Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Nonprofit accepts donation of generators

LAND O’ LAKES – Liberty Manor for Veterans has received 14 emergency generators to support residents during power outages and emergencies.

The generators were donated by Sean Franklin, president of St. Paul’s Construction and Roofing Inc., a company providing residential and commercial construction services, including roofing, remodeling, drywall, painting, flooring and siding.

St. Paul’s Construction and Roofing Inc. is based in Land O’ Lakes, Florida.

Building construction services moves to appointment

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County’s Building Construction Services office in Land O’ Lakes was scheduled to transition to an appointment-only model on March 3, ending walk-in service.  

This approach allows staff to provide more focused, dedicated time to customer consultations, with particular attention to minimum standards violation cases.

To schedule an appointment, contact the investigator assigned to your case or call Linda Coltey at 727-847-8126 x 2017 or Kelli Ackett at 727-847-8126 x 2009. 

Walk-in permitting services and full BCS support are available at other locations:

• Pasco County Citizens Center: 8661 Citizens Drive, New Port Richey
• East Pasco Government Center: 14236 6th St., Dade City

Visit mypas.co/buildingservices for online permitting resources or more information about building construction services offices and services.

Credit Union makes Newsweek list

TAMPA – GTE Financial has been named to Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Midsize Workplaces for Culture, Belonging & Community 2026 list.

The credit union earned a 4.5-star rating in the national evaluation conducted by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group, which assessed employers with more than 1,000 employees through surveys and reviews.

“At GTE, we are intentional about building a workplace where people feel valued, supported and inspired to make a difference not only for our members, but for one another and the communities we serve,” said Brian Best, president and CEO.

Its community efforts include a Charity of the Month program supporting 12 nonprofits annually, according to Jasiel Legon, chief talent officer.

Sportscaster talks about pivoting on podcast

LAND O’ LAKES – Mike Nabors, author of “Don’t Quit Pivot,” was the featured guest of the 30th episode of North Tampa Bay Chamber’s “Chamber Chatter Podcast.”

Nabors talked about his experiences as a sportscaster, including some insight into NFL legend Drew Brees, and how pivots helped make his career rewarding. He teaches at Florida Southern College in Lakeland and talks about the value of internships. 

Nabors is scheduled to speak at the chamber’s March breakfast. 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a Business Breakfast, grand openings and women’s programming. 

• Mike Nabors, of Nabors Media Group, speaks at the next Business Breakfast from 9 to 10:30 a.m. March 4 at Pasco Hernando State College Porter Campus Conference Center (Third Floor), 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Registration costs $25 for members and $30 for others. Register in advance. 
• Members celebrate the grand opening of Oculofacial Surgery and Cosmetic Laser Institute from 4 to 6 p.m. March 5 at 18311 N. U.S. 41, Lutz. Members were encouraged to RSVP by March 1. 
• Members celebrate the grand opening of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Specialists from 4 to 6 p.m. March 5 at 2816 Windguard Circle, Suite 102, Wesley Chapel. Register in advance. 
• Dr. Randdie-Joyce Rameau, who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology, speaks about “Beyond the Pap: The Modern Well Woman Visit” at the Leading Ladies Networking from 9 to 10:30 a.m. March 6 at USF Credit Union (conference room), 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. Admission costs $15. Register in advance. 

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

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber will host a Medical Roundtable, Hudson Business Exchange, Veterans Roundtable and grand openings. 

• Jeetpaul Singh Saran, chief medical officer at Post Acute Specialists, speaks at the next Medical Roundtable from 8 to 9 a.m. March 5 at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, 6600 Madison St., New Port Richey. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance. 
• Members trade company literature during the Hudson Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 5 at Vitality Living Baypoint Village, 7927 State Road 52, Hudson. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Lunch costs $14. Register in advance. 
• Members celebrate the opening of Campbell Spellicy Engineering’s new office from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 6 at 5476 Land O’Lakes Blvd., Land O’Lakes. 
• Members hold a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 10 at Capstone Health, 7206 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey. 
• 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. 

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 10 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.) and 8 to 9 a.m. March 13 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.).

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

Fifth-graders become field scientists

APOLLO BEACH – Fifth-graders from Yates Elementary School spent a day as field scientists at The Florida Aquarium Conservation Campus in Apollo Beach.

Through the aquarium’s Watershed Investigations program, students rotated among a mangrove trail, pond and Tampa Bay dock, collecting data, testing water quality and observing wildlife.

“This is where science comes alive for students,” said Jenn Wan, learning team supervisor of experiences at The Florida Aquarium. “They’re not just learning about watersheds from a book. They’re standing in one, testing it, observing it, and understanding how their actions directly impact what they see around them.”

Launched in 2015, the program engages hundreds of Hillsborough County students annually and has been featured in the Connected Science Learning science journal. 

Pepin Academies among national award finalists

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pepin Academies has been named one of four finalists for the 2025 Yass Prize for Education Freedom, a national award recognizing innovative, student-centered learning models.

The school was recognized in the Sustainability category of the STOP principles: Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless. The honor highlights its long-term operational strength and integrated, tuition-free public school model for exceptional learners.

“We are honored to be recognized among the nation’s most innovative education providers,” said Jeff Skowronek, executive director of Pepin Academies.

The $1 million grand prize was awarded to Chesterton Schools Network. 

Pepin Academies serves more than 1,200 students across campuses in Tampa, Riverview and New Port Richey.

PHSC accepting scholarship applications

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation is accepting scholarship applications for the 2026-27 academic year.

During 2025-26, the foundation awarded more than $1.4 million in scholarships to over 1,000 students, many of whom are first-generation college students.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and enroll in at least six credit hours. The priority deadline is April 10, though applications are accepted year-round.

Scholarships may be used for tuition, fees, textbooks and program supplies and can be combined with other financial aid.

Visit foundation.phsc.edu/scholarships to apply.

University of Tampa releases dean’s list for fall 2025

TAMPA – The University of Tampa has honored 2,444 students who were named to the dean’s list for the fall 2025 semester. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.75 or higher to be eligible for the dean’s list.

Odessa students who made the list were as follows: 

• Andrea Centeno is a senior majoring in Marketing BS.
• Druss Arnold is a senior majoring in Cybersecurity BS.
• Samantha Park is a senior majoring in Communication and Media Studies BA.
• Charles Pals is a junior majoring in Cybersecurity BS.
• Kaitlin Price is a senior majoring in Allied Health BS.

Lutz students who made the list were as follows: 

• Ariana Alban-Martinez is a junior majoring in Spanish BA.
• Rowdie Maloney is a senior majoring in Human Performance BS.
• Alyssa De La Sala is a senior majoring in Forensic Science BS.
• Jack Federman is a senior majoring in Communication and Media Studies BA.
• Gladys Santana is a junior majoring in Visual Arts BA.
• Trinity-Anne Santiago is a sophomore majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice BS.
• Jeffrey Smith is a sophomore majoring in Finance BS.
• Morgan Edelbach is a sophomore majoring in History BA.
• Eden Driver is a sophomore majoring in History BA.

The University of Tampa is a private university on 110 acres on the riverfront in downtown Tampa. It has about 200 programs of study and serves more than 11,500 students.

Quick Hits

• Katelyn Olstad, of Lutz, made the dean’s list at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minnesota. Students must have a grade point average of at least 3.5.
• Zahir Orozco, of Lutz, was named to the dean’s list at Tufts University in Medford Massachusetts. Dean’s list honors require a grade point average of 3.4 or greater.
• Thalia Thai, of Tampa, made the dean’s list at Simmons University in Boston. Students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. 
• Alexa J. Astete, of Tampa, made the dean’s list at Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont. Students must  achieve a grade point average of at least 3.5.
• Alyssa Bongiovanni, of Lutz, and Luca Prest, of Odessa, made the honor roll at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. Students must earn a grade point average of 3.85 or better.

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida announced the appointment of Ian David as its new president and CEO.

David, who previously served as the foundation’s operations director, succeeds Debra Golinski, who retired in December after 24 years of service to the organization.

The transition marks a new chapter for Sertoma, which has served Florida families for over four decades. 

David brings a unique depth of experience to the role, having advanced through the organization from an administrative assistant to its top leadership position over the last nine years.

“Ian’s journey to the CEO leadership role is a testament to his dedication to Sertoma’s mission,” said Samuel Boundy, chairman of the board. “He understands every facet of the organization, from the patient experience to the complexities of statewide program management. We are confident his vision will build upon the incredible legacy Debra Golinski has left behind.”

During his tenure as operations director (2022 to 2025), David was instrumental in the successful implementation of the Children’s Hearing Aid Program throughout Florida. Sertoma also expanded its partner network, significantly increasing access to audiology services for children and families statewide who might otherwise go without hearing care.

“Ensuring that every child and adult in Florida has access to the hearing care they need is my top priority,” David said. “I look forward to expanding our reach and continuing the successful programs that Debra championed for so long.”

During her 24-year tenure, Golinski was the driving force behind the organization’s growth, including securing a fleet of mobile audiology vans, expanding access to hearing screenings, introducing Sertoma’s own audiology clinic, and securing the contract to manage the Children’s Hearing Aid Program on behalf of the State of Florida. 

Officials said her “heart and soul leadership” transformed the Sertoma into a premier resource for hearing health in Florida.

The Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida is located at 5211 U.S. 19, Suite 200, New Port Richey. 

Visit hearingaids4kids.com or call 727-312-3881 to learn more about the foundation and its programs. 

AdventHealth helps families take charge of heart health

SEBRING – AdventHealth Sebring is expanding outreach to protect heart health in rural Highlands County, where residents face higher rates of heart disease.

Dozens attended the hospital’s annual Every Beat Counts Heart Symposium on Feb. 3, where physicians discussed common heart conditions, warning signs and treatment options, and showcased local diagnostic technology.

“For many people, heart disease can feel overwhelming,” said Dr. Thomas Shimshak, chair of interventional cardiology at AdventHealth Sebring. “Our goal is to help people understand their risk, recognize symptoms early and know that exceptional whole-person heart care is available here in our community.”

The hospital plans a 100,000-square-foot expansion, including an open-heart program, with completion expected in fall 2027.

University gets access to health care tech

TAMPA – The University of South Florida’s Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation has become the first institution in Florida and third worldwide to install GE HealthCare’s Allia Moveo image-guided therapy system.

CAMLS, part of the Tampa Medical & Research District, will be the first simulation center globally to integrate the technology into advanced education programs, allowing students and clinicians to train on hybrid operating room technology used in minimally invasive procedures.

“Gaining access to the latest surgical imaging and guidance technologies further ensures that innovation in education keeps pace with innovation in care,” said Dr. Haru Okuda, executive director of CAMLS.

A second Allia Moveo system is scheduled for installation later this year at Tampa General Hospital for clinical use in its hybrid operating rooms.

Hospital celebrates innovation center

TAMPA – Tampa General Hospital recently celebrated the grand opening of the 32,000-square-foot TGH Innovation Center in Ybor City. 

The facility, located within the Tampa Medical & Research District, will house TGH’s innovation, ventures, analytics and IT teams, along with district offices and Palantir’s Tampa headquarters. It includes event space, classrooms, production studios and a “hospital room of the future” showcasing clinical technology.

Officials say the center will serve as a collaborative hub for startups, researchers and industry partners.

Book explains concept of moral injury

TAMPA – Dr. James Taylor has released “Moral Injury: Arming Pastors to Help Veterans Battle Soul Wounds Caused by Military Service” through WestBow Press.

The book addresses the spiritual wounds many veterans carry home from combat.

Taylor contends that while churches honor military service, many lack understanding of “moral injury” — the inner conflict that occurs when wartime actions violate deeply held beliefs. He writes that such wounds require spiritual care, reconciliation and pastoral support, not clinical treatment alone.

The book encourages pastors to recognize their biblical role in soul care, understand military culture and help veterans navigate reintegration. It also explores Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a values-based framework compatible with Christian theology.

Taylor is a retired U.S. Navy command master chief and former VA chaplain leader. The book is available through major retailers.

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.