The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Hillsborough commissioners get organized for new term

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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners selected Commissioner Ken Hagan as chair and Commissioner Christine Miller as vice chair Nov. 19 during its annual organizational meeting.

Commissioner Gwen Myers will be the board chaplain. 

 The organizational meeting followed the investiture ceremony this morning for two returning commissioners and a newly elected commissioner.

Taking the oaths of office were re-elected Commissioner Ken Hagan for District 2; Commissioner Christine Miller for District 4, who won election after being appointed by the governor in June to serve in the then-vacant seat; and newly elected Commissioner Chris Boles for Countywide District 6.

Chair Hagan has served as a commissioner since 2002 and this marks the eighth time he has been selected to serve as board chair. He has served as the Board of County Commissioners’ representative on key economic development boards including Visit Tampa Bay, Tampa/Hillsborough Expressway Authority, and the Tampa Sports Authority, as well as the Florida Association of Counties and the Hospital Authority.   

After choosing leadership positions, the BOCC voted to keep unchanged the commissioner assignments to boards, committees, and councils. Commissioner Boles will assume the positions formerly held by Pat Kemp, who had served the maximum allowable two consecutive terms as Countywide District 6 commissioner.

Some of the positions include:

  • Affordable Housing Advisory Board – Gwen Myers  
  • Arts Council of Hillsborough County – Chris Boles
  • Aviation Authority – Harry Cohen
  • Children’s Board of Hillsborough County – Gwen Myers
  • Environmental Protection Commission – Gwen Myers and Harry Cohen  
  • Hillsborough Transit Authority0 – Gwen Myers, Christine Miller, Joshua Wostal, and Donna Cameron Cepeda
  • Hospital Authority – Ken Hagan and Donna Cameron Cepeda  
  • Juvenile Justice Board – Donna Cameron Cepeda
  • Port Authority – Christine Miller
  • Public Safety Coordinating Council – Donna Cameron Cepeda
  • Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council – Member, Harry Cohen; alternate, Donna Cameron Cepeda
  • Tampa Bay Water Board of Directors – Harry Cohen and Joshua Wostal
  • Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corp. – Ken Hagan
  • Transportation Planning Organization – Christine Miller, Harry Cohen, Gwen Myers, Chris Boles, Joshua Wostal, and alternate Ken Hagan
  • Tampa Sports Authority – Ken Hagan

 

News Briefs (11/27/24): Women’s Club supports breast cancer walk

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Club members Darlene Choe, Linda Mitchell, Nancy Branham and Melba Piniero were joined by a six-member team of Little Women of Lutz (on the big chair). Photo courtesy of GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club

 

Club members Melba Piniero, Darlene Choe, Nancy Branham and Linda Mitchell work the information booth. Photo courtesy of GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club

Women’s Club supports breast cancer walk

WESLEY CHAPEL – GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club members and their affiliated teen club, the Little Women of Lutz, participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at the Shops at Wiregrass.

Members walked, worked the information tent, handed out water and generously donated funds in support of this important cause, which has affected many woman’s club members personally.  All money raised by the club and the Little Women of Lutz were donated to the American Cancer Society.

On the web: lutzlandolakeswomansclub.org 

 

Keep Pasco Beautiful collects 31 tons of trash

PASCO COUNTY – More than 1,360 volunteers took part in the annual Keep Pasco Beautiful cleanup event in September, collecting over 31 tons of trash along roadways, public spaces, and waterways.

The event saw 1,363 volunteers log 4,787 volunteer hours to pick up 62,000 lbs. of trash in 59 locations in Pasco County. 

“It’s estimated that 80% of the trash in our waters originates from land,” Keep Pasco Beautiful Coordinator Ligia Buchala said. “Thirty-one tons is the most we’ve ever collected, and by doing this we’re stopping trash from moving through rivers and stormwater systems into the Gulf of Mexico – which is truly impactful!”

The event is part of the International Coastal Cleanup coordinated by Ocean Conservancy.  

 

The Am Vets Post 550 of Zephyrhills have donated $6,000 recently to the Homeless Veterans of Florida. (Photo courtesy of Am Vets Post 550)

Joy Bar celebrates Christmas all year

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Joy Bar is filled with Christmas décor and games like pool, darts, giant Jenga, beer pong, spin the wheel and mystery shot. Photo courtesy of Joy Bar
Joy Bar offers games, live music, rare whiskey bottles and drink deals. Photo courtesy of Joy Bar

TAMPA – Joy Bar, a 365-day Christmas-themed bar, is serving up holiday cheer and adding fun stuff to the bar this December.   

Joy Bar was previously known as VIP Lounge. Trey Lawson took over the bar six years ago from his father. They have been in business for 34 years. 

Law came up with the Christmas concept last year. 

“Joy Bar is Tampa ‘s only 365-day year Christmas themed bar,” Lawson said. “We have been adding a lot of fun games, new drinks and whiskey offerings to the bar. Come in for a holiday inspired cocktail and great deals while you enjoy the spirit of Christmas.

Each weekend in December, the local dive bar will have live music and a brand takeover.  Guests can enjoy spirits specials from brands including Teremana Tequila, Fireball, Crown Royal and Patron along with Santa’s naughty elf pouring drinks.

New beverage offerings include whiskey slushies, strawberry lemonade and frose ($5).  Enjoy the Christmas themed Joy Bar shots and newly launched signature shots that will change throughout the year. 

Whiskey enthusiasts have over 100 options to choose from, including 10 of Joy Bar’s personal single barrels. The whiskey selection is always changing and growing year-round.

Joy Bar is located at 6905 N. Armenia Ave.

On the web: LiquorDepotTampa.com.

11 football teams advance to second round

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Several high school football teams in Pasco and Hillsborough counties qualified for the state playoffs.

Below is a breakdown of how each team performed during the first round on Nov. 15. Second round games were scheduled for Nov. 22, which occurred after the Laker-Lutz’s deadline for this edition. 

 

7A Playoffs 

  • No. 2 Plant City defeated No. 7 Riverview, 47-28, in the first round. Plant City was scheduled to play No. 3 West Orange in the second round. The winner plays either No. 1 Venice or No. 4 Newsome. 
  • No. 4 Newsome defeated No. 5 Sumner, 34-27, in the first round. Newsome was scheduled to play No. 1 Venice in the second round. The winner plays either No. 2 Plant City or Nov. 3 West Orange. 
  • No. 5 Sumner lost to No. 4 Newsome, 34-27, in the first round. 
  • No. 7 Riverview lost to No. 2 Plant City, 47-28, in the first round.

 

6A Playoffs 

  • No. 1 Armwood defeated No. 8 Melbourne, 49-0, in the first round. Armwood was scheduled to play No. 4 Plant in the second round. The winner plays either No. 2 Osceola or No. 3 Durant. 
  • No. 3 Durant defeated No. 6 South Lake, 35-17, in the first round. Durant was scheduled to play No. 2 Osceola in the second round. The winner plays either No. 1 Armwood or No. 4 Plant 
  • No. 4 Plant defeated No. 5 Barlow, 45-7, in the first round. Plant was scheduled to play No. 1 Armwood in the second round. The winner plays either No. 2 Osceola or No. 3 Durant. 
  • No. 3 Wiregrass Ranch defeated No. 6 Royal Palm Beach, 42-7, in the first round. Wiregrass Ranch was scheduled to play No. 7 Largo in the second round. The winner plays either No. 1 West Boca Raton or No. 4 Mitchell.
  • No. 4 Mitchell defeated No. 5 Parrish Community, 29-7, in the first round. Mitchell was scheduled to play No. 1 West Boca Raton in the second round. The winner plays either No. 3 Wiregrass Ranch or No. 7 Largo.
  • No. 8 Steinbrenner lost to No. 1 West Boca Raton, 42-7, in the first round.

 

5A Playoffs 

  • No. 3 Tampa Bay Technical defeated No. 6 Sebring, 35-14, in the first round. Tampa Bay Tech was scheduled to play No. 2 Edgewater in the second round. The winner plays either No. 1 Lakeland or No. 5 Gaither.
  • No. 5 Gaither defeated No. 4 Springstead, 42-0, in the first round.  Gaither was scheduled to play No. 1 Lakeland in the second round. The winner plays either No. 2 Edgewater or No. 3 Tampa Bay Tech. 
  • No. 8 Spoto lost to No. 1 Lakeland, 51-6, in the first round. 
  • No. 7 East Bay lost to No. 2 Edgewater, 35-7, in the first round.

 

4A Playoffs 

  • No. 4 Zephyrhills defeated No. 5 Rockledge, 35-15, in the first round. Zephyrhills was scheduled to play No. 1 Jones in the second round. The winner plays either No. 2 Vanguard or No. 3 Lake Wales.
  • No. 7 River Ridge lost to No. 2 Naples, 44-0, in the first round. 

 

3A Playoffs

  • No. 1 Jefferson defeated No. 8 Hudson, 21-16, in the first round. Jefferson was scheduled to play No. 5 Boca Ciega in the second round. The winner plays either No. 2 Booker or No. 6 Nature Coast Tech.
  • No. 4 Chamberlain lost to No. 5 Boca Ciega, 52-13, in the first round. 
  • No. 8 Hudson lost to No. 1 Jefferson, 21-16, in the first round. 

Tampa Bay Sun FC secures first home win

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Tampa Bay Sun FC were fourth in the USL Super League standings with 3 wins, 3 losses and four ties through Nov. 11. Photos courtesy of Tampa Bay Sun FC

 

TAMPA, FL. – The Tampa Bay Sun FC secured a 3-1 victory over Lexington in front of thousands of fans for the first home match back at Riverfront Stadium since Sept. 14.

It was a back-and-forth, with both teams creating numerous scoring opportunities. Lexington struck first in the 67th minute when Sydney Shepherd capitalized on a corner kick. 

However, the Sun FC responded quickly, with Cecilie Fløe equalizing just minutes later.

Fløe continued her scoring spree in the 52nd minute, giving the Sun FC a 2-1 lead. 

The team sealed the victory in the 92nd minute when Natasha Flint scored a goal from outside the box to encapsulate her first goal of the season; and to cement the first home win of the 2024-25 season.

“One of the things that we talked about before the game was to play for something bigger than ourselves,” head coach Denise Shilte-Brown said. “For the future of professional women’s soccer in Tampa Bay, and the importance of success. The women took that charge seriously”

 

Upcoming games

The Tampa Bay Sun FC plays at Dallas Trinity FC on Dec. 8 and at home against Spokane Zephyr FC on Dec. 14. Buy tickets at tampabaysunfc.com.

 

Chalk Talk (11/20/24): PHSC leaders speak at national conference

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Lee Maggard, Krista Knowles, Jesse Pisors, Nicole Newlon and John Allocco Jr. attend one of the largest professional development opportunities for community college leadership last month in Seattle, Washington. Photo courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College

PHSC leaders speak at national conference

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College leaders attended the 2024 Association of Community College Trustees Leadership Conference from Oct. 23 to 26 in Seattle, Washington. 

The conference welcomed nearly 2,000 leaders from community colleges, government agencies, philanthropic entities and other organizations.

PHSC President Jesse Pisors was joined by PHSC District Board of Trustees members Lee Maggard, Nicole Newlon and John Allocco Jr., along with student representative Krista Knowles, to attend and speak at the conference. Pisors, Maggard and Newlon spoke at the conference during a breakout session. Their presentation focused on the process of searching, selecting and onboarding a new college president, a familiar topic for PHSC with the onboarding of Pisors as PHSC’s fifth president in February 2024.  

“This was a great opportunity to represent PHSC at this major national conference and to present on a topic that is important to college trustees from across the country,” said Pisors.

 

College opens $4.9M fire training facility

DADE CITY – Pasco-Hernando State College opened a five-story fire training tower Nov. 18 at its East Campus.

The facility includes burn prop stations for training, two classrooms, pre-engineered covered parking and two 40-foot storage containers for training equipment all spanning over a four-acre site. The $4.9 million project is set to not only be a resource for students in training, but also for local and state fire departments.

“PHSC strives to stay on the cutting edge, in terms of the preparation we provide our students,” PHSC President Jesse Pisors said. “This fire training tower means that the students who go through our fire science program will emerge better prepared for the realities they will face in their work. In addition to serving our students, this facility will allow us to provide ongoing training for professionals from across the state.”
The tower was developed and constructed by Skanska. The tower measures 4,280 square feet and 50 feet in height.

 

Principal appointed to Skybrooke K8 School

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools has appointed Michele Boylan as principal of Skybrooke K-8, which will open in August 2025 in Lutz.

Boylan has worked the past four years as principal at Bexley Elementary school in Land O’ Lakes. Prior to that, she was an assistant principal at Chasco Elementary School in Port Richey.

“Between both schools, she has learned so much about growing teachers, connecting with students and bringing in parents in the community as partners,” said Cortney Gantt, assistant superintendent for elementary schools. 

Boylan started working in Pasco County as a dropout prevention teacher in 1997 at Hudson Elementary School. 

 

School hosts Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

DADE CITY – Pasco County Schools welcomed the community to a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Nov. 9 at Rodney B. Cox Elementary School. 

The event, initially postponed due to recent hurricanes, celebrated Hispanic and Latino heritage with food, vendors and activities. It was a partnership with Premier Community Healthcare and the Hernando Hispanic Heritage Network.

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated nationally from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, acknowledges the contributions and cultural impact of Hispanic and Latino communities. 

In August, Pasco County Schools honored this observance with a proclamation from the school board, followed by a countywide resolution from the Pasco County commissioners in September.

 

Jingle Bell Dash coming to Catholic school

SPRING HILL – Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School will use proceeds from its Jingle Bell Dash 5K Run Walk to support its athletic running program.

Participants will run or walk through the campus, 13651 Hays Road. The event starts at 9 a.m. Dec. 14. Shirts go to the first 200 registered participants (excluding ages 0-9). 

Registration costs $30 for adults, $15 for ages 10-17 and free for 0-9.

Email for details. 

 

Hillsborough Education Foundation expands SCOPE Initiative

TAMPA – The Hillsborough Education Foundation announced the expansion of the Student Center of Postsecondary Exploration to Spoto High School.

This will mark the third SCOPE site in Hillsborough County Public Schools.

Foundation President and CEO Anna Corman envisions ongoing expansion for the college and career readiness initiative, with a goal of establishing six fully operational SCOPE centers by 2026. 

“SCOPE has proven to be a valuable resource for students navigating the complex journey toward college and career readiness,” Corman said. “Our students at King and Brandon high schools have shown tremendous growth and engagement through SCOPE, and we are excited to bring these resources to Spoto High School.”

Thanks to funding from The Mosaic Company and Tampa Electric Company, Spoto High School students will now have access to personalized support to prepare for their postsecondary journeys. 

The SCOPE program offers resources such as one-on-one college and career planning, assistance with admissions and financial aid applications, and guidance on technical college and trade school pathways.

 

Pasco County Schools promotes staff

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools approved multiple promotions during the Nov. 5 school board meeting. 

Promotions included: 

  • Janice Cook, an intervention specialist, was promoted to assistant principal at Fox Hollow Elementary School. 
  • Jaclyn Adamson went from a teacher literacy role to a voluntary prekindergarten coordinator for Early Childhood Programs.
  • Lisa Cavalieri has been promoted from a professional standard investigator to a supervisor in the employee relations department. 

 

Business Digest (11/20/24): Prominent lawyer chairs Tampa Bay EDC 

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Christaldi Ronald

Prominent lawyer chairs Tampa Bay EDC 

TAMPA – Ronald Christaldi, a partner with Shumaker, has been appointed as the chairman of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council Board of Directors.

Christaldi has been a key member of the EDC, serving in several leadership roles. 

As chairman, he will lead the EDC’s efforts to strengthen the Tampa Bay area as a premier location for business expansion, talent recruitment and economic investment. 

“With Tampa Bay ranked 35th on the U.S. News & World Report’s ‘Best Places’ list and eighth among metros for economic growth, it’s clear that our community is thriving and on the rise,” he said. “I look forward to working with our partners to continue building on this momentum, fostering growth, and making Tampa Bay an even better place to live, work, and invest.”

 

Cronin joins governor in Italy

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis led an international trade and business development mission to Italy from Nov. 11 to 15.

The delegation consisted of 85 representatives from various Florida industries, including higher education, transportation and logistics, aerospace and aviation, military and defense, hospitals, life sciences, and manufacturing. Among them was Bill Cronin, president and CEO of Pasco Economic Development Council.

The trade mission aimed to create numerous economic growth opportunities for the state, as Italy is among Florida’s top 20 trade partners internationally, accounting for $4.4 billion in annual bilateral trade. The delegation scheduled visits to Rome, Viareggio, Florence, Turin and Milan.

“Italy and Florida share a special relationship as peninsular entities with many shared industries, and I was grateful that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni invited our Florida delegation to visit,” DeSantis said. “This mission will strengthen ties between our state and their nation and bring new and increased opportunities and investments to Florida.”

This initiative is coordinated by SelectFlorida in collaboration with FloridaCommerce.

 

Greater Pasco Chamber happenings

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will hold a pair of networking events in the next week. 

They are as follows: 

  • The Professional Women in Business group celebrates Friendsgiving during its monthly networking event from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 20 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Tampa. Registration costs $12 for members and $15 for others. 
  • Business professionals network during Trinity Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 21 at Seven Springs Golf & Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., Trinity. Registration for lunch costs $13. The program is free for members and costs $10 for others. 

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

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber happenings

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a coffee social to end the month.

The event takes place from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Nov. 20 at Bella Brava Bexley, 16722 Focus Loop.

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

 

Companies support advocacy center

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco First Children’s Advocacy Center held its third annual Paint the Night Blue event Nov. 8 at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church.

The black-tie event served as a fundraiser for the center, which provides child abuse prevention, intervention and treatment services. 

Several area companies sponsored the event including The Lyons Law Group, On the Move Wedding & Event Rentals, BayCare | Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, Elle Rudisill Law Firm, Shady Hills Power Company, Sunshine Signing, Go Sass and Advent Health. 

 

Quick Hits

  • Ergle Christmas Tree Farm opened its 38th season of providing the community with fresh trees on Nov. 16. The farm operates daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 3331 Treiman Blvd., Dade City
  • Vintage Chix in Zephyrhills got into the Christmas spirit by adding lace to its window shelves. The gift shop, located at 38501 5th Ave., specializes in home decor.
  • Prelude Academy of the Arts celebrated its third anniversary this week. The company provides music lessons at 14249 7th St., Dade City.
  • The Groves Golf and Country Club has launched a Ladies Day promotion Thursdays through May 1, 2025. The course is located at 7924 Melogold Circle, Land O’ Lakes.

AdventHealth opens Northdale ER 

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The AdventHealth Northdale ER team is ready to serve the community. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
AdventHealth leaders, health care professionals and community partners gathered to celebrate the facility’s opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 6. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

TAMPA – AdventHealth Northdale ER celebrated its first full day of providing emergency care Nov. 13 to patients in one of the fastest-growing areas in Hillsborough County. 

The 13,379-square-foot emergency department at 16446 North Dale Mabry Highway features 12 private exam rooms, a resuscitation room, two triage rooms and dedicated spaces for bariatric patients. 

The $23 million facility is equipped with advanced imaging technology and a full-service lab.

“North Dale Mabry is an ideal location for our new AdventHealth Northdale ER, allowing us to expand access to high-quality, compassionate care for this growing community,” said Bruce Bergherm, president and CEO of AdventHealth Tampa. “With this new ER close by, we’re reducing travel times and enhancing access to AdventHealth’s whole-person approach to emergency care, so families have faster, more convenient support when they need it most.”

The facility is designed to meet the community’s growing health care needs, including specialized support spaces and an EMS lounge to improve response times and efficiency. AdventHealth Northdale ER joins the AdventHealth West Florida Division’s network of 14 hospitals and eight offsite emergency rooms.

Since 2019, AdventHealth has invested more than $790 million in Hillsborough County.

On the web: AdventHealthNorthdaleER.com

Construction underway for AdventHealth Meadow Pointe ER

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AdventHealth and Robins & Morton leaders sign the beam for AdventHealth Meadow Pointe ER. (Photo courtesy of AdventHealth)
Wilbur, AdventHealth’s chief barking officer, “signs” the beam for the new AdventHealth Meadow Pointe ER. (Photo \courtesy of AdventHealth)

WESLEY CHAPEL – Community leaders signed a beam Nov. 8 to mark the progress of the AdventHealth Meadow Pointe ER, a new off-site emergency department in East Pasco County.

The more than 13,000-square-foot emergency department will include 12 patient beds and two triage rooms when completed in the first half of 2025. It will also offer imaging and lab services.  

“The Meadow Pointe ER is located in a rapidly growing part of Pasco County and AdventHealth wants to make sure we’re meeting the needs of our community there,” said Mike Murrill, president and CEO of AdventHealth Zephyrhills and AdventHealth Connerton. “We are committed to expanding our footprint of emergency care services and making it easy for our neighbors to access AdventHealth’s robust network of care.”  

The signed beam was placed over what will become the main entrance of the ER. The names of those who helped make the $26 million project a reality will welcome future patients through the door.

The opening of the new emergency department will create more than 30 jobs in Pasco County.

“Reaching this milestone in such a short period of time is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, teamwork and innovation,” said Todd Watson, manager of Robins & Morton Florida Division. “We are proud to be working on a project that will enhance health care access and deliver vital services to our community.”

The AdventHealth Meadow Pointe ER joins the organization’s nine other freestanding emergency departments across the Tampa Bay area. 

This also includes an EMS fleet with 21 ambulances and AdventHealth AirStar 1, a medical helicopter dedicated to critical patient transport across the Tampa Bay region.