The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pups party with their owners in Zephyrhills

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John Cooperwhite loves his twin chihuahuas Bijou and Bobby. Photo courtesy of Pat Fletcher
Dogs greet each other during National Puppy Day. Photo courtesy of Pat Fletcher

ZEPHYRHILLS – Forest Lake Estates had a festive day March 23 with a dog party in honor of National Puppy Day. 

The event was well attended with dogs and their owners enjoying a doggie parade, stories, music and snacks. 

Photographer Denise Cooperwhite was on hand to take pictures for display on clubhouse walls.

Butterflies, bees & garden enthusiasts to explore Dade City

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DADE CITY – Putting aside the disappointment and losses suffered from Hurricane Milton, the Dade City Garden Club is gearing up for a day of celebration with butterflies, bees and free family fun taking centerstage. 

The Dade City Garden Club is partnering with the city to present the Monarch Butterfly Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 5 at the newly renovated Touchton Park with festivities flowing into Dade City Garden Club gardens.

Main attractions will include a plant sale, a Kids’ Zone, strolling entertainment, educational exhibits and presentations, food, prizes and an eclectic market that will satisfy shoppers. Live butterflies displayed during the event will be released into the gardens at the close of the day. 

The Dade City Garden Club is also holding its biennial National Garden Clubs Small-Standard Flower Show, Blooms & Bees – The Buzz in the Garden, with the purpose of educating club members and the viewing public; stimulating an interest in horticulture and floral design; and providing an outlet for creative expression. 

After the participants’ entries are evaluated by accredited Florida Federation of Garden Clubs judges, the show will open to the public on April 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Dade City Garden Club, across the street from Touchton Park.

The Jolley Trolley will be in town thanks to the Community Foundation Tampa Bay. Visitors will be able to park downtown and hop on the free trolley to the festival and/or flower show from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. One pick-up/drop off location will be adjacent to the Robert B. Sumner Judicial Center (38033 Live Oak Ave.) and the other location at the Dade City Heritage Museum and Welcome Center (37800 Church Ave.). Parking is available in city and county-owned lots and other areas around the downtown. 

Attendance at both events is free. Email or visit dadecitygardenclub.com for more information.

Bauducco Foods expansion is a treat for Pasco County

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Zephyrhills Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson is excited about the number of jobs and investment that Bauducco Foods is making in her hometown. Photo courtesy of Bauducco Foods

ZEPHYRHILLS – Bauducco Foods broke ground on a production and distribution facility March 21 at Zephyrhills Airport Industrial Park.

Bauducco USA CEO Stefano Mozzi explains why Zephyrhills was the best place to invest $200 million into a production and distribution facility. Photo courtesy of Bauducco Foods

The company, which produces more than 400,000 tons of baked goods annually, analyzed over 160 potential sites across seven states for its expansion, according to Bauducco USA CEO Stefano Mozzi.

“Zephyrhills stood out as the ideal location,” Mozzi said. “From the business-friendly environment to the fantastic support from the business development teams in the state, county and the city, we knew Zephyrhills was the right place.”

Bauducco expects to invest over $200 million into a facility on its 72-acre site. 

The facility will be used to produce and distribute its products across the U.S. Products will include biscuits, wafers and its signature Panettones.

With advanced production technologies in place, Bauducco will have greater flexibility to expand its product offerings, bringing new products to market.

“Their investment not only brings hundreds of high-wage jobs and economic growth but also reinforces our city’s reputation as a prime destination for business and industry,” Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson said during the groundbreaking. “We look forward to a prosperous partnership and the sweet success that lies ahead!” 

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley (above) and Zephyrhills Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson have described Bauducco Foods’ investment as a new chapter for the area. Photo courtesy of Bauducco Foods

The Zephyrhills facility will be developed in three phases. The first phase is expected to be operational by mid-2026, the second phase by 2028 and the third by 2030. 

Bauducco anticipates creating 600 new jobs in the Tampa Bay area, of which 120 full-time positions will open during the first phase. 

“We are grateful for the meaningful partnerships that Bauducco has already formed in our community, and we are looking forward to seeing this project progress,” said Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council. “There will be many new jobs coming to Pasco County in the near future as a result of this investment in our community.”

On the web: bauducco.com

Adopt a Pet (3/26/25): Danny loves to be brushed

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Danny is a gentle and loving 6-year-old cat with a striking white and orange coat. He enjoys cozy naps, playful moments and peaceful purrs. One of his favorite activities is being brushed, which he finds incredibly soothing. Great with kids and other friendly pets, Danny is looking for a forever home where he can receive plenty of affection. He promises to be a loyal companion and the sweetest addition to any family. Make an appointment to meet him at Pasco County Animal Services today!

If you would like to adopt Danny 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.

Chalk Talk (3/19/25): Students to battle at Brain Bowl

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Members of the Jesuit High School and Academy at the Lakes 2024 Brain Bowl teams shake hands. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

Students to battle at Brain Bowl

ST. LEO, FL – Students from the area’s Catholic high schools along with one private school will compete March 26 in Saint Leo University’s annual Brain Bowl.

The trivia-type contest will test their knowledge of languages, arts, popular culture, physics, math, biology, history, and more.

The final round begins at 12:30 p.m. and is open to the public. It takes place at Saint Leo University’s Wellness Center gym, located on the lower level, 33701 County Road 52 (the address often comes up as Priory Circle in Google).

Jesuit High School  won last year’s Brain Bowl. First-time competitor Academy of the Lakes was runner-up.

Teams competing include Academy at the Lakes (Land O’ Lakes), Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School (Shady Hills), Clearwater Central Catholic High School (Clearwater), Jesuit High School (Tampa), Santa Fe Catholic High School (Lakeland), St. Petersburg Catholic High School (St. Petersburg) and Tampa Catholic High School (Tampa).

 

Primrose Schools donate books 

TAMPA – Students, families and staff at more than 500 Primrose schools collectively donated over 95,000 new and gently used books to promote childhood literacy and make a difference in local communities across the country.

Concluding on Read Across America Day each year to recognize the importance of reading and promote literacy in young children, schools host Og’s Bountiful Book Drive during February. 

The charitable giving effort is part of the Primrose Promise Corporate Social Responsibility program, which is driven by the brand’s mission to forge a path that leads to a brighter future for all children.

 

Smoke from controlled burn disrupts classes

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Southwest Florida Water Management District apologized for unexpected conditions from a 107-acre controlled burn March 11 at Starkey Wilderness Preserve that prompted schools to close. 

“The area burned had a large amount of dead trees from the 2017 wildfire in addition to hurricane debris,” according to a spokesperson for the district. “As a result this debris has taken longer to clean up than usual.”

Staff was on site mopping up smoldering debris.

River Ridge High cancelled classes March 12 due to “excessive smoke on campus today and in classrooms,” the school wrote on its Facebook page. 

“Prescribed fires such as this one are critical to help protect the community from the spread of uncontrolled wildfires like the ones recently experienced in California,” said the spokeswoman for the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

 

Campers to hunt for microbes

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University will host a Microbe Hunters Summer Camp in which students bring soil samples from home to test using lab techniques.

The camp is offered 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays June 2 to  6, 9 to 13, 16 to 20 and 23 to 27 for high school juniors and seniors. Weekly sessions cost $450. 

Students may possibly find viruses of bacteria [non-infectious to humans] never seen before and will be able to give the virus an official and permanent name. 

Students will be provided with lunch each day, safety glasses, disposable lab coat, and a  T-shirt.

Register at  microbehunterssummercamp.totalcamps.com

 

Sloths, otters get extra love at The Florida Aquarium  

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The animal ambassador team at The Florida Aquarium prepared heartwarming surprises, including heart-shaped strawberries and ice treats in vibrant colors infused with fish frozen inside. Photos courtesy of The Florida Aquarium
The animal ambassador team at The Florida Aquarium prepared heartwarming surprises, including heart-shaped strawberries and ice treats in vibrant colors infused with fish frozen inside. Photos courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

TAMPA – The Florida Aquarium celebrated Valentine’s Day with specially crafted enrichment activities. 

From festive treats to engaging toys, these additions provided mental and physical stimulation for the animals while creating a unique experience for guests to enjoy.

North American river otters Huron, Kraken and Brandon received ice treats, providing an opportunity to forage for their food in a different way. Valentine’s-themed hula hoops encouraged activity.

Linnaeus’s two-toed sloths Liana and Apaporis were introduced to strawberries.

Guests can learn more about upcoming events and plan their visit at flaquarium.org.

 

Business Digest (3/19/25): Bauducco Foods to break ground

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Bauducco Foods ready to start construction on plant 

ZEPHYRHILLS – Bauducco Foods, one of the world’s largest producers of baked goods, will break ground March 21 on a new production and distribution center.

Founded in Brazil in 1952, Bauducco has been doing business in the U.S. for more than 20 years. 

Bauducco purchased 72 acres in Zephyrhills and plans to invest $200 million into a 400,000-square-foot building that will create 600 jobs.

Bauducco’s Panettones, Wafers, Cookies and Toasts are sold in stores across the United States. 

On the web: bauducco.com.

 

Register for networking festival

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco EDC expects hundreds of business professionals to attend its 22nd annual NetFest.

The networking festival takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. April 23 at The Angeline Welcome Center, 11725 Angeline Place, Land O’ Lakes. It will include a dinner, raffle, mini trade show and chili cook-off.

Tickets cost $65. Register in advance at pascoedc.com.

 

Achieva Credit Union welcomes new CEO

DUNEDIN –Achieva Credit Union announced the appointment of Eric Jenkins as the new president and CEO, succeeding leader Gary Regoli, who will retire after 17 years of service.

Jenkins brings over three decades of credit union leadership experience to Achieva Credit Union. Most recently, he served as CEO at SRP Federal Credit Union in North Augusta, South Carolina, and previously led Education Credit Union in Amarillo, Texas. 

 

Hillsborough celebrates 10 years of helping entrepreneurs 

TAMPA – Hillsborough County residents who wanted to start and grow their company have found help at the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center for 10 years.  

With a decade of success under its belt, the office was scheduled to celebrate its decade of success March 14 at its Ybor City center, in which 10 of its most successful entrepreneurs were to share how it helped them. 

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber happenings

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber hosts a Coffee Social, Lunch & Learn and grand openings in the week ahead. 

  • Members mingle during a Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. March 19 at USF Federal Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. 
  • Chiropractors Abigail & Thomas Farrar discuss “Stress and How It Affects Us” during Lunch & Learn from noon to 1:30 p.m. March 20 at USF Federal Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. Registration costs $15 per person. Register in advance. 
  • Members celebrate the grand opening of Jachimek Chiropractic & Wellness from 4 to 7 p.m. March 20 at 5111 Ehrlich Road, Tampa. The ribbon cutting starts at 4:30 p.m.
  • Chamber President Hope Kennedy leads a new member orientation from 9 to 10 a.m. March 26 at North Tampa Bay Chamber Office Wiregrass Mall, 28329 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel. Register in advance. 
  • Members celebrate the opening of Tiny Tots Playtown from 4 to 6 p.m. March 26 at 24412 State Road 54, Lutz. The ribbon cutting is at 4:30 p.m. 

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

 

Greater Pasco Chamber happenings

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will take part in a grand opening, ambassadors meeting and brochure exchange in the days ahead. 

  • Business professionals network during Trinity Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 20 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.
  • Chamber ambassadors convene for their monthly meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 25 at Mia’s Pizza, 4051 Madison St., New Port Richey. Register in advance. 
  • Members hold a ribbon cutting at Any Lab Test Now from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 26 at 1310 Seven Springs Blvd., New Port Richey. The ribbon cutting is at noon. Register in advance. 

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

 

Health & Wellness (3/19/25): Hospital makes World’s Best list

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AdventHealth Wesley Chapel makes Best Hospitals list

WESLEY CHAPEL – AdventHealth Wesley Chapel has made Newsweek’s list of the World’s Best Hospitals 2025 for the fourth consecutive year.  

The award list was announced Feb. 26. Newsweek and Statista awarded the best hospitals based on hospital quality metrics, recommendations from medical experts and surveys.

Newsweek also recognized the hospital as a leader for infection prevention.

“Being awarded World’s Best four years in a row is a testament to the expertise of our committed team members and physicians and our dedication to deliver world-class health care services in a growing Pasco County community,” hospital CEO Ryan Quattlebaum said. 

 

Dr. Jonathon Tsai

Doctor to discuss gut health

LUTZ – Dr. Jonathon Tsai, a BayCare Medical Group general surgeon, will give a free presentation and discussion about the importance of gut health and how to prevent and manage diverticulitis. 

The event takes place from noon to 1 p.m. April 4 in the Garden Classrooms at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road. A light lunch will be provided.

Learn about symptoms, treatment options and lifestyle changes that can improve your digestive well-being. 

Register for the free event at BayCareEvents.org and choose “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scroll down to the April 4 date. 

Register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number 2 at the prompt. 

 

Bill increases access to molecular diagnostic testing 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Gus Bilirakis and others have introduced legislation to increase access to molecular diagnostic testing for rare cancer patients. 

The Finn Sawyer Access to Cancer Testing Act would ensure patients on Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) can receive testing at the time of first diagnosis, rather than only for recurrent or metastatic cancers. The legislation is named after a 3-year-old who died from rhabdomyosarcoma in 2018.

“The targeted reforms in our bipartisan, bicameral bill will have a meaningful impact on accelerating the development of treatments for rare cancers and will remove bureaucratic hurdles that currently keep cancer patients from accessing diagnostic screening and effective treatments by qualified specialists,” Bilirakis said. “Every cancer patient deserves the best chance of survival, and we must create a streamlined regulatory system and payment model to realize this important goal.”

 

SHINE offers Medicare programs

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) will have volunteers available to answer Medicare questions at several dates and venues in Pasco and Pinellas counties. 

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas offer the free program.

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. 

Medicare Fraud

  • April 1 at 10:30 a.m. at Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday. 727- 834-3204

Medicare Basics

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

Medicare 101

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

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

 

NCAA recognizes Legends and Legacy Community Award winners

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Recognizing that sport has a way of bringing people together, the NCAA has leveraged March Madness to elevate the importance of service to the community and helping others. Thaddeus Bullard (aka Titus O’Neil in WWE), Jane Castor, Gwen Myers, Barbara Sparks-McGlinchy and Derrick Brooks will be honored during the weekend of the Women’s Final Four. Mike Farrant photo

TAMPA – The NCAA announced its 2025 Legends and Legacy Community Award recipients for Tampa, the host city of this year’s Women’s Final Four.

The five honorees are residents, business leaders and concerned neighbors who have committed their time, resources and influence to improve and invest in their home city and surrounding areas. Finalists have had a major impact on sports, equity, government, health and safety, and higher education in their communities and fields of work.

The Women’s Final Four Legends and Legacy Honorees include:

  • Derrick Brooks, executive vice president of corporate and community development, Vinik Sports Group
  • Thaddeus Bullard (aka Titus O’Neil in the WWE), president and chair, Bullard Family Foundation.
  • Jane Castor, mayor, City of Tampa.
  • Gwen Myers, District 3 commissioner, Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.
  • Barbara Sparks-McGlinchy, former senior associate athletics director and interim director of athletics, University of South Florida

Community leaders will be recognized in or around game activities in Tampa during Final Four weekend. This year’s Women’s Final Four will be on April 4 and 6.

“The 2025 Legends and Legacy Community Award is an honor for local citizens whose investments and generosity have lasting positive change within their cities,” said Felicia Martin, NCAA senior vice president. “This year’s recipients are true champions for their hometowns — committed to doing something good for their neighborhoods, dedicated to creating opportunities for fellow citizens and passionate about serving their community in unique and meaningful ways.”

 

Tampa Bay Suns soccer player not giving up after ACL injury  

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As Kaylan Marckese focuses on recovery, the Tampa Bay Sun take on Spokane Zephyr FC on March 19 at home, Brooklyn FC away on March 29 and Fort Lauderdale United FC on April 5 at home. Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Sun

TAMPA – Surgeons repaired Tampa Bay Sun player Kaylan Marckese’s torn ACL on March 6. That afternoon, Marckese announced she intends to battle back and return to the pitch. 

Just 10 minutes into her debut with her hometown Tampa Bay Sun last month, the St. Petersburg native went to the ground with a ruptured ACL. Marckese knows she faces a daunting recovery process because she just went through it.  

Marckese tore this same ACL, in her left knee, in 2023. After 15 months of grueling rehab and training, directed in Tampa by TGH and USF Health, she finally took the field with the Sun for the first time on Feb. 8.

Hometown fans cheered. Some even wore orange-and-yellow goalkeeper jerseys that matched Marckese’s. Then, heartbreak. 

“Feb. 8 was an emotional day filled with gratitude and pride,” Marckese wrote in a message to fans. “Unfortunately, that only lasted a good 10 minutes.”

“There are too many incredible people who helped me get to this point to name, but l have so much love for all of you!” she continued. 

“Now I get to do it all over again, and make it better. Stick by me, folks…”

In the coming weeks, doctors and trainers will work with the 26-year-old St. Petersburg High School graduate and University of Florida soccer star to determine her specific recovery path and timeline.

The rehabilitation for Marckese Will again be guided by USF Health and Tampa General Hospital.

 “We applaud and support Kaylan’s positive attitude and strong determination,” said Christina Unkel, Tampa Bay Sun FC president and general manager. “Those are values reflected in this team, and we can’t wait to see everything she can accomplish.”