The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Top Story

MOSI launching eye-opening AI exhibit

By

“Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine” is an exhibit created by The Relayer Group. The company creates opportunities that bring innovation and technology to consumers of all ages through enriching and educational experiences. Photo courtesy of The Relayer Group

TAMPA – Can a machine think like you? Learn like you? Paint your portrait like Picasso?  

Visitors at Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry will soon be able to find out with the Sept. 6 opening of “Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine.”

The interactive, traveling exhibit explores the effects of artificial intelligence. 

Forget the killer robots of science fiction. This is about the everyday technology shaping how people live, work and learn. With games, smart machines and hands-on challenges, it shows how AI works and how it learns to “think” like a human, without getting lost in computer jargon and techno-talk.

“AI might sound mysterious, but at MOSI, we break it down to the basics, so anyone, at any age, can grasp how it works and what it can do in the future,” said John Graydon Smith, president and CEO of MOSI. “It’s already in your pocket, your home and your job, whether you realize it or not. This exhibit makes it fun to see how machines learn, sometimes even better than we do, and why that matters. You’ll leave with a whole new perspective.”

Guests will be immersed in a futuristic playground filled with activities for all ages. Train an AI to recognize your face. Paint a selfie in the style of Van Gogh or Picasso. Press a few keys and hear a piano compose new music using the sounds of 1,400 instruments. Take on stacking puzzles that challenge you to learn like an AI system does.

“Our goal is to give every visitor an introduction to AI that helps them understand what the technology will mean to them,” said HP Newquist, the AI historian and author who created the exhibit. “Kids are certain to work with AI in the years to come, from self-driving cars to digital personal assistants that will help them with their homework. Adults are already trying to make sense of it.”

 

Exhibit highlights

  • Giant Simon game: A huge version of the classic handheld electronic game that challenges you to remember and repeat a pattern of colors and sounds.
  • Spot the fake: Compare real photos to AI-generated ones and see if human eyes can still tell the difference.
  • AI at the movies: Explore how AI is used in films for everything from creating lifelike special effects to bringing digital characters to life.
  • Voice mimic: Record a short message and let the AI recreate it in different voices or accents.
  • Guess that object: Show the AI different items and see if it can correctly identify them or hilariously miss the mark.
  • Cat vs. Not Cat: Try the AI’s original “training” game based on thousands of internet cat photos, then test if it can spot a cat in unusual places.
  • Talk to a translator: Type a sentence and watch as AI instantly translates it into multiple languages. See which ones sound closest to the original meaning.
  • Pattern detective: Give the AI clues and watch it solve mysteries by finding patterns in huge sets of data faster than any human could.

On the web: mosi.org

 

Coke Florida helps housekeeper achieve homeownership

By

Maria De Lourdes Perrotta receives the key to her new home after putting in hundreds of hours of sweat equity. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough
The family celebrates its new home with Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough and Coke Florida. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough

TAMPA – Maria De Lourdes Perrotta realized her longtime dream of stability and independence thanks to the support of Coca-Cola Beverages Florida LLC 

Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough hosted a dedication ceremony Aug. 20 to celebrate Maria and her son, Matias, receiving the keys to their new Tampa home.

“The dream: To have an affordable house,” said Maria, joined by family, community partners and volunteers who helped build her new home.

A key financial supporter of the Perrotta home is Coke Florida, a family-owned business serving Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami and Orlando. Coke Florida employees volunteered more than 200 hours to help build the new house.

“As we celebrated our company’s 10-year anniversary at the end of May, Coke Florida is proud to also celebrate our long-standing relationships with community partners, such as Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough,” said Percy L. Wells II, group vice president, government relations, public affairs and communications for Coke Florida. “We are proud to provide financial support, create economic empowerment opportunities for new homeowners and encourage our associates to support these impactful initiatives.”

Maria’s struggle to find affordable housing is one familiar to millions of Americans. 

Working as a housekeeper, she spent years renting apartments that were often plagued by mold, noise and ongoing rent hikes. 

“Home is where I feel secure, with peace and love,” Maria said. “Having our home means we are finally in a stable place.”

New homeowners like Maria put in hundreds of hours helping build Habitat houses, assisting at Habitat events and working in the Habitat ReStore home improvement store. They pay an affordable mortgage that never exceeds 30% of their income.

 

Habitat affiliates stay busy

  • Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside was scheduled Aug. 22 to celebrate the dedication of its 1,000th home during its 40th anniversary year. A single mom working as a certified nursing assistant is the recipient of the new home located in Lealman. 
  • Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco is registering teams for its Women Build: Rock the Block event on Oct. 24 in Dade City. The event dispatches teams of 10 to do things like landscaping, light construction, painting and working on beautification projects in the community.

Woman’s Club cleans up Lutz Memorial Park

By

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club members (back row, from left) Nancy Danner, Nancy Taylor, (front row, from left) Dee Knerr, Michelle Haskins, Pennee Bowen and Jean Olsen helped clean Lutz Memorial Park. Photo courtesy of Pennee Bowen
This was before the cleanup of Lutz Memorial Park. Photos courtesy of Pennee Bowen

LAND O’ LAKES – The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club continues to make a visible difference in the community. 

Members of the Civic Engagement Community Service Program, joined by other volunteers from the club, gave Lutz Memorial Park a facelift.

They cleared overgrown areas and removed debris. Neglected spaces now look refreshed and ready for the next phase of beautification.

With cleanup complete, the group is now shifting focus to the next step – choosing what to plant.

 

Small business advocates win statewide awards

By

TAMPA – Several members of the Florida Small Business Development Center at University of South Florida were recognized during the 2025 Florida SBDC Network’s Performance Excellence Awards on Aug. 18 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.

The statewide event celebrates outstanding contributions across Florida’s nine regional small business development centers.

“It was a true honor to attend the Florida SBDC Network’s Annual Awards Celebration and recognize our incredible team members for their hard work, dedication and years of service,” said Carl Hadden, regional director of the Florida SBDC at USF. “Their commitment to supporting small businesses continues to make a lasting impact across our 10-county Tampa Bay region.”

 

Aubri Shauger-Haley won the Laura Subel Lifetime Achievement Award. Photo courtesy of Florida SBDC at USF

Laura Subel Lifetime Achievement Award: Aubri Shauger-Haley

Aubri Shauger-Haley won the Laura Subel Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to Florida’s small business community. 

Shauger-Haley serves as a business manager and procurement specialist for the Small Business Enterprise Program at Pinellas County. She also works as a business consultant for the Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development subcenter. 

She has helped Florida small businesses secure more than $75 million in government contracts. 

 

Stephanie Ordoñez won the Ambassador of the Year Award. Photo courtesy of Florida SBDC at USF

Ambassador of the Year Award: Stephanie Ordoñez

Stephanie Ordoñez, communications and marketing officer at the Florida SBDC at USF, has been named the Florida Ambassador of the Year. 

The award recognizes her advocacy and dedication to promoting the resources and services of the Florida SBDC at USF. Ordoñez leads efforts to raise awareness of the center’s no-cost consulting and training opportunities for small businesses. 

She helps amplify the impact of the Florida SBDC at USF in the entrepreneurial community through social media campaigns. 

 

Service Awards

Several team members were also recognized for their years of service: 

  • 15 years: Selma Canas, Kurt Forster and Yolanda Goodloe.
  • 10 years: Karen Krymski and Corey McCaster.
  • 5 years: Greg Manning. 

 

Hillsborough pet shelter takes steps to save pets

By

TAMPA – Hillsborough County says 150,000 pets have been saved at the Pet Resource Center since the county improved the live-release rate at the shelter 13 years ago.

Back in 2012, about 12,000 dogs and cats were euthanized, nearly two-thirds of the pets brought to the shelter. Today, the Pet Resource Center’s live-release rate is above 90%.

It took 10 years to reach 100,000 pets saved, a milestone reached in October 2022. It has taken less than three years for that number to reach 150,000.  Of the 150,406 dogs and cats saved, 101,133 were adopted, 27,643 returned home and 21,630 were sent to rescue groups. 

These numbers stand out more when you consider the Pet Resource Center is an open-admission shelter, meaning it accepts all dogs and cats regardless of age, medical condition or breed.  

Among the policy and practical changes responsible for the dramatic improvement in live-release rates and the accompanying drop in euthanasia:

  • Creating a pet support team that helps residents keep their pets rather than turning them over to the shelter. Team members can help resolve issues with pet behavior, provide food and supplies, and even arrange medical care.
  • Actively working with more than 300 pet rescue groups.
  • Establishing a foster program that allows residents to take pets home for as little as a week. The program helps clear shelter space and provides information about the pets’ behavior and personality. Many of the pets are adopted by the foster parents or their friends or families.
  • Establishing pet-enrichment programs such as dog play groups.
  • Spaying, neutering and evaluating pets so most dogs and cats can go home the same day people decide to adopt them.
  • Allowing residents to view nearly all available dogs and cats at the shelter through an online kennel that includes photos, medical information and behavioral notes.
  • Matching people with the right pet, which increases owner satisfaction and reduces return rates.
  • Increasing the number and variety of medical issues that can be treated at the shelter. Animals with ailments that almost automatically resulted in euthanasia a decade ago are now routinely treated at the shelter by veterinary staff and ultimately adopted.

Because the Pet Resource Center does not euthanize for space, the shelter is almost always full. Currently, the shelter is at about 120% capacity for dogs and 300% capacity for cats. Residents interested in adoption, fostering or volunteering can visit HCFL.gov/pets for details. 

 

AdventHealth Center Ice takes us ‘Back to Wizarding School’

By

Whether you’re brave, clever, loyal, or cunning, AdventHealth Center Ice offers an enchanted event to celebrate the start of a new school year. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth Center Ice

WESLEY CHAPEL – Get ready to trade your Muggle attire for your house colors and join AdventHealth Center Ice for a magical evening.

AdventHealth Center Ice presents “Back to Wizarding School,” a themed public skate session from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 16.

Before you step into the “Great Hall on Ice,” put on the Sorting Hat to find out which house you belong to. Skate alongside fellow witches and wizards and take part in spellbinding games and let your house pride shine as you compete for glory, bragging rights and magical prizes. AdventHealth Center Ice regularly hosts a two-hour theme skate during public skate sessions.

Whether you’re an avid skater or just looking for a fun way to ice skate for the first time, theme skates offer fun curated music, party favors, games, themed drinks and prizes for best dressed.

“Theme skates at AdventHealth Center Ice give guests a different way to express themselves

and their interests while participating in a community ice skate,” said Matthew Christopher, events director. “For the upcoming event, the in-house restaurant and bar, Top Shelf Sports Lounge, will have kid and adult friendly butter brew to keep the theme going off-ice as well.”

Located at 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., AdventHealth Center Ice is the largest ice-sports training facility in the Southeast. The 150,000 square-foot facility features five ice rinks, 18 locker rooms, off-ice training area, full restaurant/bar, concession stand and pro shop.

On the web: AHCenterIce.com

Let’s take a deep dive into the MIND Diet

By

We know that our diet is connected to our gut health, mental health, chronic diseases, and also, cognitive health.  

Have you heard of the MIND Diet?  

It’s an eating pattern designed to promote brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.  

Dementia is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Harvard School of Public Health.  

While this diet can’t reverse present cases of dementia, it can play a role in prevention or slow the progression.  

And the good news is that it’s based on existing diets that you may already be following or are familiar with.

The MIND Diet stands for Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay.  

The Mediterranean Diet is a heart-healthy diet that focuses on healthy fats, while the DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) focuses on reducing high blood pressure.  

They are similar in that they promote whole, unprocessed food for cardiovascular health.  

Research has shown that protecting heart health also protects brain health.  

The MIND Diet combines these two diets to include food and serving size recommendations that are considered “brain healthy” while also noting a list of foods to limit.

In the initial study, a group of over 1000 adults without dementia in the Chicago area were recruited, where they had to complete dietary questionnaires for nine years and take cognitive assessments.  

From that, a MIND Diet score was created based on foods and nutrients that were found to protect against cognitive decline.  

How do you score?

Daily MIND Diet foods:

  • Whole grains: 3 servings per day (one serving = 1 slice of bread or 1/3 cup)
  • Vegetables (not green leafy): 1 serving per day (1 serving = ½ cup cooked or 1 cup raw)
  • Nuts: 1 serving per day (one serving = 1 handful or 2 tablespoons)
  • Olive oil as primary source of added fat

Weekly MIND Diet foods:

  • Green leafy vegetables: 6 servings a week (one serving = 1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup raw)
  • Beans and legume: 3-4 servings per week (one serving = 1/3 cup)
  • Berries: 2 or more servings per week (one serving = 1 cup)
  • Poultry: 2 servings per week (one serving = 2 to 4 ounces)
  • Fish: 1 or more servings per week (one serving = 2 to 4 ounces)

Foods to limit:

  • Pastries and sweets: less than 5 servings per week (1 serving = 1 small piece)
  • Red meats (including beef, pork, lamb and products made from these): less than 4 servings per week (1 serving = 2 to 4 ounces)
  • Cheese: one serving or less per week (1 serving = 1 slice or 1 ounce)
  • Fried and fast food: less than 1 meal per week
  • Butter/stick margarine: less than 1 tablespoon

For those who don’t cook and prefer to eat out, this may sound challenging.  

But there are easy ways to incorporate the MIND Diet at home, such as salads with beans and an olive oil dressing, a bowl of unflavored oatmeal with berries and nuts, using whole grain bread instead of white bread on a sandwich or eating nuts as a snack instead of chips.  Eating well at restaurants is harder simply because you don’t have control over the ingredients and cooking methods, but ordering baked salmon instead of a burger, having bread with olive oil instead of butter or skipping dessert are ways to stay mindful of the MIND diet when eating out.

Simple swaps done incrementally make dietary changes less daunting than trying to make big changes all at once.

Of course, it’s more than just food that can play a role in brain health.  

Getting enough physical activity (150 minutes per week), an active social life, and challenging your mind are all important too.

Following the MIND Diet has been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by 53%.  

Even only moderately following the diet can reduce the risk by 35%.  

It was ranked No. 3 in Best Diets Overall in 2024 in US News and World Report.

Clearly, the low inflammation and reduced oxidative stress prompted by the MIND Diet are good for your brain (and heart and waistline).

 

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.

 

Retired police officer receives mortgage-free home

By

Christopher LaFramboise and his family join a community of heroes that are working to reclaim their independence after injuries. Photo courtesy of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation

LAND O’ LAKES – The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was scheduled to welcome Christopher LaFramboise and his family on Aug. 7 into a new mortgage-free smart home in the Let Us Do Good Village.

LaFramboise medically retired in October 2024 as master police officer after 16 years with the Tampa Police Department. He previously worked with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office for 13 years. 

“I have lived and served in the Tampa Bay area my entire life,” LaFramboise said. “I am thrilled and honored to be the first local first responder to join the Let Us Do Good Village.”

His career has spanned many different departments within the police force. One of the highlights was as a narcotics detective and a crisis negotiator, where he maintained a perfect success rate. He felt especially called to support veterans, active-duty military and fellow first responders navigating moments of personal crisis.

“Throughout 29 years of police work, there were a lot of highs and lows, along with dangerous situations, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing,” LaFramboise said. “All of the challenges and triumphs have taught me resilience and empathy. It wasn’t always easy, but each moment contributed to who I became. I enjoyed living the life of public service.”

LaFramboise suffered a life-altering stroke while on duty Aug. 15, 2022. He suffered two more within the next 30 days. The trauma left him with cognitive and processing difficulties, short-term memory loss and issues with gait and mobility. Ongoing occupational, physical and speech therapy has become part of his new routine.

“It has been very difficult coming to terms with my career ending in a different direction than I imagined,” LaFramboise said. “It has been hard having to lean on my family with my everyday care.”

LaFramboise and his wife, Trish, are excited to begin their new adventure in the Let Us Do Good Village.  The family has already met many of their neighbors and has attended other dedication ceremonies throughout the year.

The Tunnel to Towers Smart Home Program builds specially adapted, mortgage-free smart homes or renovates existing homes to help injured veterans and first responders reclaim their day-to-day independence.

These homes feature zero thresholds, motorized doors and keyless entry for easier access. The homes’ lights, temperature, security and sound system can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app or touch screens throughout the house. Wide doors, hallways and bathrooms are designed for easy navigation.

Visit T2T.org for more information and to support the foundation’s mission.

Chalk Talk (8/6/25): Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

By

Saint Leo grad heading to Italy 

Paul Vitaliti has made the most of his time at Saint Leo University, having graduated summa cum laude to being admitted to a global arts management program in Milan, Italy, 

A 2025 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in theater, Vitaliti also completed minors in English and art, and was an active member of the Honors Program. He’ll continue his studies through the Global Master in Performing Arts Management at Politecnico Milano, in collaboration with the renowned Teatro alla Scala and Teatro Piccolo.

At Saint Leo, Vitaliti served as president of Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Honor Society and founded the Italian Trivia and Language Intracultural Association. He was involved in University Ministry, LEAD Scholars and multiple honor societies. As a resident assistant, he was named RA of the Year and received the Student Affairs core value award for personal development.

His senior Honors project, The Backstage Pass, included writing, producing and directing the original play “The Circus Comes to Town.” 

Vitaliti credits Saint Leo for helping him grow as a leader and artist. 

“My favorite memories revolve around how much of an impact I’ve been able to make,” he said.

 

Saint Leo appoints board leadership

ST. LEO – The Saint Leo University board of trustees announced new board officer appointments.

Noel Boeke, a partner at the law firm Holland & Knight, will lead the 27-member board as chair. He has served on the board since 2010.

Iskra Sbraccia, head of sanctions screening operations at Google in Chicago and CEO of I Am Spark in Tampa, will serve as vice chair. Sbraccia has served on the board since 2021 and is a past president of the Saint Leo University Alumni Association.

Thamir A.R. Kaddouri Jr., managing partner at TAMPALAW, will serve as secretary. Kaddouri is a past president of its alumni association.

“Their professional expertise and long history of serving the university will allow us to quickly make strides forward to support our students and community in new and greater ways,” said James DeTuccio, interim chief operating officer and chief financial officer. .

 

Governor announces Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

PANAMA CITY BEACH – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the return of Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, which will run from Aug. 1 to 31, giving families a full month of savings on essential school supplies.

The Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday includes exemptions for:

  • School supplies selling for $50 or less: Binders, Lunch boxes, Notebooks, Pens and pencils
  • Clothing, footwear, and apparel priced at $100 or less: Backpacks, Pants, Shoes, Shirts and Sweaters.
  • Learning aids selling for $30 or less: Flashcards, Interactive Books and Puzzles.
  • Personal computers and accessories priced at $1,500 or less (for noncommercial home or personal use): Flash drives, headphones, Laptops and Printers.

“By cutting taxes, empowering parents, and growing our economy, we’re making it easier for people to live, work, and thrive in the Free State of Florida,” DeSantis said. 

Visit FloridaRevenue.com/BackToSchool for more information and to view lists of qualifying items.

 

Student Achievements

  • Ronak Agarwal, of Tampa, earned the distinction of Faculty Honors for the spring semester at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. Agarwal earned a 4.0 academic average for the semester. 
  • Rebecca Bach, of Lutz, graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude in the Honors College at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. Bach earned a GPA of at least 3.5 to graduate with honors.
  • Leroy Forbes, of Lutz, earned an Associate of Arts from the University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphi, Maryland.
  • Jalen Stevens, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Technology from the University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphi, Maryland. Stevens graduated Summa Cum Laude and made the President’s List

 

Protecting those who protect us

By

Officers from multiple jurisdictions graduate from a certificate program at St. Petersburg College that is focused on mental health. Photo courtesy of Pepin Family Foundation

ST. PETERSBURG – More police officers die by suicide than in the line of duty. Behind the badge, many carry invisible wounds and far too often suffer in silence. A growing movement in Tampa Bay is changing that.

Law enforcement officers from around Tampa Bay walked across the stage July 28 as the second graduating class of the Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association Applied Mental Health Advanced Technical Certificate for First Responders program at St. Petersburg College. 

This year’s class includes graduates from the St. Petersburg, Tampa, Largo and Bradenton police departments. 

Each graduate is driven by personal experiences:

  • Detective Stephanie Blitz, Largo PD: A seasoned hostage negotiator, found herself in an unimaginable position when her husband was involved in an officer-involved shooting and she had to negotiate the scene. She says it highlights the importance of support after critical incidents for officers and their families.
  • Officer Angie Torres, TPD: A U.S. Marine Corps veteran now serving in the department’s behavioral health unit, she is passionate about expanding wellness resources for officers. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in counseling to further support her fellow officers and military veterans.
  • Retired Captain David DiSano, Tampa International Airport: Enrolled in the program in memory of several friends and co-workers he lost to suicide.

The certificate program was developed to expand on the mental health resources offered by local law enforcement agencies. It was a brainchild of Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association President Jonathan Vazquez and Executive Director/General Counsel Sasha Lohn, based on their experiences supporting officers facing mental health challenges. 

Vazquez said you go to war with an expectation that people may die but he didn’t expect how many of his peers would return home safe only to later die by suicide. 

“Law enforcement culture is a lot like military culture,” Vazquez said. “We need to talk about the hard things we see, hear, smell. We need to help each other.”

With legislative support from Florida Rep. Linda Chaney and Sen. Ed Hooper, the college developed and implemented the academic pathway, prioritizing the mental health needs of law enforcement officers. 

Tuition for the six specialized courses in this three-semester program is fully funded thanks to this partnership and the continued support of the Pepin Family Foundation and Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Foundation.

 “Officers are trained to respond in crisis, but too often, they’re expected to carry that weight alone,” said Tina Pepin, executive director of the Pepin Family Foundation. “We believe when officers are educated and trained in mental and physical resilience, they’re better prepared to care for themselves, their families, and the people they serve. This program is already improving lives across Tampa Bay.”

Greg Mertz, president of the  Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Foundation, said each officer that completes this program is helping shift the culture of law enforcement. 

“This is how we stop trauma, burnout and suicide from spiraling,” Mertz said. “This is how we protect the people who protect us.”

This fall, the cohort plans to share what they’ve learned by distributing a custom challenge coin to first responders in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Manatee counties. The front of the coin reads “First to Respond, Last to Ask for Help” with “We Fight as a Family, You are Never Alone” on the back. Each coin will be accompanied by a card and QR code linking to a vetted list of mental health resources specifically for first responders. A $5,000 donation from the Pepin Family Foundation is helping expand the reach of this initiative.