Special to The Laker/Lutz News

 

ZooTampa brings animals to schools

TAMPA – ZooTampa at Lowry Park is bringing its Nature Nurtures outreach program back to four Hillsborough County elementary schools.

The multi-year initiative features interactive presentations by ZooTampa’s Ambassador Animal Team. They’ll introduce students in kindergarten through third grade to reptiles and amphibians.

“Kids are naturally curious – and seeing an animal up close is an unforgettable way to make nature feel real and accessible,” said Tiffany Burns, senior director of animal programs at ZooTampa.

The program will visit Muller Elementary Magnet School, James Elementary, Forest Hills Elementary and Lake Magdalene Elementary through April. The partnership focuses on Title I schools within 15 miles of the zoo.

 

Hillsborough County Public Schools celebrates top staffers

TAMPA – The Hillsborough Education Foundation and Hillsborough County Public Schools honored those who represent the very best of public education at the 2026 Excellence in Education Awards. 

Winners were as follows: 

• Ché Counce won the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year. Counce is an Access Points teacher who has served Hillsborough County Public Schools for seven years. 
• Mary Torres-Cerezo won the Instructional Support Employee of the Year. Torres-Cerezo has worked for Hillsborough County Public Schools for 21 years. She spent 14 of those years as a nurse for Willis Peters Exceptional Center. 
• Christi Atkinson won the Teacher of the Year. Atkinson has been teaching in Hillsborough County for 14 years, nine years at Wharton High School, with the last four years as the science department head. 

 

Saint Leo University opens new track, locker rooms

1. LEO – Saint Leo University celebrated the grand opening Jan. 22 of an eight-lane, 400-meter track and newly constructed locker rooms.

The completion of the track is part of a phased relaunch of Saint Leo University’s men’s and women’s track and field programs. The teams welcomed 42 student-athletes in fall 2025, with enrollment expected to grow to about 60 by fall 2026. By 2027, at least 80 student-athletes are anticipated to be competing in sprint, distance and field events, including long jump, high jump, throwing events, javelin and steeplechase.

Saint Leo University also unveiled state-of-the-art men’s and women’s locker rooms on the north side of the Marion Bowman Activities Center. The three locker rooms serve about 120 student-athletes, primarily supporting the university’s soccer programs, and provide dedicated spaces for team strategy, preparation and camaraderie.

 

Achieva Foundation announces 2026 scholarships  

DUNEDIN – The Achieva Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Achieva Credit Union, is accepting applications through March 21 for its 2026 Scholarship Program. 

The foundation will award 28 scholarships totaling $87,000.

New this year, the program includes a $3,500 scholarship for a home-educated student, established in honor of Achieva’s former CEO Gary Regoli and his wife, Teresa. 

Twenty-seven students will each receive $3,000 scholarships to support their continued education at colleges and technical schools. Scholarship funds are deposited into recipients’ Achieva accounts to help offset the cost of tuition, books and other education expenses.

Applicants or a member of their family must be an Achieva Credit Union member in good standing, a graduating high school senior or enrolled in an accredited college or technical school.  

Apply at Achievacu.com/Foundation. 

 

Quick Hits

• Pasco-Hernando State College welcomed new members to its board: M. Stacey Thomson, a physical science professor at PHSC; Jessica Zimmerman, service center operations director at Suncoast Credit Union; and Janei Harris, a student at PHSC.
• McClellan Creek, of Odessa, made the honors list at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Florham Campus in Madison, NJ. Students must have a 3.5 or better grade point average.
• Amber Rosswaag, of Lutz, graduated with a Finance B S. at the University of Minnesota Crookston.
• Alexander Mihalek, of Wesley Chapel, and Catalina Munoz Sola, of Lutz, made the dean’s list at Fairfield University at Fairfield, Connecticut.

 

​​This fluffy little creature is no morning person. If you find a bat like this, it’s best to watch from a safe distance to see if it moves. Do not touch it with your bare hands. Photo courtesy of ​​Brenna Hicks

 

Surgeons provide 17 free hip, knee replacements

TAMPA – AdventHealth Tampa and AdventHealth Carrollwood partnered with Florida Orthopaedic Institute and Pioneer Medical Foundation to provide 17 free hip and knee replacement surgeries for uninsured Tampa Bay residents through Operation Walk USA.

Surgeries were completed over two days by volunteer orthopedic surgeons and care teams. Eight procedures were performed at AdventHealth Tampa, and nine at AdventHealth Carrollwood. More than 200 AdventHealth team members volunteered across both locations.

Operation Walk USA provides free total hip and knee replacements to eligible uninsured adults and has delivered more than $24.6 million in donated care to over 900 patients nationwide.

On the web: operationwalkusa.org

 

Recognize the signs of a heart attack

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American College of Emergency Physicians is urging the public to recognize the warning signs of a heart attack and seek immediate medical care.

“Minutes matter when someone’s heart is in trouble,” said L. Anthony Cirillo, president of ACEP. “If something doesn’t feel right, it’s time to seek emergency care right away.”

A heart attack may not always start suddenly with crushing chest pain. Some people experience uncomfortable pressure, tightness or fullness in the left or center of the chest that lasts for longer than a few minutes or goes away and comes back. Pain or discomfort can also spread to the shoulders, neck, jaw, arms or back.

Symptoms may include chest pressure or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, cold sweats and unexplained fatigue. Women may experience different symptoms, including back, neck or jaw pain.

Anyone experiencing symptoms should call 911 rather than drive themselves to the hospital, officials said.

 

Get answers on Medicare in March

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: 

• Medicare 101: March 18, 11 a.m. at Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669
• Medicare 101: March 18, 1 p.m. at Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1073
• Medicare Basics: March 19, 10:30 a.m. at New River Library, 34043 FL 54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
• Medicare Basics: March 21, 10 a.m. at Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
• Medicare Basics: March 26, 10:30 a.m. at 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.

 

Hospital offers breastfeeding support 

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

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 an optional support person. The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. The support group will be held March 19, 10 to 11 a.m.
• Understanding Your Newborn: Provides information to the expectant mother and an optional 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 March 19, 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. You can also register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.

 

Chipotle Mexican Grill opens in Lutz

LUTZ – Chipotle Mexican Grill opened a new location March 2 at 17995 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz, featuring the area’s first Chipotlane drive-thru pick-up lane for digital orders.

The restaurant is open daily from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Customers can try the limited-time Chicken al Pastor and the brand’s new high-protein menu, featuring items with 15 to 81 grams of protein, including the Double High Protein Bowl and High Protein Cup.

College students can enroll in Chipotle U Rewards for bonus points, and guests can order the Build-Your-Own Chipotle option for groups of four to six.

Chipotle is hiring about 30 employees for the Lutz location. Details are available at chipotle.com/careers.

 

Mission BBQ supports veterans nonprofit

TAMPA – Mission BBQ Town & Country recently provided meals to veterans served by Liberty Manor for Veterans. 

Mission BBQ supports veterans and first responders through service, fundraising and food donations. The company reports that more than $47 million has been donated to national and local charitable organizations through community support.

Liberty Manor for Veterans promotes the developmental and social needs of veterans by providing transitional and supported housing to help them achieve self-sufficiency. It is located at 10015 N. Ninth St., Tampa.

Contact Connie Lindsay at 813-900-9422 or visit libertymanor.org to help. 

 

Family business reaches 50-year milestone

TAMPA – Alvarez Plumbing & Air Conditioning is marking its 50th anniversary in 2026, celebrating five decades of service in the Tampa Bay region.

The family-owned company provides 24-hour plumbing and air conditioning services, including emergency support, and operates with more than 120 employees and 60 vehicles.

“Reaching 50 years is a testament to the trust Tampa Bay has placed in our team and to the standards we’ve protected as a family business,” CEO Marcus Reyes said. 

Founder Al Alvarez, 81, remains active in the company, with a third generation now involved in operations. Anniversary plans include recognizing customers and highlighting ongoing community involvement.

On the web: alvarezplumbing.com

 

Ginger Health owner appears on podcast

LAND O’ LAKES – Ginger Hoang Le, of Ginger Health Occupational Physical Therapy, is the latest guest on the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s “Chamber Chatter Podcast.”

Le, who is celebrating 24 years at the clinic, told Chamber President and CEO Hope Kennedy about their whole-person approach as well as the services offered. Le also shared lessons about entrepreneurship. 

“Make a lot of connections,” Le told Kennedy. “Hope has been great. She’s always very encouraging. The chamber is great. I would welcome you guys to join the chamber. Find out organizations or groups of women or men or mixed that are in your area and they want to know you personally because once they meet you, then they can trust that you’re going to do a good job for them.”

Watch the episode on YouTube.com.

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a Coffee Social and grand opening celebrations. 

• Members attend an open house at Ginger Health & Grace Adaptive Driving from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 12 at 27553 Cashford Circle, Suite 102, Wesley Chapel. The open house includes a tour and demo. Register in advance.  
• Members celebrate the grand opening of Optimum Health & Wellness with a ribbon cutting from 4 to 6 p.m. March 12 at 23031 Tabak Lane, Land O’ Lakes. Register in advance.
• Members mingle during Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. March 18 at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, 2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Wesley Chapel.

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

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber will host a Veterans Roundtable, Land O’ Lakes Business Exchange, Membership Breakfast and programming for women and youth professionals. 

• The chamber hosts a Veterans Roundtable from 8 to 9:30 a.m. March 11 at Patriot Stogies, 6153 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance. 
• Members trade company literature during the Land O’ Lakes Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 12 at SpringHill Suites Tampa  Parkway, 16615 Crosspointe Run, Land O’ Lakes. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Lunch costs $14. Register in advance. 
• Joseph D. Resnick, president and CEO of Premier Community Healthcare, speaks at the Greater Pasco Chamber Membership Breakfast from 8:45 to 10 a.m. March 13 at SpringHill Suites Tampa Suncoast Parkway, 16615 Crosspointe Run, Land O’ Lakes. Members pay $25. Others pay $30. Register in advance.
• The Young Professionals Group holds its latest social from 6 to 8 p.m. March 13 at Dented Keg Ale Works, 5500 Main St., Suite 104, New Port Richey. Register in advance.
• Lauren Miceli, of Pasco EDC, and Jennie Yingling, of Spinner Law Firm, discuss the Pasco County Commission on the Status of Women during the Networking Lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 18 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance. 

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

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – The East Pasco Chamber will host Coffee & Networking.

• Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. March 13 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.) and from 8 to 9 a.m. March 17 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.). Register in advance.

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

 

This sandhill crane opted to escape the wetlands for a bit to stretch its long legs on some dry land. This yard should do the trick.