The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Business Digest (01/21/26): Youth and Family Advocates getting new leader

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The Cake Girl recently surprised residents at Liberty Manor for Veterans as part of a Christmas tradition. The company creates custom cakes, wedding cakes and cupcakes at 14851 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Carrollwood. The Cake Girl has been featured on “Today” and Entrepreneur magazine. Photo courtesy of Liberty Manor for Veterans

Youth and Family Advocates getting new leader

NEW PORT RICHEY – Mark Wickham will retire as president and CEO of Youth and Family Advocates on June 30 after 13 years of service. 

“For over a decade, Mark has led YFA with a passion for service, building community partnerships, and creating resources to support children and families across our seven-county service area,” Board Chair Nicholas Ottaviano emailed supporters. “His greatest legacy is the team he has cultivated: leaders who are courageous, humble and unwavering in their commitment to YFA’s mission and the children and families we serve.”

Susan Eby, who has served as chief operating officer, will replace Wickham as president and CEO. 

“Her leadership is grounded in data-driven decision-making and a deep understanding of quality improvement in human services,” Ottaviano wrote. “Throughout her career, Susan has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing social and emotional wellness at both individual and community levels.”

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a Coffee Social, a ribbon cutting and a New Member Orientation. 

  • The chamber hosts its Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 21 at 28329 Paseo Drive, Suite 195, Wesley Chapel. 
  • Members hold a ribbon cutting from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 22 at Primrose School of Wesley Chapel, 26031 County Line Road, Wesley Chapel.
  • New chamber members go through New Member Orientation from 9 to 10 a.m. Jan. 28 at 28329 Paseo Drive, Suite 195, Wesley Chapel. Register in advance. 

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

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a legislative briefing, nonprofit roundtable, ribbon cutting and women’s programming. 

  • Jessica Alban, founder of Cloud 9 Feng Shui, talks about leading with purpose during the Professional Women in Business Networking Lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 21 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance. 
  • Members hear from State Rep. Brad Yeager during State Legislative and Pasco Day Briefing from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 23 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance. 
  • The Greater Pasco Nonprofit Network features a roundtable of nonprofits to discuss various issues. They meet from 9 to 10 a.m. Jan. 27 at 4 & Co Coworking Spaces, 16703 Early Riser Ave., Land O’ Lakes. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance. 
  • Members celebrate the opening of the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco & Hernando’s Hudson office from 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 28 at 12107 Majestic Blvd., Hudson. The ribbon cutting starts at 9:15 a.m. Register in advance. 

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

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – The East Pasco Chamber members will host Coffee & Networking events.

  • Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Jan. 23 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.) and 8 to 9 a.m. Jan. 27 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.). 

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

Chalk Talk (01/21/26): PHSC welcomes board members 

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Toni Zetzsche

PHSC welcomes board members 

NEW PORT RICHEY – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Toni Zetzsche and the reappointment of Gino Collura and Marilyn Pearson-Adams to the Pasco-Hernando State College District Board of Trustees.

Zetzsche will serve as a Pasco County representative. She is the chief communications and community engagement officer for Pasco County Schools. She is a member of the Greater Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, the Council for Exceptional Children, and the Pasco County Commission on the Status of Women. 

Gino Collura

Collura is the founder of Big Guava Management. He serves on the Prison Rehabilitative Industries and Diversified Enterprises Board of Directors and is an advisory board member for the University of South Florida College of Education, the Saint Leo University College of Arts and Sciences and Heroes Adapt. Collura has served on PHSC’s board since 2024.

Pearson-Adams is the owner and broker of Century 21 Alliance Realty in Spring Hill. She is a member of the National, Florida and Hernando County Associations of Realtors and was inducted into the National Association of Realtors Hall of Fame in 2020. Pearson-Adams has served on the board since 2014.

 

College students can apply for scholarship

TAMPA – Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer invites college students to apply for a scholarship provided by the Florida Supervisors of Elections. 

The FSE is offering three $1,200 scholarships to eligible Florida residents who are accepted or enrolled as full-time students in a senior college or university in Florida. Students must also be at least a junior in college, or have enough credits for enrollment as a junior prior to the application date.

Hillsborough County residents must apply through the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office by March 6. Students must be either a political science, public/business administration or journalism/mass communication major. Visit VoteHillsborough.gov/Scholarship or email to learn requirements and how to apply. 

 

Howard joins Victory High Schools

TAMPA – Victory High Schools welcomed Amelia Howard to its team. 

Howard will be providing individual and group therapy at the Tampa School. 

She is a licensed mental health counselor, qualified supervisor, addictions professional and founder of Soul Purpose Counseling & Consulting PLLC. 

She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. She has worked in community-based, nonprofit, managed care and private practice settings.

Her background includes work with the University of South Florida, Metropolitan Ministries and Phoenix House.

 

Quick Hits

  • Denisa Varda, of Lutz, graduated this fall from Troy University in Troy, Alabama. 
  • Elanah Hardeen, of Odessa, made the president’s list at Young Harris College in Young Harris, Georgia. Students must earn a 4.0 grade point average or better.
  • Odessa residents Jillian Abarca, Nicholas DelNegro and Gennaro Scarfogliero made the dean’s list at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia. They earned a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
  • Lutz residents Blake Boles and Dylan Heck made the dean’s list at Nazareth University in Rochester, New York. They earned a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher. 
  • Riley Hall, of Wesley Chapel, made the president’s list at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. Riley is a senior in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
  • Evelyn Randall, of Dade City, made the dean’s honor list at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, Wisconsin. Evelyn is studying in the School of Human Ecology.

 

Lee works to combat online predators  

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 6719, the Combating Online Predators Act, legislation introduced by Congresswoman Laurel Lee to strengthen protections for children targeted by online sextortion.

The bill explicitly criminalizes intentional threats to distribute child sexual abuse material, a coercive tactic increasingly used by online predators to exploit and silence children. 

Under current law, sextortion has fallen outside existing child sexual abuse material statutes, forcing prosecutors to rely on patchwork charging theories that fail to reflect the gravity of these crimes.

Lee delivered her floor speech in support of the legislation on Jan. 12 during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

“Predators are exploiting gaps in our laws to terrorize children online,” Lee said. “By passing the Combating Online Predators Act, Congress is making clear that these threats will be prosecuted with the seriousness they deserve.”

Reported sextortion cases in the United States rose from 13,842 in the first half of 2024 to 23,593 in the first half of 2025. Children are particularly vulnerable, with boys ages 14 to 17 most often targeted. In tragic cases, sextortion has led young victims to take their own lives.

During her remarks, Lee honored the lives of children lost to sextortion. She shared the story of a Florida mother whose son committed suicide after being targeted online.

The Combating Online Predators Act builds on Lee’s prior work to combat online exploitation, including the REPORT Act, which strengthened reporting requirements for online service providers and was signed into law in the previous Congress.

With House passage secured, Lee emphasized that protecting children from online exploitation must remain a bipartisan priority and that predators must be held fully accountable under federal law.

The bill now awaits consideration in the Senate.

 

EggBred hatching a Land O’ Lakes location

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LAND O’LAKES – EggBred will celebrate the grand opening of its newest location in the Hub at Bexley. The weekend-long celebration on Jan. 24 and 25 will feature free food, free coffee and giveaways. 

Located at 16916 Focus Loop in Land O’Lakes, the new EggBred location will deliver a fresh breakfast experience centered around high-quality ingredients and bold flavors. Every dish is made from scratch and cooked to order using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. 

Doors open at 7 a.m. Jan. 24. Guests can take advantage of several grand opening specials. The first 100 customers will receive a free breakfast sandwich, with their choice of the Scramble Me Softly or Bacon, Egg & Cheese. The next 100 guests will receive a free sandwich on their next visit. 

Free coffee will be served all day Saturday and Sunday to celebrate the opening weekend.

Guests can expect EggBred’s signature menu offerings, including breakfast sandwiches, burritos and fresh coffee.

“We’re thrilled to open our doors in Land O’Lakes and introduce the community to the EggBred experience,” said Albert Shim, CEO of EggBred. “From the food to the atmosphere, everything we do is centered around quality, creativity and connection. We’re excited to become part of the neighborhood and serve breakfast worth waking up for.” 

On the web: eggbred.com/landolakes  

 

Pasco County fights human trafficking

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DADE CITY – The Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking is not only working to combat the crime locally, but it is also helping other communities across the country mobilize against exploitation. 

The commission has worked to ensure every current and future Pasco County employee is trained on human trafficking issues. Members are preparing to expand that to every Pasco County Schools employee. 

Several members of the commission led a workshop at the Shared Hope International conference on Oct. 15 in Orlando. The 90-minute session was on how county commissions can lead in child trafficking prevention.

Liana Dean, chair of the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking, said one of the results of presenting at the conference has been hearing from groups across the country with interest in launching commissions of their own.

“Our reach is growing,” Dean said. “I’m very excited that we’ve had those opportunities to assist other counties across the U.S. in setting up commissions.”

The Pasco Board of County Commissioners presented a resolution Jan. 6 declaring January 2026 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Pasco County. Elected officials praised the work of Dean and her team. 

“Human trafficking is occurring in Pasco County,” according to the resolution. “Through the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking, our community has united to combat this horrific crime and restore dignity to survivors by bringing together the sectors deemed critical to effectively combat human trafficking, such as law enforcement, schools, child welfare, nonprofits, businesses, faith-based organizations, survivors and more.”

Outside of training, the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking has also provided materials to firehouses. Middle and high schools have received posters about sexting and sextortion.

Dean said members have assisted in law enforcement operations involving missing and endangered children, specifically mentioning the U.S. Marshals’ Home for the Holidays, which led to the recovery of 57 kids from the Tampa Bay area. 

Members also assisted the University of South Florida’s Trafficking in Persons Risk to Resilience Lab this past year in launching the first State Report on Human Trafficking.

Members with the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking are also organizing events for the coming year, including a national survivor leadership conference. 

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman credited Dean for her leadership. 

“She’s really, in my opinion, the subject matter expert and the leader in combating these horrific, horrific crimes that take place in our county and beyond,” Weightman said.

 

Castor reacts to Affordable Care Act tax credit extension

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) voted “yes” on a bipartisan discharge petition that would extend the enhanced Affordable Care Act Tax Credits for the next three years. She released the following statement: 

Neighbors across the Tampa Bay area who are grappling with huge health cost increases in the new year have hope for their pocketbooks and affordable care. 

House Democrats successfully forced a vote and were joined by 17 Republicans to pass a three-year extension of enhanced tax credits. 

I appreciate the many Tampa Bay neighbors who shared their stories about the economic stability that affordable health coverage provides. 

Our health care system needs reform, but we cannot allow Republicans to sabotage health care for 22 million Americans in order to fund massive tax cuts for billionaires. 

People deserve affordable, consistent access to the care they need.

The ACA has been a godsend for hardworking Americans since it was signed into law 15 years ago in ending discrimination for preexisting conditions, allowing young people to stay on parents insurance until age 26, and providing true options for the self-employed. 

Our country and economy are stronger when Americans are healthy and can thrive.

I am thankful to the handful of Republicans who worked in a bipartisan manner with Democrats to get this bill across the finish line.

The Senate should immediately pass the three-year so our neighbors have greater access to more affordable health care coverage.

The Office of Congresswoman Kathy Castor is collecting stories about how the Affordable Care Act Tax Credits help her neighbors. 

News Briefs (01/15/25): Pasco offices to close for MLK Day

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Pasco County offices to close for MLK Day

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco Board of County Commissioners offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources’ Offices, Recreation Complex buildings and Community Centers will be closed; however, parks and beaches will remain open to the public from dawn to dusk.

Pasco County Public Transportation (GoPasco) will provide regular transportation services (fixed-route and demand response); however, GoPasco administrative offices will be closed.

All Pasco County Libraries will be closed.

Pasco County Animal Services Administration Office, Adoption Center, Intake/Reclaim Shelter and Field Services will be closed. An Animal Control Officer will be available for emergencies only.

The Pasco County Resource Recovery Facility, West Pasco Class III and the East Pasco Transfer Station will be closed to the public; however, they will be open to Pasco County licensed commercial haulers.

BCC government offices will reopen Tuesday, Jan. 20.

 

Church hosts Tampa March for Life

TAMPA – The Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg will host its second annual Tampa March for Life on Jan. 17 to advocate for the protection of life and an end to abortion.

Event highlights include:

  • 9 a.m. – Mass celebrated by Bishop Gregory Parkes and local priests. The Mass is the central worship service of the Catholic faith and its highest form of prayer.
  • 10:10 a.m. – The half-mile march begins, escorted by the Tampa Police Department. Participants will follow a diocesan banner and a special float adorned with bright flowers and an image of Mary.
  • 11 a.m. – Rally at Perry Harvey Sr. Park featuring music, speakers, games, food trucks and family-friendly activities, along with information about life-affirming resources offered through Catholic Charities, including pregnancy centers and support services for women, children and families.

The event begins at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 509 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, and concludes at Perry Harvey Sr. Park, 1000 E. Harrison St., Tampa.

 

District aims to reduce risk of wildfires  

BROOKSVILLE – Setting prescribed fires in controlled settings can reduce the risk of wildfires burning out of control. That’s why the Southwest Florida Water Management District will conduct prescribed burns now through March on Starkey Wilderness Preserve and Conner Preserve.

Starkey Wilderness Preserve is located east of New Port Richey, west of the Suncoast Parkway, north of State Road 54 and south of State Road 52. Approximately 500 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.

Conner Preserve is located south of State Road 52 and west of Ehren Cutoff. Approximately 300 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.

Some major benefits of prescribed fire include:

  • Reducing overgrown plants, which decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfires.
  • Promoting the growth of new, diverse plants.
  • Maintaining the character and condition of wildlife habitat.
  • Maintaining access for public recreation.

The district conducts prescribed fires on approximately 30,000 acres each year.

U.S. Rep. Lee secures investments for Florida’s 15th District

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Laurel Lee praised the passage of multiple appropriations bills through the House on Jan. 8 that address needs in Florida’s 15th Congressional District.

These bills include priorities to strengthen public safety, protect access to clean drinking water and advance medical research and workforce development.

“These bills move Washington toward accountable budgeting by reducing overall federal spending while prioritizing essential investments that protect public safety, clean drinking water and economic opportunity,” Lee said. “As one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, Florida’s 15th District must ensure our infrastructure, public safety systems and research institutions can keep pace with that growth.”

The fiscal year 2026 appropriations package includes the following projects, each selected for its broad public benefit and long-term value to the community:

  • Pasco County Crystal Springs Chlorine Booster Station Project: Improving drinking water safety and efficiency through federal investment in a chlorine booster station at Pasco County’s Crystal Springs facility, reducing unnecessary water loss while ensuring compliance with standards.
  • Moffitt Cancer Center CryoCure: Illuminating Cancer’s Hidden Structures: Accelerating lifesaving cancer research with federal funding for advanced imaging technology that enables researchers to better understand how cancer drugs interact at the molecular level and speeds the development of more precise, targeted therapies.
  • Hillsborough County Drinking Water Infrastructure Inspection and Analysis Program: Preventing disruptive water main breaks by supporting a comprehensive inspection and analysis of aging underground water infrastructure, allowing the county to identify vulnerabilities early and prioritize critical repairs before failures occur.
  • USF Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Makerspace Equipment Acquisition and Installation: Preparing students for high-demand technology careers through investment in hands-on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity equipment at the University of South Florida, strengthening workforce readiness and supporting Tampa Bay’s growing innovation economy.
  • Plant City Vehicle Incident Prevention and Mitigation Program: Protecting pedestrians at public events by providing federal funding for specialized safety barriers used by local law enforcement during parades, festivals and other large gatherings, helping prevent unauthorized vehicle access and reducing the risk of vehicle-based attacks.

“These projects address real needs by keeping families safe, ensuring access to clean and reliable drinking water and positioning our district as a leader in medical research and innovation,” Lee said. 

 

New Tampa Performing Arts Center to host SpongeBob, jazz artists

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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – The 2025-26 season at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center continues in January with a variety of high-quality entertainment across music, dance and film.

  • The Tampa Qipao Team presents a dazzling evening celebrating its 10th anniversary alongside the 2026 Chinese New Year at 7 p.m. Jan. 16. Hosted by the Florida Hubei Chinese Association, this festive showcase will feature vibrant performances by singers, dance troupes and cultural ensembles, including Anna Dance Academy and Tampa Sunshine Choir. General admission tickets cost $8. Email the Florida Hubei Chinese Association at for tickets. 
  • New Tampa Jazz Nights, presented by the New Tampa Performing Arts Center and Tampa Jazz Club, returns at 8 p.m. Jan. 17 with another intimate concert from renowned jazz musicians. The concert features world-renowned vibraphonist and drummer Chuck Redd with the Best of the Bay jazz trio La Lucha. Tickets range from $10 to $35 and can be purchased through Tampa Jazz Club. 
  • Inspired by the popular show “MTV Unplugged,” the New Tampa Unplugged concert series showcases acoustic performances by prominent musicians from Tampa Bay. Alexis Carra, a Tampa native and musical theater maven, returns to the New Tampa Unplugged stage at 3 p.m. Jan. 18 after receiving high praise for her heartfelt performance last season. Carra’s career has spanned from the Broadway stage (“Wicked” and “Sweet Charity”) to Hollywood (“Mixology” and “Two and a Half Men”). Tickets range from $10 to $25 based on seat selection and can be purchased at NewTampaArtsCenter.org/tickets.
  • REVolutions Dance will perform twice at the center in January. REVolutionary Moves (Jan. 22 at 10:30 a.m.) is presented as part of New Tampa Performing Arts Center’s Theatre for Young Audiences program. This interactive and educational performance teaches audiences about the value of diversity and inclusion through a unique blend of storytelling and professionally choreographed dances. REV20 (Jan. 23 at 8 p.m.) celebrates 20 years of inclusive dance performances. The company will present its favorite dance pieces spanning the past two decades, along with new works. 
  • New Tampa Players presents “The SpongeBob Musical” from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1. This unique full-length production experience is a joint production between New Tampa Players’ Mainstage and Ampersand groups. Buy tickets through New Tampa Players. 

The New Tampa Performing Arts Center is located at 8550 Hunters Village Road.

On the web: NewTampaArtsCenter.org 

Pasco tweaks parking rules for RVs, commercial vehicles 

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NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County no longer allows parking of recreational or commercial vehicles on streets in master planned unit developments.  

The change expands on-street parking restrictions from residential neighborhoods to include larger, mixed-use communities.

“These changes to our Land Development Code address concerns about long-term parking and storage of these types of vehicles,” said Jack Mariano, chairman of the board of county commissioners. “The goal is to improve safety and visibility on neighborhood streets and make our communities more visually appealing.”

Under the new rules:

  • You can’t park RVs, including boats, trailers, campers or jet skis, in any county right-of-way, including on-street parking spaces.
  • You can’t park commercial vehicles in master planned unit developments, unless your company is legally doing business within the development or you park your commercial vehicle in an enclosed structure such as a garage. 

Pasco County will share educational information on pascocountyfl.gov and social media platforms to help people understand the new rules. Information cards will also be placed on vehicles that are in violation of the new laws.

Warning notices and tickets with fines up to $500 per day will be issued after this educational period, which ends Feb. 27.

These updates apply only to street parking. All existing rules for RV and boat parking on private property, including temporary allowances during disaster recovery, remain unchanged. 

On the web: mypas.co/Parking-Rules