The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

UnBinged: Summer of Adaptations — Reviews for ‘Lady in the Lake,’ ‘Sunny’ and ‘Those About to Die’

By

Lounging by the pool or hiding from the heat is the perfect time to indulge in a little summer reading. But for those who prefer the small screen to the written word, here are a few literary adaptations that found their way to streaming this month. From engaging mysteries to unhinged sci-fi, this month’s UnBinged reviews big-budget book adaptations looking to nab your interest. Parents, please note that these television series are rated TV-MA and are intended for mature audiences.

“The Lady in the Lake” (Apple TV+)

‘Lady in the Lake’ (Apple TV+)
Being underestimated, undervalued and underappreciated is discouraging when it comes from strangers, disheartening when it comes from friends, and depressing when it comes from family. And for many women, it is an everyday occurrence. But there is a gift in this thoughtless cruelty that undermines others: it motivates people to transform, as they have nothing to lose. 

The story of “Lady in the Lake” follows two vastly different women in 1966 — one a Jewish housewife and another a struggling single Black mother — whose lives are forever entangled due to the tragic murder of the latter. For Maddie Schwartz (Natalie Portman), the disappearance of a young girl sparks something within her to flee her middle-class existence, as well as her nebbish husband and surly teen son, in an effort to reinvent herself. Meanwhile, bartender and model Cleo Johnson (Moses Ingram) falls deeper into the seedy underbelly of Baltimore’s corrupt political scene, placing her life in danger as she attempts to provide for her family. Ultimately, Cleo’s world collides with Maddie’s as the fate of the two women become intertwined.

Both Portman and Ingram are given a chance to embody their characters before the crux of the story takes hold. Portman brings her acting aptitude to the role of Maddie as the Oscar winner epitomizes an Orthodox Jewish housewife who experiences a midlife crisis due to past trauma triggered by a horrific event in her community. And Ingram is equally pivotal, both as the struggling Cleo and as the omnipresent narrator, keeping the twisted tales in tandem even when the story seems uneven.

But “Lady in the Lake” isn’t just about how the case of a little girl galvanized a housewife or why a Black woman was murdered, but about women finding their identity through devastation. The performances and ethereal direction of the series bring the novel to life, captivating the viewer and holding their interest until the final climactic moments.  

“Sunny” (Apple TV+)

‘Sunny’ (Apple TV+)
Meet Suzie Sakamoto. Suzie (played by Rashida Jones) is not doing well. She just lost her son Zen and her husband Masa in a horrific plane crash, but their bodies cannot be found. Slightly abrasive even before the incident and all alone in Kyoto where she can barely speak the language, Suzie is isolated in her pain. Taking pity on her situation, her husband’s employer Imatech supplies the grieving woman with Sunny (voiced by Joanna Sotomura), a top-of-the-line robot created by her husband Masa (Hidetoshi Nishijima) specifically for Suzie. 

But something is amiss with Sunny. Beneath “her” constant chipper demeanor is a sinister secret, something that eventually leads Suzie to seek out “The Dark Manual,” a hacker’s guide that can allow bot owners to unlock the dark side of their automatons. Along with her new edgy friend Mixxy (Annie the Clumsy), Suzie explores more of this world in hopes of unraveling her roboticist husband’s secrets, but only discovering a dangerous faction who wishes to stay concealed.  

Based on the book “The Dark Manual” by Colin O’Sullivan, A24’s daring new comedic thriller for the small screen embodies new fears about AI and gives it a cheery disposition with vaguely threatening undertones, just enough to make audiences side-eye their Alexas and not fully trust their Roombas. The performances from Jones and Ms. Clumsy, particularly their chemistry together and their ability to interact with Sunny, work quite well as a source of comedy, though the antagonists are a little over the top. But the real stars here are the special effects, which are so seamless it is easy to overlook the outstanding work that went into the character creation of Sunny, whose expressions from elation to dismay are a wonder unto themselves.  

“Sunny” should garner interest from those who enjoy their dark future tales with a dash of black humor and mystery but grounded in reality. Fans of “Black Mirror” or other malevolent yet mundane sci-fi tales in which shades of the fantastic take a backseat to the horrors of humanity will find “Sunny” a uniquely creative series that will keep viewers enthralled. 

“Those About To Die” (NBCU)

‘Those About To Die’ (Peacock)
As extortionate series about dragon-based families and bodice-rippers set during the Regency era continue to draw large audiences, streaming services search for the next hit series among epic productions and costume dramas. Over at Peacock, Roland Emmerich enters the field with “Those About To Die,” a historical drama spotlighting gladiators and gambling halls of an ancient era.

Based on Daniel P. Mannix’s nonfiction novel, “Those About To Die” lifts up ancient rocks overlooked by most Hollywood productions and explores the Flavian Dynasty — the chaotic period that followed right after Nero’s fiddle fell silent — in which Emperor Vespasian (played by Anthony Hopkins) took to the throne. 

The story follows several social classes, from patricians such as Vespasian’s two sons, Titus and Domitian (Tom Hughes and Jojo Macari), who both eye the throne, to plebeians like Cala (Sara Martins), a mother who pursues her daughters after they are forcibly taken into slavery. But much of the series’ focus falls on Iwan Rheon who plays Tenax, owner of the largest betting tavern in Rome. The heart and soul of the series, the character is a stark (ahem) contrast to his iconic role as Ramsay Bolton from “Game of Thrones” (or “Misfits’” Simon for longtime fans). 

Elaborate sets and costumes paired with a top-tier cast and crew makes “Those About To Die” one of Peacock’s most ambitious projects to date, hoping to pique curiosity with its lavish production, but the drama has to clear more than just the high hurdle of notice among the many streaming offerings. Without the familiarity of Queen Cleopatra, Mark Antony, or other titans of history, a majority of viewers will depend on the storytelling to keep them absorbed, and while most of the tale is captivating, the multiple narratives are stretched a bit thin. So while characters can be compelling, particularly Rheon’s Tenax, there are too many of them in the onset, so some characters feel tacked on and shallow.

“Those About To Die” is an exorbitant historical melodrama hoping to nab the attention of picky at-home audiences. And while the series has done well by focusing on Rheon, the disjointed storytelling, particularly in the beginning, muddles the narrative enough to get the series off to a shaky start. But it is footing that has the ability to find more stable ground if or when it gets a second season. 

Published July 31, 2024

Report finds decrease in number of victims of commercial sexual exploitation

By

(The Center Square) — A new report from the Florida Legislature’s research arm found a significant decrease in the number of child victims of commercial sexual exploitation in the Sunshine State, but some services still sorely need improvement.

The Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability published its annual report on the sexual exploitation of minors in Florida and the data shows there has been an 11% decrease overall since 2020 in child victims of exploitation.

In 2023, there were a total of 339 minors who were identified as victims of exploitation, according to the Florida Department of Children and Families. However, while there has been an overall decrease in cases, reporting has increased by 6% since 2020.

The report identified a pattern of higher incidences of maltreatment and abuse in dependent youth under the care of the department than youth in the community. It was also found that the department lacks access to specialized settings for child victims of exploitation.

This includes facilities for youth needing rehabilitation for substance abuse and treatment for mental health. Other reported gaps in service included a lack of beds, which has not increased since 2023.

State officials say in the report that the department’s funding amounts fluctuate from year to year and note that agencies have consistently expended more funds than allocated. Between $3 million and $5.1 million per year has been allocated to department agencies since fiscal year 2018-2019.

For fiscal 2022-2023, the department allocated $3.5 million to lead agencies. It was found that in that same year, $11.5 million was spent. The report notes the huge upswing in spending was due to providing services and placements to 482 youth. This equates to around $23,000 per child.

The report points out the department is actively involved in recruitment and anticipates it will increase its capacity in placements by 2025. The majority of exploited youth spent most of their time in traditional foster homes and at-risk group homes once they had been verified.

Revictimized youth were the exception to this and spent more time in the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice facilities than foster homes and relative/non-relative placements.

Approximately 56% of youth with an exploitation finding were white, of which 92% were female and 95% of them were between 13 and 17 years old. Five counties — including Broward, Miami-Dade, Duval, Hillsborough and Escambia — accounted for over 40% of all verified exploitation cases.

Published July 31, 2024

Scott leads polls, fundraising in Florida U.S. Senate race

By

(The Center Square) — If recent polls and fundraising totals are to be believed, Florida incumbent U.S. Sen. Rick Scott will likely keep his seat in the GOP column.

Scott is leading in both the polls and fundraising efforts against his Democrat challenger Debbie Mucarsel-Powell ahead of the general election on Nov. 5.

Sen. Rick Scott speaks during preparations for the second day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 16, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

According to the Federal Election Commission website, Scott has raised almost $30 million between 2019 and 2024 and ranks 13th out of all U.S. Senate candidates running for office in 2024.

In total, Scott has spent over $26 million, most of it being on operating expenditures. Around $6.7 million was contributed to Scott’s campaign by individuals, while $7.8 million came from authorized committees. Around $5 million of the total was raised between 2023 and 2024.

Mucarsel-Powell raised $11.8 million between 2023 and 2024 alone, most of it from individual contributions. In 2018, She was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives but lost her reelection bid in 2020.

According to the Cook Political Report, Scott’s seat was listed in the likely Republican category, along with U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas. 

Republicans could take back the Senate in this election cycle, as the GOP is defending 11 seats and Democrats will have 23 seats. Cook rates four of those seats in the tossup category and predicts a Republican flip for the seat of retiring U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia. 

According to several different polls listed on ABC News’ Five ThirtyEight, Scott was leading in the polls in some instances up to 15 percentage points over Mucarsel-Powell in May.

However, a June poll released by Florida Atlantic University shows Scott’s lead shrinking from an eight-point advantage to a two-point lead. Florida Atlantic University’s Mainstreet poll had Scott in the lead by 17 percentage points in April.

Published July 31, 2024

UPDATE: Pasco Zone for 2024 Regional Bay Scallop Season temporarily closes

By

(Courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced a temporary closure of the recreational bay scallop harvest in the Pasco Zone. This area includes all state waters south of the Hernando-Pasco county line and north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County, encompassing the Anclote River, according to a news release.

The FWC is tasked with proactively testing and acting to keep Floridians safe. This precautionary measure is due to the detection of saxitoxin and Pyrodinium bahamanse at levels exceeding the safety thresholds established by the National Shellfish Sanitation Program. The Pasco Zone will reopen for scallop harvesting once tests show levels have decreased to safe limits.

In the Pasco Zone, scallop harvesting is currently suspended. However, the area is still open for other recreational activities including fishing, boating and swimming. All other scallop harvest zones continue to operate as usual.

For more information and updates, visit MyFWC.com/Scallops.

More police officers relocating to Florida from other states

By

(The Center Square) – Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody welcomed new police officers to the state after they relocated from Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico and New York.

“Florida is the most pro-law enforcement state in the nation because we back our blue,” Moody said. “We’ve been spreading the word about all the great incentives to join our ranks, and individuals like the new Sarasota recruits have answered the call – leaving behind places where their service was not as appreciated as it is here.”

Moody again recognized new recruits who moved to serve in Sarasota through her “Thin Line Tribute: Sunshine Salute” initiative after highlighting new recruits from California and New York who joined the St. Petersburg Police Department.

Attorney General Moody speaks to new recruits at Sarasota Police Department. (Florida Attorney General’s Office/YouTube)

“This is a law-and-order state. Officers want to be able to do their job,” Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche said. “There is no better feeling than when you know that you can go out there and be supported in enforcing the law. I’ve talked with officers all around the country and when state attorneys are not assisting them, it makes those officers not want to do their jobs. Thanks to the work of Attorney General Moody and Gov. (Ron) DeSantis, officers know that when you come to the state of Florida, you are going to be able to do, and be supported in, doing your job.”

New recruit Sarasota Police Officer Andrew Capozzi said he left New York for Florida because “protecting and serving in New York became increasingly difficult over the past several years, as some leaders turned their backs on law enforcement and flawed criminal justice policies allowed many defendants back out on the street within hours of being arrested,” according to a statement from Moody’s office.

New recruit Sarasota Police Officer Les Kismartoni, who worked for more than 20 years as a programmer in Chicago, decided to make a change to become a police officer in Florida. Kismartoni said it was the leadership at the local and state level of law enforcement that prompted the change.

Police officers are relocating to Florida through a new Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program created by DeSantis and the state legislature that first launched in April 2022. DeSantis signed the first bill of its kind into law allocating $125 million for bonuses to benefit local police officers, sheriff’s deputies, paramedics, EMTs and firefighters statewide. The legislature has since renewed funding for these programs and expanded protections for law enforcement officers.

In February, DeSantis presented the 4,000th bonus check to Bay County Sheriff’s Deputy Matthew Belthrop, who relocated from Virginia to take advantage of the program. New recruits receive a $5,000 bonus after taxes, receiving bonuses of $6,693, including the federal taxes owed on the $5,000 bonus.

The number of new recruits has since jumped to nearly 5,000 since July 2022. They include more than 1,200 from out of state and a combined 400 from California, Illinois and New York.

New recruits have moved to Florida from all 50 states and two U.S. territories, according to the governor’s office.

The Sarasota Police Department also recently announced that Sarasota had no homicides in 2023 and a more than 16% drop in homicides, rapes, robberies, aggravated assaults, burglaries, larcenies and vehicle thefts in 2022.

Overall, Florida is currently experiencing a 50-year crime low.

DeSantis has argued that communities are struggling nationwide in jurisdictions where politicians embraced defunding law enforcement and “soft on crime policies” like implementing no cash bail. In 2020, the Florida legislature passed protections against defunding law enforcement and began allocating funding to give law enforcement officers $1,000 bonuses for three consecutive years. In 2022, the recruitment program was created.

Moody launched the Thin Line Tribute in 2021 to recognize the daily efforts of front-line officers. In 2023, she launched the Sunshine Salute Series welcoming 30 new recruits at St. Petersburg College’s Southeastern Public Safety Institute, also highlighting new recruits from Philadelphia, Chicago and New York City, The Center Square reported.

In addition to the new recruit bonus program, law enforcement officers may also be eligible for the Hometown Heroes Housing Program, which provides frontline workers in more than 100 eligible professions with down payment and closing cost assistance to help purchase a primary residence in the communities where they work.

Published July 24, 2024

Review finds reporting issues with Florida prisons over use of force incidents

By

(The Center Square) — An audit of the Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) has uncovered several issues related to the use of force, untimely reporting times and information technology access controls.

The Florida Auditor General (AG) reviewed incident reporting, maintenance requests, Correctional Officer timekeeping records and the state-operated Institutions Inmate Welfare Trust Fund with the DOC.

(Florida Department of Corrections/Facebook)

Department records between July 2021 and February 2023 showed 354,184 incidents, including 14,265 incidents involving the use of force against an inmate, spread across 50 state-operated correctional facilities.

According to department procedures, all incident report forms must be reviewed and include an initial deposition by a shift supervisor or department head. The security chief must then review all incident reports and pass them to the warden for final review.

One hundred and one incident reports were reviewed by auditors, filed between 2021 and 2023 at 13 different state correctional institutions. Three incident forms were completed by correction officers between two and six days after the incident. While the shift supervisor reviewed reports in a timely manner, the chief of security did not review the incidents until between five and 14 days after it happened.

Another incident’s report review by the shift supervisor was delayed due to a staff mix-up, which caused at least a three-day delay in moving the incident through the review process.

All incidents involving the use of force must be reported by all officers who were involved or witnessed the event, detailing the incident and the circumstances that led to the use of force. Two incident reports were filed up to 18 days after the incident happened and another six reports were not filed for an average of 20 days after.

It was further found three incidents were not given to the warden until up to 33 days after the incident had first been reported.

Sometimes, work orders and maintenance requests did not include cost or labor hours to complete needed repairs. Over 40 maintenance requests were disproved between July 2021 and February 2023, nine of which had no reason included for their denial.

The AG recommended strengthening policies and procedures, ensuring any incidents are reported in a timely manner, ensuring disapproved work requests include a reason for the disapproval and improving the department’s information technology control access, which had delays in removing ex-employees from the system.

Published July 24, 2024

Decision delayed on invasive species ordinance

By

Pasco County Planning Commission members recently agreed to continue until Aug. 8 a decision on a proposed ordinance addressing invasive species vegetation.

The proposed ordinance was presented to the Planning Commission during its July 11 meeting with a recommendation that they approve sending it to the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BCC). The BCC has final authority on adopting the proposed ordinance, as the Planning Commission only acts in an advisory capacity regarding such matters.

Cogon grass is one of the invasive plants Pasco County is seeking to limit. (Marek Piwnicki/Pexels)

The intent of the proposed ordinance is to amend different parts of Pasco County’s Land Development Code (LDC) to establish an Invasive Species Management Program. Information regarding the proposed amendments is based upon input from the County’s Public Works, Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation, Development Review Division, Building Construction Services and the Zoning Department.

A few members of the Planning Commission expressed concerns about different portions of the proposed ordinance. 

“We already have a law on the books to prohibit the establishment of invasive species,” longtime Planning Commission member Jon Moody said. He was referring to a part of Section 905 of the county’s LDC that already addresses mitigating invasive species of vegetation. 

“How do we enforce it?” Moody asked regarding the existing regulation. He also asked who was going to enforce regulations in the proposed ordinance if it is adopted.

“There’s no guidelines on how to actually pursue enforcement of what the LDC says about prohibiting the establishment of invasive plant species,” responded Keith L. Wiley, director of the County’s Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources department.

Wiley also said it hadn’t yet been determined how enforcement would occur if the proposed ordinance is adopted.

Planning Commission member Jamie Girardi said he was concerned that the management plan with all of its reporting requirements would place a tremendous burden on the development community, Homeowners Associations, Community Development Districts and county staff.

Planning Commission Chairman Charles Grey agreed, saying “To me, this is just overkill.”

Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein made some suggestions on changes that could be made to existing portions of the LDC regarding invasive species.

Moody moved that the decision on the proposed ordinance be continued for 30 days. When he made the motion, Moody said he would like for there to be adequate time for the LDC to be revised per the Planning Commission’s discussion and brought back so members would have something they could all find consensus on.

Grey seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

In other business on July 11, Planning Commission members:

  • Recommended the BCC approve a zoning amendment requested by S A Development Partners LLC for a change in zoning from a C-2 General Commercial District and C-3 Commercial/Light Manufacturing District to a C-3 Commercial/Light Manufacturing District for approximately 5.557 acres of property located in central Pasco County. The property is adjacent to the Funded County Road 52 Trail (AKA State Road 52 Trail), approximately one-half mile west of Mirada Boulevard. 

There is currently a warehouse on the property, and the applicant proposes to develop the property with a hotel and a sit-down restaurant. 

  • Recommended the BCC approve a zoning amendment requested by Dave Mitchells Holding Company/Mitchell Clinton Rezoning for a change in zoning from an R-1MH Single-Family/Mobile Home District and C-2 General Commercial District to a C-2 General Commercial District for approximately 2.18 acres of property located in east central Pasco County. The property is on the northeast corner of Circle B Road and Clinton Avenue. 

Plans have been approved for a 15,200-square–foot commercial warehouse to be built on the property. It also has an approved Commercial Building Permit for a 15,200-square–foot commercial building shell for future tenants.

The applicant wants the whole parcel to be in the same zoning district.

  • Recommended the BCC approve a Development Agreement with Depue East MPUD (Master Planned Unit Development) – Pulte Home Company, LLC. to design, permit and construct improvements to Watergrass Parkway and Wells Road in exchange for Transportation Development Fee (TDF) credits. The site is located south of Wells Road on approximately 931 acres within Villages L and M in the Villages of Pasadena Hills (VOPH). 

On May 9, 2023, the Pasco County BCC approved the Depue East MPUD in the VOPH to allow 2,300 residential dwelling units and 20,000 square feet of commercial uses on approximately 931 acres.

Numerous specific requirements to qualify for the VOPH TDC credits are outlined in the lengthy agreement that the BCC will consider approving at a future meeting. 

Pasco County neighborhoods brighter, thanks to cleanup

By

Some West Pasco neighborhoods are a whole lot brighter thanks to Pasco County’s Code Compliance, Solid Waste and Public Works teams that joined forces to remove 208 tons of residential garbage and debris, according to a news release.

“Thank you to our Pasco County team members and community members for helping make these cleanups so successful,” said Commissioner Jack Mariano, in the release. “This is a great example of how working together makes our community a better place.”

(Kenny Eliason/Unsplash)

Debris collected, by the numbers:

Commission District 3 — 38.8 tons
Commission District 4 – 132.4 tons
Commission District 5 – 36.8 tons

“Our annual cleanups make a big difference in the county we call home,” added Commissioner Kathryn Starkey. “It’s great to see what Pasco can accomplish in working toward a safer, cleaner environment.”

To report trash or debris in your neighborhood, residents can use one of four options:

To learn more about Code Compliance efforts, visit MyPas.co/CodeCompliance.

Published July 24, 2024

Accessibility of health care services can be a struggle in Florida, says report

By

(The Center Square) — A new report says many people in Florida don’t receive needed health care because they lack easy access to adequate services.

Florida TaxWatch recently released its report, Social Determinants of Health: Health Care Access and Quality. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, social determinants of health are environmental factors that can impact individuals’ health outcomes.

The University of Florida Health’s The Villages Hospital in The Villages. (UF Health The Villages Hospital/Facebook)

These include health care access and quality; education access and quality; social and community context; neighborhood and built environment; and economic stability.

According to the report, these factors can majorly impact a person’s health, well-being and quality of life. The report notes that 80% of a person’s health is determined by social factors, while the remaining 20% results from receiving medical care.

In Florida, many people lack access to health care services, with the biggest barrier being the cost. In a 2019 survey of 1,200 Floridians, 55% had experienced health care cost burdens, while 78% worried they would not be able to afford health care in the future.

The report states Florida ranked 41st in 2021 for overall health care and access, which was attributed to the growing number of uninsured adults, rising insurance costs and policies that make health care less accessible. The report further notes that Florida has consistently ranked in the bottom 10 states for uninsured citizens.

Florida currently has a physician shortage and the report notes this plays a role in access to quality health care. With Florida’s population growing, especially in rural areas, the number of physicians in the Sunshine State is insufficient. By 2030, an additional 22,000 physicians are needed to bridge the gap.

The report notes that as of 2023, only 40% of Florida’s population has employer-sponsored health insurance, while the rate of uninsured Floridians was 11.2% in 2022 — higher than the national average of 8%. Also, in 2022, Florida ranked 46th in the nation for the uninsured population.

Compounding this are the 979,000 people who have been disenrolled from Medicaid, 460,000 of whom are children. Furthermore, access depends on where the person lives. In rural areas, there are roughly 1.3 physicians for every 1,000 people available in the U.S., while urban areas have around 3.1 physicians for every 1,000 people.

Published July 24, 2024

Children enjoy reading to therapy dogs

By

Nearly a dozen children of various ages recently gathered at the New River Branch Library to spend some time reading to therapy dogs. The event is featured once a month at the library in Wesley Chapel.

Nancy Horbert is the program manager for the Tampa-based nonprofit organization Highland Canine Connect (HCC), which brings therapy dogs to the library.

A young child pets Uggy, a therapy dog, on July 13, while Uggy’s owner Nancy Horbert sits nearby. (Joe Potter)

The two dogs at the July 13 event were Daisy, a female Labrador, and Uggy, a male standard parti poodle.

Both of the dogs have each received several months of extensive training so they respond in a very docile manner when interacting with children at Read to Therapy Dogs events, Horbert said.

Several of the children spent the first 15 or 20 minutes lovingly petting both of the dogs that were relaxed while sitting or laying on the carpeted floor of the room in which the event was held.

Books of various reading levels were available in the room and children could also bring reading materials from elsewhere in the library if they wanted to.

Shawnda Weaver assisted Horbert at the event while Weaver’s son, Jonathan, was a volunteer.

HCC opened in Harmony, North Carolina, in 2019 and the local branch of HCC opened in Tampa in May 2022.

Horbert’s daughter, Brittany Mojica, attended Highland Canine Training School for Dogs and was offered the position of their Florida dog trainer after she graduated.  

“Over the years I have gotten to know the owners Erin and Jason Purgason, so when I wanted to start a nonprofit therapy dog program here in the Tampa area, I met with them to see if I could start a branch of Highland Canine Connect,” Horbert said. “They agreed to let me start a branch here after filing all the needed paperwork to be a registered nonprofit here in Florida. My daughter donates her training services to evaluate potential team members and donates Canine Good Citizen training to approved candidates. In the future, as I raise money, my goal is to provide a fully trained therapy dog locally.”

A press release from the organization’s team in North Carolina states: “Highland Canine Connect has been proud to have a positive impact on the lives of many individuals. From our flagship service dog and police dog donation programs, protecting our planet through the training of a conservation detection dog and community outreach such as our School Reading Program, we have established a number of programs which truly make a difference.”

The creation of the Tampa branch of HCC was considered to be “an exciting development,” team members said.

Horbert’s job is to secure locations in the local area for therapy dogs to visit. “These include venues such as libraries, schools, therapist’s offices, and events which are geared toward the special needs community,” Horbert said.

Anyone interested in joining the HCC program can contact Horbert at .

Published July 24, 2024