The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Local Wildlife (01/05/25): ZooTampa releases manatees back into wild

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Florida’s manatee population faces challenges from sea grass loss and watercraft injuries. It is estimated that more than 620 manatees died with 97 suffering from boat strikes in 2025. Photo courtesy of ZooTampa
• ZooTampa’s manatee rescue, rehabilitation and release program consists of an expert team of veterinarians, including two USFWS-certified manatee critical care veterinarians and animal care professionals who are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Photo courtesy of ZooTampa

TAMPA – ZooTampa at Lowry Park released a record 26 rehabilitated manatees back into Florida waters in 2025.

Its David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center has cared for over 615 manatees since 1991, with the majority successfully returned to their natural habitat. 

ZooTampa will unveil the Straz Family Manatee Rescue in the spring as part of the new Florida Waters expansion. The facility will offer visitors immersive, eye-level underwater views of manatees, providing a unique opportunity to witness the zoo’s life-saving efforts firsthand. 

The nonprofit spends nearly $2 million each year to save manatees and educates 1.2 million visitors and students annually about local and global wildlife conservation efforts. 

 

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North celebrates first baby of 2026

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Holly and Robby Robbins hold baby Natalie. Photo courtesy of BayCare Health System

LUTZ – Holly and Robby Robbins, of Lutz, were the proud parents of the first baby born at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in 2026.

Natalie arrived at 1:45 a.m. Jan. 2. She weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and measured 19.75 inches.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North enhanced its labor and delivery and Mom & Baby maternity services this past year by opening a new $2 million, 5,431-square-foot Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with couplet care rooms.

The hospital also offers free resources for new mothers, such as a Breastfeeding Support Group and Understanding Your Newborn workshop.

 

Extension offers gardening, nutrition and financial classes

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TAMPA – Hillsborough County Extension Service is kicking off the new year with hands-on workshops, educational talks and community programs focused on healthy living, gardening, financial literacy and environmental stewardship. 

January’s offerings provide residents opportunities to learn new skills, plan for the year ahead and connect with experts across agriculture, nutrition and personal finance.

The month begins with the Taste of Cultures in-person workshop series on Jan. 6, 13, 20 and 27. The four-part program explores food habits and cultural traditions while introducing healthier cooking swaps. 

Participants can also take part in the Plant Your Plate: Greens Series, a free, multi-date program held throughout January at community gardens across Tampa, offering hands-on instruction in growing and preparing nutritious greens.

Gardening and environmental education continues with Gardening with Native Plants, a Jan. 13 library talk at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, and the Florida Arbor Day Tree Workshop and Giveaway on Jan. 16, where residents can learn about tree care and take home a free tree. Agricultural professionals and producers can attend the Florida Cattlemen’s Institute & Allied Trade Show on Jan. 15, covering best practices in cattle management, nutrition and record keeping.

Financial education opportunities are available throughout the month, including the Federal Income Tax Updates webinar on Jan. 28, which reviews new federal tax legislation and its impact on individual filers. Residents seeking personalized support can schedule one-on-one Financial Education appointments, while the self-paced Financial Building Blocks online class remains available all month.

Hillsborough County Extension Service, in partnership with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, offers a variety of additional educational classes in January: 

Gardening and Landscaping

  • Plant Your Plate: Greens Series, in-person, various dates throughout January
  • Gardening with Native Plants, Jan. 13
  • Florida Arbor Day Tree Workshop and Giveaway, Jan. 16

Nutrition and Healthy Living

  • Taste of Cultures four-part workshop series, Jan. 6, 13, 20 and 27

Agriculture and Livestock

  • Florida Cattlemen’s Institute & Allied Trade Show, Jan. 15

Financial Education

  • Federal Income Tax Updates, Jan. 28 (virtual)
  • Financial Education one-on-one appointments, throughout January (virtual and in-person)
  • Financial Building Blocks, throughout January (virtual)

Call 813-744-5519 for details. 

 

AdventHealth welcomes 2026 New Year’s Baby

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Irish was born at 12 a.m. Jan. 1 in Davenport. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
Oscar and Jenny Escobar welcome their baby girl to the world. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

DAVENPORT – AdventHealth Heart of Florida celebrated the birth of Irish Jeyliani Escobar at 12 a.m. Jan. 1. She was one of the first babies born in the new year.

Irish weighed 6 pounds, 2 ounces and measured 19 inches long at birth. 

Parents Jenny and Oscar Escobar thanked the hospital’s care team, especially nurse Marie for her compassionate and attentive care during delivery.

News Briefs (12/31/25): Garden club meets in Dade City

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Dade City Garden Club to discuss school’s plants

DADE CITY – The Dade City Garden Club will present Gardening at East Pasco Education Academy during its January general membership meeting.

The speaker for the program is Marisa Crane, a Master Gardener Volunteer with the UF/IFAS extension office and the school’s Student Services Assistant and Garden & Wellness Coordinator. 

Working with the students, she maintains 30 EarthBoxes, eight raised vegetable garden beds, 20’X20′ wildflower garden, greenhouse with 96 vertical growing pots and a courtyard butterfly garden. 

The meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 12 at the garden club, 13630 5th St., Dade City.

Light refreshments will be served at 9 a.m. The membership meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. Guests are welcome and can visit dadecitygardenclub.com or contact the DCGC Membership Chair at for details.

 

Pasco County offices to close for New Year’s holiday

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Board of Commissioners offices will be closed Thursday, Jan. 1, and Friday, Jan. 2, in observance of New Year’s. Government offices will reopen Monday, Jan. 5.

Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources offices, recreation complexes and community centers will be closed through Saturday, Jan. 3, though parks and beaches remain open dawn to dusk. 

GoPasco will not operate Jan. 1 and will resume regular service Jan. 2, with administrative offices closed.

Libraries will close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, through Jan. 2. 

Animal Services facilities will be closed, with emergency response only; adoption services reopen Jan. 3. 

Solid waste facilities will be closed Jan. 1. ​​They will be closed to the public Jan. 2; however, they will be open to Pasco County licensed commercial haulers.

 

The Blues Is Alright Tour returns to Tampa

TAMPA – The Blues Is Alright Tour returns to Tampa on Feb. 14, bringing Southern Soul and modern blues to the Yuengling Center at 7 p.m. 

The show blends classic storytelling with contemporary R&B grooves, rooted in dance-floor energy and heartfelt lyrics.

The 2026 lineup features King George, Sir Charles Jones, West Love, Pokey Bear and Mike Clark Jr., with hosting duties by Henry Welch. 

 

Art & Craft Festival returns for 32nd season

  1. PETE BEACH – The Corey Avenue Art & Craft Festival celebrates its 32nd annual season in the heart of St. Pete Beach. 

The free, family- and pet-friendly event transforms Corey Avenue into an open-air marketplace featuring contemporary crafts and fine art from skilled artisans. 

The Corey Area Business Association hosts the event, which is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 3 and 4 at 300 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach. 

“For over three decades, the Corey Avenue Art & Craft Festivals have been a cornerstone of our community, bringing world-class artistry right to our doorstep,” CABA event organizer Suzanne King said. 

The two-day festival showcases handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fine art, clothing and home décor, with a Green Market on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event also supports local shops and restaurants throughout the district.

Additional 2026 dates include April 4 and 5, June 6 and 7, Oct. 3 and 4 and Dec. 5 and 6.

 

MOSI to ring in 2026 with Quantum Countdown

TAMPA – Families can welcome the New Year early at MOSI’s Quantum Countdown: Level Up to 2026, presented by PNC Bank, on Dec. 31. 

Included with museum admission, the daytime celebration runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and features hands-on science demos, karaoke, live music, crafts, scavenger hunts and two “Noon Year’s Eve” countdowns at noon and 3 p.m.

Guests can also experience special planetarium shows at 12:45 and 4 p.m. inside the Saunders Planetarium.

“Science, innovation, discovery and a love of learning about the endless possibilities of the future are at the heart of what we do at MOSI,” CEO John Graydon Smith said. “What better way to welcome in the New Year than by combining science and fun?”

Tickets are available at mosi.org.

 

Groban, Hudson team up for Tampa concert

TAMPA – Josh Groban has announced a North American tour with special guest Jennifer Hudson, stopping at Tampa’s Benchmark International Arena at 8 p.m. June 19. 

Produced by Live Nation and presented by Stifel, the tour pairs two of music’s most celebrated voices on one stage.

“Performing live has always been one of the greatest joys of my life and getting to share these nights with Jennifer, someone I admire so deeply, makes it all the more special,” Groban said. “These shows are going to be emotional, celebratory and full of surprises. I can’t wait to see everyone this summer.”

The tour launches June 2 in Montreal. Tickets and details are available at joshgroban.com.

Health & Wellness (12/31/25): Teams help the hungry

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Gasparilla Bowl teams worked with AdventHealth and TECO to serve Feeding Tampa Bay. Photo courtesy AdventHealth

Gasparilla Bowl teams volunteer at Feeding Tampa Bay

TAMPA – Student-athletes and staff from the NC State Wolfpack and Memphis Tigers volunteered alongside AdventHealth and TECO team members Dec. 16 at Feeding Tampa Bay.

They packaged and sent HeroBoxes to deployed military members as part of the Gasparilla Bowl Gives Back initiative. The Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl was held Dec. 19 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

Together, the teams built more than 100 boxes – enough to sponsor an entire military unit. Team members also packed bulk produce to serve families in need this holiday season.

 

Sebring VA Clinic expands, improves care for veterans

BAY PINES – The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System has opened its new Sebring VA Clinic to patients.

The 14,600-square-foot facility, located at 2931 New Life Way, is projected to serve more than 5,000 veterans annually.

“Today, Bay Pines VA marked a significant milestone in our unwavering commitment to providing veterans with world-class health care,” said Dr. Derek Szafranski, interim director of Bay Pines VA, on Dec. 8. “We are proud to welcome veterans to our new, state-of-the-art clinic that is a worthy replacement for the facility that currently serves this community.”

The clinic features an area for home-based primary care services and includes an expanded area for mental health services, with space for shared group therapy. The design allows for the integration of clinical pharmacists, social workers and dietitians in a space that accommodates the Patient Aligned Care Team model of care.

On the web: baypines.va.gov 

 

Hospital offers breastfeeding support 

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers a free in-person breastfeeding support group and class in January.

Events are open to all, regardless of which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your children. The events will be held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North classrooms, 4211 Van Dyke Road.

  • Breastfeeding Support Group: For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and one support person (grandmother, aunt and others) The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. The support group will be held Jan. 15, 10 to 11 a.m.
  • Understanding Your Newborn: Provides information to the expectant mother and one support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. The class will be held Jan. 15, 1 to 5 p.m.

Register for the free events by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the group or class you are interested in attending. Or, you can also register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.

 

Get answers on Medicare

  1. PETERSBURG – SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas. 

Specially trained volunteers can assist with Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.

They’ll answer questions at the following Medicare programs: 

  • Jan. 7 at noon at the Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-587-6715 ext. 2508
  • Jan. 8 at 10 a.m. at the New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-853-1279
  • Jan. 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
  • Jan. 17 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
  • Jan. 21 at 11 a.m. at the Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669
  • Jan. 21 at 1 p.m. at the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1073
  • Jan. 22 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576

SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential. Counselors do not sell anything. They can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.

Business Digest (12/31/25): Museum leader announces retirement

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Tampa Museum of Art leader announces retirement

TAMPA – Michael Tomor plans to retire as executive director of the Tampa Museum of Art, effective March 31.

Tomor has worked 40 years at art museums, including just over a decade at the Tampa Museum of Art.

During his tenure, the Tampa Museum of Art has acquired 1,500 new objects for its permanent collection and completed a renovation that added 32,000 square feet of exhibition spaces in four promenades and 12 new galleries.

“This last decade has been one of great advancements for the institution,” Tomor said. “I’m proud of the incredible work we have accomplished as a team and as a community.”

Over the last five years, Tomor has led the museum through an ongoing $100 million capital campaign to renovate and expand the museum. The expansion and fundraising remain underway and unchanged.

“He has expanded our art collections, strengthened our financial foundation, grown the museum’s reach in the community and advanced the bold vision for our expansion,” said Ron Christaldi, chair of the board of trustees.

The museum will conduct a national search for a new leader using a professional search firm.

 

$2.7M  in welding scholarships open for applications

MIAMI – The American Welding Society Foundation is accepting applications for its 2026 scholarship season, with $2.7 million available to support students pursuing welding and related fields across North America. 

The deadline for AWS National, District and Section Scholarships is March 1. Apply at scholarship.aws.org.

In 2025, the AWS Foundation awarded scholarships to more than 1,500 students, providing support ranging from $1,000 to over $8,000. Recipients attended 430 institutions across the U.S. and internationally.

AWS scholarships are available for all levels of welding education,  from short-term technical programs to associate and bachelor’s degrees. 

 

Florida Supreme Court filling vacancy

TAMPA –Ten people have submitted applications to the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Justice Charles Canady.

Applicants are Alex Bokor, Hunter Carroll, Roger Gannam, John Guard, Robert Long, Joshua Mize, Thomas Palermo, Samuel Salario, Jared Smith and Adam Tanenbaum.

Interviews were scheduled to occur Dec. 29 in Tampa.

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a Lunch N’ Learn and a Leadership Tampa Bay event. 

  • Members meet with Leadership Tampa Bay board members and alumni to gauge interest from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at Florida Avenue Brewing, 2029 Arrowgrass Drive, Wesley Chapel. 
  • Jacqueline Nelms, founder of Mindful Elevation LLC, talks about mental resilience and strategic leadership during a Lunch N’ Learn from noon to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at The North Tampa Bay Chamber Conference, 28329 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel, Registration costs $15. Register in advance. 

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a Land O’ Lakes Brochure Exchange and young professionals programming. 

  • Members trade company literature during the Land O’ Lakes Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 8 at SpringHill Suites, 16615 Crosspointe Run, Land O’ Lakes. Members pay $14. Others pay $10. Food costs $14. Register in advance. 
  • Young Professionals Group members network during a social from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 9 at Dented Keg Ale Works, 5500 Main St., Suite 104, New Port Richey, 

Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events. 

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host Coffee & Networking and Business Breakfast.

  • Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Jan. 2 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.) and 8 to 9 a.m. Jan. 6 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.). 
  • Members network at the monthly Business Breakfast from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Jan. 8 at Dan Cannon Auditorium, 36722 County Road 52, Dade City. The event costs $15. Register in advance. 

Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events. 

BayCare names chief philanthropy officer

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CLEARWATER – BayCare Health System has named Kate Sawa its first chief philanthropy officer.

Sawa will continue to serve as president of the St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation, including the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation.

“Families across West Central Florida need access to excellent health care close to home, and our generous donors and community partners help make that possible,” said Stephanie Conners, president and CEO of BayCare. “Kate’s vision and authentic leadership will help us deepen these vital partnerships and work together to create lasting impact across the communities we’re privileged to serve.”

In her expanded role, Sawa will partner with the leaders of four other Baycare hospital organizations, which will continue to have their own boards and independence, to advance BayCare’s philanthropic efforts.

Sawa’s leadership is shaped by her personal and professional experiences. 

Early in her career, she founded a nonprofit inspired by her sister’s journey with Down syndrome. 

She later served as the local executive director of the American Heart Association and then went on to hold national roles within the organization. 

She became the leader of St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation in 2021. Since then, she has been key to BayCare’s commitment to build a new, freestanding facility for St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. 

Under Sawa’s leadership, the St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation announced in 2023 a $50 million naming gift from Sidd Pagidipati and his family to support what will be known as the Pagidipati Children’s Hospital at St. Joseph’s. The new hospital facility is scheduled to open in 2030.

“BayCare is truly a special place where our physicians, nurses and team members are passionate about providing the highest-quality, compassionate care for our communities. It’s always about doing what’s right by the patient as the work truly matters in the lives of children and families,” Sawa said. “I’m honored to help play a role by connecting our generous donors, who inspire us to see all the possibilities for improving health care in West Central Florida.”

 

Pasco County expands housing options 

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NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County is allowing property owners to build or create various types of accessory dwelling units. 

These small, secondary homes can help families live together more comfortably by providing relief from rising rental or mortgage costs. Or when used for long-term rentals, they can help a homeowner make extra money.

Adding an accessory dwelling unit to a property can provide the following benefits:

  • Multi-generational living. Create space for elderly parents or young adults.
  • Extra income. Earn income through long-term rental use (more than 180 days).
  • Property value boost. Increase the overall worth of your home.

Accessory dwelling units can take many forms. A homeowner can convert a garage or attic into a mother-in-law suite, build an attached apartment or add a stand-alone unit, such as a tiny house. 

Accessory dwelling units can be included during new construction or added later, depending on one’s needs.

Pasco County says that before homeowners build, they must ensure the following: 

  • Accessory dwelling units will be on a property zoned for single-family homes.
  • The unit will be built on a permanent, fixed foundation.
  • The unit design complements the primary home, with size/height limitations.
  • The homeowner secures a building permit (required for new construction, additions and structural changes).

Visit mypas.co/adu or call the building construction services department at 727-847-8126 for more details or questions about Pasco’s accessory dwelling unit requirements.

Concert supports theater renovation campaign

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Jesse Triplett, Ed Roland and Jonny Rabb share the stage. Photo courtesy of Richey Suncoast Theatre

 

 

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Richey Suncoast Theatre more than doubled its $20,000 fundraising goal for “Letters from E: An Evening with Ed Roland of Collective Soul.”

The benefit concert officially kicked off the theater’s capital fundraising campaign to renovate and preserve the nearly 100-year-old venue.

The event raised a total of $42,550 through ticket sales, sponsorships and an online auction featuring exclusive signed memorabilia from Collective Soul, Our Lady Peace, Live! and private donors. 

These funds will directly support the theater’s renovation projects, including a new roof, updated windows and doors, and an exterior update. These upgrades will ensure the historic venue continues to serve as a home for the performing arts for generations to come.

The concert’s success was made possible by the generosity of Ed Roland, frontman of Collective Soul, who donated the entire performance. 

Roland was joined on stage by his bandmates Johnny Rabb and Jesse Triplett, creating an unforgettable night of music for a sold-out audience.

“This event was a powerful beginning to our renovation campaign and a reminder of what community collaboration can achieve,” said Lia Gallegos, interim president of Richey Suncoast Theatre. “Ed’s generosity, combined with the enthusiasm of our sponsors, donors and guests, made this night one for the history books.”

The “Letters from E” benefit concert will now become an annual event, continuing to unite music lovers and arts supporters in sustaining the Richey Suncoast Theatre for the next century. 

Visit richeysuncoasttheatre.com for more information about the Richey Suncoast Theatre, upcoming performances or to contribute to the ongoing renovation campaign.