The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

News Briefs (7/16/25): Pasco seeks input on 2050 plan

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Pasco seeks input on Draft 2050 Comprehensive Plan

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County’s Planning, Development and Economic Growth Department has unveiled its draft Pasco 2050 Comprehensive Plan.

The county has scheduled open houses for residents to provide input to help shape the next 25 years of Pasco’s future.

Residents can explore updated maps, chat with the Pasco planning team and share thoughts to help refine the vision for 2050 at the following open houses: 

  • July 16, 6 to 8 p.m., at Elsie Logan Memorial Park, 15840 Greenglen Lane, Spring Hill.
  • July 23, 6 to 8 p.m., at South Holiday Branch Library, 4649 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday.
  • July 28, 6 to 8 p.m., at New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel.

Visit Pasco2050.com to review the plan and provide feedback.

 

​​Pasco County launches real-time bus information

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Public Transportation (GoPasco) is now offering an app called myStop to provide real-time tracking for GoPasco buses.  

Users can view the exact location of their bus, see estimated bus arrival, plan a trip and get service notifications/alerts. The app is available on Android or Apple IOS. 

“This app represents a significant advancement in our efforts to modernize and improve your public transit experience in our community,” GoPasco Director Jannina Elkin said.  “With real-time bus tracking, you can better plan your trips, reduce wait times and make more informed decisions about your transportation needs.”

On the web: mypas.co/MyStopApp

 

Cats overcrowd pet shelter 

TAMPA – Residents are encouraged to adopt or foster a dog or cat from the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center, which at the start of July was at more than five times capacity for cats.

On July 1, the Pet Resource Center had 285 cats and kittens, putting the shelter at 508% of its stated capacity of 56 cats. Th​​e pet shelter had 247 dogs, or 137% of capacity. The crowded living conditions increase the risk of the spread of infectious diseases and create other stresses for the animals.

During times of severe overcrowding, the shelter works closely with dozens of animal rescue groups and other community partners to help deal with the sheer volume of cats and dogs. What is most needed, though, are residents to provide a permanent home or offer their services as a pet foster parent. 

 

Hillsborough residents to review plans for future road

TAMPA – The Corridor Preservation Plan Study will help Hillsborough County keep up with growth by planning the location of future roadways to ensure the scale, location and rights-of-way are adequate to serve residents’ needs.

To do so, an update to the plan, which is part of Hillsborough’s Comprehensive Plan, is needed.  

It has been 15 years since the last major update to the Corridor Preservation Plan. As land use patterns and travel habits change, county planners want to ensure transportation is safe and efficient for years to come.  

Meetings will be held countywide to explain the study, review objectives and gather feedback. 

Meetings will be held: 

  • July 17, 6 to 8 p.m., at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa.
  • July 22, 6 to 8 p.m., at Town ‘N Country Regional Public Library, 7606 Paula Drive, Suite 120, Tampa.
  • Online, at PublicInput.com/CorridorPreservation through Aug. 15.

 

Florida Aquarium unveils new costumed character 

TAMPA – The Florida Aquarium introduced its newest ambassador: a pink, wide-eyed axolotl from Mexico City. The costumed character is ready to dive into her new life in Tampa but needs a name. The aquarium is inviting the community to help name its newest resident by voting online.

The names are inspired by her Mexican heritage and vibrant personality: 

  • Xochi (pronounced so-chee) – Short for Xochimilco (so-chee-meal-koh), one of only two lakes in Mexico City where axolotls are found in the wild. The name comes from the Aztec word xochitl, meaning “flower” or “princess of flowers,” and symbolizes beauty, growth, creativity, renewal and new beginnings.
  • Toci (pronounced toe-see) – Named after the Aztec goddess of renewal and healing, Toci means “our grandmother,” representing wisdom, protection and nurturing strength.
  • Izel (pronounced ee-sel)– An Aztec word meaning “only one” or “unique,” highlighting how special and rare axolotls are in the natural world.

Voting is open through Aug. 1 at https://www.flaquarium.org/name-that-axolotl/. The winning name will be revealed Aug. 4.

Community geared for people with developmental disabilities

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TAMPA – Project Focus has unveiled plans for a first-of-its-kind community campus in Tampa Bay, designed to meet the housing and workforce needs of people with developmental disabilities. 

The proposed campus features a middle and high school, a transition academy for students ages 18 to 22, a workforce training center with commercial partners, a performing arts theater and apartment-style housing. Project Focus aims to provide a place for residents to develop the skills necessary to gain independence.

“At Project Focus, we believe individuals with developmental disabilities deserve more than programs, they deserve a place to belong, thrive and grow,” Executive Director Clayton Clemens said. “This campus is designed to provide choice, remove barriers to housing, employment and community engagement while building a model that can be replicated elsewhere.”

Project Focus has convened an advisory council of leaders to guide the effort. Members include:

  • Commissioner Josh Wostal, Hillsborough County.
  • Councilman Luis Viera, City of Tampa.
  • Leroy Moore, chief operating officer, Tampa Housing Authority.
  • John Nertney, chief financial officer, Alliant Partners.
  • School Board Member Patti Rendon, Hillsborough County School Board.
  • Eric Eisenberg, senior vice president, University South Florida Community Partnerships.
  • Eileen Pope, senior vice president of community development, Bank of America.
  • Mayor Andy Ross, City of Temple Terrace.
  • Christian Leon, executive director, Patel Family Foundation.

“The advisory council gives us the ability to bring together leaders who deeply believe in this mission and are ready to move the needle,” Clemens said. “It takes a community that believes in you to build a community.”

Project Focus is working with stakeholders on locating a property to bring their vision to life and working with state and federal partners at eliminating the red tape that prohibits intentional communities from being constructed. 

Project Focus leadership remains committed to providing a community that would resemble a 55+ community with safety and services taken into consideration. They also believe in the importance of being central with access to bus stops and the interstate for those who commute.

Project Focus supports daily programming for 160 young people with developmental disabilities on its campus in Temple Terrace through Focus Academy, Focus Forward Adult Day Program, Focus Workforce Readiness Training, the Focus Café and Focus Day School. The use of drama therapy, mental health supports and the arts separate it from other programming. 

Project Focus hosts weekly tours at the Temple Terrace campus and is hosting its Annual Gala on Oct. 18 at the Tampa Yacht and Country Club. 

On the web: www.projectfocusfoundation.org

 

Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside sets record

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CLEARWATER – Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside has set a new affiliate record with 88 homes built in its 2024-25 fiscal year, allowing 88 new families to enjoy the safety and security of homeownership. 

Each family completed the Habitat homeownership program, which includes 38 homebuyer education classes focused on finances and homeowner responsibilities, and putting in between 350 and 450 sweat equity hours. 

Upon completion of the program, these families earned 0% APR mortgages that ensure affordability throughout the life of the home loan.

“Each home built and family served is its own milestone for us at Habitat,” said Mike Sutton, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside. “For us as a staff to be able to step back and see that we helped 88 families achieve their piece of the American dream by becoming homeowners, with a 0% interest mortgage, is just an incredible feeling. It’s also a reminder that our work is so important to the community and we are using this as fuel to build more homes and help anchor more families in our community.”

 

Expanding the service area

In April 2024, Habitat for Humanity International selected this Habitat affiliate (then known as Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties) to expand its service area to include Hernando County. 

Following this expansion, the affiliate rebranded to represent its regional reach and became Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside.  Over the next year, Habitat Tampa Bay Gulfside worked to establish relationships and partnerships in Hernando County, hired staff and recruited four business leaders to join its board of directors. 

Here are some key events from the fiscal year: 

  • December 2024: Habitat accepts the Pickerings as the first Hernando family into the program.
  • January 2025: Habitat breaks ground on first Hernando Home.
  • February 2025: Hernando County Board of County Commissioners awarded Habitat 9.5 acres in Spring Hill to Habitat to build 30 single-family homes.
  • May 2025: Coca-Cola Beverages Florida announced as Habitat’s first Hernando home sponsor.
  • June 2025: Habitat welcomes the Pickering Family to their new home in Spring Hill.

 

The year ahead

Habitat Tampa Bay Gulfside is celebrating 40 years of impact in 2025. This August, the affiliate will join an exclusive group of Habitat affiliates to achieve the milestone of 1,000 homes built in their community.

Habitat’s 1,000th Home Dedication Celebration will take place Aug. 22, at 10 a.m. in the Lealman community of St. Petersburg. Visit habitattbg.org/1000thhome to learn more about the family and this milestone event.

Habitat will also appear on an upcoming episode of HGTV’s “100 Day Dream Home” with Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt. The episode will focus on a Habitat partner family going through the process of building their home. The episode is expected to air in October and Habitat will host a special 40th anniversary event to premiere the episode. Dates and times for the episode and event will be announced this summer.

 

By the numbers

  • 88 homes built across the service area of Pinellas, West Pasco and Hernando counties.
  • $41 million-plus revenue to fund Habitat operations and construction of homes.
  • 106 adults who now have peace of mind and can pass down intergenerational wealth to their children.
  • 153 children now in a place where they have the space to grow.

 

Health & Wellness (7/16/25): Bond Clinic now part of AdventHealth

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Bond Clinic is now part of AdventHealth

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS – Bond Clinic, a physician group of more than 90 providers encompassing 28 specialties serving Winter Haven and the surrounding Florida communities, has officially joined AdventHealth. 

AdventHealth has purchased Bond Clinic’s assets and care sites throughout Polk County.

“Bond Clinic has a 75-year legacy of personalized, community-based care,” said Jennifer Snider, president/CEO for AdventHealth Medical Group West Florida Division. “Together, we will continue to provide exceptional care to Polk County.”

 

American Lung Association releases educational series

FORT LAUDERDALE – A three-part series focused on the prevention of lung disease and advancements in lung health is now available on demand. 

The American Lung Association in Florida recognizes Memorial Healthcare System for its partnership on the South Florida Community Connections speaker series.

Each event featured a Memorial expert leading an interactive conversation on an in-demand subject, from the latest in lung cancer diagnostics and care to addressing teen vaping.

Two installments of South Florida Community Connections are available at https://www.youtube.com/@americanlungassociation.

 

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers babysitting class

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is hosting a Safe Sitter With CPR class to help adolescents ages 11 and older learn the responsibilities of a babysitter. 

The $60 class takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 4 at the hospital, 4211 Van Dyke Road.

The class includes learning about minor to emergency situations, injury prevention, infant/child choking rescue, non-certifying CPR training, safety concerns, appropriate behaviors and activities for children of all ages and how to manage a babysitting business.

Register by visiting BayCareEvents.org or calling 855-314-8352.

The class is through the hospital’s partnership with the BayCare Kids Wellness and Safety Center and St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital.

Call the BayCare Kids Wellness and Safety Center at 813-615-0589 for details on the class.

Business Digest (7/16/25): MyPasco.net wins award

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MyPasco.net wins award

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County received Gold-level recognition in the Horizon Interactive Awards.

MyPasco.net offers real-time updates, essential resources and emergency preparedness guidance.

The award submission highlighted several innovative features, including an interactive pop-up, which provides critical information during emergencies.

“This award reflects the dedication and innovation of our media relations and communications team,” said Media Relations & Communications Director Tambrey Laine. “We put a lot of thought into building a website with you in mind – designing MyPasco.net to be intuitive and to help you easily find the information you need, especially during emergencies.”

On the web: MyPasco.net

 

Hooters opens new location  

THE VILLAGES – The first Hooters location in The Villages celebrated its grand opening July 7 at the Lake Deaton Plaza (700 Kristine Way).  

More than 70 employees have been hired for the location, which is 4,500 square feet inside and includes an outdoor patio. The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

“The residents of the Villages have asked for Hooters, and we are excited to open our doors,” HMC Hospitality Group CEO Neil Kiefer said. “We look forward to serving great food in a fun atmosphere and being a part of The Villages community.”

 In addition to The Villages restaurant, HMC Hospitality Group plans to expand with a Hooters location in Wesley Chapel with the anticipated opening this fall.

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a women’s networking opportunity and a brochure exchange.

  • The Professional Women in Business group meets for networking from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 16 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance.
  • Members exchange company literature during Trinity Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 17 at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., Trinity. 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 18 at the chamber’s Zephyrhills location, 38550 5th Ave., or 8 to 9 a.m. July 22 at the chamber’s Dade City location, 14112 8th St. Register in advance. 

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

 

Chalk Talk (7/16/25): Pasco Education Foundation makes an impact

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Pasco Education Foundation makes an impact

LAND O’ LAKES – School board member Al Hernandez shared some highlights of how the Pasco Education Foundation is working on behalf of students and the community.

Hernandez expressed gratitude for these recent accomplishments: 

  • The foundation provided nearly $25,000 this year to support the Energy & Marine Center, helping more than 540 Title I students attend PEACE Camp this summer. 
  • The foundation’s Wise Supplies center gave out free supplies, impacting 1,600 teachers and 32,000 students at 97 schools during the 2024-25 school year.
  • The foundation awarded $428,000 in scholarships to nearly 200 graduating seniors.

 

Tax offices accept supplies

TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office is supporting the Hillsborough Education Foundation by hosting a school supply drive throughout July. 

All Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s offices will serve as donation drop-off locations, collecting school supplies that will be distributed through the foundation’s Teaching Tools Store. The store provides free supplies to teachers. 

“Every student deserves to walk into their classroom on the first day of school feeling prepared and confident,” said Nancy Millan, tax collector. 

Last year’s drive resulted in over 27,000 donated items.

Most needed items include pencils, pens, crayons, markers, colored pencils, glue sticks, scissors, hand sanitizer, tissues, notebooks, composition books, folders, binders and backpacks.

Visit hillstaxfl.gov for locations. 

 

36 excel on Cambridge exam

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools recognized 36 students July 8 from Anclote, Hudson and Pasco high schools that received Cambridge Learner Awards from Cambridge International Education and Cambridge University Press and Assessment.

Students earned the honor for how well they did in the June 2024 Cambridge exams, according to Sarah Dufresne, supervisor of magnet schools and programs 

Natalia Mouton, of Hudson High School, scored an A on three Cambridge exams to earn the Cambridge Scholar Award for Distinction. 

Another seven students earned the Cambridge Scholar Award with Merit by scoring a B or higher on three exams. Twenty-eight students won the Cambridge Scholar Award by scoring a C or higher on three exams.

 

Tutors receive kudos

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools recognized high school tutors from the RAISE High School Tutoring Program.

Heather Rulison, coordinator for advanced and enriched programs, said RAISE “pairs high school juniors and seniors with kindergarten through third grade students to improve literacy skills and foster a love for reading.”

Tutors not only earn high school credits but also earn a paycheck. 

The district recognized several students July 8 for earning New World Scholar designation for dedicating at least 75 hours to tutoring. Rulison said many of them exceed 200 hours. 

 

USEP boss: ‘We are united’

LAND O’ LAKES – Instructional employees voted to continue having the United School Employees of Pasco represent their interests as a bargaining agent.

Votes were tallied June 27, revealing 98.2% favored USEP, according to President Jeff Larsen. 

“We are certainly pleased but honestly not that surprised by this result,” Larsen said. “We are united. This result simply means that we’ll continue to do what we do. As a united group, we will continue to collectively advocate for better working conditions, benefits and compensation.”

School-related personnel will go through their own voting process.

 

Student achievements

  • David Alejandro Jr., of Land O’ Lakes, made the spring dean’s list at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, for earning a 3.5 GPA or higher. This is the second consecutive semester that the football player has made the list. 
  • Kalani Martin, of Wesley Chapel, graduated with a Doctor of Medical Science degree from the College of Health Professions at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon.
  • Jett Ellen Odom, of Land O’ Lakes,  earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas.

 

Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club helps celebrate July 4

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From patriotic floats and neighborhood pride, the 4th of July Celebration and Parade continues to be a cherished event that reflects the spirit and unity of Lutz. Pictured are Linda Urban, Georgiann Frey, Becky Jenkins and Jennifer Rankin. Photos courtesy of Pennee Bowen

LUTZ – The Lutz community came together in patriotic spirit to celebrate another 4th of July Celebration and Parade, sponsored by the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club and supported by the Lutz Civic Association, Boy Scout Troop 12, Civil Air Patrol, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Lutz Fire Department.

The day started with the annual 5k and 1 mile Fun Run prior to the parade. The Results of the annual Lutz Guv’na race were announced with Becky Jenkins winning the title by collecting the most donations. The three candidates broke the record for the highest dollar amount in Guv’na race history to make the Lutz community the real winner of the day. All the money goes to nonprofits serving Lutz.

Linda Mitchell, Sue Chase, Shirley Wilhite, Pennee Bowen, Aniko Solomson and Dee Knerr

The event also included vendors, food trucks and a food tent run by Boy Scout Troop 12.

The day ended with the annual cake auction. The cakes were donated by community members and were judged in several categories and age groups. After the awards were given, the cakes were auctioned to the highest bidder.

On the web: lutzlandolakeswomansclub.org 

 

County earns Innovation Award for response to opioid crisis

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NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County earned a 2025 Innovation Award for opioid response from the Florida Association of County Health Services Administrators.

Pasco County Government, in partnership with BayCare Behavioral Health Institute, received honors for its strategic use of opioid settlement funds to launch the Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center.  

This new service line within Pasco County’s crisis continuum of care is the first behavioral health urgent care center in Florida, providing immediate support for those in need of mental health and addiction care that may not require intensive intervention.

“This award reflects what’s possible when local government, health care leaders and community partners come together with a shared vision,” said Kathryn Starkey, chair of the Pasco Board of County Commissioners.  “Pasco is proud to lead the way in transforming how we respond to substance use and mental health challenges.”

The Innovation Award recognizes counties that take forward-thinking approaches to public health delivery.  Pasco’s model was selected for its impact, replicability and alignment with long-term solutions to urgent behavioral health needs.

“This new (urgent care center) in Pasco County is an example of what can be achieved when community partners work together toward a common goal,” said Tracey Kaly, clinical operations director for BayCare. “This much-needed resource for the people of Pasco would not have been possible without the county’s proactive leadership and responsible stewardship of opioid settlement funds.”

Since February, Pasco’s urgent care center has served over 600 people. Vulnerable people and families have received critical support regardless of their ability to pay.  

Support for this service comes from the Opioid Fund, Community Development Block Grant and other federal and private funding sources.

Podcast puts spotlight on Pasco’s parks & rec department

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NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County Manager Mike Carballa paid tribute to National Parks and Recreation Month during the 52nd episode of “Pasco Podcast.”

Carballa interviewed Parks Manager Rob Mahler and Assistant Recreation Manager Deanna Baltimore during the episode. 

“From maintaining our beautiful park spaces to hosting programs that bring neighbors together, our parks and recreation team works tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to make Pasco County the perfect place to live, work and of course,” Carballa said during the episode. 

Baltimore said residents would be surprised to learn that the parks and recreation department serves more than 1,000 children through its summer day camp. Mahler mentioned another staggering stat: the department maintains 129 athletic fields, which are in high demand. 

They briefly touched on the parks and recreation department growth.

“The parks are changing so drastically,” Mahler said. “The amount of parks that are coming online – we were talking about this morning in our meeting – I think there’s five of them on the horizon. 

“A rec complex that’s going to be in Dade City and the partnerships that we’re doing to try to get those things there to where it’s going to be multi-use and and service individuals that are part of the city and not just just the county. I think that stuff is awesome, from trying to provide opportunities for people all across the county, whereas the west had been built up before and now the east side’s getting their turn.”

Listen to the rest of the podcast at https://www.youtube.com/@PascoCountyGovernment to hear more about the parks and recreation’s community-centered approach to programming. 

New NICU will feature couplet care rooms

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LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz will open a $2 million, 5,431-square-foot, eight-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on July 15 with “couplet care” rooms. 

The NICU will have two private couplet care rooms, each measuring 525 square feet, where mothers and babies are cared for together. Normally, mothers and babies are separated when babies need to go to the NICU. 

Clearwater’s Morton Plant Hospital recently started couplet care in its NICU.

“Morton Plant Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital-North are the first in the Tampa Bay area to have NICU couplet rooms, and to the best of my knowledge, the first in the state of Florida,”  said Charles Ennis, a BayCare patient services director overseeing several of the health system’s NICUs.  

Ennis noted staffing and physical facility logistics are reasons why NICU couplet rooms are not common.

“Speaking as both a mom and a doctor, it’s a stressful situation for your new baby to require intensive care, but even harder to deal with while you yourself are trying to recover from giving birth,” said Dr. Alisa Pierce-Kee, a BayCare Medical Group pediatrician in Lutz. “It’s emotionally challenging to have your baby out of your sight when you know they are sick. Couplet rooms are so important, to allow the parents respite, and to allow the mother to heal, while seeing with her own eyes that her newborn is getting the best care possible. I’m really proud that our hospital is such a pioneer in this kind of forward-thinking care.”

The NICU will provide specialized 24/7 care for babies born prematurely, underweight or with special health needs and requirements such as IVs, respiratory therapy or other therapies. The Level II NICU will be staffed by neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners and experienced neonatal nurses. The NICU will supplement St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s existing labor and delivery and Mom & Baby maternity services. St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s NICU location is adjacent to the hospital’s Mom & Baby unit and is converted from a space that formerly housed adult medical and surgical patient rooms.

The other NICU rooms that are not couplet care are private for one baby. The private NICU rooms, measuring 280 square feet each, include sleeping accommodations, a bathroom and shower for a parent or another loved one to stay overnight with the baby.

“We’ve seen nationally that birth rates are going down but the needs for NICU beds are increasing,” said Sara Dodds, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North president. “We know that some of that is due to women having babies later in life and women also dealing with more medical issues. We are giving local moms an option to deliver close to home with the availability of a NICU.”

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s Level II NICU can stabilize a baby’s condition and arrange for transport to Tampa’s St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital Level IV NICU if a higher level of care is needed. A Level IV NICU provides the highest level of care.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North will have BayCare’s sixth NICU.  In addition to St. Joseph’s Hospital-North and previously mentioned St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital, BayCare has NICUs at Safety Harbor’s Mease Countryside Hospital (Level III), Clearwater’s Morton Plant Hospital (Level II), Riverview’s St. Joseph’s Hospital-South (Level II) and Winter Haven Women’s Hospital (Level II).  Plant City’s South Florida Baptist Hospital is also adding a Level II NICU later this year.

The addition of the NICU at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is part of the BayCare Kids continuum of care from infancy to adolescence.