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Local News

Health & Wellness (02/25/26): AdventHealth talks heart health

February 22, 2026 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

During the Every Beat Counts heart symposium, community members got to speak with AdventHealth’s expert team of doctors to learn more about common heart conditions, warning signs and treatment options available in the Sebring area. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

 

Event attendees also got to take part in a special panel discussion with Dr. Giancarlo Speziani, Dr. Thomas Shimshak, Dr. Deepti Bhandare and James Leicht, who are all part of AdventHealth Sebring’s heart care team. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

AdventHealth helps families take charge of heart health

SEBRING – AdventHealth Sebring is expanding outreach to protect heart health in rural Highlands County, where residents face higher rates of heart disease.

Dozens attended the hospital’s annual Every Beat Counts Heart Symposium on Feb. 3, where physicians discussed common heart conditions, warning signs and treatment options, and showcased local diagnostic technology.

“For many people, heart disease can feel overwhelming,” said Dr. Thomas Shimshak, chair of interventional cardiology at AdventHealth Sebring. “Our goal is to help people understand their risk, recognize symptoms early and know that exceptional whole-person heart care is available here in our community.”

The hospital plans a 100,000-square-foot expansion, including an open-heart program, with completion expected in fall 2027.

 

University gets access to health care tech

TAMPA – The University of South Florida’s Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation has become the first institution in Florida and third worldwide to install GE HealthCare’s Allia Moveo image-guided therapy system.

CAMLS, part of the Tampa Medical & Research District, will be the first simulation center globally to integrate the technology into advanced education programs, allowing students and clinicians to train on hybrid operating room technology used in minimally invasive procedures.

“Gaining access to the latest surgical imaging and guidance technologies further ensures that innovation in education keeps pace with innovation in care,” said Dr. Haru Okuda, executive director of CAMLS.

A second Allia Moveo system is scheduled for installation later this year at Tampa General Hospital for clinical use in its hybrid operating rooms.

 

Hospital celebrates innovation center

TAMPA – Tampa General Hospital recently celebrated the grand opening of the 32,000-square-foot TGH Innovation Center in Ybor City. 

The facility, located within the Tampa Medical & Research District, will house TGH’s innovation, ventures, analytics and IT teams, along with district offices and Palantir’s Tampa headquarters. It includes event space, classrooms, production studios and a “hospital room of the future” showcasing clinical technology.

Officials say the center will serve as a collaborative hub for startups, researchers and industry partners.

 

Book explains concept of moral injury

TAMPA – Dr. James Taylor has released “Moral Injury: Arming Pastors to Help Veterans Battle Soul Wounds Caused by Military Service” through WestBow Press.

The book addresses the spiritual wounds many veterans carry home from combat.

Taylor contends that while churches honor military service, many lack understanding of “moral injury” — the inner conflict that occurs when wartime actions violate deeply held beliefs. He writes that such wounds require spiritual care, reconciliation and pastoral support, not clinical treatment alone.

The book encourages pastors to recognize their biblical role in soul care, understand military culture and help veterans navigate reintegration. It also explores Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a values-based framework compatible with Christian theology.

Taylor is a retired U.S. Navy command master chief and former VA chaplain leader. The book is available through major retailers.

 

Hospital offers breastfeeding support 

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers a free in-person breastfeeding support group and class in March.

Events are open to all, regardless of which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your children. The events will be held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North classrooms, 4211 Van Dyke Road.

  • Breastfeeding Support Group: For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and an optional support person. The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. The support group will be held March 5 and 19, 10 to 11 a.m.
  • Understanding Breastfeeding: Provides information to the expectant mother and an optional support person about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, tips for returning to work and when to call a health care provider or lactation consultant. The class will be held March 5, 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Understanding Your Newborn: Provides information to the expectant mother and an optional support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. The class will be held March 19, 1 to 5 p.m.

Register for the free events by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the group or class you are interested in attending. Or, you can also register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.

 

Chalk Talk (02/25/26)

February 21, 2026 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

App to highlight theology professor

ST. LEO – Thomas Humphries, professor of philosophy, theology and religion at Saint Leo University, will be featured Feb. 23 on the Ascension App as part of the Lenten season.

His reflection will premiere on the first Monday of Lent and be available worldwide through the Catholic Bible and Catechism mobile app’s daily Scripture readings.

“On the first Monday of Lent we read from Leviticus in Mass: ‘Be holy, as I the LORD your God am holy!’ This kind of holiness means nothing less than entering the mystery of God Himself,” Humphries said. “It is a blessing that we get to invite our students and those who use the Ascension App to a deeper relationship with Christ through Scripture and the Sacraments this Lent.”

Humphries teaches theology and emergency management at Saint Leo and is active in Campus Ministry. He is the author of two theology books.

 

Learning Gate to host EcoFest

LUTZ – Learning Gate Community School will host its annual EcoFest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 25 at the Hanna Campus, 16215 Hanna Road.

The free, family-friendly event celebrates Earth Day with live music, local artisans, workshops and food trucks. The Green Ribbon School uses EcoFest to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship throughout the community.

Organizers are accepting applications from local vendors, artisans and nonprofits, particularly those aligned with a “green” mission.

Admission is free. Visit learninggate.org/ecofest for vendor applications and event details.

 

Kids Tag Art Store opens for 2025-26

TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Kids Tag Art online store is now open, featuring more than 2,700 original designs created by fifth-grade students from over 55 schools for the 2025-26 school year.

Proceeds directly benefit participating schools’ art programs, funding classroom supplies and resources. Since launching, the program has raised more than $149,000 for school art education.

“These talented fifth-grade artists have worked hard to create unique designs, and now it’s our turn to show them support,” said Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan, who is partnering with Hillsborough County Public Schools on the fundraiser. “Every mug, keychain, or license plate you purchase isn’t just a beautiful piece of student art. It’s an investment in arts education.”

Shoppers can filter by school and choose from products including vanity license plates, mugs and keychains.

Browse designs at HillsFaxFL.gov/shop.

 

Quick Hits

  • Scott Brewer, of Lutz, made the provost’s list for fall at Ohio University College of Health Sciences and Professions in Athens, Ohio. Students must have at least a 3.5 grade point average to qualify. 
  • Sarah Caudill, of Lutz, made the president’s list for fall at Ohio University College of Health Sciences and Professions in Athens, Ohio. Students must earn a 4.0 grade point average to qualify. 
  • Blake Graham, of Odessa, made the dean’s list high honors for fall at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Woods, Indiana.
  • Zayne Jack, of Lutz, graduated from Milwaukee School of Engineering in the fall. Jack received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 
  • Trevor Mayberry, of Odessa, made the dean’s list for fall at Mississippi State University. Students must have a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.79 to qualify. 
  • Naila Schoefberger, of Lutz, was among nearly 1,400 students graduating from Mississippi State University in fall 2025. Schoefberger received the Bachelor of Science from MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences.

 

Motocross stars to descend on Dade City

February 20, 2026 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

DADE CITY – Thrill-seekers will be returning to Dade City next month for Red Bull Day in the Dirt Down South.

Hundreds of motocross competitors across the U.S. will ride into Florida’s Sports Coast following Daytona Bike Week. Riders of all backgrounds and skill levels, from amateur to pro, are invited to register and ride. 

Organizers tout the weekend of March 6 to 8 as a non-stop party. Here’s what to expect:

  • Three full days of racing across multiple classes and formats, from GP-style racing to team competition. This year’s lineup includes a Pit Bike Race, a Head-to-Head Drag Race and the return of the Coup de Grace Survival Race, where victory is crossing the finish line. Riders who complete five events will be awarded the Ironman, with the overall event winner earning the honor of destroying the majestic sand sculpture.
  • They’ll ride at Dade City MX. This year’s track features first-ever elements like an enduro line, presented by Florida Trail Riders, and a burnout pad incorporated into the race course.
  • Amateur riders get to shred alongside some of the biggest names in the sport, including Red Bull athletes Carson Brown, Tyler Bereman, Kelana Humphrey and Tarah Gieger. Athletes will also be available for meet and greets.
  • A live recording of “Bonifay Banter” podcast, as Red Bull athletes Tyler Bereman and Parks Bonifay reunite for a panel revisiting Island Hopper, the legendary freeriding stunt that took place on Florida’s Sports Coast.
  • Weekend festivities include a barn party on Friday evening and a Supercross watch party on Saturday night.
  • Stark Future, a leader in electric motorcycles, will host bike demos throughout the weekend.

On the web: dayinthedirtdownsouth.com

Bresin: Nuts offer many health benefits

February 20, 2026 By Shari Bresin

If you look at the food label (and hopefully you do), you’ll see that nuts are high in calories. 

For example, there are 170 calories in a one-ounce serving of mixed nuts, or 180 calories in a quarter cup of walnuts, while three small chocolate chip cookies come in at 160 calories. 

We tend to think that if something is high in calories, we should refrain from eating it if we are trying to lose weight. 

And while that is true, it’s also important to factor in the quality of calories, not just the quantity. 

Although nuts are high in calories (and excess calories can lead to weight gain), they have a lot of nutritional value and health benefits, making them a nutrient-dense food. Some of their health benefits include:

  • Fiber.
  • Monounsaturated fat, which lowers LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol levels, while maintaining the HDL, or “good” cholesterol.
  • Protein.
  • Vitamins E and B6, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, potassium and more.
  • Phytochemicals that play a role in preventing heart disease.

Just a handful (about one ounce) five times a week is all it takes to pack a nutritional punch.

Did you know the peanut is not a nut? While we group peanuts in the nut category in the food and culinary world, botanically speaking, because they grow underground, they are a legume, which are edible seeds enclosed in pods. 

Therefore, they are in the same family as peas, beans and lentils, according to the International Food Information Council. 

Whereas nuts like cashews, almonds and walnuts grow on trees. 

This is why peanuts and peanut butter are cheaper than other nuts and nut butters. They cost less to cultivate and harvest.

Tree nuts take several years to harvest versus planting peanuts in the ground each year. 

Because peanuts and tree nuts have different proteins, people with an allergy to one aren’t necessarily allergic to the other. 

That’s why you’ll see on a food label’s allergy warning “contains peanuts and tree nuts,” since they are technically two different food types.

It’s best to avoid salted or honey roasted nuts, but if you don’t want them plain, go with lightly salted; the sodium difference is usually around 50% less per serving. 

We should not be consuming more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, and even less, at 1,500 mg per day, for those with hypertension. 

Another thing to note: plant-based milks, such as almond milk, don’t have the same nutrient levels as the actual whole nut. 

And for those prone to certain types of kidney stones, nuts and peanuts should be limited, so make sure to talk with your doctor or dietitian about your diet.

In addition to snacking on a handful of nuts, incorporate them in your meals too, such as adding cashews to a salad, adding walnuts to your bowl of oatmeal, topping peanuts onto stir fries or throwing in some nuts into the blender when making a smoothie. 

There are lots of ways to enjoy them.

 

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.

 

Fifth-graders run a city as BizTown celebrates 20 years

February 19, 2026 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Florida Aquarium President and CEO Roger Germann and staff mentored students as part of a partnership with Junior Achievement. Photo courtesy of Junior Achievement

 

Students learn what it’s like to run a city during Junior Achievement’s Muma BizTown. Photo courtesy of Junior Achievement

TAMPA – Nearly 120 fifth-graders ran an entire city recently within The Florida Aquarium.

Aquarium staff joined the students inside their storefront, stepping into their world of budgets, businesses and boardroom decisions. One student even served as CEO for the Day, shadowing Florida Aquarium President and CEO Roger Germann and gaining a firsthand look at what it takes to lead a major Tampa Bay organization.

The visit also marked a milestone for Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay: the 20th anniversary of BizTown (now officially Muma BizTown) and Partner Tribute Day, recognizing the aquarium for helping bring learning opportunities to life for students across the region.

After weeks of classroom preparation, students interviewed for jobs, got hired and ran their businesses like real professionals, marketing products, producing goods and making decisions that showed how leadership and financial choices shape a thriving community.

“By investing time, talent and leadership, students are connecting classroom learning to real-world careers,” said Richard George, president of Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay. “By showing up and engaging directly with kids, The Florida Aquarium is shaping the next generation of confident, capable leaders for the future of our community.”

Germann and 16 team members from the Aquarium worked alongside students in the aquarium’s BizTown storefront as part of the organization’s Day of Action.

“At The Florida Aquarium, we believe it’s our responsibility to make the world a better place. Whether we’re saving marine life or inspiring the next generation of leaders, investing in our youth through partnerships like Junior Achievement’s Muma BizTown makes a lasting difference,” Germann said. “Seeing these students confidently dive into professional roles, tackle real-world challenges and make meaningful decisions is energizing and a powerful reminder that anything is possible.”

The 20th anniversary also marks the official renaming to Muma BizTown, in honor of philanthropists Pam and Les Muma. Their decades of support, including a $5 million planned gift and $2 million to $3 million in operational funding, have impacted more than 300,000 students across Tampa Bay.

\

Letter: How am I making a difference?

February 18, 2026 By Derick Farfan

While Black History Month is a time to honor the men and women who bravely and boldly paved the way for the African Americans who came after them, it’s also an opportunity to look to the future and ask yourself: How am I making a difference?  

Personally, I see the answer in my kids’ generosity and kindness towards others, but I’m one of the lucky ones who can see it in my work as well.

As a 15-year Duke Energy employee involved with the African American Association of Blacks in Energy, I have the privilege of sharing the energy industry with young people from all across Florida.

Every summer, my colleagues and I host Youth Energy Academies, hands-on programs designed to expose often underserved students to the inner workings of electric utilities while encouraging them to consider pursuing careers in STEM.

They participate in fun activities and demonstrations; engage in conversations with lineworkers, control room engineers and more; and tour towering facilities housing complex equipment that they’ve likely never seen or even heard of before.

The Youth Energy Academy concept was conceived by three Duke Energy employees in 2011 and has since grown from one location with a handful of students to seven sites (Jacksonville, Gainesville, Ocala, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Lake Wales and South Florida) with roughly 60 attendees each.

With several of these students coming back year after year and some even going on to succeed in the industry, including at Duke Energy, we know it’s helping create a better, brighter tomorrow for underrepresented groups in our communities.

Derick Farfan serves as large accounts manager for Duke Energy Florida.

 

SMARTstart to host GROW Pasco for entrepreneurs 

February 18, 2026 By justin

Johnny Crowder, CEO of Cope Notes, gives the keynote during last year’s GROW Pasco. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC

 

Deb Mazzaferro talks about elevating one’s sales game during a breakout session during last year’s GROW Pasco. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC

LUTZ – The Pasco Economic Development Council is hosting the sixth annual GROW Pasco event through its SMARTstart program on March 19 at the Saint Leo University Wellness Center in San Antonio. 

This conference-style event, presented by Suncoast Credit Union, brings together the Pasco County business community to network and learn ways to help their businesses grow and thrive. 

The event offers 15 breakout sessions led by more than 30 business professionals. Speakers will cover topics such as artificial intelligence, funding options, marketing and community resources for businesses. 

“GROW Pasco is a must-attend event for all entrepreneurs,” said Beth Galic, of the Bay Area Manufacturers Association and a 2025 GROW Pasco attendee. “The wealth of information gained from the event is invaluable to business owners.”

The Pasco EDC SMARTstart entrepreneurship program, supported by Penny for Pasco, offers resources to help growing businesses achieve long-term success. The program delivers support in key areas, including access to funding, education, guidance, collaboration and workspace. 

SMARTstart serves 54 incubator members, representing a diverse range of industries, from food-based businesses operating out of the East Pasco Incubator Kitchen in Dade City to high-tech companies headquartered at SMARTstart at the Grove in Wesley Chapel. Members also have access to three Entrepreneur Centers throughout Pasco County.

“Through programs like SMARTstart and events like GROW Pasco, we’re investing directly in the people that are innovators and who help drive our economy,” said Jack Mariano, chair of the Pasco County Board of Commissioners. “Every new idea and business launched contributes to a stronger, more resilient Pasco County.” 

Taylor Doe, a former TEDx speaker and entrepreneur, is invested in community development, youth mentorship and fostering economic mobility for others. His presentation will explore the overlooked moments behind entrepreneurial success, showing how founders start, grow and scale while leveraging relationships, resources and experiences to create opportunity and build a stronger ecosystem. 

“What makes GROW Pasco truly special is the incredible cross-section of entrepreneurial journeys in one place, from those just starting out, to successful operators returning year after year, and everyone in between,” said Dan Mitchell, assistant vice president of entrepreneurship. “They inspire, lift each other up and make powerful connections, much like the ‘And Then Moments’ Taylor Doe will explore in his keynote, where one introduction or opportunity can change everything.” 

 

Want to go?

Visit pascoedc.com/events/details/grow-pasco to learn more about the GROW Pasco sessions and to register. The cost is $65 and includes breakfast, a keynote lunch presentation and access to various breakout sessions. Sponsorships are available and offer access to exhibit at the event.

Aquarium earns kudos for sea turtle conservation 

February 18, 2026 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Alyssa Fessett serves as a senior biologist at The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center. Photo courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

TAMPA – The Florida Aquarium was named a Lightning Community Hero during a recent Tampa Bay Lightning home game. 

The honor, presented by the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation, includes a $50,000 grant designated to support the aquarium’s sea turtle rehabilitation efforts.

The award was accepted on behalf of staff veterinarian Lindsey Waxman and senior biologist Alyssa Fessett, who oversee the medical care for rescued sea turtles at the aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center.

“This recognition is a testament to the extraordinary dedication and expertise of our veterinary team, animal care staff, and volunteers who work tirelessly to give injured and sick sea turtles a second chance at life,” said Tim Binder, senior vice president of animal care and health.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North adds third surgical robot

February 17, 2026 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The newest St. Joseph’s Hospital-North robot is staged for a surgery. Photo courtesy of BayCare Health System

 

Robotic surgery team members Primo Gunabe, Julie Laplume, Hailee Olsen, Duane Kelloway, Louis Garcia and Ashley Lavine stand in front of the robot at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North. Photo courtesy of BayCare Health System

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North expanded its robotic surgery services with the addition of a third surgical robot in January to keep up with demand.

The three robots are guided by surgeons who are specially trained and experienced in robotic surgery. They performed 908 robotic surgeries last year. The hospital saw a 70% increase in robotic surgeries from 2021 to 2025. 

Robotic surgery uses precise incisions, allowing unhealthy tissue to be removed without affecting surrounding healthy tissue. Smaller incisions cause less trauma and pain for a patient’s body, decrease blood loss and infection risk, and allow for quicker recovery and shorter hospital stays. Many robotic surgeries are done as outpatient surgeries and patients are discharged on the same day as their surgery.

“St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is dedicated to offering the safest, most minimally invasive surgeries to our communities, ensuring better patient outcomes, faster recovery times and greater patient satisfaction,” said Jennifer Downing, the hospital’s surgical services director. “Our patients trust that they are receiving the most advanced care, supported by cutting-edge technology and delivered by surgical teams known for their experience and compassion.”

Dr. Jonathon Tsai guides the robot during procedures. Photo courtesy of BayCare Health System

Robotic surgery can provide St. Joseph’s Hospital-North surgeons with superior dexterity, enhanced vision and improved surgical access compared to conventional minimally invasive surgery or traditional open surgery. 

The surgeon-guided robot navigates a precise approach to areas that traditional surgical instruments are unable to reach.

The four interactive arms of the robot are over the patient on the operating table. The surgeon operates the robot from a console. The console has a high-resolution screen that projects 3-D images of the surgical site. 

The surgeon manually guides the surgical arms and instruments from the console using their hands and fingers. When the surgeon moves, the arms respond precisely to those movements in real time. The instruments work identically to the movement of a human arm, elbow and wrist, but with an enhanced range of motion.

Dr. Jonathon Tsai

“Having the opportunity to use the newest robotic surgical platform, the DV5, has been a profound privilege,” said Dr. Jonathon Tsai, a BayCare Medical Group and St. Joseph’s Hospital-North surgeon. “It has allowed me to leverage cutting-edge technology to deliver the highest standard of care to our patients at BayCare St. Joseph’s-North here in Lutz. Robotic surgery has truly shifted the surgical paradigm, offering a level of precision that significantly minimizes postoperative pain and shortens hospital stays. I look forward to the future features of the DV5 and the possibilities this updated platform holds for our field and community.”

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is accredited as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation. The designation signifies the hospital’s robotic surgery services provide the highest quality of care.

News Briefs (02/18/26): Bilirakis holding senior forums

February 17, 2026 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Bilirakis to hold local senior forums

NEW PORT RICHEY – Congressman Gus Bilirakis will host three senior forums across Florida’s 12th Congressional District. 

Older adults can hear updates on recent tax policy changes, legislative developments benefiting seniors, community resources that support independent living and advancements in the fight against chronic illnesses.

“As tax-filing season begins, improvements to our tax code are already making a real difference for older Americans, including the new $6,000 additional tax exemption for seniors,” Bilirakis said. “I am proud to support reforms that put more money back in the pockets of those who earned it. I also believe that through education and awareness, we can help seniors live healthier, happier lives.”

Each forum will feature panelists sharing the latest research on treatments for cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Attendees will also learn about resources that help seniors live independently and with dignity. 

All seniors in Florida’s 12th District are encouraged to attend these forums: 

  • Citrus Springs: 1 p.m. Feb. 18 at Citrus Springs Community Center, 1570 W. Citrus Spring Blvd. 
  • Spring Hill: 10 a.m. Feb. 18 at Elks Lodge, 13383 County Line Road.
  • New Port Richey: 9 a.m. Feb. 19 at Kontos Event Center, 9426 Little Road.

Seniors may RSVP by calling 727-232-2921.

 

Woman’s Club planning Spring Flea Market 

LUTZ – GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club will hold its annual Spring Flea Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 6 and 7 at the Historic Old Lutz School at 18819 U.S. 41 N. 

Members will begin preparing for this large indoor and outdoor event in mid-February. The club welcomes donations from the community of antiques, art/décor items, crystal, china, household items, small appliances, kitchen wares, clothing, shoes, kids’ stuff, books, toys, tools and furniture, etc. 

All donations must be clean and in working order. Large appliances and sleeper sofas cannot be accepted. 

Proceeds from the sale will ultimately benefit the community through the club scholarship fund, the club’s many projects and contributions to and in support of local charitable groups and nonprofits. 

Community donation drop-off times are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 23, Feb. 25, Feb. 27, Feb. 28, March 3 and March 5 as well as 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. March 4 at Old Lutz School. 

Call Jean at 813-431-5419 for more information or visit gfwclutzlandolakeswomansclub.org for details. 

 

Become a Master Gardener Volunteer in 2026

DADE CITY – The UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service is hosting a free preview session for anyone interested in applying for the 2026 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Class.

All applicants must attend a meet and greet at 10 a.m. March 7 to be considered for the program. Register in advance at mypas.co/MeetandGreet2026.

The program begins in June and includes weekly, in-person training for 12 consecutive weeks.

 

Quick Hits

  • The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club participated in a Day of Service on Jan. 27 at Angels Senior Living. Members organized a Bingo activity to bring joy and companionship to residents. Club members donated snacks, puzzle books and hygiene products, which were used as prizes and shared with the residents. 
  • The Zephyrhills Police Department has welcomed Officer Keenan Mullins to its ranks. He graduated from the Pasco-Hernando State College Police Academy in 2024. 
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