The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

By Joe Potter

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.

 

Business Digest (11/06/24): Pasco EDC appoints board member

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Staceyann Sinclair Jibbison

Pasco EDC appoints executive leadership 

PASCO COUNTY – Staceyann Sinclair Jibbison has been installed as chair of the 2025 executive committee for the Pasco Economic Development Council’s board of directors. 

Jibbison serves as vice president of campus operations at Rasmussen University. She has worked 26 years in higher education. She’s also been involved in organizations like the Arthritis Foundation and Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

“Pasco County’s dynamic growth and vibrant business climate are inspiring, and I look forward to collaborating with the board, local leaders and community partners to continue driving sustainable development and creating new opportunities,” Jibbison said. “Together, we will build on the successes of the past and ensure Pasco remains Florida’s top destination for business growth and innovation.”

Others on the executive committee include: 

  • Staceyann Sinclair Jibbison, chair, Rasmussen University; 
  • Paul Manuel, vice chair, Coastal Design Consultants; 
  • Alain Fernandez, secretary/treasurer, Suncoast Credit Union; and 
  • Michele Leo Hintson, immediate past chair, Shumaker, Loop, and Kendrick.

The executive committee provides guidance and support to assist in driving the Pasco EDC mission of stimulating balanced and diversified business growth. 

“As we enter a new year, it is pivotal to have our board members deeply involved,” said Bill Cronin, president/CEO of Pasco EDC. “We are particularly looking forward to working with this year’s executive committee, which is made up of a group of amazing business leaders who are committed to the overall growth of Pasco County and our organization.”

HMC Hospitality Group owns and operates 22 Hooters restaurants in Tampa Bay and Chicagoland. The Hooters concept is known for its World Famous Chicken Wings and atmosphere. Photo courtesy of HMC Hospitality Group

Pasco County to get its third Hooters location

CLEARWATER – HMC Hospitality Group, the founders of the Hooters concept, have signed a lease for a 4,500-square-foot restaurant at 25245 Wesley Chapel Boulevard in Lutz, next to the Harley-Davidson dealership.

The opening of the Wesley Chapel location is planned for summer 2025. This will be the third Pasco County Hooters location. The restaurant expects to hire around 60 employees for this location.  

Celebrating its 41st anniversary in October 2024, HMC Hospitality Group continues to grow.  

In addition to the Wesley Chapel restaurant, the firm is also expanding with a Hooters location in The Villages that has an expected open date in the first quarter of 2025 at Lake Deaton Plaza. 

The firm recently signed a licensing deal with Tacos & Tequila Cantina for expansion and are looking at sites within Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties as well as The Villages.    

“We are excited for our growth and expansion and look forward to becoming a go-to spot for the Wesley Chapel community,” said HMC Hospitality Group CEO Neil Kiefer.

On the web: originalhooters.com

 

Pasco County to host career fair 

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County’s human resources department is hosting an in-person career fair.

The job fair takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 8 at Pasco County Utilities Building, 19420 Central Blvd.

Managers will be on-site conducting on-the-spot interviews. Organizers encourage attendees to bring several copies of their resume and come dressed to impress. 

Pasco County says these jobs are available: 911 dispatchers, bus drivers, correctional officer trainees, engineers, field inspectors, firefighters, natural resources, parks and recreation, public works/equipment operators and utility positions.

On the web: MyPasco.net

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber happenings

LAND O LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will celebrate two ribbon cuttings over the next week. 

  • The chamber celebrates the grand opening of Lightning Orthodontics with a ribbon cutting from 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 7 at 24795 State Road 54, Lutz. 
  • The chamber celebrates the grand opening of CoaterZ of Lutz from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 8 at 16235 N. Florida Ave., Lutz. A ribbon will be cut at 1:30 p.m. 

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 offers multiple opportunities to network over the next week. 

  • Adam Shoemaker facilitates the Greater Pasco Medical Roundtable from 8 to 9 a.m. Nov. 7 at the Holiday Inn Express, 2125 Corporate Center Drive, Trinity. Register in advance. 
  • Debbie Manns, city manager for New Port Richey, speaks at the monthly membership breakfast from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Nov. 8 at Vesh Venue, 5811 Richey Drive, Port Richey. 
  • The chamber’s young professionals group meets for networking from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 8 at Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Company, 16794 Focus Loop, Land O’ Lakes. 
  • The chamber holds its Land O’ Lakes Brochure exchange from 11:30 to 1 p.m. at New Beginnings, 18935 Michigan Lane, Spring Hill. Registration costs $12 for members and $22 for others. 

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

 

Better Together adds to board of directors

FORT MYERS – Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to families and children, recently named Peter Rivera to its board of directors.

Rivera is the president of Gaea Landscaping, a full-service landscaping and maintenance company serving Southwest Florida. 

Rivera began his career at 15 years old, mowing lawns with his father to help support their family. Growing up, his parents instilled in him the value of hard work and resilience.

“I’m committed to encouraging the younger generation to give back, support their communities and understand the importance of leaving the world a better place than they found it,” Rivera said. 

Chalk Talk (11/06/24): Pasco County schools earn STEM grants

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Districts receive grants for STEM activities

BROOKSVILLE – The Southwest Florida Water Management District awarded $108,937 in grants to 51 educators within the district as part of the Splash! school grant program. 

The program provides up to $3,000 per school to enhance student knowledge of freshwater resources in grades K-12.

Splash! grants encourage hands-on student learning through STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities as well as engagement of the greater school community through awareness campaigns. Each school district allocates a portion of their annual youth education funding provided by the district to support the Splash! grants in their county.

The district awarded grants to the following schools/teachers in Pasco County:

  • Achieve Center at Wesley Chapel – Meghan Butler
  • Dayspring Academy – Chris Anzalone 
  • East Pasco Education Academy – Jose H. Olmo 
  • J. W. Mitchell High School – Dennis Koslin 
  • Moon Lake Elementary School – Amy Craver 
  • Shady Hills Elementary School – Margaret Higgins 
  • West Pasco Education Academy – Shamsher Lamba 

Grants are available to support water education programs and activities that are focused on water cycle basics, freshwater or estuarian ecosystems, water quality and water conservation. 

On the web: WaterMatters.org/SchoolGrants.

 

College breaking in Workforce Development Center

SPRING HILL – Pasco-Hernando State College was scheduled to celebrate the grand opening of its Workforce Development Center on Oct. 30 at Gowers Corner.

The celebration was rescheduled to Oct. 30 due to Hurricane Milton. The center is at 18950 Michigan Lane.

The Workforce Development Program touches on a wide variety of skills and knowledge, providing students with opportunities to further their professional careers and goals. 

“Our goal is to give the students the knowledge, job experience and skills that they can use for the rest of their lives,” said Sean Kessler, instructor for the construction technician apprenticeship program. “If we’ve given them this foundation to build themselves up on, then we’ve done our job.”

President Jesse Pisors said the center illustrates a trend in colleges and industry partners working closely together to prepare people for well-paying jobs in high-demand industries. 

On the web: phsc.edu

 

Student achievements

  • Mykayla Christine King, of Lutz, is one of 387 Mars Hill University students named on the Honor Roll of the Academic Dean at the end of the spring 2024 semester. Students must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 on a minimum of 12 semester hours, and carry no grade below a C.

 

Hillsborough County delays Hiking Spree to Dec. 1

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The Hiking Spree is timed to take advantage of the cooler, drier weather and to coincide with prime bird-watching season. Participants are encouraged to post photos from their hikes using the hashtag #TakeAHikeHC. File photo

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – The start and finish of Hillsborough County’s popular Hiking Spree has been delayed a month because of the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

This year’s Hiking Spree will begin on Dec. 1 and run through April 30, 2025. 

Now in its ninth year, the Hiking Spree has traditionally started on Nov. 1 and ended on March 31, but many of the parks and preserves are still recovering from the back-to-back hurricanes that left some areas flooded and others with many downed trees.

The annual Hiking Spree began in 2016 to encourage people to exercise, explore the outdoors and experience nature through the numerous parks and preserves in Hillsborough County. 

The Hiking Spree draws thousands of participants each year.

Registration begins Dec. 1 at HCFLGov.net/HikingSpree. 

This year’s Hiking Spree trail list features 22 trails at 21 parks and preserves throughout the county. 

Complete at least eight trails between Dec. 1 and April 30, 2025 to earn a limited-edition patch, medallion for a walking stick or pet bandana. One of the hikes can be at a location of the participant’s choice that is not on the list.  

Residents are encouraged to bring their leashed dogs on the hikes.  

The environmentally diverse sites are spread throughout the county and range from neighborhood parks to large preserves with multiple habitats. 

The trails are designed to offer something for residents of any age or ability, with hikes rated easy, moderate or strenuous. Lengths range from several miles to less than a mile, and a number of the trails are perfect for wheelchair users or those with accessibility needs. 

 

Health & Wellness (11/06/24): Hospital welcomes first baby

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Baby Melanie made history Oct. 23 at AdventHealth Riverview. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

New hospital welcomes first baby 

RIVERVIEW, Fla. (October 24, 2024) – AdventHealth Riverview welcomed its first baby just hours after opening Oct. 23.

Baby Melanie, the youngest of four sisters, was born to Gabrielle Jimenez of South Hillsborough County. Melanie was born at 3:12 p.m. She measured 19 3/4 inches long and weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces.

Melanie’s arrival marks a special moment in the hospital’s history as she was born on the very first day of operations.

“It was a good experience with amazing nurses who were super helpful,” Jimenez said. “The unit was quiet, which helped with our experience.”

AdventHealth Riverview features a secure mother and baby unit equipped with eight labor and delivery rooms and two dedicated c-section rooms.

 

Veterans can get free dental care in Stars, Stripes and Smiles 

NEW PORT RICHEY – Dentists have volunteered to provide urgent dental care at no cost to 75 military veterans living in Pasco County who have been suffering with untreated dental pain and infection.

The West Pasco Dental Association, Office of Congressman Gus Bilirakis and Pasco-Hernando State College are partnering on the Stars, Stripes and Smiles event Nov. 8 in New Port Richey.

“These heroes deserve a system of care to ensure their oral health care needs are met,” said Dr. Zacharias Kalarickal of the West Pasco Dental Association. “Until that can become a reality, it is our professional privilege to serve this special segment of our community.”

Currently, dental care through the VA is limited to those who are 100% disabled or have a direct service-connected injury impacting their oral health. 

“Our veterans have sacrificed so much in defense of our freedom and they deserve access to high quality health care,” Bilirakis said. “I am continuing to push a bill that will expand veterans’ access to dental care; however, I am very grateful for the generosity of the dentists from the West Pasco Dental Association who are not waiting for a change in law.”

 

DOH-Pasco issues mosquito-borne illness advisory

PASCO COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County informed residents of confirmed human cases of locally acquired Dengue. 

DOH-Pasco reminds the community to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by taking basic precautions.

The department continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya and dengue. Residents are encouraged to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s site.