The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

PHSC grads celebrate success at winter commencement

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Kenton Emerson chose to study welding to tap into his creative side. Photo courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College will host winter commencement on Dec. 10 in the Physical Fitness Center at the West Campus. 

Approximately 300 degrees and certificates will be conferred, with more than 960 summer and fall graduates estimated to be eligible to participate.

Two commencement ceremonies will honor graduates earning bachelor’s and associate degrees and certificates. The morning ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. The afternoon commencement will begin at 3:30 p.m. 

The event live stream link will be available at phsc.edu/grad.

A few of the winter graduates shared their thoughts on achieving their goals. 

 

Tyson Branstetter

Tyson Branstetter, of the Instructional Performing Arts Center, is set to graduate with an associate in science in digital media/multimedia technology. 

Branstetter began his higher education in high school as a Dual Enrollment student with PHSC, coming to the college after graduation and pursuing different options. 

Branstetter has enjoyed helping with PHSC’s upcoming student podcast, “The Bobcat Banter,” where he has gained hands-on experience in production with the support of Assistant Professor Jonathan Tietz. 

He encourages high school students to take advantage of Dual Enrollment, which he believes makes completing an associate degree much more manageable. 

As he graduates, Branstetter is excited to begin his new photography job at Busch Gardens in Tampa. He hopes to move further into professional video work while pursuing his bachelor’s degree.

 

Noelle Wilkins

Noelle Wilkins

Noelle Wilkins, of the Spring Hill Campus, is set to graduate with an associate in arts degree, with a plan to pursue elementary education. 

“I’ve always loved learning, and pursuing higher education has felt natural to me since a young age,” Wilkins said. “My time in PHSC gave me a chance to be a part of something bigger – to connect, build a community, lead and grow alongside others who share my passion for making a difference. As I continue my journey with Florida College System Student Government Association and work toward my bachelor’s, I hope to inspire my future students to believe in themselves and reach for greater things.”

After graduation, her next steps include guiding fellow students toward leadership and self-growth and becoming an educator who helps students to their full potential.

 

Emma Dunsmore

Emma Dunsmore

Emma Dunsmore, of the West Campus, is graduating with an associate in arts degree with a plan to pursue political science. 

“My academic journey has been rich with experiences that have gotten me to deepen my love for my community and hometown,” Dunsmore said. “By being a PHSC student, I was able to find my way back to myself and find what makes me who I am, at my core. I fell in love with being a student again and became even more passionate about higher education. For that, I’m entirely grateful for PHSC.”

Moving forward after graduation, she is excited to expand her horizons at the University of South Florida and meet new people.

“PHSC has taught me patience (with myself), empathy and what taking initiative really means,” she said. “I have gotten the opportunity to see leaders that I look up to in my local community and be inspired by their work.”

 

Kenton Emerson

Kenton Emerson, of the East Campus, is graduating with a certificate in welding technology. 

Initially torn between plumbing, truck driving and welding, Emerson ultimately chose the path that sparked his creativity, welding. 

Emerson said choosing PHSC was an easy decision; it’s close to home, offers the hands-on experience he was looking for and is affordable. Emerson plans to one day build his own gym equipment and turn his passion into a business he truly enjoys.

 

Project to examine Pasco County’s road vulnerabilities

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DADE CITY – Transportation leaders in Pasco County will explore strategies that will ensure road infrastructure holds up to strong storms and other vulnerabilities. 

Ned Baier, southeastern planning director for engineering firm Volkert, points to Pasco County enduring two tropical storms within a month last year. 

“Pasco County is one of those counties where you do have a coastal area as well as a lot of conservation lands with rivers and lakes,” Baier told the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization on Nov. 13. “There was in places some extreme amount of flooding, especially on your roadway system.”

The Pasco County MPO is collaborating with Volkert to develop a Resilience Improvement Plan to address natural and man-made roadway vulnerabilities, according to Angel Avila, an MPO planner. 

The project team includes transportation planners, a structural engineer and a hydraulic engineer. They began working on the project in September and should finish in June. 

“We have some people that are kind of experts in roadway construction,” Baier said. “That’s going to come in handy when we start identifying improvements in projects.”

Baier said the team’s work will involve a lot of technical data and GIS mapping. 

“We’re going to be actually analyzing nearly 2,000 miles of roadway in the county by segment,” Baier said. “There will be a lot of technical analysis. We’ll actually be scoring the performance of roadways in terms of vulnerabilities.”

He mentioned flooding, sinkholes, storm surge, wildfires and cybersecurity attacks as some of the vulnerabilities they’ll be exploring. 

The scope of work includes an implementation plan that will have recommendations with five-, 10- and 20-year horizons. 

Baier shared that one of the suggestions brought up has been to integrate homeowners associations in their work. He mentioned they’ll work with the county’s communications team on promoting public workshops and other opportunities for feedback on social media. 

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano requested the project team explore a trailer park and canal near U.S. 19 in the Hudson area as well as an outfall system near a car dealership in New Port Richey.

County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey suggested the team look at Little Road, which goes underwater during big storms. 

 

School board adjusts attendance boundaries

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Pasco County Schools approved changes to the 2026-27 attendance zone for several schools. Photo courtesy of PCS

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools is adjusting attendance boundaries at several campuses after forming Paul R. Smith K-8.

“The board has already voted to create the new Paul R. Smith K-8 by merging Gulfside Elementary School and Paul R. Smith Middle School,” school board chair Colleen Beaudoin said during the Nov. 18 meeting. “With that decision made, it’s necessary for us to formally adjust the attendance boundaries of the two existing schools so they can be combined into a single coherent boundary for the new K-8. I’m genuinely excited about the new opportunities that this will provide students and families.”

Other tweaks to attendance boundaries were necessary. 

“Due to ongoing residential development in the county, several school attendance boundaries are proposed to be adjusted to accommodate future growth and ensure that components of neighborhoods are zoned for the same school,” Chris Williams, planning services director, wrote in a memo to the school board.

Williams added that changes would go into effect July 1, 2026 and do not apply to existing students. School choice for affected schools won’t be impacted either. 

Affected schools are as follows: 

  • Elementary: Gulfside, New River and Wiregrass.
  • Middle: Centennial, Paul R. Smith, R. B. Stewart and Thomas E. Weightman.
  • High: Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills.

“I also want to acknowledge and appreciate Mr. Williams and his team for proactively planning boundary adjustments ahead of land development when that information becomes available,” Beaudoin said. “Their work to anticipate future growth and keep neighborhood areas together is important and it minimizes disruptions for families who deserve clarity about which schools their children will attend when new homes are built.”

She added: “While future adjustments are always possible as our county continues to grow, I’m grateful we’re planning ahead rather than reacting after the fact.”

Pasco County Schools approved changes to the 2026-27 attendance zone for several schools. Photo courtesy of PCS

 

Pasco County Schools approved changes to the 2026-27 attendance zone for several schools. Photo courtesy of PCS

 

Pasco County Schools approved changes to the 2026-27 attendance zone for several schools. Photo courtesy of PCS
Pasco County Schools approved changes to the 2026-27 attendance zone for several schools. Photo courtesy of PCS
Pasco County Schools approved changes to the 2026-27 attendance zone for several schools. Photo courtesy of PCS

Business Digest (12/10/25): USPS preps for busy season

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USPS preps for busy season

TAMPA – The U.S. Postal Service plans to hire 14,000 temporary employees to support the holiday season, complement the full-time workforce and ensure the agency can handle the extra volume across the country.

USPS has opened hundreds of expanded facilities with new sorting machines, bringing the total to 614 package sorting machines across the country, including one in Tampa. These investments have resulted in a daily processing capacity of 88 million packages, up from 60 million last holiday season. 

“Thanks to the investments made in Tampa and across the country, and the hard work of the USPS workforce, we are ready to deliver for you this holiday season reliably, quickly and affordably,” said Jacquelyn Villemaire, local postmaster. 

USPS said customers can expect their mail and packages to be delivered, on average, in less than three days this holiday season. Customers can expect a two to three-day turnaround within the same regional service areas. 

On the web: usps.com or usps.com/holidaynews

 

AT&T offers tech etiquette tips

TAMPA – AT&T is sharing practical tech etiquette tips to help families put down their phones and focus on what counts this holiday season. 

  • Send digital invites with a friendly note about keeping dinner time device-free. Use calendar reminders to reinforce your tech etiquette wishes.
  • Encourage guests to use “Do Not Disturb” or “Focus” modes during the meal. Schedule them in advance for a distraction-free table.
  • Designate a spot for devices away from the dining area. Setting up a charging station makes it easy for guests to unplug from tech while connecting with family and friends at the dinner table.
  • Set up a shared photo album for everyone to upload pictures after dinner. Ask guests to check before posting group shots on social media.
  • Schedule video calls with remote loved ones before or after the feast, so mealtime stays focused on those at the table.

 

Pasco EDC registering sponsors

LUTZ – The Pasco Economic Development Council is registering sponsors for the 23rd annual NetFest.

The event will include a sponsor-exclusive Chili Cook-Off and networking. It takes place from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 12 at The Concourse Rotary Pavilion, 11919 Alric Pottberg Road, Shady Hills. General admission costs $65. 

On the web: https://pascoedc.com/

 

Intrepid Powerboats expands dealer network

LARGO – Intrepid Powerboats announced the expansion of its dealer network in partnership with MarineMax, adding multiple new locations across Florida and New York.

Intrepid models will now be available at MarineMax locations in Ocean Reef, Naples, Fort Myers, St. Petersburg, Palm Beach, Dania Beach and Huntington, New York. 

“These new locations allow us to meet boaters where they are and deliver an even higher level of convenience and support,” said Terry McNew, president of Intrepid Powerboats. “MarineMax shares our vision for exceptional customer experiences, and together we’re making it easier than ever for customers to explore what makes Intrepid truly different.”

On the web: IntrepidPowerboats.com

 

AAA warns about unsecured trees 

TAMPA – AAA urges drivers to take extra care when transporting freshly cut Christmas trees home. 

An improperly secured tree is not only a threat to your vehicle but also a hazard to everyone on the road.

“Nothing will ruin your holiday spirit faster than watching your Christmas tree bounce down the highway,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “AAA encourages drivers to treat tree transport as seriously as any other cargo. When you go to the lot, ensure you bring the necessary equipment to secure your tree. A few extra minutes of preparation can ensure your holiday starts safely and your tree arrives intact.”

Road debris causes 200,000 crashes annually, resulting in approximately 39,000 injuries and 500 deaths, according to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety research.

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host Coffee Social and Lunch N Learn events. 

  • Members network during Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 17 at Subaru of Wesley Chapel, 26570 Silver Maple Pkwy., Wesley Chapel. 
  • Chad Cooper, a financial planner affiliated with Gateway Financial Advisors LLC, talks about “Beyond Investments: What Financial Planners Really Do?” during Lunch N Learn from noon to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at USF Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. Registration costs $15. Register in advance. 

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

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a Veterans Roundtable, Land O’ Lakes Business & Brochure Exchange, Monthly Membership Breakfast as well as women’s and young professional’s programming.

  • The chamber hosts its monthly Veterans Roundtable from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Dec. 10 at 4&Co. Coworking Spaces, 16703 Early Riser Ave., Land O’ Lakes. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance. 
  • Members celebrate the grand opening of NeuRepair Brain & Spine Wellness Centers with a ribbon cutting from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 10 at 5083 Little Road, New Port Richey. The ribbon is cut at 5:45 p.m. 
  • Members trade business materials during the Land O’ Lakes Business & Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 11 at SpringHill Suites, 16615 Crosspointe Run, Land O’ Lakes. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Food costs $14. Register in advance. 
  • Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco speaks during the Monthly Membership Breakfast from 8:45 to 10 a.m. Dec. 12 at SpringHill Suites, 16615 Crosspointe Run, Land O’ Lakes. Members pay $25. Others pay $30. Register in advance. 
  • Young Professionals Group members hold their holiday party from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 12 at Coastal Bay Tax & Consulting/Coastal Bay Wealth Management Offices, 5709 Tidalwave Drive, New Port Richey. Register in advance. 
  • Professional Women in Business meet for lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 17 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance. 
  • Young Professionals Group members network during Coffee Connections from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 19 at Starkey Market, 3460 Starkey Blvd., Trinity. 

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

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host Business Breakfast, Annual Christmas Mixer, Coffee & Networking and a ribbon cutting. 

  • John Legg, superintendent of Pasco County Schools, speaks during the Business Breakfast at 7 a.m. Dec. 11 at Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills. Entry costs $15. Register in advance. 
  • Members network during the Annual Christmas Mixer from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at SouthState Bank, 6930 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills. Bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. 
  • Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Dec. 12 at the chamber’s Zephyrhills location (38550 5th Ave.) and from 8 to 9 a.m. Dec. 16 at the Dade City location (14112 8th St.). 
  • Members celebrate the grand opening of SR 54 Coffee & Tea Co. with a ribbon cutting from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 16 at 36950 State Road 54, Zephyrhills. 

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

Chalk Talk (12/10/25): School board reorganizes for 2026

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School board reorganizes for 2026

LAND O’ LAKES – Colleen Beaudoin has taken over as chair of the Pasco County School Board.

The board voted unanimously Nov. 18 to appoint Beaudoin to preside over meetings. 

“It’s an honor to serve,” Beaudoin said upon receiving the gavel from Superintendent John Legg.

Al Hernandez will take on the role as vice chair. 

The school board’s 2026 schedule includes meetings at 9:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday and 6 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month with some exceptions, including January, April, July, August, September and December. 

The first meeting of the year will be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 13. 

As part of the board’s restructuring, members were assigned to various committees. They are as follows: 

  • Cynthia Armstrong: Student Progression Plan, Architect Selection, Construction Management Evaluation, District Instructional Materials Challenge Review, Property Value Adjustment Board and Investment Oversight.
  • Colleen Beaudoin: Pasco Pathways, Student Progression Plan, Early Childhood Programs – Policy Council, Community Engagement Task Force and Salary Referendum Oversight.
  • Meg Harding: Pasco Education Foundation Board, Career Education Board, Charter School Task Force, Pasco Pathways and School Site Selection Advisory. 
  • Al Hernandez: Government Relations Liaison, Pasco Education Foundation Board, District Insurance and District Instructional Materials Challenge Review.
  • Jessica Wright: Health and Wellness Initiatives, Career Education Board, Student Code of Conduct, Wellness Policy Council (students) and Large Capital Project Review Team.

 

Pasco County Schools recognizes staff

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools recognized three staff members Nov. 18 for going above and beyond the call of duty.

  • Joann Ortiz, a secretary at Cypress Creek Middle, was nominated for work with the school’s ABC (Assist, Believe and Care) Program, as well as food and clothing drives. She also helps bilingual and non-English-speaking families. 
  • Robert Leeds, a social studies teacher at Anclote High, was nominated by peers, in part, for serving as a freshman class sponsor, coordinating family nights and school events, and helping as an assistant flag football coach. 
  • Latoya Jordan, principal of Lacoochee Elementary, was recognized for creating a collaborative school culture where students and teachers are supported. 

 

Date set for district awards

LUTZ – The Pasco County Education Foundation will host the S.T.A.R. Awards on Jan. 23 at Grace Family Church.

The event recognizes Teachers of the Year, School Related Personnel of the Year, Non-Instructional Non-Bargaining Employees of the Year and Administrators of the Year. 

“We focus a lot on student achievement, and rightfully so,” Superintendent John Legg said. “The individuals that make a lot of that happen are our teachers. That day is going to be a day of celebration, kind of our best of our best.”

Legg said the community has stepped up to support and celebrate the work of teachers for this year’s program. 

 

Parent calls out school district

LAND O’ LAKES – Tori Tiffany, of New Port Richey, called out Pasco County Schools at the Nov. 18 school board meeting for not following its policy regarding public records.

She asked the board at a previous meeting why corrected minutes were not placed on the agenda of a regular meeting. She didn’t receive an answer, but noted five of the 10 meetings she mentioned in her request showed up on the Nov. 18 agenda. 

“The district made corrections to all 10 meetings but for some reason, they won’t be transparent with the public regarding not uploading or adding the Let’s Talk public comments.”

She also mentioned that the school board was not following its policies by not having audio recordings of meetings. 

“It’s our elected officials’ duty to be open, transparent and accountable to the citizens they serve,” she said. 

 

Health & Wellness (12/10/25): Hospital opens renovated Cath Lab

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Community leaders joined hospital executives for a ribbon-cutting celebrating the upgraded facility, which enhances diagnosis and treatment of complex cardiac conditions. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

Hospital opens renovated Cath Lab

DAVENPORT – AdventHealth Heart of Florida in Davenport has opened its newly renovated cardiac catheterization lab, adding advanced imaging technology to expand lifesaving heart care close to home. 

The renovated Cath Lab plays a critical role in interventional radiology and cardiac catheterization procedures, which provide insights into heart function, including the condition of heart muscles, valves and blood vessels. These procedures are essential for diagnosing heart disease and can also be used to open blocked arteries or valves, restoring healthy blood flow.

“With this completed renovation, AdventHealth Heart of Florida has now invested more than $5 million in the last year into our community to provide the best heart care we possibly can,” AdventHealth Polk Market President and CEO Tim Clark said.

 

Bilirakis seeks to provide certainty for Medicare patients

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and others have introduced the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act to protect seniors’ access to care by ensuring Medicare keeps pace with rising health care costs. 

The bill helps prevent doctor shortages in Medicare by making sure payments better reflect the real cost of delivering care, especially in rural, underserved and low-income communities.  

“I’m deeply concerned that our outdated physician payment system is contributing to reduced access and delays for seniors seeking the care they deserve,” Bilirakis said. “This important legislation will help create greater stability for older Americans by strengthening access to services and supporting improved health outcomes.”

 

Castor seeks to improve access to lung cancer screening

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL) and others reintroduced the bipartisan Increasing Access to Lung Cancer Screening Act on Nov. 20.

The bill will help lower health care costs for families while expanding access to lifesaving cancer screenings and reducing barriers to preventive care in communities that have been overlooked.

“By making lung cancer screenings easier to access and eliminating surprise bills and insurance red tape, this bipartisan bill will help neighbors catch cancer earlier, stay healthier and live longer,” Castor said. “Together, with my bipartisan colleagues and with the help of premier cancer research institutions like Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, we can save tens of thousands of lives every year by expanding access to lung cancer screenings.”

 

VA connects homeless veterans to housing

BAY PINES – The Department of Veterans Affairs permanently housed 51,936 homeless veterans nationwide in fiscal year 2025, an increase of 4,011 over last year and the highest total since VA began tracking individual veterans housed. 

The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System accounted for 953 of those placements. The system serves veterans in 10 counties, including Hillsborough and Pinellas. 

In May 2025, VA launched the Getting Veterans Off the Street initiative, which moved 25,065 unsheltered veterans into interim or permanent housing through coordinated outreach at every VA health system. 

 

Get answers on Medicare

  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 Basics programs: 

  • Dec. 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576
  • Dec. 18 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
  • Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214

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.

 

Better Together appoints leader for Tampa Bay region

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Joy Harris

TAMPA – Better Together has hired Joy Harris as executive director of its Tampa Bay region.

At Better Together, Harris will work alongside CEO Megan Rose to oversee, support and grow Better Together’s presence in the greater Tampa Bay area. 

She leads the development of Better Together programs locally and spearheads their growth by cultivating and building new relationships with donors, community partners, volunteers and churches.

The Virginia native is also a licensed clinical social worker who has devoted her career to seeing, serving and supporting those who are often overlooked and dismissed. She is grateful that her professional and volunteer roles have allowed her to walk alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

“We are thrilled to welcome Joy into this leadership role and watch her flourish as she serves families in the Tampa Bay community,” said Megan Rose, CEO of Better Together. “We know her commitment to empowering others and strengthening communities will be invaluable in this role. We are confident that her leadership will help strengthen families and bring lasting change, and we can’t wait to see all she accomplishes with Better Together.”

Better Together helps parents who are going through a hard time to keep their kids out of foster care, find work and address the root causes of their struggle so they can reunite as a family with the tools and support system to thrive. 

With the help of donors and hundreds of volunteers and church communities, Better Together builds lasting support systems that help families cope with hardships, such as job loss, substance abuse, homelessness and incarceration. It ensures that children are cared for in a safe home until the family can be reunited.

On the web: BetterTogetherus.org

 

Looking for work?

Better Together continues to expand its programs across the state and is hiring additional team members to join its efforts to help more families stay together and thrive. Visit BetterTogetherUS.org/Career-Opportunities for the latest career opportunities.

 

Pet therapy dog boosts morale at hospital 

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Handler Gabrielle Fink with Lily. Photo courtesy of BayCare Health System
Diane Sabel with Lily at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North. Photo courtesy of BayCare Health System

LUTZ – It’s not uncommon for a patient staying in a hospital for a long time to make a special connection with a team member providing their care.

For Diane Sabel, 66, of Tampa, who was in Lutz’s St. Joseph’s Hospital-North for 10 days, her connection to a team member included one of the four-legged variety – a dog named Lily.

Lily is a 2-year-old female golden retriever and new to St. Joseph’s Hospital-North as in-house facility pet therapy dog. She works five days a week, eight hours a day, bringing love, companionship and joy to patients, visitors and staff. She is part of the hospital’s pet therapy team that includes eight other dogs, but those eight usually visit the hospital once a week for two hours.

“I was walking around the unit to regain my strength when I saw Lily and the dogs and they just made me smile and forget that I am sick,” Sabel said.

Sabel is a retired physician’s assistant with 36 years of health care experience who has seen professionally the benefit of pet therapy for patients. She had numerous visits with Lily during her hospital stay.

“It’s like Lily is my own dog,” she said. “Lily gave me a hug and even got in bed with me to give love.”

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North got the idea for a full-time facility dog from BayCare’s St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Tampa where Revere, a male Labrador-golden retriever mix, has been a facility dog working with pediatric patients since 2023.

“We saw how positive our pet therapy program was for patients and team members and wondered what it would look like to have that higher level of interaction with a facility dog here five days a week for eight hours a day,” said Mary Partridge, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s operations director.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North worked with Michigan-based Paws With A Cause that places facility dogs in hospitals, schools, senior living and memory care facilities and other community settings. Paws With A Cause matched Lily with St. Joseph’s Hospital-North and began training for certification. Lily’s training to become a certified facility dog took about a year and was primarily in Michigan.

She moved to Florida in June to finish training at the hospital. Training and certification for Lily’s four St. Joseph’s Hospital-North handlers also began after Lily came to Florida. Lily’s training and certification were completed at the end of October. She’s been on the job full-time since then.

Lily’s four handlers are Gabrielle Fink, occupational therapist; Crystal Herring, care coordination manager; Kerry Hipple, nurse manager; and Hailey MacNealy, behavioral health therapist. Lily’s home outside the hospital is with  Herring’s family.

Visits from Lily happen throughout the hospital, including the emergency department, the infusion center and the hospital’s innovative behavioral health unit where she regularly attends group therapy sessions.

“I see a lot of patients who have a lot of anxiety, depression and pain,” said handler Fink, the occupational therapist. “Just having Lily present in the therapy sessions has made a world of difference in how patients’ outcomes are. It’s been nothing but a blessing.”

MacNealy has seen the impact Lily has had on St. Joseph’s Hospital-North staff. 

“Team members come to me all the time and tell me how much love and satisfaction they get from seeing Lily during a hard day at work,” she said. “The impact she has made on team members cannot be stated enough.”

“A lot of work has been done to see this project through,” said Partridge, the St. Joseph’s Hospital-North operations director. “To see the impact Lily has made on so many people is really special.”

From left with Lily, Gabrielle Fink, Hailey MacNealy, Crystal Herring, Kerry Hipple and Mary Partridge. Photo courtesy of BayCare Health System

Experts discuss Tampa Bay waterways

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The discussion was part of a series of panels hosted by Ocean Conservancy, a nonprofit that delivers evidence-based solutions for our waters. Photo courtesy of Ocean Conservancy

ST. PETERSBURG – Rising pollution, stormwater runoff and aging septic systems are putting Tampa Bay’s waterways under increasing pressure. 

Local experts and residents gathered Nov. 19 at Green Bench Brewing Company for Our Water, Our Future: A Vision for Florida’s Coastlines, a panel discussion hosted by Ocean Conservancy and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper to explore the region’s environmental challenges and potential solutions.

The conversation comes amid a recent investigation highlighting how weakened oversight and environmental enforcement are contributing to declining water quality, seagrass loss and algal blooms across Florida. 

Panelists explored how these broader trends are reflected locally and discussed what residents and policymakers can do to help protect Tampa Bay.

“Florida’s waterways are under increasing pressure from pollution and storm impacts,” said Jon Paul “J.P.” Brooker, Ocean Conservancy’s director of Florida conservation. “Events like this panel give residents and experts a chance to come together, understand the science behind these issues, and discuss practical ways to improve the health of our waters.”

“Residents can have a real impact through everyday actions, like reducing runoff or supporting local restoration,” added Justin Tramble, executive director of Tampa Bay Waterkeeper. “When people take responsibility for their waterways, it encourages broader change and helps Tampa Bay recover and thrive.”

Other panelists included:

  • Maya Burke, assistant director, Tampa Bay Estuary Program
  • Capt. Dustin Pack, captain, FlyTide Charters
  • Jack Prator, reporter, Tampa Bay Times
  • Katie Bauman, Florida policy manager, Surfrider Foundation

Attendees joined a Q&A session with panelists, discussing ways to address pollution and protect Tampa Bay’s waters. The conversation emphasized how research and local initiatives can guide decision-making and support the long-term health of the region. 

 

Leader kicks off tenure by serving community

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Jim Burkee and his wife, Hanen, volunteer and spend time with students at Sacred Heart Early Childhood Center in Dade City. Ray Reyes/Saint Leo University

 

ST. LEO – Close to 1,000 students, faculty and staff came together Nov. 19 to welcome Jim Burkee as Saint Leo University’s 12th president. The welcome coincided with a Day of Service, which mobilized volunteers across campus, throughout the Tampa Bay region and into communities nationwide.

“We are a university of service. But service is just the beginning. Service is the foundation on which we stand, not the ceiling to which we aspire,” Burkee said. “Today, at this moment in history, Saint Leo stands on the threshold of something remarkable.”

 

Saint Leo students, faculty and staff gather at the Wellness Center Gym to kick off the Day of Service. Ray Reyes/Saint Leo University

Service across the region

Local volunteers took part in hands-on projects at 30 locations across the Tampa Bay region and on Saint Leo University’s residential campus, while online students and those at the university’s five education centers served in their own communities. Projects ranged from environmental stewardship and campus beautification to supporting nonprofits, schools and care centers.

Burkee joined in throughout the day, beginning with gardening and light grounds work alongside the Benedictine Sisters of Florida at Holy Name Monastery. He later assisted with playground cleanup at the Sacred Heart Early Childhood Center and visited residents at Elevated Estates at The Edwinola in Dade City. On campus, he spent time supporting volunteer efforts at Saint Leo Abbey and other locations.

For Lucinda O’Quinn, director of the Sacred Heart Early Childhood Center, Saint Leo’s help was deeply appreciated. 

“The staff and I feel truly blessed by the work that the volunteer team accomplished,” she said.

 

Jim Burkee visits with veterans at Elevated Estates at The Edwinola in Dade City. Ray Reyes/Saint Leo University

A community celebration

The Day of Service concluded with a community reception at Saint Leo University’s Wellness Center Gym. Hundreds gathered to welcome Burkee, hear his vision for the university’s future and recognize the collective impact of the day’s work.

Bryan DePoy, Saint Leo’s interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, opened the program by expressing his confidence in the leadership Burkee brings to the university.

“Beginning his presidency with service rather than ceremony sets a tone that aligns with who Jim is and who we strive to be as a university,” DePoy said.

The Benedictine Sisters of Florida at Holy Name Monastery and the Monks of Saint Leo Abbey then offered a Blessing and Laying on of Hands, a Benedictine tradition symbolizing unity in faith and community.

Burkee followed with his presidential address, sharing his vision for Saint Leo’s next chapter.

“Imagine Saint Leo known not for wealth or prestige, but for sending a wave of servant-leaders into a world desperate for them, as we did today,” Burkee said. “This is our calling. This is our responsibility. This is our destiny. And that is why this Day of Service is more than symbolic. It is a declaration.”

 

Jim Burkee delivers his presidential address. Ray Reyes/Saint Leo University