The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Chalk Talk (10/09/24): District promotes assistant principals

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Pasco County Schools promotes assistant principals

LAND O’ LAKES – Monica Ilse, assistant superintendent for high schools at Pasco County Schools, introduced three new assistant principals during the Oct. 1 school board meeting. 

Caroline Holloman was promoted from a magnet coordinator to assistant principal at Hudson High School. She has experience as a science teacher and media specialist.  

“She is a great leader with teachers, is always willing to take on any task and is just a wonderful person,” Ilse said. 

Rodney McKinney was promoted from behavioral specialist to assistant principal at Wesley Chapel High School. He has worked as a behavior specialist at Wiregrass Ranch High School and has experience at AMIkids.

“He has most recently taken up a leadership opportunity helping out with hurricane shelter duty this past weekend,” she said. “He’s always willing to help and has also been a leader within the school building.”

Taryn Neale was promoted from intervention specialist at Seven Oaks Elementary School to assistant principal at Thomas E. Weightman Middle School. 

“Taryn has over 22 years of experience with Pasco County Schools,” Ilse said. “She has a great passion for education and has taken on numerous leadership opportunities within her school building.”

 

TouchPoint Medical gives back to district

ODESSA – TouchPoint Medical donated a grant of $73,216 to the Office for Career, Technical, and Adult Education at Pasco County Schools. 

The grant will fund 100 adjustable height workstations and two touchscreens for health science programs across the district. 

“This generous donation will provide students a vital piece of work-based learning to enhance their education enabling them to practice and learn by using equipment currently used in the healthcare industry,” according to a memo by Lori Romano, Director of the Office for Career, Technical, and Adult Education.

Some of the schools that will see these workstations include Angeline Academy of Innovation, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, Marchman Technical College, as well as JW Mitchell Pasco, Sunlake, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills high schools.

 

Gulf High School hosts hurricane relief event

New Port Richey – Gulf High School brought together families from the Greater New Port Richey area to receive much-needed support and assistance Sept. 29 during a hurricane relief event.

The event was a collaboration with Gulf Middle School, Richey Elementary School, James Marlowe Elementary School, Cotee River Elementary School, Locke Early Education Center, Fox Hollow Elementary School, and other institutions to provide for the needs of families affected by Hurricane Helene.

Families could stop by and pick up bedding, clothes, food and hygiene items.

The Gulf High School Student Government and Title 1 Schools Family and Community Initiative gathered donations and resources for the event.

Hudson High School had planned to host a hurricane relief event Oct. 5 for others impacted by Hurricane Helene.

“It’s not just about coming to work and providing support for kids,” said Monica Ilse, assistant superintendent for high schools at Pasco County Schools. “It’s about taking care of the families and making sure our kids have what they need.”

 

Bell time extended at academy

HUDSON – Pasco County Schools is extending the end bell at West Pasco Education Academy an extra 10 minutes, starting Oct. 7, to make up for missed instructional time. 

The academy wasn’t able to reopen until Oct. 7 due to sustaining significant damage due to Hurricane Helene, according to Superintendent Kurt Browning. 

“We’re in the process of accessing and cleaning that facility,” Browning said Oct. 1. 

 

Achievements

  • Pasco County Schools promoted Thomas Viking from program coordinator to supervisor at the Office for Leading and Learning.
  • Jalen Stevens, of Lutz, was named to the Dean’s List for the summer 2024 term at University of Maryland Global Campus. Students must complete at least six credits during the term, earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 for the term and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to make the list. 

 

Pasco County Schools to close Oct. 7-9 due to Tropical Storm Milton

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PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Schools announced all schools and district offices will be closed Oct. 7 to 9 as a precaution due to Tropical Storm Milton. 

All extracurricular activities, athletic events and after-school programs are also canceled for these days as forecasts indicate Milton may strengthen into a hurricane and make landfall in the region.

The district will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.

Families and staff are encouraged to follow the district’s website and social media channels for the latest information.

 

Saint Leo University announces closures ahead of Tropical Storm Milton

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ST. LEO – Saint Leo University will close the following locations for students from Oct. 7 to 10 in response to Tropical Storm Milton:

  • University Campus, 33701 County Road 52, St. Leo.
  • Tampa Education Center (1403 N. Howard Ave., Tampa.
  • Center for Adult Learning (University Campusand Pasco-Hernando State College locations.

Classes offered at these locations are canceled. Students should not report to these locations.

Students at the Key West Education Center (Naval Air Station Key West, A-718 Essex Circle, Key West) should look for instruction from the base for closure information.

All other university locations are operating business as usual, but should continue to monitor www.saintleo.edu for updates.

Employees of Saint Leo need to report to work Oct. 7 to prepare their areas for the storm. After Oct. 7, only essential personnel will be permitted at these locations Oct. 8 to 10.

The university will continue to monitor Tropical Storm Milton in partnership with appropriate agencies through the week.

Information about reopening will be provided following the storm on the Saint Leo University website and through the Everbridge app, which is the university’s emergency notification system.

Land O’ Lakes honors five more sports legends

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The Land O’ Lakes Gators Athletics Foundation inducted baseball, football and volleyball standouts; a legendary soccer coach; and the Voice of the Gators into the Land O’ Lakes High School Athletic Hall of Fame. 

Here are some highlights of the Land O’ Lakes legends getting inducted: 

 

Alison Campbell

Class of 1988

Alison Campbell lettered in basketball, softball track and volleyball but it was volleyball where she left the biggest mark. She earned a 3A First Team All-State Team selection and the Gulf Coast Conference Volleyball Player of the Year award. She also led the 1986-87 team to the state final and the 1987-88 team to the state semi-final. She continued playing volleyball at the University of Tampa, where she earned a 2nd Team Sunshine State All-Conference Team selection in 1992-93. 

 

Mike Connor

Lifetime Service Award

Mike Connor was known as the “Voice of the Gators,” having called football games from 1996 to 2013 as well as girls soccer from 1998 to 2001. But his actions spoke louder than words as he helped build booster clubs for the athletics and football programs at Land O’ Lakes High School. He helped expand the stadium concession area as well as the press box, which would later bear his name. He is also credited with the success of events like the Flapjack Festival and Land O’ Lakes Swamp Fest. 

 

Tony Mattos 

Class of 1989

Baseball player Tony Mattos left Land O’ Lakes High School to become a star at Elon College. He posted 5-2 and 8-1 seasons from the mound, attracting pro scouts. The San Francisco Giants took him in the 28th round in the 1994 MLB Amateur Draft. 

 

Mark Pearson

Coach/administrator

Mark Pearson posted a career coaching record of 305-81-40 as coach of the Land O’ Lakes boys soccer team, earning 10 district championships, three regional championships and eigh Sunshine Athletic Conference titles. The former University of Tampa standout was frequently recognized for his leadership, earning multiple coach of the year awards, including five from the conference. He went on to found the Academy Program at HC United in 2007..

 

Caz Piurowski

Class of 2006

Caz Piurowski was a standout athlete in baseball, basketball and football but he followed in his father Paul’s footsteps into playing college football with the Florida State Seminoles. Despite tearing his ACL and MCL at Florida State, he signed with the Seattle Seahawks in 2010. 

 

  • 2013 Class: Colleen Bentz, Tim Harvey, Kenneth McCurry (Lifetime Achievement), Robert Shirmohammad, Henry Walls (Coach/Admin).
  • 2014 Class: John Benedetto (Coach/Admin), Dennis Blankenship, RJ McKenna, Tina McWithey and Will Weatherford (Lifetime Achievement).
  • 2015 Class: Kevin Dowling, Kenny Gorman, Charlie McBride (Coach/Admin), Shamaine McCreary and David Singleton (Lifetime Achievement).
  • 2016 Class: 2002-2003 Girls Soccer Team, Jerry English (Coach/Admin), Lt. Col. Rhett Hierlmeier (Lifetime Achievement), Dianne McClendon and Phil Teston.
  • 2017 Class: Allen Claggett (Coach/Admin), Desiree Croteau, Doug Hutchinson, Michael Keough and Stephen Querns (Lifetime Achievement).
  • 2018 Class: William Gebauer (Coach/Admin), Jeff Hendrix, Don Meredith, Kirk Peterson (Lifetime Achievement) and Karla Walsh Graziano.
  • 2019 Class: Stacy Bishop, Jerry Brewster (Lifetime Achievement), John Childers III (Lifetime Achievement), Vicky King (coach/admin) and Mike McBride.
  • 2022 Class: Calvin Baisley (Coach/Admin), Danielle Jones, Logan Payne, Godfrey Pestana, Charlene Rogers (Lifetime Achievement).
  • 2023 Class: Shannon Aitken, Brad Baisley, Darrin Wayne Horne (Lifetime Service Award), Dave Puhalski (Coach/Admin) and Drew Weatherford.

 

Event explores science behind Tampa’s beloved Cuban sandwich 

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Havana Fresca won last year’s inaugural Science of the Cuban Sandwich event and took honorable mention in 2024. Photo courtesy of MOSI

TAMPA – Bread on the Bay and Gasparilla Pizzeria are so good at preparing Cuban sandwiches, you could say they have it down to a science. 

MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry, recognized the two restaurants as winners of its Science of the Cuban Sandwich event Sept. 28.

Bread on the Bay was the Cuban sandwich of choice among event judges while Gasparilla Pizzeria was the people’s champ. 

Last year’s inaugural champion, Havana Fresca, as well as Zydeco Brew Werks MOSI, both won honorable mention. 

The event was one part delicious and one part educational as MOSI exhibits explored the physics of the perfect press, the chemistry of flavor combinations and the biology of taste. 

“Our goal at MOSI is to make science fun and relatable,” MOSI CEO John Graydon Smith said. “Events like Science of the Cuban Sandwich let us take something everyone loves and show them how science is at the heart of things we do every day. It’s all about making those real-world connections that leave a lasting impact.”

The event was presented by The Mosaic Company. Jackie Barron, public affairs manager, said the firm supports events that strengthen local communities and highlight the importance of food. 

“Our community investments focus on food, water and enriching local spaces,” Barron said “The Science of the Cuban Sandwich brings all those elements together in a fresh and engaging way.”

 

Breast cancer survivor recognized at Bucs game 

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Andrea Badaan was on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pirate ship waving to the crowd Sept. 29 as she received special recognition for her work helping to support others in her community. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

TAMPA – Andrea Badaan, a Wesley Chapel woman who has beaten breast cancer, was recognized Sept. 29 during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game as the AdventHealth Goal Getter.

Andrea was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2022. She received treatment and support at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. Now that she is cancer free, she participates in awareness events in her community and supports others who are going through treatment for breast cancer.

Andrea said the experience has made her stronger. The support she received during treatment at AdventHealth inspired her to help others.

“The medical staff and professionals are awesome.” Andrea said. “They are so dedicated and passionate and by getting help, I’m helping others, just by sharing my story.”

 

Adopt a Pet (10/02/24): Dairy Queen is as sweet as they come

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Say hello to Dairy Queen, the vibrant and lovable pup who’s ready to bring joy to your life! At just a year and a half old, this beautiful red dog is a bundle of energy and affection, with a heart as sweet as her name. Dairy Queen absolutely adores everyone she meets – kids, strangers and furry friends alike! She’s a social butterfly, thriving in dog playgroups where she can show off her playful side. Whether it’s a game of chase or a friendly romp in the park, she’s always ready for fun and adventure. Dairy Queen isn’t just about play; she’s also a wonderful companion who enjoys long walks and exploring new places with her favorite humans. Her cheerful personality and loving nature make her a perfect addition to any family looking for a furry friend who loves to spread happiness. If you’re ready to welcome a spirited, loving dog into your home, Dairy Queen can’t wait to meet you!

 

If you would like to adopt \Dairy Queen, 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 (10/02/24): Brussels Sprout is good for you

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Say hello to Brussels Sprout, the shy yet incredibly expressive kitty looking for her forever home! At just a year old, this sweet girl may be a little timid at first, but her gentle spirit and unique personality shine through once she feels safe. Brussels Sprout loves to observe the world from her cozy hiding spots, often peeking out to see what you’re up to. Though she might take some time to warm up, once she trusts you, you’ll discover a world of purrs and cuddles waiting to blossom. She enjoys quiet moments, soft pets and the occasional treat! Brussels Sprout would thrive in a calm environment, ideally with a patient human who understands that love takes time. If you’re ready to open your heart and home to a delightful companion who just needs a little extra love, Brussels Sprout might be the perfect match for you! Come meet her and see if you can help her blossom into the confident cat she’s meant to be!

If you would like to adopt Brussels Sprout, 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.

Local Wildlife: SeaWorld Orlando welcomes Pacific walrus calf

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Alaska SeaLife Center photo courtesy of SeaWorld Orlando

While not quite local wildlife, this rescued Pacific walrus calf staying at SeaWorld Orlando was too cute not to share. The calf, which was found orphaned and abandoned on the beaches of Utqiagvik, Alaska, has been named Ukiaq, which translates to “autumn” in the language of the Iñupiaq people who live in the area of northern Alaska where she was first found. Ukiaq – or Uki as she is affectionately being called – honors the rich culture and traditions of the Alaskan Native peoples.  

Health & Wellness (10/02/24): Be careful with flood waters

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Health department cautions about dangers of flood waters

PASCO COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County urges residents to be aware of the health risks associated with flooding.
Skin contact with flood waters does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk. However, health hazards are a concern when waters are or become contaminated with bacteria or contain dangerous debris.

DOH-Pasco recommends the following to prevent illness or injury from flood waters:

  • Basic hygiene is critical. If you are under a boil water notice, use commercially bottled water for mixing baby formula. Wash your hands with soap and either disinfected or boiled and cooled water, especially before preparing or eating food, after toilet use, after handling a soiled diaper, after participating in flood cleanup activities, and after handling objects contaminated with flood water or sewage.
  • Avoid eating or drinking anything that has been contaminated with flood waters.
  • Avoid contact with flood waters, especially if you have open cuts or sores.
  • If you have any open cuts or sores and come in contact with flood waters, wash the area well with soap to prevent infection. If a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention.
  • Residents who sustain lacerations and/or puncture wounds are encouraged to contact their primary health care provider to make sure they are current on their tetanus vaccine and possibly get a booster.

If on a septic system and your plumbing is functioning slowly:

  • Converse water as much as possible; the less water used, the less sewage the septic tank must process. Minimize use of your washing machine.
  • Do not have the septic tank pumped. Exceptionally high-water tables might crush a septic tank that was pumped dry. If the basic problem is high ground water, pumping the tank does nothing to solve that problem.

If your well is flooded:

  • Heavy rainfall may have made your well water unsafe to drink. If you are unsure about the impact of flooding on your well water, use bottled water or boil water for drinking, making ice, teeth brushing, and washing any areas of the skin that have been cut or injured.
  • If your well is affected by flood waters, there may be disease-causing organisms in your water making it unsafe to drink.

Call DOH-Pasco Environmental Public Health at 727-841-4425 option 3 for additional questions regarding well water testing.

 

Cooperative Extension provides resources for grandparents

DADE CITY – UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension invites the community to join its monthly support group for grandparents navigating the journey of raising grandchildren – GRAND Group.

The group meets from 10 a.m. to noon on the first Monday of each month at One Stop Shop, 15029 14th St., Dade City. Meetings allow participants to support each other, share resources and learn from guest speakers. 

Call 352-521-1254 for more information about Grand Group and the One Stop Shop. 

 

TRICARE expands temporary prescription refill waivers 

FALLS CHURCH, Virginia – The Defense Health Agency announced that TRICARE beneficiaries in several Florida counties, including  Hillsborough and Pasco, may now receive emergency prescription refills through Oct. 3 due to Tropical Storm Helene.

To receive an emergency refill of prescription medications, TRICARE beneficiaries should take their prescription bottle to any TRICARE retail network pharmacy. If the bottle is unavailable or the label is damaged or missing, beneficiaries should contact Express Scripts Inc., or their retail network pharmacy for assistance.

Beneficiaries may call Express Scripts at 1-877-363-1303, or search the network pharmacy locator to find a network pharmacy.