The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Chalk Talk (03/25/26): Students dive into marine science

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The Florida Aquarium exposes students to marine science and environmental careers while building leadership and life skills. Photo courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

 

Students dive into marine science

TAMPA – Middle and high school students from historically underserved Tampa neighborhoods will trade their backpacks for dive helmets to experience the ocean in a whole new way at The Florida Aquarium. 

As part of the Teen Achievers AQUA Experience, select students will take part in the aquarium’s SeaTREK underwater walking adventure, exploring the 500,000-gallon Heart of the Sea habitat while surrounded by rays, a rescued sea turtle, and hundreds of Indo-Pacific fish.

The students from Sulphur Springs K-8 and Middleton High School are participants in the Teen Achievers AQUA Experience, a partnership between Bank of America, the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, and The Florida Aquarium that prepares teens to become future leaders by providing college readiness resources, leadership development, and opportunities to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

 

Spotlight on Talent youth are ready to shine

WESLEY CHAPEL – More than 150 K-12 students auditioned Feb. 28 to participate in Spotlight on Talent.

This year’s show features a noon start for younger performers and a 7 p.m. start for older solos and groups. 

Both shows are open to the public at Pasco Hernando State College’s Instructional Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road, Wesley Chapel.

The Heritage Arts Center Association produces this regional competition. The nonprofit arts group will present two $1,000 scholarships to graduating Pasco County seniors with the highest judges’ scores. 

More than $4,000 in cash, trophies and ribbons will be presented to winners in eight different categories. 

The performing arts competition includes two final shows because of the huge numbers of applicants and quality of the talent. The top 63 scoring acts, 104 students, were chosen to perform. Our emcees will be County Commissioner 

Seth Weightman and Larry Quinn will serve as emcees. The shows feature the top 63 scoring acts

Tickets cost $15 for adults (or $25 for both shows) and $7 for students (or $12 for both shows. Children younger than 5 get in for free. Get tickets at heritagearts.org or at the door.

The Spotlight competition costs over $23,000 to produce and would not be possible without sponsorship from area businesses and individual supporters. The organization accepts donations at heritagearts.org.

 

Quick Hits

  • The University of North Georgia Blue Ridge Rifles finished fifth place overall out of 31 teams in the 52nd annual Mardi Gras Invitational Drill Meet this month at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Team members included Ana Gonzalez Rodriguez of Lutz.

Book helps military families navigate autism  

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FORT LAUDERDALE – Military life can be both stabilizing and challenging for families raising a child with autism. 

While the structure and predictability of service routines can offer comfort, frequent relocations, deployments and changing support systems can disrupt the consistency many children with autism rely on to feel safe and regulated. For parents, it becomes a constant balancing act between meeting the demands of military service and advocating for their child’s developmental, educational and emotional needs.

It is a journey retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jaime B. Parent and his wife, Elizabeth “Tracy” Parent, navigated firsthand. Their new book shows families how to do the same.

“We got a lot of help when Bryan was first diagnosed in 1988,” Jaime recalled. “So much so that my wife, Tracy, changed careers and became a special educator to pay it forward after learning from the compassionate professionals who worked with our son. We made a pact that when it was our turn to help other families, we would remember how we struggled and dedicate ourselves to supporting young families the way we were supported a long time ago.”

In their new book, “The Mission at Home: Navigating Military Assignments, TRICARE, Education, Benefits, and Everyday Life with Your Child on the Autism Spectrum,” Jaime and Tracy draw from decades of experience as parents, military family members and professionals to offer clarity and compassion for families navigating autism amid the unique demands of military life. 

Their insights blend practical strategies with empathy, helping readers manage healthcare, education, benefits and transitions during service and beyond.

“Even when services technically exist, waitlists, eligibility differences between states, and gaps between military and civilian systems can leave families feeling like they’re always starting over,” Tracy said. “The emotional labor of this repetition – on top of the everyday demands of military life – can be exhausting.”

“The Mission at Home” goes beyond school and healthcare concerns and provides guidance to help families:

  • Ease transitions for children with autism after a military move
  • Manage a military career with a child with autism or another disability
  • Plan for school transitions and advocate effectively for their child
  • Navigate TRICARE, EFMP and other military programs with confidence
  • Develop a long-term financial strategy
  • Prepare for life after service, including housing and employment options
  • Reduce stress and strengthen family resilience through proven tools

“Autism requires lifelong work and strategies,” Jaime said. “Your mission at home matters as much as the one in uniform.”

Pasco County EMS staff recognized for lifesaving response

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AdventHealth Wesley Chapel leaders joined Pasco County Fire Rescue at Fire Station 13 to honor EMS team members Ashley Puller, Brittney Giordano and Juan Romero for helping save a patient’s life. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

 

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and Pasco County Fire Rescue recognized three EMS professionals for quick thinking, teamwork and lifesaving care. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

WESLEY CHAPEL – AdventHealth Wesley Chapel recognized three Pasco County EMS team members March 19 for their quick action and teamwork that helped save a patient’s life during a cardiac emergency late last year.

Ashley Puller, Brittney Giordano and Juan Romero were honored during a special ceremony on campus for their role in responding to a cardiac arrest on Dec. 5, 2025.

The patient suddenly lost consciousness at a restaurant due to ventricular fibrillation, a life-threatening heart rhythm. Bystanders immediately began CPR before first responders arrived.

EMS quickly took over care, delivering a shock to restore the patient’s heart rhythm, providing breathing support and continuing high-quality CPR. 

Their coordinated efforts led to the patient regaining a pulse. The patient regained consciousness and was able to speak while being transported to the hospital. 

The patient left the hospital without neurological deficits, an outcome that is uncommon in cardiac arrest cases.

“This moment is an important reminder of how critical every second is during a cardiac emergency,” said Stormy Dulovich, chief nursing officer at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. “Because of the actions of this EMS team, this patient has another chance at life.”

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel regularly partners with local first responders to recognize exceptional care and strengthen the connection between pre-hospital teams and hospital care.

PHSC trustees approve first charter school

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PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College is one of only a handful of Florida College System institutions approved thus far by the Florida Department of Education to serve as a charter school authorizer. 

In that capacity, the PHSC District Board Of Trustees approved the application of Dayspring Early College Academy as a proposed public charter school during its March 2 meeting. The charter school is proposed to be operational and open to students at the start of the fall 2026 academic year, with an initial 125 seats available.

Dayspring Early College Academy is a proposed public charter school in Pasco County designed as a content-rich, student-centered Early College model that extends the existing high-performing Dayspring Academy for Education and the Arts. The school aims to expand access to rigorous, college-connected opportunities by integrating strong foundational academics with a focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) and intentional character development.

“We are honored to partner with Pasco-Hernando State College to bring this Early College model to our community,” said Suzanne Legg, CEO of Dayspring Academy. “Together, we are expanding access to high-quality learning experiences that empower students to earn college credit, engage deeply in STEAM fields, and build the confidence needed to excel in an ever-changing world.” 

Dayspring Early College Academy strives to prepare students, from grades 9 to 12, for post-secondary school, college and the workforce by delivering a world-class education through the arts in a collaborative environment fueled by a passion for learning.

Nicole Newlon, chair of the PHSC District Board of Trustees, said Dayspring Early College Academy’s launch “will provide families with a meaningful new option for high-quality, college-connected learning.”

The academy’s curriculum is rooted in the Core Knowledge Sequence, weaving technology and the arts into instruction across English, reading, mathematics, science and social studies. Teachers will implement research-based practices, including explicit instruction, inquiry-driven and project-based learning, as well as collaborative, interdisciplinary strategies. A Multi-Tiered System of Supports ensures targeted instruction to meet the needs of every student, while a 1-to-1 technology initiative strengthens digital engagement and learning. 

“By creating a pathway for students to earn college credit while completing high school, we are opening doors to greater opportunity, strengthening college readiness and empowering students to take confident steps toward their future,” PHSC President Eric Hall said. 

Learn more about PHSC’s accelerated learning programs at accelerated.phsc.edu.

 

Local Wildlife (03/18/26): Injured panther finds home at zoo 

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Loper, a young panther, is acclimating to his new environment at ZooTampa. In the coming weeks, guests will have the opportunity to see him in the zoo’s Florida Wilds area, where he will serve as a conservation ambassador. Photo courtesy of ZooTampa

 

Photo courtesy of ZooTampa

TAMPA – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission coordinated emergency response last July for a young male panther struck by a vehicle in Southwest Florida. 

The response included surgery at BluePearl Specialty + Emergency Pet Hospital in Fort Myers, where veterinarians repaired fractures to his radius and ulna using orthopedic plates. Due to the specialized medical needs of caring for an injured exotic animal, ZooTampa at Lowry Park was selected to provide rehabilitation care.

ZooTampa’s team created a controlled environment that minimized movement, reduced human interaction and supported recovery without habituation. Staff monitored the panther by camera and conducted periodic sedated exams during the eight-week recovery. 

After his initial recovery period, wildlife officials assessed the panther to determine if he could eventually be returned to the wild. Caretakers observed an ongoing limp, and further examination revealed an additional fracture to his humerus. The panther received a full-body CT scan and additional pro bono surgery from Dr. Brett Darrow of ECoVets Veterinary Specialists, who completed three procedures.

The panther’s prolonged course of treatment and concerns about habituation led wildlife experts and partners to make the difficult decision to deem the panther non-releasable. The young male panther has been named Loper.

“Rehabilitating Florida panthers is challenging, so we are especially grateful for the partnerships that made this successful outcome possible,” said Dr. Peter Sebastian, panther veterinarian for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “We also thank Floridians who support our work through the purchase of ‘Protect the Panther’ license plates, which help fund panther research, management and rehabilitation.”

While he cannot return to the wild, he will help visitors understand threats facing Florida panthers and the need to protect their habitat.

With only an estimated 120 to 230 Florida panthers remaining in the wild, each is crucial to the species’ survival. In 2024, more than 30 panthers died, mostly from vehicle collisions.

“This young panther’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved when agencies, veterinary and animal care specialists come together for Florida wildlife,” said Meredith Persky, senior vice president and chief conservation and animal health officer at ZooTampa. “Although we hoped he would return to his native habitat, Loper’s story will inspire greater awareness and impactful action to protect this iconic species.”

 

News Briefs (3/18/26): Woman’s club is grateful for support

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Lutz Guv’na Becky Jenkins (middle) joins GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club officers Jean Olsen (second vice president and flea market chair) and Linda Mitchell (president). Photo courtesy of Patty Camunas

Woman’s club grateful for support

LAND O’ LAKES – The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the community for their generous support and success of our annual flea market through the many donations received. While members have been busy collecting items for the upcoming event, the funds raised will help support numerous community projects benefiting local schools, libraries, veterans, homeless outreach programs and domestic violence shelters. The club was also honored to have the Guv’na of Lutz, Becky Jenkins, join members to kick off their first sale and add to the excitement of the flea market. Also on March 4, members took a moment to celebrate the club’s 66th birthday with food and friendship at Chili’s Grill & Bar.

 

Parade organizers seeks entrants

ZEPHYRHILLS – Main Street Zephyrhills is seeking parade participants for the 2026 Founders Day Parade, taking place on March 28 in the Downtown Zephyrhills Historic District.

Community groups, local businesses, schools, nonprofits and organizations are encouraged to enter a float, vehicle or walking group in this year’s parade, which begins at noon March 28. Register at mainstreetzephyrhillsevents.org.

The parade is part of Main Street’s Rhythm in the Hillz Founders Day celebration, featuring a Music Festival & Fish Fry and other family-friendly activities from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Ham radio classes are available 

DADE CITY – East Pasco Amateur Radio Society will be providing all classes of ham radio examinations every second Wednesday of the month.

Classes will start at 3 p.m. at American Legion Post #15, 37745 Church Ave., Dade City.

Participants must register to take the exam at https://hamstudy.org/sessions/EPARS. In-person exams are given for Technician, General and Amateur Extra classes. Bring your FRN#, a copy of your current license and a photo ID. The exam fee is $15 cash. Visit http://k4ex.org for details.

 

Money available for Pasco’s Better Future Housing Program

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resources is accepting applications for the Better Future Individual Housing Program to help repair, rebuild or replace homes damaged by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene and Milton.  

The office is hosting two webinars in March – one in Spanish and one in English – to help residents begin or finish applications. No need to register ahead of time.

The English webinar will start at 6:30 p.m. March 19 at mypas.co/IHPEnglish.

The Spanish webinar will start at 6:30 p.m. March 24 at mypas.co/IHPSpanish.

On the web: mypas.co/IHPApp

For now, applications are prioritized by several criteria, including displacement status, income and other circumstances. If you haven’t started your application yet, don’t delay.

Not sure if you’re eligible? Make an appointment to talk through it.

 

 

Renderings unveiled for Home Theatre Renewal project

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Main Street Zephyrhills shared renderings by KMF Architects of the Home Theatre Renewal project. Rendering courtesy of Main Street Zephyrhills
Main Street Zephyrhills shared renderings by KMF Architects of the Home Theatre Renewal project. Rendering courtesy of Main Street Zephyrhills

ZEPHYRHILLS – Initial conceptual renderings for Zephyrhills Main Street’s Home Theatre Renewal were unveiled March 9 during a Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency meeting.

Home Theatre, located at 38521 5th Ave., was built by lumber magnate and former mayor I.A. Krusen. It opened in 1948 and was billed as one of the most modern movie theaters in the South. The theater closed in 2007.

The presentation highlighted early architectural design concepts aimed at revitalizing the historic theater property in downtown Zephyrhills. Concepts include a renovated performance venue, modern gathering spaces and rooftop event areas designed to enhance downtown activity and support community events.

Main Street Zephyrhills shared renderings by KMF Architects of the Home Theatre Renewal project. Rendering courtesy of Main Street Zephyrhills

Main Street Zephyrhills presented the conceptual vision and discussed how this landmark project could help strengthen the downtown Zephyrhills historic district as a destination for arts, entertainment and community gatherings.

Once completed, the Home Theatre will serve as the East Pasco Cultural Arts Center, providing a dedicated space for performances, cultural programming and community events.

The renderings represent the early stages of the project’s planning and design. 

Main Street Zephyrhills will soon launch a fundraising campaign to support the project and engage community partners in bringing the vision to life.

Main Street Zephyrhills shared renderings by KMF Architects of the Home Theatre Renewal project. Rendering courtesy of Main Street Zephyrhills

 

Chalk Talk (03/18/26): Saint Leo launches Benedictine Society

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Saint Leo University President Jim Burkee announces the Benedictine Society on March 7 during a Breakfast with the President alumni event. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

 

Stephen Kubasek, vice president of university advancement, said Saint Leo’s Benedictine Society offers an “opportunity to create lasting, generational impact, ensuring Catholic education remains accessible, Catholic leadership continues to grow and Saint Leo’s mission of service thrives for decades to come.”

Saint Leo launches Benedictine Society

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University has launched the Benedictine Society, a leadership giving program aimed at expanding access to Catholic higher education.

The program seeks multi-year leadership gifts to help close the tuition gap for Catholic students.

“Across the country, there are thousands of remarkable students graduating from Catholic high schools who have the talent, discipline and values to thrive at Saint Leo, but don’t have the resources necessarily to afford a Saint Leo education,” President Jim Burkee said.

Funds will support the Catholic Benedictine Scholars Program, which provides four-year, tuition-free scholarships to high-achieving Catholic students with financial need.

On the web: giving.saintleo.edu/campaigns/benedictine-society.

 

Children’s book addresses bullying, self-acceptance

FORT MYERS – A new children’s book by Mike Stonecypher explores bullying and the importance of self-acceptance. 

“There’s a Girebra in the Forest” follows Obi, a young okapi whose unusual appearance makes him the target of ridicule from other forest animals. With support from his mother and guidance from an adult giraffe, Obi sets out to confront those who mocked him and embrace his identity.

“I want my readers to take away the sense that it is OK to be different from the norm,” Stonecypher said. “And that you must not crumble under the pressure to dislike oneself, but be proud of who you are and always have the courage to stand up for who you are.”

The book encourages children to recognize their own worth, resist harmful labels and understand that being different is not a weakness but a strength.

The book is available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

 

Quick Hits

  • Kaylin Villeme, an educator of more than 30 years, has joined Victory High School. Villeme grew up in Tampa and taught in Hillsborough County Public Schools for 28 years. She also has experience serving adults with disabilities.
  • Steven Cope, of Odessa, graduated from Millersville University of Pennsylvania in December with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Engineering and Technology Management.
  • Magdalena Coxon, of Lutz, made the dean’s list at University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. Students must have a term grade point average between 3.2 and 3.69.
  • Mikayla Croissant, of Lutz, made the president’s list at St. Augustine. Croissant had to earn at least a 4.0 GPA with at least 12 semester hours of graded credit.
  • Lauren Harbour, of Lutz, has been named to the dean’s honor roll at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas. Harbour is a freshman majoring in psychology.
  • Zayne Jack, of Lutz, was named to the Milwaukee School of Engineering’s Honors List for the fall semester. Jack is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
  • Katie Strand, of San Antonio, made the dean’s list at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Strand is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 
  • Scott Tassone, a physical education coach at Oakstead Elementary, has been nominated by the Tampa Bay Lightning to represent the Bay Area against other NHL teams in the Future Goals, Most Valuable Teacher campaign. 

Transformation is the topic of TEDxSaint Leo U

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Transformation 2026 will be held March 27 at Saint Leo University’s Selby Auditorium. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

ST. LEO  – TEDx is coming to Saint Leo University.

TEDxSaintLeoU: Transformation 2026 will bring together thought leaders, innovators and community voices to explore how the world is being reshaped by powerful forces of change.

The event will feature speakers from a wide range of disciplines, including health care, business and criminal justice, who will share ideas about how their fields are being transformed and what those changes mean for communities and the future.

Drew Gold

“Transformation is happening all around us,” said Drew Gold, professor at Saint Leo University and lead organizer of the event. “From technological breakthroughs to shifts in how we educate, care for our health and conduct business, the world is changing rapidly. This event will provide a platform for thought leaders to share insights and spark conversations that help our community better understand and shape the future.”

Organized under the independently licensed TEDx program, TEDxSaintLeoU: Transformation 2026 will highlight “ideas worth sharing” that challenge assumptions, inspire innovation and encourage dialogue around evolving challenges and opportunities facing society.

The TEDx format features short, powerful talks designed to communicate a single compelling idea in a concise and engaging way. These talks often reach global audiences after being published online through TEDx platforms.

 

Speakers

  • Amber Uhler – The Courage to Go Where You Are Celebrated
  • Sergiy Borysov – How to Unleash Your Superpower: Make Your Subconscious Create the Life You Deserve!
  • Angelique Cauterucci – You Define Your Own Story
  • Tommy Rhee – How Sci-Fi Is Transforming the Future of Health
  • LaTanya Lewis – From Hobby to Enterprise: The Transformation of Small Farming
  • June Hall – Don’t Share a Bathroom!
  • Don Noble Jr. – The Transformation of Fractional Executive Leadership
  • Jonathan (Adam) Shoemaker – The Transformation of Work in the Age of AI, Automation, and Labor Volatility
  • Kamryn Reynolds – Connection Is the Currency of Opportunity: How Trust Transforms Your Future
  • Sayuri Vargas – How Your Best Strength Is the Strength You Don’t Choose
  • Ron Burrell – How to Create Your Own Individual Platform Through Storytelling, Branding, and Professional/Personal Engagement
  • Eileen O’Brien – How Equal Access Is an Illusion: Breaking the Patterns That Keep Knowledge and Power Out of Reach
  • Scott Bedell – The Myth of Work/Life Balance

 

Want to go?

Saint Leo University will host the event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 27 in Selby Auditorium. Registration and tickets are required. Free tickets are available for Saint Leo students, faculty and staff. General admission costs $49 for community members. Get tickets at saintleo.edu/tedxslu/tickets.  

Hudson High School hosts Spring Festival  

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Photo courtesy of Hudson Community Health & Resource Center
Photo courtesy of Hudson Community Health & Resource Center

HUDSON – Hudson High School and the Hudson Community & Health Resource Center connected families with health, education and support services through their Annual Spring Festival.

The festival featured dozens of vendors, free food, a car show, a petting zoo, games and live entertainment March 14 at Hudson High School’s track.

The Hudson Community & Health Resource Center is a collaboration among Metropolitan Ministries, St. Leo University and Premier Community HealthCare to increase access to essential resources for students and the community.

Programs include services in medical, dental and mental health care; a clothing closet and food pantry; tutoring and educational opportunities; and community resources such as internet access and learning support.