The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

YMCA to build branch in Wesley Chapel

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WESLEY CHAPEL – The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA plans to build a $35 million branch to serve the Wesley Chapel area. 

The new YMCA is expected to open in summer 2026 at 4379 Wellbeing Way, at the southwest corner of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and Eagleston Boulevard. 

Stephanie Conners, president and CEO for BayCare Health System, said the land for the new YMCA was made possible through a lease with her organization. 

“With our newly opened Wesley Chapel hospital, BayCare saw the YMCA as a natural partner. Both organizations have a shared mission to improve the overall health and well-being of our communities,” Conners said. “We are excited to have them as our neighbor and to work together to bring new resources to Wesley Chapel.”

This Y will serve as a community hub, empowering people to live their healthiest lives.

The branch will include a main family facility building, an aquatic center with a lap pool, a teaching pool and a family adventure pool. There will be a child watch area, spa-inspired locker rooms, group exercise studios and a wellness floor with fitness options.  

The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA said the new branch will improve the health and well-being of the community in the following ways: 

  • Create more than 300 new jobs.
  • Reduce accidental drowning by teaching kids to swim and be safe around water.
  • Help reduce the obesity epidemic in adults and children by offering the community chronic disease prevention programs.
  • Give the nearly 20,000 nearby seniors a welcoming place where they can exercise, socialize and celebrate health.
  • Strengthen and support cancer survivors and their families through the Y’s Survivorship & Wellness Program Powered by Moffitt.
  • Nurture the potential of the more than 27,000 youth who live within minutes of the project by offering after-school care, youth sports, summer camps and teen leadership programs .
  • Create a community “hub” by offering the more than 40,000 households who live within minutes of the location a place to connect and be healthy.

“Every community deserves a great YMCA where kids can grow in health and confidence, adults can progress along their path to better well-being, and seniors can thrive in a welcoming social environment,” said Matt Mitchell, president and CEO of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA. “We are excited and look forward to engaging the growing Wesley Chapel area.”

 

Health & Wellness (5/28/25): Hospital offers robotic system

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Hospital offers robotic system

WESLEY CHAPEL – AdventHealth now offers Aquablation therapy with the new HYDROS Robotic System, a next-generation platform to treat men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia, commonly known as an enlarged prostate. 

Aquablation therapy, now delivered by an AI-powered robotic system, is clinically proven to provide BPH symptom relief while preserving sexual function and continence across prostates of all shapes and sizes.

“AdventHealth Wesley Chapel remains at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, while providing whole-person care,” said Dr. Bob Rosequist, chief medical officer of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. 

Common indicators that a man may be experiencing BPH are the need to urinate immediately or urgently, urinating more often than normal and urinating frequently at night. Without timely treatment, BPH can lead to severe health issues such as permanent bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones and incontinence.

 

Hospital salutes EMS staff

ZEPHYRHILLS – AdventHealth Zephyrhills recognized EMS employees May 19 as part of National Emergency Medical Services Week.

National EMS Week, observed annually in May, is a time to show appreciation for EMS professionals who dedicate their lives to providing critical, life-saving care during emergencies.  

“EMS providers are true heroes who step up every day with courage and compassion,” AdventHealth Zephyrhills President and CEO Mike Murrill said. “This ceremony is an opportunity to thank them publicly and recognize the impact they make not only in the hospital setting but throughout our community.”

 

Credit Union invests in future of healthcare  

TAMPA – USF Credit Union and AdventHealth University are launching a new partnership that fuels the future of healthcare by supporting students, enhancing academic excellence and equipping tomorrow’s caregivers with essential financial skills.

As part of the partnership, USF Credit Union is investing $150,000 to help fund scholarships for students attending AdventHealth University’s new Tampa campus, expanding access to high-demand healthcare careers in nursing and more.

The credit union will also provide customized financial wellness programs to support students as they pursue their education.

In January 2025, AdventHealth University Tampa welcomed its first cohort of nursing students to its state-of-the-art classrooms and simulation labs at 14055 Riveredge Drive.

 

Moms can get support 

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

The events are open to all no matter which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your children. All events are held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North classrooms, located at 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 June 12 and 26, 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 June 12, 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 healthcare provider or lactation consultant. Offered June 26, 1 to 5 p.m.

Register in advance by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the group or class you are interested in attending. You can also register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.

Heritage Arts Center Association awards two scholarships

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Pasco County students Colette Hanke and Lindsey Overland show off award-winning work. Photo courtesy of Heritage Arts Center Association

DADE CITY – The Heritage Arts Center Association gives a $1,000 Nereim Fine Arts Award each year in honor and memory of founding members Gordon and Jean Nereim.

Their love of the arts lives on through this award. Talented seniors in Pasco County schools submit artwork (paintings, sculpture, drawing or photography) each spring to be considered. 

Due to a generous grant from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation this year, the organization was able to present $1,000 art awards to seniors Colette Hanke and Lindsey Overland.

Colette, of Academy at the Lakes, has had a fascination with art since childhood. Colette submitted an acrylic painting, created to experiment with the “cell shading” style.  She used a white charcoal pencil to sketch out the piece and then blocked out the light and shadow for the process. Her painting depicted an artist’s workspace, with a blank canvas – suggesting the endless possibilities of creation. Her teacher is Matthew Paltoo.  

Lindsey’s primary field of interest is illustration. The Cypress Creek High School senior plans to attend Ringling College of Art and Design. She submitted a mixed media piece of birds with pearl craft stickers on canvas, which reflected the theme of femininity and connectedness. Her teacher is Zach Krieder

Because of the large number and quality of entries this year, the Heritage Arts Center Association also named Brianna Mercado and Alenna Raza as Honorable Mention artists.  

The Heritage Arts Center Association will feature these four artists at the Moonlight and Ivory concert and art show held Nov. 1 at Dade City’s Woman’s Club. 

On the web: heritagearts.org

 

Florida SBDC at USF gives out awards to top performers

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Florida SBDC at USF earned the SBA 2025 Small Business Development Center of the Year award. Photo courtesy of Florida SBDC at USF
Dr. Nick Bottaro, of Beatific Vision in Odessa, accepts the award for SBDC Fastest Growth Business of the Year. Photo courtesy of Florida SBDC at USF

TAMPA – The Florida Small Business Development Center at University of South Florida recognized top professionals May 14 during the 2025 Florida SBDC at USF Annual Business Awards.
Winners are now eligible for Florida SBDC Network state awards. State award winners will be announced at the Network’s Annual Conference this coming August in Tampa.
During the awards, the Florida SBDC at USF was also recognized with the SBA 2025 Small Business Development Center of the Year Award by the U.S Small Business Administration.
“Our Florida SBDC at USF Annual Business Awards continues to be a great opportunity to celebrate entrepreneurship and recognize the Florida SBDC professionals who help businesses in our 10-county Tampa Bay region thrive,” said Carl Hadden, regional director of the Florida SBDC at USF. “We are fortunate enough to have a dedicated team, who worked tirelessly to make this a successful event, and honored to have been selected as the 2025 State of Florida SBDC Center of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.”
Below is a list of all the award winners.

Florida SBDC Performance Awards
• Team Spirit of the Year: Bill Burnham
• Rising Star of the Year: Debra Schweikowsky
• Performance Excellence Award: Randy Hayes
• Ambassador of the Year Award: Stephanie Ordonez
• Resource Partner of the Year: Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce
• Graduate Student Team Project of the Year: Lithium Battery Company (University of Tampa)
• Undergraduate Student Team Project of the Year: Pinoy Cravings (Florida Southern College)

Florida SBDC at USF Small Business Awards
• SBDC Start Up Business of the Year: ABA on Demand LLC
• SBDC Export Business of the Year: Collective Circularity LLC
• SBDC Businessperson of the Year: Salty Roots Salon, LLC
• SBDC Veteran-Owned Business of the Year: Spectrum Custom Molds and Manufacturing
• SBDC Fastest Growth Business of the Year: Siloam Medical dba Beatific Vision
• SBDC Government Contractor of the Year: Onyx Cleaning Services, LLC
• SBDC Woman-Owned Business of the Year: Little Law, P.A.

SBA Small Business Awards
• SBA 2025 Small Business Development Center of the Year: Florida SBDC at USF
• SBA 2025 South Florida District & State Exporter of the Year: Yo Mama’s Foods Co.
• SBA 2025 South Florida District & State Small Businessperson of the Year: Point Summit
• SBA 2025 South Florida District Veteran Business Owner of the Year: PVM, Inc.
• 2025 Top SBA Certified Development Company Lender: Florida Development Corporation
• 2025 Top Lender by Number of Loans to Rural Businesses: SouthState Bank
On the web: sbdctampabay.com/award/

News Briefs (5/21/25): Pasco plans for disaster recovery

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Pasco publishes draft action plan for disaster recovery

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resources Better Future Action Plan is now available for public review. 

The plan outlines how nearly $586 million in federal funding will be used to rebuild and strengthen the community following Hurricanes Idalia, Helene and Milton.

The county was scheduled to hold public feedback workshops on May 19 and 20 but those who couldn’t attend can submit feedback before June 12 at mypas.co/BetterFuture.

 

Richey Suncoast Theatre launches Summer Fundraiser

NEW PORT RICHEY – Richey Suncoast Theatre has launched its 2025 Summer Fundraiser in hopes of raising $30,000 to safeguard summer operations, staff and youth programming. 

This year’s appeal comes at a critical moment for small community theaters. With state and federal arts and culture funding increasingly frozen, seasonal slowdowns and lingering impacts from recent hurricanes affecting local ticket sales, theaters like Richey Suncoast face pressure to continue delivering their mission with limited resources.

Funds raised will go toward retaining core staff, ensuring the stability required to maintain programs, including youth theatre camps and family productions.

“By contributing to our Summer Fundraiser, you’re investing in the dedicated team that powers this theater,” said Angela Saabia, board president. “Your support ensures we can continue to inspire, educate and entertain.”

Learn more and donate at https://ci.ovationtix.com/36105/store/donations/55670.

On the web: richeysuncoasttheatre.com 

 

10th annual Zephyrhills SummerFest returns June 28

ZEPHYRHILLS – Florida Penguin Productions is looking for sponsors and event partners for the 10th annual Zephyrhills SummerFest. 

The event takes place from 2 to 9 p.m. June 28 at Zephyr Lake Park, 38116 5th Ave. It will include DJs, children’s contests, vendor market, food trucks, games and fireworks at dark. 

Proceeds from the Kids Zone will benefit SVB Tennis Foundation.

Contact or 727-674-1464 for more information. 

 

Sign up for parade

LUTZ – This year’s Lutz 4th of July Celebration takes on the theme “Lutz Salutes You!! It’s a Star Spangled 2025!”

The celebration includes the Lutz Independence Day 5K (7:30 a.m.), Lutz Independence Day 1 Mile Fun Run (8:15 a.m.), 5K Race awards (8:30 a.m.), Flag Ceremony (9 a.m.) and parade (10 a.m.) at 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road. 

Organizers are registering participants and vendors. There is no charge to participate but there is a small fee for a vendor space. 

Parade float registration is at https://bit.ly/LutzParadeFloatEntry25.

Vendor registration is at https://bit.ly/LutzParadeVendors25

There is also a cake contest, sponsored by the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, with entries for best decorated and tasting as well as most patriotic. 

On the web: https://lutzparade.com

 

Nanjiani ain’t afraid of no ghosts or performing on stage

TAMPA – Comedian Kumail Nanjiani is bringing his Doing This Again Tour to Tampa Theatre.
The show starts at 7 p.m. Nov. 15 at Tampa Theatre. Tickets range from $38.50 to $58.50 plus applicable taxes and fees. 

Nanjiani recently won a SAG Award for his recurring role in the fourth season of the hit Hulu series “Only Murders in the Building” and earned an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Chippendales founder Somen “Steve” Banerjee in Hulu’s limited series, “Welcome to Chippendales,” for which he also served as an executive producer.

Recently, Nanjiani was seen in “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” alongside returning cast-members Paul Rudd and Carrie Coon, which hit theaters in March 2024. On the animation side, Nanjiani lent his voice to “Migration,” a Universal Pictures adventure-comedy. 

Additionally, Kumail participated in this year’s Netflix is a Joke Festival.

 

Acting Lab launches class

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Acting Lab is launching a six-week course, led by Cynthia White, to guide participants through professional acting techniques.

The class will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, June 26 to July 31. It culminates in a live performance Aug. 7 at Richey Suncoast Theater, 6237 Grand Blvd. It costs $300 plus fees. 

A free introductory class is offered 7 to 9 p.m. June 5. 

Participants will learn acting techniques, including movement, script analysis and scene work. The class is for ages 20 and older. 

Email to learn more.

 

Garden club discusses trends

DADE CITY – The Dade City Garden Club is not only celebrating National Garden Week from June 1 to 7 but also offering a free  program for the community June 2 at its headquarters. 

The club will explore the top gardening trends for 2025. The program will be rounded out with a plant swap. Bring a plant and take home a new one.

The event starts at 6 p.m. June 2 at the Dade City Garden Club, 13630 5th St. Email Becky Maxwell at or visit dadecitygardenclub.com for details. 

 

Blaustein to perform here 

TAMPA – Stand-up comedian Michael Blaustein will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 21 at Tampa Theatre.

Blaustein’s comedy clips have amassed more than 900 million views across social media. He has sold out venues across the world, most recently closing out his 2024 tour year with more than 72,000 tickets sold.

When he’s not performing, he’s co-hosting the comedy podcast “Stiff Socks” with Trevor Wallace, which has more than 70 million downloads. Blaustein has also worked with brands like Manscaped, Liquid Death and BetterHelp.

Tickets range from $38.50 to $103.50 plus taxes and fees. 

Photographer uses her skills to help others

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LAND O’ LAKES – Liza Olivia Blecher, owner of Liza Olivia Photography, is passionate about using photography to uplift and restore dignity to the women and children escaping human trafficking, domestic violence and complex trauma. 

These are the very people that Solo Moms Recovery & Healing serves.

The Look Good Do Good project was designed by a group of photographers who were looking to pour back into their communities while helping small businesses who support them. On April 30, Liza Olivia Photography partnered with Purposeful Living Women on Look Good Do Good. The business portrait event focused on

creating updated business portraits of area business women during their annual Leveling Up Event.

Liza Olivia photographed area business women who donated $75 to Solo Moms Recovery and Healing. In exchange for their donation, they received an updated business portrait to use on their website, business card and social media.

Liza Olivia plans to present a check of $775 on May 27 to Solo Mom’s Recovery and Healing.

“I look around and so many business professionals in our area have outdated portraits.

In today’s world people research businesses online before they become a client and can unfairly judge your abilities based on your portrait,” she said. “An outdated or unprofessional business portrait can disqualify you from getting business you deserve. I believe people should update their business portraits annually. This is a way you can do it. Affordably, while also giving back to our community.”

 

PHSC’s baseball team heads to World Series

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The PHSC Bobcats are a tough draw for anyone playing them in a baseball tournament. Tim McClain photo

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College’s men’s baseball team is set to compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division 2 College World Series on May 24 in Enid, Oklahoma.

The Bobcats qualified for the World Series after winning the Sun-Lakes Conference, Florida College System Activities Association Division 2 Region 8 State Tournament and NJCAA D2 South Division Championship.

PHSC’s men’s baseball team has maintained first place in the NJCAA D2 rankings for the last eight weeks in a row, having come out on top of the qualifying regular season, conferences and tournaments earning multiple recognitions through both the regular and postseason games.

No. 27 Michael Savarese has been awarded seven FCSAA D2 Pitcher of the Week honors throughout the season and was named Most Outstanding Pitcher and Sun-Lakes Conference Pitcher of the Year with a 1.09 ERA.

Other honors include No. 24 Juan Lopez earned Most Outstanding Player; No. 8 Grant Jordan was named the Sun-Lakes Conference Defensive Player of the Year; No. 30 Gavin Zassenbreaker and No. 20 Riley Fisher both earned FCSAA D2 Pitcher of the Week honors as well during the regular season.

PHSC’s recently named athletic director and head baseball coach, Lyndon Coleman, was honored as Coach of the Year for the fourth consecutive season after the Sun-Lakes Conference.

“I am excited for our student-athletes to showcase their skills on the national level,” Coleman said. “They have spent many hours practicing and working towards the goal of winning a national championship. Regardless of what happens this will be a life-changing event that they will be able to tell their grandchildren about.”

On the web: bobcats.phsc.edu/fan/news

Business Digest (5/21/25): Coke Florida sponsors home 

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Coke Florida employees volunteer on a Habitat for Humanity site. This home in Hernando will mark the 19th Habitat build for Coke Florida. Photo courtesy of Coke Florida

Coke Florida sponsors home 

SPRING HILL – Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside announced Coca-Cola Beverages Florida LLC as its first home sponsor in Hernando County. 

This partnership marks a milestone in expanding Habitat’s impact across the Tampa Bay region. 

In April 2024, Habitat Tampa Bay Gulfside was chosen by Habitat for Humanity International to expand its service area of Pinellas and West Pasco counties northward to include Hernando County.

While this is the first Habitat build in Hernando County, it will be the 19th Habitat build for Coke Florida. The 10-year-old bottler has an annual commitment to empowering communities across its footprint.

With this sponsorship, Coke Florida will provide financial support and volunteer hours to help build a safe, affordable home for the Pickering Family in Spring Hill.

“Coke Florida is a model company in the Tampa Bay region that understands the importance of giving back,” said Mike Sutton, the nonprofit’s president and CEO.

 

Shopapalooza Festival is produced by LocalShops1 and co-sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg.  The nonprofit partners are Jump for Kids and St Pete Youth Farm. Photo courtesy of LocalShops1

LocalShops1’s Shopapalooza Festival ushers in holidays

ST PETERSBURG – More than 350 makers and small businesses are coming together at St. Petersburg’s Vinoy Park on Thanksgiving Weekend for LocalShops1’s Shopapalooza Festival. 

“Shopapalooza Festival kicks off the holiday shopping season by celebrating the great independent businesses that make Tampa Bay such an amazing place,” said Ester Venouziou, LocalShops1 and Shopapalooza founder. 

Celebrating 15 years, the free festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 29 and 30. 

Registration is not required, but those who sign up are entered into a free drawing for prizes.

On the web: shopapaloozafestival.com

 

Network aids small firms

PENSACOLA – The Florida Small Business Development Center Network delivers consulting, training and market research at no cost, helping small business owners make better business decisions and reach their goals.

In 2024, the network provided over 107,000 hours of consulting to more than 15,000 clients, helping Florida’s small business community achieve:

  • $304 million in capital secured.
  • $732 million in government contracts awarded.
  • 19,800 jobs impacted.
  • $3.8 billion in increased sales.
  • 1,019 new businesses launched.

“These numbers represent more than just data – they tell the story of our team and the determination of Florida’s small businesses,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. “They reflect dreams realized, jobs created and communities strengthened.”

On the web: floridasbdc.org/results/

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a member orientation, Coffee Social and Lunch N Learn.

  • Members convene for a Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. May 21 at Boardwalk Wealth Solutions (inside the Signature Workspace building), 28210 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel. 
  • Datalis Technologies presents “Tech Made Simple: How IT, AI and Data Can Help Your Business Grow” during a Lunch N Learn from noon to 1:30 p.m. May 22 at USF Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. Registration costs $15. Register in advance. 
  • The chamber hosts orientation for new members from 9 to 10 a.m. May 28 at its Wiregrass Mall location, 28329 Paseo Drive, suite 195, Wesley Chapel. 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 New Port Richey Brochure Exchange and Professional Women in Business Group programming.

  • The Professional Women in Business Group holds its Networking Meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 21 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Registration costs $12  for members and $15 for others. Register in advance. 
  • Members network during the New Port Richey Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 22 at Vesh, 5811 Richey Drive, Port Richey. Members get in free. Others pay $10. 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. May 23 at the chamber’s Zephyrhills location, 38550 5th Ave., or 8 to 9 a.m. May 27 at the chamber’s Dade City location, 14112 8th St. Register in advance. 

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

 

Health & Wellness (5/21/25): Pasco observes Hospital Week

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AdventHealth leaders meet with the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

 

Pasco observes Hospital Week 

PASCO COUNTY – County commissioners proclaimed May 11 to 17, 2025, as Hospital Week in Pasco County. 

This declaration recognizes the service of the more than 3,000 physicians, nurses and staff across AdventHealth Connerton, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Zephyrhills.

AdventHealth’s ongoing community investment, which surpassed $200 million in 2024, includes charity care, public health programs and contributions to community organizations. 

As part of National Hospital Week, commissioners encourage residents to take a moment to thank local healthcare workers for their compassion, resilience and role in protecting and advancing public health.

“We are honored to work with the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners during Hospital Week, to recognize the healthcare heroes of AdventHealth who serve our community with exceptional care and unwavering compassion,” said Mike Murrill, president and CEO of AdventHealth Zephyrhills and AdventHealth Connerton. “Every day, our team of doctors, nurses, and support staff go above and beyond to ensure that our patients receive the highest quality of care. Their commitment to health and wellness is truly inspiring.”

 

As entrepreneurs who own and operate over 245 franchises, including 100 Dunkin’/Baskin-Robbins locations throughout Florida and Alabama, Vik and Sneha Patel have dedicated the last 20 years to bettering the lives of those around them. Photo courtesy of St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation

Patels give $3M to hospital

TAMPA – Vik and Sneha Patel made a $3 million gift to name the future Healing Garden at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, according to the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation.

The Patels’ gift will be part of the hospital’s new, freestanding pediatric facility, which will be named Pagidipati Children’s Hospital at St. Joseph’s. The facility is scheduled to open by 2030.

The Patels are longtime supporters of St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation. They chaired the 2024 Heroes Ball, raising $1.45 million to support the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital.

“From handing out donuts to team members, to bringing smiles to families, to leading our largest community event, to giving this incredible gift – their mindset has always been about sharing extraordinary generosity,” said Kate Sawa, president of the foundation. “Their gift will help create a truly special space that brings peace, comfort and joy to families during some of their most challenging moments, which is so fitting because they are all about family.”

On the web: Give2StJoesKids.org

 

The kits include a weight scale, automatic blood pressure device, instructions for home blood pressure measurements, fluid measuring bottle, pill organizer and pulse oximeters. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

Health kits help heart patients 

LAKE WALES – Heart failure patients at AdventHealth Lake Wales are taking control of their health and recovery outside of the hospital, with the help of free health supply kits. 

The kits are used to monitor patients’ progress after they are discharged from the hospital. They include a weight scale, automatic blood pressure device, instructions for home blood pressure measurements, fluid measuring bottle, pill organizer and pulse oximeters.

Before they are discharged, patients are given detailed heart failure education by the registered nurses and the heart failure team. They also get frequent calls from the heart failure team who monitor patients in the program.

 

Hospitals earn A’s

TAMPA – AdventHealth hospitals in Pasco County, which include AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Zephyrhills, have been awarded an “A” Hospital Safety Grade by The Leapfrog Group.

The Leapfrog Group assigns grades based on over 30 performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them. 

“We are thrilled and honored to have all our hospitals in Pasco County receive A grades for the second year in a row, with Wesley Chapel receiving its 20th consecutive A rating,” said Dr. Rajan Wadhawan, chief clinical officer for AdventHealth West Florida Division. “This award is a testament to the exceptional work AdventHealth physicians and team members do every day to keep our patients safe and how they continue to provide exceptional whole-person care to a growing community.”

 

Get answers on Medicare

ST. PETERSBURG – SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas.

Specially trained volunteers can assist with Medicare, Medicaid, and Health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.

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

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

Here are some upcoming programs: 

Medicare Basics

A SHINE Volunteer will be available to answer Medicare questions at the following times:                    

  • June 5 at 10 a.m. at the New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St, New Port Richey. 727-853-1279.
  • June 12 at noon at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576.
  • June 21 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy, Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214.

Medicare 101

A SHINE Volunteer will be available to answer Medicare questions.

  • June 4 at noon at the Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-587-6715 ext. 2508.
  • June 18 at 11 a.m. at Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669.
  • June 18 at 1 p.m. at Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1073.
  • June 19 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375.

 

Chalk Talk (5/21/25): Students meet AI chatdogs

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Scholar Education sought to uplift teachers during a surprise lunchtime visit from Bruce and Baxter. Photo courtesy of Scholar Education

Students meet the dogs that inspired their AI chatbots

NEW PORT RICHEY – Scholar Education gave teachers a moment to “paws and relax” May 8 during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Scholar Education sought to uplift teachers during a surprise lunchtime visit from Bruce and Baxter. Photo courtesy of Scholar Education

Educators at Pepin Academies met Bruce and Baxter – the Bernedoodles that inspired Scholar Education’s AI-powered avatars, PAWfessor Bruce and BaxterBot.

“It’s always relaxing to see dogs,” teacher Amy McBride said. “It’s a nice break.”

Teachers at Pepin Academies are piloting Scholar Education’s program on its three campuses. The platform uses AI chatbots designed as playful dogs to serve as virtual companions. 

Students receive personalized, real-time academic support in an engaging way while teachers gain insight into students’ questions and progress. 

Scholar Education says AI-assisted lesson planning saves an average of five hours a week.

“Embracing new technology is just one of the many ways teachers are working tirelessly to enhance learning and prepare students for the future,” Scholar Education co-founder Marlee Strawn said. “Staying ahead of the curve takes time, passion and an open mind and that’s why we’re so proud to honor and thank these inspiring educators for all they do.”

During the visit, students connected with the real-life personalities behind the digital helpers.

“Especially for our younger students, it’s a big deal to realize these AI dogs are based on real pets,” McBride said. “I tell them, ‘Someday, you could create a program based on your own dog.’”

 

Student Achievements

  • Madeline Rodriguez, of Lutz, graduated with a BFA in graphic design from Flagler College.
  • Joseph Wright, a junior engineering major from Lutz, made the President’s List at Bob Jones University. Students had to earn a GPA of at least 3.75.
  • Southern New Hampshire University said these students made the President’s List: Lutz students Kory Hilton, Holly Hsu and Nancee El-Massri as well as Odessa students Fidel Johnson and Piper Ray. Students had to earn a GPA of at least 3.7.
  • Abby Greene, of Lutz, made the Dean’s List at Pennsylvania Western University. Students must earn a GPA of 3.4 or higher.
  • Justin Matthews and Reese Nuckols, of Odessa, made the Dean’s List at Southern New Hampshire University. Students must earn a GPA between 3.5 to 3.699.
  • Anna Stout, of Land O Lakes, made the Dean’s List at MidAmerica Nazarene University. Students must earn a GPA between 3.5 to 3.99.