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This teen strikes out batters — and cancer

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Jack Teeter was well on his way to another standout baseball season for Academy at the Lakes (AATL), up until the COVID-19 pandemic canceled virtually all sporting events.

The All-State athlete was leading the team with a .500 batting average through nine games. He hadn’t allowed an earned run in 14 innings pitched.

In the de facto final game of the season on March 12, the 6-foot-3, 250-pound junior left-hander had a no-hitter through four innings in a mercy-rule victory against Lakeside Christian — a contest not officially documented in online stats.

But, before he was racking up extra-base hits and striking out batters this season, Teeter was up against tougher opponent — cancer.

Jack’s parents, Renee and Brian Teeter, made him a custom-made hat, with the phrase, ‘I Struck Out Cancer.’ Jack was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in late September. After five rounds of chemotherapy and 14 targeted doses of radiation, he was pronounced cancer-free in January. (Courtesy of Brian Teeter)

The athlete was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in late September, at 16 years old.

In the months preceding, he had been having ongoing breathing and coughing issues. He had trouble completing routine baseball workouts. Doctors presumed it was a case of allergies and sports-induced asthma.

The full scope of the health issue wasn’t realized until Teeter caught a parasite while volunteering at a church farm in Clearwater during the summer.

His parents initially thought it was a bout of food poisoning, until weight loss and stomach issues persisted for days.

Eventually, his family suspected something more was going on.

Teeter first was taken to urgent care, then St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital for a series of CAT scans and medical tests.

They showed lesions on his spleen and stage III lymphoma — meaning enlarged lymph nodes had spread on both sides of his diaphragm.

The teen immediately started treatment. After five rounds of chemotherapy and 14 targeted doses of radiation, he was pronounced cancer-free in January. He requires checkups every three months.

The initial shock of cancer didn’t fully hit Teeter until he awoke in a hospital bed about a week in.

“It’s surreal, if I had to describe it,” he said. “It was crazy to think that I was only 16 years old, being taken into a hospital because of cancer. It’s like, ‘Wow, this is really happening.’”

Motivation through baseball
As the Teeter family found out from doctors and nurses, Hodgkin lymphoma has a high treatable and survival rate in children.

It’s also something several pro athletes have overcome, including a pair of Chicago Cubs All-Stars in Jon Lester and Anthony Rizzo. Reading those stories helped fuel Teeter’s drive to get back on the field again: “I realized, ‘Oh, I can make it, I can get past this, and it’s something that I can overcome and still make it regardless of what I have.’”

While undergoing treatment, Teeter discovered just how much he cherished the game he began playing when he was just 4 years old.

Before the diagnosis, Teeter enjoyed a sophomore campaign that garnered him Class 2A Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-State honors after leading the Wildcats in hitting (.367 average, 18 hits, 11 RBIs) and pitching (1.48 ERA, 60 strikeouts in 42.2 innings).

He acknowledged that baseball is something he may have taken for granted previously, but now, he said he is “enjoying every moment” that he can.

He observed, “I didn’t realize how much I did miss it, how important it was to me because I kept getting calls from teammates and friends telling me that they miss me and hope I get through it OK. It just made me realize, ‘This is a real passion for me, I am important to the team, and I got to get through it all somehow.’”

In a way, baseball “brought him back to health,” said Renee Teeter, his mother.

“It’s given him motivation, excitement, something for him to look forward to and work toward,” she said.

Cancer also has given the teen a fresh perspective on life.

He makes a point to tell anyone who’ll listen to not take what they have for granted, particularly when it comes to health.

Teeter put it like this: “You never know how bad it can be until you’ve had something like I’ve have. It’s like sometimes when people complain about stupid stuff I just remind them, like, ‘C’mon, you have health, you have something that some people just don’t have and you just kind of need to appreciate it a bit more.’”

That newfound outlook is something his parents have picked up on, too.

“I think he got faced with his mortality a lot younger than most people do, and I think he appreciates what he has a lot more now,” said Brian Teeter, his father.

The experience also made Teeter’s parents even more aware of how capable their son is — in both fighting cancer and playing baseball at a high level again.

“I don’t know if he surprised me, because I always knew he was a very strong kid, but I’ve been impressed by him,” Renee said. “He’s handled this very well and dealt with a lot of things, but he doesn’t know any different.”

She added, “He’s done as best as he could be. He’s a trooper, not a complainer. He does what he has to do.”

Getting healthy, inning by inning
Since the diagnosis, Teeter’s first baseball outing came in mid-November, in a high school tournament at Saint Leo University.

The effects of ongoing treatment were evident. He was bald, thinner and noticeably weaker. His chemo port was still implanted, too.

Still, he mustered up the power to pitch one full inning, getting three outs on 25 or so pitches.

“I wasn’t 100% there,” Teeter said, “but, I was able to throw one inning and it was great to get back out there.”

His parents were emotional, as they watched their son back on the mound.

“I basically cried the entire time,” Teeter’s mother said.

After barely having the strength to walk, Teeter has progressed to running, weightlifting and taking part in regular baseball activities and drills.

Teeter pitched one inning during a fall baseball invitational, as he was still undergoing chemo treatments.

He’s happy to report that he can get through a 30-minute workout without feeling sick.

His hair, beard and strength are back, also.

Now cancer-free, he is focused on becoming a better ballplayer, with aspirations to pitch in college.

He’s leaned on the help and support of coaches like his father, as well as Academy at the Lakes’ pitching coach Tony Saccamanno, and Anthony Telford and Ruben Garcia, of the Florida Baseball Institute, in Tampa.

He’s working to perfect his pitch timing and mechanics, and notch his fastball up to 80 mph, adding to a repertoire that also includes a slider, curveball and changeup.

Teeter’s recovery brings a smile to the face of Academy at the Lakes’ head baseball coach Ken Akins.

“It’s just good to see him healthy — that’s the key,” said Akins. “I don’t think that I’ve ever seen him 100% healthy in the (two seasons) that I’ve been at the Academy, and that’s the part that I’m happy about, that’s the part I’m excited about, is to see him not have to battle anything, and really say, ‘OK, now’s the time to get at it.’”

When Akins first heard of Teeter’s Hodgkin lymphoma last fall, it brought back memories of another former player who had cancer.

“As a head coach, as a parent, as a person, you never want to hear that, especially that a young man at the age of 16 has to deal with something like that,” Akins said. “I think it opened up some eyes on some of the other boys.”

This summer, Teeter will be pitching from time to time for the Carrollwood Gators travel ball team. He’s also looking forward to his senior season because he believes he’ll finally be able to showcase his true skills and best self.

“I just a want a shot to have people see what I can be like when I’m actually healthy,” Teeter said.

He also hopes to inspire other youths battling cancer.

“There is a light at the end of the tunnel,” Teeter said. “You’re going to come back, and you’re going to come back better than you ever were before.”

Published June 03, 2020

Pasco School District adjusting amid COVID-19 pandemic

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Whether its drive-thru feeding sites or widespread distance learning, the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created myriad logistical challenges for school districts nationwide.

Pasco County Schools is no different — operating as the state’s ninth-largest school district, and 49th largest in the nation.

Even so, Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning is maintaining an upbeat outlook in what has otherwise been a trying situation over the last two months or so.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning was the guest speaker during an East Pasco Networking Group virtual meeting on May 12. (File)

Speaking to the East Pasco Networking Group at a May 12 virtual meeting, Browning acknowledged the pandemic “really stretched the school district,” but credited district leaders and administration for “very quickly” pulling together a large-scale distance learning education program once it became apparent the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year would be remote.

Pasco Schools was more prepared than other surrounding counties, Browning said.

That’s because the district already had “a very robust virtual education program” known as Pasco eSchool, which typically serves more than 3,000 students in a normal year.

“It wasn’t easy, but we were better positioned than a lot of districts even surrounding us,” the superintendent said.

Unlike other districts, too, Browning added Pasco School instantly pushed out lesson plans for most courses to the virtual learning platform, rather than requiring teachers to develop a curriculum to post online, on the fly. “I think the teachers were appreciative of that because that was less on their plate that they had to work with,” he said.

As for how and when brick-and-mortar schools will open back up, Browning said district staff is having ongoing meetings to brainstorm various scenarios and possibilities, keeping in mind recommended social distancing health and safety protocols. Virtual learning will continue through summer school, he said.

At least one thing’s for sure — traditional schooling will “look different” compared to how things were before the pandemic, Browning said.

The superintendent observed, “Normally, you would have had 45 kids on a school bus, you can’t put 45 kids on a school bus anymore, if you’re going to social distance. How are you going to feed a school of 700 kids in a cafeteria, if you’re going to social distance? …We’re going to have to move and move pretty quickly, so we can let moms and dads know.”

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic forced Pasco Schools to adjust on the fly by providing virtual learning accommodations, feeding sites and so on. (Courtesy of Pasco County School District)

If there’s one positive result from the coronavirus pandemic, parents and families now have “a greater appreciation” for educators overall, Browning said.

Said Browning, “I think the teaching profession, over time, has been diminished and just had a rough go, but I do believe that parents will have a better idea what teachers have to put up with and deal with on a daily basis to ensure that their children are learning.”

With that, Browning noted Pasco School teachers have done a solid job engaging and interacting with students on Zoom calls throughout the pandemic. “I am so, so proud and pleased where our teachers and where our administrators have taken us,” he said.

However, the superintendent later acknowledged the virtual learning setup has proved tough for servicing the district’s special needs population.

“It is an area we’re really going to have to spend some time in to make sure those kids do not get shortchanged,” he said. “We’ve been getting through it but, I do think going forward, we’ve got to have a more sustainable process to deal with kids with special needs.”

Providing devices, Wi-Fi, meals and more
Maybe the largest hurdle to implementing distance learning to all schools was ensuring all students had access to computers and tablets.

Browning said the county loaned roughly 20,000 electronic devices to students districtwide, which were distributed curbside at various schools.

The superintendent admitted he initially felt uneasy on the thought of loaning expensive electronic devices to grade school students.

Said Browning, “I cringe every time I think of this, because we’re giving an $800 device to a student, and we’re hoping and praying it comes back to us in one piece. But, we knew we had to do it. Personally, I had to get beyond that because I knew that if we wanted to get kids to continue to learn, we had to provide them the device.”

Ensuring all students had a viable Internet connection at home created another obstacle, Browning said.

Even in this technological day and age, the superintendent came away “surprised at the number of our kids that don’t have Wi-Fi” at their home.

To resolve that, the district has issued home hotspots to families and organized a handful of community hotspot hubs in remote areas, such as Crystal Springs. Here’s how it works: The school district positions a mobile hotspot vehicle at a local church or community center, allowing parents to drive up and have their children do complete online schoolwork and lessons from inside their parked car, during predetermined dates and times.

“We know it’s not easy, but nothing about COVID-19 has been easy for us,” Browning said. “The fact is we want our kids to continue to learn, so at least by providing those hotspots in those community hubs, at least we’re giving them the opportunity to have them get their lessons done, get their studying done and be caught up as best they can during this really weird time we find ourselves.”

Besides technology offerings, ready-to-go, prepackaged meals is another service the school district has been offering amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The district hit the 1-million meal mark last week.

The district’s food nutrition services department initially offered meals for pickup five days a week, but since transitioned to distributing all 10 meals (breakfast and lunch covering five days) per student, picked up once per week. As an example, a family with four school-age children could swing by a particular curbside feeding site and pick up 40 free meals for the week.

Browning mentioned even under normal circumstances school-provided meals might be the only opportunity for many students to eat, particularly those coming from the county’s Title I schools (whereby a large percentage of a particular school’s student population is eligible for free or reduced lunch).

“It’s been a lot of work on the school district, but that’s what we do. We care for people, in addition to educating people,” said Browning.

Elsewhere, the superintendent also touched on a number of other district-related matters:

  • Pasco Schools graduation rate sits at 88.7 percent, “the highest they’ve ever been,” said Browning. “It’s not where I want them, but we’re moving in the right direction.”
  • Pasco Schools is one of two school districts in Florida named to the College Board’s AP (Advanced Placement) District Honor Roll, for increasing access to AP for underrepresented students while simultaneously maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning AP Exam scores of 3 or higher. DeSoto County was the other recognized school district in the state.
  • Browning said the district will make “a huge College Board announcement regarding the opportunities we’re providing our kids,” sometime after Memorial Day weekend.
  • The Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation technical high school in East Pasco will break ground this fall and will open in August 2022. Browning added the district also is building a K-8 school nearby that’ll feed into the technical high school, which is being built at the corner of Curley and Kiefer roads, in Wesley Chapel. “It’s going to be easy to get to from Zephyrhills, Dade City, Wesley Chapel,” Browning said of the forthcoming technical school. “Not only is it a pretty cool building, but there’s going to be some great programs in there that are going to be able to prepare our kids for jobs.”

Published May 27, 2020

Sharing the beauty of organ music is this man’s quest

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He’s 74 now, but Dave Cucuzza recalls a moment from decades ago — as if it was yesterday.

He was 8 years old at the time, living in Bradford, Pennsylvania, and his family was heading out to church.

Their car was buried in snow, though, so they had to dig it out.

Dave Cucuzza fell in love with organ music when he was just a little boy, and then he went on to spend decades playing the music for others to enjoy. (Christine Holtzman)

By the time they arrived at church, it was the High Mass.

“The organist was up in the balcony in the back, and it was a stone church, so the sound really reverberated — with the high ceiling.

“And, at the end of the Mass, he had everything on — on the organ. He did full organ,” Cucuzza recalled.

“That sound roared out there and echoed through that place,” he said. “I’d never heard it full blast.

“That’s when God gave me that little gift box — wrapped up so nicely — of music, that was going to be a big part of my life,” said Cucuzza, who now lives in Land O’ Lakes, is one of the volunteer organists at Tampa Theatre. (See related story.)

Hearing that huge sound set Cucuzza off on a quest.

He just had to learn to play organ.

First though, he took piano lessons.

He played on an upright piano his dad had acquired from a friend.

“It was a great hulking thing. And, it never was in tune much, because it was so old,” Cucuzza said.

He hated playing it. It simply didn’t sound right.

His wish to play the organ was finally granted when he was 13, after his family moved to Florida.

He had talked about playing the organ so much, his dad went out and bought a used one, Cucuzza said.

The young musician took lessons from Frances Slocum.

She was a kind and generous teacher.

“If she didn’t have anybody after me, she would give me extra time.

“She was always positive, and she showed me the basic way that songs were written, and she taught me how to learn a song in the most simplest of ways. And then, in the next month or two, add different things to it so that when you would play it, after a couple of months, it sounded like you really knew your stuff.

“People would think: ‘Wow, how did you learn to play like that? You must have been playing forever.’

“She taught me how to learn,” he said.

Cucuzza practiced constantly.

A little too much, in fact, for his family.

“They would kindly ask me to take a break,” he said.

Cucuzza said he didn’t learn in the classic fashion, but had a solid foundation in music theory.

He learned by listening to great organists, too.

“E. Power Biggs was the organist that made at least 35 albums for Colombia Master Works.

“He was a Bach guy. I would listen to it, because some of his bigger sounds. When he would get a lot of stuff going — using a lot of sets of organ pipes on a piece — it would really sound massive.

“I thought, ‘Wow, listen to that.’”

He also admired Virgil Fox.

Fox took liberties with the pieces, while Biggs was a purist, Cucuzza said.

Listening to them inspired him.

“I loved to hear it, so I was drawn to it, again and again. It would just make me want to do it more,” he said.

Playing in all sorts of venues
Cucuzza sold organs for a living, and performed at restaurants, awards ceremonies, baseball games and other events. He estimates he’s played on at least 50 organs.

At Tropical Acres Steakhouse, in South Florida, one couple, in particular, dropped in frequently.

“I don’t know when they ate because they danced nearly every song,” Cucuzza said.

Stirling’s Country Kitchen, another South Florida restaurant, had lots of regulars.

“I knew all of their songs, and I’d play their songs when they came in. They’d be waiting to get seated, and I would play their song and wave. And then, when they’d get their food, I’d play their song again,” he said.

He played organ for preseason baseball, at what was then Joe Robbie Stadium, before Miami was awarded the Marlins.

When Wade Boggs came up to bat, Cucuzza would play “Wade in the Water.” And, when Cal Ripkin was at the plate, he’d play the movie theme from “Superman.”

Dave Cucuzza is one of several volunteer organists who share their talent at Tampa Theatre. The theater is dark for now, but it will be live-streaming a performance of a guest organist on May 22.

One gig he particularly enjoyed involved playing in a gathering space at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, in Ft. Lauderdale — leading up to numerous performances of a touring group of the Radio City Rockettes.

At Tampa Theatre, he plays a variety of songs hoping to have something for everyone, in the 20-minute pre-show.

He wants the audience to experience the full, rich sounds of organ music.

He hopes to ignite a passion for this music, and perpetuate a need for it.

He put it like this: “I want to have them love this sound — and have to have this sound, in their life.”

No matter where he’s playing, he hopes to pass along the joy he derives from organ music.

“There’s so much connected with music. It does such great things to people, and for people. And, it’s like, you’re happy after. You’re happy that they enjoyed what you did, and you tried to do what they enjoyed.

“You’re trying to make that connection. It’s something they really can’t buy,” he said.

Published May 20, 2020

Reaching out to help those with special needs

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Even in the best of times, navigating through government bureaucracy can be challenging.

But for people with special needs, that becomes even more daunting during a global pandemic.

A virtual town hall hosted on April 29 by Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore and Pasco County School Board Chairwoman Colleen Beaudoin aimed at helping individuals and families find the resources they need, while managing life under new circumstances.

They were joined in the virtual town hall by panelists:

  • Dr. Monica Verra-Tirado, chief of the bureau of exceptional student education and student services at the Florida Department of Education
  • Darcy McDowell, director of student accessibility services at Pasco-Hernando State College
  • Celeste Kellar, principal at Pepin Academies Pasco campus, a school that specializes in serving students with special needs.

Pasco Commission Chair Moore addressed issues of concern relating to services available from county government, while the other experts focused on education and related services.

Pasco County School Board Chairwoman Colleen Beaudoin offered reassuring words for parents who are struggling to help their special needs children, during this time of distance learning. (File)

Beaudoin offered reassuring words for parents.

“Some families have expressed concern about keeping the instructional momentum going at home and fear that their students will regress,” Beaudoin said. “Please try not to worry. There is a plan in place to address that.

“Pasco County Schools is prioritizing compassion and grace. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teachers, if your family is feeling frustrated or overwhelmed. We all want what is best for all of our students. There is a lot of support that’s available to students and families.”

Questions also have been raised about how special services are being provided now, during this time of online learning.

Verra-Tirado addressed that issue.

She said the state has been clear that students are expected to continue to receive the special services they would receive in a traditional setting.

“The good news is that we’ve got a lot of new technologies that allow for the use of platforms, such as telehealth, in order for our teachers and therapists to provide a wide range — a continuum of services — in this very unique time,” Verra-Tirado said.

Kellar said Pepin Academies students  “are still getting their necessary services that they need, through the tele-therapies. We are making sure that their accommodations are met,” she said, just like they would be in the classroom.

McDowell said Pasco-Hernando State College also is providing accommodations for students online.

“We have used Zoom a lot for our courses,” McDowell said, noting that allows face-to-face interactions.

Beaudoin said the Pasco school district is reaching out to families, individually about their services and therapies.

“I can say that my son did get his speech therapy this week, via Zoom,” she said.

If for some reason a family hasn’t already heard from their school, they should contact their school, she said.

The panelists also addressed the issue of parents trying to balance tele-working and the special education needs of their son or daughter.

Verra-Tirado addressed that question: “I can tell that’s been the main comment that I’ve received from parents during this time.

“My advice to them is that they need to balance what they’re doing with what their children are doing.

“It takes them being scheduled, just like their children are being scheduled.

“Schedule the more difficult work their child is doing, when their workload is not as heavy.

“That’s real stressor for a lot of our families. I’ve told them, it’s not worth stressing out for. We’re going to try to balance it as best we can.”

McDowell, who has a daughter with autism,  offered this advice: “Take breaks.”

“We’ve just taken it one day at a time, and honestly, what’s really worked for me is reaching out to friends and family,” McDowell said, noting she belongs to a Facebook group for moms with kids with special needs.

Beaudoin advised parents to break down the work into manageable chunks, and to schedule the work in a way that works best for them.

“Keep in mind, we have a lot of flexibility. Just reach out to your child’s teacher. Our administrators and our teachers know that they have flexibility, and they’re going to work with families.

“Don’t wait until you’re feeling so frustrated and upset. Just reach out and you can make adjustments,” Beaudoin said.

She also recommended seeking out support groups, which can provide excellent information about resources that are available.

Provide opportunities to ‘virtually socialize’
Others asked for guidance on how to keep kids motivated, and how to create opportunities for them to interact with friends, while away from school.

As for socializing, McDowell said her daughter Skypes with friends and in-laws, and plays online games.

Her daughter also interacts with others via phone, Chat, Zoom and FaceTime.

Having ways for students to see each other and their teacher is important, Kellar said.

“That social aspect of education is a huge part, that you forget about it sometimes, you’re so concentrated on getting the curriculum,” she said.

Verra-Tirado agreed:  “We’re hearing that all over the state. That can completely change a youngster’s day.”

When students are able to see teachers and friends, it’s reassuring to students, she said.

If parents or grandparents don’t know how to work the technologies, they should reach out to their schools. They can help families, the education experts said.

Another question was posed regarding whether students can repeat the grade.

The experts said that requires a close evaluation before a determination could be made.

Beaudoin put it this way: “That is a major decision and one that should not be made lightly.”

Commission Chairman Moore touched on some issues of interest to the elderly, and also regarding people requiring a special needs shelter, in the event of a hurricane.

He responded to a question relating to senior citizens who have disabilities who do not have access to a computer for ordering groceries.

“We have a nonprofit here in Pasco County called CARES and they’re offering grocery service for seniors over 60 years old. The service itself is free, but the senior prepares a grocery list or a loved one at home helps prepare that grocery list, and they do pay for their groceries. They’re also providing care packages and toiletries,” he said.

To find out more, call (727) 862-9291.

Moore also told viewers that Pasco County Senior Services also provides meals.

The commission chairman also said: “It is getting close to hurricane season. Now is the time if you or a loved one or a child has special needs, to go ahead and register for the special needs program when it comes to evacuations.”

To find out more about having groceries delivered, call (727) 862-9291.

To find out more about senior services, call (727) 834-3340.

To register for special needs evacuation, go to the county’s website at PascoCountyFl.net.

Resources for families with special needs
Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS) is a valuable resource for students with disabilities. The main page is http://www.fdlrs.org

Within FDLRS there are virtual webinars parents can attend and there are also recorded webinars posted:  http://www.fdlrs.org/virtual_webinar_resources

Here’s the parent toolbox and live chat options with FDLRS:  http://www.livebinders.com/b/2646931

Here’s the parent toolbox for Pasco:  http://www.livebinders.com/b/2646931

Melissa Musselwhite, director of student support services in Pasco County Schools, has recorded a video specifically for families of students with disabilities. It can be found at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyGBas2jsAo

All school District videos are here:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg2EPgrZtxyZPdaprLgSqpQ

Other helpful resources:

Published May 13, 2020

Finding a way to shine a spotlight on seniors

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During normal times, Marie Joles is busy at her day job, working as a dental hygienist.

And, typically during this time of year, high school seniors are gearing up for their final festivities in high school — prom, awards ceremonies, graduation.

But, the threat of a highly contagious and deadly virus — the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic — has upended life’s ordinary routines.

So, instead of going to work, Joles has been at home. And, instead of gearing up for traditional celebrations and hanging out with friends, seniors have been spending their final school days distance learning.

(Courtesy of Marie Joles)

Joles hated the thought that their senior year would end that way. After all, she remembered how special it was for her family to go through the festivities when her daughter, Samantha, graduated last year.

So, Joles, who is a board member of the Wiregrass Ranch High School’s PTSA and in charge of that group’s social media efforts, asked PTSA president Jennifer Kanyok, if she could do Senior Spotlights on their social media.

Once she got the go-ahead, she began soliciting the spotlights on her personal Facebook page and on the Seven Oaks Facebook page.

Then she reached out by text and email to Robyn White, the school’s principal; David Wilson, the athletic director; and to all of the school coaches.

She also reached out to Bobbie Gebhart, the band booster president, and Jeni Wiseman, the football team mom — to spread the word about the profiles.

The parents submit the photos and blurbs, which Joles tweaks and posts.

In less than 24 hours, she had seven profiles ready.

Now, there are dozens posted.

They convey a sense of pride of the parents who submitted the blurbs about their children.

The profiles offer a glimpse of the lives these members of the Wiregrass Ranch High Class of 2020 have led, and offer insights about their personalities and aspirations.

Some have earned college credits, a college diploma or industry certifications while still in high school. Others have volunteered hundreds of hours.

They’ve been in theatrical performances, in marching band and orchestra, in color guard and cheerleading.

They’ve competed in lacrosse, soccer, swimming, football, track, basketball, weightlifting, basketball and other sports.

They’ve been members of the National Honor Society, the Key Club, and Health Occupations Students of America, to name just a few clubs.

And, they have wide-ranging ambitions.

Some plan to pursue traditional careers, such as nursing, law and business administration. Others aspire to less common paths, such as becoming a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer, a makeup specialist or an animator.

Most graduates appear to be heading off to higher education in the Sunshine State, at such colleges as Pasco-Hernando State College, Saint Leo University, the University of South Florida, the University of Central Florida, the University of Florida, Florida State University and Stetson University.

Regardless of what they’ve done, or where they’re going — they have made an impression.

One graduate is described as “a beautiful soul and a day of sunshine.”

Another is said to have “a musician’s heart.”

One “has a big heart, is a hard worker and knows how to live in the moment.”

Another has “a wicked sense of humor, amazing spirit and zeal for life.”

Joles said she wanted to do the spotlights because this is a special time for seniors and they deserve recognition.

“I wanted to let them know that we appreciate them,” she said.

Those wishing Joles to post a profile of a Wiregrass Ranch senior can reach out to her at  , or text her at (813) 830-8643.

How are you celebrating your graduating seniors?
The normal ceremonies that mark completion of high school are being postponed until later this year. Meanwhile, families and schools are getting creative in their efforts to help celebrate members of the Class of 2020.

What are you doing? We’d love to know. We’re planning to do a story sharing how families and schools within The Laker/Lutz News are rising to the occasion to make their high school seniors feel special.

Send your submissions to .

Thank you, in advance, for your help.

Published May 06, 2020

99-year-old says celebration was  her ‘best party’ ever

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The threat of the spread of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) killed Debbie Storts’ original plans for celebrating her mom’s 99-year-old birthday.

The original birthday plans for Evelyn ‘Ev’ Furman’s 99th birthday had to be canceled, so her daughter, Debbie Storts, came up with a Plan B to mark the day. (Courtesy of Debbie Storts)

“Family was supposed to fly down and we were going to go to the Rusty Pelican for a lunch on April 4. So, that was canceled,” Debbie said.

“I was also going to do a luncheon prior to that for her friends and my friends. So, we scratched that, as well,” she added.

Instead of coming to a luncheon, neighbors and friends walked up — or rode by in cars or on bicycles to wish Evelyn “Ev” Furman a wonderful day.

The party, in the Twin Lakes subdivision of Land O’ Lakes, was held on April 9, Ev’s actual birthday. It lasted from 10 a.m. until noon.

There also were people from North Pointe Church in Lutz, and Hand and Foot card-playing friends from the Land O’ Lakes Recreational Complex in Land O’ Lakes.

Some of Debbie’s friends from Pine View Middle were there, too. The middle school was Debbie’s last stop before retiring from a 26-year teaching career in Pasco County Schools.

The party attenders kept an appropriate distance — at least 6 feet away — from Ev.

Decorated cars drove by and people walked by to wish Evelyn ‘Ev’ Furman a happy 99th birthday.

Debbie served up cookies and candy, from a 6-foot-long tray.

When people brought presents, Debbie had them leave them at the end of the driveway.

“I let them sit there,” Debbie said, and then after retrieving them, she wiped them down.

“She did quite well. She got a lot of stuff,” Debbie said.

Ev had a ball.

Her first present, she said, “was a beautiful orchid.”

She received about 75 cards, but not all of them came from the party.

“I look through them, and it’s just wonderful to think —  I’m 99 and holding,” Ev said.

“I’ve had a good life,” said the woman, who taught fourth grade for 31 ½ years and loved doing that.

Lots of folks showed up to help Evelyn ‘Ev’ Furman celebrate her 99th birthday.

One highlight from those years was a friendship that began during her very first year of teaching, with a student named Pat Owen, who kept in touch.

“I still hear from her. In fact, her birthday is this Friday, so I’ll be calling her,” Ev said.

Over the years, Eve said she’s enjoyed traveling and has been to such places as Europe, Alaska and the Panama Canal.

She said she’s never experienced anything like the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s very sad. To think, people are out of work and they don’t have money for the food.”

But, Debbie didn’t let the pandemic ruin her mom’s birthday.

Even though Ev’s son, Gary Furman, from Georgia; her daughter, Darlene Conville, from Michigan; and her grandson, Derrick Storts, from Winter Park, couldn’t be there — the birthday girl said she still had a grand time.

Next year, when Ev turns 100, the party will be in a big ballroom, Debbie said.

But, topping this year’s celebration might be a challenge.

“It was the best party I ever had,” Ev said.

Published April 29, 2020

Diane Breinig, left, and her mom, Anna Martindale, came ready with their party horns to help make the day fun.
Debbie Storts delivers goodies to well-wishers who attended her mom’s birthday drive-by and walk-by party. Ev Furman turned 99 this year.

Pasco expanding film production footprint

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Pasco County’s tourism office last year rebranded to Experience Florida’s Sports Coast with the idea of becoming a destination for youth and amateur sports.

But, the county doesn’t want to be pigeonholed simply as a playground for various athletics tournaments and festivals.

The county’s tourism department is now expanding its brand portfolio to include film production — aiming to further boost economic development.

From left: ‘Death Cast’ director Bobby Marinelli, Experience Florida’s Sports Coast program manager Consuelo Sanchez, and ‘Death Cast’ producer Melissa McNerney. (Courtesy of Travis Claytor)

The production of “Death Cast,” a feature horror film, showcases the potential for the county to become a filming hotbed.

“Death Cast” is about six young, hopeful actors who are looking to land roles in an experimental horror film.

Roughly 90% of the movie was filmed in Pasco, including Dade City. Filming took place with a 30-member crew within a two-week period in January 2018.

“Death Cast” writer and director Bobby Marinelli pins the picture as “a really unique take on a classic horror story.”

He added: “It’s essentially a horror slasher film, by the numbers, but pulled in like a found footage, reality television-style that we’ve been told that’s it’s not been seen before.”

The independent, low-budget movie is set to be premiered on the film festival circuit this fall. It’s run time is 75 minutes.

The film’s main set piece takes place at a two-story house on Hanlon Terrace in Dade City, which has since transformed into a cattle ranch and wedding venue.

Set on a large property accented with a long, gravel driveway and shadowy tree canopy, the home helped “establish the look and feel of the rest of the movie,” Marinelli said.

An added bonus — the property featured a mother-in-law suite adjacent to the house that became the production office and base camp for most of the film.

A home and property on Hanlon Terrace in Dade City was the main set piece of the independent horror flick ‘Death Cast.’ Production took place across a two-week period in January 2018. The movie is about six young, hopeful actors looking to land roles in an experimental horror film.

“It worked out really well for us,” the director said.

Another central location was Crews Lake Wilderness Park in Shady Hills, offering an “amazing rural landscape” for other scenes, he said.

“It was honestly another keystone to the film,” Marinelli said of the park, “because we needed just this vast-like endless piece of property.”

Marinelli, who grew up in Hudson, was well-acquainted with the county’s landscape beforehand.

The Hudson High graduate studied filmmaking at Florida State University.

Making a movie in his hometown county required less red tape than other counties and states, he said.

The filmmaker cited a streamlined permitting process and accommodating nature from county officials and local residents. He mentioned Crews Lake Park was all but “handed to us on a silver platter” for their use.

“When you shoot in other states, particularly like big production states, there’s a lot of hoops to jump through to have that kind of access to a piece of property like that,” Marinelli explained.

“Other places, if you were shooting something like that, it would be a big task to stop the regular traffic of the park. …These parks in Pasco County, there’s enough of them, and they’re so vast that our footprint doesn’t really inconvenience the operations of the park, and it gives the film the look and feel and accessibility that it needs.”

It’s those types of reviews that Experience Florida’s Sports Coast officials hope to hear more often to help it attract future films.

The agency has its own film commissioner, Gaby LaJeunesse, who assists movie producers and scouts by establishing a link between other cities, county parks, libraries, transportation and private destinations.

Crews Lake Park in Shady Hills was another major set piece for ‘Death Cast.’ The independent, low-budget movie is set to be premiered on the film festival circuit this fall.

The work includes facilitating permits and road closures, and even coordinating with the Pasco School Board, if a project calls for filming in and around a school.

Besides helping to arrange needed accommodations for full-length features, she also assists with short films, student films, documentaries, music videos, and commercials and infomercials.

“The more productions that come to our county, the better opportunity we’re going to be out there and known across the country,” she said.

To help spread the word about its film-friendly mission, the tourism agency is developing a dedicated film page to add to its website.

It will help inform potential filmmakers and film production companies that are considering the area. The page will feature a library of location options, permitting information and so on. The new tab is expected to  go live sometime this year, officials say.

Experience Florida’s Sports Coast officials highlight the economic benefit of film casts and crews staying at local hotels, and eating and shopping locally. Moreover, creating film sets oftentimes requires extensive use of local labor and materials.

LaJeunesse observed, “Everybody benefits from a production in our county.”

Marinelli speaks to that firsthand.

“When a film’s shooting in a one- or two-week period of time, there’s a lot of money spent in that area and a lot of attention brought to it,” he said.

Meanwhile, what makes Pasco attractive for filmmakers could go well beyond easing the production process for film executives.

Beyond being a receptive place to make films, Pasco also offers diverse “coast to country” geography — providing wide-ranging set locations in an hour’s radius. For instance, Anclote Key’s castaway island look is much different than the rural, rolling hills of historic Dade City.

Those variations “speak a lot to Pasco County and what Pasco County has to offer in terms of locations,” said “Death Cast” producer Melissa McNerney.

McNerney, who lives in Tampa, studied acting in New York and has landed small roles in television shows including “The Good Wife,” “All My Children” and “Boardwalk Empire.”

“Filmmaking in Florida doesn’t have to be about stories that take place in the most obvious locations like beaches and areas where there’s palm trees and water, and kind of these really traditional, iconic, recognizable Florida landscapes.

“Our film shows backwoods and areas you might think aren’t even in Florida, and I think there’s a huge opportunity for filmmakers to start writing different stories that take place in lesser-known landscapes, and then challenge themselves to finding unique locations that aren’t necessarily identifiable as Florida, because I think that makes filming here that much more of a creative endeavor,” she said.

For information on “Death Cast” and to watch the trailer, visit DeathCastFilm.com.

Published April 22, 2020

Shift to online learning poses challenges

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When the state of Florida decided to shift to distance learning in March — parents, teachers and students found themselves facing a steep learning curve.

Julia O’Connor says the Pledge of Allegiance before beginning her lessons in her grandparents’ dining room. Her grandfather, George O’ Connor, is overseeing her online learning. (Courtesy of George O’Connor)

“This thing came on pretty quick. We’re all learning on the fly,” said George O’Connor, who is supervising his 7-year-old granddaughter Julia’s instruction, in his Wesley Chapel home.

Normally, Julia attends Sand Pine Elementary. Now, she’s beginning her school day by reciting The Pledge of Allegiance in her grandparents’ dining room.

“The first week was a challenge, getting all of the programs and things like that,” O’Connor said. “We started the second week off yesterday, and it seems to be going a lot better.”

“It’s a least four hours of scheduled work.

“The teachers are holding something on Zoom, like a teleconference with the students. They’re also offering tutoring over the phones, as to how to work the programs,” O’Connor said.

Their granddaughter is staying with her grandparents because her mom, Kim, is an officer with the Tampa Police Department.

Kim O’ Connor, an officer with the Tampa Police Department, waves to her daughter Julia, who is staying with her grandparents while school campuses are closed because of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. (Courtesy of George O’Connor)

Normally, Kim is assigned as a School Resource Officer at Benito Middle School, but while school campuses are closed because of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, she’s assisting the department’s patrol officers.

George said Kim is practicing social distancing, to avoid any potential spread of the virus.

Kim said she and Julia are communicating through texts, FaceTime and games they can play together on their devices.

Meanwhile, George’s other daughter, Meg Lewandowski teaches 10th grade Honors English at Freedom High School and her 6-year-old daughter, Margaret, attends Chiles Elementary in Tampa.

So, Lewandowski is experiencing online both as a teacher, and a parent of an online learner.

“I’ve been an educator for 15 years and this is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced,” Lewandowski said.

“Trying to reach students through a computer screen and keep them engaged has proven to be a new challenge,” she said.

Margaret Lewandowski and her mother, Meg, get ready for their first day of online education due to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Margaret is in kindergarten at Chiles Elementary. Meg teaches 10th grade Honors English at Freedom High School. Both are getting used to a new routine. (Courtesy of Meg Lewandowski)

But, she added: “I’m finding that my students generally want to succeed, and they want to complete their work and continue with their learning.”

She said her daughter, who is kindergarten, is adjusting.

“We’ve kind of fallen into our routine,” she said. “Her teacher has been great about updating all of her assignments.”

But, she said her daughter misses going to school, and seeing her teachers and friends.

Lewandowski can empathize.

“I miss my routine of going to work and doing my job, a job that I really love,” she said.

On the other hand, she said, “it’s been a great opportunity to just kind of slow down a little bit. We tend to miss out on a lot of things when we’re in our normal rush of going to work and coming home, and doing activities.”

Being able to slow down some, she said, also provides more time to play with Margaret and learn some new games, she said.

Online learning has some advantages
Rowena Mendoza said that social distancing put a damper on Spring Break because her children are accustomed to being able to go somewhere during the break, but they couldn’t this year.

So, when online learning started, Mendoza said it helped her and husband, who are both working at home in IT.

Colin Mendoza, a freshman at Wiregrass Ranch High School, enjoys online instruction because he can get his work done faster, says Rowena, his mom. (Courtesy of Rowena Mendoza)

“It’s very relieving for me, as a mom. I know my kids have things to do during the day, and they’re very focused,” she said.

Plus, 12-year-old Kayla who attends John Long Middle School and 15-year-old Colin, who attends Wiregrass Ranch High, have enjoyed virtual learning because they can work at their own pace.

“My kids like to finish their work ahead of time, so the rest of the week they can do anything,” she said.

But, they do miss their friends and classmates, she said.

Kayla Mendoza, who attends John Long Middle School, enjoys online learning, but says sometime the system can’t keep up with her typing, says Rowena, her mom. (Courtesy of Rowena Mendoza)

Also, there have been some technical glitches. And, with so many users on the system, it is sometimes overwhelmed, she said.

Overall, she thinks the school system has done a good job — but it may need to upgrade its system, she said.

Things haven’t gone so smoothly for some other families.

Angel Shannon’s daughter, Shaylee, is a third-grader at Lutz Elementary.

Trying to help her daughter, while she’s doing her job at home, has been very challenging, Shannon said.

She doesn’t blame the school.

“It’s a fabulous school. We love the school, and I know they are trying very hard.

“The teachers are available, but the problem is, I have a 9-year-old and they’ve never taken instructions off a computer screen for every subject,” she said.

Besides that, they have to log in to different softwares, she said. “I have to sit, not only read the instructions, go over it with her — and it’s like six hours of me, sitting there with her, doing it with her,” said Shannon, a Medicare Advantage sales agent.

“I’m trying to talk on the phone. She’s trying to ask me questions. It’s causing a lot of stress. It’s not going well,” Shannon said.

Plus, she said, she can’t help Shaylee with her Common Core math work.

“This math, I don’t even understand what they’re asking, let alone how to help her.

“To me, it’s so ridiculous — and, I was an honors student. Between my husband and I, we read it, I get so frustrated I have to take a break.

“And then I think, I’ve only got one child. I couldn’t even imagine if there were more than one child in the home — trying to get their schooling done,” said Shannon, noting her husband works as a truck driver and when he gets home from work, she’s still trying to help Shaylee with her schoolwork.

It’s frustrating for both of them, she said.

“This is just for the birds,” Shannon said.

Shaylee Shannon and her mom, Angel, are learning how to try to balance the new situation they’re in now: Shaylee trying to do her schoolwork, and her mom trying to do her job. (Courtesy of Angel Shannon)

She said the principal understands the parents’ frustration and sent home a note, suggesting they not do more than three hours a day, but she worries about her daughter falling behind.

Annaliese Reese, who has a child in middle school and one in high school, understands Shannon’s frustration.

Reese’s 18-year-old son, Dante, a senior at Land O’ Lakes High School does his work, no problem, Reese said.

But, it’s a different story for her 12-year-old daughter, Gabriella, who attends Pine View Middle.

“I think she feels like because she’s not in school, she doesn’t have to do it,” Reese said.

The fact that she and her husband are working makes it tougher, she said.

She also feels for her son, who is missing out on the traditions of senior year.

Clara Reynolds, the president and CEO of The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, said the shift to online learning has added to the stress and anxieties many are facing during this time of COVID-19.

She offered this guidance.

“I think it’s important for parents to remember, you need to set up routines, but you don’t have to try to recreate a classroom environment, where kids are in class for 6 hours a day, in front of a computer,” she said.

“I think you can build it into little bite-sized chunks. Make sure you’ve got some time for enjoyable activities and things like that, because otherwise everybody is going to be very frustrated and anxious,” Reynolds said.

Published April 15, 2020

Feeding the hungry through ‘pop-up’ food drive

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When Idlewild Baptist Church decided to hold a food drive recently — it had no idea the response would be so great that it would essentially create a traffic jam because so many church members showed up to drop off contributions.

Typically, the church takes weeks to plan big events.

In this case, it sprang into action.

The church’s Gatheria — a space used for church suppers and other events — looked like a food warehouse after contributions came rolling in to help others needing food. (Courtesy of Yerusha Bunag/Idlewild Baptist Church)

As medical and economic impacts of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) began ramping up, the church started fielding more requests for assistance, said Yerusha Bunag, director of local missions.

The church was hearing from schools it has been involved with in partnerships that began before the pandemic, she said. It also noted that the church food pantry, which has operated for years, was getting depleted.

Plus, Bunag said: “We had an increasing number of people needing help, from our own membership, but also an outpouring of people wanting to give help.”

So, as the week before the March 29 food drive wore on, the need to act became clearer.

“Just through prayer, through meeting with the leadership — virtually —  we said, ‘Let’s just trust God. He’ll work through our people to be generous at this time,” she said.

They decided they could use the church’s Gatheria area as a warehouse to hold the donations.

Bunag recruited youth volunteers to help collect the food.

She also put out the word about the food drive through an email on the afternoon of March 28, and a posting on Facebook.

Senior Pastor Ken Whitten made an appeal to help during the 9:15 a.m. livestream service on March 29, which was repeated at the 11 a.m. service.

The food drive was supposed to be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

By 1:30 p.m., when volunteers arrived, though, cars were already lining up to drop off their donations.

“We did not stop until 4:30 p.m.,” Bunag said.

Although the church did not count the cars that came, it was a steady stream, Bunag said.

Volunteers from Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz delivered boxes of food to three elementary schools, after the church held a somewhat spontaneous food drive.

At one point, about 2:30 p.m., one of the guys coordinating traffic flow radioed and told her: “‘I just got word that we’re backed up to (North) Dale Mabry (Highway). And, Van Dyke (Road) has started to get backed up.”

To help speed things up, some guys who had been directing traffic were reassigned to work an additional collection point.

“It was really hot,” Bunag said. But, no one was complaining.

The volunteers were so pumped up, they didn’t even want to take a break, she added.

“Everybody was on an adrenaline high,” Bunag said.

Pastors were out there sweating, too, she said.

It was work, but it was fun, too, she said. “Cars would go by and they would honk. ‘Hey, it’s great to see you.’”

All the while, the church practiced social distancing, with volunteers working in different parts of the campus, in groups of 10 or fewer — wearing masks and gloves, and keeping a safe distance apart.

And, nobody complained about having to wait.

After the volunteers left on Sunday, the church’s hallways and lobbies were filled with boxes and bags of foods.

Then, Bunag huddled with Nancy Reed, the church’s events coordinator; Tonya Sloan, its food service director; and Kirk Malone, its Benevolence assistant, to plan out the rest of the operation.

Bunag created an online signup sheet seeking volunteers. By midmorning, she’d met the need for 80 volunteers who would work in three shifts, at four locations.

“We were done sorting all of that on Monday.

“On Tuesday, we began making toiletry packets and food boxes,” she said, noting they filled hundreds of boxes and toiletry packets.

“So, on Wednesday, we began distribution. Again, volunteers from our church that had trucks or SUVs signed up to deliver to three different schools (Kenly, Just and Booker T. Washington elementary schools).”

The efforts, she said, are to share God’s love — and to let others see that love in action.

“It goes beyond, ‘Here’s a box of food,’” she said.

“We want to give people not just hope that we care for them and we love them, but we want to give them the same hope in God, that he’s in control of the situation, and he’s going to provide for our every need,” she said.

Published April 08, 2020

Government responds to COVID-19

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A $2 trillion relief package — the largest in U.S. history — has been passed in an attempt to stabilize the economy, in the wake of an economic and medical crisis posed by coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).

The package includes help for individuals, unemployment benefits, loans for small businesses, help for large industries and other types of assistance.

The stimulus includes a $1,200 check per person, or $2,400 married jointly, with an additional $500 per child, for those earning $75,000 or less, according to reporting by national news outlets.

There’s also $350 billion of loans for small businesses.

The package also includes increased unemployment payments, and unemployment benefits extended to self-employed workers and contractors, the reports say.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis issued a statement after the passage of the CARES Act.

In part, he noted the relief act will “help keep us safe, protect jobs and prevent financial devastation for millions of Americans.

“We must get people working again, as soon as it is safe to do so,” he said, adding the stimulus checks will provide immediate relief to individual taxpayers who need it most.

He also noted “the expanded unemployment benefits will provide support for those who have lost their jobs or seen their hours reduced through no fault of their own.”

And, “the bill provides loan programs to help every type and size of business, including: sole proprietors, independent contractors, and nonprofits. If small business owners continue to pay their rent and employees, they can have their loans forgiven.”

Also, on March 29, President Donald Trump called for extended national guidance on social distancing guidelines be extended through April 30. In part, the guidelines call for individuals to stay at least 6 feet apart from others and that gatherings be limited to 10 or fewer people.

Locally, Hillsborough County has adopted a Safer-At-Home Order, to help prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

The order applies to all residents within Hillsborough County, including the cities of Plant City, Tampa and Temple Terrace, and became effective at 10 p.m., on March 27.

The order means that all residents are directed to stay at home as much as possible, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

However, there are many exceptions to the Safer-at-Home Order, according to Hillsborough County’s website. Those include:

  • People seeking medical treatment, transporting people seeking medical treatment, or caregivers assisting another person with medical or caregiving needs
  • People whose residences are unsafe or have become unsafe, such as for victims of domestic violence
  • People who are preparing or delivering food and drinks
  • People commuting to and from their jobs
  • People walking pets, as long as social distancing guidelines are observed
  • Parent or guardians transporting children because of a custody-sharing agreement or order

The order also defines essential businesses/services, including:

  • Establishments including grocery stores, farmers’ markets, farm and produce stands, supermarkets, food banks, convenience stores and liquor stores
  • Gas stations, auto and recreational vehicle supply and repair shops, and auto dealerships
  • Farming, livestock, and fishing
  • Businesses that provide food, shelter, social services, and other necessities
  • Hardware, gardening, and building material stores
  • Firearms and ammunition supply stores
  • Media services and journalists

In Pasco County, meanwhile, a virtual meeting of the region’s leaders was set for March 31, with invitations issued to the chairs of the Hillsborough and Pinellas county commissions and mayors of the region’s three largest cities.

The county also has posted a video on its website, featuring County Commission Chairman Mike Moore, County Administrator Dan Biles and Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco.

Moore reminded viewers that “a healthy community begins with you. Personal responsibility and accountability translate into real results.”

He encouraged viewers to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Department of Health’s guidance on social distancing.

“Don’t gather in groups of 10 or more, actually, if you don’t have to, don’t gather in groups at all.

“Wash your hands often and, please, if you’re sick, stay home,” Moore said.

Biles said the county is encouraging its employees to work from home, if they can.

“We’re making decisions based on real data, that applies to our community.

“Pasco doesn’t have the high density areas or multi-generational concerns that are driving stay-at-home orders in other communities.

“Our goal is to continue to safely provide essential services and to keep our economy moving,” Biles said.

Nocco reminded viewers that “we’re all in this together” and urged them to use common sense.

“Common sense is stay away from others, keep your social distance. Common sense is that you’re sick, stay inside.”

“We’re all in this together and together we will get through this crisis,” he said.

In terms of government services, Pasco County has closed these buildings until further notice: The Historic Pasco County Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Ave., Dade City; Guardian Ad Litem Office West and Guardian Ad Litem Office East; Elderly Nutrition East, 13853 15th St., Dade City; Elderly Nutrition Central, 6801 Wisteria Loop, Land O’ Lakes; and, Elderly Nutrition West, 8600 Galen Wilson Blvd., New Port Richey.

Pasco County also has closed its libraries and its parks recreation complexes, and community and education centers.

All Pasco County beaches are closed. Parks and natural preserve areas also were closed, effective 8 p.m., on March 30.

Parks-sponsored large events and mass gatherings are canceled until further notice, and these facilities in and near The Laker/Lutz News coverage area are closed: Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex; Heritage Park Community Center; Starkey Wilderness Park Education Center; James Irvin Community Center; and, Odessa Community Center.

Pasco County Public Transit is providing free ridership until further notice, and limiting the number of riders on a bus to 10 to 15 riders at a time.

The county also will be increasing the number of buses on it busiest routes and temporarily suspending services on its least-used routes.

All Pasco County Senior Centers are closed, and all senior programs, activities, classes and meetings are canceled until further notice. For more information, call (727) 834-3340 with any questions.

Numerous public meetings have been canceled until further notice, including meetings of the Pasco County Commission and the Pasco County Planning Commission.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley was out of the country and returned home to do a 14-day self-quarantine.

He said the county is finding ways for people to work without being in groups, and he noted he’s been on conference calls with county staff.

“By doing what we are doing, this will probably all come to an end, sooner,” Oakley said.

“You take it one day at a time.

“You have to adapt. These are uncharted waters,” Oakley said.

Published April 1, 2020