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Top Story

NFL star promotes water safety at storytime

May 12, 2025 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett read “Water Safety Adventures with Slyce” as part of the Glazer Children’s Museum’s Safer Swimming campaign. Photo courtesy of Glazer Children’s Museum
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett read “Water Safety Adventures with Slyce” as part of the Glazer Children’s Museum’s Safer Swimming campaign. Photo courtesy of Glazer Children’s Museum

TAMPA – Dozens of children packed into the Glazer Children’s Museum on May 6 to hear Super Bowl Champion Shaquil Barrett read “Water Safety Adventures with Slyce.” 

The storytime kicked off the museum’s monthlong Safer Swimming campaign, created in partnership with Watermelon Swim to mark National Water Safety Month. 

The free event took place during the museum’s popular Free Tuesday, made possible by the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County.

“We had a lot of safety precautions, but the main one we didn’t have was a gate that blocks the pool off from all entry points,” Barrett said. “There were so many steps that we had in place that we failed to make sure they were set that night. I just want parents to make sure every day is like a ritual: to make sure everything is locked, make sure the alarm is on, make sure everything is done. Make sure you triple check because it will save a life.”

Barrett, who lost his 2-year-old daughter Arrayah in a drowning accident in 2023, has since become a passionate water safety advocate through the Arrayah Hope Foundation. His connection to the cause added urgency and inspiration to the day’s message.

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, and education can save lives.

“At Glazer Children’s Museum, we believe play is powerful, and in Florida, summer play often means water,” said Sarah Cole, president and CEO. “That’s why teaming up with Watermelon Swim is a natural fit. Together, we’re helping families stay safe while making the most of every splash-filled moment.”

The event was co-led by Micha Seal, CEO of Watermelon Swim, which teaches more than 7,000 students weekly across Tampa Bay. Seal and her team have embedded drowning prevention into their core mission, contributing nearly $1 million annually in scholarships, classroom programming and community outreach.

“Formal, continuous swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning by 88%. We are thrilled to partner with community leaders to spread our mission to grow a community full of safer swimmers,” Seal said. “It’s never too early – or too late – to learn how to swim. Everyone deserves access to life-saving water safety education, and we remain deeply committed to our mission of making that a reality.”

Throughout May, families visiting the Glazer Children’s Museum will encounter interactive exhibits, educational signage, themed books, and hands-on activities, all designed to teach kids and caregivers essential water safety skills in a fun and memorable way. 

On the web: GlazerMuseum.org

1,400+ students graduate from Saint Leo University

May 9, 2025 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

More than 1,400 Saint Leo University students crossed the stage in two commencement ceremonies May 7 at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

 

Members of Saint Leo University’s softball team celebrate at their commencement ceremony May 7 at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

TAMPA – Saint Leo University celebrated the Class of 2025 along with some “firsts” as more than 1,400 students crossed the stage in two commencement ceremonies May 7 at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

Twelve students proudly claimed the title of “first” as they are Saint Leo’s first graduates in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program in the College of Health Professions. They participated in a pinning ceremony May 5, pledging to uphold the ethical, scientific and legal standards of their profession. 

Emma Hayhurst, of Merrimack, New Hampshire, said she chose Saint Leo because of the university’s dedication to building a new nursing program. 

“Additionally, Saint Leo’s strong values of compassion, integrity and service reflect the kind of nurse I aspire to be,” said Hayhurst, one of the first graduates.

Another student celebrating being “first” was Forgive Semackor, of Riverview, who became the first graduate in Saint Leo’s Bachelor of Arts in Music Program in 30 years. Saint Leo once again began offering a music major in fall 2023.

“I knew I wanted to be a teacher, and when I found out Saint Leo was re-introducing the major, I decided that it would be a great choice to teach a subject that I was really passionate about,” Semackor said.

The commencement ceremonies also provided an opportunity to recognize the contributions made by two longtime supporters and benefactors of the university. Edward Dadez was named president emeritus, having retired in February after serving as the university’s 11th president. Dadez also is an alumnus who earned a Master of Business Administration degree in 2002.

“During his tenure, Dr. Dadez addressed the challenges that Saint Leo University was facing, he led the faculty and staff, changing the culture of the university, and ensured that Saint Leo had a strong focus on students and their success,” said Edwin Narain, chair of the board of trustees.

Receiving an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree was trustee and alumnus John Picciano, who is the CEO of Oglethorpe Inc. As a student, Picciano served as the president of his fraternity and the Interfraternity Council. He continued a life of service to his community, making a difference in the lives of those with mental health and addiction issues. And he continued his lifelong contributions to his alma mater.

 

Morning Ceremony

Lauren Wittenberg Weiner, founder and former CEO of WWC Global, speaks to the graduates at Saint Leo University’s morning commencement ceremony May 7 at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

Graduating during the morning ceremony were University Campus undergraduate students; master’s degree students in accounting, business administration, computer science, cybersecurity and psychology; and Doctor of Business Administration students.

Recognized as valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2025 with a 4.0 GPA was Kristina Arwady, of Altamonte Springs, who graduated summa cum laude with bachelor’s degrees in management and medical humanities: pre-med with a minor in Spanish and from the Honors Program. Arwady also was a member of the women’s soccer team.

“Over the last three and a half years, Saint Leo University has become my family,” Arwady said. “The people have made this place home, and I am so grateful for the many opportunities and experiences I have had here.” 

Jacqueline Pollok, of Dade City, was the campus salutatorian, graduating summa cum laude with bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice: homeland security and international studies. She also graduated from the Honors Program and was the recipient of the 2025 Clara McDonald Olson Scholarship Excellence Award.

Giving the morning commencement address was Dr. Lauren Wittenberg Weiner, founder and former CEO of WWC Global, an organization dedicated to helping military spouses find career opportunities. In 2018, WWC Global won the largest contract to a woman-owned business in U.S. Special Operations Command headquarters (Tampa) history — the headquarters for the U.S. Navy SEALs and U.S. Army Green Berets. Annual revenue for WWC reached $100 million before Wittenberg Weiner sold it in 2022.

Her advice to the new graduates: Don’t be afraid to take a different path. 

“In my own life, it was the times that I took a huge pivot from what everyone seemed to expect from me that I found my biggest success,” Wittenberg Weiner said. “Thanks to an amazing mentor who guided me the first time I even contemplated taking a path that was different than what was laid out for me, I realized something: Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you have to.”

Wittenberg Weiner said she gathered the information from her naysayers, weighed each decision carefully. 

“I’ll tell you that the four-word response that fueled more of my success than any other words: ‘Oh really? Watch me,” Wittenberg Weiner told the graduates.

Admitting to being a “goody two-shoes,” Wittenberg Weiner said she found ways to upend expectations without breaking the rules. 

“As a young overachiever, I got really good at knowing all of the rules and all of the expectations,” Wittenberg Weiner said. “But what I didn’t realize until later is that there is a ton of space, in both those written and unwritten rules, to find your own authentic path to your own version of success.”

 

Afternoon Ceremony

Retired U.S. Marine Maj. General James “Hammer” Hartsell, director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, speaks with graduates. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

Graduating during the afternoon ceremony were Center for Online Learning and education center undergraduate students; World Campus students (studying internationally); master’s degree students in creative writing, criminal justice, education, education specialist, instructional design, social work, and theology; and doctoral students in criminal justice and education.

Being recognized among students from Saint Leo’s Center for Online Learning were top performers, graduating summa cum laude with a 4.0 cumulative GPA, were Frances Wesby from Grovetown, Georgia, who earned a bachelor’s in business administration, and Kamera Woodruff from Madison, who earned a bachelor’s in elementary education.

The top performer for Saint Leo’s graduating seniors from its education centers, with a 4.0 cumulative GPA and graduating summa cum laude, was Leslie Willis from Brooksville, who earned a bachelor’s in elementary education.

Giving the commencement address for the afternoon ceremony was retired Maj. Gen. James S. Hartsell, executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Hartsell, who earned the nickname “Hammer,” leads the 1,500-member department responsible for serving the nation’s third largest veteran population. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps with honor for 37 years of active and reserve duty, beginning as an enlisted Marine in 1981 and completing distinguished and highly decorated military career as a major general. 

A native of Florida, Hartsell’s 22-year civilian career in the health care industry included serving in marketing, product management, U.S. and global business development, hospital administration and health care leadership. Upon retirement from the Marine Corps, he moved back to Florida and joined the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, where he launched the Future Operations Division.

Hartsell said his “mission will be accomplished” if the students kept a key word, key phrase and a key memory that “you can carry with you in your heart, your mind and your spirit as you embark on your exciting new life pathways as graduates of Saint Leo University.”

That key word he hopes they use for the rest of their lives is “resilience,” and the key phrase is “be the change: say ‘I will.’” The key memory is their fellow alumnus, Evin B. Hartsell, who earned a bachelor’s in psychology in 2016 and master’s in business posthumously in 2018.

Evin, the Hartsells’ second son, was born with a rare congenital neuromuscular dystrophy disease. While he was never able to walk and had to use a ventilator to breathe, he was filled with “self-generated determination to make a difference in the world by finding ways to help others to better themselves,” Hartsell said. “He did this by becoming a Big Brother counselor; an advocate by volunteering at the James R. Haley Veterans Medical Center; by helping charter the Phoenix Rising Power wheelchair soccer team; by helping to charter the Kappa Sigma fraternity at Saint Leo Leo; and by writing an autobiography that he entitled Abled in a Disabled World where he boldly shares his life’s journey of physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual challenges and discouragements and disappointments, and yet eventually his life victories.

“Graduates, like your fellow Saint Leo alumnus Evin Hartsell, regardless of what life circumstances you may find yourself in after today, you too can choose to be resilient and to be the change for the better.”

A graduate celebrates at the afternoon ceremony. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

 

Pasco school board members thank teachers for their work

May 7, 2025 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

LAND O’ LAKES – Members of the District School Board of Pasco County approved a proclamation designating May 5 to 9 as Teacher Appreciation Week.

Each member also took some time to express gratitude for the work of Pasco County Schools  teachers. These were not hollow words as most school board members have experience in education while one member, Colleen Beaudoin, fought back tears during her remarks. 

Here is what each member had to say: 

 

Colleen Beaudoin, District 2

We often see students come to our board meetings for recognitions that include outstanding achievements in science fair and National History Day; our Cambridge, IB, AP recognition; artistic and musical performances; athletics; and more. 

The accomplishments of these students are in a large part made possible because of the dedicated teachers in this district who provide extra opportunities and support both inside and outside the classroom. 

I just want to thank all the teachers who go that extra mile to challenge and coach our remarkable students. 

There are also many students who we do not have the privilege of recognizing at our meetings. These students are also remarkable and they too have compassionate teachers who work tirelessly to help them reach their goals. 

Thank you for not giving up on our students who have special challenges and needs. Thank you for providing accommodations and for taking time to speak with concerned parents.

Thank you for helping that seventh-grader overcome a paralyzing fear of large spaces, so that one day he could deliver a thesis presentation in a packed university auditorium. 

Thank you for not giving up on the student who struggled with writing, so that one day\ he could type that paper and share his research. 

Thank you for spending time with the young lady who needed additional help with math, so that she could go on to become a nurse and help others. 

Thank you for seeing past the challenging behaviors and seeing the potential in every child. Being a teacher is not for the faint of heart. It is hard. I am grateful for all you do for our students and our families. You are exceptional. 

Thank you for your dedication, professionalism and passion during Teacher Appreciation Week and always. 

 

Megan Harding, District 5 

As a former teacher and now a proud member of our school board, I want to take a moment during Teacher Appreciation Week to thank you, not for just what you do, but for who you are. 

I know firsthand that teaching is not just a profession, it’s a calling, it’s early mornings, long evenings and 100 small decisions each day that shape lives in ways most people never see.

You Inspire curiosity, meet challenges with resilience and show up day after day with dedication and heart. The impact you have goes far beyond test scores and report cards. You’re shaping confidence, building character and helping students see the potential in themselves – sometimes before they can even see it on their own. 

As someone who has walked in your shoes, I see you, I appreciate you and I want you to know that your work matters. It matters deeply. 

Thank you for your service, your passion and your unwavering commitment to our students. 

Know that this week, and every week, I celebrate and I’m thankful for you. 

 

Cynthia Armstrong, District 3

I do want to express my gratitude and how proud I am of our teachers and the staff that support them.

Often at the end of a hard day, a teacher thinks, “Am I really doing anything constructive here? Am I having an impact?”

But I just want to say, it’s a career of delayed gratification. It’s after you’ve been a teacher for years and the students grow up and then they come back and visit you or see you in the gym and say, “You were my teacher. You were fantastic. You did so much for me.”

And you had not a clue that you were even reaching them, that they even knew you existed. 

It’s something that you just need to remember when you’re down that the students that are out there do remember you and will come back and thank you. 

I just really want to express the gratification that we have for the work that you do all year.

I’m sorry we have to wrap it all up in just one week. It’s really something that is ongoing. 

 

Jessica Wright, District 4

I know that some of our schools celebrate on different weeks, just depending on testing. 

As a teacher, I know how hard it can be to kind of slow down and enjoy those appreciation moments, especially during such a busy time of year.

Sometimes you can almost be like, “Oh I don’t want to stop for a plate of tacos. I have things to do.” But enjoy the plate of tacos. Take a moment and just take a breather. 

I also just wanted to encourage our administration as well to take as much off our teachers’ plates as you can – not just during Teacher Appreciation Week, but all the time, especially if they’re showing up for those extras.

If they’re there in the evenings, if they’re staying late – comp time. We support comp time here, so give them that flexibility to make sure they can manage everything and show them appreciation through your actions and not just your words. 

So I just wanted to say thank you to everybody.

 

Al Hernandez, District 1

Teaching is definitely a calling. This is Teacher Appreciation Week, so I want to say thank you to all of our teachers for their continued hard work and support. 

 

Proclamation Recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week 

Whereas, teachers are the backbone of America’s system of free public schools; and 

Whereas, great teachers bring powerful learning experiences to students through innovative, engaging, and personalized approaches to teaching and learning that prepare them to lead fulfilling, successful lives; and 

Whereas, teachers challenge and inspire students every day to change the world; and 

Whereas, teachers keep American democracy alive by laying the foundation for good citizenship and strong communities; and 

Whereas, teachers continue to influence us long after our school days are only memories by instilling a love of learning and a lifetime commitment to seeking new knowledge; and 

Whereas, teachers fulfill our mission of providing a world class education for all students, and help us achieve our vision that all of our students will achieve success in college, career, and life. 

Now, therefore, the District School Board of Pasco County does hereby proclaim the week of May 5 – 9, 2025, as Teacher Appreciation Week, and encourages Pasco County businesses to join us in recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week. 

Duly signed at a regular public meeting this 6th day of May 2025. 

The District School Board of Pasco County, Florida

 

Saint Leo University staffers advise on life after college

May 6, 2025 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Satyne Doner crosses the stage in 2024 at Saint Leo University’s morning commencement ceremony. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management and is the associate editor for WTWH Media.


ST. LEO – As college commencement season begins, some students might be worried about their future or they may be seeking advice from family and friends. 

Tammy Zacchilli, professor of psychology, and Omar Cosme, director of career services, both at Saint Leo University, offer tips for life after college.

 

Tammy Zacchilli

All the Feels

Soon-to-be-graduates are likely feeling positive and negative emotions. 

“They might feel happy, accomplished and proud,” Zacchilli said. “They might also experience fear and anxiety if they are not sure where they are headed. Even if they have an idea of where they are headed, they might still have fears related to moving away, starting a new job or going to graduate school.”

Her advice for graduating students: “They can talk to friends and family members about how they are feeling,” Zacchilli said. “If you experience anxiety that interferes with your daily life, be sure to seek counseling. Sharing feelings can reduce those feelings of anxiety.”

 

Practical Job Hunt Tips

“Start with what’s within your control,” Cosme advised. “Polish your resume. For Saint Leo students, that’s using our Resume Starter Kit, and then schedule a document review through Handshake.”

Students (and anyone looking for a new career) “should tailor your resume toward the jobs you’re targeting – not just a list of duties, but a story of your skills and accomplishments.”

Cosme recommended using the Handshake platform offered by Saint Leo University or similar platforms used by other colleges. 

“That’s where you’ll find on-campus jobs, internships and full-time roles posted by employers actively recruiting Saint Leo students,” Cosme said. “Complete your profile. The more employers can see about your interests and experiences, the better your chances.”

Another piece of advice from Cosme is to enroll in the Leo Great Career Development Program, which is open to students and alumni. Other universities may offer similar programs. 

“It walks you through three stages: learning who you are as a professional, getting ready for the job market and practicing how to stand out,” he said. “Each step is designed to build your confidence and give you practical tools you can use immediately.”

 

Balancing Self-care with Career

Zacchilli suggests students and graduates should “always take time for yourself.

“Try to use healthy coping strategies,” she said. “Any new path will be met with excitement but also with possible challenges. Don’t be afraid to reach out to mentors and past professors if you need additional guidance. Also, stay organized so you can keep track of applications or interviews.”

 

Omar Cosme

Family Help

While parents and other family members may be leery of hovering, there are things they can do. “Families can be supportive,” Zacchilli said. “Families can share stories of their own experiences. Sometimes just listening to our students share their concerns can help them relieve stress.”

Families also can be huge allies in the job hunt process. 

“The best thing they can do is listen without pressuring,” Cosme said. “Ask open-ended questions like, ‘What kind of work makes you feel energized?’ or ‘Is there anything you’re curious about exploring?’”

Encourage your student to visit career services, he said. “The earlier the better, even if they’re unsure of their major or career path.”

Cosme added, “And if you have professional contacts, don’t underestimate the power of a short informational interview. That one conversation might help them discover a field they’d never considered. It’s not about handing them a job – it’s about giving them insight.”

 

Staying Connected

Social media is a great way to stay connected to friends made while in college. 

“Texting also allows connection between friends,” Zacchilli said. “When moving from college to a job or graduate school, social support will continue to be important. Try to find people who have similar interests as you.”

Cosme advised new graduates to “stay curious and check in, even if there’s no agenda. Comment on a classmate’s post. Congratulate a friend who just got a new job. Relationships don’t have to fade just because you graduated.”

He also encouraged them to be involved as university alumni through Career Services events, alumni mixers and online groups. 

“Many of our Leo Great completers continue to engage through mock interviews, mentoring or employer panels – because community doesn’t stop at graduation,” he said. “Sometimes, reaching out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while can be the start of something new. Most people are just waiting for someone else to say hello first.”

 

Celebrate Success

Some students may be feeling “less than” or are experiencing a bit of “imposter syndrome” this commencement season. 

“Remind yourself that you were admitted to this university, you’ve done the work, and you’re showing up,” Cosme said. “That’s real. And when you feel like you don’t know enough, get curious instead of critical. Ask questions. Seek feedback. Growth is the goal, not perfection.”

He also suggested keeping a “confidence file.” This could be positive feedback from a professor, a thank-you email from a classmate, or a list of small wins. “When your self-talk turns negative, let those reminders speak louder,” Cosme said.

Zacchilli advised the soon-to-be-graduates to try to avoid comparing themselves too much to others. 

“You are on your own track, and we each have different experiences,” she said. “You are a college graduate now so that is a major accomplishment. Be proud of this step and look forward to the new opportunities you will have now that you have completed this step.”

 

Bank of Tampa invests in local business community

May 2, 2025 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC president/CEO, accepts a check from Angie Gardner on behalf of Bank of Tampa. The funding will support a microloan program. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC

LUTZ – Bank of Tampa has donated $2,500 to the SMARTstart Microloan Program, according to the Pasco Economic Development Council.

The program gives entrepreneurs the funds they need to start or grow their business. Its goal is to strengthen the Pasco County economy and create more job opportunities. 

“The Bank of Tampa is deeply committed to strengthening the communities where we live, work and play by supporting local businesses and organizations,” said Angie Gardner, vice president/commercial relationship manager for Bank of Tampa. “We are incredibly proud to contribute to Pasco EDC’s Microloan Fund, helping turn the dreams of small business owners into reality.”

To qualify for a microloan, businesses must be headquartered in Pasco County. Funds can be used for purchasing inventory and machinery, working capital, supplies and more.

“The SMARTstart Microloan Program has helped over 80 businesses to date, and we are excited to see more business growth in the future thanks to this program that would not be possible without generous donors like the Bank of Tampa,” said Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC president/CEO.

Those 80-plus businesses to benefit from the program have created more than 275 direct jobs.

Pasco EDC recently held its third annual Microloan Breakfast to give financial professionals an update on the program. Two microloan recipients shared their successes with the audience. 

Antonio Rodriguez, co-owner of Elite 360 Studio, was one of the presenters. 

“The SMARTstart Microloan Program from Pasco EDC was a true game-changer for Elite 360 Studio,” Rodriguez said. “The funding and support we received allowed us to invest in the equipment and resources essential to our growth. Beyond financial assistance, the program expanded our network and connected us with invaluable local resources. Pasco EDC’s commitment showed us they genuinely care about our success. We’re proud to be part of a community that champions and empowers small businesses.”

 

Want to learn more?

Visit www.smartstartpasco.com/microloan or contact program director Dan Mitchell at to learn more about the SMARTstart Microloan Program.

AdventHealth Meadow Pointe ER welcomes patients

May 1, 2025 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

AdventHealth leaders welcomed community leaders April 24 to a ribbon cutting of the new AdventHealth Meadow Pointe ER. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

WESLEY CHAPEL – AdventHealth Meadow Pointe ER officially opened its doors to patients on April 29.

The 13,000-square-foot emergency department on Chapel Commerce Drive, between Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel, features 12 patient beds, two triage rooms and offers imaging and lab services. The ER also has a pediatric-friendly room designed to take care of even the littlest of patients.

“Having an emergency room in a growing area like this is really about a partnership with our clinical teams, our physician providers, our EMS within AdventHealth as well as our EMS with Pasco County,” said Mike Murrill, president and CEO of AdventHealth Zephyrhills and AdventHealth Connerton. “What is so awesome about this building here is we all work together to serve our growing community. That’s what I am so excited about.”  

The AdventHealth Meadow Pointe ER joins the organization’s 10 other freestanding emergency departments across the West Florida Division. It is the fifth AdventHealth ER in Pasco County. 

This also includes a dedicated EMS fleet of 21 ambulances and AdventHealth AirStar 1, a medical helicopter dedicated to critical patient transport across the Tampa Bay region.    

Construction of the new AdventHealth Meadow Pointe ER cost $26 million. The project generated more than two dozen jobs in the Pasco County area.  

“The completion of this facility in just nine months is a testament to the exceptional collaboration and long-term relationship between our team, AdventHealth, and our trade contractor partners,” said Todd Watson, state division manager for Robins & Morton. “We are thrilled to deliver this facility in a timely manner to begin serving our Pasco County community.”

The AdventHealth Meadow Pointe ER is a department of AdventHealth Zephyrhills.  

Student draws inspiration from home to graduate college

April 24, 2025 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Jakiara Willis did not give up on getting a college education. She is days away from earning a certificate in phlebotomy. Photo courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College

Jakiara Willis had to pause her education when she was 19 years old to take care of her mother who had been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease

Now, at 30, she promised both her mother and grandmother to continue her education.

Willis is one of about 900 students at Pasco-Hernando State College expected to be eligible for graduation this semester. She’ll receive her career certificate in phlebotomy on May 8 on the college’s West Campus in New Port Richey. 

“PHSC made it worth it,” Willis said. “My professor, Ms. Crystal, and my classmates were all amazing. The class dynamic was so helpful, with everyone sharing their ideas and points of view.”

Willis ultimately chose to re-engage her education journey, starting with phlebotomy, because she wanted to walk in her grandmother’s footsteps, who made a career in phlebotomy. 

Her education and career goals don’t end there. She plans to continue her education to become a medical lab scientist, working on developing a cure and treatment plan for Crohn’s disease. 

“I’m a child of a parent who’s struggling, seeing my own mother go through this has given me a resolve to give back and help. I dedicate my experiences and goals to my mother, and if there’s even just one person I can help, it makes a difference,” Willis said. 

She is still weighing her options about what’s next and is determined to make progress in her field.

 

Get ready for summer camp at the Tampa YMCA

April 22, 2025 By Kiran Malik-Khan

Children can make friends, memories and more out of summer through camps offered by the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA. Photo courtesy of Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA

April means getting closer to schools closing for the summer. Experience everything the fun of camp has to offer at the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA! Summer Camp spots are filling up fast! Register today. Conveniently located across Tampa Bay, our YMCA summer camps will run from June 2 to Aug. 8 this year for ages 6 to 15, Mondays through to Fridays. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with early and late supervision available starting at 7 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m. at no extra charge.

Campers will explore a wide variety of activities each day in a safe, fun environment that provides the opportunity to build lifelong friendships and make memories to last long after summer ends. A few examples include swimming, science, arts/crafts, nature education, games, team building and more. All of these fun and educational activities are infused with the Y’s character values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Tampa YMCA Summer Camps are ACA Accredited! This means the Tampa Y camps underwent a thorough review of our operations by the American Camp Association (ACA) – from staff qualifications and training to emergency management – and complied with the highest standards in the industry. The ACA’s nationally recognized standards program focuses primarily on the program quality, health and safety aspects of a camp’s operation.

New this year – we have a summer program for the little ones too! Your 2-to-5-year-old children can enjoy the experience at the newly launched YMCA Preschool Summer Enrichment Program. It runs from June 2 to Aug. 8 – the same dates for our older campers. It will be hosted at our Central City Family YMCA in Tampa Heights and Camp Sierra in Carrollwood.  

Designed to spark curiosity and foster social, emotional and cognitive growth, our preschool program provides the perfect blend of fun and educational enrichment to keep our littlest campers active all summer. We are also pleased to offer swimming lessons as an add-on to ensure children learn safety around water. This helps families who cannot enroll their children for swim lessons due to work or other commitments. We are also pleased to offer a sibling discount for those with older siblings signed up for summer camps.

In addition, keeping kids cool during YMCA summer camp in Tampa’s heat is our priority, not just for comfort, but for safety and well-being. Hydration is non-negotiable. We set up hydration stations across our campuses to ensure campers have water whenever they need it. We ensure that we rotate activities between indoors, outdoors and shady spots to keep campers cool and active. Water play is key, whether it is taking a dip in the pool or incorporating water fun into outdoor games, water play helps keep campers cool. We also train our staff to be able to recognize the early signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion to keep campers safe.

Families are also invited to get a sneak peek at our upcoming free Summer Camp Extravaganza event on April 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., across select locations. The celebration will feature a jam-packed afternoon of games, live music, sports activities, prizes and delicious food. Whether you’re grooving to some upbeat tunes, doing Zumba or watching your kids make new friends, there’s something for everyone. The atmosphere will be buzzing with laughter, music and high-energy activities – perfect for families looking to connect and have fun together.

Visit tampaymca.org for more information.

 

Kiran Malik-Khan works as senior communications director for Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA.

 

Foundation works to promote girls’ soccer

April 14, 2025 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Sun mascot Solé dances with students. Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Sun Foundation

TAMPA – With shots on goal, smiles on faces and surprises from professional female athletes, students at East Tampa’s Ferrell Girls Preparatory Academy enjoyed an inspiring Soccer Celebration on April 4. 

Positive role models and examples of dreams being realized surrounded the 400-plus students at the all-girls public middle school. 

The event marked the launch of the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation. 

The nonprofit group will collaborate with the area’s women’s professional soccer team, Tampa Bay Sun FC, on programs that use the power of soccer to build community and character.

Ferrell Girls Preparatory Academy students zipped around cones in dribbling drills and laughed as they did their best to send shots into the back of portable soccer goals.

Volunteer coaches and professional female players from Tampa Bay Sun FC led the activities.

Sun players and team mascot Solé surprised students at the outdoor celebration, then headed inside to join a school pep rally in the gym.

The Soccer Celebration is a small taste of the impact that will be delivered by the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation’s flagship effort: Rise Up Soccer Club.

Rise Up will bring a free, high-quality soccer program to girls who otherwise may not have access.

It is a women-led afterschool curriculum, lasting four to six weeks.

The Rise Up program will focus on Title 1 schools like Ferrell.

“Soccer is one of the most popular sports for kids in the U.S., but youth soccer is almost never free,” said Rachel Jolley, program director for the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation. “To take part and see all the benefits of physical activity, teamwork and positive role models, families face spending hundreds or thousands of dollars per year, per child. We want to help change that dynamic here in Tampa Bay.”

In addition to expanding access to soccer, the foundation will create new opportunities for growth among local youth players and future leaders of the game, and be a hub for community impact that inspires every generation.

“Our players want to get out into the community,” said Christina Unkel, president and general manager of Tampa Bay Sun FC. “They want to show kids that their dreams can become reality. By partnering with the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation, the amazing women on our team now have a new outlet where they can reach out and have a positive impact.”

On the web: TampaBaySunFC.com/foundation

Homebuilder donates furniture, fixtures to Habitat

April 11, 2025 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Chloe Crooks and Stephanie Patterson remove lighting fixtures to donate to Habitat. Photo courtesy of Rad Red Creative
Melissa Parks moves donations to the Habitat ReStore truck. Photo courtesy of Rad Red Creative

WESLEY CHAPEL – Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County recently received $90,000 in furniture and fixtures from a single donor.

GL Homes donated cabinets, countertops, curtains, kitchen sinks, lighting fixtures, appliances and office furniture from its Winding Ridge community in Wesley Chapel.

Over the past five years, GL Homes has donated $200,000 in furniture and building supplies to Habitat’s ReStore in Pasco County. 

Sales from donated items help Habitat for Humanity partner with local families to build, rehabilitate and repair safe and affordable homes in local communities and around the world.

“GL Homes donated everything and the kitchen sink,” said Melissa Parks, operations and compliance manager for Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County. “The furniture, decor and home improvement goods will be sold at a fraction of the retail price at our Zephyrhills ReStore. This $90,000 donation is the largest one we’ve received this year. Thanks to GL Homes, the money from the sale of these high-quality items will allow us to build more affordable homes in Pasco County.”

Habitat ReStores accept new and gently used home improvement goods and furniture and sell a constantly changing inventory of merchandise to the public at a fraction of the retail price, while diverting reusable household items and building materials from area landfills.

“Our strong relationship with Habitat for Humanity comes full circle,” said Stephanie Patterson, vice president/project manager for GL Homes. “When we donate to Habitat ReStore, we’re keeping quality materials out of landfills and expanding Habitat’s ability to build homes for deserving families.”

GL Homes employees load up the Habitat ReStore truck with donations. Photo courtesy of Rad Red Creative
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Maxwell ready to serenade in Florida portion of tour

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

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

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

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