Special to The Laker/Lutz News

 

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North celebrated its 15th birthday on Feb. 15, marking 15 years of service to the north Tampa community.  

The hospital provides medical and surgical services in more than 20 specialties including breast health, cancer, gastroenterology, heart and vascular, interventional radiology, maternity, orthopedics and urology.

When it opened 15 years ago, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North became the first full-service hospital to open in Hillsborough County since 1985. 

 

Growing with the community

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North had major expansions in 2020 and 2018.

Some of the upgrades from the 2020 expansion include: 

• Added two patient floors and increased licensed bed capacity to its current total of 210. St. Joseph’s Hospital-North opened in 2010 with a licensed bed capacity of 108. 
• Increased ICU beds from 12 to 24.
• Opened a new infusion and chemotherapy center that can treat up to 15 patients at one time. The center relocated to the current Lutz campus to accommodate growth and improve patient convenience.
• Increased areas for respiratory and physical therapy.
• Expanded the clinical engineering area.
• Added a dialysis unit.

A prior expansion in 2018 added four operating rooms to bring the total to eight. Also in 2018, the hospital opened additional gastrointestinal endoscopy services.

In February 2025, an additional mammography suite for diagnostic breast mammograms and biopsies was added.

Other additions include the hospital’s Unit for Psychiatry and Medicine in 2023 and a coffeehouse staffed by people with intellectual and developmental  disabilities in 2024. 

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is using the opportunity of its 15th birthday to announce the opening of a NICU. The NICU is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2025.  

The NICU will supplement St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s labor and delivery unit and Mother & Baby unit.  The NICU will offer “couplet care.” Mother and baby will be in the same room.

“Traditionally, mom and baby would have to go to separate rooms,” said Sara Dodds, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North president. “Our NICU will enable mom and baby to stay together from the very start.”

 

Celebrating with the community

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North has had much to celebrate over its 15 years: 

• St. Joseph’s Hospital-North earned four out of five stars in the latest Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Hospital Quality Star Ratings Report. It is among only 40% of hospitals nationally to earn a 4 or 5-star rating.  
• The hospital is accredited as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation. 
• The hospital received 2024 American Heart Association “Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Silver Plus and Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll quality achievement awards for its care of stroke patients.
• The hospital is LEED-certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a designation associated with environmental sustainability.

“There is a lot I am proud of,” said Dodds, who has been St. Joseph’s Hospital-North president since April 2023. Dodds is among 80 other team members who have been at the hospital since opening in 2010. The hospital, which opened with less than 500 team members its first year, has more than 1,000 today.

“We have gone through a lot of growth and additions of services,” she said. “I am proud of the team we have created  and culture that we have maintained over the last 15 years. As north Tampa continues to grow, we do also, with a commitment to continue offering our patients compassionate care along with modern medicine.”

 

LARGO – Barbara’s Kitchen Jams is more than a store. 

Chef Sharon Young’s products are available at events such as Shopapalooza and local stores including ones at the Tampa Bay International Airport. The company hosts classes, including jam sessions, that teach jam making and history. It also offers tea parties that teach health aspects and the history of the tea.  

“I am most proud of the quality of our jams, service and growth,” Sharon Young said. “Being at local events including Shopapalooza is a great platform for us. We get to showcase our products, and it brings people to our store.”

Barbara’s Kitchen Jams offers a selection of over 30 flavors. The company is constantly adding and changing new flavors based on customer feedback. Jam flavors include Apricot, “Oink “ Bacon Habanero, Banana Nut Bread, Black Raspberry, Blueberry, Carrot Cake and US1 Traffic Jam.  

All products are handmade using fresh ingredients from local farmers. Some of the jams are natural, with no sugar and no artificial sweetener added.  

Young and her husband, Dwight, have two other brands at their store; The Dreaded Fisherman (aged balsamic, organic seasonings, pure syrup and fermented honey) and Brie and Tiffany Organic Herbal Teas (named after her nieces).

Barbara’s Kitchen Jams has been a member of LocalShops1 and a Shopapalooza vendor for several years. The store is located at 12508 Starkey Road. Visit barbaraskitchenjams.com for details. 

 

 

Bilirakis receives Congressional Champion Award  

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Community Development Association recognized U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) recently with the Congressional Champion Award for championing community development programs, such as the Community Development Block Grant program. 

Bilirakis received the award earlier this month during NCDA’s Winter Legislative, Policy and Professional Development Meeting in Washington, D.C.

“It is truly an honor to receive this Congressional Champion Award from the National Community Development Association, a strong group of talented professionals that work tirelessly to maximize federal resources and support thriving, sustainable and affordable communities throughout the country,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “Together, we are working in a collaborative manner to help seniors, veterans, and other vulnerable populations. I will never stop fighting for Americans who need assistance. Our voices are stronger together!”

 

Operation Patriot gets $1,800 boost

The GFWC Lutz- Land O’ Lakes Womans Club Civic Engagement CSP presented a check for $1,800 to  Operation Patriot, a not-for-profit organization that provides programs for veterans at the Bandolero Lopez Veterans Home. These funds were raised at the Tombola booth at the annual Arts and Crafts show held in December.

 

Food pantry faces eviction  

LAND O’ LAKES – Father and Son Love Free Food Pantry is facing imminent eviction due to financial struggles in meeting its $8,000 monthly rent and utility payments. 

Without urgent support, the ministry could be forced to close its doors, leaving many without access to essential food, support and encouragement.

For six-plus years, the pantry has been providing groceries, meals, clothing, prayer and resources to those who need them most. Clients include veterans, seniors, families and the homeless.

“We have always believed that love in action can transform lives,” said Pastor CJ Johns, founder of the pantry. “Now, we need the community’s love and action to help us keep these doors open for the remaining four months of their lease.”

Immediate financial assistance is needed to cover rent and utilities. Ongoing support will ensure outreach continues in the months ahead.

Checks can be sent to 21418 Carson Drive Land O Lakes Florida, 34639. Email fatherandsonffp@gmail.com for in-person donations, sponsorship inquiries or other ways to donate. 

On the web: fatherandsonfreefoodpantry.org

 

PHSC providing Financial Fitness

WESLEY CHAPEL – Pasco Hernando State College will host a Financial Fitness workshop that will explain how to achieve financial goals, focusing on homeownership and economic stability. 

The workshop will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 26 at the PHSC Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch Conference Center, 2727 Mansfield Blvd. The event is open to the public and free with lunch provided, sponsored by The Copeland Team.

Community vendors will be on-site, offering information about various programs available to support individuals in Pasco and Hernando counties during transitional periods, ranging from safety shelters to down payment assistance.

On the web: phsc.edu/about/events/campus/community-awareness-series-financial-fitness

 

Hernando County OK’s Habitat development

SPRING HILL – The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners approved Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside’s proposal to build 30 affordable single-family homes on a 9.5-acre lot at Miracle Drive and Century Drive.

Hernando County is donating the 9.5 acres to Habitat.

The homes that will be built by Habitat on this 9.5-acre lot will be sold to partner families that complete the Habitat Homeownership program, which consists of 38 homebuyer education classes and putting in 350 to 450 sweat equity hours on Habitat construction sites. The average sales price for these homes is expected to be $250,000.

Habitat Tampa Bay Gulfside was awarded Hernando County by Habitat for Humanity International in April 2024. This expanded the affiliate’s services from Pinellas and West Pasco counties to include Hernando County, prompting a name change and rebranding. 

 

Tax collector’s office had notable 2024

TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office has released its Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report.

In FY2024, the office served over one million customers in branch offices while maintaining a 93.9% overall customer satisfaction rating and a 4.87 Google Review rating. The office returned $29.5 million in excess (unused) fees to Hillsborough County and other taxing authorities.

“This comprehensive report demonstrates our commitment to transparency, efficiency, and exceptional service,” said Tax Collector Nancy Millan. “Throughout 2024, our office achieved significant milestones while successfully navigating challenges, showcasing our resilience through enhanced technology and expanded community outreach programs. These improvements have strengthened public trust and service delivery.”

Read the annual report at hillstax.org and get more insight from Millan at https://www.hillstax.org/state-of-the-organization.

 

HART partners with transit app 

TAMPA – The Hillsborough Transit Authority announced a new benefit for customers: free access to Transit Royale, the premium service available in the Transit app.

HART recently transitioned to the Transit App for customer-facing real-time travel information. The agency previously developed OneBusAway Tampa, the agency’s longtime real-time information application.

The upgrade provides expanded route maps, full departure schedules, real-time vehicle tracking, and step-by-step trip guidance – all at no cost.

“We’re always looking to improve the customer experience,” HART CEO Scott Drainville said. “By offering Transit Royale for free, we’re giving customers the best tools to plan their trips with confidence and provide immediate feedback on the go.”

On the web: goHART.org

 

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University President Ed Dadez has retired after 25 years of service and two and a half years as president. 

Dadez retired for personal reasons. He announced Feb. 10 that his last day was Feb. 14.

“From the moment I stepped foot on campus, Saint Leo University has always held a special place in my heart,” Dadez said. “Now with the university in a much stronger position, the time has come for me to focus on my other love, my family.”

Dadez became the 11th president of the university following the resignation of President Jeffrey Senese in 2022. He is the university’s first alumni president and held several university leadership positions before being named president.

Under Dadez’s leadership, the university was able to increase student retention rates, exceed annual fundraising goals and strengthen new and returning student enrollment. 

A hallmark of his presidency was enhancing the university’s culture to place greater focus on its Catholic Benedictine identity.

University trustees will honor Dadez as president emeritus during May commencement.

“The board of trustees and I deeply appreciate President Dadez’s selflessness and commitment to the university,” board chair Ed Narain said. “His impact on the university will be remembered by many.”

The board of trustees is conducting a search for the next president. 

James DeTuccio, vice president of business affairs and chief financial officer, will serve as interim chief operating officer and chief financial officer until the search is complete.