The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Edwards built jewelry brand that shines

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XMTX Collections is a fast-growing, Florida-based jewelry brand known for elevated, non-tarnish pieces designed for real life. Photo courtesy of LocalShops1

LUTZ – Irine Edwards founded XMTX Collections after her battle with breast cancer with the intention to offer stylish, durable jewelry that women can confidently wear every day. 

With a strong local presence and a loyal customer following, XMTX Collections has become a trusted go-to for effortless, everyday luxury. XMTX Collections is located at 23110 State Road 54, #516, Lutz.

Irine-Edwards

“Being a woman-owned business in my local community means everything to me because it’s rooted in connection and authenticity,” Edwards said. “I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible women through this journey, and it’s deeply rewarding to build something that not only supports my family but also inspires others to go after their goals. To me, it’s about showing up, supporting fellow small businesses, and pouring back into the same community that continues to support XMTX Collections.”

Edwards is grateful for the support the community has shown XMTX Collections. The brand was built from the ground up through local markets, word of mouth and relationships. 

“Tampa Bay isn’t just where my business operates,” Edwards said. “It’s the community that helped bring my vision to life, and I’m proud to continue growing here for years to come.”

LocalShops1 is highlighting Edwards and her shop in honor of Women’s History Month. 

“We wanted to bring awareness to our members during Women’s History Month and recognize Irine and her commitment to providing jewelry and being a part of our thriving local business community,” LocalShops1 founder Ester Venouziou said. 

On the web: xmtxcollections.com or localshops1.com

 

Health & Wellness (03/11/26): Surgeons provide 17 free replacements

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Team members at AdventHealth Tampa, AdventHealth Carrollwood and Operation Walk USA teamed up to provide free surgeries to patients who couldn’t otherwise afford them. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

Surgeons provide 17 free hip, knee replacements

TAMPA – AdventHealth Tampa and AdventHealth Carrollwood partnered with Florida Orthopaedic Institute and Pioneer Medical Foundation to provide 17 free hip and knee replacement surgeries for uninsured Tampa Bay residents through Operation Walk USA.

Surgeries were completed over two days by volunteer orthopedic surgeons and care teams. Eight procedures were performed at AdventHealth Tampa, and nine at AdventHealth Carrollwood. More than 200 AdventHealth team members volunteered across both locations.

Operation Walk USA provides free total hip and knee replacements to eligible uninsured adults and has delivered more than $24.6 million in donated care to over 900 patients nationwide.

On the web: operationwalkusa.org

 

Recognize the signs of a heart attack

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American College of Emergency Physicians is urging the public to recognize the warning signs of a heart attack and seek immediate medical care.

“Minutes matter when someone’s heart is in trouble,” said L. Anthony Cirillo, president of ACEP. “If something doesn’t feel right, it’s time to seek emergency care right away.”

A heart attack may not always start suddenly with crushing chest pain. Some people experience uncomfortable pressure, tightness or fullness in the left or center of the chest that lasts for longer than a few minutes or goes away and comes back. Pain or discomfort can also spread to the shoulders, neck, jaw, arms or back.

Symptoms may include chest pressure or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, cold sweats and unexplained fatigue. Women may experience different symptoms, including back, neck or jaw pain.

Anyone experiencing symptoms should call 911 rather than drive themselves to the hospital, officials said.

 

Get answers on Medicare in March

  1. PETERSBURG – 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. 

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

They’ll answer questions at the following Medicare programs: 

  • Medicare 101: March 18, 11 a.m. at Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669
  • Medicare 101: March 18, 1 p.m. at Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1073
  • Medicare Basics: March 19, 10:30 a.m. at New River Library, 34043 FL 54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
  • Medicare Basics: March 21, 10 a.m. at Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
  • Medicare Basics: March 26, 10:30 a.m. at Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576

SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential. Counselors do not sell anything. They can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.

 

Hospital offers breastfeeding support 

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

Events are open to all, regardless of which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your children. The events will be held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North classrooms, 4211 Van Dyke Road.

  • Breastfeeding Support Group: For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and an optional support person. The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. The support group will be held March 19, 10 to 11 a.m.
  • Understanding Your Newborn: Provides information to the expectant mother and an optional support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. The class will be held March 19, 1 to 5 p.m.

Register for the free events by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the group or class you are interested in attending. You can also register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.

 

Business Digest (03/11/26): Chipotle Mexican Grill opens in Lutz

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Chipotle Mexican Grill customers have the convenience of picking up digital orders through the “Chipotlane.” Photo courtesy of Chipotle

Chipotle Mexican Grill opens in Lutz

LUTZ – Chipotle Mexican Grill opened a new location March 2 at 17995 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz, featuring the area’s first Chipotlane drive-thru pick-up lane for digital orders.

The restaurant is open daily from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Customers can try the limited-time Chicken al Pastor and the brand’s new high-protein menu, featuring items with 15 to 81 grams of protein, including the Double High Protein Bowl and High Protein Cup.

College students can enroll in Chipotle U Rewards for bonus points, and guests can order the Build-Your-Own Chipotle option for groups of four to six.

Chipotle is hiring about 30 employees for the Lutz location. Details are available at chipotle.com/careers.

 

Mission BBQ Town & Country offers Smokehouse Signatures items such as Baby Back Ribs, Chicken, Salmon and Smoked Cheeseburger as well as Brisket, Pulled Pork, Pulled Chicken and Turkey sandwiches. Photo courtesy of Liberty Manor for Veterans

Mission BBQ supports veterans nonprofit

TAMPA – Mission BBQ Town & Country recently provided meals to veterans served by Liberty Manor for Veterans. 

Mission BBQ supports veterans and first responders through service, fundraising and food donations. The company reports that more than $47 million has been donated to national and local charitable organizations through community support.

Liberty Manor for Veterans promotes the developmental and social needs of veterans by providing transitional and supported housing to help them achieve self-sufficiency. It is located at 10015 N. Ninth St., Tampa.

Contact Connie Lindsay at 813-900-9422 or visit libertymanor.org to help. 

 

Family business reaches 50-year milestone

TAMPA – Alvarez Plumbing & Air Conditioning is marking its 50th anniversary in 2026, celebrating five decades of service in the Tampa Bay region.

The family-owned company provides 24-hour plumbing and air conditioning services, including emergency support, and operates with more than 120 employees and 60 vehicles.

“Reaching 50 years is a testament to the trust Tampa Bay has placed in our team and to the standards we’ve protected as a family business,” CEO Marcus Reyes said. 

Founder Al Alvarez, 81, remains active in the company, with a third generation now involved in operations. Anniversary plans include recognizing customers and highlighting ongoing community involvement.

On the web: alvarezplumbing.com

 

Ginger Health owner appears on podcast

LAND O’ LAKES – Ginger Hoang Le, of Ginger Health Occupational Physical Therapy, is the latest guest on the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s “Chamber Chatter Podcast.”

Le, who is celebrating 24 years at the clinic, told Chamber President and CEO Hope Kennedy about their whole-person approach as well as the services offered. Le also shared lessons about entrepreneurship. 

“Make a lot of connections,” Le told Kennedy. “Hope has been great. She’s always very encouraging. The chamber is great. I would welcome you guys to join the chamber. Find out organizations or groups of women or men or mixed that are in your area and they want to know you personally because once they meet you, then they can trust that you’re going to do a good job for them.”

Watch the episode on YouTube.com.

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a Coffee Social and grand opening celebrations. 

  • Members attend an open house at Ginger Health & Grace Adaptive Driving from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 12 at 27553 Cashford Circle, Suite 102, Wesley Chapel. The open house includes a tour and demo. Register in advance.  
  • Members celebrate the grand opening of Optimum Health & Wellness with a ribbon cutting from 4 to 6 p.m. March 12 at 23031 Tabak Lane, Land O’ Lakes. Register in advance.
  • Members mingle during Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. March 18 at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, 2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Wesley Chapel.

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

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber will host a Veterans Roundtable, Land O’ Lakes Business Exchange, Membership Breakfast and programming for women and youth professionals. 

  • The chamber hosts a Veterans Roundtable from 8 to 9:30 a.m. March 11 at Patriot Stogies, 6153 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance. 
  • Members trade company literature during the Land O’ Lakes Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 12 at SpringHill Suites Tampa  Parkway, 16615 Crosspointe Run, Land O’ Lakes. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Lunch costs $14. Register in advance. 
  • Joseph D. Resnick, president and CEO of Premier Community Healthcare, speaks at the Greater Pasco Chamber Membership Breakfast from 8:45 to 10 a.m. March 13 at SpringHill Suites Tampa Suncoast Parkway, 16615 Crosspointe Run, Land O’ Lakes. Members pay $25. Others pay $30. Register in advance.
  • The Young Professionals Group holds its latest social from 6 to 8 p.m. March 13 at Dented Keg Ale Works, 5500 Main St., Suite 104, New Port Richey. Register in advance.
  • Lauren Miceli, of Pasco EDC, and Jennie Yingling, of Spinner Law Firm, discuss the Pasco County Commission on the Status of Women during the Networking Lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 18 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance. 

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

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – The East Pasco Chamber will host Coffee & Networking.

  • Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. March 13 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.) and from 8 to 9 a.m. March 17 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.). Register in advance.

Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events. 

 

AdventHealth Zephyrhills marks construction milestone

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AdventHealth held a topping out ceremony March 5 for a medical office building on its Zephyrhills hospital campus. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
Health and construction leaders signed the final structural beam for the future medical office building going up at AdventHealth Zephyrhills. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

ZEPHYRHILLS – Progress on the AdventHealth Zephyrhills campus is leading to expanded, high-quality health care closer to home for Zephyrhills residents.

AdventHealth and construction leaders signed the final beam during a topping out ceremony for a new medical office building. The milestone celebrates the placement of the building’s final structural beam and continued work on a facility designed to improve access to care.

The nearly 35,000-square-foot medical office building will provide additional space for new and employed physicians. Once completed, the facility will house primary care and multiple specialty physician offices, including cardiology, gastroenterology, general surgery and urology.

“We’re excited to see this project take shape here on our Zephyrhills hospital campus. It’s a reminder of our long-term commitment to the Zephyrhills community,” said Mike Murrill, president and CEO of AdventHealth Zephyrhills. “For 40 years, AdventHealth Zephyrhills has grown alongside this community, and a new medical office building ensures we’re prepared to meet the needs of our neighbors for decades to come.”

The project responds to the area’s rapid growth, with Pasco County projecting a 40% population increase by 2045. Much of that growth is expected to occur in the South and Central Market Areas, increasing demand for accessible, comprehensive health care services.

The new medical office building is part of a broader series of investments AdventHealth has made across Pasco County in recent years: 

  • Late last year, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel opened one floor of its expanded three-story North Wing bringing the hospital’s licensed beds from 169 to 193 and two-story South Courtyard Infill. The new floors allow for future growth.
  • AdventHealth Zephyrhills is also getting ready to celebrate the one-year anniversary of AdventHealth Meadow Pointe ER, which has 12 patient beds and brought in more than two dozen jobs to the area.
  • AdventHealth Sports Med and Rehab Zephyrhills is also close to celebrating its first year serving the rehabilitation needs of the East Pasco community, from injury recovery to post-surgical therapy.

AdventHealth is partnering with HuntonBrady Architects on the design of the new medical office building, with Robins & Morton serving as the construction partner.

“We’re proud to celebrate this important milestone alongside our longtime partner AdventHealth,” said Todd Watson, Robins & Morton Florida division manager. “Topping out this new medical office building is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of everyone involved. We look forward to delivering a facility that will expand access to high-quality health care and serve the needs of our community for years to come.”

 

Pigz in Z’Hills celebrates top BBQ cooks

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ZEPHYRHILLS – The Greater East Pasco Chamber of Commerce announced cooking competition winners from the 2026 Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival on Feb. 28 in downtown Zephyrhills. 

The festival serves as one of East Pasco County’s signature events, blending competition, community, live music and family fun. Proceeds support the Greater East Pasco Chamber of Commerce and its foundation, which awards scholarships annually to Pasco County students.

 

Kidz Grillin’ Contest 

The Kidz Grillin’ Contest, sponsored by Bahr’s Propane Gas & A/C, Chick-fil-A Zephyrhills, BayCare Wesley Chapel and Sonny’s BBQ, showcased the talent of young grillers from across the community.

Cassidy Hartz won first place, followed by Adalynn Bristow in second and Bentley Douglas in third. 

The Kidz Grillin’ Contest remains one of the most beloved traditions of Pigz in Z’Hills, giving young chefs ages 5 to 15 a safe, hands-on opportunity to showcase their creativity and confidence on the grill.

 

Backyard BBQ Competition 

This year marked the return of competitive cooking to the festival with an official Backyard BBQ Competition sanctioned by the Florida Barbecue Association. The competition drew teams from across Central Florida and the Tampa Bay region, along with strong local representation in Zephyrhills.

Powered by Smoke was crowned the Grand Champion. 

Parrothead Pokers received honors as Reserve Grand Champion.

Detailed scores are available through the Florida Barbecue Association at fba39.wildapricot.org/page-18115.

 

People’s Choice 

The People’s Choice contest, sponsored by Effie Mae’s Kitchen, added an interactive element to the competition, giving attendees the opportunity to sample backyard barbecue and crown their festival favorite.

Mike’s C7 BBQ, of Zephyrhills, won People’s Choice. 

 

Community Support

The Greater East Pasco Chamber of Commerce recognized the support of Zephyrhills Florida Spring Water, which donated bottles and gallons of water for the Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival.

The contribution helped keep competitors, volunteers and attendees hydrated throughout the day while supporting the mission of the Greater East Pasco Chamber Foundation.

 

Krav Maga Martial Arts expanding into new space

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Krav Maga Martial Arts is opening into the former All About Kids consignment shop storefront. Photo courtesy of Krav Maga Martial Arts

LUTZ – After 25 years of forging “Blackbelt Leaders” in the community, Krav Maga Martial Arts is moving just a few doors down but miles ahead in technology and design. 

Krav Maga Martial Arts announced the upcoming grand re-opening of its Lutz headquarters, located at 1900 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in the former All About Kids children’s consignment shop storefront. 

The relocation marks a massive upgrade for the school, expanding into a 3,300-square-foot facility specifically engineered to house the next generation of martial arts excellence. 

“For over two decades, our mission at KMMA has been to develop confident, competent Blackbelt Leaders – students who are prepared to survive, thrive and lead in the real world,” said Grandmaster Stephen J. Del Castillo, founder and master instructor. “Now we are stepping into the next chapter. The next 25 years will be built in a new, state-of-the-art training facility – one that is designed to elevate the experience and inspire the next generation.”  

The new headquarters will feature: 

  • Double Training Areas: Two distinct spaces to allow for more classes and specialized instruction. 
  • Premium Swain/Zebra Flooring: Industry-leading mat systems for maximum safety and performance. 
  • Full Professional Mirror Wall: To provide students with the visual feedback necessary for technical mastery. 
  • State-of-the-Art Design: A sleek, modern aesthetic that reflects the school’s professional standards. 

The grand re-opening is scheduled for March 30. In celebration of the new facility, Krav Maga Martial Arts continues to offer its signature no-cost, no-obligation two-week trial at both the new Lutz headquarters and the Port Richey location. 

Since its inception, Krav Maga Martial Arts has focused on self-defense and on character development. The school builds confidence and competence in students. 

 

Orange County Choppers gives nod to Grey Bull Rescue 

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TAMPA – The team at “Orange County Choppers Original” built a Speed of Need motorcycle in honor of Grey Bull Rescue during the Feb. 21 season premiere of a new Discovery Channel series.

Founded by Paul Teutul Sr., Orange County Choppers is best known for its long-running Discovery series “American Chopper.” “Orange County Choppers Original” spotlights motorcycles created to represent service, sacrifice and purpose beyond the shop floor.

Orange County Choppers selected Grey Bull Rescue to anchor and lead its new series because of the organization’s mission: moving fast into danger to save lives when time is the enemy. 

Staff designed the custom motorcycle to embody urgency, precision, patriotism, service and action under pressure.

“We’ve built a lot of motorcycles over the years, but this one stands for something bigger than any shop build,” Teutul said. “Grey Bull Rescue doesn’t get second chances. They operate at the speed of need, under real pressure, with real lives on the line. We wanted this bike and this series to reflect that urgency, that grit and that sense of mission.”

The Tampa-based, veteran-led nonprofit conducts high-risk rescue and evacuation operations of Americans and allies from war zones, disaster areas and politically unstable environments. The team has completed over 800 rescue missions, saving more than 8,400 lives. 

“Grey Bull Rescue exists for moments when people are in trouble and trapped, are out of options and hope, and time is the enemy when American lives are at risk,” said Bryan Stern, chairman and founder. “Our motto is to save lives at the speed of need. The Speed of Need chopper captures exactly how we operate – fast, deliberate, creative and willing to go where and when others won’t.”

Health & Wellness (03/04/26): Glazer family supports medical education

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AdventHealth Tampa and the Glazer family hosted an unveiling at the hospital’s hub for graduate medical education programs. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

 

AdventHealth Tampa and the Glazer family hosted an unveiling at the hospital’s hub for graduate medical education programs. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

AdventHealth Tampa names medical education center

TAMPA – AdventHealth Tampa has named its graduate medical education facility the Glazer Center for Medical Education following a multimillion-dollar gift from the Glazer family to the AdventHealth Tampa Foundation.

The center serves as a hub for residency programs in obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, family medicine, general surgery and transitional year training. The expansion comes as Florida faces a projected physician shortage by 2035.

“Graduate medical education is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in the long-term health of our community,” said Erik Wangsness, president and CEO of AdventHealth Tampa. “By training physicians here, alongside the patients and families they will one day serve, we are expanding access to care, improving outcomes and helping ensure Tampa Bay has the physicians it needs.”

Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and chairman of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation, said the investment supports training skilled, compassionate physicians to serve the Tampa Bay community.

 

Tampa Bay home to unique recovery model

  1. PETERSBURG – The 2026 Drug Free America National Prevention Summit marked the launch of Inclusive Recovery Communities of Tampa Bay, the first tri-county Inclusive Recovery Community model in the nation.

The initiative unites Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties to create recovery-supportive environments for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.

An Inclusive Recovery Community recognizes recovery as a community-wide process, ensuring that people in recovery are visible, respected and valued as neighbors, employees, parents and leaders. 

Beyond treatment and services, IRCTB emphasizes building recovery-supportive cultures across public systems, workplaces, healthcare, education, housing, faith communities and civic life.

“Recovery thrives when people feel seen, supported and connected,” said Ashly Neal, program coordinator of IRCTB. “This tri-county commitment sends a clear message that recovery belongs in every neighborhood and sector of our community. By working together, we create environments where long-term recovery is possible and stigma has no place.”

 

Author writes about child caregiver

  1. PETERSBURG – Author Sue Lloyd-Davies is highlighting the often-overlooked role of child caregivers with her new middle-grade novel, “Pinkie’s Turnabout,” which received a starred review from Publishers Weekly.

Lloyd-Davies, who cared for her mother through dementia, notes that 1.4 million U.S. children ages 8 to 18 serve as caregivers for family members.

“Child caregivers are largely invisible, lost in the national conversation about caregiving,” she said. 

Her novel follows 11-year-old Pinkie as she helps care for her great-grandmother with dementia, exploring the emotional weight young caregivers carry.

“Support starts with recognition,” she said. “Many children are caregivers long before anyone truly sees what they do.”

On the web: Suelloyddavies.com

 

Portraits celebrate survivors

TAMPA – The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts recently showcased a portrait series by boutique photographer Liza Olivia Blecher in a moving exhibition, “Seen Again.”

The gallery was dedicated to people who navigated life’s hardest seasons, including cancer battles, mental health struggles, domestic violence, congenital heart defects, terminal illness and personal traumas.

“A portrait experience makes someone feel like a completely different person and gives them hope again,” Blecher said. “We are using our gifts to lift people up.”

Blecher is a boutique photographer specializing in relationship-based portraiture. Her mission is to move photography off of digital devices and onto the walls of homes. She is a 12-year Air Force veteran. 

 

Hospital offers breastfeeding support 

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

Events are open to all, regardless of which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your children. The events will be held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North classrooms, 4211 Van Dyke Road.

  • Breastfeeding Support Group: For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and an optional support person. The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. The support group will be held March 5 and 19, 10 to 11 a.m.
  • Understanding Breastfeeding: Provides information to the expectant mother and an optional 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. The class will be held March 5, 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Understanding Your Newborn: Provides information to the expectant mother and an optional support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. The class will be held March 19, 1 to 5 p.m.

Register for the free events by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the group or class you are interested in attending. Or, you can also register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.