The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

Autism ID cards aim to help with policing

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The Pasco Sheriff’s Office has another tool, aimed at helping its deputies when responding to situations involving residents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The law enforcement agency has introduced an autism identification card program, otherwise being called Autism Assistance Cards.

The front of the cards has some general information to help deputies communicate with individuals with autism. For instance, deputies are advised to display calm body language and to allow for additional time for replies.

The back of the cards, meanwhile, offers space for an individual’s identifying information, such as name and address, and information on the person’s conditions, such as whether they are verbal vs. nonverbal.

The front of the Autism Assistance Cards has information to help deputies communicate with individuals on the autism spectrum. Suggestions include having officers display calm body language and provide additional time for replies. (Courtesy of Pasco Sheriff’s Office)

The roughly 4-inch x 6-inch cards were designed with the help of River Ridge High School’s graphic arts class.

The ID cards are being distributed to individuals with autism, so if there’s an encounter, the card can be handed to deputies to help them know how best to work with the individual.

Cards have been provided to caregivers to share them with a loved one who has autism. They’re also being sent to special education teachers in Pasco County Schools, who can pass them along to students’ families.

Pasco Sheriff’s officials suggest the autism ID cards may prove useful in incidents in which a person is lost or separated from their caregiver, and is unable to effectively communicate their disability, or when the individual is nonverbal or low functioning.

The cards would clearly and quickly identify the individual as being on the autism spectrum — eliminating potential miscommunication or misinterpretation regarding behaviors that are common among those on the autism spectrum.

“It’s all about improved communication and interaction,” said Pasco Sheriff’s Cpt. Toni Roach, who helped spearhead the program through the agency’s Behavioral Health Intervention Team.

In addition to standard personal information on the cards, Roach encourages caregivers to use the additional writing space to list as much information possible about the adult or child with autism.

That information could include listing various conversation starters, preferred nicknames, and various likes and dislikes. It also could identify what triggers the individual, what calms him or her, and other useful information.

As an example, Roach explained she knows of one particular child with autism who enjoys talking about the Nintendo Switch video game console, “so the deputies would be able to see that information and go, ‘Oh, OK, I can talk about a Nintendo Switch and I can redirect the child to calm down, and build that rapport and then be able to communicate and figure out how we can best resolve that situation, and why we got called out there to begin with.”

Roach offered another example of how it could be beneficial: “Like, if that person doesn’t like to be called by their first name but likes to be called, ‘Kiddo,’ then I can refer to them by that term and that will be less confrontational with them.”

Besides receiving the autism ID cards, caregivers also have the opportunity to register their loved one’s name into the agency’s computer database, which alerts deputies they’re dealing with someone with autism.

Program attracting attention
People outside Pasco County also have expressed interest in the cards.

Roach said the cards have been sent to residents in Pinellas and Hernando counties. An officer with the Philadelphia Police Department even requested a digital version of the ID cards so his agency could implement a similar program, Roach said.

“We don’t care what county you live in, as far as I’m concerned, if we can help law enforcement interaction, we’re going to send out the card,” she said.

The autism ID cards seemingly have been embraced by members of the autism community.

Port Richey resident Candace Smith recently obtained a card for her 15-year-old son who’s on the autism spectrum. She’s also passing out some to her network of friends and neighbors who have family members with autism.

“I’m in support of anything that’s going to keep an autistic person safe, and allow them to have the same rights as everyone else,” Smith said. “I do like the cards, because it’s just an automatic way to communicate quickly to let somebody know, ‘This person has autism,’ and it explains their behavior, so to me, it’s a step in the right direction.”

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office has introduced Autism Assistance Cards to better guide its deputies whenever they encounter an individual with autism spectrum disorder. The cards are being given to community members with autism. (File)

The parent said she often worries what an encounter with law enforcement would entail with her son, who may not immediately be able to respond to orders from police. Rather, she explained her son’s first instinct or “self-soothing” calming behavior is usually to walk away from a stressful or nerve-inducing situation.

Those fears are further exacerbated because her son is a black teenager, Smith said. “I just worry a little bit more, because of how things are; just being realistic,” she said.

The challenging part going forward, Smith said, is finding a way to have her son understand how to correctly show the autism ID card to a law enforcement officer in a particular situation.

She acknowledged it will likely take “a series of conversations” and maybe even an in-person meeting with a deputy to get her son comfortable with the scenario.

For the time being, the parent is considering laminating the card and putting it on a lanyard for her son if he’s on his own. She plans to keep another card on her person with her son’s information, too.

University of South Florida’s (USF) Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) is likewise in support of the law enforcement agency’s autism ID card program.

The center’s assistant program director, Christine Rover, said the initiative is “a really important element” to cultivate more positive interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism, in addition to ongoing training, outreach and collaboration with various public safety agencies.

She commended the sheriff’s office for implementing the tool and taking progressive steps with the autism community.

“Pasco County Sheriff’s Office has really been a leader in their efforts to include residents with ASD for a long time, so it’s kind of no surprise that they’re adding to sort of the elements here, and we really appreciate that,” Rover said.

Rover explained the next step is the need to develop supporting education materials and a video tutorial for caregivers to show to their loved ones with autism on how to properly and effectively present the card to law enforcement. It’s something the state-funded resource center is actively brainstorming, she said.

Meanwhile, Rover stressed autism-related training for law enforcement officers beforehand is also critical, whether it’s a case of wandering, a traffic incident or even a criminal situation.

“The training component for the deputies is really important, because where this card might be helpful on a scene, if it’s a really crisis scene, then the deputies aren’t going to have the time to really read a card and say, ‘Oh, here’s some tips for interacting,’ Rover said.

“Autism is an invisible disability, so they’re not coming onto a scene or arriving at a home and saying, ‘Oh, I can see that individual has autism,’ so they have to be able to recognize that perhaps some of those behaviors could be interpreted as part of the autism spectrum disorder.”

For information on the program and to obtain autism ID cards, email .

Published July 22, 2020

CLARIFICATION 07/23/2020
A Port St. Lucie-based company, Debbaudt Legacy Productions LLC, has licensed autism on-scene response cards since 2005, and has produced and circulated over 250,000 of these cards in the past 15 years.

The Laker/Lutz News ran this story about an autism assistance card program that was recently introduced at the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, through its Behavioral Health Intervention Team. The text on these autism response cards uses language very similar to the text published on the autism on-scene response cards produced by Debbaudt Legacy Productions.

For more information about autism resources available through Debbaudt Legacy Productions, go to debbaudtlegacy.com and autismriskmanagement.com.

Pasco School Board to vote on masks

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Pasco County Schools plans to require all students, staff and visitors to wear face masks or face coverings while on school campuses or at other district properties beginning this fall, according to a district news release.

Superintendent Kurt Browning placed the topic on the school board’s agenda for discussion at its July 21 virtual telephonic meeting, after The Laker/Lutz News went to press.

Browning intends to bring an emergency rule to the board on July 28 to formalize the mandate, the release says.

“Every decision is being made with input from parents, teachers, staff, the school board and health professionals,” Browning said, in the release. “This is an essential component in our strategy to create a safe and healthy environment for our students and staff.”

The proposed rule describes what qualifies as a mask or face covering and under what circumstances the mask can be removed. It also describes how the school district will make accommodations for students or staff members who have a medical condition that would prevent them from wearing a mask or face covering.

The district also noted that “the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that everyone wear a face covering to help prevent community spread of COVID-19.

“Face coverings have also been mandated by Pasco County. Current medical research shows that COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets created when a person talks, sings, raises their voice, shouts, sneezes or coughs, even when a person is asymptomatic. The face covering reduces and/or prevents the number of these droplets from making it into the environment and being inhaled by another person.

“When you wear a face covering, you help protect others around you from COVID-19, and when those around you wear face coverings, they are protecting you and others around them. While social distancing and regular hand-washing are also essential, social distancing is not always possible. In those situations, face covering provides additional protection.”

If the emergency rule is adopted, the district will join a growing list of government jurisdictions and  private businesses now requiring masks.

The mask issue, however, continues to be a flashpoint of controversy during this global pandemic.

Proponents of masks point to medical experts and scientists, and say wearing masks can save lives. Opponents are skeptical about the effectiveness of masks and say such mandates are an infringement on personal freedoms.

Published July 22, 2020

Hillsborough launches COVID-19 dashboard

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Hillsborough County has launched a COVID-19 dashboard to help residents keep themselves better informed, to enable them make the best decisions to keep them and their families safe, according to a county news release.

The dashboard is accessible at HCFLgov.net/COVID19Dashboard.

The dashboard provides data on testing numbers, positive cases, and the number of COVID-19 patients being treated in local hospital systems.

Users can scroll through visual data charts and click on icons to review the information.

Most of the numbers are updated twice daily. The data related to coronavirus testing is updated once each week.

Sources for the data include the Florida Department of Health, Tampa General Hospital Data Exchange, the United States Census Bureau, and the Florida Office of Economic Development.

Published July 22, 2020

Reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19

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The Florida Department of Health has issued some reminders, to help you reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.

These are some things you can do:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, containing at least 60% alcohol.
  • Wear a face mask. Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others, or out in public, such as at a grocery store and other places.
  • Practice social distancing. Stay at least 6 feet away from other people.

Although people of any age can be infected by the virus, the health department reports that those who are most susceptible to serious health risks are those over age 65, and those with underlying health conditions, such as heart conditions, high blood pressure, lung conditions, diabetes and obesity.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include the following: Cough, fever, chills, muscle pain, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell.

Symptom can range from mild to severe and appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.

If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your health care provide. If you have trouble breathing, get emergency medical care immediately.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the Florida Department of Health’s website, at FloridaHealthCovid19.gov or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at CDC.gov.

Published July 22, 2020

Health News 07/22/2020

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Offering comfort, and a hand to hold
Dr. Brett Armstrong is a BayCare Medical Group general surgeon affiliated with St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz.

During a 43-day period from March to May, Dr. Armstrong had little reason to be in the hospital, as he had no surgeries to perform, as elective surgeries were suspended because of COVID-19. Only those patients deemed immediately medically necessary or emergency patients were coming into the hospital.
In addition, from March 21 to the present, as a precaution and safeguard against COVID-19, few visitors are allowed at the hospital.

Dr. Brett Armstrong visited and sat with patients who had no visitors at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, during the pandemic shutdown. (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

Dr. Armstrong took it upon himself to come to St. Joseph’s Hospital-North to visit and sit with patients at various times during those 43 days, a hospital news release said.

Although the hospital uses technology like Skype and Facetime to help patients connect with families, Dr. Armstrong saw patients in the hospital who were without family to visit or hold hands.

He visited with COVID-19 patients, non-COVID patients, seriously ill patients near the end of life, and other hospitalized patients.

“We saw across the country that….people were dying alone,” Dr. Armstrong said, in the release. “As doctors, that is probably the most heartbreaking thing to see. That people would die for this (COVID) or various other reasons with no one with them.”

He thought of the families unable to visit and commended other team members at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North who also did bedside visits.

Tom Garthwaite, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North president, said, “During the initial outbreak, Dr. Armstrong went the extra mile to volunteer to spend time with our COVID-positive patients who had a challenging diagnosis or were faced with an end-of-life situation. This compassionate, selfless act speaks to his character and kindness during our ongoing struggle with this viral pandemic and exemplifies the values of BayCare.”

Surgeries on pause
In anticipation of increased demand, effective July 17, the following AdventHealth West Florida Division hospitals in the greater Tampa Bay area will pause the scheduling of any elective surgeries that require an overnight stay, as long as the procedure can be safely delayed with no risk to the patient.

  • AdventHealth Carrollwood
  • AdventHealth Dade City
  • AdventHealth North Pinellas
  • AdventHealth Tampa
  • AdventHealth Wesley Chapel
  • AdventHealth Zephyrhills

At this time, AdventHealth will continue to perform same-day surgeries and procedures that do not require an overnight stay.

Case of ‘brain-eating’ amoeba confirmed by officials

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The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed one case of Naegleria fowleri in Hillsborough County.

“The amoeba can cause a rare infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) that destroys brain tissue and is usually fatal. The amoeba is commonly found in warm freshwater, such as lakes, rivers, ponds and canals,” according to a health department news release.

“Naegleria fowleri usually infects people when contaminated water enters the body through the nose,” according to information on the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control’s website.

A confirmed case of Naegleria fowleri has been found in Hillsborough County. The amoeba can cause a rare infection of the brain and is generally fatal. The amoeba is commonly found in warm freshwater, such as lakes, rivers, ponds and canals. (B.C. Manion)

“You cannot get infected from swallowing water contaminated with Naegleria,” according to the CDC.

“Infections usually occur when temperatures increase for prolonged periods of time, which results in higher water temperatures and lower water levels. The peak season for this amoeba is July, August and September,” the health department says.

“Naegleria fowleri is found in many warm freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers in the United States, but is more common in southern states,” the health department adds.

Because there is a low number of cases, it is difficult to know why a few people have been infected compared to the millions of other people who have used the same or similar waters across the country, the health department says.

Though there are only 37 reported cases with exposure in Florida since 1962, the health department cautions those who swim and dive frequently in Florida’s lakes, rivers and ponds during warm temperatures to be aware of the possible presence of Naegleria fowleri.

To help prevent possible exposure, the health department recommends:

  • Avoid water-related activities in bodies of warm freshwater, hot springs and thermally polluted water, such as water around power plants.
  • Avoid water-related activities in warm freshwater during periods of high water temperature and low water levels.
  • Hold the nose shut or use nose clips when taking part in water-related activities in bodies of warm freshwater, such as lakes, rivers, or hot springs.
  • Avoid digging in or stirring up the sediment while taking part in water-related activities in shallow, warm freshwater areas.
  • Please note, exposure to the amoeba may also occur when using neti pots to rinse your sinuses of cold/allergy-related congestion or conducting religious rituals with tap water. Use only boiled and cooled, distilled or sterile water for making sinus rinse solutions for neti pots or performing ritual ablutions.

Symptoms of exposure include headache, fever, nausea, disorientation, vomiting, stiff neck, seizures, loss of balance or hallucinations.

If you experience any of these symptoms after swimming in any warm body of water, contact your health care provider immediately. It is essential to seek medical attention right away, as the disease progresses rapidly after the start of symptoms, the health department says.

For the latest information about the amoeba, please visit the CDC’s website at CDC.gov/parasites/naegleria/general.html.

Published July 15, 2020

Health News 07/15/2020

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Autism license plate fund
Every year, the Florida Support Autism Programs specialty license plate generates funds that support nonprofit organizations providing direct services for individuals with autism and related disabilities.

In 2019, nearly $106,900 was awarded to nonprofit organizations throughout Florida bringing to life projects across the state.

All nonprofit organizations with a current Internal Revenue Service designation as a 501 C (3) exempt organization, and a current State of Florida Charitable Solicitation Registration number that are providing services to individuals with autism and related disabilities are eligible to apply for a grant. Proposals are due by July 31.

Visit AutismLicensePlate.com for information and how to apply.

HCA Healthcare update
HCA Healthcare West Florida Division hospitals in Hillsborough and Pasco, as well as Hernando, Citrus, Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte counties will delay certain inpatient surgeries and procedures, effective as of July 11, to free up capacity for COVID-19 patients.

This change does not affect hospital-based outpatient surgeries or procedures, nor those performed at HCA Healthcare Ambulatory Surgery Centers.

Medical Center of Trinity, Memorial Hospital of Tampa, Oak Hill Hospital, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point and others are working with surgeons to identify appropriate patients for postponement of procedures that typically require a post-surgical inpatient stay.

Patients whose procedures are delayed will be contacted by their surgeon.

MOSI adds shoe sanitizing
As of June 16, the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) in Tampa is utilizing the patented combination of Ozone + UVC technology as part of its safety plan for guests and employees, in combating COVID-19, according to a MOSI news release.

MOSI has placed the PathO3Gen Solutions (patho3gen.com) UVZone shoe sanitizing station at the entrance to the exhibit path to ensure guests not only utilize the technology first-hand (or foot), but also so guests can learn about the technology used in the station, as it was developed in STEM-related careers and research.

The patented technology is proven to be over 110 times more effective against deadly pathogens, and over 24 times more effective at eliminating human coronavirus, than UVC alone.

It eliminates up to 99.999% of the deadliest pathogens, including bacteria and fungi, and leaves zero human coronavirus reside on footwear.

It can be used with any footwear or shoe cover, and plugs into a standard outlet.

Officials urge caution, as COVID-19 cases ramp up

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Florida COVID-19 cases continue to rise, with 9,478 cases recorded on July 2, according to Florida Department of Health figures.

The day before, 9,529 positive cases were reported.

The surge in new cases has prompted additional measures to try to limit the spread, and has prompted cancellations of more planned events.

As the Fourth of July weekend approached, Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees asked Floridians to do their part.

“As we head into this holiday weekend, I encourage all Floridians be diligent in avoiding closed spaces, crowded places and close-contact settings, and remember to wear a mask. Together, we must continue to take the appropriate steps to slow the spread of this virus,” DeSantis said, in a news release.

They also reminded those at greatest risk of severe complications to avoid crowds and minimize contact. People over age 65 and those with underlying medical conditions are most vulnerable to serious consequences from the virus.

“Many asymptomatic individuals are unknowingly carrying the COVID-19 virus in public,” Rivkees said, in the release.

As the number of positive cases rises, local officials are taking actions aimed at reducing the spread.

Local events continue to be scrapped.

Both the traditional Fourth of July parade in Lutz, and the Rattlesnake Festival and Rattlesnake Run set for October at the Pasco County Fairgrounds were canceled.

Pasco and Hillsborough public school districts also have dropped plans for traditional indoor commencement ceremonies, the districts initially had delayed. Instead, Pasco will have outdoor ceremonies at high school stadiums, and Hillsborough will have virtual graduation videos, and will have drive-thru diploma events at district high schools.

Mask requirements continue to evolve.

The City of Tampa and Hillsborough require masks indoors at businesses, where social distancing of 6 feet or more can’t be maintained.

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles issued a similar mask order on June 23, which was discussed at the Pasco County Commission’s June 29 meeting.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley voiced his support for the mask order.

“Ever since COVID has started, we’ve been following the CDC guidelines, and in there it has been speaking of masks as ‘recommended,’” Oakley said.

“From that time until we issued that order, we never got any full acceptance of wearing masks. You go in businesses and probably less than half of patrons in those businesses — grocery store, wherever — have been without masks,” he said.

That changed, once the order was imposed, Oakley said.

“Every time I go into one of these businesses now, whether it be a drugstore or your Publix, or wherever, everyone has a mask on. So, the fact of it is, the order is to make us do what we should take responsibility, each of us, to do anyway to protect ourselves.

“The reason for this order, we are protecting our employees, all of our first responders and all of our citizens in Pasco County.

“We feel at this time, with COVID cases rising that this is what we need to do. None of us want us to shut down businesses.”

“If I go to a business, I put that mask on,” Oakley said.

Commission Chairman Mike Moore agreed that efforts must be made to stop the spread.

“Besides protecting the health of the community, I think we need to protect the health of our small businesses out there,” Moore said.

“If they go to a Phase 1 or a total shutdown again, it’s going to be bad. Really, really, really bad. We don’t need any of these small businesses having to close again,” Moore said.

The Pasco County School Board also has signaled support for mandatory masks on school buses and at school campuses, when school resumes. The details will be worked out by district staff.

Pasco Schools Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd told board members, at a June 30 meeting, that planning for the coming school year has been challenging.

“The daunting task of staff is to bring some order to the chaos that I think we’re all experiencing at the moment,” Gadd said.

The infection rate for COVID-19 is spiking, Gadd said, adding “we’re not particularly optimistic about when that is going to change.”

He also noted: “The wearing of masks, for the executive team, is not an ideological issue. If  infection rates are raging, we want to have the option of requiring masks.”

Board members said they support that approach, but said the district should remain flexible, if conditions change.

School Board Chairwoman Colleen Beaudoin put it like this: “I would just rather be safe than sorry.

“The vast majority of teachers and staff members I heard from said they wanted the students to wear masks.

“Parents, right now, all I’m hearing is that they want to know, so they can make a decision. They want to know if we’re going to be requiring masks, or not. They need to know what we’re leaning toward, so they can make decisions,” Beaudoin said, referring to whether parents want their child to return to a school campus or to learn virtually, at home.

For more information about school reopening options, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us for Pasco schools and SDHC.k12.fl.us for Hillsborough schools.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees are appealing to Floridians to avoid the Three Cs:

  • Closed spaces: Closes spaces with poor ventilation could allow contagious droplets to linger in the air.
  • Crowded places: The greater the number of individuals in an area, the greater the chances of COVID-19 spreading from person to person.
  • Close-contact settings: Close-range conversations can contribute to the spread; be sure to stay at least 6 feet away from others.

Published July 08, 2020

Planning for the vulnerable during crises

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People with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia especially can be vulnerable during disasters, such as severe weather, fires, floods, hurricanes and other emergency situations.

It is important for the caregivers of those afflicted to have a plan that includes the special needs of people with impairments in memory and reasoning that could severely limit their ability to act appropriately in a crisis.

In general, caregivers should be prepared to meet the needs of the family for three days to seven days, including having supplies and backup options when basic services like water or electricity, are lost, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA).

Organizations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross can provide information on how to make a general disaster preparedness plan.

And, the Administration for Community Living (ACL.gov) has a disaster planning toolkit for people with dementia.

Here are some tips from the NIA on how to plan ahead:

  • Caregivers should consider the needs of the person with Alzheimer’s while assembling supplies for the disaster kit. All supplies should be stored in a watertight container. A kit could include: incontinence undergarments, wipes and lotions; a pillow, toy or something the person can hold onto; favorite snacks and high-nutrient drinks; recent photos of the person; and, medical documents and medications.
  • If a move to a safer place is required, such as to a community shelter or someone’s home, caregivers should be sensitive to the Alzheimer’s patient’s emotions, by staying close, offering their hand, or giving reassuring hugs.
  • While planning an evacuation, know how to get to the nearest emergency shelters; arrange with someone else for transport; make sure the person with Alzheimer’s wears an ID bracelet; take general supplies and disaster kit; keep neighbors, friends and family informed about your location; keep comforting items on hand; and keep your cellphone charged.

For more information, including what to do in the case of caregiver/patient separation, and how to prepare for disaster situations, consider contacting these organizations:

• Eldercare Locator: Call (800) 677-1116, visit Eldercare.acl.gov, or email .

Published July 08, 2020

Health News 07/08/2020

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Shrinit Babel, left, and Emileigh Morissette (Courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point)

Volunteers receive scholarships
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s Volunteer Association recently presented two $2,000 scholarships to graduating seniors who have served as volunteers at the hospital.

Shrinit Babel graduated first in his class from Steinbrenner High School in Lutz, with a 5.8 weighted GPA. He plans to attend the Judy Genshaft Honors College at the University of South Florida, to study biomedical sciences, as he works toward becoming a doctor.

Emileigh Morissette graduated from Fivay High School in Hudson with a 3.9 weighted GPA. She also plans to attend the University of South Florida, to study health science, as she works toward becoming a physician’s assistant.

Donna Owen, director of volunteer and pastoral care, said these two teen volunteers demonstrated not only academic excellence, but also a kind and generous spirit with a desire to serve and inspire others.

Face masks made available
Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles issued an executive order as of June 25 that requires residents to wear face masks/coverings while indoors at any county government facility or public business, in an effort to slow the increase of COVID-19 cases.

The following locations, in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, will now allow residents to pick up one mask per person:

  • Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., Dade City, Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., Thursday and Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, 38550 Fifth Ave., Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • East Pasco County Government Center lobby, 14236 Sixth St., Dade City
  • Pasco County Animal Services, 19640 Dogpatch Lane, Land O’ Lakes, Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 5:30 p.m.
  • Pasco County Utilities-Central Branch, 19420 Central Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • All Pasco County Fire Stations, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., when crews are available and while supplies last
  • North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, by appointment only. Call (813) 994-8534.

No Visitor Policy reinstated
AdventHealth West Florida Division as of June 29 has reinstated a No Visitor Policy for its hospital locations, except for special circumstances.

Visitation will be continued for special circumstances, including end-of-life situations. Other exceptions include:

  • Patients age 18 and younger may be accompanied by one adult visitor (parent, legally authorized person or caregiver). No additional visitors or siblings allowed.
  • Obstetrics patients can have one adult visitor.
  • Extenuating circumstances, such as imminent end-of-life or unique patient needs for support

These area hospitals have the No Visitor Policy in effect: AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Zephyrhills.

Other locations include Lake Placid, North Pinellas, Ocala, Sebring, Tampa and Wauchula.