The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Chalk Talk 06/02/2021

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(Courtesy of Shantel Meyers)

Woman’s group bestows scholarship
The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Group raised money for a $500 college scholarship and sifted through numerous applications to honor one graduate. Kayla Mys, a Wesley Chapel High School student, was chosen because of her volunteer work with many different organizations, including Special Olympics, and reading to children in schools and libraries during COVID-19. Mys’ goal is to continue to help others, as well as earn a bachelor degree as an occupational therapist. From left: Marie Ambrosino, education chairman of the woman’s group; Kayla Mys; and Cindi Nalon, woman’s group president.

Chamber awards students
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce awarded seven scholarships, for a total of $3,500, to seven Zephyrhills High School seniors, during the Pasco Education Foundation online scholarship ceremony last month.

Recipients of the chamber scholarships were selected based on community service, presentation, character and academic achievement.

These students were each awarded $500 for the Academic and Vocational Scholarships:

  • Hailey Cameron: Pasco-Hernando State College
  • Clayton Cornelius: University of South Florida
  • Melody Holloway: Saint Leo University
  • Daisy Martinez: Pasco-Hernando State College
  • Gisele Navarra: Saint Leo University
  • Jaiden Ryker: University of Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Yahir Torrs: University of South Florida
Hailey Cameron
Clayton Cornelius
Melody Holloway
Daisy Martinez
Giselle Navarra
Jaiden Ryker
Yahir Torrs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Student achievements
GentleCare Pet Hospital in Land O’ Lakes announced that its technician, Shelby Brown, has been accepted to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Brown has been with the pet hospital for more than a year.

Also, GentleCare’s part-time assistant Allen Felipe, a graduate of Wesley Chapel High School, received the National Merit Scholarship and will be attending the University of Florida, focusing on mathematics.

Graduations to allow more guests
High school graduates in Pasco County will be allowed to invite additional guests and family members to outdoor graduations, and social distancing at the events will no longer be required, according to a Pasco County Schools news release.

The elimination of the limitations and restrictions was announced after a review of COVID-19 data in schools and in the community.

The mask requirement remains in place for indoor graduations.

Prior to the announcement, graduates in Pasco County had been limited to four guests each.

Now, graduates will be allowed to have two guests join them seated on the field, with additional guests seated in the bleachers.

Graduates and their families are asked to be aware that the availability of seating will vary due to the size of the venue.

Academy graduates inaugural class
The Global Prospects Academy (GPA) at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel on May 21 graduated its inaugural class.

A total of 15 students completed the academic and athletic curriculum as established by the GPA and its official educational partner, North Tampa Christian Academy, according to a news release.

Global Prospects is an elite development academy featuring the highest levels of training in the sport of hockey, ice skating, and sports performance/recovery, accompanied by an educational curriculum partnership for the student of the future.

The program encompasses training platforms for ages 8 to 17.

Access to educational freedom allows flexibility to the student and the family, and the ability to excel in both sports and academics, according to the GPA.

Global Sports is dedicated to establishing self-motivated members of the hockey community, and is determined to create a solid foundation, balancing both a strong academic focus and a dynamic sports program that sets well-rounded student-athletes up for success both on and off the ice.

North Tampa Christian Academy provides an immersive on-campus experience that encourages innovation through project-based learning and thematic structure.

For information, contact Jim Charos at 813-803-7264 or .

Road closes for graduation
The City of Zephyrhills will close the following roadways on June 2, between 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., for the Zephyrhills High School graduation car parade.
• both eastbound turn lanes on U.S. 301 at the intersection of Fifth Avenue|
• from the corner of Ninth Avenue and 11th Street to Fifth Avenue and 11th Street
• from Fifth Avenue and 11th Street to Fifth Avenue and Seventh Street

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.