The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Chalk Talk (7/2/25): PHSC wins at FBLA conference

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PHSC wins at FBLA conference

NEW PORT RICHEY – Students from Pasco-Hernando State College’s Future Business Leaders of America won top prizes at the National Leadership Conference. 

The conference provided business-related education, competition and networking opportunities from May 31 to June 2 in Dallas, Texas.

More than 890 students from nearly 150 schools in 27 states and territories competed in 38 business-related events for cash prizes totaling over $45,000. 

PHSC’s FBLA chapter earned the following awards and placements:

  • Distinguished Chapter – Ranked third in the nation and top-ranked Distinguished Chapter among state/community colleges in the nation.
  • Future Business Leaders of America Gold Seal Chapter.
  • Curtis Scaglione – Outstanding Local Adviser.
  • Krista Knowles – Third Place – Business Communications.
  • Kevin Backitis – Fifth Place – Computer Applications.
  • Emmalise Feliciano – Seventh Place – Future Business Leaders Executive.
  • Matthew Gerlack – Eighth Place – Computer Applications.
  • Emmalise Feliciano, Kiara Carlos, and Caleb Grossenbacher – Ninth Place – State of the Chapter.
  • Samantha Mutter (University of South Florida, PHSC alumna) – Ninth Place – Emerging Business Issues.

PHSC’s FBLA co-advisors Ron McCullough and Curtis Scaglione were proud of the students.

“I always knew you were all destined to become great leaders,” Scaglione said. “I never could have imagined it would happen so soon. I see it from you all every day.”

 

Student Achievements

  • Tiana Alfsen, of Wesley Chapel, made the spring semester dean’s list at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, Wisconsin.
    • Kenza Brown, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at Kennesaw State University at Kennesaw, Georgia for earning a 3.5 GPA or higher. Kenza majors in psychology.
  • Jace Druschel, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list Baldwin Wallace University at Berea, Ohio for 3.8 GPA or higher. 
  • Luke Jackson, of Tampa, earned a juris doctor from Mercer University’s School of Law  in Macon, Georgia. 
  • Owen Libby, of Wesley Chapel, graduated from Loras College  in Dubuque, Iowa.
  • Rachael Plunk, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at the University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphia, Maryland for earning a 3.5 GPA or higher. 
  • Olivia St. Clair, of Lutz, earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut. 
  • Jalen Stevens, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at the University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphia, Maryland for earning a 3.5 GPA or higher. 

 

Quick Hits

  • Shawn Millard, of Land O’ Lakes High School, earned Tampa Bay Buccaneers Girls Flag Coach Of The Year, according to Pasco County Schools.
  • Seven Springs Middle School announced that Alyssa Quina is the new principal and Ruth Jackson and Kailin Montgomery are new assistant principals.
  • Pasco-Hernando State College observed its 50th anniversary on June 19. 
  • The Rotary Club of New Port Richey donated to the PHSC Foundation for the Dr. David Garner Shelton and Family Memorial Scholarship. 
  • The Brooksville Rotary Club donated to the PHSC Foundation for the Dr. Richard Trump – Rotary Club of Brooksville Scholarship. 

 

Letter: Students with disabilities need summer programming

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I am the parent of a child receiving special education services and an engaged member of the Pasco County community.

I am writing to raise a concern shared by many families in our district: the lack of accessible summer programming for students with disabilities. While many families rely on camps and structured enrichment programs during the summer months, students like mine are often left without any safe or suitable options.

Like many other parents, I made the necessary decision to leave my career in order to care for my child during the summer, because no available programs could safely support them.

But this issue goes beyond summer. My child, and many others, have already been effectively excluded from magnet programs, many charter schools, and even our neighborhood schools. And while “school choice” is often promoted, the reality is that parents like me are left with very few nearby options, and may need to commute up to 45 minutes each way just to reach a school equipped to meet our child’s needs.

We are not asking for special treatment; we are asking for thoughtful planning and consistent support.

I respectfully ask:

  • Are there any current plans to create summer programs that support students with disabilities? • Has the district explored community partnerships or available funding to help make these programs possible?
  • What steps are in place to ensure students receiving special education services are supported throughout the entire year, not just during the school year?

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I would welcome the opportunity to participate in any future discussions or planning efforts around this topic. I am confident that, together, we can work toward solutions that reflect our community’s commitment to all of its children.

Parent and community advocate Carmen Singleton sent this open letter to the Pasco County school board and the community.

 

Sport Lisboa e Benfica expands its reach through partnership

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Photos courtesy of Saint Leo University

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University and Portuguese soccer powerhouse Sport Lisboa e Benfica gathered June 13 to celebrate the launch of the first Benfica Residential Academy in the United States.  

Benfica Residential Academy will begin Aug. 15 on Saint Leo’s campus with 100 students. 

Photos courtesy of Saint Leo University

Couto Turf, the turf specialist for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, is installing two new soccer fields on Saint Leo’s campus that will serve the academy. 

Benfica President Rui Castro and Ed Narain, chair of the college’s board of trustees, took part in a ribbon cutting for the new fields. Narain said the Saint Leo Lions are now “Benfiquistas.”

Three Benfica players joined students on the field while two bald eagles from Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue greeted the Benfica Eagles.

 

Hospital uses robotic surgery for hysterectomy patients

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WESLEY CHAPEL –  AdventHealth Wesley Chapel is the first hospital in Florida to perform a new, minimally invasive robotic hysterectomy.

The procedure provides a new option for women who need to have their uterus removed and want a procedure that will leave them with no visible scars and a shorter hospital stay.  

Dr. Olufunke Abiose and Dr. Gerard Jackson performed the da Vinci vNOTES Hysterectomy at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. vNOTES stands for vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.  

“As a surgeon, I am continually pursuing advanced training and innovative techniques to offer my patients the least invasive and most effective surgical options available,” Dr. Abiose said. “Many of my patients are pleasantly surprised by how quickly they can return to their daily routines after surgery. Incorporating robotic-assisted technology into vaginal procedures adds a new level of precision and control.”

In the U.S., about 500,000 hysterectomies are performed each year for women with chronic pain, fibroids, uterine prolapse, heavy bleeding, endometriosis, and precancerous or cancerous tumors. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists have recommended vaginal hysterectomy, whenever feasible, as the approach of choice.

During the daVinci vNOTES procedure, a device known as the GelPOINT  V-Path transvaginal access platform is placed through the vagina into the pelvic cavity, giving access to the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to provide the surgeon with the necessary space to see and operate. A high-definition camera, robotic arm and specialized instruments are inserted through the device, allowing surgeons to operate with precision and visualization.

Along with leaving no visible scars, hospital officials say the procedure offers patients a vaginal gynecological surgery option with less pain after the operation and a faster recovery compared to the traditional laparoscopic approach, where surgeons make small incisions in the abdomen to remove the uterus.  

“Using this leading-edge technology, the vast majority of our patients are able to leave the hospital the same day they were admitted and since this procedure avoids abdominal incisions, it typically results in a lesser need for pain medication,” said Dr. Robert Rosequist, chief medical officer for AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.

 

Bounty Bus to bring food to underserved communities

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DADE CITY – AdventHealth has formed a new partnership with Access to Fresh with the launch of the group’s new mobile market trailer, the Bounty Bus. 

Access to Fresh works to improve food access in underserved communities. Last year, Access to Fresh supported a variety of initiatives, providing seniors, students and food pantries with fresh produce.

The  partnership between AdventHealth and Access to Fresh aims to double the organization’s impact in providing fresh, locally sourced produce to families in need.  

“Our multi-year partnership with AdventHealth allows us to deliver fresh produce and nutrition education directly into underserved communities, strengthening local resilience and building a healthier food system from the ground up,” said Nichole Dube, co-founder of Access to Fresh. 

Dube is also behind Dube’s Mobile Market and Dube’s Farm and Market in Wesley Chapel, which has helped support AdventHealth’s Food is Health Program in counties across AdventHealth’s West Florida Division for the past five years. 

“Through this new partnership with Access to Fresh as well as our Food is Health program, we are committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities by increasing access to nutritious food options,” said Dean Whaley, executive director of strategic partnerships and community engagement for AdventHealth West Florida Division. 

A ribbon cutting for the Bounty Bus was held June 11 at the Lewis Abraham Lacoochee Boys & Girls Club. 

The event featured fresh fruit and vegetable tastings for children, an exercise demonstration and information about Access to Fresh’s summer nutrition program. 

“We are so excited to be selected as the first stop of the Bounty Bus,” said Eunique Byrd, Lacoochee Club director. “Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay serves 425,000 meals to youth annually, but we know there is still a huge need for fresh, nutritious food in the homes of many families we serve. The work that Bounty Bus and Access to Fresh do in the community is essential in ensuring that youth meet nutritional needs.”

Health & Wellness (6/18/25): Institute does 1,000th procedure

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Institute completes 1,000th WATCHMAN procedure

TAMPA – AdventHealth Tampa’s Pepin Heart Institute has completed 1,000 WATCHMAN procedures, a minimally invasive treatment that helps prevent strokes in AFib patients. 

Dr. Paul Gerczuk performed the milestone surgery, which involves implanting a small device in the heart to block clot-causing areas. 

“The WATCHMAN allows us to reduce our patients’ stroke risk and help them come off blood thinners over time, significantly improving their quality of life,” said Dr. Kenneth Yamamura, a board-certified electrophysiologist at the Pepin Heart Institute.

Patient Gregory Kingery credits the procedure with saving his life. 

“There are a lot of people who don’t get a second lease on life,” Kingery said. “I’m grateful I did.”

 

Doctor performs 200th TCAR procedure

SEBRING – Dr. Myron St. Louis recently performed his 200th Transcarotid Artery Revascularization procedure at AdventHealth Sebring. 

TCAR is a minimally invasive surgery to treat carotid artery disease and help prevent strokes. 

The 200th patient, Patricia Peer, 74, praised Dr. St. Louis and his team.

“The only person I would go to is Dr. St. Louis because I trust him.” Peer said. 

The longtime Sebring resident is now back to enjoying gardening, traveling and family time. 

 

Legislation attempts to restore health program

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and others introduced legislation June 11 in the House and Senate to restore an initiative of the health care law that helps American families navigate the ACA marketplace and connect them with high quality, affordable health care plans. 

The Expand Navigators’ Resources for Outreach, Learning and Longevity (ENROLL) Act would ensure the Navigator program, established under the ACA to help Americans navigate, shop and enroll in affordable health care plans, will continue despite federal cuts.

“Robust outreach and assistance by Navigators is vital to families so they can evaluate options and choose a health plan that is right for them,” Castor said. 

 

AdventHealth opens heart Care clinic

LAKES WALES – AdventHealth has expanded its services in Polk County with a new heart care clinic in Lake Wales. 

The clinic opened June 10 at 1255 State Road 60 E., Suite 600.  It features three exam rooms, a procedure room and advanced equipment. 

Dr. Saiyed Mohib, the first cardiologist at AdventHealth Lake Wales, brings over 20 years of experience assessing and preventing heart attacks and other heart-related diseases. The new clinic allows Mohib to serve more patients.

 

Hospital offers Infant and Child CPR class 

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz is offering an Infant and Child CPR class that can help parents and caregivers save a child in an emergency. 

The class includes learning choking rescue methods, CPR and home safety based on American Heart Association guidelines. 

The Infant and Child CPR class will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 1 in a St. Joseph’s Hospital-North classroom, 4211 Van Dyke Road. 

The class is offered in partnership between the hospital and the BayCare Kids Wellness and Safety Center. There is a fee of $25.

Register at BayCareEvents.org (choose “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scroll to the July 1 listing) or by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt. Call the BayCare Kids Wellness and Safety Center at 813-615-0589 for class details.

Get answers on Medicare

  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.

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

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

Here are some upcoming programs: 

Medicare Basics

  • July 3 at 10 a.m. at New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-853-1279.
  • July 19 at 10 a.m. at Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214.
  • July 24 at noon at Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576

Medicare Fraud Prevention

  • July 8 at 1 p.m. at New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375.
  • July 31 at 1 p.m. at Seminole Community Library, 9200 113th St. N., Seminole. 727-394-6922.

Medicare 101

  • July 2 at noon at Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-587-6715 ext. 2508.
  • July 3 at 10:30 a.m. at New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375.
  • July 16 at 11 a.m. at Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669.
  • July 16 at 1 p.m. at Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S. Gulfport. 727-893-1073.

 

 

Business Digest (6/18/25): Pasco incentivizes tourism

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Pasco incentivizes tourism

PASCO COUNTY – Florida’s Sports Coast, the destination management organization for Pasco County, is accepting applications for the 2025-26 Marketing Matching Sponsorship Program.  

Designed to spotlight artistic, cultural and unique experiences beyond the world of sports, this program offers an opportunity to bring these events and attractions to life.  

Events like these have the potential to attract visitors and the program provides up to $10,000 to expand the marketing reach of these events to audiences outside the Tampa Bay area.

For 2025-26 cycle, there are two additional funding incentives:

  • Long-distance Promotions Incentive: Providing up to $2,000.
  • Room Night Generation Incentive: Offering up to $3,000.

Visit: mypas.co/FloridasSportsCoastMMSP26 to learn more about the program.

 

Food truck lauds Brooklyn

LAND O’ LAKES – The Bergen Food Truck Florida celebrated its grand opening May 30 to June 1 at That Place Down The Street.

The seafood concept dates back to the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when founder Ty Brown opened a restaurant with Caribbean-inspired flavors on Bergen Street in Brooklyn, New York. 

“I’m thrilled to bring a true sense of community and connection to Land O’Lakes through The Bergen Food Truck,” Brown saad. “In a place where people often stay indoors, we’re creating a welcoming space that encourages neighbors to come together, enjoy great food, and build lasting friendships.”

That Place Down The Street is located at 10509 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Call 347-264 4069 for details. 

 

Hooters reopens location

PORT RICHEY – The Port Richey Hooters location has reopened after being closed for nine months after four feet of water entered the building during Hurricane Helene. 

The entire building has been completely remodeled and renovated with all new equipment and furniture. The kitchen has also been redesigned to increase throughput and reduce ticket times.

Hooters of Port Richey is located at 5336 Treadway Drive.  The Port Richey Hooters location opened on the waterfront in 1988.  It was the first Hooters restaurant to open in Pasco County.  

Additional locations in the county include the Odessa Hooters and Wesley Chapel Hooters with an anticipated opening in the fall. HMC Hospitality Group also has plans to open a location in The Villages in July.  

 

Baker joins angus group

BRANDON – Khloe Baker, of Brandon, is a new junior member of the American Angus Association, reports Mark McCully, CEO of the national organization with headquarters in Saint Joseph, Missouri.

Junior members of the association are eligible to register cattle in the American Angus Association, participate in programs conducted by the National Junior Angus Association and take part in association-sponsored shows and other national and regional events.

The American Angus Association has more than 21,000 active adult and junior members. 

On the web: NJAA.info

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a Coffee Social and ribbon cutting. 

  • Members network during a Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. June 18 at Bubba’s 33, 26340 Silver maple Pkwy., Wesley Chapel.  
  • Members celebrate the grand opening of Deep Roots Dental & Facial Aesthetics with a ribbon cutting from 4 to 6 p.m. June 25 at 3013 Allegra Way, Lutz. The ribbon cutting starts at 4:30 p.m.

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

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a Trinity Brochure Exchange, Women in Business programming and other networking opportunities.

  • The Professional Women in Business group meets for networking from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 18 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance.
  • Members exchange company literature during Trinity Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 19 at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., Trinity. Register in advance. 
  • Members hold a ribbon cutting from 4 to 7 p.m. June 24 at Wraps & Kabobs, 1420 Seven Springs Blvd., New Port Richey. Register in advance. 

ª Members celebrate the grand opening of HotWorx with a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 25 at 7215 FL-54, New Port Richey. The company is a 24-hour infrared fitness studio. 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 Core Connections and Coffee & Networking events.

  • The chamber offers networking and member orientation during Core Connections from 8 to 9 a.m. June 19 at the Zephyrhills Office, 38550 5th Ave., Zephyrhills. Register in advance. 
  • Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. June 20 at the chamber’s Zephyrhills location, 38550 5th Ave., or 8 to 9 a.m. June 24 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

  • EXIT Elite Realty welcomed Michele Alexander and Rahmat Barkat to its team of real estate professionals. The firm is located at 13911 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Suite #201 in Tampa. 
  • Stephanie Li Causi, Dan Soares and Kimberly Blanco have joined Weichert, Realtors – Exclusive Properties at 11734 N Dale Mabry Hwy. in Tampa.

Chalk Talk (6/18/25): PHSC tools up for student retention

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PHSC using automation tools for student retention

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College has launched a new vision focused on academic program expansion and student retention through collaboration, technology and automation. 

PHSC will use Banner Enterprise Resource Planning and Slate Customer Relationship Management systems to streamline communication, track student progress and promote new programs via targeted outreach. 

Strategies include personalized advising alerts, progress updates and interactive student engagement tools. 

 

Harrington rejoins PHSC board

NEW PORT RICHEY – Jeffrey Harrington rejoined Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees on May 20, after being reinstated to the board by Gov. Ron DeSantis. He represents Pasco County. 

Harrington initially departed from the board in May 2024 after serving the college since 2017. Harrington retired from being the chief deputy sheriff at the Pasco Sheriff’s Office in May 2024. 

Previously, he was the chief of police at the New Port Richey Police Department and served on the board of the Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Association.

 

PHSC welcomes trustees

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College recently welcomed two new Hernando County trustees to its District Board of Trustees. Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Gene Bell and Kirk Wilson.

After an honorable discharge from the Vietnam War in August 1971, Bell joined his in-laws’ insurance business, Snow & Bell Inc., where he has served as the president since 1983. Bell was a member of the college’s first class to begin studies in 1972.

Wilson moved from Ohio to Brooksville in 1984, starting out in the Automotive Industry before establishing his first vending business across Pasco, Hernando, Citrus and Marion counties. After selling the vending business in 2001, he shifted to outdoor power equipment. Wilson serves as a managing partner at Green Acres Outdoor Power Equipment.

 

Shaw named chairman of education foundation

TAMPA – Sean Shaw has become chairman of the board of the Hillsborough Education Foundation.

Shaw is an attorney and a former state representative. He made history as the first African American nominee for Florida Attorney General. 

“Sean brings a strong and steady voice to our mission, rooted in integrity and a deep belief in the power of public education,” said Anna Corman, president and CEO of the Hillsborough Education Foundation. 

The foundation awarded over $1.4 million in scholarships in 2023-24 and continues expanding its student-focused programs.

“Public education shaped my life, and I believe every student deserves the same chance to succeed,” Shaw said. 

 

Saint Leo University hosting CSI Summer Camp

  1. LEO – Saint Leo University will host its CSI Summer Camp from June 23 to 26 for middle and high school students at its Pasco County campus. 

Campers will explore crime scene investigation with hands-on activities like lifting fingerprints, casting impressions, photographing evidence and learning about bugs tied to decomposition. 

Faculty and criminal justice experts will guide campers as they dig into mock crime scenes and forensic techniques. 

The camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes lunch. 

Register at https://csicamps.totalcamps.com/shop/EVENT.

 

Students earn degrees from University of Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Over 6,000 degrees were awarded during The University of Alabama’s spring 2025 commencement ceremonies at Coleman Coliseum. 

Local students earning degrees include:

  • Abigail Elliott, of Lutz, earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce & Business Administration.
  • Teresa Ford, of Lutz,  earned a Bachelor of Science in Education.
  • Madeline Griggs, of Odessa,  earned a Bachelor of Science.
  • Jensyn Nixon, of Odessa,  earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Information Sciences.
  • Zoe Poulsen, of Lutz,  earned a Bachelor of Arts.

 

Student Achievements

  • Scott Brewer, of Lutz, made the spring provost’s list at Ohio University College of Health Sciences and Professions in Athens, Ohio for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher. 
  • Keenan Cruz, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at The University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio for earning a GPA of 3.550 or higher with no letter grade below a B.
  • Ariana Freedman, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s and president’s lists at Shenandoah University at Winchester, Virginia for earning a GPA of 3.9 or higher. 
  • Blake Graham, of Odessa, made the spring dean’s list high honors at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College at Saint Mary Of The Woods, Indiana.
  • Tanya Hallowell, of Odessa, earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. 
  • Anthony Iserino, of Wesley Chapel, made the spring dean’s list at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher. 
  • Zayne Jack, of Lutz, made the spring honors list at Milwaukee School of Engineering in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for earning a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
  • Kierra James, of Odessa, a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree with a concentration in media entrepreneurship at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. 
  • Mark Lucas, of Lutz, graduated with a Master of Business Admin – General Business from Troy University in Troy, Alabama. 
  • Kaly Nguyen, of Wesley Chapel, earned a Bachelor of Arts at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Nguyen made the spring dean’s list for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher. 
  • Khushboo Patel, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  • Destiny Sanchez, of Odessa, made the spring dean’s list at Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont for earning a GPA of 3.40 or higher. 
  • Vincent Michael VerPault, of Land O’ Lakes, made the dean’s list at Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, Georgia for earning a GPA of 3.6 or higher.
  • Madelyn Watson, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at Shenandoah University at Winchester, Virginia for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher. 
  • Harley White, of Dade City, earned spring semester high honors at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in Stevens Point, Wisconsin for earning a GPA of 3.75 to 3.89. 

Deputies return fire on suspect in Dade City 

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DADE CITY – The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting June 10 in the Rose Avenue area that resulted in the death of 25-year-old Cristian Javier Estrada Perez.

Deputies were trying to serve an ex parte order issued by a court at the request of Perez’s family due to threats he made to them, according to the sheriff’s office. Col. Tait Sanborn said deputies had to take Perez into custody for a mental health evaluation and previously attempted to serve the order on June 5, 6 and 9. 

“Deputies were made aware by family members that the subject was known to carry a firearm,” Sanborn said, noting there were around seven deputies on the scene trying to safely take him into custody. 

Deputies were there around 8:25 p.m. and attempted to communicate with Perez from the outside but he did not respond. 

“They were able to open a door and make visual contact with the subject, where they again made multiple attempts to ask him to come out to begin to have a conversation with him,” Sanborn said. 

Deputies eventually warned Perez that they would be deploying chemical agents inside the house. Then they deployed pepper balls.  

“They waited for a period of time, giving him additional opportunities to create a dialogue or exit the residence,” Sanborn said. “His response was to fire four rounds from a firearm, which we later learned he had strapped to his hand, so it could not be released.”

Deputies returned fire, hitting Perez. He died on the scene. No deputies were injured. 

In keeping with protocol, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the deputy-involved shooting and the two deputies who fired the rounds have been placed on paid administrative leave.

The sheriff’s office said this was an isolated incident with no threat to public safety. 

 

PHSC baseball team wins World Series

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NEW PORT RICHEY – The Pasco-Hernando State College Bobcats Baseball Team won the 2025 NJCAA Division II Baseball World Series Championship Game on May 31 in Enid, Oklahoma. 

The World Series win marks the first national championship win in the college’s athletic history.

The Bobcats played against the No. 2 seed, Pearl River, in the championship title game, finishing the game 11-7 after securing two grand slams in the bottom of the seventh inning. 

The first slam was completed by No. 8 Grant Jordan (Jesuit High School), tying the game to 7-7, and then with two outs, No. 20 Brandon Durfee (Land O’ Lakes High School) launched another grand slam to give the Bobcats a four-run lead.

PHSC took control of the game in the seventh, but throughout the game No. 27 Michael Savarese (Hernando High School) held the mound, tallying 8 strikeouts in 6.2 innings, before No. 6 Holden Wade (Sickles High School) closed out the game, throwing 2.1 scoreless innings without allowing a hit or a walk.

After the game, Durfee was named the tournament’s MVP and Outstanding Offensive Player, while PHSC’s recently named athletic director and head baseball coach, Lyndon Coleman, received the Coach of the Tournament Award. The NJCAA also announced the honors for the all-tournament team, naming four PHSC players: Jordan, No. 5 Fano Cruz (Viera High School), No. 1 Bryce Habuda (Canterbury High School) and No. 30 Gavin Zassenbraker (A3 Academy).

“The 2025 Bobcats may have physically won the national championship on the field, but this title belongs to everyone who has ever been a part of our program,” Coleman said. “This victory is for every player, coach, staff member and supporter who helped build PHSC Baseball into what it is today.”