The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Bucs players help build Habitat homes

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers players Lorenz Metz and Yaya Diaby with season pass members at a Habitat site. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough
The Bucs helped build homes in the Windhorst Commons community in Brandon. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough

TAMPA – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers turned teamwork on the field into life-changing impact in their community Nov. 18 by donning hard hats with Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough to build two new affordable, hurricane-resilient homes for Brandon families in need.

For Habitat’s third annual Holiday Home Build with the Bucs, rookie cornerbacks Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish kicked off the first volunteer shift that morning, with veteran players defensive lineman CJ Brewer, offensive lineman Lorenz Metz, safety Rashad Wisdom and tight end Devin Culp continuing construction into the afternoon.  

Rolling up their sleeves alongside the players were Buccaneers staff, members of the Player Community Impact Board, season ticket holders known as the Krewe and future homeowners themselves. 

“Tampa Bay’s team has always believed deeply in our community,” said Kourtney Sanchez, chief impact officer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “We’re proud to partner with Habitat of Tampa Bay Hillsborough to make a real and lasting impact for these families who deserve safe, stable homes.”

Future homeowner Raul Johnson, who works in food service, said without Habitat and the continued community spirit of the Bucs, there was little chance his family would have ever seen their dream of homeownership come true. 

“Thank you for volunteering to make someone else’s life better,” Johnson said.  

Nichol Faber, a financial counselor, said the new home will mean peace and stability for her three children. 

“I will forever be grateful,” Faber said.

The new homes are part of the Windhorst Commons community in Brandon, a Habitat neighborhood with 23 hurricane-resilient homes.  

Elijah Simmons, John Bullock, homeowners Raul and Dee Johnson, Jacob Parrish, Jayson Jones, Elijah Roberts, Benjamin Morrison and Tyler Thompson at a Habitat site. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough

Health & Wellness (12/05/25): Santa surprises patients

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Santa and his elves visit pediatric patients at AdventHealth Tampa. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
Santa and his elves visit pediatric patients at AdventHealth Tampa. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

Santa surprises AdventHealth Tampa patients

TAMPA – Youth at AdventHealth Tampa received a festive surprise when Santa and his elves delivered gift packages that included tickets to Busch Gardens Christmas Town and a Little Adventurer’s shirt. 

The visit marked the start of Busch Gardens Christmas Town and celebrated the partnership between AdventHealth and the park.

“It brought comfort and joy to our young patients, helping them feel whole and supported, while offering their siblings and parents a moment of light during a challenging time,” said Erica Brissette, pediatrics nurse manager. 

 

BayCare hits behavioral health milestone

TAMPA  – The State of Florida has designated St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa as the BayCare Behavioral Health Teaching Hospital at St. Joseph’s.

The new teaching hospital designation supports training future providers and expanding access to mental health services. It was made possible through a partnership with Florida State University College of Medicine’s Center for Behavioral Health Integration, 

The designation is renewable every two years.

BayCare offers inpatient, outpatient, residential and specialized programs. Recent investments include a behavioral health urgent care center, a Central Receiving Facility expansion and a psychiatry residency program.

“We know there’s no health without mental health,” said Stephanie Conners, president and CEO of BayCare Health System. “This honor reflects our unwavering commitment to improving the health of all we serve and to building a stronger, more resilient community.”

 

Castor reintroduces Frack Pack

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor and others reintroduced the Frack Pack, a set of five bills they say close loopholes that allow the oil and gas industry to skirt key environmental and public health protections. 

Bills include:

  • CLEANER Act: Make oil and gas companies responsible for cleaning up and disposing of hazardous waste generated by their operations.
  • FRAC Act: Require fracking companies to disclose the chemicals they are pumping into the ground and give the EPA the authority to regulate the process.
  • FRESHER Act: Closes a loophole in the Clean Water Act and establishes a study to better understand the effects of stormwater runoff from oil and gas operations.
  • SHARED Act: Require testing for water contamination near fracking sites.
  • CLOSE Act: Reduce toxic air pollution from oil and gas exploration and production activities and add hydrogen sulfide to the list of hazardous air pollutants regulated under the Clean Air Act.

 

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 Medicare Basics programs: 

  • Dec. 9 at 10:30 a.m. at the Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday. 727-834-3204.
  • Dec. 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St, Dade City. 352-567-3576
  • Dec. 18 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL 54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
  • Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214

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.

 

News Briefs (11/26/25): Live Oak Theatre holding auditions

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001: The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club members, including Michelle Haskins, Patty Camunus, Jean Olsen, Deb Cardona and Beth Nevel, waved flags on Veterans Day in front of the Old Lutz School.  This annual event by the Civic Engagement CSP is held in honor of the sacrifices and service of our country’s veterans. Learn more about the club at gfwclutzlandolakeswomansclub.org. Photo courtesy of Pennee Bowen

 

Live Oak Theatre holding auditions for three productions

BROOKSVILLE – Live Oak Theatre announced auditions for the main stage performance of  Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” from March 13 to 29, 2026.

Everyone interested in being considered for the show must record a video performing the monologue and a song. Auditions must be emailed to by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 7. 

Callback dates will be Jan. 6 and 8. Go to liveoaktheatre.org/gallery for complete instructions. 

“Wizard of Oz Jr.” and “Romeo and Juliet” will be performed by Live Oak Theatre’s Youth Theatre class. A mandatory parent meeting and auditions will be held on Jan. 3 at 10 a.m. “Wizard of Oz” will be performed April 30 to May 10, 2026. “Romeo and Juliet” will be performed May 14 to 17, 2026.

 

Winter Jam shines light on Christian music

TAMPA – Winter Jam 2026 returns to Tampa’s Benchmark International Arena on Jan. 10, bringing all-star Christian music lineup back to the city. 

This year’s tour features Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, Katy Nichole, Hulvey, Disciple, Emerson Day and Newsong, with speaker Zane Black. 

Fans can also arrive early for the Pre-Jam Party with Jeremy Rosado, Heath Brothers and Cliff Preston.

“Each night of Winter Jam is an opportunity to experience how God is continuing to move and use this generation,” Tomlin said. 

Winter Jam remains “no ticket required,” with a $15 donation at the door. 

Fans may also join Jam Nation for early entry and exclusive perks. 

On the web: jamtour.com

 

Comedian Garg to perform in Tampa

TAMPA – Tampa Theatre and AEG Presents welcome comedian Zarna Garg to the historic stage at 8 p.m. Feb. 21. 

Garg, an Indian immigrant mom based in New York City, has become a breakout voice in comedy thanks to her sharp wit and fearless social commentary.

Her Amazon Prime special “One in a Billion” earned national praise.

Garg hosts “The Zarna Garg Family Show” podcast, has opened for Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, appeared on “The Tonight Show” and starred in the film “A Nice Indian Boy.” 

Tickets went on sale Nov. 21 at TampaTheatre.org. VIP tickets are available. 

 

New Toastmasters Club forming in Dade City

DADE CITY – Looking to become a more confident speaker or leader or just comfortable talking one-on-one with people? 

Join the new Toastmasters Club, a supportive, fun way to improve public speaking, leadership and communication skills. 

The group meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Fridays at Dade City Christian Church, Building B, 11800 Windsorwood Ave. Text 435-772-1151 for details to verify meetings during holidays. 

 

Health & Wellness (11/26/25): Castor speaks out on health affordability

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Castor speaks out on health affordability

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released a statement Nov. 13 on congressional Republicans’ spending bill.

“The fight to lower costs and ensure Floridians have access to the health care they need is not over,” Castor said. “To the four million Floridians who rely on the Affordable Care Act tax credits for affordable coverage, I pledge to keep standing up for you.”

She called on Republicans to embrace bipartisanship to solve the health care crisis. 

Castor shared a list of Florida ACA enrollees by congressional district: 

  • 141,151 – Rep. Laurel Lee (FL-15)
  • 136,535 – Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14)
  • 133,028 – Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL-16)
  • 112,261 – Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)
  • 4,735,472 – Statewide ACA enrollees

 

Hospital offers breastfeeding support  

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

Both events are open to all no matter 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, etc.) The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. The support group will be held Dec. 11, 10 to 11 a.m.
  • Understanding Breastfeeding: This class provides information to the expectant mother and her support person about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, tips for returning to work and when to call a health care provider or lactation consultant. The class will be held Dec. 11, 1 to 5 p.m.

 

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 Medicare Basics programs: 

  • Dec. 3 at noon at the Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-587-6715 ext. 2508
  • Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. at the New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-853-1279
  • Dec. 9 at 10:30 a.m. at the Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday. 727-834-3204.
  • Dec. 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St, Dade City. 352-567-3576
  • Dec. 17 at 11 a.m. at the Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669
  • Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1073
  • Dec. 18 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL 54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
  • Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214

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 (11/26/26): AAA expects Floridians to travel

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AAA expects Floridians to travel

TAMPA – AAA projected that 4.65 million Floridians will travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, which runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 1. 

This marks a 2.6% increase over last year and sets a new record for Thanksgiving travel in the Sunshine State.

“Floridians are embracing the Thanksgiving spirit with record-breaking travel plans this year,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Whether it’s driving across the state or flying across the country, people are making time to connect with loved ones. Even with concerns about flight cancellations, travelers are showing flexibility and resilience and relying most on driving.”

According to INRIX, the afternoons of Nov. 25 and 26 will be the most congested travel times before Thanksgiving. Heavy traffic is expected all day Nov. 30 as travelers return home. 

 

Workers comp rates decreasing

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky issued a final order approving a statewide overall rate decrease of 6.9% for workers’ compensation policies. 

The reduction, proposed by the National Council on Compensation Insurance, applies to both new and renewal policies effective in Florida starting Jan. 1, 2026. 

This marks the ninth consecutive year Florida has lowered these rates, providing significant, sustained relief for employers across the state.

“This rate decrease directly translates to reduced operating costs for businesses, encouraging investment and growth throughout Florida’s economy,” Yaworsky said. 

On the web: floir.com

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will hold its Annual Meeting and a ribbon cutting.

  • The chamber celebrates the past year, welcomes a new board and charts goals during its Annual Meeting from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 2 at Pasco Hernando State College’s Porter Campus, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Members pay $25. Others pay $30. Register in advance. 
  • Members celebrate the grand opening of RoofElite from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at 19002 1st St. S.W., Lutz. The ribbon will be cut at 4:30 p.m. 

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

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a Medical Roundtable and Hudson Business & Brochure Exchange.

  • Adam Shumaker facilitates the latest Medical Roundtable from 8 to 9 a.m. Dec. 4 at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, 6600 Madison St., New Port Richey. Register in advance. 
  • Members exchange business materials during the Hudson Business & Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 4 at Vitality Living Baypoint Village, 7927 State Road 52, Hudson. Members get in free. Food costs $14. Register in advance. 

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

 

East Pasco events

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

  • Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Dec. 2 at the chamber’s Dade City location (14112 8th St.). Register in advance. 

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

 

Pasco County hospitals earn top safety grades

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WESLEY CHAPEL – Hospitals across Pasco County earned top grades in the fall release of 2025 Hospital Safety Grades on Nov. 13. 

The Leapfrog Group collects and analyzes data about infections, accidents, injuries and errors at nearly 3,000 general hospitals. The nonprofit assigns grades ranging from A to F and releases them publicly in the fall and spring. 

“These safety grades represent peace of mind for the communities we are a part of,” said Dr. Raj Wadhawan, chief clinical officer of the AdventHealth West Florida Division. “When patients walk through our doors, they can trust that our teams are focused on preventing errors, maintaining the highest safety standards and delivering compassionate care that helps them heal and feel whole.”

Several AdventHealth West Florida Division hospitals earned an A grade, including AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, AdventHealth Zephyrhills and AdventHealth Dade City.

Eleven of BayCare’s acute-care hospitals received an A grade, including BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel in Wesley Chapel, Morton Plant North Bay Hospital in New Port Richey and St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz.

“BayCare’s outstanding fall 2025 Leapfrog Safety Grades reflect our daily commitment to protect patients and deliver the highest standards of care,” said Dr. Laura Arline, BayCare’s chief quality officer. “This achievement demonstrates what’s possible when every team member, physician and advanced practice provider takes ownership of safety and is a testament to our shared focus on Zero Harm.”  

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz scored a top grade for the seventh consecutive time, earning what’s known as Straight A status. 

“This recognition is evidence of our team’s unwavering commitment to patient safety and excellence in care. We are dedicated to providing our community with the safest possible environment and continuously striving to exceed the highest standards in health care,” said Sara Dodds, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North president. 

The safety grade is a composite score that comprises more than 30 national performance measures, a hospital survey and information gathered from other data sources. The grading system is peer-reviewed and free to the public at HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

 

Crafters featured at expansion of vintage store

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Holiday decorations will be for sale Nov. 29 in an expansion of Guava City Vintage, 7307 N. Florida Ave. The event features the work of crafters from Forest Hills Presbyterian Church and benefits missions. Photo provided by Forest Hills Presbyterian Church. 

NORTH TAMPA – Creations by volunteers at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church will be featured Nov. 29 as the first vendors in an expanded vintage store.

Guava City Vintage, located at 7307 N. Florida Ave., is owned by Tania Ashby and her mother, Elisa Ashby. The store’s newly expanded area will open at 10 a.m. for the annual Seminole Heights Shop Hop. The owners also plan to have it open on select weekends throughout the year to feature local artists, vendors and crafters.

The Presbyterian church volunteers create decorative pieces, refinish and refurbish furniture, and grow plants for sale at the church’s annual bazaar, which celebrated its 26th year in October.

Tania  Ashby said she likes the church crafters’ work.

“They are handcrafted, truly unique and local,” she said. “I hope we can get some more local vendors each Saturday.”

Tania  Ashby said she is glad to have the church crafters as the first participants.

“I support their mission of giving back to the community,” she said, noting all proceeds from the church crafters sale will go to missions.

Collectibles, such as this set of Wizard of Oz dolls from McDonald’s Happy Meals, will be for sale. Photo provided by Forest Hills Presbyterian Church.

Jennifer Gregory, the church’s craft coordinator, said the church had some items remaining from its bazaar as well as many other creations being made for its new venture, called “Timeless Treasures.”

“I just heard about Tania’s idea and jumped right on it,” Gregory said, adding the volunteers usually take several months off after the fall bazaar. “This is how the crafters, gardeners and furniture people can continue the fellowship of the group.”

The merchandise includes Christmas decorations, wreaths, centerpieces, antiques, collectibles, furniture pieces, plants and baked goods. Crafters also will make bows. Most items will be priced between $3 and $50, with many under $20, Gregory said.

“This expansion is a great opportunity for other artists and crafters to have a place to showcase what they are doing locally,” Gregory said. “I think she has a great idea, and I hope it really takes off.”

For information about becoming a vendor at the expanded vintage store, email Tania  Ashby at

 

 

Saint Leo University hosting Christmas Celebration

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ST. LEO – Saint Leo University is kicking off the holiday season Dec. 3 with its annual Christmas Celebration. 

The community is invited to enjoy an evening of beloved Saint Leo traditions, including two Christmas concerts, a Christmas village, the campus lighting and other family-friendly activities. 

 

Christmas Concert

4 p.m., Benedictine Sisters of Florida’s Holy Name Monastery, 12138 Wichers Road

Enjoy the first of two Christmas concerts featuring choral and instrumental performances by the Saint Leo University Music Program.

 

Christmas Village

5 to 7 p.m., Student Activities Building loggias and clock tower courtyard

In partnership with the Town of St. Leo and Orlando Health, the campus will transform into a Christmas village with local vendors, food, family-friendly activities, decorations and special guests from the North Pole.

 

Campus Lighting and Manger Blessing

5:45 p.m., Walkway by the lion statue

Join the Saint Leo community for the annual blessing of the university’s Nativity scene and the official lighting of the campus for the Christmas season.

 

Ugly Sweater Contest

6 p.m., Clock tower

Show off your holiday spirit as judges award medals to the top three ugliest sweaters.

 

Christmas Carols and Candlelight Walk

6:45 p.m., Meet at the clock tower

Gather by candlelight and stroll to the historic Saint Leo Abbey Church while singing your favorite Christmas carols.

 

Christmas Concert and Sing-Along

7 p.m., Saint Leo Abbey Church

The evening concludes with a concert and sing-along.

 

Both Christmas concerts are free. Optional donations will be accepted online. Concert seating is first come, first served. The 4 p.m. concert at Holy Name Monastery offers a more intimate setting, while the 7 p.m. concert at Saint Leo Abbey Church accommodates larger audiences.

Saint Leo University is at 33701 County Road 52. Free parking is available in surface lots and in the campus parking garage.

Email for more information about the concerts or for accommodation requests. 

 

Pasco to open disaster recovery housing program

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LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County is launching its Better Future Individual Housing Program to help customers repair, rebuild or replace homes damaged by hurricanes Idalia, Helene and Milton.

The Office of Disaster Recovery and Resources is hosting public meetings around the county so residents can learn about the application process and find out if they qualify. Staff will be on hand to answer questions.

Information meetings will be held at the following times: 

  • Nov. 19, 6 p.m., West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive, New Port Richey
  • Nov. 20, 6 p.m., Veterans Memorial Park, 14333 Hicks Road, Hudson
  • Nov. 22, 10 a.m., Alice Hall Community Center, 38116 5th Ave., Zephyrhills
  • Nov. 24, 6 p.m., Historic Pasco County Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Ave., Dade City
  • Nov. 25, 6:30 p.m., Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

Each open house-style meeting will begin with a brief presentation, followed by an informal question-and-answer session. Visit mypas.co/BetterFuture for the latest updates and information if you can’t attend a meeting.

Pasco’s Better Future Individual Housing Program is the first of several programs designed to help the community recover with nearly $586 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery program.