual STAND Above the Influence “Level Up Your Life” Youth Summit on June 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College, 10230 Ridge Road, West Room R151, in New Port Richey. This all-day train-the-trainer event aims to empower middle and high school youth to become agents of change in their communities. The event will include presentations by SWAT youth, STAND youth, inspirational speakers, vendors, food, games, prizes, DJ, and more. Seating is limited. Register in advance. Learn more at EmpowereCommunities.org/stand/home.

Reading with the Rays
Pasco County Libraries and the Tampa Bay Rays invite students to step up to the plate and read around the bases. “Reading with the Rays” is presented by the Suncoast Credit Union and awards readers with Tampa Bay Rays prizes, including a grand prize to see the baseball team in action. The campaign runs through Aug. 31 at various Pasco libraries. Participants must record 24 hours of reading on a game card and return it to the library for prizes. To learn more, bit.ly/PascoSRC2024.

Free books for eligible students
The New Worlds Reading Initiative is the first-of-its-kind, statewide program that helps children who are not yet reading on grade level grow their personal libraries and encourage a love of reading through free books delivered every month.

The program is open to any student in VPK who is not yet meeting age-appropriate standards according to FAST Star Early Literacy or any kindergarten through fifth grade student who is not yet reading on grade level.

Students get nine books a year from the year they qualify until they exit fifth grade. This summer, students also will get three bonus books to add to their personal libraries.

Upon registration, parents and students get to pick books from a curated selection.

Eligible students who enroll now will still receive all 12 books for this year in the mail.

Register online, at https://www.newworldsreading.com/fl/en/enrollment.html.

Virtual museum exhibition
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg has launched a virtual exhibition for “From Far East to West: The Chinese American Frontier,” which ran from last October to this past January. The exhibition explores the history and contributions of early Chinese Americans in transforming the landscape and character of the American West.

The virtual launch allows museum patrons and educators around the country to experience the exhibit in a new way.

Those interested can explore each section of the exhibition, from the Gold Rush and the Transcontinental Railroad to the first Chinatowns and the immigration experiences at Angel Island to the work of contemporary Chinese American artists.

The tour offers an immersive experience, featuring English text accompanied by Chinese translations throughout.

To explore the virtual tour, visit TheJamesMuseum.org/eastwest.

Pasco County issues Emergency Burn Ban

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Pasco County is under an Emergency Burn Ban for all areas of the county, effective immediately, and will not expire until conditions improve, according to a news release.

(File)

The county is experiencing extremely dry conditions due to a prolonged lack of rainfall, resulting in an increased risk of brush fires.

Everyone living in unincorporated areas of Pasco County are prohibited from setting fires or causing fires, including: open burning, campfires/bonfires and burning yard waste/garbage.

Simple actions such as tossing a lit cigarette into the grass can easily ignite brush fires that can quickly spread out of control — putting people in danger and threatening homes and businesses.

Outdoor cooking in grills or smokers that contain the fire, flame and heat is acceptable. Pasco Fire Rescue encourages residents to make sure the coals in the grill are extinguished when cooking is finished.

Any resident planning to conduct an open burn must comply with all Florida Forest Service permitting requirements, the release says. The permit process ensures any potential risk is appropriately assessed and mitigated. Visit https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Wildland-Fire/Burn-Authorizations for more information.

Pasco County will notify the community when conditions are safe to resume open burning.

To report a Burn Ban violation, call the Pasco County Emergency Communications Center at 727-847-8102.

City of Zephyrhills starts new recycling pickup schedule

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The City of Zephyrhills is notifying municipal residents of a new recycling pickup schedule due to the increasing population within the city limits. The updated schedule aims to better serve the community’s needs and ensure efficient recycling management, according to a news release.

The new pickup schedule is:

  • June 5: Recycling will be picked up for city residents whose solid waste/trash days are Monday and Thursday. This recycling schedule will then continue every other Wednesday (i.e., June 19, July 3, July 17, July 31 and so on).
  • June 12: Recycling will be picked up for city residents whose solid waste/trash days are Tuesday and Friday. This schedule will then continue every other Wednesday throughout 2024 (i.e., June 16, July 10, July 24, Aug. 7 and so on).

To view the calendar for all recycling dates the remainder of this year, visit https://www.ci.zephyrhills.fl.us/DocumentCenter/View/3976/2024-Weekly-Recycle-Calendar-3.

To confirm if you are a City of Zephyrhills municipal resident, type in your address into the Pasco County property appraiser’s website at https://search.pascopa.com/.

For questions and further assistance, contact the City of Zephyrhills Public Works Department at 813-780-0022.

Pasco Schools to provide free meals during summer

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Pasco County Schools’ Summer Food Service will begin on June 3 and has provided the following information in a news release.

(File)

Breakfasts and lunches will be provided Monday through Thursday to anyone age 18 and younger at these school locations:

  • June 3 to June 28 — Anclote High, Centennial Middle, East Pasco Education Academy, Fivay High, Gulf High, Hudson High, Stewart Middle, River Ridge High, Wendell Krinn, West Pasco Education Academy and Zephyrhills High
  • June 3 to July 19 — Cypress Elementary, Lake Myrtle Elementary, New River Elementary and Richey Elementary
  • June 3 to July 26 — Centennial Elementary, Chasco Elementary, Cotee River Elementary, Mary Giella Elementary, Fox Hollow Elementary, Gulf Highlands Elementary, Hudson Primary Academy, James Marlowe Elementary, Moon Lake Elementary, Pasco Elementary, Quail Hollow Elementary, Cox Elementary, Schrader Elementary, Seven Springs Elementary, Sunray Elementary and Woodland Elementary

Students attending PLACE or Extended School Year programs at these schools will receive meals on campus while attending the program. Curbside meal pickup for those not receiving meals while attending on-site summer programs will be June 4 to July 23, every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Seven days’ worth of breakfast and lunch will be provided to anyone 18 years and younger at these schools: Connerton Elementary, Lacoochee Elementary, San Antonio Elementary and Watergrass Elementary. To better help with service, complete a reservation form at https://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/fns/mform/view.php?id=285537.

Additionally, Pasco County Schools will have mobile feeding sites Monday through Thursday to provide lunch at these locations:

  • Hilltop Landings Apartments, 37611 Colina Drive, Dade City
  • Resurrection House Park, 37124 Lock St., Dade City
  • Zephyrhills YMCA, 37301 Chapel Hill Loop, Zephyrhills
  • Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
  • Regency Park Library, 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey

For more information, visit ConnectPlus.pasco.k12.fl.us/do/fns/summer-feeding-home/.

For questions, email .

Published May 29, 2024