The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Hillsborough County offers packed Summer Reading schedule

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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative offers engaging, entertaining and informative free programs for the entire family in June. 

The events listed below are only a sampling of the many scheduled. Find more listings under the “Events & Classes” tab at HCPLC.org.  

 

Robot Roundup with MOSI

Feel the spark of innovation as visitors use code to make robots walk, talk or dance. In this intro to robotics, learn what makes robots different from everyday machines. Recommended for teens. Registration is recommended.

  • When: June 5 from 3 to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library, 1505 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa

 

Summer Festival

Start summer off with a bang at the Seminole Heights Branch Library’s Summer Fest. Join library staff for a free and fun family event featuring face painting, robotics, games, music, food and more. Funded by the Friends of the Seminole Heights Library and Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association. Recommended for all ages.

  • When: June 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Where: Seminole Heights Branch Library, 4711 N. Central Ave., Tampa

 

Terrestrial Animal Ambassadors

Learn about a variety of terrestrial animals with the Florida Aquarium. Recommended for children. Registration recommended.

  • When: June 11 from 1 to 2 p.m.
  • Where: 78th Street Community Library, 7625 Palm River Rd., Tampa

 

Canvas Painting with The Color Express

Paint along step-by-step with Color Express to create a watercolor masterpiece. Recommended for adults. Registration recommended.

  • When: June 13 from 2 to 3 p.m.
  • Where: C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, 2607 E. Martin Luther King Junior Blvd., Tampa

 

Adventure Down Under

Visitors will hear otherworldly sounds from a digeridoo, explore the Great Barrier Reef and the Outback, and learn about amazing animals like kangaroos and koalas. Recommended for children. Registration is recommended.

  • When: June 16 from 11 a.m. to noon
  • Where: Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa

 

Crafty Colorful Kaleidoscopes

Visitors will learn how to create a colorful kaleidoscope and open their minds to endless visual spectacles through crafting, creativity and colorful gems. Recommended for children. Registration is recommended.

  • When: June 17 from 11 a.m. to noon  
  • Where: Town ‘N Country Regional Public Library, 7606 Paula Drive, Tampa

 

Bilingual Children’s Music and Fun with Evan and Vanessa

Evan and Vanessa perform original and traditional songs in English and Spanish, as well as a variety of interactive sound and listening activities, such as “I Hear with My Little Ear.” Recommended for children.

  • When: June 21 from 11 a.m. to noon  
  • Where: West Tampa Branch Library, 2312 W. Union St., Tampa

 

Hand Embroidered Greeting Cards

Join library staff to learn about the history of greeting cards. Visitors will make their own using beginner-friendly stitches to hand embroider a card for a friend or loved one. All supplies provided. Recommended for adults. Registration is recommended.

  • When: June 23 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
  • Where: Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, 13619 N. 22nd St., Tampa

 

Accidental Inventions: Play Doh!

Visitors will learn about accidental inventions like playdough, and then make their own playdough from scratch!  Recommended for children ages 6 to12. Registration is recommended. Allergy note: Participants will encounter raw flour and essential oils.

  • When: June 25 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
  • Where: Ruskin Branch Library, 26 Dickman Drive S.E., Ruskin

 

Tampa Taiko Japanese Drumming

Explore and honor Japanese culture through an ancient Japanese art form: taiko. In this interactive program, students respond to, describe, interpret and evaluate music as performers and listeners. Recommended for children.

  • When: June 28 from 2 to 3 p.m.
  • Where: Riverview Public Library, 9951 Balm Riverview Road, Riverview

 

Tampa Glow Row puts spotlight on development disabilities

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These are highlights from the Glow Row event in Illinois. Photo courtesy of Project Focus

TAMPA – The 2025 Tampa Glow Row will bring together more than 200 athletes, with and without disabilities, for a high-energy night of fitness, fun and community.

The Caroline and Barrett Foundation, Project Focus and the Dancer Love Foundation are hosting the event from 5 to 10 p.m. June 7 at CrossFit Hyde Park. 

Teams of 10 will row either a full or half marathon on row ERG machines, competing in one of two divisions: Community and Adaptive. Prizes will be awarded to the top two teams in each division, along with recognition for most team spirit. 

The Glow Row’s neon-themed atmosphere will feature a festival experience with live DJ sets, food trucks and a vendor village of small businesses.

Proceeds will support Project Focus, a Tampa-based nonprofit that empowers people with developmental disabilities through education, life skills and workforce development as well as the Dancer Love Foundation, which creates access to athletic opportunities for people with disabilities.

“The programs and opportunities we provide at Project Focus are life-changing, many of our students would not have access to events like this without community support,” said Clayton Clemens, executive director of Project Focus. “The 2025 Tampa Glow Row is about breaking down barriers, celebrating what makes each of us unique and giving our community the chance to be a part of something special. Everyone deserves an opportunity to have fun, dance and feel connected with each other.”

The Tampa Glow Row was inspired by the efforts of The Dancer Love Foundation based in Quincy, Illinois and is following the footsteps of CrossFit Games athletes Sam and Jenn Dancer.

“The Dancer Love Foundation was inspired by my friend James, whose joy and light taught me the value of inclusive communities,” said Jen Dancer, co-founder. “Glow Row helps empower individuals with disabilities to discover wellness, build friendships and shine in their own way.”

Organizers say the Glow Row will become an annual event and open the door to new activities for people with developmental disabilities, their families and the community. 

The long term goal of Project Focus is to build a “community within the community” that includes options for education, workforce training and apartment-style living for this population.

On the web: projectfocusfoundation.org

 

Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on seven homes 

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Seven future Habitat homeowners break ground in Pasco County. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside

NEW PORT RICHEY – Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside put shovels into the ground May 19 to mark the beginning of the build process for seven homes on Kiowa Drive.  

The groundbreaking ceremony included the future homeowner families, Habitat staff, community supporters and elected officials. The homes are expected to be completed by this fall.

“This is another important step for Habitat in West Pasco County,” said Mike Sutton, president and CEO at Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside. “We are thrilled we could purchase these lots and build seven homes that will sit side-by-side and be owned by seven families going through the Habitat homeownership program. These families will be neighbors and be able to support one another for years to come.”

Candi Hagler, executive director – Pasco, addresses those gathered at the groundbreaking ceremony. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside

This area of New Port Richey has provided ample opportunity for Habitat to build new homes for families. Three streets away on Teak Street, Habitat has built six homes in the last 18 months.

Habitat for Humanity has served over 900 homeowner partners since 1985. The affiliate serves Pinellas, West Pasco and Hernando counties. 

Volunteers and future homeowners construct the homes, which are sold and financed with a zero-interest loan. Habitat homeowner candidates earn 30% to 80% of the area median income. Candidates must demonstrate the need for adequate shelter; the ability to pay back a zero-interest loan; and the willingness to partner with Habitat to complete a robust homebuyer education curriculum and invest 350 to 450 “sweat equity” hours. 

Mortgage monies are used to build even more homes, making each donation to Habitat a perpetual legacy to the community. 

Publix Supermarket Charities is sponsoring all seven homes. This will bring Publix’s home sponsorship total with Habitat Tampa Bay Gulfside to 26 homes. 

Below are the families that have been working toward homeownership. 

 

The Blackshear Family (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside)

The Blackshear Family

Maggie Blackshear and her 10-year-old twin granddaughters, A’Keena and A’Kacia, are excited to have a new beginning in their Habitat home. 

The family of three is currently living in a one-bedroom apartment where the twins sleep in the bed while Maggie sleeps on the sofa. 

“Our life will be different in our Habitat home because we will no longer be paying rent,” Maggie said. “We will be paying a mortgage to our forever home – somewhere that we will always be safe and secure.” 

Maggie is excited to decorate the house with her girls and to cook meals in her new kitchen.

 

The Dorsey Family (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside)

The Dorsey Family

Danyelle and Justin Dorsey and their two daughters, Layla (8) and Liyah (4), are on their journey towards homeownership, which will bring the family a sense of stability and comfort. They currently live in an income-based townhome complex that is uncomfortable and undesirable due to the lack of space and unaddressed maintenance issues. 

“Justin and I are working together as a team to give our girls the loving, stable home we didn’t have growing up,” Danyelle said. The family is excited to have a yard to play and have family grill-outs in. “We will feel better about letting the girls play outside because we will have the space for them to do so.”

 

The Fisher Family (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside)

The Fisher Family

Alicia Fisher is a hardworking single mother to her 5-year-old son, Tristan. 

The two enjoy spending time together at the park, visiting the beach or advocating for Autism, which Tristan is diagnosed with. 

Alicia is eager to provide stability for herself and her son in their new home. She not only wants to have a safe place for Tristan but his friends as well. She has always wanted a place where her son’s friends can come over to play. 

“Being a part of this journey has been meaningful to me,” Alicia said. “Not only am I learning to budget and build a home, but I am also meeting all kinds of new people that will be lifelong friends.”

 

The McLeod Family (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside)

The McLeod Family

Life has been a challenge for Johnnie Mcleod and her grandson (now adopted son) Tazarious. 

The family of two is determined to overcome all life’s obstacles and create a lifetime of happiness and prosperity with the help of Habitat for Humanity. 

After experiencing high rent prices, difficult living conditions and even homelessness, the family is ready for a new beginning. 

“Our new beginning will consist of stability and affordability,” Johnnie said. 

She and Tazarious are excited to have a yard where they can hang out and enjoy the beauties of the world. 

“This home will be a starting point of new memories, new expectations and new blessings,” she said. 

 

The Rodrigues-Hart Family (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside)

The Rodrigues-Hart Family

Anna Hart, a 19-year-old college student, and her mother, Claudia Rodrigues, have been living in a one bedroom apartment for the past eight years. 

The limited space causes many frustrations and has left them with many sleepless nights and no privacy or space to call their own. 

Getting accepted into the Habitat program brought Anna and Claudia a lot of relief and gratitude. 

“Our house will be someplace I look forward to coming home to,” Anna said. “Somewhere I pull up to and smile knowing all the work it took for it to be there.” 

The mother-daughter duo is most excited about the sense of security their forever home will bring. They will no longer have to worry about their rent being raised and will finally have the privacy of their own bedrooms and bathrooms that they have been longing for.

 

The Seija Family (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside)

The Seija Family

Miriam Seija is a single woman from Colombia who came to America looking for a better future. Now, she is doing the same with Habitat and is looking forward to the peace and tranquility her forever home will bring her. 

Before being accepted into the program, Miriam faced many hardships including the death of her husband, her own medical issues and the struggle to find a safe and affordable place to live.

After learning about the Habitat program, Miriam was determined to make her dream come true of owning a home and having time to herself in the comfort of a house that she can call her own.

 

The Wiggins Family (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside)

The Wiggins Family

For the past five years, Quytesha Wiggins has been dreaming of becoming a homeowner. Her dream will finally come true with the help of the Habitat program. 

Quytesha is a single woman who loves to laugh, spend time with family and listen to music. With increasing rent prices over the past few years, she has had to pick up an extra job which has caused her to miss out on spending time with her family. 

She imagines life in her new Habitat home to be peaceful and is eager to create generational wealth for her future family. 

Quytesha hopes that one day her home will become the place where her family hosts holiday gatherings and they can make many new memories together.

 

News Briefs (5/28/25): Site links to info amid emergency

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Website connects to information during emergencies

TAMPA BAY – A new lifeline for residents of Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Manatee and Sarasota counties during hurricane emergencies has launched at TampaBaySafe.org.

The website is designed to function when traditional communication channels fail. By eliminating bandwidth-heavy elements like images and videos, the text-based website ensures residents can access life-saving updates even on severely degraded connections. 

“After each major hurricane, we see the same pattern – people desperately seeking basic information about water safety, power restoration, and supply distribution, but unable to load graphics-heavy emergency websites,” founder Howard LaVine said. “TampaBaySafe.org fills this critical gap with a platform engineered specifically for crisis conditions.”

The site serves as an information hub featuring links to county alert systems, information for medical facilities, power and water, locations for emergency resources, road status and emergency contact numbers. 

TampaBaySafe.org aggregates information from authoritative sources to provide a centralized, easily accessible platform before, during and after severe weather events. It also offers practical safety guidance for everyday life.

 

County launches Adopt-A-Pond

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County’s Public Works Department has launched an Adopt-A-Pond and Lake Management program.  

The program is open to homeowners (and neighborhood associations) who live on or near ponds that connect to the Pasco County stormwater system.

The volunteer-driven initiative encourages neighbors to adopt a stormwater pond and help remove invasive plants, plant native vegetation and clean up trash and pollutants.

Fill out an application at mypas.co/adoptapondform to get started.

“There are two main benefits of adopting a pond,” Environmental Program Coordinator Milla Turner said.  “By cleaning up a stormwater pond you help improve water quality before it flows downstream, and you create a healthier environment for Florida’s native plants and wildlife.”

 

Pasco County Libraries launches Summer Reading Quest

ZEPHYRHILLS – Pasco County invites you to join its Once Upon a Summer Reading Quest, transporting you to a place with captivating performers, binge-worthy books, prizes and a shared community journey.

Enter 600 minutes of reading and record-keeping in the Beanstack app through Aug. 2 to qualify.

When you complete the challenge, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card in your age group, courtesy of Friends of the Library and Friends of Zephyrhills Public Library.  Other prizes will be up for grabs at all library branches.

Visit bit.ly/PascoSRC2025 to learn more about the quest and events.

 

Theater camps have openings

BROOKSVILLE – Live Oak Theatre Camp has limited openings available for its annual summer theater camps.

Camps are as follows: 

  • Live Oak Theatre Camp – Boys and girls, ages 7 to 18, explore acting, auditioning, costume and set design, movement, song interpretation and vocal technique from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 9 to 13. Tuition costs $150. 
  • Dance Camp – Children, ages 8 to 16, explore dance from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 16 to 20. Tuition costs $75.
  • Improv Camp – Ages 8 and older learn acting with a focus on the skill of improvisation from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. June 16 to 20. Tuition costs $75.

Visit https://www.liveoaktheatre.org/summer-camp or email for details and registration details.

 

Camp has ‘Seussical’ theme

NEW PORT RICHEY – Richey Suncoast Theatre  invites young performers to step into the whimsical world of “Seussical the Musical” at its 2025 Youth Theatre Camp. 

This week-long experience is designed for children, ages 6 to 9, who are ready to explore the magic of live theater in a fun, imaginative and supportive setting.

The camp takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 16 to 20 at 6237 Grand Blvd. 

Campers will explore acting, musical theater, set and costume design and improvisation. 

The week culminates in a Friday showcase performance for friends and family at 2:30 p.m., followed by an optional pizza ($5) and karaoke celebration. Tuition costs $250. 

Call 727-842-6777 or email for registration details. 

 

Theater shows classic films

TAMPA – Tampa Theatre’s Big Picture lineup for June features a selection of films that offer iconic representations of historic figures.

The lineup includes: 

  • ”Marie Antoinette” (2006, PG-13) – 7:30 p.m. June 4 
  • ”Amadeus” (1984, PG) – 7:30 p.m. June 18 
  • ”The Passion of Joan of Arc” (1928, Not Rated) – 7:30 p.m. June 25        

“The Passion of Joan of Arc” will be presented with live organ accompaniment by Steven Ball. 

Tickets cost $14.50 ($11.50 for Tampa Theatre members) for “The Passion of Joan of Arc”  and $10 ($7 members) for all other Big Picture films. 

Buy tickets at the Franklin Street Box Office or at www.tampatheatre.org.

 

Hillsborough honors Betz 

TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners has presented the 2025 Ellsworth G. Simmons Good Government Award posthumously to Louis G. Betz Jr.

Betz led the charge for the Florida Legislature to pass the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act, which allows cities and counties to implement and use red light camera safety programs. 

In 2011, he partnered with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and other organizations to help convince the Legislature to pass landmark sexual assault legislation, the Walk in Their Shoes Act in 2011.

Betz passed away Jan. 20 at age 61.

 

Complex offers 140 units of affordable housing

SEFFNER – Hillsborough County held a ribbon cutting recently to celebrate 140 units of affordable housing for seniors at the Casa Di Francesco apartment complex.

The four-story complex will contain 100 one-bedroom units and 40 two-bedroom units, all of which will be rented at below market rates to low-income residents. Apply at casadifrancesco.com/applicants.

Amenities include a clubhouse with exercise room, library, walking trail, community garden and picnic area. The complex was built on land owned by St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. It is restricted to households with at least one member who is 55 or older.

Blue Sky Communities developed the project. Hillsborough County helped provide $6.1 million in funding. 

 

Nodal to tour in the U.S. 

TAMPA – Coming off the success that Christian Nodal has had with concerts in the Mexican Republic so far this year, he brings the  “Nodal Tour 2025” to the United States.

Produced by CMN (Cardenas Marketing Network), the tour includes a local stop at Tampa’s Amalie Arena at 8 p.m. Nov. 29. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.

 

Quick Hits

  • Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa talks with Pasco Corrections staff in a recent episode of the Pasco Podcast in honor of National Correctional Officers Week. 
  • Elks Lodge Tampa #708, spearheaded by Rita Smith, hosted a breakfast event at Golden Corral in Tampa for the Veterans at Liberty Manor.  Call 813-831-4280 to join the Elks Lodge.

Pasco first responder earns cybersecurity degree 

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Kipper Connell Jr. crosses the stage May 7 at the Florida State Fairgrounds during Saint Leo University’s morning commencement. Connell works for Pasco County Fire Rescue and is interning at SOFWERX in Tampa. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

 

ST. LEO – Kipper Connell Jr. holds many titles: U.S. Army veteran, firefighter/paramedic, driver/engineer for Pasco County Fire Rescue, husband, father and now, college graduate.

Not only did he cross the commencement stage on May 7, but he also graduated cum laude from Saint Leo University with a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity and earned the College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Data Science Dean’s Award for Excellence along the way.

Connell was surprised that he won the honor, which he received at the April 3 Celebration of Academic Excellence, especially after hearing his fellow award-winners’ bios. 

“There were some amazing students achieving incredible things, and I felt truly blessed that the CARDS college felt I deserved such a high honor,” he said.

Earning his bachelor’s degree in a tech field and claiming the top honor didn’t come easy. He’s worked for Pasco County Fire Resue for about eight years and recently was promoted to driver/engineer, while attending Saint Leo.

“Our shifts are 24 hours on, 48 hours off, and that meant that often I was having to head straight to campus after getting off work in the morning or heading to work as soon as I was out of class. There were several times that the hard shift or busy night took a toll on me, but I was motivated about the education and driven to succeed. Regardless of how tired or hurt I was, I wanted and needed to be in that classroom.”

Cybersecurity and being a first responder may sound like two totally different jobs, but Connell said he finds some similarities. 

“My mindset was: My job is most often the worst day of someone’s life – experiencing the emergency of a loved one or one themselves,” he said. “So, it was important that I not only do my job with integrity, but also always strive to keep training and learning new skills. Taking that mindset into cybersecurity was no different.”

Securing digital data is integral to people’s and companies’ livelihoods, he noted, and “working to be better and learn new skills could be the difference one day in preventing disaster or mitigating risks.”


Kipper Connell Jr., of Land O’ Lakes, has worked with Pasco County Fire Rescue for more than eight years and recently was promoted to driver/engineer. He graduated from Saint Leo University on May 7 with a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity. Caroline Jorgensen/Saint Leo University

Serving His Country

Connell served in the Army for six and a half years, ending his career as an infantry squad leader. He led a seven-man team in Afghanistan which performed many roles including as a personal security detachment for VIPs and delegates, as a Quick Reaction Force, and as training instructors for local military as well as patrolling throughout the province.

The U.S. Department Veterans Affairs touted Saint Leo as an excellent university for veterans and military personnel, he said. 

“They said that the school provided great resources for veterans,” Connell said. “I utilized the Veterans Student Lounge throughout my time at Saint Leo. It was great to have a community here of other veterans.”

Connell said he chose Saint Leo because of the size of the university, the community, and its proximity to his home in Land O’ Lakes. “The size and community within the school allowed me to really get to know my instructors and receive great mentorship and feedback from them,” he said. “I don’t feel like that would have been possible at another school where I would have just been a nameless face in the crowd.”

 

Life at Leo

Being an adult learner, first responder, and a husband and father didn’t stop Connell from being involved at the university. He was the inaugural president of the Epsilon Pi Epsilon International Honor Society for computer sciences. And in his junior year, he was a member of the PenTest Club. Students in the club come together to learn about pen testing — ethical hacking — and some participate in Capture the Flag competitions, too.

Before selecting cybersecurity as his major, Connell researched the job market and fast-growing industries. With help from the VA, he took tests to show his strengths compared to what he was interested in learning. “Cybersecurity stood out because of my interest in threat assessment and mitigation, which I specialized in while serving in the military,” he said. “It was only a small adjustment to shift that focus into the cyber world.”

 

Support Team

Connell found support for his pursuit of a college degree at home, at work, and at the university. “My wife and my children were instrumental in my school career here,” he said of Saint Leo. “. . .  Giving me the time to do schoolwork and study. My wife encouraged me at my most stressful times and was always understanding of the time demand that allowed me to be a successful student.”

At the university, Connell found encouragement from the CARDS faculty members. Katrina Weicht, computer information systems instructor, asked him to assist with the first international computer science honor society. 

“Her help both inside and outside of the classroom was inspiring,” Connell said. “Her passion for helping the Computer Science Department at Saint Leo expand and making connections within the community made our experience worthwhile.”

Dr. Ed Santiago, assistant professor of computer science, also was supportive. “He was always giving us ideas, looking at resumes, helping with projects and offering guidance,” Connell said. “He added a personal touch to the educational experience I don’t think I would have gotten at any other school.”

 

What’s Next

Connell recently began an internship with SOFWERX in Tampa. He said he would like to see what opportunities the internship provides. 

“Ideally, I would like to stay working for Pasco County within the IT or cybersecurity field.

“I enjoy the ever-evolving aspect of cybersecurity,” Connell continued. “It is not a field that will go stagnant. Cyber threats are always evolving, and just as rapidly we see new technology emerging. This means the field will always be rewarding.”

Chalk Talk (5/28/25): PHSC picks interim president

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PHSC picks interim president

NEW PORT RICHEY – Eric Hall is expected to start June 9 as interim president of Pasco-Hernando State College.

The board of trustees decided on the appointment May 20 following trustee interviews with two of the finalists from the previous presidential search conducted in 2023. 

Hall was raised in Pasco County. He has more than two decades of experience serving in executive leadership, with extensive expertise in the fields of education, public safety and public policy. 

He currently serves as the secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, where he was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in November 2021.

Prior to his appointment, he served as the state’s first senior chancellor at the Florida Department of Education, where he oversaw multiple divisions, including the Florida College System. 

He serves on several boards and councils, including the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet, CareerSource Florida Board of Directors, and Special Olympics Florida, among others.

 

Students can get bus discounts

PASCO COUNTY – Students can spend the summer hanging out with friends  and avoid spending a lot of money getting there. 

With a valid student ID, they can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (GoPasco) buses all summer for $20.  This special student rate runs through June, July and August 2025.

Find Summer Haul Passes at these locations:

  • GoPasco Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., New Port Richey
  • Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller, East/West Pasco Gov’t Centers
  • Select Pasco County Libraries, Various Locations.
  • New Port Richey Public Library, 5939 Main St, New Port Richey

Visit GoPasco.com for details about the student Summer Haul Pass or GoPasco bus routes and schedules.

 

Event delves into ministry and education

TAMPA – Saint Leo University is hosting an evening of reflection and learning for those involved in ministry and education in the Tampa Bay area. 

Those serving in the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg are invited to attend this retreat to join in discussion and prayer with the guest speakers.

Ministry & Education: Synodal Reflections will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. June 4 at Saint Leo University’s Tampa Education Center in historic former Berriman-Morgan Cigar Co. building, 1403 N. Howard Ave.

Guest speakers include:

  • Ben Moore, principal, Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, Spring Hill;
  • Father Zach Brasseur, parochial vicar, Our Lady of Lourdes parish, Dunedin;
  • Carmen Cayon, director of Faith Formation, St. Paul parish, Tampa;
  • Hector Rios, deacon and Youth Ministry, St. Mark the Evangelist parish, New Tampa; and,
  • Parker Plante, retired U.S. Air Force colonel, St. Jude the Apostle Cathedral parish, St. Petersburg.

Participants are asked to register by emailing Randall Woodard, . Woodard chairs Saint Leo University’s Department of Philosophy, Theology, and Religion.

 

YMCA to build branch in Wesley Chapel

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WESLEY CHAPEL – The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA plans to build a $35 million branch to serve the Wesley Chapel area. 

The new YMCA is expected to open in summer 2026 at 4379 Wellbeing Way, at the southwest corner of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and Eagleston Boulevard. 

Stephanie Conners, president and CEO for BayCare Health System, said the land for the new YMCA was made possible through a lease with her organization. 

“With our newly opened Wesley Chapel hospital, BayCare saw the YMCA as a natural partner. Both organizations have a shared mission to improve the overall health and well-being of our communities,” Conners said. “We are excited to have them as our neighbor and to work together to bring new resources to Wesley Chapel.”

This Y will serve as a community hub, empowering people to live their healthiest lives.

The branch will include a main family facility building, an aquatic center with a lap pool, a teaching pool and a family adventure pool. There will be a child watch area, spa-inspired locker rooms, group exercise studios and a wellness floor with fitness options.  

The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA said the new branch will improve the health and well-being of the community in the following ways: 

  • Create more than 300 new jobs.
  • Reduce accidental drowning by teaching kids to swim and be safe around water.
  • Help reduce the obesity epidemic in adults and children by offering the community chronic disease prevention programs.
  • Give the nearly 20,000 nearby seniors a welcoming place where they can exercise, socialize and celebrate health.
  • Strengthen and support cancer survivors and their families through the Y’s Survivorship & Wellness Program Powered by Moffitt.
  • Nurture the potential of the more than 27,000 youth who live within minutes of the project by offering after-school care, youth sports, summer camps and teen leadership programs .
  • Create a community “hub” by offering the more than 40,000 households who live within minutes of the location a place to connect and be healthy.

“Every community deserves a great YMCA where kids can grow in health and confidence, adults can progress along their path to better well-being, and seniors can thrive in a welcoming social environment,” said Matt Mitchell, president and CEO of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA. “We are excited and look forward to engaging the growing Wesley Chapel area.”

 

Health & Wellness (5/28/25): Hospital offers robotic system

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Hospital offers robotic system

WESLEY CHAPEL – AdventHealth now offers Aquablation therapy with the new HYDROS Robotic System, a next-generation platform to treat men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia, commonly known as an enlarged prostate. 

Aquablation therapy, now delivered by an AI-powered robotic system, is clinically proven to provide BPH symptom relief while preserving sexual function and continence across prostates of all shapes and sizes.

“AdventHealth Wesley Chapel remains at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, while providing whole-person care,” said Dr. Bob Rosequist, chief medical officer of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. 

Common indicators that a man may be experiencing BPH are the need to urinate immediately or urgently, urinating more often than normal and urinating frequently at night. Without timely treatment, BPH can lead to severe health issues such as permanent bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones and incontinence.

 

Hospital salutes EMS staff

ZEPHYRHILLS – AdventHealth Zephyrhills recognized EMS employees May 19 as part of National Emergency Medical Services Week.

National EMS Week, observed annually in May, is a time to show appreciation for EMS professionals who dedicate their lives to providing critical, life-saving care during emergencies.  

“EMS providers are true heroes who step up every day with courage and compassion,” AdventHealth Zephyrhills President and CEO Mike Murrill said. “This ceremony is an opportunity to thank them publicly and recognize the impact they make not only in the hospital setting but throughout our community.”

 

Credit Union invests in future of healthcare  

TAMPA – USF Credit Union and AdventHealth University are launching a new partnership that fuels the future of healthcare by supporting students, enhancing academic excellence and equipping tomorrow’s caregivers with essential financial skills.

As part of the partnership, USF Credit Union is investing $150,000 to help fund scholarships for students attending AdventHealth University’s new Tampa campus, expanding access to high-demand healthcare careers in nursing and more.

The credit union will also provide customized financial wellness programs to support students as they pursue their education.

In January 2025, AdventHealth University Tampa welcomed its first cohort of nursing students to its state-of-the-art classrooms and simulation labs at 14055 Riveredge Drive.

 

Moms can get support 

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers free in-person support groups and classes in June about breastfeeding and newborn care. 

The events are open to all no matter which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your children. All events are held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North classrooms, located at 4211 Van Dyke Road.

  • Breastfeeding Support Group – For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and one support person (grandmother, aunt, etc.) The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. Offered June 12 and 26, 10 to 11 a.m.
  • Understanding Your Newborn – Provides information to the expectant mother and one support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. Offered June 12, 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Understanding Breastfeeding – Provides information to the expectant mother and her support person about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, tips for returning to work and when to call a healthcare provider or lactation consultant. Offered June 26, 1 to 5 p.m.

Register in advance by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the group or class you are interested in attending. You can also register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.

Heritage Arts Center Association awards two scholarships

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Pasco County students Colette Hanke and Lindsey Overland show off award-winning work. Photo courtesy of Heritage Arts Center Association

DADE CITY – The Heritage Arts Center Association gives a $1,000 Nereim Fine Arts Award each year in honor and memory of founding members Gordon and Jean Nereim.

Their love of the arts lives on through this award. Talented seniors in Pasco County schools submit artwork (paintings, sculpture, drawing or photography) each spring to be considered. 

Due to a generous grant from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation this year, the organization was able to present $1,000 art awards to seniors Colette Hanke and Lindsey Overland.

Colette, of Academy at the Lakes, has had a fascination with art since childhood. Colette submitted an acrylic painting, created to experiment with the “cell shading” style.  She used a white charcoal pencil to sketch out the piece and then blocked out the light and shadow for the process. Her painting depicted an artist’s workspace, with a blank canvas – suggesting the endless possibilities of creation. Her teacher is Matthew Paltoo.  

Lindsey’s primary field of interest is illustration. The Cypress Creek High School senior plans to attend Ringling College of Art and Design. She submitted a mixed media piece of birds with pearl craft stickers on canvas, which reflected the theme of femininity and connectedness. Her teacher is Zach Krieder

Because of the large number and quality of entries this year, the Heritage Arts Center Association also named Brianna Mercado and Alenna Raza as Honorable Mention artists.  

The Heritage Arts Center Association will feature these four artists at the Moonlight and Ivory concert and art show held Nov. 1 at Dade City’s Woman’s Club. 

On the web: heritagearts.org

 

Florida SBDC at USF gives out awards to top performers

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Florida SBDC at USF earned the SBA 2025 Small Business Development Center of the Year award. Photo courtesy of Florida SBDC at USF
Dr. Nick Bottaro, of Beatific Vision in Odessa, accepts the award for SBDC Fastest Growth Business of the Year. Photo courtesy of Florida SBDC at USF

TAMPA – The Florida Small Business Development Center at University of South Florida recognized top professionals May 14 during the 2025 Florida SBDC at USF Annual Business Awards.
Winners are now eligible for Florida SBDC Network state awards. State award winners will be announced at the Network’s Annual Conference this coming August in Tampa.
During the awards, the Florida SBDC at USF was also recognized with the SBA 2025 Small Business Development Center of the Year Award by the U.S Small Business Administration.
“Our Florida SBDC at USF Annual Business Awards continues to be a great opportunity to celebrate entrepreneurship and recognize the Florida SBDC professionals who help businesses in our 10-county Tampa Bay region thrive,” said Carl Hadden, regional director of the Florida SBDC at USF. “We are fortunate enough to have a dedicated team, who worked tirelessly to make this a successful event, and honored to have been selected as the 2025 State of Florida SBDC Center of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.”
Below is a list of all the award winners.

Florida SBDC Performance Awards
• Team Spirit of the Year: Bill Burnham
• Rising Star of the Year: Debra Schweikowsky
• Performance Excellence Award: Randy Hayes
• Ambassador of the Year Award: Stephanie Ordonez
• Resource Partner of the Year: Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce
• Graduate Student Team Project of the Year: Lithium Battery Company (University of Tampa)
• Undergraduate Student Team Project of the Year: Pinoy Cravings (Florida Southern College)

Florida SBDC at USF Small Business Awards
• SBDC Start Up Business of the Year: ABA on Demand LLC
• SBDC Export Business of the Year: Collective Circularity LLC
• SBDC Businessperson of the Year: Salty Roots Salon, LLC
• SBDC Veteran-Owned Business of the Year: Spectrum Custom Molds and Manufacturing
• SBDC Fastest Growth Business of the Year: Siloam Medical dba Beatific Vision
• SBDC Government Contractor of the Year: Onyx Cleaning Services, LLC
• SBDC Woman-Owned Business of the Year: Little Law, P.A.

SBA Small Business Awards
• SBA 2025 Small Business Development Center of the Year: Florida SBDC at USF
• SBA 2025 South Florida District & State Exporter of the Year: Yo Mama’s Foods Co.
• SBA 2025 South Florida District & State Small Businessperson of the Year: Point Summit
• SBA 2025 South Florida District Veteran Business Owner of the Year: PVM, Inc.
• 2025 Top SBA Certified Development Company Lender: Florida Development Corporation
• 2025 Top Lender by Number of Loans to Rural Businesses: SouthState Bank
On the web: sbdctampabay.com/award/