The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Florida Aquarium offers patriotic experience 

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A lemur chows down amid patriotic decorations. Photo courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

TAMPA – Families can enjoy a patriotic experience as The Florida Aquarium hosts “Sea to Shining Sea.” 

The three-day Fourth of July event will feature patriotic divers, special animal encounters, family entertainment and a chance to leave a conservation legacy under one roof.

“As America commemorates its 250th anniversary, we’re proud to provide a patriotic experience that unites us around animals, nature and fun,” said Roger Germann, president and CEO of The Florida Aquarium. “While our Sea to Shining Sea celebration runs throughout the summer, guests visiting over the holiday weekend will enjoy additional animal encounters, family-friendly entertainment and never-before-offered opportunities that bring our community together to celebrate our nation’s historic birthday.”

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, guests who buy tickets at the Aquarium’s ticket window after 2:50 p.m. each day of the celebration (July 3 to 5) will receive 25% off admission. 

Throughout the three-day event, guests can experience:

  • Patriotic décor throughout the aquarium
  • Animal ambassador appearances at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
  • Character meet-and-greets
  • “Dive into Adventure” performances at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
  • Holiday-themed stilt walkers
  • Costumed Divers making special underwater appearances dressed as Lady Liberty, Uncle • Sam, Captain America and a Bald Eagle
  • Holiday food and beverages, including picnic plates with hamburger or hot dog, watermelon slice and potato salad, themed drinks, festive desserts and candy jars at Café Seventy One
  • Themed caricatures and face painting by Goofy Faces
  • Commemorative photo frames from Photogenic
  • Exclusive America 250-themed merchandise in the aquarium’s gift shop

Guests can also help leave a living legacy for future generations by donating $25 to support the aquarium’s goal of planting 250 mangroves on World Mangrove Day, July 26. Guests can also  arrange behind-the-scenes experiences from close-up encounters with stingrays to a Wild Dolphin cruise and the SeaTREK underwater walking adventure. 

The Sea to Shining Sea celebration continues through Aug. 9. Guests can still experience patriotic décor, the popular “Dive into Adventure” show and extended hours.

On the web: flaquarium.org

Water shortage order extended for Pasco County

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PASCO COUNTY – The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board is extending the Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage through Oct. 1, due to ongoing water shortages causing drought conditions. Under the extended order, the irrigation window for potable, well and surface water remains between midnight and 4 a.m. or between 8 p.m. and midnight. Confirm your one assigned watering day at mypas.co/SaveWater and follow all watering guidelines.

  • Potable, well or surface water use – between midnight and 4 a.m. or between 8 p.m. and midnight
  • Reclaimed water use – between midnight and 8 a.m.
  • HOAs may not require more watering than restrictions allow, landscape replacement or pressure washing for aesthetic purposes.

“Irrigation often accounts for more than half of a homeowner’s water costs, and irrigating efficiently is one of the most effective ways to save water and save money,” said Sandra Anderson, customer information and services director for Pasco County Utilities. “Regardless of your water source, in Pasco, you can only water once a week on your assigned day.”

Tips for efficient landscape irrigation:

  • Know your single watering day and stick to your schedule: mypas.co/SaveWater
  • Get help programming your irrigation controllers: email
  • Have your irrigation system evaluated for free with UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County to ensure your system is operating properly and efficiently: mypas.co/FreeSprinklerCheck
  • This is also a good time to check your home for water leaks or drips. And if you’re considering upgrading your toilets or irrigation system, you might qualify for rebates.

Visit PascoCountyUtilities.com for more information about water conservation and Pasco County Utilities.

Pasco County offices to close for Independence Day

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PASCO COUNTY – Pasco Board of County Commissioners offices will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day.

The following Pasco County departments will remain closed through Saturday, July 4, 2026:

  • Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Offices, Recreation Complex Buildings and Community Centers will be closed; however, the parks and beaches will stay open to the public from dawn to dusk.
  • Pasco County Public Transportation (GoPasco) will provide regular transportation services (fixed‑route and demand response) on Friday, July 3; however, administrative offices will be closed. Bus service will not operate on Saturday, July 4.
  • All Pasco County Libraries will be closed.
  • Pasco County Animal Services Administration Office, Adoption Center, Intake/Reclaim Shelter and Field Services will be closed. An animal control officer will be available for emergencies.
  • The Pasco County Resource Recovery Facility, West Pasco Class III and the East Pasco Transfer Station will be open on Friday, July 3. They will be closed to the public on Saturday, July 4; however, they will be open to Pasco County licensed commercial haulers.

BCC government offices will reopen Monday, July 6.

Three families receive keys to Habitat homes

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Jazhel Honrado, Erica Soto, her son Gabriel, her daughter Leilah, and Frederic Unterberger pose with the keys to their Habitat homes. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside

 

CLEARWATER – Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside celebrated the Honrado, Soto and Unterberger families as they received the keys to their new Habitat homes June 18 at the Grove in St. Petersburg. 

St. Petersburg Councilman Corey Givens Jr. presented each family with a Bible. St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch officially welcomed the families to their new community.

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch addresses the crowd at Habitat for Humanity’s Triple Home Dedication at The Grove. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside

“This is what progress looks like in our city when we work together with focus and intentionality,” Welch said. “I want to thank Mike Sutton (Habitat president and CEO), the Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside team, all the board members, volunteers, community partners and everyone who played a role in making this possible. To the Honrado, Soto and Unterberger families, we extend our warmest congratulations. Today marks a new chapter, and we could not be happier for you.”

Jazhel Honrado addressed the crowd on behalf of the new homeowners. 

“We’d like to first thank Habitat. Everyone here was integral in making this a reality,” Honrado said. “We can’t express enough how much this means to us. We are forever grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We are blessed, honored and proud to be a part of this community.”

AdventHealth Carrollwood expanding to add patient tower

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AdventHealth Carrollwood 001/002: Bob Rohrlack, of the Tampa Bay Chamber, moderates a community conversation on AdventHealth Carrollwood’s investment in the community. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
  • AdventHealth Carrollwood 001/002: Bob Rohrlack, of the Tampa Bay Chamber, moderates a community conversation on AdventHealth Carrollwood’s investment in the community. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
  • AdventHealth Carrollwood 003: Malee Brookbank, a Hillsborough County teacher, shared how team members at AdventHealth Carrollwood helped save her from cardiac arrest. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
  • AdventHealth Carrollwood 004: Clinical team members learned about the impact of this expansion, from what it means for patients, to how it will help them provide whole-person care to the community. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
  • AdventHealth Carrollwood 005: From left: David Ottati, president and CEO of AdventHealth West Florida; state Rep. Susan Valdes; Joe Johnson, president and CEO of AdventHealth Carrollwood; Bob Rohrlack, Tampa Bay Chamber president; and state Sen. Brian Nathan. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
  • AdventHealth Carrollwood Expansion Project Rendering. Rendering courtesy of HuntonBrady
  • AdventHealth Carrollwood Expansion Project Rendering. Rendering courtesy of HuntonBrady
  • AdventHealth Carrollwood Expansion Project Rendering. Rendering courtesy of HuntonBrady
  • AdventHealth Carrollwood Expansion Project Rendering – New Parking Garage. Rendering courtesy of HuntonBrady

 

AdventHealth Carrollwood 004: Clinical team members learned about the impact of this expansion, from what it means for patients, to how it will help them provide whole-person care to the community. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

TAMPA – AdventHealth Carrollwood will soon begin construction on an expansion with a new six-story patient tower, increased inpatient capacity and enhanced surgical and specialty services. 

AdventHealth said the expansion will create a more seamless experience for patients while preparing the hospital for continued growth across the Tampa Bay region.

AdventHealth Carrollwood Expansion Project Rendering. Rendering courtesy of HuntonBrady

The project includes:

  • Expanded surgical support areas, including pre-operative and recovery capacity
  • A new cardiac catheterization/electrophysiology lab
  • A new parking garage to improve hospital campus access
  • Flexible space for future clinical and support services
  • Additional space reserved to support future bed expansion

More than 300,000 residents live within a short distance of the hospital. Demand for complex and inpatient care has steadily increased, according to AdventHealth, with many patients traveling outside the area for higher-acuity services.

During a community conversation on June 18, physicians, patients and leaders shared how this expansion will not only improve coordination across the AdventHealth network, but also meet the growing demand for specialized healthcare services in Carrollwood.

“We are honored to serve a community that continues to grow and evolve,” said Joe Johnson, president and CEO of AdventHealth Carrollwood. “This expansion represents our commitment to caring for our neighbors – body, mind and spirit – bringing more complex care closer to where they live and work. It allows us to continue extending the healing ministry of Christ while improving access, convenience and the overall patient experience.”

Construction is set to begin soon. The parking garage is expected to open ahead of the tower, which is projected to welcome patients in 2029.

 

News Briefs (04/01/26): Program helps people rebuild

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Program helps people rebuild

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resources is accepting applications for the Better Future Individual Housing Program from households that have a higher income threshold, $87,600 for one person and $125,160 for four people, for example.

If you need help repairing, rebuilding or replacing your home damaged by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene or Milton, you can apply if your household income meets these 120% Area Median Income limits.

Your application will take priority if your income is between 80% and 120% AMI and one of the following conditions applies:

  • A child (age 5 or younger) lives with you
  • A senior (age 62 or older) lives in the home
  • A person with disabilities lives in the home
  • You’re still not able to live in your home

On the web: mypas.co/IHPApp

 

District declares modified Phase III water shortage

TAMPA – The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board voted March 24 to declare a Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage due to ongoing drought conditions throughout the region.

This requires residents, including those on private wells, to follow one-day-per-week watering restrictions with stricter watering hours.

Unless cities or counties already have stricter hours in effect, watering hours are reduced to 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Properties less than one acre in size may only use one of these windows.

The restrictions apply to several counties, including Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas, from April 3 to July 1.

The district received below average rainfall during its summer rainy season and currently has a 13.7-inch regional rainfall deficit compared to the average 12-month total. 

 

Loving Hands Ministries seeks sponsors

DADE CITY– Loving Hands Ministries will host the 34th annual Wendell C. Wilson Memorial Golf Tournament on April 25 at Brooksville Country Club.

The tournament supports the organization’s efforts to address addiction.

Organizers are seeking hole sponsors at $150, along with additional sponsorships and participants.

Learn more at lovinghands.net.

 

Quick Hits

  • Tampa-based nonprofit Grey Bull Rescue was welcomed home March 24 after three weeks on the ground in the Middle East. The nonprofit evacuated more than 600 Americans and allies during the campaign.

Health & Wellness (04/01/26): Race driver thanks care team for saving him

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Race car driver reunited with people who saved his life 

SEBRING – Porsche GT3 Cup driver Scott Vanacore is crediting first responders and AdventHealth Sebring staff with saving his life after suffering a heart attack at Sebring International Raceway.

Vanacore was rushed to the hospital after experiencing chest pain, where his condition worsened and his heart stopped multiple times before being stabilized. Paramedics urged him on.

“I remember getting light-headed and I remember starting to fade away and I remember them saying ‘Scott, stay with us. Stay with us.’ and ‘Scott, you need to fight. You need to fight for your life,” Vanacore said.

Doctors performed emergency procedures and placed stents to stabilize him.

“The care I got, the professionalism was amazing, and I say that with all my heart,” Vanacore said.

Vanacore later reunited with his care team and now hopes to return to racing.

 

AdventHealth Polk Foundation launches pickleball tourney 

DAVENPORT – Registration is open for the inaugural AdventHealth Polk Foundation Paddles for a Purpose Pickleball Classic, set for April 10 at The Courts of Gary and Dr. Naomi Boyer in Polk City.

The event will raise money for 3D mammography equipment at AdventHealth Heart of Florida, expanding access to breast cancer screening.

“This event is about coming together as a community to make a real difference in the lives of those who call this area home,” Executive Director Leigh Ann Wynn said. 

The tournament will feature doubles play with divisions based on skill level, along with a “Play with a Pro” session following competition.

Proceeds will support early detection efforts in Polk County.

 

BayCare opens urgent care in Plant City

CLEARWATER – BayCare has opened a new urgent care center in Plant City, expanding access to non-emergency and occupational health services.

BayCare Urgent Care will treat adults and children ages 6 months and older in the Ed and Myrtle Lou Swindle Medical Arts Center, 1601 W. Timberlane Drive.

“Urgent care plays a vital role in meeting growing community demand for timely, convenient care,” said C. Todd Jones, BayCare’s chief strategy officer and chief ambulatory services officer.

The facility will provide treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, physicals and occupational health services. It will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends.

This marks BayCare’s first urgent care location in Plant City.

 

Dyachim named VP of mission, ethics

CLEARWATER – Dr. Jojo Dyachim has been named vice president of mission and ethics for BayCare Health System.

He previously served as director of the department and will succeed Colleen Walters, who is retiring in April.

Dyachim joined BayCare in 2017 as a chaplain at St. Joseph’s Hospital and later served as spiritual care manager at St. Anthony’s Hospital before becoming systemwide director of missions and ethics in 2023.

“I am excited to advance our mission and ethics services, keeping us grounded in our mission as BayCare continues to grow and evolve, as well as promoting the moral agency of our clinicians and team members, upholding high ethical standards across the continuum of care, and fostering the conditions for human flourishing for the communities we are privileged to serve,” Dyachim said. 

 

VanMeter appoints executive director of Bay Pines VA

BAY PINES – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has appointed David J. VanMeter as executive director of the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System.

The system serves about 111,000 veterans annually and includes nine sites of care and more than 5,100 employees.

“His proven leadership qualities and experience will be an asset for the facility, the employees and volunteers, and most importantly, for the veterans we are honored to serve,” said David Dunning, acting VISN 8 director.

VanMeter previously served as deputy medical center director at the Tampa VA Healthcare System and has more than 20 years of experience with the VA.

 

Get answers on Medicare

ST. 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 programs: 

  • Medicare Basics: April 2, 10 a.m. at New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-853-1279
  • Medicare Financial Assistance: April 9, 10 a.m. at Genesis Center, 38112 15th Ave., Zephyrhills. 813-782-7859
  • Medicare Basics: April 16, 10:30 a.m. at New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
  • Medicare Basics: April 18, 10 a.m. at Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
  • Medicare Basics: April 23, 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.

 

Frankfurth elected to key post among women’s clubs

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2026-2028 executive officers are Diane Addanta, Juliet Casper, Mary Beth Williams, Wendy Carriker, Jolie Frankfurth and Susan Gettys. Frankfurth is from the New Tampa area. Photo courtesy of GFWC

TAMPA – The General Federation of Women’s Clubs appointed Jolie Frankfurth to the 2026-2028 GFWC Board of Directors as GFWC president-elect.

During the 2026-2028 Administration, Frankfurth will lead the eight region presidents and vice presidents and facilitate the GFWC Learning Academy, the organization’s online training. 

Frankfurth traveled to Washington, D.C., in January to attend and present at the biennial GFWC Board of Directors Leadership Conference. The conference provides about 200 GFWC leaders with training to prepare for their new roles in the 2026-2028 Administration. 

Amanda Hunter, vice president of communications for the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation, was the keynote speaker for the event. Attendees had the opportunity to network, share ideas and plan for the future administration while developing as a strong collective unit to serve the more than 63,000 members internationally.

Frankfurth began her volunteer career with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs as a GFWC New Tampa Juniors member in 1997. She moved on to GFWC Florida leadership and, for the past 10 years, to GFWC national officer. She has been on the board of directors since 2010. 

Jolie and her husband, Dr. Tom Frankfurth, have lived in the New Tampa area since 1992.

On the web: gfwc.org

 

Let Us Do Good Village welcomes three heroes

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LAND O’ LAKES – The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has welcomed three families to its Let Us Do Good Village.

The community consists of nearly 100 homes provided mortgage-free to catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, as well as Gold Star and Fallen First Responder families. 

“Tunnel to Towers is honored to welcome these three families into the Let Us Do Good Village. A community built for America’s heroes and their families,” said Frank Siller, chairman and CEO. “In the Let Us Do Good Village, every home, every street, every amenity is accessible, giving them back the independence and dignity they have earned.”

Here a brief look at the newest neighbors: 

 

Michael Mather

Army Sgt. Michael Mather enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1999, serving nine years as an F-15 mechanic before transitioning to the Army as a fire support specialist. He deployed 11 times in support of combat operations.

Mather was shot in the face and neck by an enemy sniper Oct. 11, 2008, while serving in Baghdad. Despite his injuries, he continued directing fire to protect his unit. He sustained a traumatic brain injury, severe nerve damage and hearing loss. He now faces lifelong medical challenges related to nerve function, mobility and cognitive effects.

He is looking forward to moving into the Let Us Do Good Village, where he plans to focus on family, faith and advocating for fellow wounded veterans.

“This smart home will make everyday tasks that once caused me pain or felt impossible manageable,” Mather said. “Tunnel to Towers is giving me more independence and allowing me to spend more of my energy on what matters, time with my wife and family. It’s more than a house. It’s a gift of freedom.”

 

Victor Moses 

Victor Moses joined the Denver Police Department as a recruit in September 2022.

During one of the final training exercises at the policy academy, he suffered a traumatic injury and lost consciousness. He spent more than 60 days in a coma in the ICU. Doctors diagnosed him with compartment syndrome, which led to kidney failure, lung failure and severe infections. The infections caused extensive damage to the muscles, nerves and blood vessels in all of his extremities.

He ultimately underwent bilateral below-knee amputations and suffered severe damage to his right hand and partial damage to his left. As he continues to adapt to life in the wake of his injuries, Moses looks forward to moving into an accessible home and supportive community in Land O’ Lakes.

“When I found out about the Let Us Do Good Village, I saw it as an opportunity to settle down and become part of a community,” Moses said..

 

Joshua Tromanhauser

Motivated to enlist by the Sept. 11 attacks, Army Sgt. Joshua Tromanhauser joined the Army National Guard in 2006 after graduating from high school. He served for nearly a decade, including a year-long deployment to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010, and left the guard as a sergeant.

In 2024, Tromanhauser rushed to the emergency room due to complications from both the flu and pneumonia. His body went into toxic shock, and he would spend more than 100 days in five hospitals, as he battled multiple complications that ultimately resulted in the amputation of both of his legs.

He is looking forward to a fresh start, moving from Indiana with his wife, Nicole, and their three children into a mortgage-free smart home in the Let Us Do Good Village.

“We were looking for a fresh start, and Tunnel to Towers came to us at the perfect time,” Tromanhauser said. “This is such a blessing.”

For his family, the Village will offer accessibility and peace of mind. 

“You don’t realize how inaccessible the world really is until you have someone you love in a wheelchair,” Nicole said. “To have no obstacles in our entire neighborhood, or that he can safely get the kids into the pool by himself, it’s going to be another piece of his independence he is getting back.”

 

Want to help?

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, 25 years since FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller laid down his life to save others when America was attacked. For 25 years, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has honored his legacy by supporting the military and first responders who continue to risk life and limb in the line of duty.

To date, Tunnel to Towers has delivered over 1,700 mortgage-free homes to our nation’s heroes and committed over $1 billion across all of our programs. This year, the foundation has set a goal to deliver 343 homes.

Help Tunnel to Towers by making a donation at T2T.org.