The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Chalk Talk (7/9/25): McDonald’s grants fuel school programs

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McDonald’s Golden Grants fuel education programs

TAMPA – Applications are open for the 2025 McDonald’s Golden Grants program. 

McDonald’s owner/operators will be selecting programs that fuel the imagination, education and growth of students in Central Florida, including Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Hillsborough counties.

The grant program has awarded $400,000 in its first four years. This year, grants will be awarded in the amounts of $10,000, $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000 based on creativity and hands-on application of projects. 

Qualifying activities include after-school, arts, community service, education, empowerment, mentorship, sports and technology.

Recipients will be announced in November. 

Apply through Oct. 10 at https://mcdgoldengrants.com/florida/.

 

Student Achievements

  • Jillian Abarca, of Odessa, made the spring dean’s list at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  • David Alejandro, of Land O’ Lakes, made the dean’s honor roll at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas for earning a GPA of 3.6 or higher. 
  • Alexa J. Astete, of Tampa, made the spring dean’s list at Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher. 
  • Anthony Becht, of Wesley Chapel, made the spring dean’s list at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa for earning a GPA from 3.5 to 4.0. Becht majors in communication studies.
  • Alyssa Bongiovann,i of Lutz, made the spring honor roll at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee fo earning a GPA of 3.85 or higher. 
  • Caitlyn Culpepper, of Odessa, made the spring chancellor’s honor roll at University of Mississippi for earning a GPA from 3.75 to 4.0. Culpepper majors in biochemistry.
  • Lyla Gardner, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s honor roll at University of Mississippi for earning a GPA from 3.5 to 3.74. Gardner majors in allied health studies
  • Isabella Gurau, of Dade City, made the spring dean’s list at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa for earning a GPA from 3.5 to 4.0. Gurau majors in animal science.
  • Jessica Loyal, of Egypt Lake, graduated with a degree from Des Moines Area Community College in Des Moines, Iowa. Loyal studied homeland security.
  • Trevor Mayberry, of Odessa, made the spring president’s list at Mississippi State for earning a GPA of 3.8 or higher. 
  • JoAna Mucklow, of Odessa, made the spring chancellor’s honor roll at University of Mississippi for earning a GPA from 3.75 to 4.0. Mucklow majors in finance. 
  • Gennaro Scarfogliero, of Odessa, ,made the spring dean’s list at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  • Brady Stauffer, of Land O’ Lakes, made the spring semester dean’s list at Des Moines Area Community College in Des Moines, Iowa for earning a GPA from 3.5 to 3.99. Stauffer studies exercise science.
  • Adia Symmonds, of Lutz, made the spring president’s list at Mississippi State for earning a GPA of 3.8 or higher. 
  • Kelli White, of Odessa, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from SUNY Canton in Canton, New York.

 

Quick Hits

  • Pasco County Schools is registering people through July 22 for its Citizens’ Academy, an eight-session program that shows what goes on at the district. 
  • Fred K. Marchman Technical College students Nina Austin and Dallas Raymond were among medalists at the National SkillsUSA Championships, according to Pasco County Schools.
  • Victory High Schools is looking for players and sponsors for its annual charity golf tournament Nov. 17 at  Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club in Palm Harbor. 

 

Health & Wellness (7/9/25): Class helps busy parents-to-be

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Busy parents-to-be benefit from this childbirth class

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is holding a free, one-day Comprehensive Childbirth Class designed for busy parents-to-be who want a one-session presentation that covers the basics.

The class takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 26 in a hospital classroom, 4211 Van Dyke Road, Lutz.

Registered nurse-certified childbirth educators teach new parents about labor and birth and provide an overview of breastfeeding and newborn care. The class includes a tour of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s labor and delivery rooms, mother and baby rooms and new NICU. 

Register by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the July 26 class listing. Register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.

 

EPIC moving location

CLEARWATER – EPIC (Empath Partners in Care), a member of Empath Health, announced its Clearwater location is moving to a more convenient center designed to better serve the community. 

Starting July 14, EPIC will welcome clients in its new home at 4600 140th Ave. N., Suite 220, Clearwater.

The new location is easily accessible via Bus Route 52.

EPIC’s current office (5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater) will close as operations will fully transition to the updated space. 

Clients will continue to have access to EPIC’s services, including HIV testing, mental health services, housing assistance, food pantry and pharmacy.

Joy Winheim, president of EPIC, said the move makes it easier for people to get the help they need. 

On the web: myEPIC.org

 

AdventHealth expands bariatric surgery options

DAVENPORT – AdventHealth is expanding in Polk County with the opening of a newly enhanced AdventHealth Medical Group Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery in Davenport. 

The space will allow Dr. Shiva Seetahal, the opportunity to see and help even more patients.

The expansion to the office, located at 410 Lionel Way Suite 204 in Davenport, opened June 30. It features five exam rooms, a medication room and lab and additional space for more providers to help care for patients.

Nearly one in three Floridians are overweight or obese, an increase of nearly 2% from the year before, according to the Florida Department of Health. Studies show weight loss and bariatric surgery care can reduce conditions such as type II diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

 

Hospital helps with drive

LAKE PLACID – Hundreds of families in need in the Lake Placid area got a share of more than 7,600 pounds of food through a partnership between AdventHealth and United Way Central Florida. 

It was all done through the United Way End Hunger Initiative, an effort to ensure families in need across Highlands County have access to nutritional meals amid rising food costs.  

On June 26, AdventHealth leaders and team members joined the United Way of Central Florida and volunteers from the South Oak First Baptist Church to hand out food at the church. Dozens of people had their cars lined up hours before the event so they could get food.

 

BayCare hires chief medical information officer 

CLEARWATER – BayCare has named Patrick Brown as vice president and chief medical information officer. 

Brown is responsible for upholding the strong relationship between the medical staff and the information services department, ensuring that communications are effective and the interests of both groups are translated appropriately.

Prior to joining BayCare, Brown served as vice president and CMIO of Centra Health in Lynchburg.

“He’s a talented informaticist who values relationships,” Chief Information Officer Lynnette Clinton said. “His expertise will guide the use of our clinical systems into the future.”

 

Baycare hires CTO

CLEARWATER – BayCare has named Philip Karp as vice president and chief technology officer. 

As BayCare’s new CTO, Karp is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of infrastructure hardware and software technologies, clinical engineering operations and governance, platform currency, and operational excellence to ensure audit readiness and security/service excellence for the enterprise infrastructure.

“My focus will be on amplifying our current strengths while introducing new innovations that advance our operational capabilities,” Karp said. “Our shared goal is clear: develop secure, reliable solutions that give clinical staff the technology they need to provide exceptional patient care and directly support BayCare’s mission.”

Prior to joining BayCare, Karp served as vice president of IT architecture and infrastructure at NYU Langone Health in New York City. 

 

Business Digest (7/9/25): Training helps landscaping pros

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Training helps landscaping pros

DADE CITY – The UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service is offering Green Industry Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) Training designed for landscaping professionals who apply fertilizers commercially.

The event takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 22 at UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County, 36702 County Road 52, Dade City. Advance registration is required at mypas.co/PascoGIBMPJul25.  

The training costs $30 for green industry professionals and $20 for Pasco County Government, school board and other municipal employees. All participants must have a government-issued photo ID and a pre-paid ticket for admission. Lunch will not be provided.

 

MarineMax supports townhome build

OLDSMAR – MarineMax celebrated the dedication of its eighth and ninth homes in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, supporting two families as they worked toward homeownership.

Each year, employees from across the company trade their desks for tool belts, working side by side with Habitat families to frame, paint and build homes from the ground up.

“Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity is one of the most meaningful things we do,” said Beth Garland, senior vice president of people strategy at MarineMax. “Getting to know the families, rolling up our sleeves and building something together – it’s incredibly rewarding for all of us.”

This year’s homeowners are a preschool director with three daughters as well as a dialysis technician and mother of eight. 

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host a Business Breakfast and Coffee & Networking events.

  • Members mingle during the Business Breakfast from 7 to 8:30 a.m. July 10 at Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills. Admission costs $15. Register in advance. 
  • Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. July 11 at the chamber’s Zephyrhills location, 38550 5th Ave., or 8 to 9 a.m. July 15 at the chamber’s Dade City location, 14112 8th St. Register in advance. 

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

 

Equestrian estate sells for $3.65M

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ODESSA – An equestrian estate at 19144 Huckavalle Road has sold for $3,650,000, achieving the highest-priced residential transaction in the 33556 zip code so far this year. 

The sale was represented by Karen Hegemeier and Alee Douglass of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s South Tampa office.

“This extraordinary property offered a rare blend of refined living, equestrian excellence and unparalleled natural beauty,” Hegemeier and Douglass said in a statement. “A sale of this caliber reflects the growing demand for private estates that provide both luxury and a meaningful connection to the land.”

The estate is tucked between the Lake Frances and Lake Dan Nature Preserves and bordered by 1,000 acres of Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program land. It spans more than 10 acres and features a custom-built main residence, a separate guest house and two expansive barns.

The main residence is situated on just over five acres. Its open floor plan leads to walls of hurricane-rated glass doors framing uninterrupted views of the pool and protected land. The chef’s kitchen is the heart of the home. There’s also a  primary suite and four guest bedrooms.

The lanai allows for alfresco entertaining with an outdoor fireplace and summer kitchen. The resort-style pool and spa feature a mineral filtration system, sunning deck and customizable lighting. 

The 20-stall barn offers functionality with baths, storage rooms and a configuration tailored for equestrian use.

Adjacent to the main home, the guest house rests on its own 5.49-acre parcel and encompasses 1,555 square feet with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a deck and a two-car garage. 

A second barn, complete with electrical, plumbing and a large concrete pad for equipment, is also located on this parcel. 

Tiny Teeth Matter campaign promotes early dental care

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Premier Community HealthCare introduced its newest team member, Dr. Flossy, to reinforce the message of early dental care. Dr. Flossy stands with the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco/Hernando CEO Steve Knobl. Photo courtesy of Premier Community HealthCare

DADE CITY, – Tooth decay remains the most common chronic childhood disease in America, yet it’s nearly 100% preventable. That’s the message behind Tiny Teeth Matter, a new community initiative led by Premier Community HealthCare in partnership with the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties.

“We were starting to see tooth decay in younger children,” said Cheryl Pollock, chief advancement and community engagement officer with Premier Community HealthCare. “It really led us to look at how we educate families and those that care for children about the importance of early dental care. The vast majority of parents really didn’t know when to start.”

With nearly one in five children ages 5 to 11 experiencing untreated cavities, the initiative focuses on reaching kids early, before dental problems begin, through education, outreach and access to preventive care.

“Our goal is to instill lifelong oral hygiene habits starting from the toddler years,” said Dr. Tara Milligan, chief dental officer at Premier Community HealthCare. “Tiny teeth really do matter. By teaching families how to care for them, we’re setting children up for a healthier future.” 

Milligan said parents can reinforce good dental habits even before the first tooth arrives by wiping a wet rag across the gums after a child eats.

Through its collaboration with the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, Tiny Teeth Matter is engaging early childhood educators and families with fun, age-appropriate tools to make dental care a part of daily routines.

Experts say early and regular dental checkups play a crucial role in maintaining lifelong oral health. 

That’s why Premier Community HealthCare is making Tiny Teeth Matter visits to contracted childcare centers in Pasco and Hernando counties. 

“This partnership helps make oral health education more accessible not only to our young learners, but also to their families,” said Sherri Sabadishin, organizational and public engagement supervisor with Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties. “We truly appreciate the opportunity to connect children and parents with this important health resource and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our communities.”

The initiative Includes:

  • Dental health education in early learning classrooms, preschool centers, and youth-serving programs.
  • Free Tiny Teeth Matter kits, including dental educational materials for families.
  • In-school dental screenings and fluoride treatments in partnership with local preschool, voluntary prekindergarten providers and youth-serving programs.
  • Parent workshops on nutrition and at-home care.

Funded in part by Gulfcoast North AHEC, the program also addresses disparities in access to dental care, with a special focus on early childhood centers and youth-serving programs throughout Pasco and Hernando counties.

Dental health is linked to speech development, academic success and overall well-being. By reaching children early, Tiny Teeth Matter aims to prevent the pain, missed school days and costly treatments that result from untreated dental issues.

“We’re proud to work alongside community partners to ensure every child has the knowledge, tools and support they need to grow up with a healthy smile,” said Nicole Kelly, CEO at Gulfcoast North AHEC.

 

News Briefs (7/2/25): Theater highlights Hitchcock

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Theater highlights Hitchcock

TAMPA – Tampa Theatre will highlight popular films of director Alfred Hitchcock during its “Big Picture” movie series in July.

July’s Big Picture lineup includes:

  • “Vertigo” (1958) / PG – 7:30 p.m. July 2           
  • “Strangers on a Train” (1951) / PG – 7:30 p.m. July 9                 
  • “The Man Who Knew Too Much” (1956) / PG – 7:30 p.m. July 16 
  • “North By Northwest” (1959) / PG – 7:30 p.m. July 23         
  • “Rear Window” (1954) / PG – 7:30 p.m. July 30               

Big Picture tickets cost $7 for Tampa Theatre members and $10 for others. Get them at the Franklin Street Box Office and at tampatheatre.org.

 

Operation Dry Water kicks off July 4

CLEARWATER – Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies will join forces July 4 to 6 for Operation Dry Water, a campaign to combat boating under the influence. Now in its 17th year, this effort focuses on enforcement and education to prevent alcohol- and drug-related boating incidents.

Operation Dry Water was launched in 2009 by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard. Each year, officers nationwide conduct saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints, breathalyzer tests and outreach efforts to remind boaters of the risks and consequences of impaired operation.

On the web: uscgauxclearwater.com

 

Craft festival set for Sponge Docks

TARPON SPRINGS – The Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Craft Festival features a curated showcase of handmade arts and crafts, gifts and artisan goods from regional and national makers.

The festival returns July 12 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  and July 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sponge Docks of Tarpon Springs, 735 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs. Admission is free. The event is family- and pet-friendly.

The event is presented by The Tarpon Springs Merchant’s Association and produced by SIK Promotions Inc.  

“Events like this not only give artists a chance to connect directly with shoppers but also support the cultural and economic vitality of Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks,” said Suzanne King, owner of SIK Promotions. 

Vendor opportunities are also available. Artists and crafters interested in exhibiting must apply through the official SIK Promotions website at www.sikpromotions.com.

 

Hillsborough seeks applications for DOGE committee

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Hillsborough County Commissioners are seeking residents to serve on the newly created Hillsborough DOGE Liaison Committee.

Residents interested in seeking appointment must reside in and be registered voters in Hillsborough County. These are voluntary positions and members serve without compensation. 

Each prospective member shall possess at least one of the following educational credentials: accountant, economist, finance professional, certified auditor, IT professional and human resources professional.  

Citizens must submit an application/questionnaire, standards of conduct form and resume. Applications are due by close of business July 9. 

 

HART updates routes

TAMPA – The Hillsborough Transit Authority implemented service changes to several HART routes on June 22, to improve operational efficiency and the customer experience.

Affected routes are 1, 14, 16, 36 and 39. 

The TECO Line Streetcar will operate every 15 minutes, 7 days a week.

On the web: goHART.org 

Health & Wellness (7/2/25): Woman battles rare illness 

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Woman recounts battle with rare illness 

DAVENPORT –  Alice Saunders went to AdventHealth Heart of Florida Sports Medicine Rehab for physical therapy in January when she and staff members noticed something was wrong. 

She was having a Myasthenia Gravis attack. The rare neuromuscular, autoimmune disorder causes extreme fatigue and can cause certain muscles to be weak. 

Saunders was rushed to AdventHealth Heart of Florida and spent several days in the ICU.

“I was put on a massive amount of antibiotics. Praise God, I thank him for this day. If it wasn’t for the people at sports medicine recognizing that I wasn’t doing well, I would have died,” Saunders said.

More than 70,000 people are diagnosed with the disorder in the United States, according to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation. The foundation says the illness is more common in adults with women under 40 and men over 60 more likely to be diagnosed with it. It has no cure, but there are treatments to manage symptoms, which include drooping eyelids, double vision, trouble smiling, trouble breathing or swallowing, extremely weak arms, hands or legs, profound tiredness and impeded mobility and movement.

“Myasthenia Gravis is a complex and often debilitating disorder that can drastically alter a patient’s quality of life,” said Kepler Francois, the clinical operations manager at AdventHealth Heart of Florida Sports Medicine and Rehab. “Our team has seen the toll it takes physically, emotionally and mentally. I am thankful that our team was able to recognize that Ms. Saunders was in distress and quickly get her the help she needed.”

 

BayCare exec’s role expands

CLEARWATER – C. Todd Jones, chief ambulatory services officer, is stepping into an expanded role at BayCare Health System. He’ll have the dual title of chief strategy officer and chief ambulatory services officer. 

Jones joined BayCare in 2018. He has played a pivotal role in expanding BayCare’s outpatient footprint, adding multiple ambulatory care sites across West Central Florida, including the Tampa Bay area. 

Ambulatory services include laboratory, home care, imaging, ambulatory surgery, telehealth and urgent care. 

“Todd has proven time and again to be an asset to BayCare as someone who welcomes and nurtures new ideas and excels at executing them,” President and CEO Stephanie Conners said. “He has long been an informal strategy leader for BayCare and is a natural choice for this role.”

 

Supply drive supports domestic violence survivors

TAMPA – Elite DNA Behavioral Health partnered with five local shelters and organizations in May to host a supply drive collecting over 1,500 items.

The drive supported the organization’s efforts in recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month and collected cleaning, home, hygiene and self-care items. 

The collection efforts spanned six Elite DNA offices in Brandon, Brooksville, Carrollwood, Lakeland, Largo and Wesley Chapel and supported organizations like Dawn Center of Hernando County, Hope for Her, Peace River Center, The Spring of Tampa Bay and Sunrise of Pasco County.

“The effects of domestic violence on physical, emotional and mental well-being are significant, and we’re honored to support these local organizations and the life-changing work they’re doing for those in our community,” said Elizabeth Dosoretz, CEO of Elite DNA Behavioral Health.

On the web: EliteDNA.com

 

Men, take charge of your heath before an emergency

WASHINGTON, DC – The American College of Emergency Physicians urges every man to prioritize their health to help prevent a medical emergency.

“Never put off a doctors’ visit until your health concerns become too severe to ignore,” said Dr. Alison Haddock, president of ACEP. “Getting regular check-ups and recognizing when it is time to go to the emergency department are two ways to take charge of your health that may save your life.”

The nation’s emergency physicians share these suggestions for men: schedule routine check-ups and screenings, avoid preventable injuries, know when to go to the emergency department, and prioritize mental health. 

“We have to normalize men talking about their health,” said Dr. Haddock. “Making healthy choices today and building healthy habits will go a long way toward preventing a medical emergency.”

On the web: acep.org and emergencyphysicians.org

 

Moms can get support 

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers free in-person support groups and classes in July about breastfeeding and newborn care. 

The events are open to all no matter which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your children. Events are held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 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. Offered July 10 and 24, 10 to 11 a.m.
  • Understanding Your Newborn – Provides information to the expectant mother and one support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. Offered July 10, 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Understanding Breastfeeding – 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. Offered July 24, 1 to 5 p.m.

Register in advance by visiting BayCareEvents.org or calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.

 

Get answers on Medicare

  1. 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.

SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential. Counselors do not sell anything.

Counselors can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.

Here are some upcoming programs: 

Medicare Basics

  • July 3 at 10 a.m. at New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-853-1279.
  • July 19 at 10 a.m. at Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214.
  • July 24 at noon at Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576

Medicare Fraud Prevention

  • July 8 at 1 p.m. at New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375.
  • July 31 at 1 p.m. at Seminole Community Library, 9200 113th St. N., Seminole. 727-394-6922.

Medicare 101

  • July 2 at noon at Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-587-6715 ext. 2508.
  • July 3 at 10:30 a.m. at New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375.
  • July 16 at 11 a.m. at Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669.
  • July 16 at 1 p.m. at Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S. Gulfport. 727-893-1073.

 

 

Business Digest (7/2/25): Radio host signs off  

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Radio host signs off  

TAMPA – Classical radio host Russell Gant has retired from WUSF and WSMR public radio, capping a career in broadcasting that began 42 years ago when he was a University of South Florida music student who worked in the early years of public radio in Tampa Bay. 

The station celebrated Gant’s career with a special broadcast.

“Perhaps no voice on our airwaves is more closely tied to the origin and the heart of WUSF and WSMR than Russell Gant,” WUSF General Manager JoAnn Urofsky said. “Russell is and has been a leading light in classical music throughout our region, beloved both here at the station and among listeners across our region.”

Among pieces that Gant helped select for his final day on the air were Gabriele Faure’s “Pavane Op. 50,” Gustav Holst’s “Planets: Jupiter Op. 32,” Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake Suite Op. 20,” Giacomo Puccini’s “Turandot: Nessun Dorma” and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Serenade No. 10 for Winds in B-Flat.”

“Time for me to ride off in the sunset,” Gant told listeners. “Thank you for all these years. It’s been an honor and privilege to share this music with you … and may I say, farewell my friends.”

 

Building services gets nod

PASCO COUNTY –  Pasco’s Building Construction Services Department has earned accreditation from the International Accreditation Service. 

Pasco is the only county in its population range (500K – 1M) to receive this distinction.

“This prestigious honor reflects the department’s unwavering dedication to our community,” Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said. 

International Accreditation Service accreditation places Pasco in a group of about 30 building departments nationwide that operate with the highest standards, including permitting, plan reviews, inspections and code enforcement.

An independent authority performed on-site assessments and reviews of competence and quality management industry standards. 

On the web: mypas.co/BuildingConstruction

 

Workforce sees expansion

TALLAHASSEE – FloridaCommerce announced June 20 that Florida’s total private sector employment increased by 22,900 (+0.3%) jobs from the previous month. Florida’s manufacturing sector gained 1,100 jobs in May 2025.

Florida’s private sector job growth rate has exceeded the national rate for 48 of the last 50 months since April 2021. The industry that gained the most jobs in May 2025 was the professional and business services sector, adding 7,100 jobs; followed by trade, transportation and utilities, adding 4,800 jobs; education and health services, adding 4,600 jobs; and leisure and hospitality, adding 4,100 jobs.

 

Career Source offers job-seekers help with search

HOLIDAY – Career Source offers assistance with employment searches, resume writing, interviewing preparation, EmployFlorida assistance and more at Centennial Park Library. 

Upcoming sessions include 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, July 8 and 15, as well as Thursdays, July 10 and 17, at the library, located at 5740 Moog Road, Holiday.

Call the library at 727-834-3204 for details.

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host a Business Breakfast and Coffee & Networking events.

  • Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. July 8 at the chamber’s Dade City location, 14112 8th St. Register in advance. 
  • Members meet up for networking at the Business Breakfast from 7 to 8:30 a.m. July 10 at Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills. Entry costs $15. Register in advance. 

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

 

Quick Hits

  • North Tampa Bay Chamber chats with Will Atkins, founder of  Cinn-Credible Cinnamon Packets, during the latest “Chamber Chatter” podcast.
  • AAA projects 4.6 million Floridians will travel domestically during the Independence Day holiday period, including 4 million by auto, 329,762 by air and 203,629 by other modes like buses, trains or cruises.

Chalk Talk (7/2/25): PHSC wins at FBLA conference

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PHSC wins at FBLA conference

NEW PORT RICHEY – Students from Pasco-Hernando State College’s Future Business Leaders of America won top prizes at the National Leadership Conference. 

The conference provided business-related education, competition and networking opportunities from May 31 to June 2 in Dallas, Texas.

More than 890 students from nearly 150 schools in 27 states and territories competed in 38 business-related events for cash prizes totaling over $45,000. 

PHSC’s FBLA chapter earned the following awards and placements:

  • Distinguished Chapter – Ranked third in the nation and top-ranked Distinguished Chapter among state/community colleges in the nation.
  • Future Business Leaders of America Gold Seal Chapter.
  • Curtis Scaglione – Outstanding Local Adviser.
  • Krista Knowles – Third Place – Business Communications.
  • Kevin Backitis – Fifth Place – Computer Applications.
  • Emmalise Feliciano – Seventh Place – Future Business Leaders Executive.
  • Matthew Gerlack – Eighth Place – Computer Applications.
  • Emmalise Feliciano, Kiara Carlos, and Caleb Grossenbacher – Ninth Place – State of the Chapter.
  • Samantha Mutter (University of South Florida, PHSC alumna) – Ninth Place – Emerging Business Issues.

PHSC’s FBLA co-advisors Ron McCullough and Curtis Scaglione were proud of the students.

“I always knew you were all destined to become great leaders,” Scaglione said. “I never could have imagined it would happen so soon. I see it from you all every day.”

 

Student Achievements

  • Tiana Alfsen, of Wesley Chapel, made the spring semester dean’s list at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, Wisconsin.
    • Kenza Brown, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at Kennesaw State University at Kennesaw, Georgia for earning a 3.5 GPA or higher. Kenza majors in psychology.
  • Jace Druschel, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list Baldwin Wallace University at Berea, Ohio for 3.8 GPA or higher. 
  • Luke Jackson, of Tampa, earned a juris doctor from Mercer University’s School of Law  in Macon, Georgia. 
  • Owen Libby, of Wesley Chapel, graduated from Loras College  in Dubuque, Iowa.
  • Rachael Plunk, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at the University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphia, Maryland for earning a 3.5 GPA or higher. 
  • Olivia St. Clair, of Lutz, earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut. 
  • Jalen Stevens, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at the University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphia, Maryland for earning a 3.5 GPA or higher. 

 

Quick Hits

  • Shawn Millard, of Land O’ Lakes High School, earned Tampa Bay Buccaneers Girls Flag Coach Of The Year, according to Pasco County Schools.
  • Seven Springs Middle School announced that Alyssa Quina is the new principal and Ruth Jackson and Kailin Montgomery are new assistant principals.
  • Pasco-Hernando State College observed its 50th anniversary on June 19. 
  • The Rotary Club of New Port Richey donated to the PHSC Foundation for the Dr. David Garner Shelton and Family Memorial Scholarship. 
  • The Brooksville Rotary Club donated to the PHSC Foundation for the Dr. Richard Trump – Rotary Club of Brooksville Scholarship. 

 

Letter: Students with disabilities need summer programming

By

I am the parent of a child receiving special education services and an engaged member of the Pasco County community.

I am writing to raise a concern shared by many families in our district: the lack of accessible summer programming for students with disabilities. While many families rely on camps and structured enrichment programs during the summer months, students like mine are often left without any safe or suitable options.

Like many other parents, I made the necessary decision to leave my career in order to care for my child during the summer, because no available programs could safely support them.

But this issue goes beyond summer. My child, and many others, have already been effectively excluded from magnet programs, many charter schools, and even our neighborhood schools. And while “school choice” is often promoted, the reality is that parents like me are left with very few nearby options, and may need to commute up to 45 minutes each way just to reach a school equipped to meet our child’s needs.

We are not asking for special treatment; we are asking for thoughtful planning and consistent support.

I respectfully ask:

  • Are there any current plans to create summer programs that support students with disabilities? • Has the district explored community partnerships or available funding to help make these programs possible?
  • What steps are in place to ensure students receiving special education services are supported throughout the entire year, not just during the school year?

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I would welcome the opportunity to participate in any future discussions or planning efforts around this topic. I am confident that, together, we can work toward solutions that reflect our community’s commitment to all of its children.

Parent and community advocate Carmen Singleton sent this open letter to the Pasco County school board and the community.