The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Letter: Students with disabilities need summer programming

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I am the parent of a child receiving special education services and an engaged member of the Pasco County community.

I am writing to raise a concern shared by many families in our district: the lack of accessible summer programming for students with disabilities. While many families rely on camps and structured enrichment programs during the summer months, students like mine are often left without any safe or suitable options.

Like many other parents, I made the necessary decision to leave my career in order to care for my child during the summer, because no available programs could safely support them.

But this issue goes beyond summer. My child, and many others, have already been effectively excluded from magnet programs, many charter schools, and even our neighborhood schools. And while “school choice” is often promoted, the reality is that parents like me are left with very few nearby options, and may need to commute up to 45 minutes each way just to reach a school equipped to meet our child’s needs.

We are not asking for special treatment; we are asking for thoughtful planning and consistent support.

I respectfully ask:

  • Are there any current plans to create summer programs that support students with disabilities? • Has the district explored community partnerships or available funding to help make these programs possible?
  • What steps are in place to ensure students receiving special education services are supported throughout the entire year, not just during the school year?

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I would welcome the opportunity to participate in any future discussions or planning efforts around this topic. I am confident that, together, we can work toward solutions that reflect our community’s commitment to all of its children.

Parent and community advocate Carmen Singleton sent this open letter to the Pasco County school board and the community.

 

Hospital uses robotic surgery for hysterectomy patients

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WESLEY CHAPEL –  AdventHealth Wesley Chapel is the first hospital in Florida to perform a new, minimally invasive robotic hysterectomy.

The procedure provides a new option for women who need to have their uterus removed and want a procedure that will leave them with no visible scars and a shorter hospital stay.  

Dr. Olufunke Abiose and Dr. Gerard Jackson performed the da Vinci vNOTES Hysterectomy at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. vNOTES stands for vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.  

“As a surgeon, I am continually pursuing advanced training and innovative techniques to offer my patients the least invasive and most effective surgical options available,” Dr. Abiose said. “Many of my patients are pleasantly surprised by how quickly they can return to their daily routines after surgery. Incorporating robotic-assisted technology into vaginal procedures adds a new level of precision and control.”

In the U.S., about 500,000 hysterectomies are performed each year for women with chronic pain, fibroids, uterine prolapse, heavy bleeding, endometriosis, and precancerous or cancerous tumors. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists have recommended vaginal hysterectomy, whenever feasible, as the approach of choice.

During the daVinci vNOTES procedure, a device known as the GelPOINT  V-Path transvaginal access platform is placed through the vagina into the pelvic cavity, giving access to the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to provide the surgeon with the necessary space to see and operate. A high-definition camera, robotic arm and specialized instruments are inserted through the device, allowing surgeons to operate with precision and visualization.

Along with leaving no visible scars, hospital officials say the procedure offers patients a vaginal gynecological surgery option with less pain after the operation and a faster recovery compared to the traditional laparoscopic approach, where surgeons make small incisions in the abdomen to remove the uterus.  

“Using this leading-edge technology, the vast majority of our patients are able to leave the hospital the same day they were admitted and since this procedure avoids abdominal incisions, it typically results in a lesser need for pain medication,” said Dr. Robert Rosequist, chief medical officer for AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.

 

Bounty Bus to bring food to underserved communities

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DADE CITY – AdventHealth has formed a new partnership with Access to Fresh with the launch of the group’s new mobile market trailer, the Bounty Bus. 

Access to Fresh works to improve food access in underserved communities. Last year, Access to Fresh supported a variety of initiatives, providing seniors, students and food pantries with fresh produce.

The  partnership between AdventHealth and Access to Fresh aims to double the organization’s impact in providing fresh, locally sourced produce to families in need.  

“Our multi-year partnership with AdventHealth allows us to deliver fresh produce and nutrition education directly into underserved communities, strengthening local resilience and building a healthier food system from the ground up,” said Nichole Dube, co-founder of Access to Fresh. 

Dube is also behind Dube’s Mobile Market and Dube’s Farm and Market in Wesley Chapel, which has helped support AdventHealth’s Food is Health Program in counties across AdventHealth’s West Florida Division for the past five years. 

“Through this new partnership with Access to Fresh as well as our Food is Health program, we are committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities by increasing access to nutritious food options,” said Dean Whaley, executive director of strategic partnerships and community engagement for AdventHealth West Florida Division. 

A ribbon cutting for the Bounty Bus was held June 11 at the Lewis Abraham Lacoochee Boys & Girls Club. 

The event featured fresh fruit and vegetable tastings for children, an exercise demonstration and information about Access to Fresh’s summer nutrition program. 

“We are so excited to be selected as the first stop of the Bounty Bus,” said Eunique Byrd, Lacoochee Club director. “Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay serves 425,000 meals to youth annually, but we know there is still a huge need for fresh, nutritious food in the homes of many families we serve. The work that Bounty Bus and Access to Fresh do in the community is essential in ensuring that youth meet nutritional needs.”

Potatoes are low in fat but high in interesting tidbits

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Americans love their potatoes.  

In fact, it was the most purchased vegetable in the U.S. in 2023, according to the International Fresh Produce Association. More than half (63%) of those potato sales are from food manufacturers for further processing, such as for French fries and chips.  

There are over 4,000 potato varieties, with Russet, Yukon Gold and Red among the most common.  

The potato itself, while starchy, is healthy until you start frying it in oil and adding salt or loading it with sour cream or butter, of course.  

Their fiber content, potassium levels, Vitamin C and minerals such as iron, magnesium and manganese make them nutrient dense.  

They are also low in fat and calories and are part of the starchy subgroup of vegetables, along with plantains, yams, corn and parsnips.  

Though their starchiness and high glycemic index effects blood sugar levels, they can still be part of a diabetic-friendly diet, depending on how many grams of carbs you are restricted to, so be mindful of portion sizes.

Potatoes are native to South America.  

Spanish conquistadors came across potatoes in Peru and brought them back to Europe in 1536.  

It didn’t make its way to North America until the 1620s, when the governor of the Bahamas sent a box of gifts to the governor of the colony of Virginia, with potatoes being among the items.  

However, they did not become popular until Thomas Jefferson started serving potatoes to guests at the White House, after he was introduced to them in France while serving as the Ambassador to France in the late 1700s.  

Speaking of France … do you know the history of French fries?  

France’s neighbor, Belgium, claim to have invented fries.  

As the story goes, in a small village in Belgium in the winter of 1680, when the local river froze and they couldn’t catch fish to fry, they used long segments of potatoes and fried them instead.  

However, food historians dispute this, saying oil was too scarce and that they wouldn’t have fried potatoes with it.  

They also question if potatoes were grown in that region at that time.  

Another story goes on to say that a Paris-trained chef traveled around Belgium, selling slices of fried potatoes at first, which he called Paris-style fried potatoes, and then eventually cut them into stick shapes so they would cook faster.

Today, both Belgium and France call them “pommes frites,” or fried potatoes.  

In the U.S., we call them French fries, possibly because of the cooking term, “Frenching,” a Julienne style of cooking, or possibly because U.S. soldiers during World War I discovered them in French-speaking Belgium and just assumed it was French.  

Whatever the origins of the name or the food itself, you can find them everywhere, whether it’s at a sports bar, fast food restaurant, from the frozen aisle, or you make them yourself in the air fryer to go with your hamburger.

 

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County, An Equal Opportunity Institution.

 

Zephyrhills grads told to be elite but also present

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ZEPHYRHILLS – Joel Torres Espinoza described his parents as the “perfect representation of the American Dream done right.” 

His dad worked countless hours to provide for the family while his mom stayed home and took care of Joel and his three older brothers. 

“My mom is the type of mother who would starve to make sure her baby boys were fed,” he said. “Now she knows she has four boys who would do anything for her.”

Espinoza said he developed his dad’s work ethic. That work ethic led Espinoza to earn the distinction of valedictorian at Zephyrhill High School. 

Espinoza told his classmates June 5 from the graduation stage that someone has a one in 400 trillion chance of being born and then a 4% chance of living in the United States. He urged classmates not to waste that opportunity they are blessed with and push themselves to operate at an elite level. 

Senior Class President Dylan Fleshood said he’s had so much fun at Zephyrhills High School, planning homecoming floats, organizing pep rallies, decorating for prom and coaching soccer. 

Fleshood encouraged classmates to keep striving for greatness in everything they do.

“Remember, your talent defines what you can do, your motivation determines how much you’re willing to do and your attitude will shape how well you do it,” Fleshood said.

Outstanding Senior Alyssa Rojas cautioned classmates about getting too fixated on the future that they overlook the beauty of the present. 

“We get caught up in the race to achieve and be successful that we lose sight of compassion and connection,” Rojas said. “Life isn’t just about reaching a destination. It’s about the journey, the lessons we learn and the memories we create. Let’s remember to cherish each step and find joy in living in the present.”

Principal Amanda McCoy said the Class of 2025 overcame challenges – some expected, others not – through resilience, creativity and heart. More than accolades, McCoy takes pride in the type of people they have become. 

She assured graduating seniors they are ready for what’s next. 

“Go forward with courage, dream big, work hard, stay kind and never forget where you came from,” she told them. “Class of 2025, we’re so proud of you. Congratulations and may your future be as bright as your spirit.”

Deputies return fire on suspect in Dade City 

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DADE CITY – The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting June 10 in the Rose Avenue area that resulted in the death of 25-year-old Cristian Javier Estrada Perez.

Deputies were trying to serve an ex parte order issued by a court at the request of Perez’s family due to threats he made to them, according to the sheriff’s office. Col. Tait Sanborn said deputies had to take Perez into custody for a mental health evaluation and previously attempted to serve the order on June 5, 6 and 9. 

“Deputies were made aware by family members that the subject was known to carry a firearm,” Sanborn said, noting there were around seven deputies on the scene trying to safely take him into custody. 

Deputies were there around 8:25 p.m. and attempted to communicate with Perez from the outside but he did not respond. 

“They were able to open a door and make visual contact with the subject, where they again made multiple attempts to ask him to come out to begin to have a conversation with him,” Sanborn said. 

Deputies eventually warned Perez that they would be deploying chemical agents inside the house. Then they deployed pepper balls.  

“They waited for a period of time, giving him additional opportunities to create a dialogue or exit the residence,” Sanborn said. “His response was to fire four rounds from a firearm, which we later learned he had strapped to his hand, so it could not be released.”

Deputies returned fire, hitting Perez. He died on the scene. No deputies were injured. 

In keeping with protocol, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the deputy-involved shooting and the two deputies who fired the rounds have been placed on paid administrative leave.

The sheriff’s office said this was an isolated incident with no threat to public safety. 

 

Wiregrass Ranch grads given partial playlist to success

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WESLEY CHAPEL –  Principal Robyn White offered four songs to inspire the Class of 2025 as they leave Wiregrass Ranch High School to pursue their dreams. 

White said graduates embodied resilience and determination, qualities reflected in songs like Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” and Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).”

“Each challenge you faced has only made you more resilient and prepared for the future,” White told them during graduation. “You’ve learned to fight for your dreams and stand a little taller.”

White told graduates to believe in themselves and stay hopeful, echoing the spirit of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing,” and to face challenges with the strength and courage of Katy Perry’s “Roar.”

White has presided over Wiregrass Ranch graduations for 13 years as principal but this would be her last. 

“As I retire after 39 years in education, the last 20 of which have been in Pasco County, I can’t think of a better time to go,” White said. “I leave with a heart full of gratitude and pride knowing that the future is in the hands of such capable and inspiring young individuals.”

Graduates also spoke about the relativity of time. 

Salutatorian Nicholas Kovacs said looking back at high school was already starting to feel like a dream, though it felt like a lifetime going through the past four years.

Valedictorian Austin McCallister said that if someone would have told him that it would take 4,500 hours to finish high school, it would have seemed like an eternity. He compared the experience to climbing a mountain. 

“Mountains aren’t supposed to be climbed all at once,” McCallister said. “They are climbed step by step – one class, one hour, one caffeine-fueled all-nighter at a time. And look around, we made it.”

McCallister nudged classmates to continue climbing new mountains as they emerge and not be afraid to fall or forge new paths. 

Student Council President Amera Gardner alluded to this in her speech, recalling a mix of excitement and anxiety she felt on the first day of high school.

“We weren’t just the new kids,” Gardner explained. “We were the first full class to return after COVID, stepping into a school, still trying to find its rhythm. But instead of easing in, we brought that energy, we showed up, we got involved and we redefined what normal meant.”

Gardner described how the Class of 2025 finds itself in a familiar spot, ready to fly from the nest but with some apprehension of leaving. She assured classmates they are ready to fly.

“Tonight we soar,” she said, “together, apart and forever connected.”

 

Wesley Chapel High School grads reflect on resilience 

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WESLEY CHAPEL – Pierre-Etienne Boisvert encountered a pair of challenges that could have derailed his education. Instead, they became brief mentions in his salutatorian speech June 4 at Wesley Chapel High School.

Boisvert shared with fellow graduates how he moved from Canada to Florida with very little knowledge of English when he was 10 years old. He overcame the language barrier in about a year thanks to Google Translate and Duolingo.

During the COVID-19 pandemic. Boisvert thrived in virtual learning, earning A’s for a whole year. This motivated him to try to get all A’s throughout high school, bringing the honor of salutatorian within reach. 

Boisvert encouraged classmates to reach their goals. 

“In the future, let’s move forward towards our dreams no matter what,” he said. “Through sheer perseverance and overcoming any obstacle in our way, we will be able to become something greater.”

The Class of 2025 is off to a great start, earning more than $4 million in scholarships, according to Principal Matt McDermott. Among the graduates, McDermott said, 259 graduated with honors, 23 received AP Capstone diplomas, 20 earned associate degrees and nine are enlisting in the Armed Forces.

“I have no doubt in my classmates’ abilities to carry through with their goals because I’ve seen the devotion that brought them here today to walk across this stage with pride in more than just their academic and athletic accomplishments,” Valedictorian Sean Donahue said in a humor-infused speech. “I do, however, doubt their ability to park in between the lines.”

McDermott also recognized the 18 student-athletes that signed scholarships to compete at the collegiate level. 

The Class of 2025 won conference, district and regional titles in various sports, including baseball, basketball, cheerleading, golf, tennis, track, volleyball and weightlifting. 

Then there was the Wildcat band that won superior ratings in several state assessments.

Speaking of music, McDermott channeled a verse from Canadian singer-songwriter Josh Ross: “Life is short and time is swift, do what you love and love what you do.”

“These words hold a profound truth,” McDermott told students. “They remind us that our journey through life is fleeting. And it is essential to pursue your passions and find joy in your endeavors.”

McDermott reminded graduates how they showed resilience, creativity and a commitment to excellence as they faced challenges. He encouraged them to carry those qualities with them into the next chapter of their lives. 

 

Youth place flags at Florida National Cemetery

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Event organizers said the event instills a sense of gratitude and a deeper appreciation for citizenship, history and  sacrifice. Photos courtesy of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Tampa Area

BUSHNELL – Youth from congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the Tampa Bay area gathered at the Florida National Cemetery this week to participate in an annual tradition.

They placed American flags in front of thousands of headstones, pausing at each one to speak the veteran’s name aloud and say, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice.”

The gathering brought young people together from communities such as Land O’ Lakes, Lutz, Citrus Park and Spring Hill. 

“It means everything that I am here today,” said 13-year-old Ella Anderson of Land O’ Lakes, “that I can live with my family and friends in a free country.”

Event organizers said the event instills a sense of gratitude and a deeper appreciation for citizenship, history and  sacrifice. Photos courtesy of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Tampa Area

The day carried a personal connection for Abigail Bradberry, 13, of Lutz.

“My great-grandfather is buried here and I never met him,” Abigail said. “But I do know he was a great, fun person, and knowing that helps me realize that I can still remember him and thank him for everything he did – even though I didn’t meet him.”

Emma McCann, 5, of Spring Hill, said her favorite part was placing the flags and reading the names. 

“I noticed a grave had the same last name as me,” Emma said. “My dad and I are going to see if we are related to him.”

Luke Anderson, 15, of Land O’ Lakes, shared a hope that drives many of the youth to return year after year.

“I hope that people remember the men and women that served and died for our country and our freedoms,” Luke said. “I hope they also remember to respect these freedoms and know they weren’t just given. They were earned by these people that served our country.”

 

GoPasco revamps bus service

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PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Public Transportation is enhancing routes and schedules to provide better service, improved connections and greater accessibility.

“We truly appreciate the input from our community, which played a vital role in shaping these improvements,” GoPasco Director Jannina Elkin said. “The feedback from surveys and public meetings has helped ensure these changes reflect the needs of our riders.”

Here’s what you can look forward to:

  • Enhanced schedules across all routes.
  • Improvements to Routes 14, 18, 21 and 30.
  • Better service along Little Road:
  • New Route 24 – Serving Little Road south of the West Pasco Government Center to SR 52, plus full service on Embassy Boulevard to Gulf View Square Mall
  • Route 23 – Covering Little Road north of the West Pasco Government Center to the YMCA and Bryan Square community off Legend Pasture Road
  • New Route 35 for Zephyrhills. Connecting the Zephyrhills Transfer Station with Eiland Boulevard, Dean Dairy Road, Chancey Road and Paul Buckman Highway.
  • Route 31 expansion – Connecting Fort King Road, Clinton Avenue and service to Moore Mickens.

Visit GoPasco.com for more information about the route improvements and the GoPasco bus routes and schedule changes.