The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Bikes For Christ gears up for busy holiday season

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Daphne and daughter Everleigh received their bike through Hillsborough County Schools. Photo courtesy of Bikes for Christ

DOVER – Bikes For Christ is preparing for another busy holiday season.

The need for bicycles becomes even greater around this time of year and Bikes For Christ needs help this Christmas season to continue supporting those less fortunate.

Bikes For Christ partners with over 100 organizations in the Tampa Bay area, providing bicycles as transportation for the clients these agencies serve. 

Its main focus is on veterans overcoming hardships, underprivileged children and individuals striving to escape poverty and challenging circumstances. 

Each bicycle is accompanied by a copy of the Gospel of John, reflecting the organization’s mission to share Christ’s love and care.

In addition to its ongoing holiday activities, Bikes For Christ has added a few events: 

  • Ribbon Cutting: Bikes For Christ will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Nov. 14 to dedicate its new building at 2500 Al Simmons Road. facebook.com/share/17vBkETCq8/
  • Bicycles and Holiday Bells Fundraising Event: Belleair Towers in Clearwater will host the Bicycles and Holiday Bells fundraiser. The family-friendly event includes a ride on the Pinellas Trail, pictures with Santa, refreshments, raffles and auctions. The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 7 at 1100 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Clearwater. www.eventbrite.com/e/bicycles-and-holiday-bells-tickets-1055289432099

This year, Bikes For Christ has received several accolades, including:

  • Nonprofit of the Year – Valrico FishHawk Chamber.
  • Finalist for Nonprofit of the Year – South Tampa Chamber of Commerce.

Health & Wellness (11/13/24): Hospital wins 45 awards from Healthgrades

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These charts show fall 2024 clinical achievement awards for HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital. Charts courtesy of HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital

Hospital wins 45 awards from Healthgrades

HUDSON – HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital has been recognized as America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Vascular Care and Surgical Care and as America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Surgery, Gastrointestinal Care and Gastrointestinal Surgery.  

These are among the 45 clinic excellence awards for 2025 the hospital earned from Healthgrades.

Bayonet Point Hospital was also ranked No. 5 in the state for Vascular Surgery. 

Earlier this year, Bayonet Point Hospital received the 2024 Patient Safety Excellence Award, which recognizes hospitals in the top 10% in the nation for patient safety.

“Our team is absolutely committed to providing the highest quality of care to our patients through adhering to the latest treatment guidelines and protocols, while providing personalized, compassionate care,” CEO Sally Seymour said. 

Healthgrades evaluated risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates for over 30 common conditions and procedures at 4,500 hospitals to determine the top performers in specialty care. 

On the web: healthgrades.com 

 

These charts show fall 2024 clinical achievement awards for HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital. Charts courtesy of HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital

 

001: Shanalee Cortes; Donna Sherman, Robin Norris, Kelly James and Edward Cutolo, celebrate the unveiling of the VA’s new digital ad campaign for women veterans Nov. 5 at the Tampa International Airport. Photo courtesy of Bay Pines VA Healthcare System

VA reaching out to women veterans

TAMPA – The VA has launched a digital ad campaign in major airports across the Southeast, including Tampa International Airport and Southwest Florida International Airport, to reach more women veterans, their families and caregivers.

The campaigns will run through Nov. 30 and Dec. 31, 2024, respectively.

Using QR code technology, veterans and their loved ones can learn more about VA health care services, enrollment processes and resources specifically designed for women veterans.

“Bay Pines VA remains committed to transforming the entire health care experience to be more inclusive, responsive, and specific to the health care concerns and preferences of the women veterans of today and tomorrow,” said Kristine Brown, interim director of Bay Pines VA Healthcare System. “Throughout our catchment area, we are proud to provide high-quality care to more than 10,000 women veterans annually at one of our nine sites of care in southwest Florida.”

On the web: va.gov/bay-pines-health-care/health-services/women-veteran-care/ 

 

SHINE volunteers needed for Medicare education

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas is seeking volunteers with the SHINE program (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders). 

A volunteer orientation will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 11 at the Regency Park Library, 9701 Little Road. Stop by to see how you can help Medicare beneficiaries.

SHINE is a statewide volunteer program offering seniors, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers free, unbiased counseling on Medicare and health insurance. 

SHINE volunteers are not affiliated with any insurance and do not sell anything. 

Call 727-570-9696, ext. 234, or visit floridashine.org/jointhe-team.aspx to complete an application or learn more.

 

Researcher earns American Lung Association grant 

TAMPA – The American Lung Association recognized Alex Jaeger, assistant member of the Molecular Oncology Department at Moffitt Cancer Center, with the Lung Cancer Discovery Award for his research on lung cancer.

Around 25% of people with lung cancer have a KRAS gene mutation, which is associated with accelerated cell growth that can lead to cancer. A new class of drugs targeting KRAS mutations has emerged, but many patients experience drug resistance. Jaeger’s research seeks to advance lung cancer treatment by studying KRAS inhibition and the immune system.

“KRAS inhibitors are poised to become a mainstay in lung cancer treatment for years to come, but much work is needed to identify therapeutic combinations that will improve durable responses in patients,” Jaeger said. “In this work, we aim to identify how KRAS inhibitors alter antigen presentation in lung cancer to identify rationally designed, next generation immunotherapies to improve responses to KRAS inhibitors.”

 

Hospital offers breastfeeding support group

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers a free in-person breastfeeding support group and class during November. 

Events are held in classrooms at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road.

  • Breastfeeding Support Group: The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. Offered 12:30 to 2 p.m. Nov. 14 or Dec. 12. 
  • Understanding Breastfeeding: Provides information to the expectant mom and her support person about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, tips for returning to work and when to call a health care provider or lactation consultant. Offered 3 to 6 p.m. Nov. 14 or Dec. 12.

Register in advance for the free events by visiting BayCareEvents.org or calling 855-314-8352. 

 

Beat holiday stress from Flow & Glow

  1. LEO – The Saint Leo University Wellness Center, in conjunction with Magnolia + Ash and Community Yoga Dade City, will host Flow & Glow, designed to support the body and soul ahead of the holidays.

Flow & Glow will leave the participant with a sense of ease, glowing from the inside out. The day begins with an immersive DIY facial experience, followed by a gentle yoga flow and finished with a yoga nidra practice.

The event will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 17 in the wellness center. Registration costs $45 per person plus tax and includes products and a take-home gift. Register at https://wellness.saintleo.edu/.

Saint Leo University is at 33701 County Road 52, St. Leo. The wellness center is on the west side of campus, behind Benedictine Hall. Email for more details. 

 

Saint Leo University earns stripes as top school for military

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Student-veteran Josh Thornsberry receives a Quilt of Valor in 2022. Thornsberry earned a bachelor’s in psychology in 2023 and is in Saint Leo’s psychology graduate degree program. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

ST. LEO – The Military Times has included Saint Leo University in its list of top colleges and universities for military service members and veterans. 

Saint Leo earned rankings of No. 120 among all schools in the United States; No. 34 among schools offering both in-person and online degrees; No. 27 among all private, nonprofit schools in the United States; No. 32 among schools in the Southeast; and No. 9 in Florida.

More than 900 students at Saint Leo are affiliated with the military. This includes members of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard; National Guard members; retired military officers and enlisted veterans; and military spouses and dependents.

Each year, Military Times surveys colleges and universities nationwide to evaluate their veteran-focused programs. 

Its team analyzes these survey responses along with public data from the Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs to produce the rankings. 

“Saint Leo University recognizes the special needs of our veterans, those serving in the military, and their families, and strives to provide the best educational opportunities for them,” said Ed Dadez, university president. “It is an honor to be recognized by Military Times for the work we are doing to support the success of our student-veterans, helping them transition into civilian life and continue their education. Saint Leo advocates for its military-affiliated students and student-veterans whether they study at University Campus, online, or at one of our education centers.”

In addition to its residential campus in St. Leo, students are educated at teaching locations in Florida and Georgia, including at Naval Air Station Key West and MacDill Air Force Base, as well as through an online program.

“As a son of a deceased U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran, I am grateful to be part of a university that provides a welcoming and supportive environment that values our military-affiliated students’ service and fosters their success,” said Anthony DeSantis, associate vice president of student affairs and director of the Office of Military Affairs & Services. 

Part of that support includes special programming for student-veterans and military-affiliated students. 

Saint Leo University hosts several signature events for these students and the community, including Conversations About Success Beyond Service. The monthly webinar features speakers who share their personal journeys or discuss opportunities to find resources.

Other programming includes the 22 Push-Up Challenge for Veteran Suicide Prevention; Welcome Back “We’ve Got Your Six” events; and Veterans Appreciation Month events.

Student-veterans also are supported through a Military Resource Center, a Veterans Affairs work-study program, a Student Veterans of America chapter, a Military Excellence Fund, and several endowed scholarships.

In 2021, Saint Leo created an undergraduate degree devoted to veteran studies, and in 2024, Devon Wilson of Riverview, FL, became the first Bachelor of Arts in Veteran Studies Degree graduate. In the fall, the university expanded the program, and the degree now is offered online, in addition to being taught on campus. A veteran studies minor also is available in this emerging field.  

Students in the program study the distinctive lives and cultures formed by military service and by retirement from service. The degree program is open to all students, not only those who have a military background.

  • 001: Saint Leo University’s For Those Who Serve sculpture was unveiled at the university’s residential campus on Veterans Day in 2010 and honors the branches of the military as well as students and staff. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University
  • 002: Student-veteran Josh Thornsberry receives a Quilt of Valor in 2022. Thornsberry earned a bachelor’s in psychology in 2023 and is in Saint Leo’s psychology graduate degree program. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

 

Soule expands into Penny for Pasco-backed building 

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North Tampa Bay 75 Business Center was an industrial park supported through the Penny for Pasco program. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC

PASCO COUNTY – The Soule Co. is pursuing its second major expansion in less than four years. 

The woman-owned manufacturing company will occupy 127,820 square feet at North Tampa Bay 75 Business Center, where the firm will hire 10 new employees and invest $400,000 in new racking systems and facility buildout. 

The company now has three locations and employs 100 people throughout Pasco County, where it manufactures and packages medical supplies. This building will allow the company to expand its existing medical device manufacturing operations.

“Soule has continued to grow and thrive in Pasco County. They are a prime example of why Pasco EDC focuses on providing resources and opportunities to our existing industry,” said Bill Cronin, president and CEO of Pasco EDC. “They are creating new jobs for our residents. I am happy they continue to see all that our county has to offer them and there is no need to look anywhere else.”

Soule manufactures and distributes patient positioning products. Its positioners are designed to reduce pressure management injuries, such as pressure sores, ulcers, tissue ischemia and necrosis. 

This expansion will help increase production and productivity to support the needs that are being driven by new and extended contracts with medical group purchasing organizations throughout North America. 

“Our outstanding reputation for manufacturing these quality products within the medical industry has propelled this growth and continues to open new doors of opportunity,” said Lindsey Osborne, president of Soule. “We have greatly appreciated the continued support that Pasco EDC has provided to our company and employees through hiring opportunities and training. Our goal is to continue to grow in Pasco County and provide a great place for people to work within our community.”

In 2019, the Pasco Board of County Commissioners approved a $3.7 million Penny for Pasco forgivable loan to ROOKER to build North Tampa Bay 75, an industrial park, to meet the demands of Pasco’s rapidly growing industrial sectors. 

ROOKER closed on the purchase of the 85-acre property in December 2021, with the intention of redeveloping a surplus county-owned property. 

“The Pasco County/ROOKER partnership took a surplus county property, paying no ad valorem taxes, and created a major employment and tax-generating business park,” said Ron Oakley, chairman of the Pasco Board of County Commissioners.  “ROOKER has been a reliable partner delivering on its obligations to Pasco County.”

Building one is a 187,000-square-foot facility designed to accommodate multiple tenants. It was completed in 2023 and is located within half a mile of the I-75 interchange at Overpass Road in Wesley Chapel. 

ROOKER will invest an additional $2 million in tenant improvements to modify the facility for the two tenants.

“The Soule Co. expanding into this new speculative space is a great example of why we support preserving certain areas for industrial growth,” said Seth Weightman, District 2 representative on the Pasco Board of County Commissioners. “By having inventory available at this size, a local company was able to expand operations for the second time in four years and remain in Pasco County.”

The remaining 59,180 square feet of building one has been leased to a Fortune 1,000 company in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry.

“The leasing success we have achieved at North Tampa Bay 75 Business Center is a testament to the vision and commitment of Pasco County’s leadership,” said John Rooker, CEO of ROOKER. “The county has made substantial investments in recent years in infrastructure, road improvements and even a new I-75 interchange in this area. Those investments are now attracting high quality employers to locate and grow in the area.”

North Tampa Bay 75 can accommodate up to 850,000 square feet of Class-A industrial space in four buildings. Future buildings within the park can accommodate tenants ranging in size from 40,000 square feet up to 300,000 square feet. ROOKER expects to construct the next building in the park in 2025.

  • Expansion 001: The Soule Co. has three locations in Pasco County, where it manufactures and distributes medical devices. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC 
  • Expansion 002:  The Soule Co. serves clients throughout North America. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC 
  • Expansion 003: North Tampa Bay 75 Business Center was an industrial park supported through the Penny for Pasco program. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC

 

Pasco County to get a new senior center

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Pasco County’s new senior center is currently under construction at 13906 Fourth Street in Dade City. Photo courtesy of Joe Potter

DADE CITY – Pasco County is in the process of completing the construction of a building that will serve as a senior center sometime next year.

The 7,334-square-foot building is located at 13906 Fourth St. in Dade City. 

Pasco County obtained the two-acre lot free of charge from Community Aging & Retirement Services Inc., also known as CARES, on Nov. 4.

Wilton Simpson donated the property to CARES a couple of years ago. Simpson is commissioner of Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Prior to that, he was president of the Florida State Senate.

CARES had planned to name the new center in Dade City after Simpson to honor him for having donated the property where it’s located. It’s not known if Pasco County will have Simpson’s name associated with the new facility when it opens within the next six to 12 months.

Pasco County received $1.3 million in state funds to complete construction of the building, according to Sarah Andeara, one of the county’s public information officers.

Ryman Construction of Florida Inc., based in Pasco County, was the contractor on the building project while it was still owned by CARES. It’s not known if Ryman Construction will continue in that capacity or if the county will request bids from other potential contractors to complete construction of the building.

The services at the county’s current senior center in Dade City will be relocated to 13906 Fourth St. once that building is ready for occupancy, according to Brian Hoben, the county’s community services director. 

The county’s current senior center is located at 13853 15th St., which is 10 blocks from the new location. That senior center is located in a 4,225-square-foot building that was constructed in 1965, according to Pasco County property appraiser’s records.

Services at the new senior center will consist of congregate dining along with a variety of senior activities, according to Hoben. Additionally, the new site will be used to load home-delivered meals, which is also offered at the county’s current senior center location, according to Hoben.

The leadership team will be the same at the new location on Fourth Street when it opens and the same team members will be working there as are now working at the location on 15th Street, according to Hoben.

 

Entrepreneur draws from military experience, kitchen incubator

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Mary Katherine Mason-Alston’s shortbread went from serving as client gifts to becoming a serious source of dough. Photo courtesy of Mary Katherine Mason-Alston

DADE CITY – Combat-injured Marine Corps veteran Mary Katherine Mason-Alston makes shortbread with a family recipe that dates back to her great-grandmother.

Mason-Alston stands as a shining example of a person who served our country and now works as an entrepreneurial shortbread maker.

“Her path to success is the exact model we hope others will follow,” said Whitney Elmore, director of UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County. “A dream, hard work and using the available resources effectively all led to her success.”

Mason-Alson opened her store in May 2021 and calls it “Lanky Lassie’s Shortbread.”

“Lanky” because she stands nearly 6 feet. 

“I’m a tall girl, and I make shortbread,” Mason-Alston said. “Plus, I wanted it to be alliterative.” “Lassie” means “young girl” in Scotland.

Her journey as a budding shortbread entrepreneur started when she worked as a sales representative for the hotel industry. She made shortbread as gifts for clients. After she lost her job at the height of the pandemic in 2020, she started making shortbread, partly, as she says, because she had to make enough money to feed her children.

“One of my co-workers said, ‘this is the best shortbread I’ve ever had,’” she said.

She later won the shortbread competition at the Central Florida Scottish Highland Games with her Great-Grandma Murray’s recipe and started her shortbread business, mostly as a hobby in 2011.

“My mother always made shortbread for Christmas, and her grandmother made shortbread cookies for Christmas. People loved it,” Mason-Alston said.

What’s the secret? She credits her thicker, softer shortbread.

Word began to spread, and people would drive to her home to buy it. But she wanted more exposure, so she messaged people through the Dade City Life Facebook page.

Dade City Life asked if she was selling to local businesses. But she said she could not without a commercial kitchen.

She hoped the people at Dade City Life could share posts from her business and they gladly did. Mason-Alston discovered the Pasco County incubator through Dade City Life as well.

Turns out the SMARTstart Incubator Kitchen was just three miles from her house.

“I wasn’t actively looking for a kitchen,” she said. “I was thinking I would have to go to Tampa. It’s awesome it all worked out.”

She contacted Dan Mitchell, director of SMARTstart.

Mitchell helped connect her with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and guided her through the licensing process. That led to her getting her food permit, allowing her to sell wholesale. She now sells wholesale and retail from her store.

“He always had the answers I needed or connected me with those who did,” she said. “When I learned about the incubator, I sought guidance on setting up the business correctly, including legal wholesale practices.”

In addition to the incubator, Mason-Alston credits her business success to her military experience.

While a freshman at the University of South Florida, terrorists attacked the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. That fateful day, she decided to serve her country. She always had a competitive fire in her belly from her days as a high-school athlete. Also, her brothers were already in the Marine Corps and told her it wasn’t for girls. That only fueled Mason-Alston’s fire to join.

“I wanted to do the hardest branch,” she said. “They held themselves to a higher standard. I love that type of fierceness.”

Mason-Alston served in the Marines from 2002 to 2008 and was injured during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

“The grit and tenacity instilled in me as a Marine make it impossible to quit or fail,” Mason-Alston said. “I draw from the Marine Corps’ 14 leadership traits — JJDIDTIEBUCKLE: Justice, Judgement, Enthusiasm, Bearing, Dependability, Initiative, Decisiveness, Tact, Integrity, Courage, Knowledge, Loyalty, and Endurance. Living by these principles has been invaluable to my success.”

Adopt A Pet (11/06/24): Chris is quite the charmer

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Just in time for Pitbull Awareness Month, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Chris! This handsome, tri-colored pup is not just a pretty face – he’s also a loving companion ready to find his forever home. Chris is an energetic and playful boy who enjoys outdoor adventures as much as snuggling on the couch. His charming personality and sweet disposition make him a perfect addition to any family. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor buddy or a cozy cuddle partner, Chris has it all! If you’re ready to open your heart and home to a loyal friend, Chris is waiting for you! Let’s break the stigma and show that pitbulls like Chris are loving, loyal companions. Come meet him today and see just how wonderful he is! If you think Chris is the one for you, come see him at Pasco County Animal Services today.

If you would like to adopt Chris, 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 (11/06/24): Chloe’s purrs are worth the wait

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Say hello to the stunning Chloe! This beautiful black and white longhaired kitty may be a bit shy at first, but with a little patience and love, she’ll blossom into the affectionate companion you’ve been searching for. Chloe is a gentle soul who prefers a calm environment. She loves cozy spots to curl up in and enjoys watching the world go by from her favorite perch. Once she warms up to you, her sweet purrs and soft head nudges will make it all worthwhile! If you’re looking for a lovely companion to share your home with, consider giving Chloe the chance she deserves. She just needs a little time to feel safe and secure before she shows her true self. Make an appointment to visit her at Pasco County Animal Services today.

If you would like to adopt Chloe, 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.

News Briefs (11/06/24

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Donate to Toys For Tots Central Pasco

LAND O’ LAKES – Central Pasco/Land O’Lakes will hold a Toys for Tots distribution day on Dec. 14 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Register in advance by emailing . Families will be given a time slot to pick up toys. Organizers ask that only one adult come for the event and that children are not present. Pick-up will 6 be at Grace Family Church in Land O’Lakes. 

Toys for Tots serves children from 1 to age 14. Registration ends on Dec. 1.

Businesses that would like to have a box for toy collection in their offices or buildings may call David at  813-825-0610. Boxes will be dropped off Nov. 8 and 9 and then toys will be collected Dec. 7, 9 and 10. 

Toys collected in the Land O’Lakes region will stay within the community for families in central Pasco. Last year’s campaign served just shy of 800 children.

If you or your organization would like to give a monetary donation to help buy toys, call 813-995-7664 and Tammy will be in contact with you. 

 

GoPasco offered free rides to polls

PASCO COUNTY – GoPasco County Public Transportation offered free bus rides to the polls Nov. 5 thanks to a partnership with the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections.

Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley said the partnership epitomized good government. 

“Every citizen should be guaranteed the right to vote, and not having transportation is an obstacle GoPasco can help with,” GoPasco Director Jannina Elkin said.  “We are proud to support every Pasco County citizen who has this opportunity to have access to the voting polls.”

 

HART wants feedback streetcar fares

TAMPA  – The Hillsborough Transit Authority invites riders, residents and stakeholders to participate in a public hearing regarding the reinstatement of fares on the TECO Line Streetcar. This discussion comes after the expiration of several Florida Department of Transportation grants and partnerships that previously covered customer fares.

The public hearing takes place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Nov. 7 at HART Ybor Administrative Offices (third floor), 1201 E. 7th Ave. 

On the web: tecolinestreetcar.org/fares/

 

Hillsborough extends state of local emergency

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise signed an executive order Oct. 28 extending a state of local emergency.

The original order went into effect on Sept. 23 as what eventually became Hurricane Helene approached Florida. The extension is in effect through Nov. 4.

A state of local emergency can be in effect for only seven days, unless rescinded or extended. The emergency declaration gives the County Administrator and emergency managers the ability to quickly take certain actions to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the community, and it provides a path for federal reimbursement of certain expenses.