The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Adopt a Pet (3/26/25): English Muffin is quite the treat

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English Muffin is an incredibly loving 2-year-old who lives to spread happiness. The moment she sees you, she will joyfully roll onto her back, eagerly awaiting belly rubs. Her tail never stops wagging, showcasing her happy and affectionate nature. Although English Muffin was previously adopted, she was returned because she prefers to be the only pet in the home. She is searching for a loving forever family where she can be the center of attention and shower you with unconditional love. If you’re looking for a loyal and happy companion who will fill your life with joy, English Muffin is the perfect match. Come meet her today at Pasco County Animal Services.

If you would like to adopt English Muffin, 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.

 

USF Women’s Basketball volunteers with Habitat for Humanity

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The University of South Florida Women’s Basketball team volunteered with Habitat for Humanity on Aug. 24 in Safety Harbor. The players and coaches painted the exteriors of two Habitat Homes alongside the future homeowners, the Baker and Glazman families, according to a news release. This continues USF’s tradition of community service, as various USF sports teams have participated in Habitat build days since 2021. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas, West Pasco & Hernando Counties, visit HabitatPWP.org.

PHSC golf tournament

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The Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) Foundation will host its annual golf tournament on Oct. 18, at the Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club in Dade City. Registration will be at 7:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. For more information, contact Jen Ferguson at 727-816-3431 or . For sponsorship opportunities, visit Giving.PHSC.edu/golf.

Victory High golf tournament

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The Florida Recovery Schools of Tampa Bay Inc. will host its Second Annual Golf Tournament on Sept. 30 at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd. in New Port Richey. The tournament — a four-person scramble — starts at 8:30 a.m., with a $150 fee covering golf cart, meals and prizes. Sponsorship opportunities are available, with proceeds directly supporting counseling and recovery services for students at three Victory High Schools, according to a news release. For more information and to register, visit GolfingForVictory.com.

First goal scored by Tampa Bay Sun FC

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Brooke Hendrix scored the first-ever goal for Tampa Bay Sun FC, heading in a corner kick from Ashley Clark in the 70th minute during their debut match against Dallas Trinity FC, in front of a sellout crowd of over 5,000 at Riverfront Stadium, according to a news release. Goalkeeper Ashley Orkus made six saves, helping the team secure a 1-1 draw. Full match stats and ticket information can be found at TampaBaySunFC.com.

Brooke Hendrix is celebrated by her teammates after scoring historic first goal. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Sun FC)

Freshman wrestler to compete for world title

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Mia Parker (Heather Bossowski/Southern Cross Photography)

Mia Parker, a freshman wrestler at Sunlake High School in Land O’ Lakes, has been selected to represent the USA Girls 17U National Team and travel to Bahrain to compete for a world title in late October. Parker is a four-time All-American, competed on the first-ever Florida 14U Girls National Team that placed second in the nation, and placed at the Florida High School Athletic Association Girls State Wrestling Tournament as an eighth grader.

National Shooting Sports Month

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is celebrating National Shooting Sports Month in August, in partnership with the National Shooting Sports Foundation. The event promotes participation in shooting sports and emphasizes firearm safety, according to a news release. Roger Young, FWC executive director, highlighted the conservation contributions of target shooters through taxes on archery and firearms equipment. The FWC encourages participation in the #RangeChallengeSM, a series of shooting activities designed to promote safety and mentorship. The FWC manages 11 public shooting ranges across the state. To find one, visit MyFWC.com/Ranges.

Saint Leo partners with SL Benfica for U.S. Soccer Academy

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Saint Leo University will be the site of the first Benfica Residential Academy in the United States, starting in fall 2025. The academy, established by the internationally renowned Portuguese soccer club SL Benfica, will offer a coeducational program for talented high school student-athletes (grades nine to 12), according to a news release. Students will be recruited globally, including from the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Ghana, Italy, Japan, Nigeria and Portugal.

The academy will utilize Saint Leo’s campus facilities and collaborate with Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School for academic instruction. SL Benfica will begin recruitment in August 2024, with the inaugural class starting in 2025.

For more information, including registration, visit BenficaResidentialAcademy.com, email , or call 888-423-6342.

Six Bulls competing in Paris 2024 Olympics

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The University of South Florida (USF) has sent six athletes to the Paris 2024 Olympics, the highest number from any school in the American Athletic Conference, according to a news release. The Olympians include current student-athletes Zahria Allers-Liburd and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu, and former Bulls Katie Kitching, Bethy Munuga, Evelyn Viens and Romaine Beckford.

For the latest information on the athletes, visit USF Athletics on X at @USFAthletics or visit Facebook.com/USFAthletics.

(Courtesy of University of South Florida)

Youth angler breaks multiple state records

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(Courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

During a spring break trip to Florida, young angler Krieger Brasseale set five new youth Florida Saltwater Fishing Records, according to a news release. Brasseale, who previously held the All Tackle Record for white grunt, achieved new records for weight and length in various categories, including sheepshead, Spanish mackerel, spotted seatrout, red drum and snook. Brasseale will receive certificates and a custom metal sculpture for his achievements. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages others to pursue records and follow best fish handling practices. For more information on fish handling, visit MyFWC.com/FishHandling.