The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Local Wildlife: Baby bongo born at zoo

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An Eastern bongo calf was born July 3. Photo courtesy of ZooTampa at Lowry Park

 

ZooTampa at Lowry Park welcomed a critically endangered Eastern bongo calf on July 3. 

The female calf, named Liberty, weighed 38 pounds and stood about 2 feet tall at birth. 

This marks the seventh Eastern bongo birth at the zoo since 2021, contributing to the conservation of a species with fewer than 100 individuals remaining in the wild due to habitat loss and poaching. 

The bongo joins two other bongo calves, two southern white rhinos, two impalas and two nyalas, all born earlier this year.

Students board RV for health care simulations

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Pasco-Hernando State College offered a Health Care Discovery Summer Camp that allowed youth to explore a 31-foot RV that doubled as a mobile simulator. Photo courtesy of PHSC
Pasco-Hernando State College offered a Health Care Discovery Summer Camp that allowed youth to explore a 31-foot RV that doubled as a mobile simulator. Photo courtesy of PHSC

WESLEY CHAPEL – Children attending Health Care Discovery Summer Camp boarded a 31-foot RV on July 16 at Pasco-Hernando State College to engage in interactive clinical simulations. 

Twenty-eight campers, ages 11 to 18, rotated through the unit in small groups. They explored health care training equipment, learned basic patient care concepts and participated in a medical escape room-style activity designed to build critical thinking and collaboration skills during real-world health care scenarios.

“The best part is watching students work together,” said MJ Schwartz, a clinical specialist at Empath Health. “They explore health care concepts, ask thoughtful questions and begin to understand what’s happening with a patient and why. These experiences spark real curiosity and interest in health care careers.”

The Mobile Simulation RV belongs to Empath Health, a not-for-profit health network focused on supporting chronic, post-acute, end-of-life and grief care needs across Florida. 

Pasco-Hernando State College offered the summer camp on its Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch.

“By engaging students with active patient-care challenges and modern clinical tools, we aim to clarify complex medical environments,” said Ginnie Whitaker, strategic initiatives director at the college. “We want to ignite their curiosity and build the foundational skills they will need to become the health care leaders of tomorrow.”

Pasco-Hernando State College offered a Health Care Discovery Summer Camp that allowed youth to explore a 31-foot RV that doubled as a mobile simulator. Photo courtesy of PHSC

 

Business Digest: Ajax Paving Industries supports Crisis Center

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Ajax Paving Industries supports Crisis Center

TAMPA – Ajax Paving Industries of Florida has become a corporate partner of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay with a $15,000 contribution.

The funding will support services that include suicide prevention, trauma therapy, substance recovery and programs for children and families facing behavioral health challenges.

“We are deeply grateful to Ajax for their support and for their commitment to addressing the stigma surrounding mental health – both in society and within the construction industry,” said Clara Reynolds, president and CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. 

“Their partnership helps us deliver essential, 24/7 services to our community.”

Ajax Paving has made mental health a priority within the construction industry through employee training, including programs facilitated by the center. The company also created Ajax Warriors, a group of employees trained to support colleagues experiencing personal struggles.

Ajax President Vince Hafeli is a national advocate and speaker on behavioral health, workplace safety and suicide awareness.

“We are proud to partner with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay in support of their mission to provide care and resources to those in need,” said Scott Pittman, executive vice president of marketing and government affairs. “At Ajax Paving, we are committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, especially within the construction industry, and ensuring our support contributes to healthier, stronger communities.”

 

PulteGroup buys 136 acres in Wesley Chapel

WESLEY CHAPEL – PulteGroup has acquired 136 acres for The Enclave at King Lake, a new residential community in Wesley Chapel.

Pulte Homes plans to build 299 homesites, including 192 townhomes and 107 single-family homes. Development is expected to begin in August, with home sales starting in late 2027.

Townhomes will range from 1,451 to 1,879 square feet, while single-family homes will range from 1,707 to 3,162 square feet.

Planned amenities include a resort-style pool, cabana, walking trails, neighborhood parks and open space.

The community will be located near the 114-acre Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital campus under construction.

On the web: pulte.com

 

Suncoast brings back ‘Year of No Payments’

TAMPA – Suncoast Credit Union has brought back its Year of No Payments Giveaway for a second year.

Three members will win one year of rent, mortgage or car payments.

New members who join Suncoast online or at a branch through Dec. 31 will receive one entry. Existing members can enter by downloading and logging into the new Suncoast Mobile App.

The promotion includes three entry periods: July 1 to Aug. 31, Sept. 1 to Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 to Dec. 31. Entries carry over into subsequent drawing periods.

Suncoast awarded two members a year of payments in 2025. Wesley Chapel resident Jose Garcia chose a year of mortgage payments as his prize.

Visit Suncoast.com/NoPayments for details.

 

GTE Financial makes Forbes’ list

TAMPA – GTE Financial has been recognized by Forbes as one of Florida’s Best-In-State Credit Unions for 2026, earning the No. 10 spot in the publication’s annual rankings. 

GTE Financial was one of just 11 Florida credit unions recognized this year.

The annual rankings, developed by Forbes in partnership with market research firm Statista, are based on feedback from thousands of consumers who evaluated financial institutions on trust, customer service, digital services, financial advice and fee transparency. 

“This recognition reflects the trust our members place in us every day,” said Manny Aguilar, senior vice president and chief experience officer of GTE Financial. “At GTE Financial, we’re committed to helping our members achieve financial success by delivering exceptional service, innovative solutions and a personalized banking experience.”

 

Andy’s Frozen Custard offers a Key Lime Pie Concrete through Sept. 8. Photo courtesy of Andy’s Frozen Custard

Andy’s Frozen Custard adds summer flavors

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Andy’s Frozen Custard has added Peach Cobbler and Key Lime Pie treats to its menu through Sept. 8.

The new Peach Cobbler features vanilla frozen custard blended with fresh peaches and topped with cobbler crumble. It is available as a sundae or concrete.

The returning Key Lime Pie Concrete features a slice of key lime pie blended with vanilla frozen custard. A Key Lime quart is also available.

Andy’s is also celebrating its 40th anniversary by offering a limited-edition collectible cup with the purchase of any medium Concrete or Jackhammer while supplies last.

Andy’s Frozen Custard has locations in Lutz (19081 Wingshooter Way) and Odessa (13402 Pine Gap Spur).

On the web: eatandys.com

 

Moving company invests in training  

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2 College Brothers Moving & Storage is putting in the time and money to train staff before they begin moving people’s valuables. Photo courtesy of 2 College Brothers Moving & Storage

CLEARWATER – As thousands of new residents continue to relocate to the Tampa Bay region each year, demand for professional moving services is growing alongside the area’s population. 

With nearly 124,000 additional residents projected to move to the region by 2026, according to the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, 2 College Brothers Moving & Storage is investing in a new training facility and expanded office space at its Clearwater headquarters to help meet the area’s growing workforce and moving needs.

Slated for completion in late July, the new facility will have a grand opening in fall 2026. It will feature a fully furnished one-bedroom model home inside the company’s office. 

Rather than learning solely in customers’ homes, new movers will be able to practice real-world moving techniques in a controlled environment before handling a family’s belongings.

“The first time a new employee experiences a home move should never be the first time they handle someone’s heirloom furniture or baby grand piano,” said Wade Swikle, CEO of 2 College Brothers Moving & Storage. “Customers deserve a team that has already developed those skills before they arrive.”

Swikle said the concept addresses one of the moving industry’s biggest areas of growth, which is that right now new employees at moving companies nationwide gain their first hands-on experience while moving customers’ most valuable possessions. Inside the new interactive training apartment, employees will learn how to properly protect furniture, navigate tight spaces, safeguard floors and walls, and work together as a professional moving team before entering a customer’s home.

The realistic setting allows trainers to coach employees through common moving scenarios without the pressure or risk of working inside a customer’s residence.

In addition to the hands-on training facility, Swikle co-founded Titan Up Training, an online education platform that includes “2 College Brothers University.” Titan Up Training is designed to help moving companies develop more skilled, consistent teams while enhancing their branding and procedures.

The platform also teaches other companies nationwide professional moving techniques to avoid injuries or damaging customer items, as well as courses on employee conduct, professionalism, moving terms, safety and procedures.

As more people relocate to the Tampa Bay region, Swikle believes companies must invest not only in trucks and equipment, but also in the people responsible for serving customers.

“We’re growing because Tampa Bay is growing,” Swikle said. “As more families choose to make this area home, it’s our responsibility to make sure we have well-trained professionals ready to serve them.”

On the web: 2CollegeBrothers.com

Moffitt Cancer Center shows off proton therapy system

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The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Proton Center at Speros features the ProteusONE proton therapy system Photo courtesy of Moffitt Cancer Center

LAND O’ LAKES – The Moffitt Cancer Center dedicated the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Proton Center at Speros on July 23 during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The center features the ProteusONE proton therapy system, which delivers precise radiation treatment that targets tumors while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. 

Kosj Yamoah, chair of Moffitt’s radiation oncology department, addresses those gthered to celebrate the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Proton Center at Speros. Photo courtesy of Moffitt Cancer Center

“We are bringing the most advanced technology, the ProteusONE, in the Tampa Bay area,” said Kosj Yamoah, chair of Moffitt’s radiation oncology department. “We’re going to be able to treat people within Florida and across the world with cutting-edge technology that is destined to treat cancer effectively”

The center was made possible through a $15 million gift from Best Buy founder Dick Schulze and the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation.

Josh Carpenter, president of Speros, said the campus’s infrastructure and talent position it as a leader in America’s developing biotech economy. 

Health and community leaders celebrate Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Proton Center at Speros with a ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy of Moffitt Cancer Center

 

Life’s Treasures Thrift Store plans Dade City location

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Colliers helped facilitate a lease for Chapters Health System to bring a Life’s Treasures Thrift Store location to Dade City. Photo courtesy of Colliers

DADE CITY – Chapters Health System, a nonprofit hospice organization, has leased a 10,000-square-foot retail space at 12709 U.S. 301 in Dade City to serve as a new Life’s Treasures Thrift Store location.

The thrift store is moving from Zephyrhills to provide a more modernized shopping experience.

The relocation is part of a strategic update of the health system’s thrift stores that benefit the charity grief and hospice services of HPH Hospice and LifePath Hospice, affiliates of Chapters Health System. The organization also recently leased a 10,000-square-foot thrift store location planned for The Villages.

Ginger Gelsheimer and Juan Vega, of Colliers, represented Chapters Health System, in both transactions. Brandon Eggleston, of RMC Property Group, represented the landlord, RMC Morningside LLC, in the Dade City transaction.

“We were pleased to deliver a successful transaction for one of several new resale boutique locations for Chapters Health System this year,” said Gelsheimer, vice president of Colliers. “It was a smooth transaction working with RMC’s local team, and Chapters is confident that the new location will generate a lot of customer activity.”

The new Dade City location will offer increased visibility at the intersection of U.S. 301 and Morningside Drive in one of Pasco County’s fastest-growing corridors. The property was already configured to meet the tenant’s needs.

Life’s Treasures Thrift Store is part of Chapters Health Foundation and offers a wide selection of clothing, furniture, antiques, books, jewelry, collectibles, home décor and other gently used merchandise. There are five locations in the Tampa Bay area, including Brandon, Carrollwood, Tampa and New Port Richey.

The foundation supports community programs and helps patients and their families who cannot afford hospice, home health or palliative medicine services. It raises more than $5.2 million annually to supports patients and families.

Chapters Health System expects the Dade City location of Life’s Treasures Thrift Store to open by October.

Pasco Clerk & Comptroller’s Office breaks down finances

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DADE CITY – Understanding how taxpayer dollars are managed should not be difficult. 

That’s why the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office publishes Common Cents, the office’s Popular Annual Financial Report, also known as the PAFR.

The annual report gives Pasco County residents a clear, easy-to-read overview of the county’s financial activity. Common Cents is designed to help citizens better understand where public dollars come from, where they go and how they support county services.

“Have you ever wondered where your tax dollars are going and what county leaders are doing with those dollars?” asked Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Pasco County clerk and comptroller. “Common Cents puts that information right at your fingertips in a way that is accessible, transparent and easy to understand.”

Alvarez-Sowles’ office plays a vital role in Pasco County’s financial operations, handling financial transactions that range from purchasing to payroll. The office also prepares several financial reports each year to provide accountability and oversight for county government.

Common Cents takes information from more detailed financial documents and presents it in a simplified format for the public. The report includes helpful charts, summaries and explanations that allow residents to review the county’s financial picture without needing a background in accounting or government finance.

“Common Cents gives residents a simplified look at the county’s finances without requiring them to sort through more technical financial documents,” said Matt Lazar, financial services director. “It is designed to be informative, transparent and easy to follow.”

The Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office has been recognized for 42 consecutive years for excellence in financial reporting.

“We are proud of the work our team does to ensure the public has access to accurate financial information,” Alvarez-Sowles said. “Common Cents is one more way we help citizens stay informed about their county government.”

View Common Cents at https://www.pascoclerk.com/Archive.aspx?ADID=2569.

 

Wesley Chapel Automotive dealers unite to sponsor Habitat home

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Three auto dealerships partner on a donation to Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County that will support a local family. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County

WESLEY CHAPEL – Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County announced that Wesley Chapel Toyota, Wesley Chapel Mazda and Wesley Chapel Chevrolet have joined forces to provide a $130,000 Whole Home Sponsorship.

The sponsorship will support the construction of a new Habitat home in East and Central Pasco County, providing a safe, affordable place where a local family can build a brighter future.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and vision of Wesley Chapel Toyota, Wesley Chapel Mazda and Wesley Chapel Chevrolet,” said Crystal Lazar, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County. “Their collective commitment will help build not only a house, but a foundation for stability, opportunity and hope for a local family. This partnership exemplifies the spirit of community that makes Pasco County such a special place to live.”

Through Habitat for Humanity’s affordable homeownership program, partner families invest sweat equity hours alongside volunteers and participate in financial education and homeownership preparation. Once completed, the home will be purchased by the Habitat family through an affordable mortgage.

Visit www.habitatpasco.org for details about the nonprofit, volunteer opportunities or sponsorship programs.

BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel expands emergency heart care

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CLEARWATER – BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel is now licensed to provide advanced cardiac care services, improving access to lifesaving, emergency care.

Effective July 1, the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration  designated the hospital as a Level 1 adult cardiovascular services provider. 
This designation reflects the timely, specialized treatment that patients experiencing chest pain or other cardiac conditions can expect from the hospital’s physicians, interventional cardiologists, clinical nurses and technicians. 

This licensure means patients In fast-growing east Pasco County will not need to travel far to get critical cardiac interventions, particularly during an emergency.  
“This marks an important advancement in our cardiovascular capabilities,” said Nanette Wilcox, hospital president.
The Level I licensure allowing hospitals to perform interventional coronary care requires adherence to strict standards for cardiac catheterization volume, equipment, staffing, quality and safety.  
Patients who require more complex procedures, including open-heart surgery, will be transferred to BayCare’s Heart and Vascular Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. The institute has earned the highest level 3-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgery, placing it among the nation’s top performing cardiothoracic surgery programs and ensuring continuity of care across BayCare.
With this achievement, BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel joins 10 other BayCare hospitals offering advanced adult cardiac services. Since opening in 2023, BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, BayCare’s 16th hospital, has steadily expanded its clinical capabilities, bringing more specialized care closer to home for east Pasco County residents. 

 

USF students get exposure to teaching at Pepin Academies

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Maya Moneze was among University of South Florida students who worked with students at Pepin Academies this summer. Photo courtesy of Pepin Academies

TAMPA – Twelve University of South Florida students pursuing degrees in Exceptional Student Education gained teaching experience while helping children with learning disabilities at Pepin Academies.

The four-week Summer Institute wrapped up recently, giving both groups a chance to learn and grow. 

Pepin Academies students in grades 3 to 12 received individualized support from aspiring special education teachers, while USF students applied what they are learning in their coursework to a classroom environment.

“This has been great. It’s been nothing I could have prepared myself for,” USF student Solee Boutilier said. “I think this is the kind of thing where you can read about it in a textbook, but you’re not going to understand it until you’re in the classroom. So, this has been awesome.”

Boutilier said her time in the classroom deepened her understanding of teaching.

“It’s made me more appreciative of my teachers because, wow, there is a lot that goes into it,” she said. “Being able to adapt what students need into every single lesson… I feel very grateful for all my teachers growing up.”

Learning alongside future educators gave Pepin Academies students encouragement and extra support as they prepare for the upcoming school year.

“I feel that they want us to learn more and be ready for a new grade, a new level,” said Pepin Academies student Savannah McGowan, an incoming sixth grader. “They made it fun and treated you with respect. If something was hard for us, they would find a way to help us understand it in our way.”

USF student Maya Moneze said the experience has reshaped how she approaches instruction and lesson planning.

“I took what they know and enjoy and morphed it into our daily routine,” Moneze said. “We learned through games, so everything I taught used activities that engaged them. I changed my lesson plans at least three times a day based on comments they told me, and that’s been a really big part – being able to adapt to their needs.”

The Summer Institute concluded with a student showcase featuring performances created in partnership with Arts4All Florida, a USF-affiliated arts education program. Students spent part of the summer working with dance, music and visual arts instructors to develop an original production celebrating America’s 250th birthday and the nation’s diverse cultures and traditions.