The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Kira is very affectionate

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Kira is a 14-year-old lab that likes short walks. Two years ago, she became blind, but she still loves to browse around the house, specifically in the kitchen. Kira lives in Country Walk in Wesley Chapel with her mom, Monica Rodriguez, and her human brother.

A mother’s instinct

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While retrieving golf balls he had hit on his Quail Hollow wooded lot, in Wesley Chapel, Mark Peacock discovered this newborn. In spite of many healthy oak trees on the lot, the doe chose a dead tree spotted with mold to provide camouflage for her fawn. By dusk, both doe and fawn were gone.

Mosquito warning

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The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) advises residents that there has been an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity in areas of Pasco County, according to a news release.

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County has issued a warning about an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity. (File)

Several sentinel chickens have tested positive for the Eastern equine encephalitis virus infection. As a result, the risk of transmission to humans has increased.

The Pasco County Mosquito Control District and DOH-Pasco continue surveillance and prevention efforts.

DOH-Pasco reminds residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to take basic precautions to help limit exposure.

To protect yourself from the insects, remember to drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.

Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots and other containers. Empty plastic swimming pools and boat tarps that accumulate water, too.

Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used. Empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls at least once or twice a week.

Residents should cover their skin with clothing or repellent.

Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeves.

Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label.

Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

For more information, visit Pasco.floridahealth.gov.

A simple suitcase, a measure of dignity

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Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s Office collects donations of gently-used luggage, suitcases, and other travel-related bags throughout the year, to donate to a program called Luggage of Love.

Elizabeth Urquiola is program coordinator for the University of Florida/Pasco County Extension Luggage of Love program. (Courtesy of Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office)

The items are used to equip displaced children and families in need, who are identified through the program, which is operated by the University of Florida/Pasco County Extension Office, according to a news release.

The children who receive the luggage are those who often must travel with caseworkers into foster care, or are otherwise removed from their homes due to emergency situations, historically have had to use plastic garbage bags to carry their clothing and personal belongings.

The luggage adds a sense of dignity to a child who very likely could be experiencing of the most traumatic events in his or her young life.

In some cases, the luggage is given to single mothers and their children — who are escaping domestic violence situations.

The staff of the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office continues to respond to the call for help.

“Thank you so very much for the donations we have received in the past,”  Elizabeth Urquiola, program coordinator for the Luggage of Love program, said in the release.

“We can’t thank our community enough for the amazing generosity. We need to keep our closets full because children and mothers may be in need at any time. Please help spread the love to our displaced children in Pasco County through our Luggage of Love program. Your donations will always be put to good use,” said Urquiola.

The supply of suitable suitcases is currently low and the demand continues to grow.

Tax Collector Mike Fasano said that donations of everything from suitcases to duffle bags and backpacks are the lifeblood of this charity.

“If you have not given before and have some unused luggage you could donate, please reach out to our office. We will work with you in any way that we can to help get the luggage into the hands of those most in need,” Fasano said, in the release.

To help, or find out more, reach out to Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179 or to Urquiola at 352-521-1254, ext. 5325.

Luggage donations may be dropped off at any of the five tax collector offices in the county.

Visit PascoTaxes.com, for office locations and hours of operation.

Published May 26, 2021

New resource launched for mental health

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Hillsborough County understands the mental challenges, as well as the stress, tension and anxiety that the coronavirus pandemic presents and is offering simple resources through a new Mindful Mondays program, to help promote the different ways to make mental health a priority, according to a news release.

To participate, residents can visit HCFLGov.net/MindfulMondays, to learn about unique programs and initiatives, and to read helpful articles.
Through Mindful Mondays, residents will have access to a variety of free resources to help them find balance in their day-to-day lives.
Mindful Mondays offers virtual health classes focused on mental health and exercises to reduce stress. There will be short videos to find “Moments of Zen,” and relaxing nature tours.

Content also will include mental health tips from community partners, along with ways county programs and initiatives can help residents manage stress.
Mindful Mondays kicked off for Mental Health Awareness Month, but will continue to offer resources and content throughout the year to support residents in making mental health a priority. Content will be updated on a monthly basis.

Published May 26, 2021

Museum seeks help for maintenance costs

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The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village’s Blanton Packing House has termites and will have to be tented in the coming weeks to resolve the issue. The nonprofit is asking for donations to help cover the cost.

The open-air museum in Dade City includes Overstreet House, a one-room schoolhouse, a church, a train depot, a train engine, and a museum exhibition of tools, household items, antiques and farm equipment.

The museum hopes to show that “the men and women who were here before us, struggled, made do, and sometimes won and sometimes lost their battles with nature. In essence, they were people much like us,” according to its website.

Donations can be made online through PayPal at tinyurl.com/ypywc8ns, or by mailing a check to Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, P.O. Box 335, Dade City, FL 33526-0335.

Published May 26, 2021

Jack loves attention

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Jack is a 15-year-old mixed breed. He is a rescue originally from Kentucky. Jack has moved around a bit during his life with his owners, but recently moved to their present home in Connerton. Jack suffered a stroke earlier this year, and his owners weren’t sure if he would pull through, but Jack’s a fighter and never gave up. He is doing remarkably well. Jack lives with John and Maureen Fitzgerald in Land O’ Lakes.

A hearty appetite

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Randi Grainger is a photographer/videographer who enjoys taking little odd photos of wildlife, nature and whatnot, around the house. Grainger spotted this yellow rat snake on his property off Old Pasco Road, in Wesley Chapel. Adult rat snakes primarily eat mice, rats, squirrels and birds, as well as bird eggs. They are a common predator on wood duck eggs. Juvenile rat snakes eat small frogs, lizards and small rodents. These snakes are largely nonvenomous.

Health News 05/26/2021

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Lions Club receives eyewear donation
Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club continue to outdo themselves during this difficult pandemic year with their donations to myriad local organizations. Elaine Pittman recently delivered 91 pairs of eyewear to the Lutz-Land O’Lakes Lions Club for its mission in Third World countries. From left: Lions Club President Jackie Cameron, Elaine Pittman and Lions Club member Claudette Henry. For membership and community service information about the woman’s club, visit LutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org, or its Facebook page.

Gulfside needs volunteers
The Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppe Team is looking for volunteers ages 15 and older for its Dade City, Lutz and Zephyrhills stores.

Volunteer duties include greeting and assisting customers, sorting and pricing items, and accepting donated items.

The proceeds from each of the Gulfside shops directly support its patient care costs and the operation of the Gulfside Centers for Hospice Care.

For information, visit Gulfside.org/thrift-shoppes.

Stroke certification
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North has received Primary Stroke Certification from DNV GL Healthcare, an international accrediting body that emphasizes clinical best practices and a disciplined management system, according to a news release.

The certification signifies clinical excellence through diagnosis, stabilization and treatment by the hospital’s stroke team.

Prior to the certification, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North underwent a rigorous review process, as a team of DNV GL surveyors observed practices, interviewed teams and reviewed documentation.

The survey incorporates standards from the Guidelines of the Brain Attack Coalition and recommendations from the American Stroke Association.

The DNV GL certification is St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s third significant award for the treatment of strokes and heart attacks in the last nine months.

Top hospital
AdventHealth Wesley Chapel has been named to the Fortune/IBM Watson Health 100 Top Hospitals list.

This is the fourth consecutive year the hospital has been recognized with this honor, as one of the top performing hospitals in the United States.

“We are honored to be receiving this recognition for the fourth year in a row,” said Erik Wangsness, president and CEO of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.

“At the heart of an award-winning hospital is an award-winning staff. This award recognizes our physicians’ and teams’ daily commitment to providing compassionate, whole-person care to our community. It is gratifying to know that one of the best 100 hospitals in the United States is right here in Wesley Chapel,” said Wangsness.

In addition to this accolade, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel has again attained a CMS five-star ranking by the federal government.

The CMS ranking system assigns a star rating to hospitals based on performance across several quality categories.

Only 455 out of more than 3,300 CMS-ranked hospitals received a five-star rating.

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel was the only hospital in Tampa Bay to achieve a CMS five-star rating in 2020.

Chalk Talk 05/26/2021

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(Courtesy of Charter School Associates)

Local student receives award
Each year, the City of Tampa Water Department recognizes outstanding STEM Fair projects at the elementary, junior and senior school levels with the Drinking Water Award. Lilienn Carpenter, a fifth-grade student at Sunlake Academy of Math & Science, in Lutz, this year received the award in the Hillsborough County elementary division, presented by Mayor Jane Castor. Carpenter competed with 1,800 other elementary students in Hillsborough County.

Student achievements

  • Andrea Denton, of Wesley Chapel, was recognized to the Provost’s Honor Roll at Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas. Denton is majoring in respiratory care.
  • Timothy John Elko, of Lutz, was named to the University of Mississippi, Oxford spring Dean’s Honor Roll.

Local graduates
The University of Tampa (UT) hosted a virtual ceremony on May 8 to honor 1,781 degree-seeking candidates at the school’s 152nd commencement.

The event was viewed online by the students, family members and friends, UT faculty and staff, and the general public.

Graduating students in The Laker/Lutz News area include:

  • Alex Prendes, of Odessa, Bachelor of Arts – history
  • Alex Riccio, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science – accounting
  • Breanna Sumner, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science – criminology and criminal justice
  • Brieanna Rekow, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science – human performance
  • Emalee Jansen, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science – accounting
  • Hayley Jewett, of Odessa, Bachelor of Arts – psychology
  • Kaitlyn Thomas, of Odessa, Bachelor of Arts – design
  • Kaylyn Burroughs, of Odessa, Bachelor of Science – nursing
  • Lisa Jungmann, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science – criminology and criminal justice
  • Olivia Trinder, of Odessa, Bachelor of Science – nursing
  • Spender Anderson, of Odessa, Bachelor of Science – cybersecurity
  • Sydney Milton, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science – education, elementary
  • Terese Okulski, of Odessa, Bachelor of Science – nursing
  • Trevor Toma, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science – cybersecurity

Each graduate received a personalized video commemorating their achievement.

College transfer tips
The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) offers these tips for students who plan to transfer between colleges this year.

Talk to a financial aid officer at your current school to ask if you owe anything or to find out if you can get a refund. Also make sure you have done everything you need to do to get financial aid when you transfer.

In addition, students should contact the registrar’s office at their new school to find out which current school credits and grades will transfer.

Each college should have a contact person who can answer any questions to help make the transition.

For more information, visit KHEAA.com.

Community service
The Goodwill-Suncoast volunteer program for high school students has pivoted to a virtual format this year.

Students in J.A.G. (Junior Ambassadors of Goodwill) can earn up to 25 hours of community service.

The virtual program allows students to volunteer on their own, at the direction of Goodwill Volunteer Services. Each program activity supports a different aspect of Goodwill’s mission.

To learn more, visit Goodwill-suncoast.org/junior-ambassadors.