The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Injured SWAT officer receives mortgage-free home

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Jonathan Rodriguez suffered a spinal cord injury after he was hit by a drunk driver. Photo courtesy of Tunnel to Towers Foundation

LAND O’ LAKES – Days before Christmas, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation welcomed home the newest residents of the Let Us Do Good Village, Cleveland Police SWAT Officer Jonathan Rodriguez and his family.

The home dedication is part of the Tunnel to Towers’ Season of Hope, which celebrates the holiday season by delivering over 40 mortgage-free homes and mortgage payoffs to families of fallen first responders, Gold Star families, and catastrophically injured veterans and first responders nationwide.

Rodriguez and his team were responding to a call on June 5, 2020, when a drunk driver struck their vehicle. Rodriguez sustained a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. 

Rodriguez is moving to the Let Us Do Good Village from Cleveland, with his wife, Cleveland Police Officer Zuleika Rodriguez, and their children. Their new mortgage-free smart home will give him the necessary accessibility tools to live more independently.  

“This new mortgage-free smart home marks a fresh start and new beginning for the Rodriguez family,” said Frank Siller, chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. “This home is not just a physical structure, but a symbol of our gratitude and admiration for Jonathan’s dedication and service.”

A Tunnel to Towers Smart Home features zero thresholds, motorized doors and keyless entry for easier access. The homes’ lights, temperature, security, and sound system can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app or touch screens throughout the house. Wide doors, hallways and bathrooms are designed for easy navigation.

Visit T2T.org to support the nonprofit’s mission to build smart homes for injured first responders and veterans.

 

Graphic design student wins Presidential Holiday Card Contest

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College President Jesse Pisors presents Athena Colvin with a $500 check. Photo courtesy of PHSC

 

The winning holiday card submission. Photo courtesy of PHSC

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco Hernando State College has crowned recent graduate Athena Colvin as the winner of the Presidential Holiday Card Contest.

Colvin’s work stood out among more than 40 submissions across all campuses.

“Athena did wonderfully to encapsulate the PHSC brand,” PHSC President Jesse Pisors said. “Her design was savvy towards what we needed, it was on brand, 1000% PHSC.”

Colvin was a graphic design and multimedia tech program student. Colvin’s work was inspired by her portfolio class, where she focused on creating graphics around the client’s brand and imagining what they want. 

“I wanted this submission to be the final piece of my portfolio project, so I focused on the branding and colors,” Colvin said. “I feel like my work came out to be simple, but effectively simple. I didn’t have to follow strict guidelines, so I was able to put my own artistic twist on the submission while staying within PHSC’s branding.”

Winning this contest provided more than just the $500 prize for Colvin.

“I like to boost myself up and give my self-confidence that I’d be the winner, but actually winning has made me feel like all my hard work is being recognized,” she said. “It’s a major confidence boost.”

PHSC plans to host more contests for students in the future that connect art with the corporate world.

 

 

Pasco County still under mosquito-borne illness alert

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PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco County Mosquito Control District is urging residents not to let their guard down when it comes to mosquito-borne diseases. 

Despite recent cold temperatures, the threat of diseases such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis , dengue fever, and West Nile virus remains very real.

This year has seen some of the most intense mosquito activity in the region due to drought conditions in early 2024 and impacts from a tropical storm and two major hurricanes, with alarming levels of disease transmission, according to the district. 

Mosquito-borne diseases continue to affect both human and animal populations, with reports confirming several cases of concern throughout the year:

  • EEE was detected in emus and sentinel chickens in the county, signaling the presence of the virus in the mosquito population.
  • A local outbreak of dengue virus was reported in the Moon Lake area, affecting several residents and raising concerns about further spread.
  • West Nile virus was detected in two humans, an alpaca, and mosquitoes across inland areas of Pasco County, after the unprecedented riverine flooding from Hurricane Milton.

“In spite of the colder temperatures, mosquitoes are still active, and the risk of mosquito-borne diseases remains high,” said Adriane Rogers, executive director of the Pasco County Mosquito Control District. “Our team at PCMCD has been working tirelessly to reduce the potential for disease spread by employing an array of strategies as part of our integrated mosquito management approach. This includes heightened surveillance, targeted ground and aerial spraying and increased public education efforts. However, we need residents to remain vigilant as well. Taking steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites and emptying water-holding containers around their properties are essential.”

The Pasco County Mosquito Control District has been monitoring mosquito populations, applying larvicides to prevent immature mosquitoes from hatching off, and conducting aerial and ground spraying in targeted areas where mosquito activity has been most intense. 

In addition to these efforts, the Pasco County Mosquito Control District continues to collaborate with local health authorities to track disease trends and adjust strategies as needed.

Residents are encouraged to take preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites, including:

  • Using insect repellent that contains DEET or Picaridin.
  • Wearing long sleeves and pants when spending time outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk when most mosquito species are most active. However, dengue mosquito vectors are also active during the day.
  • Eliminating standing water around homes, as it serves as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
  • Installing or repairing window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of homes.

“While the recent cold weather may make some think mosquitoes are no longer a threat, that is simply not the case,” Rogers said. “We ask all Pasco County residents to continue protecting themselves and their families. Our team is doing everything we can, but we need everyone to remain proactive in preventing mosquito bites as well.”

Residents are encouraged to visit the Pasco County Mosquito Control District’s website at pascomosquito.org or call 727-376-4568 for more information on mosquito control efforts, disease prevention or to report mosquito-related concerns.

 

News Briefs (12/20/24): ​​Pasco County commissioners appoint leaders

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​​Pasco County commissioners appoints leaders

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Pasco Board of County Commissioners reorganized at its Dec. 10 meeting. 

The board elected Kathryn Starkey as chair, Jack Mariano as vice chair and Seth Weightman as second vice chair.

“It’s a privilege to serve as the chair of this commission,” Starkey said. “Pasco County has made remarkable strides in becoming a great place to live, work and play, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve achieved.  I look forward to building on that success to continue making Pasco County an even better place for all.”

The board consists of the following members: Ron Oakley (District 1), Seth Weightman (District 2), Kathryn Starkey (District 3), Lisa Yeager (District 4) and Jack Mariano (District 5).

Pasco County Commission meetings are usually held every other Tuesday, alternating between the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey and the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.

 

SVB Tennis Foundation thanks Zephyrhills

ZEPHYRHILLS – Nick Walton, executive director for the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Foundation, thanked the City of Zephyrhills for its year-round support. 

Walton spoke Dec. 9 during the Zephyrhills City Council meeting. He presented the city with a plaque with photos of the program, which promotes character-building, mentoring and physical activity through tennis.

“We’re finishing up now our second program at Woodland Elementary,” he said. “That’s first and second-graders, which is a new initiative for us.”

During the first quarter, the foundation worked with third, fourth and fifth-graders at Woodland Elementary as well as students at R.B. Stewart Middle. They’ll also be in West Zephyrhills Elementary during the third and fourth quarters. 

 

Pasco Animal Services waives fees for Christmas

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Animal Services is waiving adoption fees for all available dogs and cats from December 14 to 21.

The agency invites the community to take a photo with Santa and their newly adopted pets at the “Home for the Pawlidays” kick off Dec. 14.

The Home for the Pawlidays campaign spans from noon to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and noon to 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 14 to 21 at Building A (Adoption Center), 19640 Dogpatch Lane.

“We’re celebrating the holidays with a visit from Santa and an entire week of free adoptions to our community,” PCAS Director Mike Shumate said.  “We’re most excited about pets getting loving homes for the holidays.”

 

The Social to be featured on America’s Best Restaurants 

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NEW PORT RICHEY – The Social has caught the attention of America’s Best Restaurants, a national media and marketing company that showcases local, independently owned restaurants. 

The company will bring its “ABR Roadshow” to the restaurant on Dec. 20. The episode will be aired extensively on ABR’s social media channels at a later date.
Popular dishes will be highlighted, along with an extensive on-camera interview with owners Jeff and Jennifer Roberts about the restaurant’s place in the community. 

The Social opened in 2019 as a venue for food and entertainment for the downtown area. It is known for its unique New American menu with a diverse cocktail selection, live music, events and an outdoor rooftop bar. 

“We would spend many nights eating at some of the area’s best restaurants and would always be left not knowing what to do next,” Jeff explained.

This led to the concept of The Social, a multi-level restaurant with entertainment on each floor. 

The modern yet casual environment sports several bars and a menu of starters, salads and sandwiches, tacos, flatbreads and entrees. An extensive drink menu features several varieties of martinis, hurricanes from categories one through five, and signature cocktails such as the Social Mule or Smoked Pecan Old Fashioned. 

Popular menu items include the Short Rib Melt, a half-pound burger topped with three cheeses, short ribs and fried onions; Downtown Pasta, a Cajun-style dish with blackened chicken; and the homemade meatloaf, wrapped with bacon and topped with homemade bacon jam, red sauce and fried onions and served as an entree or sliders.

The Roberts say customers love the food, ambience and entertainment value of The Social. They are excited to showcase what they have to offer to a larger audience.
“We are most proud to be thriving in the area we grew up in and love being a part of the amazing changes and growth of downtown New Port Richey,” Jeff said. 

Restaurants featured on the “ABR Roadshow” are selected based on their customer reviews, menu items, social media presence and level of involvement with their community. 

 

Ready to eat?

The Social operates Tuesday through Sunday at 5650 Main St., New Port Richey. Call 727-834-8137 or visit thesocialnpr.com for details. 

 

Aquarium helps turtles recover from cold snap

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Nonprofit organization Turtles Fly Too transported six turtles to Tampa International Airport, where they were handed over to The Florida Aquarium’s expert sea turtle biologists. Due to the impacts of recent hurricanes, the aquarium is the only sea turtle rehabilitation center that’s fully operational on the west coast of the state. Photo courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

Six endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles rescued from the cold waters off the Massachusetts coast started a journey to recovery Dec. 5 at The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center in Apollo Beach. 

The National Marine Life Center and New England Aquarium in Massachusetts recently rescued and triaged 33 turtles suffering from dangerously low body temperatures. They were flown to centers across the country, including The Florida Aquarium, as well as ones in Georgia and Orlando.

Sea turtles in the Northeast are exposed around this time of year to prolonged cold water temperatures, leading to immobility and other life-threatening conditions. They are often found floating or stranded on the beach and may also be suffering from secondary medical issues, such as infections, injuries or malnutrition.

The rehabilitation of cold-stunned turtles typically requires two to four months of intensive care, though in some cases, it may extend to six months or even a year before the turtles are healthy enough to return to the wild.

 

Business Digest (12/20/24): Models prepare meals at nonprofit

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Hooters models give back at Metropolitan Ministries. Photo courtesy of HMC Hospitality Group
Hooters models give back at Metropolitan Ministries. Photo courtesy of HMC Hospitality Group

Models prepare meals at nonprofit

CLEARWATER – The 2025 Hooters Calendar Tour kicked off with some of the models volunteering at Metropolitan Ministries, a nonprofit that helps the homeless in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk and Pasco counties. 

Cover model Kiana Mahabir and several others in the calendar helped prepare and serve lunch. 

Calendars come with over $100 of coupons to use throughout the year and are available for purchase at all Tampa Bay area Hooters restaurants.  

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber announces award finalists

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce has announced finalists for its 2024 Celebrating Excellence Awards.

Finalists and winners will be recognized Jan. 16. 

Finalists are as follows: 

  • Integrity: Main Event Wesley Chapel, Pepin Academies and Scenthound Lutz.
  • Collaboration: San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, New Tampa YMCA and Metropolitan Ministries. 
  • Innovation: RP&G Printing, Outplay Marketing and Furr Wegman & Banks Architects.
  • Inclusivity: Main Event Wesley Chapel, Hilton Garden Inn Wesley Chapel and Turner Construction. 

The 2024 Celebrating Excellence Awards take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 16 at PHSC Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road, Wesley Chapel. 

Networking begins at 6 p.m. The awards ceremony follows at 7 p.m. Advance registration is required. Registration costs $60, which includes access to Heavy Hors D’oeuvres and Cash Bar. Dress is cocktail attire. 

On the web: northtampabaychamber.com

 

Habitat welcomes four leaders to board of directors

CLEARWATER – Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside announceD the addition of four new members to its board of directors. 

They will be tasked with representing Habitat at events, helping Habitat form new relationships in the community, and attracting new homeowner candidates to apply for the homeownership program.

New board members are as follows: 

  • Bobby Ginn, Jr., executive at TGH Brooksville & TGH Spring Hill
  • Ashley Hofecker, president & CEO of the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce
  • Mika Rotunda, Realtor at Heart of Florida Realty
  • Ken Wicker, CEO of HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital

 

Adopt A Pet (12/18/24): Koda appreciates calm moments

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Koda is a 6-year-old beauty with a heart of gold and a personality that shines just as brightly as her recent appearance on the news! Recently featured in a local news segment, Koda proudly represented our shelter, showing the world just how special she truly is. This gentle, sweet girl loves the company of other dogs who share her laid-back energy. She’s not one for wild, high-energy play, but she adores calm, friendly companions who enjoy hanging out and relaxing together. Koda is incredibly loving, always ready to share a snuggle or offer her loyalty to her favorite people. If you’re looking for a sweet, easygoing dog who enjoys the quieter side of life but still has plenty of love to give. Come meet Koda at Pasco County Animal Services today.

If you would like to adopt Koda, be sure to make an appointment at Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, by calling 813-929-1212. The adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines. Email for more information.

Adopt A Pet (12/18/24): Toby is playful and charming

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Toby is a delightful 5-month-old kitten who’s ready to fill your life with love and joy! This sweet boy is as affectionate as he is playful, and his charming half-black mustache adds a unique touch to his already irresistible face. Toby loves to cuddle, but he’s also full of kitten energy, always ready to chase a toy or explore his surroundings. With his playful spirit and loving nature, Toby will make an excellent companion for families, individuals or anyone looking to add some extra cuteness to their home. Come meet Toby at Pasco County Animal Services.

If you would like to adopt Toby, be sure to make an appointment at Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, by calling 813-929-1212. The adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines. Email for more information.

Christmas by the Piano demonstrates how music lifts spirits 

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Marisa Castillo, a team member at AdventHealth Zephyrhills, performs “The Man with the Bag” alongside Santa Claus. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
Dr. Michael Longley, chief medical officer at AdventHealth North Pinellas, and Dawn Hicks-Waldon, chief nursing officer of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, prepare for the start of Christmas by the Piano. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

WESLEY CHAPEL – AdventHealth Wesley Chapel showed Dec. 11 how music can comfort patients and their families, connect the community, and inspire gratitude during its Christmas at the Piano celebration. 

Staff, patients, visitors and community members came together in the hospital’s lobby to enjoy a musical program made to bring hope and joy to all.

The event featured performances from vocalists across all AdventHealth West Florida Division Hospitals.

“Music has an incredible way of lifting hearts and spirits, especially during the holidays,” said Daniel Sierra, chaplain of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, who organized the event. “This celebration reflects the meaning of Christmas – bringing people together to give thanks, share joy and remind us all of the healing and hope that Christ brings.”

The annual tradition is part of AdventHealth’s mission of “Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ” to the community. 

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel also encouraged guests to reflect on the importance of giving back and fostering connections with one another, making the season brighter for all.

Carols 003: AdventHealth Tampa Chaplain Moses Brown sings “Go Tell it on the Mountain.” Photo courtesy of AdventHealth