The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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St. Joseph’s Hospital-North celebrates first baby of 2026

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Holly and Robby Robbins hold baby Natalie. Photo courtesy of BayCare Health System

LUTZ – Holly and Robby Robbins, of Lutz, were the proud parents of the first baby born at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in 2026.

Natalie arrived at 1:45 a.m. Jan. 2. She weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and measured 19.75 inches.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North enhanced its labor and delivery and Mom & Baby maternity services this past year by opening a new $2 million, 5,431-square-foot Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with couplet care rooms.

The hospital also offers free resources for new mothers, such as a Breastfeeding Support Group and Understanding Your Newborn workshop.

 

AdventHealth welcomes 2026 New Year’s Baby

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Irish was born at 12 a.m. Jan. 1 in Davenport. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
Oscar and Jenny Escobar welcome their baby girl to the world. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

DAVENPORT – AdventHealth Heart of Florida celebrated the birth of Irish Jeyliani Escobar at 12 a.m. Jan. 1. She was one of the first babies born in the new year.

Irish weighed 6 pounds, 2 ounces and measured 19 inches long at birth. 

Parents Jenny and Oscar Escobar thanked the hospital’s care team, especially nurse Marie for her compassionate and attentive care during delivery.

Concert supports theater renovation campaign

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Jesse Triplett, Ed Roland and Jonny Rabb share the stage. Photo courtesy of Richey Suncoast Theatre

 

 

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Richey Suncoast Theatre more than doubled its $20,000 fundraising goal for “Letters from E: An Evening with Ed Roland of Collective Soul.”

The benefit concert officially kicked off the theater’s capital fundraising campaign to renovate and preserve the nearly 100-year-old venue.

The event raised a total of $42,550 through ticket sales, sponsorships and an online auction featuring exclusive signed memorabilia from Collective Soul, Our Lady Peace, Live! and private donors. 

These funds will directly support the theater’s renovation projects, including a new roof, updated windows and doors, and an exterior update. These upgrades will ensure the historic venue continues to serve as a home for the performing arts for generations to come.

The concert’s success was made possible by the generosity of Ed Roland, frontman of Collective Soul, who donated the entire performance. 

Roland was joined on stage by his bandmates Johnny Rabb and Jesse Triplett, creating an unforgettable night of music for a sold-out audience.

“This event was a powerful beginning to our renovation campaign and a reminder of what community collaboration can achieve,” said Lia Gallegos, interim president of Richey Suncoast Theatre. “Ed’s generosity, combined with the enthusiasm of our sponsors, donors and guests, made this night one for the history books.”

The “Letters from E” benefit concert will now become an annual event, continuing to unite music lovers and arts supporters in sustaining the Richey Suncoast Theatre for the next century. 

Visit richeysuncoasttheatre.com for more information about the Richey Suncoast Theatre, upcoming performances or to contribute to the ongoing renovation campaign.

AdventHealth, Bolts Blue Crew help deliver holiday joy

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Christmas in Class makes holiday gifts possible for hundreds of children each year. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

 

TAMPA – Students at Foster Academy were treated to a special holiday surprise Dec. 19 as AdventHealth team members joined the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Bolts Blue Crew to deliver Christmas gifts directly to classrooms.

Throughout the morning, students received gifts, AdventHealth Buddy Bears and plenty of hugs from Santa. For some children, the gift they received through Christmas with Class may be the only Christmas present they receive this year.

The Christmas with Class program supports students in high-need communities. The program was founded by Stephanie and Blaine Patterson.

In recognition of its impact, Christmas with Class was honored as an AdventHealth Goal Getter on Dec. 18 during the Tampa Bay Lightning game against the Los Angeles Kings. A special video highlighting the program’s work played on the arena’s big screen.

Habitat families receive new bicycles for their children

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Bicycles were donated through a partnership with onbikes, a Tampa-based nonprofit that unites the community for bike builds and events. Its annual Winter Wonder Ride had more than 2,000 festively dressed bicyclists cruising through downtown Tampa. Photo courtesy of Habitat of Tampa Bay Hillsborough
Families received the new bikes this Christmas and should be moved into their new Habitat homes by next Christmas. Photo courtesy of Habitat of Tampa Bay Hillsborough

TAMPA – Christmas came early for 25 Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough families, as children received 50 new bicycles thanks to the onbikes program and community supporters.

Ten Habitat families picked up bicycles Dec. 18 at the onbikes warehouse, where some excited children had the chance to receive and ride their new bikes. 

For many children, it’s the first set of wheels they’ve ever owned. 

An additional 15 families received their bicycles the week prior. Some parents chose to make the bikes a surprise waiting under the tree on Christmas morning.

For families working toward first-time homeownership with Habitat, the gift represents more than a holiday surprise. Parents say the bicycles bring joy and encouragement as they continue to invest hundreds of “sweat equity” hours toward the purchase of a safe, affordable Habitat home with a mortgage designed to fit their budget.

“These families are doing the real work and moving closer to the dream of being able to put down roots for the next generation,” said Tina Forcier, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough. “It’s a little extra Christmas magic, so their children will also know that wonderful feeling of having their own new bikes to ride.”

 

Chicken dinners lead to community winners

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The City of Zephyrhills Mayor’s Youth Council shared proceeds of its Chicken BBQ Drive-Thru fundraiser with CHIPZ. The event saw strong community involvement. Photo courtesy of City of Zephyrhills

ZEPHYRHILLS – The City of Zephyrhills Mayor’s Youth Council presented an $11,000 check to the Community Hope and Intervention Project of Zephyrhills during a city council meeting Dec. 8 at Zephyrhills City Hall.

Members of the youth council, led by Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson, selected CHIPZ as their annual community project, setting an original fundraising goal of $4,000. 

CHIPZ supports people experiencing homelessness in the Zephyrhills area through outreach and prevention, community navigation and connections to critical resources. The 501c3 organization strives “to create and increase access to programs, services and housing for the most vulnerable residents of Zephyrhills and the surrounding area.”

The youth council raised $10,830 through its citywide Chicken BBQ Drive-Thru fundraiser. 

Pitmaster Kevin Bahr, of Bahr’s Propane Gas & A/C, prepared all 350 chicken dinners with support from Beth Aker, executive director of Meals on Wheels of Pasco.

Ten youth council members and six volunteers from the Zephyrhills JROTC and Zephyrhills FFA assisted during the event. City staff and youth council mentors also supported operations throughout the evening. 

The event had 20 community sponsors, many of whom donated their purchased meals, allowing more than 150 dinners to be served directly to residents in need.

Additional last-minute contributions from community donors pushed the total to $11,000.

 

Light the World Giving Machine launches in Tampa Bay

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Tampa Bay residents are invited to celebrate generosity in a whole new way this holiday season – through vending machines. Photo courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

CLEARWATER – Have you ever bought a goat from a vending machine? How about warm clothing for a child, groceries for a family or job training for someone seeking a fresh start?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites Tampa Bay residents to experience the joy of giving through the Light the World Giving Machine.

Instead of dispensing snacks or drinks, this Giving Machine allows shoppers to choose charitable items, ranging from local support services to global humanitarian aid, using a simple touchscreen. Photo courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The red vending machines make it easy to donate essential items locally to those in need.

Now through Jan. 3, visitors to Clearwater Mall, 2719 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Suite. 1120, Clearwater (at the Crumbl Cookies storefront) can use the Giving Machine to buy charitable gifts such as meals, hygiene kits, clothing, livestock and more for individuals and families supported by trusted, local and global nonprofit organizations.

Every item purchased at the Clearwater Mall Giving Machine directly benefits one of five participating Tampa Bay-area charities and two global charities: Metropolitan Ministries, Premier Community HealthCare, The Spring of Tampa Bay, CASA Pinellas, The Shepherd Center of Tarpon Springs, Mentors International (Global) and Splash (Global).

“Domestic violence impacts so many families in our community,” said Lariana Forsythe, CEO of CASA Pinellas. 

“Support like this ensures CASA can help local survivors and their children find hope and healing.”

Tampa residents Patrick and Anne Thornton said the Christmas season wouldn’t be complete without a chance to give to others. They’re excited to help neighbors via the Giving Machine. 

On the web: GivingMachine.org

Health & Wellness (12/24/25): Foundation opens access to health

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Attendees of the Community Health Fair will have access to a wide range of resources and support. This includes preventive health screenings, dental care, mental health support and personal care services such as showers, haircuts and manicures. A mobile pharmacy and pantry will be on-site. Photo courtesy of Pioneer Medical Foundation

 

The Community Health Fair is a free event open to the public. Photo courtesy of Pioneer Medical Foundation

Tampa Bay residents can get free medical resources

TAMPA – Pioneer Medical Foundation hopes to bridge the gap some residents across Tampa Bay face when it comes to access to medical care and critical community resources.

The nonprofit will host its fifth annual Community Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 10 at Water Works Park, 1701 N. Highland Ave., Tampa. 

Physicians, volunteers and community partners will provide medical attention, social support and resources.

“We design this gathering around the needs we see in our community,” said Ano Kashumba, executive director of Pioneer Medical Foundation. “From preventive medical screenings to clothing and job support, the event is a one-stop opportunity for people to take their next step with confidence.”

Since its inception, the Community Health Fair has served more than 1,000 people who might not otherwise have access to care. 

Last year, nearly 200 community members received dental extractions, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, warm meals and follow-up treatment. One participant’s mammogram revealed a potential health concern and was quickly connected to lifesaving care.

“From day one, Pioneer Medical Foundation has been guided by a simple principle: high-quality health care should be accessible to everyone and strong communities are built when no one is left behind,” said Dr. S. Ifran Ali, president and CEO of Pioneer Medical Group. “The Community Health Fair is a tangible expression of that mission, bringing together volunteers, physicians and partners to remove barriers and make a real difference in people’s lives.”

The initiative expands its offerings with lung cancer screenings in partnership with Moffitt Cancer Center and on-site mammograms through AdventHealth.

 

Pasco County Fire Rescue pioneers life-saving care

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County Fire Rescue is launching its new Prehospital Blood Transfusion Program beginning Dec. 17. 

The groundbreaking initiative brings life-saving blood directly to patients before they ever reach the hospital.

Pasco County Fire Rescue is one of only two fire departments in the Tampa Bay area providing this advanced level of care. Specially trained critical care team members will carry blood supplies and respond directly to trauma scenes when a transfusion is needed.

“Administering blood right at the scene means patients get critical care at the very moment they need it most,” Fire Chief Ryan Guynn said. “This program marks a major step forward in trauma care for our community.”

Severe blood loss is one of the most dangerous complications in trauma emergencies, accounting for nearly 40% of trauma-related deaths. 

Follow Pasco County Fire Rescue on Facebook, X and Instagram to learn about upcoming blood drives.

On the web: mypas.co/FireRescue

 

Hospital offers breastfeeding support 

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

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 one support person (grandmother, aunt and others) The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. The support group will be held Jan. 15, 10 to 11 a.m.
  • Understanding Your Newborn: Provides information to the expectant mother and one 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 Jan. 15, 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.

 

Get answers on Medicare

ST. PETERSBURG – SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas.

Specially trained volunteers can assist with Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.

They’ll answer questions at the following Medicare programs: 

  • Jan. 7 at noon at the Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-587-6715 ext. 2508
  • Jan. 8 at 10 a.m. at the New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-853-1279
  • Jan. 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
  • Jan. 17 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
  • Jan. 21 at 11 a.m. at the Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669
  • Jan. 21 at 1 p.m. at the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1073
  • Jan. 22 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576

SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential. Counselors do not sell anything. They can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.

Business Digest (12/17/25): Models volunteer at Metropolitan Ministries 

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Calendar cover model Selena Sanchez (Pembroke Pines), centerfold Ashton Johannesson (St. Petersburg), Miss June Gracie Chamberlain (Brandon) and Miss December Mikayla Flanagan (Chicago) pitched in at Metropolitan Ministries. Photo courtesy of HMC Hospitality Group

Models volunteer at Metropolitan Ministries 

CLEARWATER – Several models in the 2026 Hooters Calendar volunteered Dec. 5 at Metropolitan Ministries.

Hooters has a longstanding partnership with Metropolitan Ministries. 

The models assisted the organization by helping in the daycare.  They took part in activities with the children and assisted with cleaning.  

“A big part of the annual calendar tour in Tampa Bay is being able to volunteer and give back to organizations in our neighborhood including our longtime community partner Metropolitan Ministries,” said Denise Williams, chief marketing officer of HMC Hospitality Group.   

The 2026 Hooters Calendar is available for purchase at all Tampa Bay area Hooters locations and includes over $100 in coupons. The first Hooters Calendar was released in 1986.  

 

Join Pasco’s Jobs & Economic Opportunities Committee

PASCO COUNTY – Interested in helping grow Pasco County’s economy?

The Jobs and Economic Opportunities Committee, which oversees the use of the Jobs and Economic Opportunities Trust Fund portion of Penny for Pasco, is looking for a new volunteer to fill one open seat. The seat is available to any Pasco County resident in the manufacturing or agriculture industries.

The committee consists of up to nine members, appointed by county commissioners. They meet quarterly and provide annual updates to commissioners. 

Return your application and resume to through Dec. 29. 

On the web: pascocountyfl.gov

 

Registration opens soon for insurance summit

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky is announcing the upcoming 2026 OIR Insurance Summit will bring top regulators, consumer advocates and industry executives together to discuss Florida’s insurance market. 

The summit is ideal for professionals seeking to understand the present and shape the future of insurance regulation. OIR is hosting the Summit on April 14 and 15, 2026 in Tallahassee. Early registration will open in January.

“Our summit will be an unparalleled opportunity to engage in additional forward-thinking solutions to stabilize the market, national insurance perspectives, the importance of resiliency, critical oversight components and more,” Yaworsky said.

On the web: floir.com

 

Reemployment tax rate remains low

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Revenue announced Dec. 5 approximately 65% of Florida’s employers will continue to pay the lowest possible rate for reemployment taxes in 2026. 

This is the 11th consecutive year employers are benefiting from the low rate of 0.1%. Those contributions go toward a program that helps Florida’s job seekers become reemployed. 

Florida’s job growth rate outpaces the national average, which has allowed the state to maintain the minimum reemployment tax rate for businesses.

Employers pay a percentage only on the first $7,000 of wages paid to each employee. Florida is one of only four states with a $7,000 wage base; all remaining states have a higher wage base. Employers with stable employment receive the lowest rate. Reemployment taxes, or payroll taxes, fund Florida’s Reemployment Assistance Trust Fund. This fund has a balance of more than $4.8 billion.

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host Coffee Social and Lunch N’ Learn events. 

  • Members network during Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 17 at Subaru of Wesley Chapel, 26570 Silver Maple Pkwy., Wesley Chapel. 
  • Chad Cooper, a financial planner affiliated with Gateway Financial Advisors LLC, talks about “Beyond Investments: What Financial Planners Really Do?” during Lunch N Learn from noon to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at USF Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. Registration costs $15. Register in advance. 

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a Veterans Roundtable, Land O’ Lakes Business & Brochure Exchange, Monthly Membership Breakfast as well as women’s and young professionals programming.

  • Professional Women in Business meet for lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 17 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance. 
  • Young Professionals Group members network during Coffee Connections from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 19 at Starkey Market, 3460 Starkey Blvd., Trinity. 

Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events. 

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host Business Breakfast, Annual Christmas Mixer, Coffee & Networking and a ribbon cutting. 

  • New and prospective members learn about chamber membership during Core Connections from 8 to 9 a.m. Dec. 18 at East Pasco Chamber of Commerce, 38550 5th Ave, Zephyrhills. Register in advance. 
  • Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Dec. 19 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.) and 8 to 9 a.m. Dec. 23 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.). 

Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events. 

Health & Wellness (12/17/25): Doctors catch hidden prostate condition

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Marc Marasigan went to the Emergency Department at AdventHealth Sebring, thinking he was dealing with a stubborn fever and some back pain. Instead, he found out he had a kidney stone and a hidden prostate condition that led him to a leading-edge treatment. Photo courtesy of Marc Marasigan

Doctors catch hidden prostate condition

SEBRING, Fla. – An ER visit at AdventHealth Sebring led occupational therapist Marc Marasigan to a surprising diagnosis and a life-changing treatment. 

After arriving with fever and back pain, doctors discovered a kidney stone too large to pass. 

During the procedure to break it up, urologist Dr. Ronald Chee-Awai also found an enlarged prostate, a common condition that can cause sleep disruption and urinary problems.

Chee-Awai recommended Aquablation therapy, a minimally invasive, heat-free, robotic treatment that removes excess prostate tissue with precision. Marasigan said the results have been transformative, improving his sleep and bladder function.

He encourages men approaching 50 to prioritize prostate screenings, which can detect serious conditions early. 

“Regular prostate evaluations are one of the most effective tools we have for protecting men’s health,” Chee-Awai said. “Prostate cancer often develops silently, without symptoms, but when detected early, it’s highly treatable. These screenings can save lives by catching cancer and other conditions before they become serious. It’s a simple step that can make a life-changing difference.”

 

Fundraiser benefits Pasco County children’s hospital

TRINITY – Starkey Market is raising money for Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital’s new Pasco County campus through the inaugural Miles That Matter. 

The fundraiser takes place from 7:30 to 11 a.m. Jan. 17. It includes a 10K, 5K and 1-mile fun run. 

Awards will go to the top three overall winners in each race. 

Registered participants will receive a race-day shirt and grab bag. Children younger than 10 get in free. Register at runsignup.com.

Starkey Market will host an after-party where runners can refuel with a free beer and charge up with a charcuterie spread. The market is located at 3460 Starkey Blvd. 

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital’s new Pasco County campus is expected to open in 2027 with 56 inpatient rooms, a 16-room emergency center and four operating rooms.

 

Hospital has new lung screening tool

LAKE PLACID – AdventHealth Lake Placid has launched a Low Dose Lung Screening CT program, giving patients access to a life-saving tool for detecting lung cancer early. 

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. and leads all cancer deaths. 

The quick, painless scan can spot cancer at earlier, more treatable stages.

“Early detection saves lives, and advanced imaging technology allows us to see what the eye cannot,” said Casie Miller, imaging manager at AdventHealth Lake Placid. “Every scan is an opportunity to give patients peace of mind and empower them with answers.”

People may qualify for this screening if they’re ages 50 to 80 with a 20-pack-year smoking history, currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years and have no new symptoms. 

AdventHealth Sebring also offers certified screenings. 

 

Get answers on Medicare

  1. PETERSBURG – SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas. 

Specially trained volunteers can assist with Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.

They’ll answer questions at the following Medicare Basics programs: 

  • Dec. 18 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
  • Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214

SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential. Counselors do not sell anything. They can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.