The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Leadership Pasco helps create charity store inside school

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Leadership Pasco participants worked with Marjorie’s Hope and Pasco County Schools to create a shopping experience for students in need of clothes and supplies. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC
Leadership Pasco participants worked with Marjorie’s Hope and Pasco County Schools to create a shopping experience for students in need of clothes and supplies. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC

PASCO COUNTY – After losing over $179,000 in inventory during the 2024 hurricane season in what was once referred to as the Kid’s Closet, Marjorie’s Hope President Debi Shackowsky knew she needed to take action quickly. 

She envisioned a shopping experience where underserved students could come in and shop for free in a fun, contemporary environment to help shake the second-hand feel and help instill confidence. 

After receiving her pitch, the Leadership Pasco Class of 2025 chose her charity for its class project.

For this project, the Leadership Pasco class was tasked with converting an old classroom at Wendell Krinn Technical High School in New Port Richey and creating something that felt like a true storefront in the community. 

After raising over $42,000 at its fundraiser, the class coordinated with Pasco County Schools staff and the Marjorie’s Hope team to ensure construction, design, purchasing and buildout went flawlessly.

“Our class knew we were taking on an extremely ambitious project with hopes of renovating a very old classroom and completely building it out and turning it into something special for the families in our community,” said Garrett Early, class president of Leadership Pasco Class of 2025 and project manager for Williams Company. “We cannot thank Pasco Schools enough for being the catalyst to our class reaching our goals. Their leadership team met with us and within weeks had their crews create an amazing updated blank canvas for us to come in and build out. This project couldn’t have been what it is today without each and every person who contributed.”

The nonprofit offers students privacy to shop free of charge at Marjorie’s Hope Outfitters with a referral from a teacher, school administrator, social worker, Guardian ad Litem, school resource officer or clergy member. Each referred student can shop for five pairs of pants, five shirts, five sets of underwear, five pairs of socks, a pair of shoes, and hygiene items to ensure they have what they need to succeed. 

Shackowsky thanked Leadership Pasco’s Class of 2025 for helping bring her vision to fruition. She also credited Pasco County Schools for providing space for the initiative. 

The mission at Marjorie’s Hope is to make a positive difference in the lives of students who need it most. The charity runs other programs like Tools 4 School Backpacks Program, Cinderella and Prince Charming Projects. 

“Our class poured their hearts and souls into this project. We had groups out there three days a week for over a month assembling furniture, putting up wallpaper and hanging clothing,” said Lauren Miceli, chair of the class fundraising and design committees, and director of marketing and communications for Pasco EDC. “I am so proud to be a part of this year’s Leadership Pasco Class and to have had the honor of working so closely with Debi to help bring Marjorie’s Hope Outfitters to life.”

Each Leadership Pasco class is responsible for organizing a class project that will make a positive impact on the community. The challenge is to create a class project that brings charitable people and resources together to address a particular social, educational, economic, environmental or cultural need in Pasco County. 

“The Leadership Pasco Board has been thoroughly impressed by what the Class of 2025 has been able to achieve through its fundraiser and class project this year,” said Angel Cook, president of Leadership Pasco and owner of Leaders Insurance Agency. “The class worked hand-in-hand with Debi to bring her vision for the children of the community to life and put in countless hours of sweat equity building out a beautiful space that will serve many for years to come. We are very proud of what they have done.”

 

Want to help?

Anyone interested in participating in Marjorie’s Hope or learning more about supporting the initiative can contact Debi Shackowski at or 727-776-5458. 

 

Chalk Talk (7/23/25): Scholarships increase access to school

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Scholarship increases access to Angeline Country Day

LAND O’LAKES – Angeline Country Day School is now an approved provider for the Step Up for Students scholarship program.

The scholarship reduces the cost of tuition, typically offering up to $8,000 per student per year, and is now open to all Florida residents under expanded eligibility requirements.

Now enrolling students ages 2 through fifth grade, the private school offers a blend of challenging academics and hands-on learning. Rooted in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, the school fosters critical thinking and global awareness while staying connected to the community.

Students engage in a range of programs, including a Farm-to-Table Program, Hydroponics STEM Innovation Lab and Collaborative Art Studio.

“Our mission at Angeline is to provide a transformative learning environment that is both innovative and inclusive,” school leader Brenda Garcia said. “Accepting the Step Up for Students scholarship allows us to extend that mission to more families in our community.”

Families are encouraged to schedule a tour and speak with the admissions team about the Step Up scholarship. 

On the web: angelinecountryday.org and stepupforstudents.org

 

Students make dean’s list at University of Tampa 

TAMPA – The University of Tampa honored 2,340 students who were named to the dean’s list for the spring 2025 semester, including several from Lutz and Odessa.

Students must maintain a GPA of 3.75 or higher to be eligible for the dean’s list.

Dean’s list honorees from Odessa included: 

  • Druss Arnold, a junior, is majoring in cybersecurity.
  • Andrea Centeno, a senior, is majoring in marketing.
  • Timothy Chen, a junior, is majoring in sport management.
  • Alyssa Gomez, a senior, is majoring in entrepreneurship.
  • Natalie Katsaros, a senior, is majoring in management.
  • Charles Pals, a sophomore, is majoring in cybersecurity.
  • Zoe Papageorgiou, a senior, is majoring in finance.
  • Samantha Park, a senior, is majoring in communication and media studies.
  • Kaitlin Price, a senior, is majoring in allied health.

Dean’s list honorees from Lutz included: 

  • Gavin Cooper, a senior, is majoring in biology.
  • Robert Cooper, a senior, is majoring in management.
  • Alyssa De La Sala, a senior, is majoring in forensic science.
  • Tanner Dishman, a senior, is majoring in finance.
  • Eliza Fox, a junior, is majoring in biology.
  • Margret Gudmundsson, a senior, is majoring in management.
  • Rowdie Maloney, a senior, is majoring in health science.
  • Echo Prescott, a senior, is majoring in film and media arts.
  • Gladys Santana, a junior, is majoring in visual arts.

 

Deadline extended for YEA! Awards nominations

TAMPA – Hillsborough County has extended the nomination deadline for the 2025 Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards (YEA! Awards). 

Nominations are now being accepted through Sept. 17 (the previous deadline was Aug. 15). 

YEA! Awards nominations can be submitted for both middle and high school students in each of the following categories:  leadership, success despite difficult odds and volunteer/community service. 

The nomination form is available for submission online at  HCFL.gov/YEA. Nominations will be reviewed by the Hillsborough County Commission on the Status of Women. 

The YEA! Awards were created in 2010 to recognize Hillsborough County students for making a difference in the community. The awards will be presented by county commissioners in October. 

 

Student Achievements

* McKenzie Erin Kane, of Lutz, earned a bachelor’s degree at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. Kane majored in strategic communication.

  • Annabelle Korta, of Wesley Chapel, made the spring dean’s list at Shorter University in Rome, Georgia for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Korta majors in business.

* Evan Forrest Novak, of Tampa, earned a bachelor’s degree at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. Novak majored in physics.

  • Emara Saez, of Lutz, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Spanish degree from Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts. Saez also made the spring dean’s list for earning a GPA of 3.4 or higher. 
  • Gordon Watson, of Lutz, was named to the 2024-25 Old Dominion Athletic Conference All-Academic Team. Watson attends Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia. 

Business Digest (7/23/25): Cemetery announces re-opening

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Lutz Cemetery announces grand re-opening

LUTZ – Lutz Cemetery will celebrate its grand re-opening Aug. 9 under the stewardship of American Legion Post 108. 

The event includes a Purple Heart Commemoration honoring two veterans interred at the site. Highlights include a new digital map, searchable database, and the launch of the Lutz Cemetery Renovation Program featuring Legacy Lane, Guardian’s Gate, Patriots’ Way and the Veterans’ Honor Garden.

The event starts at 10 a.m. Aug. 9 at 201 5th Ave. N.E. Visit americanlegionpost108.com/lutz-cemetery-renovation-project for details about the Lutz Cemetery Renovation Program.

 

OffGrid Pro offers power solution after hurricane 

TAMPA – After Hurricane Milton left 3.4 million Floridians without power, 19-year-old Tampa entrepreneur Noah Bild developed the OffGrid Pro, a portable, commercial-grade power station.

The unit offers 9.8kWh capacity, solar recharging and safe indoor use. 

It runs quietly and emission-free – ideal for extended outages. Shipping for the product starts Oct. 1.

“Our goal is to provide Floridians with a reliable power source before the next major storm hits and for what’s to come in the years ahead and storms continue to intensify,” Bild said.

On the web: offgridpropower.com

 

CEOs dedicate Habitat home

TAMPA – Business leaders rolled up their sleeves in May to help build a family’s new house in urban East Tampa as part of Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough’s annual CEO Build. 

They gathered July 15 for a dedication celebration.

John Beacham, founder and CEO of Toorak Capital Partners, is one of dozens of business leaders, including representatives from Ajax Paving, Cypress Gulf, and Centennial Bank, who framed doors, fired up power tools and stacked stone veneer to help make the home a reality.

“We have an affordable housing crisis that makes it very important for business leaders to come together,” Beacham said.

CEO volunteers also donated or raised nearly $400,000 for Habitat’s affordable housing efforts.

 

SBA offers resources

MIAMI – Tyler Teresa, SBA Southeast Regional Administrator, encouraged urges small business owners, homeowners and renters to prepare for hurricane season. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans for physical damage, economic injury, and mitigation assistance. These loans cover everything from building repairs to payroll gaps.

Visit sba.gov for more information and resources. 

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host women’s programming. 

  • The Leading Ladies Network presents a panel discussion on the topic, “Is the Grass Really Greener on the Other Side: Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship,” from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 1 at USF Credit Union New Tampa, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. Register in advance. 

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

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a brochure exchange, ribbon cutting and young professionals programming. 

  • Members network during the New Port Richey Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. July 24 at Vesh, 5811 Richey Drive, Port Richey. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Food costs $15. Register in advance. 
  • The Young Professionals Group networks during Coffee Connections from 10 to 11:30 a.m. July 25 at Starkey Market, 3460 Starkey Blvd., Trinity. Register in advance.
  • Members hold a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. July 26 at Kouro Decor & Furniture, 5404 Main St., suite B, New Port Richey. 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 events.

  • Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. July 25 at the chamber’s Zephyrhills location, 38550 5th Ave., or 8 to 9 a.m. July 29 at the chamber’s Dade City location, 14112 8th St. Register in advance. 

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

 

Finalists named for Pasco EDC 37th Annual Awards 

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PASCO COUNTY – For more than 30 years, Pasco Economic Development Council has been recognizing companies for achieving outstanding growth. That tradition will continue with the upcoming 37th Annual Awards.

The event is regarded as one of Pasco County’s premier business events, attracting over 400 business and community leaders in Pasco County and the Tampa Bay region. 

The awards committee has interviewed all finalists who have demonstrated innovation, economic growth and significant community impact from January 2024 to March 2025.

This year’s finalists include:

  • Abreu Environmental LLC
  • Amerikey Locksmith LLC
  • Athenaeum Brews LLC
  • Dre’s Island Food Services LLC
  • Escape Brewing Company
  • Florida Design Consultants Inc.
  • General Cabinets
  • Merrell Bros. Inc.
  • Mettler Toledo Product Inspection Division
  • Pasco News Media Group LLC
  • Southlake Signs Tampa Inc.
  • Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory
  • Ultimate 3D Printing Store Services
  • Xgenex Labs LLC

In addition to the business awards, the Pasco EDC Policy Council chooses an person who has made an exceptional impact in economic development and the Pasco community to honor with the Leadership Award. 

This year, the policy council has chosen to honor Dewey Mitchell with Berkshire Hathaway Properties. Mitchell is an entrepreneur, real estate mogul, Olympian, servant community leader and family man.

“We are looking forward to honoring these Pasco County companies and Dewey Mitchell for their achievements at our upcoming event,” said Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC president/CEO. “Their contribution to the overall economic growth of the community deserves to be recognized.”

The Pasco EDC 37th Annual Awards will take place Sept. 4 at Saddlebrook Resort. The event includes dinner and a trade show, which was revived after a five-year pause. 

AdventHealth is the presenting sponsor. Greater Tampa Realtors is the finalist reception sponsor.

 

AAA offers tips during Vehicle Theft Awareness Month

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TAMPA – July marks Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, a reminder for drivers to take proactive steps to protect their vehicles. In 2024 alone, more than 850,000 vehicles were stolen nationwide, highlighting the importance of awareness and prevention.

AAA urges drivers to lock their vehicles, stow valuables out of sight, and park in well-lit areas. Using anti-theft devices and technology can also dramatically reduce the risk of theft.

“It only takes a few seconds for a thief to steal a car that’s been left vulnerable,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesperson for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Simple precautions like removing spare keys, locking the doors, and installing visible deterrents can make your vehicle a much less attractive target.”

 

Awareness

  • Park in well-lit areas.
  • Lock doors and close all windows.
  • Never leave spare keys inside the vehicle.
  • Keep all personal items and valuables out of sight.

 

Deterrence

  • Use steering wheel or brake pedal locks.
  • Apply theft deterrent decals.
  • Install audible alarm systems.

 

Immobilization

  • Enable smart key functions.
  • Consider fuse cut-offs or kill switches.
  • Add fuel pump or starter disablers.
  • Use wireless ignition authentication.

 

Tracking

  • Some systems employ telematics, which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is moved, the system will alert the owner, and the vehicle can be tracked via computer.

While auto liability insurance is mandatory in all 50 states, comprehensive coverage, which protects against theft, is optional. AAA encourages vehicle owners to review their insurance policies and consider coverage that best protects their investment.

High school students scrub in for nursing experience

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TAMPA – Fifty spent the start of summer break suiting up in scrubs to explore nursing careers.

These rising sophomores and juniors from Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties just completed the third annual Pepin Family USF Nursing Pathway Summer Program. The University of South Florida College of Nursing hosts the free- hands-on experience with support from the Pepin Family Foundation.

Inside the USF College of Nursing, students rolled up their sleeves for a packed week of clinical simulations, skill labs, CPR and Stop the Bleed certifications. 

“We’re proud to support a program that not only prepares students for a future in healthcare, but also strengthens the local nursing pipeline,” said Tina Pepin, executive director of the Pepin Family Foundation. “The earlier you can reach students, the greater the impact – not just on their futures, but on our entire community.”

Participants say the program is a turning point in discovering their careers. Jayden Nunez described the program as eye opening while Aliana Joseph said it was the greatest opportunity she has seen in her life. 

“I always knew that I wanted to do something in healthcare, but after this program, I learned that nursing is probably the best way for me to make an impact and help others,” student Hariniya Vaitheeswaran said. 

Applications for 2025 nearly doubled from last year, from 134 to 265.

Information on applying for the summer 2026 program will be available in January. Students must be current 10th or 11th-graders with at least a 2.8 GPA as well as be 16 years old by the start of the program.

On the web: PepinFamilyFoundation.org

 

ReBuild Program to help families recover

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DADE CITY – Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco has launched its ReBuild Program, a disaster recovery and home repair initiative developed in response to the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

In the wake of these storms and the flooding that followed, many families in East Pasco continue to face unsafe living conditions, housing instability and emotional distress. 

The ReBuild Program was created to meet these urgent needs and provide a pathway to long-term recovery and resilience.

With support from the American Red Cross and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, the ReBuild Program will offer critical home repairs to low-income families still struggling to recover. Services will prioritize safety, sanitation and structural integrity, helping residents stay in their homes and regain a sense of normalcy.

“East Pasco was hit hard, and for many, the recovery is still ongoing,” said Kathy Proulx, development manager at Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco. “Much of the county forgets that there are families still living with holes in their roofs, mold in the homes and unfinished projects. We want to help as many families as we can in the next 9 -12 months and lead the way in restoring community wellbeing.”

Repairs may include storm-damaged roofing, electrical and plumbing systems, mold remediation and other structural or safety-related work. Priority will be given to seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities and families with children.

Applications for the ReBuild Program are now open. 

Homeowners in East Pasco affected by the storms can visit habitatpasco.org/help/ or email Linda Moscardelli at for application information.

 

Nominations open for Women of Distinction Awards

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TAMPA – Girl Scouts of West Central Florida announced its Honorary Chairs for the 2026 Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon on March 4, 2026 at Armature Works. 

Honorary chairs will be:

  • Dr. Moira Burke, 1992 Woman of Distinction – ophthalmologist and retired lieutenant colonel, U.S. Air Force Reserves.
  • Veronica Cintron, 2022 Woman of Promise – vice president of marketing, communications and strategy at Tampa International Airport.
  • Dr. Tonjua Williams, 2020 Woman of Distinction – president of St. Petersburg College.

In its 34th year, the luncheon celebrates six local women and annually attracts more than 600 business and community leaders across Tampa Bay. 

The organization invites the Tampa Bay community to nominate women for two awards at www.gswcf.org/WoD. 

The Woman of Distinction Award is for business and community leaders who exemplify Girl Scout traits of courage, confidence and character. Winners have made significant contributions as business, community and/or philanthropic leaders. 

The Woman of Promise Award is presented to one exceptional woman under age 40 (as of March 4, 2026) for making a difference in her industry and community. 

Proceeds from the luncheon support the mission of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. Email Angelique Lenox at for sponsorship opportunities.

 

Veterans receive mortgage-free homes 

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LAND O’ LAKES – The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was scheduled July 16 to welcome three injured veterans into new mortgage-free smart homes in the Let Us Do Good Village.

The village will consist of 100 mortgage-free to injured veterans and first responders as well as Gold Star and Fallen First Responder families. The village features an accessible design throughout to help injured veterans and first responders reclaim their independence.

 

Shawn Mullins

U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant 

Shawn Mullins spent 30 years in the Air Force, with multiple overseas deployments. 

When America was attacked on 9/11, he helped to load the fighter jets that flew over New York.

During his career, he suffered from multiple back injuries and surgeries and was diagnosed with PTSD. He medically retired from the Air Force in 2015. 

In 2019, he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, an autoimmune illness that attacked his nervous system and left him a home-bound quadriplegic relying on an electric wheelchair.

“Tunnel to Towers saved my life, I cannot wait to start a new chapter with my fellow veterans in the village,” Mullins said.

 

Steven Maxwell

U.S. Army Specialist 

Motivated to enlist by the 9/11 attacks, Steven Maxwell joined the Army in March 2002. 

He deployed to Iraq, where he suffered multiple brain injuries and concussions. He was left with a traumatic brain injury, PTSD, memory loss and Grand Mal seizures.

He is moving from Oregon to Florida and looking forward to a safer, supportive future in the Let Us Do Good Village.

“I cannot wait for my family to be part of a community where we can support each other and enjoy the sense of safety in the village,” Maxwell said. “I am so grateful for getting this chance.”

 

Charlie Figueroa

U.S. Army Private First Class 

Figueroa grew up in a military family, so it felt natural for him to follow in their footsteps. 

After graduating from high school in 1977, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and deployed to Germany, where he trained for combat missions focused on using rockets to counter enemy tanks.

In 2003, he went to the emergency room because he thought he was having a heart attack. While there, he began to lose feeling in his legs. Doctors discovered a hematoma pressing against his spinal cord. Emergency surgery saved his life, but the injury left him permanently wheelchair-bound.

“I’m looking forward to a home where I have more space to move around, feel more comfortable and be in a community that understands everything I have been through,” Figueroa said. 

On the web: T2T.org

Scallop season have arrived in Tampa Bay area

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PASCO COUNTY – The 2025 recreational bay scallop season for the Pasco Zone opened July 10 and will remain open through Aug. 18. 

This includes all state waters south of the Hernando-Pasco county line and north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County, including all waters of the Anclote River.

Whether you’re a seasoned scalloper or giving it a try for the first time, Florida’s Sports Coast, the official Tourism Office of Pasco County, offers experienced local guides and charter companies to help you make the most of scalloping season. 

“This is such a special time of year for our community,” said Adam Thomas, executive director for Florida’s Sports Coast. “Scalloping is a fun, family-friendly adventure that brings generations together, and we’re excited to welcome everyone back for another fantastic season.”

The daily bag limit is 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat per person, with a maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1/2 gallon (4 pints) shucked bay scallop meat per vessel per day.

Throughout the season and region-wide, vessel limits do not allow an individual to exceed their personal bag limit.

Harvest of bay scallops is permitted only by hand or by using a landing or dip net. Commercial harvest is prohibited.

For information on bay scallop regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “Bay Scallops” under the “Crabs, Lobster and other Shellfish” tab.

Although bay scallop season dates can vary by region, regulations do allow the direct and continuous transit of legally harvested bay scallops through closed areas. When transiting, boaters may not stop their vessels in waters that are closed to harvest and instead must proceed directly to the dock or ramp to land scallops in a closed area.

Recreational harvesters need a Florida saltwater fishing license to harvest bay scallops unless they are exempt from needing a license or have a no-cost shoreline fishing license and are wading from shore to collect scallops (i.e., feet do not leave the bottom to swim, snorkel or SCUBA, and harvesters do not use a vessel to reach or return from the harvest location).  

Visit flsportscoast.com/scalloping for tips on how your family can enjoy Pasco’s Bay scallop season.