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The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

       

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Reasons To Smile

Baby orangutan gets a name

June 11, 2024 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of Busch Gardens)

After nearly 30,000 votes were cast online, Busch Gardens of Tampa Bay has unveiled the winning name for its baby orangutan. The critically endangered Bornean orangutan, delivered on April 14, will be named Stella. The total number of votes cast for the name was 27,000. Stella was born via c-section to the park’s resident Bornean orangutan, Luna. Stella weighed in at 3.4 pounds.

A long-awaited return to the ocean

June 4, 2024 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

                       (Courtesy of the Florida Aquarium) 

After five months of care at The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center, a juvenile Kemp’s ridley sea turtle named Sergeant is ready to return to its ocean home. Sergeant was stranded in Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts, and suffered from cold stunning — prolonged exposure to the cold that left the turtle with a serious bone infection in a front flipper.

Sergeant’s recovery is a collaborative effort among partners including the New England Aquarium, Turtles Fly Too, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Florida Aquarium’s rehabilitation center currently is rehabilitating 27 green sea turtles and at the peak of the season has 55 animals in its program.

School’s out for summer!

May 28, 2024 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of Sabrina Di Roma)

Nykolus Di Roma, of Lutz, celebrates his fifth-grade graduation from Denham Oaks Elementary in style. The last day of school for Pasco County students was May 24.

Doing good for those in service

May 21, 2024 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

(Courtesy of Deborah Erdahl)

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club attended a Welcome Home Ceremony and Ribbon-Cutting at the Let Us Do Good Village in Land O’ Lakes in honor of Jenny, Caden and J.J. Williams. The family chose May 4, International Firefighters Day, to celebrate their husband/father Patrick “Pat” Williams who worked as a firefighter with the Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department for 33 years until he passed away. The woman’s club joined the Williams family and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to recognize Patrick’s life, service, sacrifice and legacy as they welcomed the family to their new mortgage-free home. Club members Linda Mitchell, Dee Knerr, Darlene Choe, Shirley Wilhite, Jan King, Marsha Gibson, Jody Stewart, Nancy Taylor, Edna Gordon, Linda Buzzee, Darryln Caudill and Nancy Branham delivered gifts for the home to the family.

A special Mother’s Day wish

May 13, 2024 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

(Courtesy of Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Keith Nowak, Navy Office of Community Outreach)

Seaman Cierra Kenney, a Spring Hill native serving in the U.S. Navy, wishes her mother, Meagan Loomis, of Spring Hill, a Happy Mother’s Day from afar. Sailors help maintain America’s advantage at sea and this means they do not always get to celebrate holidays with their loved ones. Kenney wants her mother to know she is missed on Mother’s Day. “Thank you for all you do for me,” said Kenney, in a news release. “I love you and I’m grateful to have someone like you in my life.”

Strutting their stuff in celebration

May 7, 2024 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

(Courtesy of John Oddo)

Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club in San Antonio hosted its sixth annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade that featured the Dunedin Bagpipe Band, IMPACT Drum and Bugle Corp, Pasco Middle School Band, members of the All That Dance Studio, and future leaders of Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops. The Color Guard from MacDill Air Force Base led veterans representing the Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard. The event also included a decorated golf cart contest, lucky leprechauns, Choyce Ranch horses and a  Pasco Fire engine. Residents representing the Philadelphia Mummers (shown) strutted to string band music, too.

65th Birthday Bash

April 30, 2024 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

(Courtesy of Deborah Erdahl )

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club enjoyed a fun, exuberant 65th Birthday Bash to commemorate GFWC Florida Federation Day, to which Federation the club has belonged since 1960.  A wonderful buffet was served, along with beautiful cake centerpieces handcrafted by club member Aniko Solomonson. For more information on this community service organization and membership opportunities, visit gfwclutzlandolakeswomansclub.org or its Facebook page.

 

Decades of ‘planting’ seeds of hope

April 23, 2024 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Longtime GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club member Elaine Pittman, aka The Plant Lady, once again has donated $500 to Christian Social Services (CSS) in Land O’ Lakes, an organization that provides goods and services to the area’s unhoused and food insecure population. For decades, Pittman has raised funds by propagating, potting and selling plants for funds she dedicates to CSS. At age 94, she shows no signs of slowing down her efforts. Here, Pittman presents a check to CSS staffers.

Brightening someone’s day

April 16, 2024 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club handcrafted Easter favors for recipients of the Meals on Wheels (MOW) program. Darryln Caudill, right, delivered 200 bunnies to MOW Executive Director Steve King for distribution to the elderly, disabled and shut-ins. The woman’s club also hosted a kickoff luncheon to raise funds for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign, another cause the club supports. For more information, visit LutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org or its Facebook page.

National Siblings Day – April 10

April 9, 2024 By Mary Rathman

National Sibling(s) Day is celebrated on April 10 to honor brothers and sisters. At times, siblings can provide us with our biggest competition, strongest encouragement and remind us of our most embarrassing moments. They can be our best friends, or our worst enemies. Here are ways to observe this special day:

(Elle Hughes/Pexels)

• Celebrate your siblings and all the times you’ve had together.

• Laugh at the awkward and ill-spent time in your youth.

• Catch up with your sibling(s). Enjoy looking at photos and videos of time spent together.

• Play or song or two.

• Share photos of you and your siblings.

• Use #NationalSiblings Day to post on social media.

 

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What’s Happening

Maxwell ready to serenade in Florida portion of tour

The soulful sounds of Maxwell have lingered on R&B and hip-hop playlists for more than 25 years. And Florida residents can hear those sounds live through The Serenade Tour.  The three-time Grammy Award-winner will perform at the Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood on Sept. 14 and at Amalie Arena in Tampa on Sept. 15.  Maxwell has released five albums since his debut: “Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite” (1996), “Embrya” (1998), “Now” (2001), “BLACKsummers'night” (2009) and ““blackSUMMERS’night” (2016).  His return to touring marks a reunion with Jazmine Sullivan, who joined him on his Maxwell 08 Tour. Sullivan’s discography includes “Fearless” (2008), “Love Me Back” (2010), “Reality Show” (2012) and “Heaux Tales” (2022). She won a Grammy for Best R&B Album for “Heaux Tales.” They’ll be joined by October London, who paid homage to Marvin Gaye on his album, “The Rebirth of Marvin.” His single, "Back to Your Place," has received plays on R&B … [Read More...] about Maxwell ready to serenade in Florida portion of tour

What’s Happening (01/08/25): Distefano returning to Tampa Theatre

TAMPA – Chris Distefano is coming back to Tampa Theatre, this time as part of his Chrissy Floridas tour. The performance starts at 8 p.m. March 14. Tickets range from $38.50 to $78.50 plus taxes and fees. Buy them at the Franklin Street Box Office and at tampatheatre.org. Distefano rose to success after performances on the “Guy Code/Girl Code” series.  He went on to star in IFC’s “Benders,” co-host the Netflix gameshow “Ultimate Beastmaster,” and starred in his own CBS sitcom. In 2022, Chris was selected by Jimmy Kimmel to host Jimmy’s latest TV venture, “Super Maximum Retro Show,” for ViceTV. His first full-length comedy special, “Size 38 Waist,” in 2019, encompassed his nice-guy charm and Brooklyn-born edge. His second special, “Speshy Weshy,” premiered on Netflix in May 2022. A third special is set to release in early 2025. When Distefano isn’t on stage, he’s on his couch recording podcasts, such as “Chrissy Chaos” with Mike Cannon, “Hey Babe!” With Impractical … [Read More...] about What’s Happening (01/08/25): Distefano returning to Tampa Theatre

What’s Happening (01/15/25): Podcast to come alive on stage

TAMPA – The McElroy Family will perform two shows Feb. 20 and 21 at Tampa Theatre. Their popular “My Brother, My Brother and Me” Is an advicecast for the modern era featuring three real-life brothers: Justin, Travis and Griffin McElroy. They will hold a live version of the podcast on stage at 7 p.m. Feb. 20  Launched in 2010 with new episodes dropping every Monday, the brothers McElroys will answer any query sent their way, each fielding questions falling into their respective areas of expertise.  Justin, Travis and Griffin have recruited their dad, Clint, for a campaign of high adventure at 7 p.m. Feb. 21. Just like its namesake podcast, the live tour invites fans to join the McElroys as they find their fortune and slay an unconscionable number of ... you know, kobolds or whatever in ... The Adventure Zone. Tickets cost $48.50 plus taxes and fees. Buy them at the Franklin Street Box Office and at www.tampatheatre.org.     Jan. 15 Art Club The … [Read More...] about What’s Happening (01/15/25): Podcast to come alive on stage

What’s Happening (01/22/25): SNL alum to perform at Tampa Theatre

TAMPA – Fred Armisen will bring his “Comedy for Musicians But Everyone is Welcome” tour to Tampa Theatre.  Armisen is an 11-season veteran of “Saturday Night Live,” but he has stayed busy with acting credits in “Portlandia,” “Wednesday” and “Los Espookys.”  He also voices characters in the hit animated “Super Mario Bros” movie as well as characters in “Big Mouth” and “The Mitchells vs. The Machines.”  Armisen is currently starring in the Broadway play “All In.” He also served as band leader of the 8G Band on “Late Night With Seth Meyers” from 2014 to 2024.  Tickets cost $48.50 plus applicable taxes and fees at the Franklin Street Box Office and at tampatheatre.org.    Jan. 22 Baby Storytime Babies, ages 0-1, and their caregivers gain a love for reading during Baby Storytime, a lap-sit program, at Land O’ Lakes Library. Call 813-929-1214 for details.  10:15-10:40 & 11:15-11:40 a.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes   Toddler … [Read More...] about What’s Happening (01/22/25): SNL alum to perform at Tampa Theatre

What’s Happening (01/29/25): Grossology exhibit gets extension

Grossology exhibit gets extension TAMPA – The Museum of Science & Industry has decided to extend its Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body through April 27. Grossology takes a fun and informative look at the ooey gooey things that go on inside our bodies, such as runny noses and body odor, using sophisticated animatronics and imaginative hands-on exhibits. Climb a human skin wall with warts, hairs, wounds and pimples that act as hand and foot holds or pump burp man full of soda from a three-foot-tall can, then help him get gassy relief with a booming belch.   Jan. 29 Baby Storytime Land O’ Lakes Library offers Baby Storytime, a lap-sit program meant to instill the love of reading in children at an early age. It is suitable for babies up to age 1 and their caregivers. Call 813-929-1214 for details.  10:15-10:40 & 11:15-11:40 a.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes   Babytime Children, ages 0-2, and their caregivers engage … [Read More...] about What’s Happening (01/29/25): Grossology exhibit gets extension

What’s Happening (02/05/25): Hot Boys to reunite in Tampa

The Hot Boys to reunite in Tampa CHARLOTTE – Live Nation Urban announced an exclusive three-performance slate of shows headlined by Lil Wayne with special guests Hot Boys (B.G., Juvenile and Turk), presented by Lil’ WeezyAna.  The three-show run includes a stop Feb. 21 at Amalie Arena in Tampa. Buy tickets at lilweezyanafest.com. Lil Wayne, B.G., Juvenile and Turk took the stage together for the first time in over 15 years at last year’s sold-out Lil’ WeezyAna Fest in New Orleans. They treated audience members to a performance filled with hits like “I Need a Hot Girl” and “Neighborhood Superstar,” as well as their individual tracks like Juvenile’s “Back That Azz Up” and B.G.’s “Bling Bling.”    Feb. 5 Valentine's Stroll Buy Stop by the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center  and find something for your sweetheart. The Friends of the Starkey Ranch Library will have a stroll buy through Feb. 12 with books, crafts, gifts and cards with a Valentine's Day … [Read More...] about What’s Happening (02/05/25): Hot Boys to reunite in Tampa

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