Special to The Laker/Lutz News

 

TAMPA – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission coordinated emergency response last July for a young male panther struck by a vehicle in Southwest Florida. 

The response included surgery at BluePearl Specialty + Emergency Pet Hospital in Fort Myers, where veterinarians repaired fractures to his radius and ulna using orthopedic plates. Due to the specialized medical needs of caring for an injured exotic animal, ZooTampa at Lowry Park was selected to provide rehabilitation care.

ZooTampa’s team created a controlled environment that minimized movement, reduced human interaction and supported recovery without habituation. Staff monitored the panther by camera and conducted periodic sedated exams during the eight-week recovery. 

After his initial recovery period, wildlife officials assessed the panther to determine if he could eventually be returned to the wild. Caretakers observed an ongoing limp, and further examination revealed an additional fracture to his humerus. The panther received a full-body CT scan and additional pro bono surgery from Dr. Brett Darrow of ECoVets Veterinary Specialists, who completed three procedures.

The panther’s prolonged course of treatment and concerns about habituation led wildlife experts and partners to make the difficult decision to deem the panther non-releasable. The young male panther has been named Loper.

“Rehabilitating Florida panthers is challenging, so we are especially grateful for the partnerships that made this successful outcome possible,” said Dr. Peter Sebastian, panther veterinarian for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “We also thank Floridians who support our work through the purchase of ‘Protect the Panther’ license plates, which help fund panther research, management and rehabilitation.”

While he cannot return to the wild, he will help visitors understand threats facing Florida panthers and the need to protect their habitat.

With only an estimated 120 to 230 Florida panthers remaining in the wild, each is crucial to the species’ survival. In 2024, more than 30 panthers died, mostly from vehicle collisions.

“This young panther’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved when agencies, veterinary and animal care specialists come together for Florida wildlife,” said Meredith Persky, senior vice president and chief conservation and animal health officer at ZooTampa. “Although we hoped he would return to his native habitat, Loper’s story will inspire greater awareness and impactful action to protect this iconic species.”

 

Woman’s club grateful for support

LAND O’ LAKES – The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the community for their generous support and success of our annual flea market through the many donations received. While members have been busy collecting items for the upcoming event, the funds raised will help support numerous community projects benefiting local schools, libraries, veterans, homeless outreach programs and domestic violence shelters. The club was also honored to have the Guv’na of Lutz, Becky Jenkins, join members to kick off their first sale and add to the excitement of the flea market. Also on March 4, members took a moment to celebrate the club’s 66th birthday with food and friendship at Chili’s Grill & Bar.

 

Parade organizers seeks entrants

ZEPHYRHILLS – Main Street Zephyrhills is seeking parade participants for the 2026 Founders Day Parade, taking place on March 28 in the Downtown Zephyrhills Historic District.

Community groups, local businesses, schools, nonprofits and organizations are encouraged to enter a float, vehicle or walking group in this year’s parade, which begins at noon March 28. Register at mainstreetzephyrhillsevents.org.

The parade is part of Main Street’s Rhythm in the Hillz Founders Day celebration, featuring a Music Festival & Fish Fry and other family-friendly activities from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Ham radio classes are available 

DADE CITY – East Pasco Amateur Radio Society will be providing all classes of ham radio examinations every second Wednesday of the month.

Classes will start at 3 p.m. at American Legion Post #15, 37745 Church Ave., Dade City.

Participants must register to take the exam at https://hamstudy.org/sessions/EPARS. In-person exams are given for Technician, General and Amateur Extra classes. Bring your FRN#, a copy of your current license and a photo ID. The exam fee is $15 cash. Visit http://k4ex.org for details.

 

Money available for Pasco’s Better Future Housing Program

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resources is accepting applications for the Better Future Individual Housing Program to help repair, rebuild or replace homes damaged by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene and Milton.  

The office is hosting two webinars in March – one in Spanish and one in English – to help residents begin or finish applications. No need to register ahead of time.

The English webinar will start at 6:30 p.m. March 19 at mypas.co/IHPEnglish.

The Spanish webinar will start at 6:30 p.m. March 24 at mypas.co/IHPSpanish.

On the web: mypas.co/IHPApp

For now, applications are prioritized by several criteria, including displacement status, income and other circumstances. If you haven’t started your application yet, don’t delay.

Not sure if you’re eligible? Make an appointment to talk through it.

 

 

 

Saint Leo launches Benedictine Society

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University has launched the Benedictine Society, a leadership giving program aimed at expanding access to Catholic higher education.

The program seeks multi-year leadership gifts to help close the tuition gap for Catholic students.

“Across the country, there are thousands of remarkable students graduating from Catholic high schools who have the talent, discipline and values to thrive at Saint Leo, but don’t have the resources necessarily to afford a Saint Leo education,” President Jim Burkee said.

Funds will support the Catholic Benedictine Scholars Program, which provides four-year, tuition-free scholarships to high-achieving Catholic students with financial need.

On the web: giving.saintleo.edu/campaigns/benedictine-society.

 

Children’s book addresses bullying, self-acceptance

FORT MYERS – A new children’s book by Mike Stonecypher explores bullying and the importance of self-acceptance. 

“There’s a Girebra in the Forest” follows Obi, a young okapi whose unusual appearance makes him the target of ridicule from other forest animals. With support from his mother and guidance from an adult giraffe, Obi sets out to confront those who mocked him and embrace his identity.

“I want my readers to take away the sense that it is OK to be different from the norm,” Stonecypher said. “And that you must not crumble under the pressure to dislike oneself, but be proud of who you are and always have the courage to stand up for who you are.”

The book encourages children to recognize their own worth, resist harmful labels and understand that being different is not a weakness but a strength.

The book is available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

 

Quick Hits

• Kaylin Villeme, an educator of more than 30 years, has joined Victory High School. Villeme grew up in Tampa and taught in Hillsborough County Public Schools for 28 years. She also has experience serving adults with disabilities.
• Steven Cope, of Odessa, graduated from Millersville University of Pennsylvania in December with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Engineering and Technology Management.
• Magdalena Coxon, of Lutz, made the dean’s list at University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. Students must have a term grade point average between 3.2 and 3.69.
• Mikayla Croissant, of Lutz, made the president’s list at St. Augustine. Croissant had to earn at least a 4.0 GPA with at least 12 semester hours of graded credit.
• Lauren Harbour, of Lutz, has been named to the dean’s honor roll at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas. Harbour is a freshman majoring in psychology.
• Zayne Jack, of Lutz, was named to the Milwaukee School of Engineering’s Honors List for the fall semester. Jack is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
• Katie Strand, of San Antonio, made the dean’s list at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Strand is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 
• Scott Tassone, a physical education coach at Oakstead Elementary, has been nominated by the Tampa Bay Lightning to represent the Bay Area against other NHL teams in the Future Goals, Most Valuable Teacher campaign. 

ST. LEO  – TEDx is coming to Saint Leo University.

TEDxSaintLeoU: Transformation 2026 will bring together thought leaders, innovators and community voices to explore how the world is being reshaped by powerful forces of change.

The event will feature speakers from a wide range of disciplines, including health care, business and criminal justice, who will share ideas about how their fields are being transformed and what those changes mean for communities and the future.

“Transformation is happening all around us,” said Drew Gold, professor at Saint Leo University and lead organizer of the event. “From technological breakthroughs to shifts in how we educate, care for our health and conduct business, the world is changing rapidly. This event will provide a platform for thought leaders to share insights and spark conversations that help our community better understand and shape the future.”

Organized under the independently licensed TEDx program, TEDxSaintLeoU: Transformation 2026 will highlight “ideas worth sharing” that challenge assumptions, inspire innovation and encourage dialogue around evolving challenges and opportunities facing society.

The TEDx format features short, powerful talks designed to communicate a single compelling idea in a concise and engaging way. These talks often reach global audiences after being published online through TEDx platforms.

 

Speakers

• Amber Uhler – The Courage to Go Where You Are Celebrated
• Sergiy Borysov – How to Unleash Your Superpower: Make Your Subconscious Create the Life You Deserve!
• Angelique Cauterucci – You Define Your Own Story
• Tommy Rhee – How Sci-Fi Is Transforming the Future of Health
• LaTanya Lewis – From Hobby to Enterprise: The Transformation of Small Farming
• June Hall – Don’t Share a Bathroom!
• Don Noble Jr. – The Transformation of Fractional Executive Leadership
• Jonathan (Adam) Shoemaker – The Transformation of Work in the Age of AI, Automation, and Labor Volatility
• Kamryn Reynolds – Connection Is the Currency of Opportunity: How Trust Transforms Your Future
• Sayuri Vargas – How Your Best Strength Is the Strength You Don’t Choose
• Ron Burrell – How to Create Your Own Individual Platform Through Storytelling, Branding, and Professional/Personal Engagement
• Eileen O’Brien – How Equal Access Is an Illusion: Breaking the Patterns That Keep Knowledge and Power Out of Reach
• Scott Bedell – The Myth of Work/Life Balance

 

Want to go?

Saint Leo University will host the event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 27 in Selby Auditorium. Registration and tickets are required. Free tickets are available for Saint Leo students, faculty and staff. General admission costs $49 for community members. Get tickets at saintleo.edu/tedxslu/tickets.  

Florida auto insurers indicate average rate decrease

TALLAHASSEE – Florida’s five largest auto insurance groups are indicating an average rate decrease of about 8% for 2026, according to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.

The companies – Progressive, Berkshire Hathaway (GEICO), State Farm, Allstate and USAA – represent about 78% of the state’s auto insurance market.

Commissioner Mike Yaworsky said the reductions reflect market improvements following legislative reforms.

“The historic legislative reforms continue to drive auto insurance rates down,” Yaworsky said.

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia added that policyholders are benefiting from the reforms.

State officials said insurers have also issued credits and dividends to policyholders, including nearly $1 billion in credits reported by Progressive and a $533 million dividend announced by State Farm.

 

IRS extends weekday and Saturday hours at center

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service announced March 6 that it is extending weekly office hours at more than 200 Taxpayer Assistance Centers to provide taxpayers with more time to receive in-person assistance during the filing season. 

This includes the Tampa office at 3848 W. Columbus Drive, which normally operates from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Extended hours will be from 7 to 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through April 30. The office is closed for lunch from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. 

The Tampa TAC will also be open on select Saturdays through June 2026 to provide in-person assistance. Taxpayers can access all regularly available TAC services except making cash payments.

On the web: IRS.gov 

 

Stanaland appears on ‘Chamber Chatter Podcast’

WESLEY CHAPEL – The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce featured Michelle Stanaland, CEO of Shark Branding Solutions, on episode 32 of the “Chamber Chatter Podcast.”

Stanaland explained how she overcame introverted tendencies to succeed in business. She also shared interesting tidbits about her marketing firm and industry. 

One of the themes of the podcast is to continuously work on your business rather than working in it. 

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host Coffee Social, Lunch and Learn, and New Member Orientation.

• Members mingle during Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. March 18 at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, 2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Wesley Chapel.
• Ralph W. Sevelius, of Boardwalk Wealth Solutions, presents his approach to financial planning during Lunch and Learn from noon to 1:30 p.m. March 19 at The North Tampa Bay Chamber Office, 28329 Paseo Drive, Suite 195, Wesley Chapel. Registration costs $15. Register in advance.
• President & CEO Hope Kennedy explains chamber membership during New Member Orientation from 9 to 10 a.m. March 25 at The North Tampa Bay Chamber Office, 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 – The Greater Pasco Chamber will host a ribbon cutting, Networking Lunch, Trinity Business Exchange and Nonprofit Roundtable.

• Lauren Miceli, of Pasco EDC, and Jennie Yingling, of Spinner Law Firm, discuss the Pasco County Commission on the Status of Women during the Networking Lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 18 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance. 
• Members trade company literature during the Trinity Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 19 at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., Trinity. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Lunch costs $13. Register in advance. 
• The chamber hosts a Nonprofit Roundtable from 9 to 10 a.m. March 24 at 4 & Co. Coworking Spaces, 16703 Early Riser Ave., Land O’ Lakes. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance. 
• Members celebrate the new ownership at Care Resources with a ribbon cutting from 3 to 5 p.m. March 24 at 1501 S. Pinellas Ave., Suite A, Tarpon Springs. The ribbon cutting starts at 4 p.m. 

Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events. 

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – The East Pasco Chamber will host Core Connections and Coffee & Networking. 

• New members learn about membership during Core Connections from 8 to 9 a.m. March 19 at the chamber office, 14112 8th St., Dade City. Register in advance.
• Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. March 20 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.) and from 8 to 9 a.m. March 24 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.). Register in advance.

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

 

Quick Hits

• BODYBAR Pilates will open a new studio this month at 334 2nd Ave. S. in downtown St. Petersburg. 
• Advanced RE Services is participating in a nationwide initiative focused on protecting vacant and seasonal homes in honor of National Home Watch Month.

Help shape Pasco’s behavioral health future

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County’s Opioid Task Force is partnering with the University of South Florida’s Department of Behavioral Health Science and Practice to kick off a Behavioral Health System Capacity and Gap Analysis Study. 

The study takes a closer look at how well local behavioral health services are meeting community needs, exploring what services exist, how people access them and where challenges make it harder to get support.

The University of South Florida will lead three listening sessions to gather insight from the community. These conversations will inform planning efforts to build a more responsive, coordinated and effective behavioral health system.

Sessions will be held: 

• March 24, 3-5 p.m., Pasco County Utilities Administration Building (Cotee Room), 19420 Central Blvd., Land O’ Lakes.
• March 31, 6-8 p.m., Zephyrhills City Hall (Council Chambers), 5335 8th St., Zephyrhills.
• April 2, 6-8 p.m., Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center (Egret Room), 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa.

 

HEALTHY BRAINS Act to spur research 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) introduced the Harmonizing Environmental Analyses and Launching Therapeutic Hubs to Yield Bolstered Research and Innovation in Neurological Science (HEALTHY BRAINS) Act.

The legislation is designed to strengthen research into environmental risk factors, including toxicant exposure, associated with neurodegenerative diseases. 

“We know that research is the key to developing a better understanding of disease and holds the promise of more effective treatments and ultimately, cures,” Bilirakis said. “Through the HEALTHY BRAINS Act, we are investing in research that will help scientists better understand the environmental factors that may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. I am optimistic that this work will lead to improved health outcomes for millions of Americans suffering from these devastating conditions.”

 

Bilirakis reintroduces Medicare act

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) and others reintroduced the Promoting Fairness for Medicare Providers Act to protect seniors’ access to timely, affordable, high-quality care under Medicare. 

Reimbursement differences between office-based settings and ambulatory surgical centers can unintentionally limit where certain procedures are offered. These disparities are particularly significant for services that require high-cost medical supplies. When these services become financially unsustainable in community-based settings, seniors may face fewer local options, longer travel distances and delays in receiving needed care. 

The act works to correct these inequities by aligning Medicare payment rates for certain procedures with high supply costs across care settings. The legislation also includes safeguards to limit excessive out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries and ensures that participating facilities meet strong safety and quality standards.

 

Get answers on Medicare in March

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.

They’ll answer questions at the following Medicare programs: 

• Medicare Basics: March 19, 10:30 a.m. at New River Library, 34043 FL 54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
• Medicare Basics: March 21, 10 a.m. at Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
• Medicare Basics: March 26, 10:30 a.m. at Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576
• Medicare Basics: April 2, 10 a.m. at New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-853-1279
• Medicare Financial Assistance: April 9, 10 a.m. at Genesis Center, 38112 15th Ave., Zephyrhills. 813-782-7859
• Medicare Basics: April 16, 10:30 a.m. at New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
• Medicare Basics: April 18, 10 a.m. at Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
• Medicare Basics: April 23, 10:30 a.m. at Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576
• Medicare 101: April 4, noon at Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-587-6715 ext. 2508
• Medicare 101: April 15, 11 a.m. at Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669
• Medicare 101: April 15, 1 p.m., at Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1073

SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential. Counselors do not sell anything. They can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.

 

 

ZooTampa brings animals to schools

TAMPA – ZooTampa at Lowry Park is bringing its Nature Nurtures outreach program back to four Hillsborough County elementary schools.

The multi-year initiative features interactive presentations by ZooTampa’s Ambassador Animal Team. They’ll introduce students in kindergarten through third grade to reptiles and amphibians.

“Kids are naturally curious – and seeing an animal up close is an unforgettable way to make nature feel real and accessible,” said Tiffany Burns, senior director of animal programs at ZooTampa.

The program will visit Muller Elementary Magnet School, James Elementary, Forest Hills Elementary and Lake Magdalene Elementary through April. The partnership focuses on Title I schools within 15 miles of the zoo.

 

Hillsborough County Public Schools celebrates top staffers

TAMPA – The Hillsborough Education Foundation and Hillsborough County Public Schools honored those who represent the very best of public education at the 2026 Excellence in Education Awards. 

Winners were as follows: 

• Ché Counce won the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year. Counce is an Access Points teacher who has served Hillsborough County Public Schools for seven years. 
• Mary Torres-Cerezo won the Instructional Support Employee of the Year. Torres-Cerezo has worked for Hillsborough County Public Schools for 21 years. She spent 14 of those years as a nurse for Willis Peters Exceptional Center. 
• Christi Atkinson won the Teacher of the Year. Atkinson has been teaching in Hillsborough County for 14 years, nine years at Wharton High School, with the last four years as the science department head. 

 

Saint Leo University opens new track, locker rooms

1. LEO – Saint Leo University celebrated the grand opening Jan. 22 of an eight-lane, 400-meter track and newly constructed locker rooms.

The completion of the track is part of a phased relaunch of Saint Leo University’s men’s and women’s track and field programs. The teams welcomed 42 student-athletes in fall 2025, with enrollment expected to grow to about 60 by fall 2026. By 2027, at least 80 student-athletes are anticipated to be competing in sprint, distance and field events, including long jump, high jump, throwing events, javelin and steeplechase.

Saint Leo University also unveiled state-of-the-art men’s and women’s locker rooms on the north side of the Marion Bowman Activities Center. The three locker rooms serve about 120 student-athletes, primarily supporting the university’s soccer programs, and provide dedicated spaces for team strategy, preparation and camaraderie.

 

Achieva Foundation announces 2026 scholarships  

DUNEDIN – The Achieva Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Achieva Credit Union, is accepting applications through March 21 for its 2026 Scholarship Program. 

The foundation will award 28 scholarships totaling $87,000.

New this year, the program includes a $3,500 scholarship for a home-educated student, established in honor of Achieva’s former CEO Gary Regoli and his wife, Teresa. 

Twenty-seven students will each receive $3,000 scholarships to support their continued education at colleges and technical schools. Scholarship funds are deposited into recipients’ Achieva accounts to help offset the cost of tuition, books and other education expenses.

Applicants or a member of their family must be an Achieva Credit Union member in good standing, a graduating high school senior or enrolled in an accredited college or technical school.  

Apply at Achievacu.com/Foundation. 

 

Quick Hits

• Pasco-Hernando State College welcomed new members to its board: M. Stacey Thomson, a physical science professor at PHSC; Jessica Zimmerman, service center operations director at Suncoast Credit Union; and Janei Harris, a student at PHSC.
• McClellan Creek, of Odessa, made the honors list at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Florham Campus in Madison, NJ. Students must have a 3.5 or better grade point average.
• Amber Rosswaag, of Lutz, graduated with a Finance B S. at the University of Minnesota Crookston.
• Alexander Mihalek, of Wesley Chapel, and Catalina Munoz Sola, of Lutz, made the dean’s list at Fairfield University at Fairfield, Connecticut.