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The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

       

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Reasons To Smile

Sea turtle nesting season arrives

April 2, 2024 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing the reminder that sea turtles are starting to nest on our beaches.

Residents and visitors can play a big part in helping to protect vulnerable nesting sea turtles this spring and summer while visiting Florida’s coastal habitats. Because our state’s shorelines provide important nesting habitat for several species of threatened and endangered sea turtles, beachgoers can have a significant impact on their nesting success. To help nesting sea turtles, people can take easy steps to protect them, including giving them space, minimizing disturbances and keeping beaches clean and dark.

Sea turtles typically return to nest in March along Florida’s southeast Atlantic coast from Brevard County south to Broward County, while nesting begins on Gulf Coast or north Florida beaches in April or May.

For more information about nesting sea turtles and how you can help, visit MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle. Other ways to help sea turtles include reporting those that are sick, injured, entangled or dead to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Manatee Appreciation Day

March 26, 2024 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

(File)

Manatees are aquatic mammals known for their immense size, jowly appearance, and their lumbering way of moving while they graze the seafloor. These mammals might not make the list of cutest animals, but there are enough manatee enthusiasts for there to be a Manatee Appreciation Day on March 27 — a day that is devoted to raising awareness about these creatures that live under the water. Manatees carry the affectionate nickname of ‘sea cow’ and are on the list of threatened species. Visit https://savethemanatee.org/manatee-awareness for more information.

National Puppy Day is March 23

March 19, 2024 By Mary Rathman

National Puppy Day was founded in 2006 by celebrity pet and home lifestyle expert and author Colleen Paige and celebrates the unconditional love that puppies bring to our lives. Paige also is the founder of National Dog Day, National Mutt Day, National Black Dog Day, National Cat Day and National Wildlife Day, among others. There are numerous ways to celebrate National Puppy Day, including:

(David Clarke/Unsplash)

• Adopt a puppy from a local shelter
• Have a puppy party with friends and their puppies
• Buy your puppy a new toy or cute outfit
• Take your puppy to the beach
• Puppy-proof your home — make it pet-friendly
• Pledge to never hit or yell at your puppy — be patient and kind
• Microchip and ID tag your puppy so the shelter can locate you if he gets lost
• Donate money, food or toys to a local shelter

For a list of 42 more ideas to show your love, visit NationalPuppyDay.com/celebrate.

Flea market reaps big rewards

March 12, 2024 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club recently wrapped up its flea market fundraiser at the Old Lutz School and sends out a thank you to all who contributed to its success, through donations of goods or purchases. The monies raised will go far in providing scholarship awards as well as funding the club’s many projects benefiting the local community and beyond. For more about the club, visit its Facebook page or GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.

Leaping into life!

March 5, 2024 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

(Courtesy of Martin Bahl/St.Joseph’s Hospital North)

This is Leap Year baby girl Lennox Mae born Feb. 29, at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz, with her parents Julien and Mercedez. Known as “Leap Day, ” Feb. 29 is considered the rarest birthday a person can have. Given that Feb. 29 occurs only once every 1,461 days, the likelihood of a baby born on Leap Day is quite low — roughly 1 in 1,461. So, will Leap Day and Year babies, or “leaplings,” like Lennox Mae celebrate their birthdays Feb. 28 or March 1? St. Joseph’s Hospital-North says celebrate both days! Why not? Who wouldn’t want two celebrations of their birthdays? Twice as much joy! Congratulations to this family and all families with a Leap Year baby in 2024!  The next Leap Day and Year happens in 2028.

Celebrate with flowers!

February 27, 2024 By Mary Rathman

(Valeria Boltneva/Pexels)

National Floral Design Day on Feb. 28 recognizes the art and history of floral design. For thousands of years, floral design has been an important cultural art form, which can be celebrated in a bouquet, painting, in textiles, a garden or a floral arrangement.

Manatees return to Florida waters

February 20, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Squirrel, a rescued manatee, is prepared to be released back to Florida waters. (Courtesy of Save the Manatee Club)

The Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), in collaboration with SeaWorld Orlando and six other zoological and manatee care organizations, released five orphaned manatees to Blue Spring State Park in Florida after a years-long journey of rehabilitation by multiple members of the partnership, according to a news release.

MRP is a cooperative group of nonprofit, private, state and federal entities who work together to rescue, rehabilitate, release, and monitor sick and injured manatees. The manatees originally were rescued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and MRP Partners between 2020 and 2021.

Every animal returned will be fitted with a GPS tracking device that will allow researchers the ability to monitor their movements and ensure their acclimation to their natural habitat for the next year.

Manatees that were transferred back to Florida waters are:

  • Squirrel: originally weighed 116 pounds and was released at 960 pounds
  • Lizzie: 63 pounds, released at 855 pounds
  • MaryKate: 107 pounds, released at 815 pounds
  • Clank: 128 pounds, released at 725 pounds
  • TinkTank: 124 pounds, released at 840 pounds

Published February 21, 2024

Serving others with a smile

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

(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club serves lunch at the Trinity Cafe in Tampa every month. The women greet the homeless and food-insecure with a warm smile, and serve chef-prepared meals, in a comfortable setting, with dignity and grace. For more information, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org or its Facebook page. From left: Shirley Willhite, Pam Blumenthal, Deb Cardona, Jeannie Sheets, Melba Pineiro, Gina Caper and Nancy Branham.

Recognizing female athletes

February 6, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Around the country, Feb. 7 is National Girls & Women in Sports Day, recognized by schools, organizations and teams during the first week of February. Athletics play an important role in female lives, no only by establishing a routine for a healthy, active lifestyle, but sports build confidence, leadership skills and the ability to work with a team. The Laker/Lutz News gives a shout out to all female athletes and their strength of accomplishment, no matter what sport they take part in.

 

Day of service for woman’s club

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

(Courtesy of Faye Mill)

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club donated and delivered 517 pounds of food to the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry in Land O’ Lakes, on Jan. 15, the National Day of Service. The food will be distributed by the pantry to those in the area who are in need of food. For more about the club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org or its Facebook page.

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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

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