The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Bounty Bus to bring food to underserved communities

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DADE CITY – AdventHealth has formed a new partnership with Access to Fresh with the launch of the group’s new mobile market trailer, the Bounty Bus. 

Access to Fresh works to improve food access in underserved communities. Last year, Access to Fresh supported a variety of initiatives, providing seniors, students and food pantries with fresh produce.

The  partnership between AdventHealth and Access to Fresh aims to double the organization’s impact in providing fresh, locally sourced produce to families in need.  

“Our multi-year partnership with AdventHealth allows us to deliver fresh produce and nutrition education directly into underserved communities, strengthening local resilience and building a healthier food system from the ground up,” said Nichole Dube, co-founder of Access to Fresh. 

Dube is also behind Dube’s Mobile Market and Dube’s Farm and Market in Wesley Chapel, which has helped support AdventHealth’s Food is Health Program in counties across AdventHealth’s West Florida Division for the past five years. 

“Through this new partnership with Access to Fresh as well as our Food is Health program, we are committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities by increasing access to nutritious food options,” said Dean Whaley, executive director of strategic partnerships and community engagement for AdventHealth West Florida Division. 

A ribbon cutting for the Bounty Bus was held June 11 at the Lewis Abraham Lacoochee Boys & Girls Club. 

The event featured fresh fruit and vegetable tastings for children, an exercise demonstration and information about Access to Fresh’s summer nutrition program. 

“We are so excited to be selected as the first stop of the Bounty Bus,” said Eunique Byrd, Lacoochee Club director. “Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay serves 425,000 meals to youth annually, but we know there is still a huge need for fresh, nutritious food in the homes of many families we serve. The work that Bounty Bus and Access to Fresh do in the community is essential in ensuring that youth meet nutritional needs.”

Zephyrhills grads told to be elite but also present

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ZEPHYRHILLS – Joel Torres Espinoza described his parents as the “perfect representation of the American Dream done right.” 

His dad worked countless hours to provide for the family while his mom stayed home and took care of Joel and his three older brothers. 

“My mom is the type of mother who would starve to make sure her baby boys were fed,” he said. “Now she knows she has four boys who would do anything for her.”

Espinoza said he developed his dad’s work ethic. That work ethic led Espinoza to earn the distinction of valedictorian at Zephyrhill High School. 

Espinoza told his classmates June 5 from the graduation stage that someone has a one in 400 trillion chance of being born and then a 4% chance of living in the United States. He urged classmates not to waste that opportunity they are blessed with and push themselves to operate at an elite level. 

Senior Class President Dylan Fleshood said he’s had so much fun at Zephyrhills High School, planning homecoming floats, organizing pep rallies, decorating for prom and coaching soccer. 

Fleshood encouraged classmates to keep striving for greatness in everything they do.

“Remember, your talent defines what you can do, your motivation determines how much you’re willing to do and your attitude will shape how well you do it,” Fleshood said.

Outstanding Senior Alyssa Rojas cautioned classmates about getting too fixated on the future that they overlook the beauty of the present. 

“We get caught up in the race to achieve and be successful that we lose sight of compassion and connection,” Rojas said. “Life isn’t just about reaching a destination. It’s about the journey, the lessons we learn and the memories we create. Let’s remember to cherish each step and find joy in living in the present.”

Principal Amanda McCoy said the Class of 2025 overcame challenges – some expected, others not – through resilience, creativity and heart. More than accolades, McCoy takes pride in the type of people they have become. 

She assured graduating seniors they are ready for what’s next. 

“Go forward with courage, dream big, work hard, stay kind and never forget where you came from,” she told them. “Class of 2025, we’re so proud of you. Congratulations and may your future be as bright as your spirit.”

Deputies return fire on suspect in Dade City 

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DADE CITY – The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting June 10 in the Rose Avenue area that resulted in the death of 25-year-old Cristian Javier Estrada Perez.

Deputies were trying to serve an ex parte order issued by a court at the request of Perez’s family due to threats he made to them, according to the sheriff’s office. Col. Tait Sanborn said deputies had to take Perez into custody for a mental health evaluation and previously attempted to serve the order on June 5, 6 and 9. 

“Deputies were made aware by family members that the subject was known to carry a firearm,” Sanborn said, noting there were around seven deputies on the scene trying to safely take him into custody. 

Deputies were there around 8:25 p.m. and attempted to communicate with Perez from the outside but he did not respond. 

“They were able to open a door and make visual contact with the subject, where they again made multiple attempts to ask him to come out to begin to have a conversation with him,” Sanborn said. 

Deputies eventually warned Perez that they would be deploying chemical agents inside the house. Then they deployed pepper balls.  

“They waited for a period of time, giving him additional opportunities to create a dialogue or exit the residence,” Sanborn said. “His response was to fire four rounds from a firearm, which we later learned he had strapped to his hand, so it could not be released.”

Deputies returned fire, hitting Perez. He died on the scene. No deputies were injured. 

In keeping with protocol, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the deputy-involved shooting and the two deputies who fired the rounds have been placed on paid administrative leave.

The sheriff’s office said this was an isolated incident with no threat to public safety. 

 

PHSC baseball team wins World Series

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NEW PORT RICHEY – The Pasco-Hernando State College Bobcats Baseball Team won the 2025 NJCAA Division II Baseball World Series Championship Game on May 31 in Enid, Oklahoma. 

The World Series win marks the first national championship win in the college’s athletic history.

The Bobcats played against the No. 2 seed, Pearl River, in the championship title game, finishing the game 11-7 after securing two grand slams in the bottom of the seventh inning. 

The first slam was completed by No. 8 Grant Jordan (Jesuit High School), tying the game to 7-7, and then with two outs, No. 20 Brandon Durfee (Land O’ Lakes High School) launched another grand slam to give the Bobcats a four-run lead.

PHSC took control of the game in the seventh, but throughout the game No. 27 Michael Savarese (Hernando High School) held the mound, tallying 8 strikeouts in 6.2 innings, before No. 6 Holden Wade (Sickles High School) closed out the game, throwing 2.1 scoreless innings without allowing a hit or a walk.

After the game, Durfee was named the tournament’s MVP and Outstanding Offensive Player, while PHSC’s recently named athletic director and head baseball coach, Lyndon Coleman, received the Coach of the Tournament Award. The NJCAA also announced the honors for the all-tournament team, naming four PHSC players: Jordan, No. 5 Fano Cruz (Viera High School), No. 1 Bryce Habuda (Canterbury High School) and No. 30 Gavin Zassenbraker (A3 Academy).

“The 2025 Bobcats may have physically won the national championship on the field, but this title belongs to everyone who has ever been a part of our program,” Coleman said. “This victory is for every player, coach, staff member and supporter who helped build PHSC Baseball into what it is today.”

 

Youth place flags at Florida National Cemetery

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Event organizers said the event instills a sense of gratitude and a deeper appreciation for citizenship, history and  sacrifice. Photos courtesy of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Tampa Area

BUSHNELL – Youth from congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the Tampa Bay area gathered at the Florida National Cemetery this week to participate in an annual tradition.

They placed American flags in front of thousands of headstones, pausing at each one to speak the veteran’s name aloud and say, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice.”

The gathering brought young people together from communities such as Land O’ Lakes, Lutz, Citrus Park and Spring Hill. 

“It means everything that I am here today,” said 13-year-old Ella Anderson of Land O’ Lakes, “that I can live with my family and friends in a free country.”

Event organizers said the event instills a sense of gratitude and a deeper appreciation for citizenship, history and  sacrifice. Photos courtesy of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Tampa Area

The day carried a personal connection for Abigail Bradberry, 13, of Lutz.

“My great-grandfather is buried here and I never met him,” Abigail said. “But I do know he was a great, fun person, and knowing that helps me realize that I can still remember him and thank him for everything he did – even though I didn’t meet him.”

Emma McCann, 5, of Spring Hill, said her favorite part was placing the flags and reading the names. 

“I noticed a grave had the same last name as me,” Emma said. “My dad and I are going to see if we are related to him.”

Luke Anderson, 15, of Land O’ Lakes, shared a hope that drives many of the youth to return year after year.

“I hope that people remember the men and women that served and died for our country and our freedoms,” Luke said. “I hope they also remember to respect these freedoms and know they weren’t just given. They were earned by these people that served our country.”

 

Tampa Glow Row puts spotlight on development disabilities

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These are highlights from the Glow Row event in Illinois. Photo courtesy of Project Focus

TAMPA – The 2025 Tampa Glow Row will bring together more than 200 athletes, with and without disabilities, for a high-energy night of fitness, fun and community.

The Caroline and Barrett Foundation, Project Focus and the Dancer Love Foundation are hosting the event from 5 to 10 p.m. June 7 at CrossFit Hyde Park. 

Teams of 10 will row either a full or half marathon on row ERG machines, competing in one of two divisions: Community and Adaptive. Prizes will be awarded to the top two teams in each division, along with recognition for most team spirit. 

The Glow Row’s neon-themed atmosphere will feature a festival experience with live DJ sets, food trucks and a vendor village of small businesses.

Proceeds will support Project Focus, a Tampa-based nonprofit that empowers people with developmental disabilities through education, life skills and workforce development as well as the Dancer Love Foundation, which creates access to athletic opportunities for people with disabilities.

“The programs and opportunities we provide at Project Focus are life-changing, many of our students would not have access to events like this without community support,” said Clayton Clemens, executive director of Project Focus. “The 2025 Tampa Glow Row is about breaking down barriers, celebrating what makes each of us unique and giving our community the chance to be a part of something special. Everyone deserves an opportunity to have fun, dance and feel connected with each other.”

The Tampa Glow Row was inspired by the efforts of The Dancer Love Foundation based in Quincy, Illinois and is following the footsteps of CrossFit Games athletes Sam and Jenn Dancer.

“The Dancer Love Foundation was inspired by my friend James, whose joy and light taught me the value of inclusive communities,” said Jen Dancer, co-founder. “Glow Row helps empower individuals with disabilities to discover wellness, build friendships and shine in their own way.”

Organizers say the Glow Row will become an annual event and open the door to new activities for people with developmental disabilities, their families and the community. 

The long term goal of Project Focus is to build a “community within the community” that includes options for education, workforce training and apartment-style living for this population.

On the web: projectfocusfoundation.org

 

Pasco school board member sums up unforgettable year

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Megan Harding

I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every single teacher, staff, parent, community member and student. 

It’s been a year filled with challenges, triumph, change, resilience and dedication. It’s truly been inspiring.

To our incredible students, your hard work and enthusiasm has made this year unforgettable. Whether you’re graduating or moving up a grade, your growth and achievements have made us all very, very proud. I want you to take this summer to recharge, explore and continue pursuing your passions.

To our dedicated teachers and staff, your commitment to the education and well-being of our students is truly remarkable. Your efforts have created a nurturing environment where learning thrives. 

We’ve had to pivot a lot because of hurricanes and different things like that but you really created a learning environment that is nurturing. Thank you for everything you do day in and day out.

As we look forward to summer break, I encourage everyone to take time to rest, rejuvenate and connect with loved ones. Let’s cherish these moments and return with a renewed energy and excitement for the year ahead. I’m wishing everyone a safe and joyful summer. 

 

Megan Harding serves as District 5 representative on the Pasco County School Board. She gave these remarks during the May 20 school board meeting. 

 

Pasco County Schools graduation ceremonies

 

May 29, Center for the Arts at River Ridge

  • 5 p.m. – Marchman Technical College 

 

June 3 – Wendell Krinn Technical School Gymnasium

  • 6 p.m. – Wendell Krinn Technical High School – Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony

 

June 4, Yeungling Center

  • 9 a.m. – Wesley Chapel High School 
  • 1:30 p.m. – Hudson High School 
  • 6 p.m. – Wiregrass Ranch High School 

 

June 5, Yeungling Center

  • 9 a.m. – Zephyrhills High School 
  • 1:30 p.m. – Fivay High School 
  • 6 p.m. – Land O Lakes High School 

 

June 6, Yeungling Center

  • 8 a.m. – Cypress Creek High School 
  • 12 p.m. – Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation
  • 4 p.m. – Pasco High School 
  • 8:30 p.m. – Sunlake High School 

 

June 7, Yeungling Center

  • 8 a.m. – River Ridge High School 
  • 12 p.m. – Gulf High School 
  • 4 p.m. – Anclote High School 
  • 8:30 p.m. – J.W. Mitchell High School 

 

June 10, Center for the Arts at River Ridge

  • 1 p.m. – Pasco eSchool 

Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on seven homes 

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Seven future Habitat homeowners break ground in Pasco County. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside

NEW PORT RICHEY – Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside put shovels into the ground May 19 to mark the beginning of the build process for seven homes on Kiowa Drive.  

The groundbreaking ceremony included the future homeowner families, Habitat staff, community supporters and elected officials. The homes are expected to be completed by this fall.

“This is another important step for Habitat in West Pasco County,” said Mike Sutton, president and CEO at Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside. “We are thrilled we could purchase these lots and build seven homes that will sit side-by-side and be owned by seven families going through the Habitat homeownership program. These families will be neighbors and be able to support one another for years to come.”

Candi Hagler, executive director – Pasco, addresses those gathered at the groundbreaking ceremony. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside

This area of New Port Richey has provided ample opportunity for Habitat to build new homes for families. Three streets away on Teak Street, Habitat has built six homes in the last 18 months.

Habitat for Humanity has served over 900 homeowner partners since 1985. The affiliate serves Pinellas, West Pasco and Hernando counties. 

Volunteers and future homeowners construct the homes, which are sold and financed with a zero-interest loan. Habitat homeowner candidates earn 30% to 80% of the area median income. Candidates must demonstrate the need for adequate shelter; the ability to pay back a zero-interest loan; and the willingness to partner with Habitat to complete a robust homebuyer education curriculum and invest 350 to 450 “sweat equity” hours. 

Mortgage monies are used to build even more homes, making each donation to Habitat a perpetual legacy to the community. 

Publix Supermarket Charities is sponsoring all seven homes. This will bring Publix’s home sponsorship total with Habitat Tampa Bay Gulfside to 26 homes. 

Below are the families that have been working toward homeownership. 

 

The Blackshear Family (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside)

The Blackshear Family

Maggie Blackshear and her 10-year-old twin granddaughters, A’Keena and A’Kacia, are excited to have a new beginning in their Habitat home. 

The family of three is currently living in a one-bedroom apartment where the twins sleep in the bed while Maggie sleeps on the sofa. 

“Our life will be different in our Habitat home because we will no longer be paying rent,” Maggie said. “We will be paying a mortgage to our forever home – somewhere that we will always be safe and secure.” 

Maggie is excited to decorate the house with her girls and to cook meals in her new kitchen.

 

The Dorsey Family (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside)

The Dorsey Family

Danyelle and Justin Dorsey and their two daughters, Layla (8) and Liyah (4), are on their journey towards homeownership, which will bring the family a sense of stability and comfort. They currently live in an income-based townhome complex that is uncomfortable and undesirable due to the lack of space and unaddressed maintenance issues. 

“Justin and I are working together as a team to give our girls the loving, stable home we didn’t have growing up,” Danyelle said. The family is excited to have a yard to play and have family grill-outs in. “We will feel better about letting the girls play outside because we will have the space for them to do so.”

 

The Fisher Family (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside)

The Fisher Family

Alicia Fisher is a hardworking single mother to her 5-year-old son, Tristan. 

The two enjoy spending time together at the park, visiting the beach or advocating for Autism, which Tristan is diagnosed with. 

Alicia is eager to provide stability for herself and her son in their new home. She not only wants to have a safe place for Tristan but his friends as well. She has always wanted a place where her son’s friends can come over to play. 

“Being a part of this journey has been meaningful to me,” Alicia said. “Not only am I learning to budget and build a home, but I am also meeting all kinds of new people that will be lifelong friends.”

 

The McLeod Family (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside)

The McLeod Family

Life has been a challenge for Johnnie Mcleod and her grandson (now adopted son) Tazarious. 

The family of two is determined to overcome all life’s obstacles and create a lifetime of happiness and prosperity with the help of Habitat for Humanity. 

After experiencing high rent prices, difficult living conditions and even homelessness, the family is ready for a new beginning. 

“Our new beginning will consist of stability and affordability,” Johnnie said. 

She and Tazarious are excited to have a yard where they can hang out and enjoy the beauties of the world. 

“This home will be a starting point of new memories, new expectations and new blessings,” she said. 

 

The Rodrigues-Hart Family (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside)

The Rodrigues-Hart Family

Anna Hart, a 19-year-old college student, and her mother, Claudia Rodrigues, have been living in a one bedroom apartment for the past eight years. 

The limited space causes many frustrations and has left them with many sleepless nights and no privacy or space to call their own. 

Getting accepted into the Habitat program brought Anna and Claudia a lot of relief and gratitude. 

“Our house will be someplace I look forward to coming home to,” Anna said. “Somewhere I pull up to and smile knowing all the work it took for it to be there.” 

The mother-daughter duo is most excited about the sense of security their forever home will bring. They will no longer have to worry about their rent being raised and will finally have the privacy of their own bedrooms and bathrooms that they have been longing for.

 

The Seija Family (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside)

The Seija Family

Miriam Seija is a single woman from Colombia who came to America looking for a better future. Now, she is doing the same with Habitat and is looking forward to the peace and tranquility her forever home will bring her. 

Before being accepted into the program, Miriam faced many hardships including the death of her husband, her own medical issues and the struggle to find a safe and affordable place to live.

After learning about the Habitat program, Miriam was determined to make her dream come true of owning a home and having time to herself in the comfort of a house that she can call her own.

 

The Wiggins Family (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside)

The Wiggins Family

For the past five years, Quytesha Wiggins has been dreaming of becoming a homeowner. Her dream will finally come true with the help of the Habitat program. 

Quytesha is a single woman who loves to laugh, spend time with family and listen to music. With increasing rent prices over the past few years, she has had to pick up an extra job which has caused her to miss out on spending time with her family. 

She imagines life in her new Habitat home to be peaceful and is eager to create generational wealth for her future family. 

Quytesha hopes that one day her home will become the place where her family hosts holiday gatherings and they can make many new memories together.

 

Heritage Arts Center Association awards two scholarships

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Pasco County students Colette Hanke and Lindsey Overland show off award-winning work. Photo courtesy of Heritage Arts Center Association

DADE CITY – The Heritage Arts Center Association gives a $1,000 Nereim Fine Arts Award each year in honor and memory of founding members Gordon and Jean Nereim.

Their love of the arts lives on through this award. Talented seniors in Pasco County schools submit artwork (paintings, sculpture, drawing or photography) each spring to be considered. 

Due to a generous grant from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation this year, the organization was able to present $1,000 art awards to seniors Colette Hanke and Lindsey Overland.

Colette, of Academy at the Lakes, has had a fascination with art since childhood. Colette submitted an acrylic painting, created to experiment with the “cell shading” style.  She used a white charcoal pencil to sketch out the piece and then blocked out the light and shadow for the process. Her painting depicted an artist’s workspace, with a blank canvas – suggesting the endless possibilities of creation. Her teacher is Matthew Paltoo.  

Lindsey’s primary field of interest is illustration. The Cypress Creek High School senior plans to attend Ringling College of Art and Design. She submitted a mixed media piece of birds with pearl craft stickers on canvas, which reflected the theme of femininity and connectedness. Her teacher is Zach Krieder

Because of the large number and quality of entries this year, the Heritage Arts Center Association also named Brianna Mercado and Alenna Raza as Honorable Mention artists.  

The Heritage Arts Center Association will feature these four artists at the Moonlight and Ivory concert and art show held Nov. 1 at Dade City’s Woman’s Club. 

On the web: heritagearts.org

 

Florida SBDC at USF gives out awards to top performers

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Florida SBDC at USF earned the SBA 2025 Small Business Development Center of the Year award. Photo courtesy of Florida SBDC at USF
Dr. Nick Bottaro, of Beatific Vision in Odessa, accepts the award for SBDC Fastest Growth Business of the Year. Photo courtesy of Florida SBDC at USF

TAMPA – The Florida Small Business Development Center at University of South Florida recognized top professionals May 14 during the 2025 Florida SBDC at USF Annual Business Awards.
Winners are now eligible for Florida SBDC Network state awards. State award winners will be announced at the Network’s Annual Conference this coming August in Tampa.
During the awards, the Florida SBDC at USF was also recognized with the SBA 2025 Small Business Development Center of the Year Award by the U.S Small Business Administration.
“Our Florida SBDC at USF Annual Business Awards continues to be a great opportunity to celebrate entrepreneurship and recognize the Florida SBDC professionals who help businesses in our 10-county Tampa Bay region thrive,” said Carl Hadden, regional director of the Florida SBDC at USF. “We are fortunate enough to have a dedicated team, who worked tirelessly to make this a successful event, and honored to have been selected as the 2025 State of Florida SBDC Center of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.”
Below is a list of all the award winners.

Florida SBDC Performance Awards
• Team Spirit of the Year: Bill Burnham
• Rising Star of the Year: Debra Schweikowsky
• Performance Excellence Award: Randy Hayes
• Ambassador of the Year Award: Stephanie Ordonez
• Resource Partner of the Year: Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce
• Graduate Student Team Project of the Year: Lithium Battery Company (University of Tampa)
• Undergraduate Student Team Project of the Year: Pinoy Cravings (Florida Southern College)

Florida SBDC at USF Small Business Awards
• SBDC Start Up Business of the Year: ABA on Demand LLC
• SBDC Export Business of the Year: Collective Circularity LLC
• SBDC Businessperson of the Year: Salty Roots Salon, LLC
• SBDC Veteran-Owned Business of the Year: Spectrum Custom Molds and Manufacturing
• SBDC Fastest Growth Business of the Year: Siloam Medical dba Beatific Vision
• SBDC Government Contractor of the Year: Onyx Cleaning Services, LLC
• SBDC Woman-Owned Business of the Year: Little Law, P.A.

SBA Small Business Awards
• SBA 2025 Small Business Development Center of the Year: Florida SBDC at USF
• SBA 2025 South Florida District & State Exporter of the Year: Yo Mama’s Foods Co.
• SBA 2025 South Florida District & State Small Businessperson of the Year: Point Summit
• SBA 2025 South Florida District Veteran Business Owner of the Year: PVM, Inc.
• 2025 Top SBA Certified Development Company Lender: Florida Development Corporation
• 2025 Top Lender by Number of Loans to Rural Businesses: SouthState Bank
On the web: sbdctampabay.com/award/