The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Baby reports for duty at 50-year-old Tampa Bay business

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Jackson is the fourth generation representing Alvarez Plumbing & Air Conditioning, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. Photo courtesy of Alvarez Plumbing & Air Conditioning

TAMPA – Alvarez Plumbing & Air Conditioning is celebrating its 50th anniversary by introducing the newest member of the family business. 

Jackson, representing the fourth generation of the Alvarez family, has officially made his company debut as the face of a new billboard campaign appearing across 10 Tampa-area locations. Wearing an Alvarez hard hat and shirt, Jackson appears alongside the campaign message: “4 Generations. 2 Trades. 1 Family.” 

“People do not expect to see a baby in a hard hat on an HVAC and plumbing billboard,” said Marcia Reyes, grandmother of Jackson. “It makes people smile, but it also tells our story immediately. We have been here for four generations, and we plan to be here for many more.”

Alvarez Plumbing & Air Conditioning was founded in Tampa in 1976. 

The company has grown from a local plumbing operation into a diversified plumbing and air-conditioning contractor serving residential, commercial and construction customers throughout the region. 

Alvarez remains locally owned, family-operated and independent. 

“A lot has changed in our industry over the past 50 years, but our core values have not,” said Lisa Craddock, controller. “We still believe in answering the phone, standing behind our work, treating employees with respect and building long-term relationships with our customers.”

The company continues to invest in employee training, technology, fleet expansion, commercial services, plumbing construction, water conservation and customer service capabilities. 

Alvarez is also expanding opportunities for plumbers, HVAC technicians, apprentices, sales professionals and operational leaders who want to build long-term careers with a locally owned company. 

“For 50 years, Alvarez has been built one customer, one employee and one generation at a time,” said Marcus Reyes, CEO of Alvarez Plumbing & Air Conditioning. “Seeing the fourth generation wearing the Alvarez name is both emotional and exciting. It reminds us where we came from and reinforces our responsibility to protect this company for the next generation.” 

Jackson’s first official position has not yet been determined. For now, his responsibilities are expected to include appearing in company photographs, attending selected family events and maintaining high employee morale. 

“He may be a little young for the on-call rotation,” said Julia Morissette, HR manager and grandmother of Jackson, “but he already understands the importance of wearing the Alvarez name proudly.”

 

Health & Wellness (8/21/26): Hospital hosts Girl Scouts

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Girl Scout Troop 24402 from Spring Hill visits a St. Joseph’s Hospital-North operating room.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North hosts Girl Scouts

LUTZ – Girl Scout Troop 24402 from Spring Hill recently visited St. Joseph’s Hospital-North to learn about the use of robotics in surgery. 

The troop donned surgical gear, toured a St. Joseph’s Hospital-North operating room and got hands-on experience with a surgical robot. The classic table game, “Operation,” was used in their learning. 

Jennifer Downing, the hospital’s surgical services director, and surgical team members Lisa Lockhart, Louis Garcia and Lauren Hale led the demonstration. They described the various roles of team members assisting the surgeon during procedures.  

Marissa Davis, a representative from the robot’s manufacturer, also participated and provided insight. 

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North has three robots that are guided by specially-trained surgeons.

Robotic surgeries are minimally invasive and can provide patients with smaller incisions, less pain and faster recoveries. The robots provide St. Joseph’s Hospital-North surgeons with improved dexterity, vision and surgical access compared to conventional minimally invasive surgery or traditional open surgery.

 

New AdventHealth Polk Market President and CEO Mike Murrill recently met with local government and community leaders during a special event at AdventHealth Heart of Florida. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

Hospital leader tapped to lead Polk market

DAVENPORT – AdventHealth named veteran health care leader Mike Murrill president and CEO of AdventHealth Polk Market, which includes AdventHealth Heart of Florida and AdventHealth Lake Wales.

Murrill previously served as president and CEO of AdventHealth Zephyrhills and AdventHealth Connerton in Pasco County and provided executive oversight and support for AdventHealth Dade City. Since joining AdventHealth’s West Florida Division, he has led strategic growth initiatives, operational improvements and team member engagement efforts while advancing AdventHealth’s mission throughout the region.

Murrill succeeds Tim Clark, who has accepted a new role as regional CEO for the Tampa Bay Metro Region within AdventHealth’s West Florida Division. 

 

BayCare named among Companies That Care

CLEARWATER – Great Place To Work and PEOPLE magazine have named BayCare Health System to the 2026 PEOPLE Companies That Care list.

BayCare ranked No. 21 nationally, marking its sixth appearance on the list.

“This recognition belongs to BayCare’s team members, who are our greatest asset,” said Stephanie Conners, BayCare president and CEO. “Every day, they make a difference in the way they care for our patients, support one another and strengthen our communities.”

The rankings were based on employee survey responses and company data. Companies also submit essays about their efforts to support employees, communities and the environment. 

Organizations must be Great Place To Work Certified and have at least 10 U.S. employees to be considered.

 

BayCare names CFO for physician, ambulatory division

CLEARWATER – BayCare has named Erin Gerner the vice president and chief financial officer of its physician and ambulatory division.

Gerner is a certified public accountant with more than 20 years of health care finance experience. She previously spent eight years as chief financial officer of PeaceHealth Ambulatory Services in Vancouver, Washington.

She also spent 13 years at INTEGRIS Health in Oklahoma City.

“Erin brings years of health care industry experience, with expertise in the ambulatory care setting,” said Janice Polo, BayCare’s chief financial officer. “Her strong work ethic, collaborative approach and commitment to our values make her a great addition to the finance team.”

 

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers support for mothers

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North will offer free support groups and classes for mothers during September.

The programs focus on breastfeeding and newborn care and are open to participants regardless of where they delivered or plan to deliver their babies. Events will be held in classrooms at the hospital, 4211 Van Dyke Road.

The schedule includes:

  • Breastfeeding Support Group – Breastfeeding mothers can receive guidance from certified breastfeeding consultants and support from other mothers. Babies and an optional support person are welcome. The group meets Thursdays in September from 11 a.m. to noon.
  • Understanding Breastfeeding – Expectant mothers and an optional support person can learn about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, returning to work and when to contact a health care provider or lactation consultant. The class meets Sept. 3 from 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Understanding Your Newborn – Expectant mothers and an optional support person can learn about feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness, cues and communication. The class meets Sept. 17 from 2 to 5 p.m.

 

Quick Hits

  • NeckWise Land O’ Lakes recorded 2,328 patient visits and 154 new patients during its first year, according to co-founder Dr. Matt Morris. The upper cervical chiropractic clinic serves patients from Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Lutz and the northern Tampa Bay area.
  • AdventHealth Heart of Florida collected more than 100 backpacks and more than 2,500 school-supply items for students at Loughman Oaks Elementary School in Davenport.

Developer opens Avilla Homes neighborhood in Land O’ Lakes

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Avilla Silver Palm is a new 180-home luxury leased community in Land O’ Lakes. Photo courtesy of NexMetro Communities

LAND O’ LAKES – NexMetro Communities has opened its third Avilla Homes community in the greater Tampa market. Avilla Silver Palm sits on 26 acres at 11334 Zion Narrows Trail. 

The 180-home leased community features mostly detached, single-level homes with private fenced backyards, front porches, optional garages and resort-style community amenities. 

“Opening Avilla Silver Palm is a meaningful milestone for our Florida platform,” said Jack Riddle, vice president of development for NexMetro’s Tampa Division. “The conventional apartment supply wave that pressured Pasco County in recent years is cresting, and the demand for a private, professionally managed, single-family rental experience remains as strong as ever.”

Avilla Silver Palm is a new 180-home luxury leased community in Land O’ Lakes. Photo courtesy of NexMetro Communities

Avilla Silver Palm joins two existing NexMetro communities in the broader Tampa Bay region: Avilla Suncoast in Odessa and Avilla Cypress Creek in Sun City Center. The three communities together reflect a geographic strategy spanning key growth corridors on both sides of Tampa, from Pasco County’s SR-52 corridor in the north to Hillsborough County’s southern suburbs.

NexMetro is expanding its presence in the Tampa market with an additional Avilla Homes community in development in Apollo Beach. Sitework is expected to begin in late 2026.

“Greater Tampa has proven itself as one of the most durable (build-to-rent) markets in the Sun Belt,” Riddle said, adding that the community’s differentiated offering appeals to diverse consumers from professional millennials, midlife renters in transition and baby boomers.

Avilla Silver Palm offers one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans designed for residents who want the experience of homeownership without a mortgage. 

Homes feature 10-foot ceilings, wood plank-style flooring and upscale interior finishes with washers and dryers. Lanais are available on selected home sites.

Community amenities include a resort-style pool, outdoor lounge and barbecue areas, dog park, walking paths, electric vehicle charging stations and on-site professional management. 

Visit AvillaSilverPalm.com for leasing details.

Hillsborough to mail out Notice of Proposed Property Taxes

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TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Office will begin mailing Truth in Millage Notices to property owners on Aug. 13.

The TRIM Notice is not a tax bill. It is a Notice of Proposed Property Taxes containing information about a property’s market value, assessed value, exemptions and proposed property taxes.

Property owners are encouraged to carefully review their TRIM Notices upon receipt. The notice reflects proposed tax rates and budgets established by the various taxing authorities. The reverse side includes the dates, times and locations of public budget hearings at which comments regarding proposed tax rates and budgets may be presented directly to the appropriate taxing authorities.

Questions concerning a property’s market value, assessed value, exemptions or classification should be directed to the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Office. If any information appears incorrect or requires clarification, property owners are encouraged to contact the office promptly to request a review.

“Property values and tax information can raise questions, and our goal is to ensure property owners have accurate information and access to a team ready to assist them,” Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez said.  “If you have questions or believe information needs clarification, we encourage you to contact our office so we can review the details and help provide answers.”

Reviewing the TRIM Notice upon receipt provides an opportunity to address questions or concerns before property tax bills are issued in November.

Property owners may contact the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Office at 813-272-6100 or visit any of its four locations in Downtown Tampa, Brandon, Plant City or Ruskin, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. During the week of Aug. 17, the Downtown Tampa office will offer extended office hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

PHSC’s FBLA chapter closes out a record year 

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NEW PORT RICHEY – ​​Pasco-Hernando State College’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter has been building a high profile on the state and national scene through its performances at leadership conferences this year. 

At the Florida FBLA State Leadership Conference, PHSC’s program was named Florida Chapter of the Year. 

Two students were also honored for their service as outgoing state officers: Krista Knowles, former vice president of membership, and Emmalise Feliciano, former vice president of finance. 

Two members were also offered state officer positions for the coming year: Krista Knowles as state president and Teanna Hill as vice president of membership.

Megan Flavin was named Christopher Heider Scholar Honoree.

Several PHSC students performed well at state competition: 

  • First place: State of Chapter – Emmalise Feliciano and Krista Knowles
  • First place: Future Business Leader Executive – Krista Knowles
  • First place: Public Speaking – Kyla Flood
  • First place: Digital Design & Communications Case Competition – Kaylee Smith
  • First place: Marketing & Sales Case Competition – Bryce Widman, David Hennes and John Lias
  • Second place: Customer Service – Josbel Marcano-Reyes
  • Fourth place: Hospitality Management Case Competition – Elizabeth Capitoni & Michael Widman
  • Fourth place: Foundations of Computer Science – Amanda Campos
  • Fourth place: Parliamentary Procedures – Krista Knowles
  • Fourth place: Business Presentation – Emmalise Feliciano
  • Fourth place: Business Communications – Kyla Flood
  • Fourth place: State of Chapter – Teanna Hill

Competitive wins weren’t the only measure of the chapter’s year. FBLA members organized a donation drive for the Bobcat Food Pantry, an on-campus resource that provides food and essential items to students in need.

PHSC’s FBLA students carried the momentum onto the national stage, placing among the best chapters in the country, including a third-place finish for Largest State Chapter in Florida.

Students placed in several other categories: 

  • Second place: Digital Design and Communications Case Competition – Kaylee Smith
  • Second place: Stock Market Game – John Lias, Elizabeth Capitoni, Mark Calderon, Tyrese Brown and Jacob Majorana
  • Fifth place: Outstanding Chapter Award – North Campus
  • Sixth place: State of Chapter – Emmalise Feliciano & Krista Knowles
  • Ninth place: Foundations of Computer Science – Amanda Campos
  • Ninth place: Future Business Leader Executive – Krista Knowles
  • Top 12: State of Chapter, Pasco County – Teanna Hill

PHSC members also swept a full slate of Excellence Award distinctions, recognizing outstanding competitive individual testing performance:

  • Gold Distinction – Emmalise Feliciano and Krista Knowles
  • Silver Distinction – Kyla Flood
  • Bronze Distinction – Josbel Marcano-Reyes

 

Starkey appointed to national committees

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Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey (File)

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey has been selected to serve on three committees at the National Association of Counties.

The appointments include:

  • Chair of the Community, Economic and Workforce Development Policy Steering Committee
  • Vice chair of the Large Urban County Caucus
  • Member of the International Economic Development Innovation Council

“I’m thrilled to be appointed to these important committees, which will help find solutions for issues that affect the citizens of Pasco County,” Starkey said. “I’m committed to representing Pasco on a national level and using examples from our community to help other counties around Florida and the country.”

NACo’s mission is to strengthen America’s counties and create healthy, safe and vibrant counties across the country. It serves nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees.

“You were chosen because of your unwavering commitment and exemplary dedication to NACo,” NACo President George Dunlap said in a letter to Starkey. “Our greatest strength lies in the engagement of our members, and your active participation and leadership are vital to ensuring that we remain the united voice of America’s counties.”

PHSC’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society earns Hallmark Awards

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NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapter has earned not one, but two Hallmark Awards at the international level. 

Hallmark Awards are among the most prestigious honors in Phi Theta Kappa. Pasco-Hernando State College stood out among chapters from across the globe.

The Distinguished Chapter Hallmark Award recognizes the Pasco-Hernando State College chapter as one of the top Phi Theta Kappa chapters in the world. The honor was built through vision, determination and a resurgence led by the former chapter president Kaylee Smith.

Under Smith’s leadership, the chapter was reinvigorated from the ground up. She set a new standard for what membership in PHSC’s Phi Theta Kappa could mean, inspiring students to engage more deeply with its mission.

“What truly shaped my direction at PHSC was Phi Theta Kappa,” Smith said. “As the former college-wide president, I had the privilege of rebuilding and strengthening a once abandoned society, turning it back into a space where leadership, scholarship, service and fellowship were not just hallmarks, but lived experiences. The hallmarks of Phi Theta Kappa are not just words I leave behind today. They are values I carry forward into every space I enter.”

Adding to that momentum was Jessica “Kirby” Boatman, a transfer student who arrived with fresh energy and a drive to build on everything Smith had set in motion. 

“Being a part of Phi Theta Kappa is an opportunity and a responsibility that I hold close to my heart,” said Boatman, current president. “My involvement in PTK has taught me that what we can carry out alone is minimal compared to the things we can conduct together, and I am looking forward to this upcoming school year.” 

Pasco-Hernando State College won a second Hallmark Award, the Distinguished College Project, which recognizes initiatives that made a meaningful, lasting impact on the college community.

The college won specifically for Bobcat Banter, a student-driven video podcast born from the vision of former Phi Theta Kappa member Emmalise Feliciano. The series features conversations that connect students, faculty and the broader community. With professional studio recordings and real on-camera interviews, Bobcat Banter gave Pasco-Hernando State College a new kind of voice, built by students, for students.

Feliciano led the vision alongside former team members Tyson Branstetter and Eli Ferreira, with guidance from instructor Jon Tietz.

“It is a platform that celebrates the voices, achievements and experiences of our college community,” Feliciano said. 

 

Crisis Center of Tampa Bay earns accreditation

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Crisis Center of Tampa Bay team members show off their Inform USA accreditation plaque. The nonprofit met national standards and best practices set by Inform USA. Photo courtesy of Crisis Center of Tampa Bay

TAMPA – The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay announced Aug. 11 that it has been reaccredited by Inform USA for a period of five years. 

The organization underwent a process that took 12 months and involved five phases: 

  • A consultant’s report that assessed the agency’s compliance with national standards; 
  • A detailed review of the resource database; 
  • A secret shopper component; 
  • A survey of the organizations that are listed on their resource database; and
  • A virtual site visit.

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay uses best practices to help people get connected to the right resources to meet their needs, such as food, utility assistance or mental health services. 

The nonprofit offers a range of evidence-based programs designed to meet community needs:

  • Gateway Contact Center (988 & 211): suicide prevention, crisis counseling and information and referral services);
  • Corbett Trauma Center (trauma counseling and sexual assault survivor services);
  • Success 4 Kids & Families (support for families coping with behavioral health challenges, recovery navigation); 
  • TransCare (911 emergency life support ambulance services, behavioral health transports, basic and advanced life support interfacility transportation, community paramedicine).

People can access these services by calling 211. 

The organization has achieved this honor four times. 

“The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is the community’s gateway to connect to resources when they are facing life’s challenges,” said Clara Reynolds, president and CEO of the center. “Achieving the Inform USA accreditation confirms that we are maintaining best practices in providing information and referral services to our community.”

Learn more about Inform USA at informusa.org/accreditation.

On the web: crisiscenter.com.

 

ZooTampa integrates acupuncture into veterinary care 

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Acupuncture has helped Sloth the manatee experience increased movement around a nostril and eye affected by nerve injury. Photo courtesy of ZooTampa at Lowry Park

TAMPA – ZooTampa at Lowry Park has incorporated veterinary acupuncture into treatment plans for animals with complex medical conditions, including a manatee, a black-bellied whistling duck and a roseate spoonbill chick.

The initiative is led by Dr. Alex Mason, a staff veterinarian certified in veterinary acupuncture. Traditionally associated with human and domestic animal medicine, acupuncture is now being applied to various species at the zoo to enhance recovery and well-being.

“At ZooTampa, each animal receives individualized care, and acupuncture gives us another way to support patients when traditional treatment options may be limited or when we are working to improve comfort, mobility and healing,” Mason said. “It is used alongside our traditional veterinary care and allows us to take a more comprehensive approach to supporting the animals’ well-being.”

Acupuncture can help stimulate nerves, enhance blood flow and encourage the body’s natural pain management and healing responses. At ZooTampa, it is used as a complementary therapy, meaning it may be incorporated alongside traditional veterinary medicine, physical therapy and other treatments when appropriate.

Earl Grey is sure to whistle a more upbeat tune after acupuncture helped with improved movement and posture. Photo courtesy of ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Earl Grey, a 14-year-old black-bellied whistling duck, experienced sudden weakness in his right leg. After performing a physical examination and taking x-rays, the veterinary team initiated supportive care, including fluids, vitamins, pain management and electroacupuncture. Following the first treatment, Earl Grey showed improved movement and posture. After two additional sessions, further enhancements in coordination, strength and walking ability were observed.

“For acute conditions, three initial treatments can provide a strong foundation and help us evaluate how a patient responds,” Mason said. “Earl Grey’s progress has been encouraging, and we will continue to adjust his treatment plan based on his mobility and overall recovery.”

A roseate spoonbill chick hospitalized for a leg injury received electroacupuncture alongside traditional veterinary medicine, including pain medications and physical therapy. The chick has since regained normal function in the limb.

Sloth, a manatee under ZooTampa’s care, arrived with a chronic condition causing significant nerve injury to one side of his face, affecting his ability to open one nostril and blink one eye. While chronic nerve injuries can be especially difficult to treat, acupuncture has provided ZooTampa’s veterinary team with another option after traditional approaches were limited. The team has observed mild improvements, including increased movement around the affected nostril and eye.

 

News Briefs: Shoes & socks Drive continues through Oct. 16

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Shoes & socks Drive continues through Oct. 16

PASCO COUNTY – The Two Good Soles Shoes & Socks Drive is underway with Pasco County Government and Constitutional offices collecting footwear for kids in Pasco County Schools through Oct. 16.

Donate new shoes and socks in collection boxes at Pasco County Government locations and the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller, Property Appraiser and Tax Collector offices.

“This effort continues to show the incredible generosity of our community,” Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano said. “Together, we’re helping students start the school year with confidence and support.”

The campaign has collected over 24,000 pairs of shoes and 58,000 pairs of socks since 2016. Social workers distribute the items to Pasco students.

Types of new shoes and socks to consider donating include:

  • Children’s shoes in all sizes
  • Adult shoes in sizes 10 to 13
  • Socks in all sizes / neutral colors
  • Closed-toe shoes / no flip-flops

On the web: mypas.co/TwoGoodSoles

 

Frankfurth assumes post as GFWC President-elect 

WASHINGTON, DC – Jolie R. Frankfurth, of Tampa, was recently installed as president-elect of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs at the organization’s 2026 Annual Convention. 

Frankfurth will serve on the GFWC Executive Committee, which serves as the governing leadership of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. 

They set the strategic direction for more than 60,000 members whose work spans education, the arts, environmental conservation, healthy lifestyles and the fight against domestic and sexual violence. 

Frankfurth has been a member of GFWC since 1997, serving through GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club and GFWC Woman’s Club of New Tampa. She has held leadership positions at the club, state and regional levels.

Her background in adult education was relied upon to launch the organization’s online Learning Academy in January 2026. 

 

Garden Club preps for plant sale

DADE CITY – The Dade City Garden Club has released details about its upcoming Plants and Treasures Sale.

The sale will include member-cultivated plants, extraordinary treasures and garden crafts from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 24 at 13630 5th St. 

Proceeds support the club and its community projects. 

On the web: DadeCityGardenClub.com

 

Carballa chats with animal services leaders

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa chatted with new leadership within the animal services department during episode 63 of the “Pasco Podcast.”

Gary Herrero, who recently joined the department as director, explained how he’s been working with animals ever since he was a squire at Medieval Times. Herrero has a law enforcement background. 

Assistant Director Samantha Blixt, who has been assistant director for three months, has been in the animal services industry for 14 years. The Coast Guard veteran has worked with veterinarians and animal sanctuaries. 

Both talked about the importance of maintaining trust with the community. 

Watch the conversation at youtube.com/watch?v=dJgWfu99S2Y.

 

Library system opens new branch

WESLEY CHAPEL – Pasco County recently held a grand opening for Wesley Chapel Library. 

The 13,000-square-foot library offers flexible spaces and amenities including public computers, printers, study rooms, collaborative workspaces, a dedicated children’s area, a multi-purpose room for makerspace activities and programs, a meeting room and convenient drive-up services.
A dedicated art gallery wall highlights local artists as well as an outdoor reading porch and event lawn.

The library is located at 27531 Mystic Oak Blvd.