The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Kids’ stuffed animals can get checkups

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Back-to-school checkups don’t have to be stressful. The Florida Aquarium lets kids bring plushies for checkups. Photo courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

TAMPA – As kids across Tampa Bay get their back-to-school check-ups, The Florida Aquarium is offering a playful twist on wellness with a check-up for their favorite stuffed animals. 

On Aug. 23 and 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., families are invited to bring their beloved plush toys to the aquarium for the return of Cuddle Clinic, now open to the public for the first time and included with general admission.

The hands-on experience transforms the aquarium into a plush-toy hospital, where children can give their cuddly companions a full health check-up while learning about animal care. Children will guide their patients through different stations throughout the aquarium, including check-in with exam form and animal adoption, X-ray, dental exam, nutrition assessments, eye and ear exam, bandages or stitches, lab tests, treatment and prevention, and physical exam.

The Florida Aquarium’s staff and volunteers will be on call throughout the experience to provide personalized attention and support to make sure every stuffed animal leaves in tip-top shape. Whether it’s a well-loved teddy bear from home or a brand-new aquatic friend adopted onsite, all are welcome for a little extra care.

Don’t Have a Plushie? With the purchase of a general admission ticket for Aug. 23 or 24, guests can symbolically adopt a marine animal through the Aquarium’s Animal Adopt program for $40. The offer includes a plush version and fact sheet of the chosen animal as well as an official adoption certificate.

Registration is not required for the Cuddle Clinic. 

On the web: ​​flaquarium.org

How to ‘strive to thrive’ in college

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New and returning students engage in icebreaker games during New Student Orientation in 2024 at Saint Leo University. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University
Tammy Zacchilli

ST. LEO – As the new school year approaches, college students across the country are preparing to dive back into classes, schedules and campus life. But beyond simply surviving the academic grind, this year is an opportunity to strive to thrive, grow, connect, and make the most of the college experience. With the right mindset and resources, students can turn challenges into motivation and routine into purpose.

Here are some tips for preparing to thrive this academic year:

 

Stay on campus as much as possible.

Whether it’s homesickness, a job, or a boyfriend or girlfriend from home, try not to leave campus too soon or too often. The more time you spend getting to know the campus and your new friends (and your new schedule), the more you’ll feel at home at school. Most universities offer social and cultural events so be sure to check those out!

If you are a commuter student, try to also get involved, because that will help create a closer connection between you, your classmates, and the university.

 

Set boundaries with parents.

Some parents may expect their students to come home every weekend or every holiday. Other parents may understand that college commitments may make it difficult for them to visit often. This can be a difficult conversation to have, but it is important to be clear and consistent about when you can call, text, or visit.

You might also have to let your parents know that you need the opportunity to make your own decisions and mistakes. Communication is an important part of the parent-child relationship even in the college years.

 

Make friends.

Making friends is key to the college experience. Building new relationships is easy for some students but can be difficult for others. Some students may “click” right away while others may not build deep relationships until later in the academic year.

Joining organizations or study groups can help. Many friendships begin when students share multiple classes or sit near each other in class. Finding something in common like similar hobbies or major can also help build these relationships.

Be the kind of friend you’re looking for by showing up for others and offering kindness.

 

Practice radical hospitality.

Radical hospitality goes beyond just being polite – it’s about creating a deliberately inclusive, welcoming environment that makes people feel valued. On a college campus, this might include holding the door for a fellow student, joining an ally organization to connect with neurodivergent students, or joining a service group.

Making eye contact and saying “hello” or “good morning” is also a great way to make others feel important. Sometimes the little things may mean the most to someone!

 

Try to avoid social comparison.

Social media has become a large part of many of our lives. While there are some positive aspects of social media, it is important that you are cautious about how much time you spend on these accounts. Although it is not easy, make a point to avoid social comparison.

Remember that people often post about the positive aspects of their lives, and you might not see the full picture.

 

Don’t be afraid to seek out resources.

Coping with new things, new people, new classes, and more can be challenging and can create

additional stress. If you are a new student at a university, it may take a little while for you to become accustomed to college life. If you are a returning student, you might still feel

overwhelmed.

It’s a good idea to set expectations for the semester, term, or academic year. What do you want

to accomplish and what resources will you need to be successful? Colleges offer many

resources from tutoring to career services to counseling. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

I hope you strive to thrive this academic year!

 

Dr. Tammy Lowery Zacchilli is a professor of psychology at Saint Leo University and teaches the popular course, Psychology of Parenting. She is the Southeastern Regional Vice President of Psi Chi and associate editor of the Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research. Zacchilli earned her bachelor’s degree from Kennesaw State University; her master’s from Augusta State University; and her PhD from Texas Tech.

Health & Wellness (8/20/25): AdventHealth donates school supplies

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AdventHealth staff donates school supplies

LAKE WALES – AdventHealth Lake Wales employees are helping students at Spook Hill Elementary start the school year with a large donation of school supplies. 

Staff at the hospital donated and delivered to the school 2,528 pencils, about 200 notebooks, 177 boxes of crayons, 287 glue sticks and more than 30 backpacks, among other items.  

Hollie Hadden, senior nurse manager of clinical patient experience, helped coordinate the drive as a Spook Hill Elementary alumna.

“This was such a fantastic effort,” Hadden said. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to help these students and teachers start the year off with the supplies they need.”

 

Veterinarians committed to caring for animals

LAND ‘O LAKES – County Manager Mike Carballa recently interviewed Veterinarian Christine Glenn and Veterinarian Tech Stevie Mirrop during the 53rd episode of the “Pasco Podcast.”

Glenn and Mirrop are both Pasco County natives with a passion for working in the animal shelter.  

“In school, we had the opportunity to kind of get our feet wet in all the different areas, but shelter was just where my heart was,” Glenn told Carballa.

While their line of work takes an emotional toll, there are rewarding moments. 

“As techs, sometimes we will take the animals that need extra care and work with them one-on-one, even at home, so that’s really rewarding,” Mirrop said. “I had a cat that we placed a feeding tube in that I had for a few months and then I got to see him adopted. Those are the little victories you hold on to and you kind of push through.”

Listen to the episode to learn more about what veterinarians do and advice for pet owners. 

 

Support groups help breastfeeding moms

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers free in-person support groups and classes in September 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 Sept. 11 and 25, 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 Sept. 11, 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 Sept. 25, 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.

 

Bill puts it in writing for veterans

WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and others introduced the Written Informed Consent Act. 

This legislation would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide veterans with clear, written information about the potential side effects of antipsychotics, stimulants, antidepressants, anxiolytics and narcotics prescribed through the VA healthcare system.  

Currently, verbal disclosures or limited written information may accompany these prescriptions. 

The proposed bill mandates a standardized written consent form outlining potential adverse effects, ensuring veterans are fully informed before medications in these categories are dispensed.

“Our veterans deserve nothing less than complete transparency when it comes to their health and the medications they’re prescribed,” Bilirakis said. “The Written Informed Consent Act will empower veterans to make better-informed decisions about their treatment and protect their right to understand the risks involved.”

 

Castor worries about veterans

TAMPA – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) wrote a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins about the decision on Aug. 6 to terminate collective bargaining agreements for most VA bargaining-unit employees. 

The July issue of VA’s Workforce Dashboard shows that, for this fiscal year, the net losses for veteran-facing employees across VA are estimated at over 8,700. Castor previously met with Secretary Collins in April to discuss protecting health care for veterans and the veteran workforce.

She worries the latest decision will lead to more employees leaving and less prospective workers applying for jobs. 

“We owe a debt to America’s veterans and their families,” she said. “We must fund the VA, protect veterans’ health care, support our VA workforce and ensure that veterans and their families get the benefits they deserve.”

Business Digest (8/20/25): Upcoming chamber events

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North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a business seminar and networking opportunities.

  • Keisha Durand, mortgage broker/owner at Durand Mortgage Group, talks about the topic, “Funding Your Future: Mortgage Solutions for Small Business Owners,” from noon to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 21 at USF Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. Register in advance. Admission costs $15. 
  • Chamber members connect with leadership from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Cannon Fire & Cocktails from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 26 at Armature Works. Register in advance. Members pay $85. 
  • President Hope Kennedy explains the perks of membership during New Member Orientation from 9 to 10 a.m. Aug. 27 at North Tampa Bay Chamber Office (Wiregrass Mall), 28329 Paseo Drive, 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 brochure exchange and a pair of ribbon cuttings. 

  • Members exchange company literature during Trinity Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 21 at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., Trinity. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Food costs $13. Register in advance. 
  • Members hold a ribbon cutting from noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 22 at 30 Minute Hit, 2107 Gunn Hwy., Odessa. The ribbon will be cut at 12:30 p.m. Register in advance. 
  • Members hold a ribbon cutting from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 27 at X-Golf Tampa, 9050 Tryfon 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 a ribbon cutting and Coffee & Networking events.

  • Members hold a ribbon cutting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 21 at Green Acre Structures, 4639 Bough Road, Zephyrhills. The ribbon gets cut at 12:15 p.m. Register in advance. 
  • Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Aug. 22 at the chamber’s Zephyrhills location, 38550 5th Ave., or 8 to 9 a.m. Aug. 26 at the chamber’s Dade City location, 14112 8th St. Register in advance. 

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

 

Quick Hits

  • Did you know Aug. 17 was National Nonprofit Day and National Thrift Shop Day? Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes has four locations in Pasco County: Hudson (12154 U.S. 19), New Port Richey (6117 State Road 54), Dade City (37925 Sky Ridge Circle), and Zephyrhills (36524 State Road 54).

 

Tampa Bay History Center reels in past with fishing exhibit

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TAMPA, Fla. – A new traveling exhibit at the Tampa Bay History Center casts a line into Florida’s fishing heritage, exploring more than a century of angling history from the Gulf to the Atlantic. 

“The Lure of Florida Fishing” opens Aug. 23 in the Wayne Thomas Gallery and will be on view through Jan. 11, 2026.

Featuring more than 50 locally made lures, vintage photographs, rare artifacts and “fish tales” from across the state, the exhibit brings Tampa Bay’s prominent role in Florida’s fishing legacy to the forefront. From early tarpon expeditions to modern charter operations, the display highlights how fishing helped shape Florida’s tourism and outdoor recreation industries.

The exhibit includes contributions from the Touchton Map Library, which holds dozens of historical fishing maps, many of which identify long-guarded “secret” spots.

“Secret fishing spots have been around as long as people have been fishing, and putting those ‘secret’ spots on maps followed soon after,” said Rodney Kite-Powell, director of the Touchton Map Library at the Tampa Bay History Center. “The Touchton Map Library collection has dozens of fishing maps and this exhibit gives us a great opportunity to share them – and those secret spots – with our visitors.”

Art also plays a key role in the exhibit, with a dedicated section featuring 22 original paintings by Southern artist William Aiken Walker. Found in a shipping box labeled for the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, the paintings include images of tarpon, grouper, Spanish mackerel and other Florida game fish.

“There is wonderful art in The Lure of Florida Fishing exhibit, including a section on William Aiken Walker’s fish paintings, painted carvings by artist Conrad Brayman, and artworks by Lamar Sparkman and Kent Hagerman,” said Michelle Hearn, director of curatorial affairs at the Tampa Bay History Center. “There are 59 lures that were designed and crafted in the Tampa Bay area.”

The Lure of Florida Fishing also examines the rise of sport fishing clubs, fishing guides, techniques, tackle and tournaments throughout the 20th century, including notable personalities such as Ernest Hemingway, Ted Williams and President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It concludes with a look at conservation efforts and Florida’s modern role as the top fishing destination in the country.

The exhibit will be on view in the Wayne Thomas Gallery through Jan. 11, 2026, and is included with regular museum admission. The Tampa Bay History Center is located at 801 Water St. in downtown Tampa and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On the web: tampabayhistorycenter.org

AdventHealth Center Ice takes us ‘Back to Wizarding School’

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Whether you’re brave, clever, loyal, or cunning, AdventHealth Center Ice offers an enchanted event to celebrate the start of a new school year. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth Center Ice

WESLEY CHAPEL – Get ready to trade your Muggle attire for your house colors and join AdventHealth Center Ice for a magical evening.

AdventHealth Center Ice presents “Back to Wizarding School,” a themed public skate session from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 16.

Before you step into the “Great Hall on Ice,” put on the Sorting Hat to find out which house you belong to. Skate alongside fellow witches and wizards and take part in spellbinding games and let your house pride shine as you compete for glory, bragging rights and magical prizes. AdventHealth Center Ice regularly hosts a two-hour theme skate during public skate sessions.

Whether you’re an avid skater or just looking for a fun way to ice skate for the first time, theme skates offer fun curated music, party favors, games, themed drinks and prizes for best dressed.

“Theme skates at AdventHealth Center Ice give guests a different way to express themselves

and their interests while participating in a community ice skate,” said Matthew Christopher, events director. “For the upcoming event, the in-house restaurant and bar, Top Shelf Sports Lounge, will have kid and adult friendly butter brew to keep the theme going off-ice as well.”

Located at 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., AdventHealth Center Ice is the largest ice-sports training facility in the Southeast. The 150,000 square-foot facility features five ice rinks, 18 locker rooms, off-ice training area, full restaurant/bar, concession stand and pro shop.

On the web: AHCenterIce.com

Glazer Children’s Museum offers activities for toddlers

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TAMPA – When the older kids head back to school, the littlest learners take center stage at the Glazer Children’s Museum with Toddler Takeover, a three-week celebration designed just for children ages 5 and under. 

Running Aug. 11-31, this programming empowers toddlers to climb, crawl, wiggle and explore in a museum made just for them.

From themed sensory activities and storytimes to community resource guests and character visits, Toddler Takeover offers intentional play opportunities that support early childhood development while giving families a fun  experience.

 

CRAFTS & DAILY THEMES

Toddlers can strengthen fine and gross motor skills through colorful crafts and engaging daily activities.

 

MakeSpace Crafts:

Little hands get creative at MakeSpace stations where toddlers can cut, glue, draw and build using safe materials. Activities include:

  • Rainbow hair self-portraits using pipe cleaners and beads.
  • Pom-pom rainbow art with glue.
  • Pokey pool noodle sculptures with everyday items.
  • Cutting colorful construction paper into shapes.

 

Daily Themes:

Each day brings new movement-based adventures:

  • Water Wednesdays: Splash and play with extra toys in KidsPort.
  • Funky Fridays: Dance and groove during music and movement storytimes.

 “Toddler Takeover is all about creating space for our youngest learners to explore, play and grow at their own pace,” said Sarah Cole, museum president and CEO. “Play isn’t just fun, it’s fundamental. At this stage of development, every squish of slime or wiggle to music helps build critical motor, sensory and social skills that set the foundation for lifelong learning.”

 

SPECIAL GUESTS & ACTIVITIES

 

Gabby’s Dollhouse MEOWseum Discovery Days

Meet beloved costumed character Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse”

  • Aug. 16 & 17

Reservations are required. Included with general admission.

 

Sensory Studio (10 a.m.-noon):

Hands-on, messy play designed to stimulate the senses:

  • Aug. 19: Splish Splash Bash – colored water, bubble foam and water beads
  • Aug. 26: Ooey Gooey Sensory – enhanced slime, oobleck and shaving cream

 

WEDU Storytimes (11–11:30 a.m.):

Enjoy themed storytimes and crafts with WEDU:

  • Aug. 19: “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Eric Carle
  • Aug. 26: “Alphabet Mystery” by Audrey Wood

 

Early Childhood Council:

Learn about Help Me Grow developmental screenings:

  • Aug. 14 & 21 (11 a.m.-1 p.m.): Info and pre-registration for screenings
  • Aug. 25 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.): On-site screenings for registered families

 

Early Learning Coalition:

  • Aug. 25 (10 a.m.–1 p.m.): VPK enrollment information available on-site

 

Be Like Blippi Week

  • Aug. 24 to 31: Get curious like Blippi with themed activities that encourage discovery, play, and imagination.

Visit GlazerMuseum.org to learn more or reserve tickets. 

Saint Leo University elects new president 

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ST. LEO – Jim Burkee will leave his post as president of Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri, to lead Saint Leo University. 

Burkee becomes the 12th president in university history, following the retirement of Edward Dadez in February. His tenure begins Sept. 1.

His presidency will focus on growing the university’s Catholic Benedictine mission by increasing new student enrollment and retention, growing philanthropic support, and working with community and industry partners to strengthen the university’s academic programs.

“I felt called to Saint Leo at a distinct moment in its history, when innovation and mission are converging in bold new ways,” Burkee said. “As a historian by training and a longtime teacher of history, I’m inspired by institutions that balance courageous innovation with enduring values. That synthesis is already living at Saint Leo in its inventive online learning, strategic partnerships and unwavering service to underserved communities. I am honored to join with faculty, staff, students and alumni to honor that legacy and elevate what makes Saint Leo truly exceptional.”

Saint Leo University enlisted the help of AGB Search in finding its next president. More than 300 candidates from across the nation applied. Finalists were interviewed by a university search committee, faculty, staff, students and alumni.

“Dr. Jim Burkee’s unique background and past accomplishments made him the absolute best candidate to ensure Saint Leo’s future prosperity and to deliver upon its Catholic Benedictine mission in new and innovative ways,” said Noel Boeke, chair of the board of trustees. 

Burkee brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education to Saint Leo University. During his three years as president at Avila, he tripled the university’s student enrollment, strengthened its academic offerings through partnerships, raised more than $34 million in philanthropic support, and grew its Catholic partnerships and outreach.

Prior to Avila University, Burkee held leadership positions with the College of Mount Saint Vincent (NY) and Concordia College New York. His career in higher education began as a history professor at Concordia College New York and Concordia University Wisconsin.

Burkee holds doctoral and master’s degrees from Northwestern University (IL) and two bachelor’s degrees from Concordia University (WI). He is a first-generation college student who grew up in a working-class family in Wisconsin.

 

Saint Leo preps for track, women’s flag football 

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A new eight-lane track is under construction at Saint Leo University. The university is relaunching track and field in 2025. Photo by Saint Leo University

ST. LEO – The Saint Leo University Lions will number close to 600 this year as student-athletes take to the fields, courts and track. 

The university is relaunching men’s and women’s track and field as a varsity sport. The program will be phased in with 30 student-athletes being welcomed this fall. In 2026, an additional 30 student-athletes should join the teams, and by the third year, there should be a total of 80 competitors.

As part of this relaunch, the university is making a significant investment in its athletic facilities. A new eight-lane, 400-meter track is under construction, to not only support Saint Leo, but also to provide the university with the ability to host local high school and collegiate track meets. Construction should be completed in fall 2025.

The new track and field teams will compete in six categories: sprints, jumps, hurdles, throws, multi and distance.

Saint Leo also is welcoming a new sport as women’s flag football joins its intercollegiate athletic programs, and the team will begin this fall as a club sport housed under the Athletics Department. 

Coach Eli Taliaferro has been actively recruiting since April, reaching out to high schools across the region, and there will be tryouts for the team this fall.

The focus for the fall will be on skill development, training and team building. Competition will begin in the spring semester. Saint Leo’s flag football team will compete against other collegiate and club teams in the region and plans to participate in the Women’s College Flag Football League, which brings together teams from across Florida for structured competition.

Students, faculty, and staff can celebrate the Saint Leo University Lions at an event in the spring when the athletics department  and partners host an all-campus spirit event, Lions Fest. 

On the web: https://saintleolions.com

 

UK defense tech firm opens in Pasco County

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WESLEY CHAPEL – A forensic science tech firm decided to launch U.S. operations in Wesley Chapel, and the Pasco Economic Development Council has its fingerprints all over it. 

Smytec Inc. specializes in advanced forensic imaging technologies that assist crime scene investigators. Its product, BlindSite Scene, helps capture and analyze crime scene evidence.

Headquartered in Market Harborough, England, Smytec has been interested in expanding operations into the U.S. to increase its global footprint.

Representatives attended the Special Operations Forces Week conference in May in Tampa, where Pasco EDC met with them and discussed available resources to assist in that expansion.

“With various military and defense agencies on the doorstep, and SOF Week now a staple on Smytec’s annual calendar, Pasco County offers a strategic location for us to grow,” Smytec CEO Alexander Smyth said. “We are genuinely excited about our partnership with Pasco EDC and look forward to engaging with local stakeholders, and customers, not just in the Tampa Bay area, but across the U.S.”

The firm used the Pasco EDC SMARTLandings program to open its first U.S. location in the SMARTstart @ the Grove Entrepreneur Center in Wesley Chapel. 

The SMARTLandings program helps international ventures quickly establish a presence in one of the fastest-growing markets in the country and develop knowledge domains and business relationships within the Tampa Bay region. 

Since establishing operations, Pasco EDC has facilitated introductions with local business resource partners, such as the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and its Florida’s Forensic Institute for Research, Security, and Tactics program.

“Pasco EDC is proud to offer the SMARTLandings program which gives companies like Smytec the ability to establish operations in a physical location in the United States before building out their own facility,” Pasco EDC CEO Bill Cronin said. “With United States Central Command and United States Special Operations Command nearby, Pasco County is the perfect location for them to build and grow their presence,”