Local News

PASCO COUNTY – U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis and Laurel Lee are teaming up with Pasco-Hernando State College and the Pasco Dental Association to host their annual Stars, Stripes, and Smiles event. 

The initiative will provide urgent dental care at no cost to 100 military veterans experiencing untreated dental pain and infection.  Local dentists have volunteered their time and expertise to support the effort. Modern, high-tech dental care will be used at the event, including digital scanners and 3D-printed restorations. Veterans in need of dental services are encouraged to contact Bilirakis’s office at 727-232-2921 to register. Appointments will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dental services provided during the event will include professional cleanings, tooth extractions, dental fillings, root canal therapy and dental crowns. 

“Oral health is essential to overall wellness, yet most veterans are not eligible for dental benefits through the VA unless they are 100% disabled or have a service-connected dental injury,” Bilirakis said. “Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country. They deserve access to high-quality healthcare, including dental care.”

Bilirakis has advocated for expanded access to dental care for veterans. 

Earlier this year, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act was signed into law. The legislation includes a key provision from Bilirakis’ VETCARE Act, establishing a pilot program to provide dental care to veterans with chronic health conditions currently being treated by the VA.  Currently, only about 9% of veterans qualify for VA dental benefits. Studies show that untreated dental issues can worsen chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, leading to increased healthcare costs. The new pilot program aims to demonstrate the long-term cost savings and health benefits of preventive dental care for veterans.

“This pilot program is a vital first step toward improving access to dental care for all veterans and could ultimately reduce healthcare costs for the VA system as a whole,” Bilirakis said. “While we work toward broader reform, I’m incredibly grateful to the Pasco Dental Association for stepping up now to provide critical care to our local heroes. Their generosity is truly inspiring.”

Lee said it’s an honor to join Bilirakis and community partners for the event.

“Our veterans have given so much to our nation, and ensuring they have access to high-quality dental care is a meaningful way to honor their service,” Lee said. “I’m encouraged by the new pilot program expanding dental benefits through the VA, and I’m grateful to the local dentists and volunteers whose generosity is making a real difference for our veterans.”

Eric Hall, president of PHSC, said his institution is proud to partner in the Stars, Stripes, and Smiles initiative.

“Our dental faculty and dental hygiene students are honored to volunteer their skills alongside local dentists to give back to those who have given so much for our country,” Hall said. 

Dr. Zack Kalarickal, of the Pasco Dental Association, emphasized the importance of the initiative.

“These heroes deserve a healthcare system that meets their full range of needs, including oral health,” Kalarickal said. “Until that day comes, it is our professional privilege to serve those who have served us.”

LUTZ – Hurricanes Debbie, Helene and Milton may have left Florida a year ago, but the destruction and disruption to daily living still linger. 

The Salvation Army continues its care and ministry through long-term recovery groups assembled to restore normalcy and quality of life to afflicted communities.

“The Salvation Army always integrates recovery into our disaster preparedness plans, so we not only respond rapidly to emergencies, we also arrive planning to stay involved long after the initial crisis passes,” said Steven Hartsook, Florida divisional director of emergency disaster services. “We know that for those traumatized by devastation and loss, recovery takes many months and sometimes years.”

After early season Hurricane Debbie (Cat 1) hit Florida’s Big Bend on Aug. 5, 2024, Helene (Cat 4, Sept. 26) and Milton (Cat 3, Oct. 9) made landfall just two and a half weeks apart at the peak of the season. Of Florida’s 67 counties, 52 were impacted and included in the federal disaster declaration for Helene and Milton, prompting the formation and activation of long-term recovery groups across the state. Currently, nearly 40 long-term recovery groups are operating in Florida. Some are newly formed. Others have years or even decades of experience.

Using a case management approach, long-term recovery groups connect organizations to pool resources in obtaining materials, labor funding and other resources. Addressing unmet financial, physical, emotional and spiritual needs, long-term recovery groups help community members bridge gaps to make their lives whole again.

According to Hartsook, The Salvation Army participates in long-term recovery groups to support unmet financial needs, and due to the generous support of donors responding in one of the state’s greatest times of need, the organization has an allocated budget of $3.75 million for Florida recovery efforts from the 2024 storms.

“When the cameras point elsewhere and others move on with their lives, The Salvation Army will still be there, restoring hope to storm survivors and those in need,” he said.

On the web: salarmyeds.org

WESLEY CHAPEL – Staff at John Long Middle School have raised more than $25,000 to help the family of a late colleague who passed away Sept. 29. 

Damon Zassenbraker, 52, taught history and coached the football team at the school. 

Principal Christine Wolff sent a letter to families Sept. 29 sharing the news of Zassenbraker’s passing.

“Coach Zassenbraker was a valued member of our school community who touched the lives of many students, athletes and colleagues,” Wolff said in the letter. “His dedication to our school and passion for mentoring students will be deeply missed.”

Wolff encouraged parents to talk with their children about Zassenbraker’s passing at home and let staff know if they need support. A crisis team was available for anyone on campus. 

The Pasco County School Board held a moment of silence in Zassenbraker’s honor. 

Jonathan Frenchko, on behalf of John Long Middle School staff, started a GoFundMe page Sept. 30 in hopes of raising $30,000 to help Amy Zassenbraker and the family with funeral expenses and future needs. 

“Today we are grief stricken and holding each other up,” according to the page. “Today we’ve learned of the loss of our friend, our colleague, our family member. As we wander our halls today they echo. We hear our football teams, our soccer teams, our track teams and our students all looking for words, for answers, for understanding. There are few dry eyes today.”

The page also shared insight into how Zassenbraker tutored students and attended extracurricular events that his children, Regan and Gavin, were involved in.

As of the morning of Oct. 9, 219 donations poured into the GoFundMe page, raising $25,494 for the family. Four donors gave at least $1,000 each. 

The name of the page is “Coach Z- A Life Lost That Gave So Much. Support his family.”

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University ranked 117th among the 400 national universities for social mobility in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2026 rankings, which were released Sept. 23.

The rankings look at a university’s ability to enroll, retain and graduate students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and help them get high-paying jobs and career success. This is often measured by the graduation rates for students who receive Pell Grants, compared with those who do not.

“Saint Leo has a long history of innovating to make higher education accessible,” President Jim Burkee said. “We offer unique programs and assistance to so many – students who may not have the economic means, who are the first in their families to attend college, and who are adult learners, pursuing a degree while working a job and raising a family.”

The university’s Retention Task Force supports students in multiple ways, including assisting first-generation students, academically unprepared students and others facing challenges.

For example, Saint Leo is expanding its Lions Empowerment and Achievement Program, which helps incoming University Campus students get a head start on their first semester. Previously, the program took place for a few days prior to fall classes. Now it will be a no-cost, eight-week program for up to 50 students, starting in the Summer 2 Term in 2026 (early fall), according to Anthony DeSantis, associate vice president of student affairs. 

“We’re going to set them up and ensure their success throughout their academic career and offer resources and support,” DeSantis said. 

Saint Leo also is conducting personalized outreach to at-risk students, including regular check-ins, academic coaching and tailored support plans. 

“We just completed a call campaign and every [first-time-in-college student] was called,” DeSantis said. “We’re doing outreach to make sure they’re connected and doing well in school.”

The university uses a holistic approach to student success, making sure students are doing well not only academically, but also physically and mentally. Multiple departments are involved, offering students support.

Before classes begin, faculty members are prepared and given instruction on how to report students who may be having academic challenges such as missing assignments or classes. 

The university uses Leona, a chatbot feature, to touch base with students. Using the Leona chatbot, Student Success recently surveyed first-generation students on their top concerns.

“It’s common to have anxiety, imposter syndrome, academic anxiety, concern about finances,” said Ben Forche, director of Student Success and Academic Engagement. “They’re also trying to connect the dots between what they’re studying and their chosen career. We help them see that and help them start preparing.”

Check-ins are made every seven to 10 days to ensure students are engaged, attending classes and feel welcome.

Last year, Saint Leo developed and implemented a Career and Life Plan program for students, which equips them to:

• Craft a personalized roadmap to achieve academic and career goals.
• Develop strong academic foundations through strategic course planning.
• Explore career paths aligned with interests and skills.
• Graduate on time with the “Finish in 4” initiative.
• Access resources to overcome challenges and thrive at college. 

This year, student success coaches will meet with every first-year campus student, Forche noted. And the program will be expanded to include online students. Being engaged, involved and going beyond the classroom are key to a successful college career, he said. Employers are looking for more than just a diploma.

“My biggest advice is: Do not ‘autopilot’ your college degree,” Forche said. “You will be one of those students who graduates but cannot find a job. A college degree is a minimum requirement. Employers are asking ‘What experiences did you engage in during your undergraduate career?’”

SAINT LEO – Local, county and state leaders joined the Greater East Pasco Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 23 for the annual Access East Pasco event at Saint Leo University’s Wellness Center. 

The program brought together business owners, elected officials and community partners to discuss economic growth, workforce development and policy priorities.

During the city panel, leaders shared how their communities are supporting small businesses.

Andrea Calvert, of St. Leo, highlighted social media outreach, the Leo Ledger publication, and plans for a new Town Center Project. 

Dade City Mayor Scott Black noted the city’s new Community Redevelopment Agency director.

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe announced Community Redevelopment Agency grants reimbursing up to $100,000, offered in partnership with Pasco Economic Development Council and Zephyrhills Economic Development Coalition.

The discussion also highlighted workforce development.

Zephyrhills shared successes from hiring events and targeted incentives that helped attract employers like Bauducco Foods and MiTek. 

St. Leo and Dade City emphasized internship programs and business partnerships to connect students with local jobs.

On the county level, Commissioner Seth Weightman reported Pasco’s population has grown 42% since 2010 and highlighted the county’s recently passed $2.12 billion budget to support infrastructure and services.

Jim Burkee, Saint Leo University’s new president, spoke about rebuilding online education programs and the vital role universities play in attracting employers.

The State of the State panel addressed broader challenges and opportunities. 

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson stressed the importance of planning redevelopment with transportation, emergency access and environmental protection in mind. 

Rep. Randy Maggard noted a $117 billion state budget, with discussions on tax policy and upcoming legislative committee meetings. 

Representing Sen. Danny Burgess, Jonathan Till pointed to rising costs, congestion and weather challenges, while emphasizing a focus on education.

The event closed with appreciation for speakers, sponsors, and hosts, and a call for continued collaboration across East Pasco.

TAMPA – As residents begin to consider meal planning for the holidays, Hillsborough County Extension Service has two classes at the end of October that can help those at risk of diabetes and even cancer.

The virtual Cooking for a Lifetime of Cancer Prevention class begins at noon Oct. 2. Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers in Florida, with thousands of new cases diagnosed each year. This one-hour webinar will explore the latest American Cancer Society guidelines for cancer prevention and share practical nutrition tips to lower risk. Register for the event on eventbrite.com.

Later in October, residents with diabetes and their supporters can learn about managing diabetes through the virtual Dining with Diabetes series of classes on meal planning, cooking techniques and making delicious, nutritious meals. This four-part online series begins Oct. 27 and continues Nov. 3, 10 and 17 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The series will teach the keys to master delicious, diabetic-friendly meals. Cost to register is $15 for all four workshops. Register for the event on eventbrite.com.

Hillsborough County Extension Service, in partnership with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, offers a wide variety of additional educational classes in October listed below. For more information about any of these listings, visit the Local Events Calendar at eventbrite.com or call 813-744-5519.  

Gardening

• Composting Workshops, in person Oct. 4 and virtual Oct. 8
• Attracting Birds and Butterflies to Your Yard, in person Oct. 15

Water Conservation

• Microirrigation Workshops, in person Oct. 4 and virtual Oct. 9
• Rainwater Harvesting Workshop, in person Oct. 4
• Florida Friendly Landscaping HC Webinar Series: Reduce Stormwater Runoff, virtual Oct. 16
• Hillsborough County Water Use Restrictions Workshop, virtual Oct. 14

Health and Wellness

• Navigating Medicare, virtual Oct. 8
• Mental Health First Aid, in person Oct. 13
• Medicare Part C, virtual Oct. 15
• Medicare Part D, virtual Oct. 22

Financial Education

• Greenbelt Classification and Farm Resource Seminar, in person Oct. 21
• 1-1 Financial Education By Appointment, October