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Fit by 50: Land O’ Lakes man loses 130 pounds in one year

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Chris Garrido weighed 440 pounds last summer. Everyday tasks were exhausting, his health was deteriorating and he feared he wouldn’t be around to see his children grow up. The turning point came when he made a promise to himself and to his family to be “Fit by 50.”

LAND O’ LAKES – Land O’ Lakes resident Chris Garrido has released a book, “Fit by 50: My Yearlong Journey from Death to Life,” that explains how he transformed his health, mindset and faith to lose 130 pounds in one year.

A year before his 50th birthday, Garrido found himself at his lowest point. He was 440 pounds, exhausted and fearful for his future. 

With the support of his family, his faith and a commitment to change, he began a journey that would not only restore his body but also renew his purpose and spirit. 

“I called it ‘Fit by 50,’ but this wasn’t just about getting in shape,” said Garrido. “It was about coming back to life – physically, mentally and spiritually. I wanted to prove that no matter how far gone you think you are, there’s always hope. You’re not done yet.” 

The journey wasn’t glamorous. It was filled with setbacks, exhaustion, self-doubt and moments of pain that tested him. But with faith as his foundation and family as his motivation, Garrido pressed forward. 

As Garrido began sharing his progress publicly, something unexpected happened. His story began to spread beyond the gym. Messages started pouring in from people across the country who said they were inspired by his transformation and his honesty about the struggle. 

“That’s really where the idea for the book was born,” Garrido said. “The response has been overwhelming and humbling. I’ve had to learn to be OK with inspiring people in the very area I’ve failed at most of my life. But that’s where the redemption is – using your lowest moments to lift someone else up.” 

“Fit by 50” offers readers a look at how consistent actions guided by discipline, purpose and grace can lead to radical transformation. 

The book is available in paperback on Amazon (https://a.co/d/4ZeNDp7). Follow Garrido’s journey on social media at instagram.com/chrisgarrido_fit50. 

 

Zephyrhills buying home to fix neighborhood flooding

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ZEPHYRHILLS – The City of Zephyrhills is taking a unique approach to fix flooding within the Park Hill subdivision, an area affected last year by Hurricane Milton. 

Staff recommended buying the home at 6109 16th Street so the city could expand the existing retention pond along the west side of the road. This will create additional stormwater capacity. 

“I happened to notice when we were looking at a complaint that that piece of property was up for sale,” Public Works Director Shane LeBlanc told the Zephyrhills City Council on Oct. 13. “We looked at it, and we thought we could double the capacity of this retention pond and maybe solve some of these flooding issues because these parcels don’t come up for sale very often. It just seemed like good timing.”

The city agreed on a price of $250,000. City council approved the sale, which will be paid through the Penny for Pasco Contingency line item. 

“I just think it’s a good first step because we’re going to be looking to do this probably in Henry Drive, 9th Avenue and different places,” Council Member Steve Spina said. “These are the kind of things we can do ourselves without waiting for huge grants and projects.”

City ordinances require two appraisals for buying property over $80,000. Tampa-based Lee Pallardy Inc. describes the ranch-style house as being in above-average condition given recent upgrades. The house was built in 1980.

LeBlanc said the city plans to demolish the house and dig the lot out just a little bit. The city will have to get a permit to design the retention pond. A consultant will provide engineering services. 

The Lee Pallardy appraisal noted Zephyrhills experienced “significant flooding impacts” from Hurricane Milton. 

“Most of the flooding issues occurred in the older residential communities, many of which have retention ponds that are not of the size needed to accommodate significant amounts of rainfall within a short period of time,” according to the appraisal. “The subject is located adjacent to the north of a retention pond that likely overflowed during the hurricane, but the subject home reportedly did not experience flooding within the living area of the home; there was reportedly some water accumulation in the garage.”

 

Bullying fuels cancer survivor’s journey to CEO 

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Raquel Caramello is the CEO and chief designer of Raquel Beautiful, a jewelry brand built on the mission of spreading self-love and inclusion. The cancer survivor has raised thousands of dollars for charity. Photo courtesy of Raquel Beautiful

TAMPA – At just 21 years old, Raquel Caramello has transformed some of life’s hardest challenges into a story of courage, creativity and compassion.

Born with Down syndrome and diagnosed with cancer at age 12, Raquel endured two and a half years of excruciating chemotherapy treatments and the heartbreak of losing her hair. When classmates bullied her during this vulnerable time, she realized others were going through the same thing and found strength by creating inspirational notes and jewelry to give to others in the hospital. Each gift included the simple but powerful message: “You are beautiful.”

What began as a gesture of kindness has grown into Raquel Beautiful, a thriving jewelry business and movement. Today, every piece of jewelry comes packaged with an organza bag and a card that reminds the wearer: “You are beautiful.” Raquel has since donated more than $30,000 in jewelry and raised tens of thousands of dollars for charities, including the Special Olympics, Best Buddies, hospitals and Down syndrome organizations. Her message of positivity and empowerment has now been shared with hundreds of thousands of people, inspiring them to embrace their own unique beauty and strength.

During Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October, Raquel will bring her journey full circle at the star-studded Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s “Be Yourself Be Beautiful” Fashion Show. She won’t just walk the runway. Raquel will do so in a gown she designed herself, using skills she developed in Cornell University’s Fashion Design Management program. As a graduate, Raquel gained the knowledge and confidence to turn her fashion dreams into reality.

Her story has captured hearts across the country, not only as a CEO and designer, but as a self-advocate who turned pain into purpose.

“I was bullied when I lost my hair,” Raquel said. “But when I realized others were going through the same thing, I wanted to help them feel beautiful. That’s why I make jewelry, that’s why I write the notes and that’s why I give back.”

 

AdventHealth Center Ice hosts Hallowrink

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AdventHealth Center Ice is the largest ice-sports training facility in the Southeast. The 150,000 square-foot facility features five ice rinks (one Olympic-sized, three NHL format, and one studio rink), 18 locker rooms, an off-ice training area, full restaurant/bar, concession stand and a pro shop. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth Center Ice

 

WESLEY CHAPEL – AdventHealth Center Ice presents “Hallowrink,” a themed public skate session from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 24. 

The family-friendly ice skate will include Halloween-themed party favors and treat bags, while supplies last. Come dressed up in costume and enjoy party lights, on-ice games, a costume contest, themed drinks and a DJ playing all the haunting hits.

AdventHealth Center Ice regularly hosts two-hour themed ice-skating sessions during its public skate times. These are open to all ages, whether you’re an avid skater or just looking for a fun way to ice skate for the first time. The center is located at 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel. 

While most public skate sessions at AdventHealth Center Ice are 1 hour, the monthly theme skate and the weekly “Friday Night Meltdown” showcase party lights, music DJ, and extended two hours of skating time.  

“Theme skates at AdventHealth Center Ice offer guests a unique way to express themselves and fully enjoy the community ice skating experience,” said Matthew Christopher, events director. “For the upcoming event, the in-house restaurant and bar, Top Shelf Sports Lounge, will serve kid and adult-friendly themed drinks like a Candy Corn Ice Cream Float.”

 

Make sure your spooky scary skeleton is in good shape

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With the skeletons coming out in full force this month, have you given much thought to your bones?

After all, your skeleton does so much. It provides structural support, allows us to move, protects vital organs, makes red and white blood cells and more.

We’ve all heard of calcium and Vitamin D for bone health, but phosphorus is a big one, too.  

Phosphorus and calcium make up the structure of our bones, where they are stored.  

The two have an inverse relationship: when one rises, the other drops.  

The concentration of calcium and phosphorus in the blood is tightly regulated through hormones as our bodies strive to stay in homeostasis.  

Many processed foods have phosphorus additives.  

You might see them on the ingredients list as phosphoric acid, sodium phosphate and polyphosphates.  

You’ll find these additives in sodas, baked goods, crackers, pizza, cured meats, candy and other food sources.

Meanwhile, you can get phosphorus naturally in dairy food, salmon, beef, poultry, pork, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole wheat products and certain vegetables, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance for phosphorus is 700 mg/day.  

When consumed from natural food such as milk, only 60% of it gets absorbed.  

But when consumed from processed food, 100% of it gets absorbed.  

Too much phosphorus, namely from processed food, causes the calcium in the blood to drop, and so your body pulls it from the bones to try to maintain the balance.  

Over time, this can lead to brittle and weak bones.  

The calcium to phosphorus ratio is crucial to bone health, and what we eat makes all the difference.  

If you’re already eating a healthy eating pattern, then you are probably getting enough of this mineral.  

Check the food label too to see if you’re getting enough calcium or Vitamin D (don’t forget the sun can help with Vitamin D levels too).  

Daily calcium requirements vary by age and gender:

  • 9 to 18 years old: 1,300 mg
  • 19 to 50 years old: 1,000 mg
  • Men 51 to 70 years old: 1,000 mg
  • Women 51 to 70 years old: 1,200 mg
  • All adults 71+: 1,200 mg

Dairy has high calcium levels that are well absorbed by the body, but there are other food sources that have calcium too, whether naturally or fortified.  

For example, look for grains fortified with calcium, such as cereals and bread.  

Among vegetables, dark leafy greens such as collards, kale and bok choy are good sources of calcium.  

While spinach does have calcium, it also has oxalates, which inhibit calcium absorption.  

And if you’re a fan of orange juice, make sure it’s fortified with calcium and vitamin D.  

Kumquats, oranges and dried figs also have some levels of calcium.  

Within protein, fortified tofu and certain beans and seafood have calcium.

As for Vitamin D, intake varies a bit by age:

  • 1-70 years: 15 micrograms per day
  • Over 70: 20 micrograms per day

You’ll find Vitamin D fortified in many foods and beverages, including milk, yogurt, cheese, cereal and orange juice.  

Naturally, you’ll find it in fatty fish and egg yolks.

Other habits matter too, like staying active with weight-bearing exercises such as walking and resistance training, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco.

So as you hang up the skeletons in your yard, don’t forget about your own skeleton.

 

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County, An Equal Opportunity Institution.

 

New Port Richey Public Library launches mobile library branch

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The new Mobile Library Branch will bring the library to the community. Photo courtesy of New Port Richey Public Library

NEW PORT RICHEY – The New Port Richey Public Library is preparing to hit the road with a new Mobile Library Branch that will bring books, resources and services directly to the community. 

Launching in the coming months, this mobile branch will expand access to library materials and programs for residents who may not be able to visit the library in person.

The new bookmobile, officially named ELROY (Expanding Literacy & Reading Opportunities for You), will serve as both a mobile library and an outreach vehicle. It will make regular stops at schools, assisted living facilities and other locations, ensuring that people of all ages have the opportunity to access library resources. 

ELROY will also be a familiar sight at local events and community gatherings, bringing the library’s services wherever people are.

“The Mobile Library Branch has been a long-term vision, and we are thrilled to bring it to our community,” Library Director Andi Figart said. “ELROY expands access to library resources across the city, ensuring greater connection and enhanced services for all.”

The name ELROY also carries a special significance. 

It honors Elroy M. Avery, the founder of the New Port Richey Public Library and the city’s first mayor. Avery, a former state senator, historian and author, established the library more than a century ago with the belief that access to knowledge strengthens both individuals and communities. 

This project was made possible with support from the City of New Port Richey and the Friends of the New Port Richey Public Library, whose fundraising efforts played a key role in bringing ELROY to life. 

On the web: nprlibrary.org

 

Hernandez family celebrates major milestones at McDonald’s

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Family, friends and coworkers of Olga Montano celebrate her winning the Ray Kroc Award, a high honor among McDonald’s managers. Photo courtesy of McDonald’s

TAMPA – Olga Montano wiped away tears as she explained what winning the Ray Kroc Award means to her. It’s an honor given to just 1% of all managers at McDonald’s restaurants in the world.
Montano works as general manager of the McDonald’s at 1520 W. Kennedy Blvd. It’s one of several restaurants in Hillsborough and Pasco counties owned and operated by the Hernandez family.
Jose and Vivian Hernandez surprised Montano with news of the award on Oct. 1, handing her a giant check for $2,500 and paperwork to attend the McDonald’s Worldwide Convention next year in Las Vegas.
“Relationship matters,” Montano said, crediting Jose. “Our relationship is so great that there is nothing that I wouldn’t do for him and this company. I’m very honored to work for him, his family – very happy, very surprised and we’ll continue to strive to do better.”
Jose said that Montano has worked at this restaurant for 15 years. He said Montano not only works hard but she motivates her team to surpass expectations.
“I have a saying,” Jose told Montano, “when you think things cannot be done, go watch those that are doing it. You break barriers. The standards that you set for yourself are beyond comprehension. As a result of that, we couldn’t be more proud of you.”
Jose and Vivian Hernandez had additional reasons to celebrate. Their daughter, Alex, took ownership of her fourth McDonald’s restaurant, and their son, Joey, became the fourth child in the family to become an owner/operator.
Vivian said she was impressed with her son’s thoughtful approach to taking his time learning not just the nuts and bolts of the business but also the people.
“If you know me, you know that I am someone who really needs to live it to experience it,” Joey said, noting he has worked at McDonald’s for about 12 years. “I feel more prepared as a result and ready to go.”

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers mammograms

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Technologists Rebecca Caplinger (left) and Kari Koch are among the friendly faces you may find in a St. Joseph’s Hospital-North imaging mammography room.

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North urges women to make a promise to get a mammogram. 

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, aside from skin cancers, according to the American Cancer Society. It’s also the second-leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer. The ACS says about one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.

“Women of every age should know their risk for breast cancer,” said Dr. Diane Durgan, a BayCare Medical Group breast surgeon with an office on the St. Joseph’s Hospital-North campus. “If you don’t know your risk for breast cancer, you should ask your doctor to calculate it for you. This will let us know how we’re supposed to watch you and screen you for breast cancer.”

Durgan recommends women over 40 get a mammogram at least once every year. 

“Every woman should also be doing monthly breast self-exams,” Durgan said. “This is also important for younger women. If you see something abnormal, let your doctor know. Let us know so you can see a specialist.”

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s Shimberg Breast Center uses 3-D technology to produce high-resolution mammograms. 3-D provides a more precise, clear, accurate and sharper image than 2-D. The technology can also compare images side-by-side from year to year.

Visit BayCareBreastHealth.org to schedule a mammogram.

Pasco EDC receives two economic development awards

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Pasco EDC left the IEDC 2025 Annual Conference from Sept. 14 to 17 in Detroit, Michigan with two awards. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC

LUTZ – Pasco Economic Development Council received two 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Bronze Awards from the International Economic Development Council. 

The awards recognized Pasco EDC in the categories of Email Newsletter and Recovery, Resiliency & Mitigation, which impacted over 500,000 residents. 

“Our team works hard to maintain relationships with Pasco County businesses through the Pasco EDC Business Retention and Expansion program, and it is exciting to see the Pasco Biz Connect campaign being recognized as a part of their efforts to support business growth in our community,” said Bill Cronin, president and CEO of Pasco EDC.

 

Email Newsletter Award 

Pasco EDC won in the bronze category for its Pasco Biz Connect campaign.

This campaign promotes the Pasco EDC Business Retention and Expansion program by using themed monthly email newsletters, social media and new website features, including a new blog page and resource library, to provide relevant content to the business community. The campaign has surpassed the previous year’s total social media engagement halfway through the campaign’s second year. The campaign maintained an email click-through rate of 16%, well over the industry average of 2.6%.

 

Recovery, Resiliency & Mitigation Award 

Pasco EDC won in the bronze category for emergency communication efforts during the 2024 hurricane season.

The team worked with local, state and federal agencies to share recovery and mitigation updates and resources with the community. 

The past year’s storms were the worst to hit the area in over 100 years, and Pasco EDC worked with its partners, including Pasco County Government and Florida SBDC at USF, to disseminate information in a timely manner to businesses. During the 2024 hurricane season, there were over 1,000 clicks in Pasco EDC emergency communication emails, which included links to various partner resources. During this same timeframe, Pasco EDC social media posts relating to emergency communications reached over 144,000 impressions.

 

“Pasco EDC is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its programs,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC president and CEO. “These awards shine a spotlight on Pasco EDC’s commitment to its community and showcase the significant impact of economic development.”

Health & Wellnes (10/1/25): Hillsborough offers adult day services

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Hillsborough County offers adult day services

TAMPA – Hillsborough County Adult Day Services observed National Adult Day Services Week from Sept. 21 to 27 with numerous programs to educate and raise awareness.

These included open houses and education sessions on Alzheimer’s and fall prevention. 

Hillsborough County Adult Day Services Centers allow caregivers to receive respite or continue employment while their loved ones enjoy a supervised and socially stimulating setting. The centers offer mental, social and physical activities for people who have frailties, physical or cognitive impairments, or chronic health conditions. 

Call Hillsborough County Aging Services at (813) 272-5250 or visit HCFL.gov/Aging to learn more.

 

Seniors could get improved access to medical devices

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and others reintroduced the Ensuring Access to Critical Breakthrough Products Act to improve access to cutting-edge medical technology for seniors. 

The bill would require Medicare to provide coverage for medical devices approved under the FDA’s Breakthrough Devices Program, which is designed to accelerate the development and review of innovative technologies that offer more effective treatment or diagnosis for life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating conditions.  

Currently, Medicare does not automatically cover these breakthrough medical technologies, even when they have been approved or cleared by the FDA and granted breakthrough designation. Under the traditional process, it can take more than six years for Medicare to determine coverage.

 

Bill to protect seniors’ access to lab testing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and others introduced the Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services Act to protect seniors’ access to essential lab services. 

Legislators said without reform to the Medicare Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule, deep cuts under that payment system are set to begin in January 2026 and will threaten timely access to care for America’s seniors. 

“Strong clinical laboratories are vital to delivering high-quality care, especially for seniors who depend on timely testing to maintain their health,” Bilirakis said. “The RESULTS Act will protect access to these essential services and help ensure that families in Florida and across the country can continue to receive the care they need.”

 

Bilirakis bills advance out of committee 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced seven pieces of legislation Sept. 17, including two bipartisan initiatives led by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12). 

Both measures were poised for a vote on the House floor.

One of the measures, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025, directs the Department of Transportation to require automakers to include AM broadcast radio as standard equipment in all new motor vehicles, ensuring universal access to AM radio at no additional cost to consumers.

The second Bilirakis-led initiative is a comprehensive legislative package aimed at accelerating the development of pediatric cancer treatments and expanding access to life-saving therapies for children with rare diseases.

 

Bill seeks to prevent stillbirth

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL-14) introduced the Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education for Autumn Act to improve stillbirth research and data collection.

The SHINE for Autumn Act aims to bridge gaps in stillbirth data, research and education by:

  • Providing grants to states to support consistent, secure data collection, assessment and reporting on stillbirth and risk factors.
  • Strengthening privacy protections to ensure sensitive health data is protected.
  • Directing the Department of Health and Human Services, in coordination with health care providers, to develop best practices and educational materials for state health departments on stillbirth data collection and prevention strategies.

 

Castor votes no on health care cuts

TAMPA – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) voted no on the GOP budget bill.

She said millions of Floridians face devastating health care cost increases due to Congressional Republicans’ refusal to extend the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced Premium Tax Credits.

“If the tax credit expires, millions of people with chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes will struggle to afford health care or lose coverage altogether,” she said. “All Floridians will be saddled with higher costs due to uncompensated care at hospitals and crowded emergency rooms. Florida hospitals strongly support extension of the health care tax credits.”

 

Castor introduces health care amendments 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) introduced two amendments to keep health care costs and immunizations affordable during a markup of seven bills by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. 

Castor’s first amendment would permanently extend the Affordable Care Act enhanced Premium Tax Credits to keep health care premiums from skyrocketing at the end of the year. 

Castor’s second amendment would prevent any changes from being made to the current vaccine recommendations for children, teens and adults that would result in people losing access to no-cost coverage.