The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Business Digest (10/23/24): Hurricane Milton takes toll on museum

By

Hurricane Milton did damage to the Blacksmith Shop at Pioneer Florida Museum & Village. Photo courtesy of Pioneer Florida Museum & Village

Hurricane Milton takes toll on museum

DADE CITY – The historic buildings at Pioneer Florida Museum & Village remain intact; however, staff reported damages to the Mabel Jordan Barn and Blacksmith Shop.

There was also damage to a shed, back gate and concession stand as well as 10 downed trees, some of which fell in parking areas and on power lines.

“Efforts have been made to clear the debris, and our maintenance man, Dale, other staff, and other amazing volunteers have been working diligently to clean up the affected areas,” the museum told supporters in an Oct. 15 email. “We still need more volunteer help and donations.”

Executive Director Stephanie Black encouraged supporters to volunteer for an Oct. 19 work day in which they would clean up the historic property.

 

Grace periods extended for insurance

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis provided updates for Florida policyholders following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

The update includes the amendment of an existing order and issuance of an additional emergency order by the Office of Insurance Regulation to protect policyholders impacted by the storms.

OIR amended EO 400385-24 to protect policyholders impacted by Hurricane Helene and issued EO 400386-24 to protect policyholders impacted by Hurricane Milton. 

The orders apply to all insurers in the state and policyholders in several counties, including Hillsborough and Pasco. 

The orders:

  • Extend grace periods for any policy, provision, notice, correspondence, or law that imposes a time limit upon an insured to perform any act until Dec. 10.
  • Prohibit the cancellation or nonrenewal of a policy in an impacted area, except at the written request of the policyholder, until Dec. 10.
  • Prohibit the cancellation or nonrenewal of a personal residential or commercial residential property insurance policy covering a property repaired as a result of damage from Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton for a period of 90 days after it has been repaired.
  • Direct insurers, surplus lines and other regulated entities to implement processes and procedures to facilitate the efficient payment of claims.

 

Mobile centers offer help with business recovery

LUTZ – Pasco EDC helped promote mobile assistance centers led by partners Florida SBDC at USF as well as Fifth Third Bank to guide people through recovery programs. 

The Florida SBDC at USF offered to help people navigate SAB Economic Injury Disaster Loan, SBA Physical Disaster Loan, Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program and Disaster Unemployment Assistance. 

These mobile assistance centers will still be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 23, 28 and 30 at AmSkills, 4606 Darlington Road, Holiday.

Fifth Third Bank had scheduled Financial Empowerment Mobile stops Oct. 17 and 18 at SMARTstart in Wesley Chapel to discuss various financial topics. 

 

Business Recovery Center opens in Hillsborough County

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY  – The U.S. Small Business Administration opened a Business Recovery Center in Hillsborough County to provide one-on-one assistance with submitting disaster loan applications for Florida businesses impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene.  

SBA customer service representatives will be available to answer questions about the disaster loan program and assist business owners in completing their applications. 

The Hillsborough County Business Recovery Center is located at the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, 2101 E. Palm Ave., Tampa. It operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Free parking is available across Palm Avenue.

Disaster recovery specialists with the Florida Small Business Development Center at Hillsborough County will also be on-site to provide confidential, no-cost consulting to help affected businesses prepare disaster loan applications and assist with other post-disaster challenges. 

The Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County can be reached at HCFL.gov/FSBDC or by calling 813-204-9267 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

 

Pasco County reopens pop-up building permit sites

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Building Construction Services is reopening two pop-up building permit sites. Stop by to get help navigating the process to repair or rebuild your home.

To lessen the burden on those affected by the recent hurricanes, Pasco County is waiving all county fees for home repair and building permit applications related to the storms. While the county is waiving permitting fees, you still need to get a permit for any repairs that require one.

Pop-ups are located at 

  • Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office at Gulf Harbors, 4720 US-19, New Port Richey.
  • Sea Ranch Civic Association, 13711 Veronica Drive, Hudson.

These locations are staffed Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Pasco County Building Construction Services staff can help explain the steps you need to take to begin home repairs and answer any questions you have about your specific situation.

Call Pasco Building Construction Services at 727-847-8126 and press 5 for details.

 

Chamber delays awards program

LAND O LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber has postponed its annual Celebrating Excellence Awards from Nov. 14 to Jan. 16, 2025. 

The chamber cites recent storms for the postponement. 

The program recognizes people and companies that impact the business community. 

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber happenings

LAND O LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will offer plenty of opportunity for networking over the next few days:

  • Chamber President/CEO Hope Kennedy leads orientation for new members from 9 to 10 a.m. Oct. 23 at USF Federal Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. 
  • The chamber celebrates Blue Park Dental joining with a ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 24 at 5470 Post Oak Blvd., Wesley Chapel. 
  • Members toast the end of another month during Final Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 25 at Florica Avenue Brewing co., 2029 Arrowgrass Drive, Wesley Chapel.
  • The chamber celebrates Fuzzy’s Taco Shop with a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 29 at 19729 State Road 54, Lutz.

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for more information about these events and other chamber information.

 

Greater Pasco Chamber happenings

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce has announced the following networking events to close out the month:

  • Members have the chance to meet and mingle during After-Hours Networking Mixer from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. Oct. 23 at Ostara Floral & Events, 6751 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes.
  • Members trade company literature during New Port Richey/Port Richey Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 24 at VESH, 5811 Richey Drive, Port Richey.  Register in advance for this free event.
  • The Young Professionals Group convenes networking during Coffee Connections from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 25 at The Daily Vibe Coffee Co., 5738 Main St., New Port Richey. Register in advance for this free event. 

Visit greaterpasco.com for registration information for these events and chamber information.

AdventHealth providing gas to staff following hurricane

By

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel team members set to receive fuel following Hurricane Milton. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth West Florida Division

 

Team members about to receive gas at AdventHealth Wauchula. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth West Florida Division

TAMPA – In the wake of Hurricane Milton, the AdventHealth West Florida Division sought to provide more than 25,000 gallons of gas and 10,000 gallons of diesel to support team members with urgent fuel needs across all 14 of its hospital campuses.

Several fuel tanker trucks, brought in from out of state, rotated between the hospitals to ensure staff had access to the fuel they needed to safely travel to and from work.

“The continuous service throughout the storm would not have been possible without our team members’ dedication – from our clinicians to our facilities crew monitoring back-up generators,” said David Ottati, president and CEO of the AdventHealth West Florida Division. “By providing this fuel, which has come from all across the country, we hope to support our team members as they continue delivering the high-quality, whole-person care our patients rely on.”

Rosemary Tyrkala, a facilities manager at AdventHealth North Pinellas, lost her home initially in Hurricane Helene and was in temporary housing when Hurricane Milton hit. Tyrkala said the 10 gallons of gas she received from her hospital made a huge difference.

“It’s one less thing to worry about,” Tyrkala said.“It meant that I didn’t need to go and stand in that line for hours to get gas so that I can go to work. I’m sure that’s how it assisted other people, knowing that if they had to get to work or if they had to get to a store for medicines or food or their necessities, that they had some gas in their car to be able to do it.”

Health & Wellness (10/23/24): Hurricane did not disrupt patient care 

By

Hurricane did not disrupt patient care 

TAMPA – Multiple hospitals in the AdventHealth West Florida Division, including AdventHealth Carrollwood and AdventHealth Tampa, experienced minor water intrusion during Hurricane Milton that affected some areas of the facilities.

No patient care was affected and no injuries were reported.

All AdventHealth hospitals and freestanding emergency departments in the Tampa Bay Area, with the exception of AdventHealth North Pinellas, were open and accepting patients.

“We are grateful to everyone who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of our patients and maintain hospital operations,” said David Ottati, president and CEO of the AdventHealth West Florida Division. “Their commitment exemplifies the strength of our AdventHealth family.”

 

AdventHealth North Pinellas reopens following hurricane 

TARPON SPRINGS – AdventHealth North Pinellas reopened Oct. 11 to serve patients and the community, following a temporary closure of the hospital due to Hurricane Milton. 

The hospital evacuated 40 patients to nearby AdventHealth facilities, ensuring their safety during Hurricane Milton. Its emergency department remained open throughout the storm.

“Our top priority has always been the safety and well-being of our patients and team members,” said Ryan Quattlebaum, president and CEO of AdventHealth North Pinellas. “Thanks to the tireless efforts of our team and the collaboration with state and local partners, we are ready to serve the region and stand ready to support the health care needs of patients as recovery efforts from Hurricane Milton continue.”

 

VITAS Healthcare expands to Pasco County

PASCO COUNTY – Families in Pasco County can now choose VITAS Healthcare for high-quality hospice services. 

This expansion meets the growing demand for compassionate hospice care in the Northern Tampa Bay area.

“At VITAS, we are committed to ensuring that every patient receives the best care possible – individualized care tailored to their values that allows them to live with dignity,” said Jalisha Wynn, general manager for VITAS. “By expanding into Pasco County, we are providing families with a premier choice, backed by decades of expertise and compassion.

VITAS specializes in delivering patient-centered physical, emotional and spiritual care wherever patients reside, whether in their homes, nursing homes, assisted living communities or inpatient settings. Care teams help seriously ill patients focus on comfort and quality of life during their final stages of an advanced illness.

VITAS also offers services designed to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families. These services include specialized respiratory therapy, veteran-specific care, pet visits and Memory Bears, which are handcrafted keepsakes made from a loved one’s clothing.

On the web: VITAS.com

 

Mosquito Control advises of more dengue cases 

PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco County Mosquito Control District has ramped up efforts in response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the emergence of more dengue virus cases. 

In response to this public health concern, the Pasco County Mosquito Control District is implementing increased surveillance and control measures in the affected area to reduce the risk and prevent further transmission of the virus.

Key activities include:

  • Utilizing both helicopter and truck-mounted treatments to target mosquito larvae and reduce populations before they can reach adulthood.
  • Working to mitigate areas of debris left in the wake of Hurricane Helene to prevent further mosquito infestation.
  • Deploying resources to hard-to-reach areas affected by unprecedented riverine flooding.
  • Educating citizens to protect themselves from mosquitoes by draining standing water, covering skin with clothing or repellent, and covering doors and windows.

Contact the district at 727-376-4568 or visit PascoMosquito.org for details.

 

SHINE volunteers answer questions about Medicare

PASCO COUNTY – Specially trained volunteers can assist you with your Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas. SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential. 

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

Upcoming programs are as follows: 

  • Medicare Basics:  Nov. 5 at 10:30 a.m. at the Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday. Call 727- 834-3204 for details. 
  • Medicare Basics: Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. at the New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. Call 727-853-1279 for details. 
  • Medicare Basics: Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. at the Genesis Center MOW, 38112 15th Ave., Zephyrhills. One-hour appointments will be available following the presentation by calling 813-782-7859.
  • Medicare Basics: Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes.  Call 813-929-1214 for details. 
  • Medicare 101: Nov. 21st at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL 54, Wesley Chapel. Call 813-788-6375 for details. 
  • Medicare Basics: Nov. 27 at 11 a.m. at Regency Park Library, 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey. Call 727-861-3049 for details. 
  • Medicare Basics: Nov. 28 at noon at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. Call 352-567-3576 for details. 

 

Hospital offers breastfeeding support group

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

Both 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. 
  • 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.

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

 

Urgent cares help with health care needs

TAMPA – Dr. Timothy Hendrix, medical director for AdventHealth Centra Care, said urgent care locations across the Tampa area can see an increase in patients with minor injuries suffered during storm clean up and surveying properties for possible damage.

“Historically after a hurricane, it’s going to be puncture wounds, people stepping on nails, roofing nails, debris, cuts and abrasion, all those types of things we would commonly see in an urgent care we’re going to see more of during and after a hurricane.” Hendrix said.

These are the Centra Care and PC+ at Walgreens locations that were open, as of Oct. 17, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.: 

Adventhealth Centra Care

  • AdventHealth Centra Care Carrollwood, 4001 West Linebaugh Ave., Tampa.
  • AdventHealth Centra Care Ocala, 3708 S.W. College Road, Ocala.
  • AdventHealth Centra Care Temple Terrace, 5802 E. Fowler Ave., Temple Terrace.
  • AdventHealth Centra Care Trinity, 11826 State Road 54, Odessa.
  • AdventHealth Centra Care Wesley Chapel, 1127 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Wesley Chapel.

Adventhealth PC+ at Walgreens

  • Land O Lakes, 22829 State Road 54, Land O’ Lakes.
  • Wesley Chapel, 28115 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Wesley Chapel.
  • Spring Hill, 11180 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill.
  • Bruce B Downs, 17511 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa.

 

Girls invited to experience scouting at festival

By

Girl Scouts of West Central Florida serves more than 20,000 members across eight counties: Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sumter. Photo courtesy of GSWCF

TAMPA – Girls and their families are invited to kick off the 2024-25 Girl Scout Year at Girl Scouts of West Central Florida’s annual Girl Scout Fest.

The event was rescheduled due to Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton to Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds. 

Girl Scout Fest is open to girls of all ages and their families to enjoy hands-on and interactive activities while highlighting the theme of “Builders of Tomorrow.”

Throughout the day, girls will have many opportunities to earn Girl Scout badges and will walk away with multiple free event patches, while supplies last. 

Working with Girl Scouts of West Central Florida’s program partners, Girl Scout Fest will showcase more than 30 hands-on activities.

Activities include HCA Florida Healthcare’s Robotic Arm Technology experience, making stress balls with Tampa General Hospital, and AI app building with Florida Education Fund. 

Girls can also earn Tampa General Hospital’s TampaWell Wellness Warrior patch, participate in a hockey match with Lightning Made Hockey, get ready for cookie rally with the Product team, and make homemade butter with Dairy Council of Florida. 

This year’s Girl Scout Fest will highlight its newest community patch partner, Ajax Paving, with activities related to civil engineering and a brand new “Paving the Way to Success patch.”

 

Want to go?

Girl Scout Fest takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Admission costs $5 per person, which includes all activities and this year’s exclusive Girl Scout Fest patch. 

Attendees can register in advance online or register at the event. Walk-ups are welcome. The Florida State Fairgrounds charges $10 per vehicle for parking. 

Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the concession stand and various food trucks.

 

Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg reports early damage

By

The Vietnamese communities of Orlando, Venice and Miami have collected food and supplies that were given away from 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 13 at St. Joseph Vietnamese Parish in Tampa. The parish and neighbors sustained serious damage during Hurricane Milton and the assistance was appreciated. Photos courtesy of Diocese of Saint Petersburg

SAINT PETERSBURG – The Diocese of Saint Petersburg offices sustained damage as high winds caused windows to shatter. 

The area surrounding the offices also suffered damage such as home and business flooding, trees down and property damage. 

Here are some of the initial reports of damage: 

  • St. Joseph Vietnamese Catholic Church in the Town and Country area sustained flooding and the property was not reachable Oct. 10.
  • The St. James Chapel at the Bethany Retreat Center, in Lutz flooded. The surrounding lakes overflowed onto the grounds and parking lot. There are many trees down and one has landed on the Youth Center.
  • St Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Spring Hill had damage to the church, including roof leaks.
  • St. Anthony Catholic Church in San Antonio had roof leaks and debris damage.
  • St Jerome Catholic Church in Largo had considerable roof damage including lost shingles and various roof leaks.

The Diocese of Saint Petersburg implemented an Employee Assistance Reimbursement Program to help employees recoup some disaster related costs related to Hurricane Helene. This will be a resource for Hurricane Milton survivors.

On the web: dosp.org/stormupdates

 

Business Spotlight: JC Audiology adds to hearing professional to staff 

By

The staff at JC Audiology has grown larger as Dr. Judith L. Reese (second from left) added DJ Mitchell (middle) to her team. Photo courtesy of JC Audiology

LUTZ – Ever since Dr. Judith L. Reese opened JC Audiology in 2005, thousands of residents have come to the practice for their hearing needs. 

On average, the practice serves more than 160 hearing aid devices a month. That’s that’s about one device every hour and doesn’t include the dispensing of new hearing devices. 

Reese has added another hearing professional to her staff to help with the growing number of clients.

DJ Mitchell joined JC Audiology in September. Mitchell has been a licensed Hearing Aid Specialist since 2016 and has worked in clinical settings locally while dispensing hearing devices from all major manufacturers.

“DJ is the kind of hearing professional we’ve been looking for.” Reese said. “Now patients won’t need to wait to make appointments, and his expertise on new technology and how it improves quality of life will benefit our patients enormously.”

The region’s growing population, along with new published research about the link between hearing and cognitive health, have led to more people approaching the practice about hearing services.

As the number of patients continues to grow, Reese has worked to minimize supply chain challenges that affect the industry. Reese recently bolstered her relationships with suppliers by joining forces with Professional Hearing Group. This arrangement allows her to continue providing the best quality hearing solutions at more affordable prices for patients as well as offer faster service than industry standards.

 

Want to go?

JC Audiology is located within the North Fork Professional Center, 1519 Dale Mabry Hwy., Suite 105, Lutz. Visit ​​jc-audiology.com or call 813-949-1331 for details.

Stingrays ride out Hurricane Milton at MLB stadium

By

Stingrays from the The Florida Aquarium spent time at Tropicana Field to stay safe during Hurricane Milton. Photos courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

TAMPA – Animal care experts with The Florida Aquarium moved its seven male cownose stingrays Oct. 14 from Tropicana Field back to the aquarium in downtown Tampa. 

Despite roof damage to the stadium caused by the storm, the stingrays remained safe in their 10,000-gallon, 35-foot habitat, located off right-center field.

“We’re pleased to report the cownose stingrays handled the storm well. With the Tampa Bay Rays support, our staff was able to provide onsite care over the past several days and today, we brought them safely back to the aquarium,” said Craig Johnson, The Florida Aquarium’s associate curator. “We will continue to monitor their health over the coming days, but currently, all are eating and behaving normally.”

The seven cownose stingrays are on public display residing in a separate area of The Florida Aquarium’s second floor Stingray Beach exhibit, which is sponsored by the Tampa Bay Rays. The cownose stingray is named for its distinctive head shape, resembling a cow’s nose, and is the same species found in the waters of Tampa Bay.

Every year, the stingrays spend the MLB season at Tropicana Field as part of the Tampa Bay Rays Touch Experience, the first-ever interactive marine exhibit at a professional sports venue.

Stingrays are an integral part of the Tampa Bay Rays identity, cherished by fans at Tropicana Field, where the team has featured the aquarium’s popular stingray touch tank since 2006. 

Adopt a Pet (10/16/24): ​​Blue will warm your heart

By

Blue is a charming 7-year-old pup who brings joy wherever he goes! With his fluffy coat and striking appearance, he is hard to miss. This sweet boy loves nothing more than spending time with his furry friends at dog playgroups, where he shines as the gentle spirit among the pack. Despite being considered a senior pet, Blue has a playful heart and an endless supply of love to give. His unique eye abnormality adds to his character, making him even more special. Blue is a true testament to the beauty of embracing our differences, and he’s always ready for a cozy cuddle or a game of fetch. If you think you are the home that Blue has been waiting for, come see him at Pasco County Animal Services today!

If you would like to adopt Blue, 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 (10/16/24): Sam has a playful personality

By

Sam is a beautiful 9-year-old black dog with striking pointed ears and a heart of gold. After overcoming a challenging past, she’s ready to embrace the future with open paws! Sam thrives in dog playgroups, especially when she can socialize with pups her size and larger – those are her favorite companions. Despite her tough beginnings, Sam is a sweet soul who loves to play and explore. She’s eager to find her forever home where she can continue to blossom. With her warm spirit and playful nature, Sam is sure to bring joy and laughter to anyone lucky enough to share their life with her. Make an appointment to meet her at Pasco County Animal Services today!

If you would like to adopt Sam, 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.