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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ZEPHYRHILLS – The Pregnancy Care Center of Zephyrhills celebrated its 25th anniversary April 7 with an open house and an East Pasco Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting.

The event allowed the nonprofit to unveil a mobile ultrasound bus made in collaboration with the Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City and Image Clear Ultrasound of Central Florida.

The mobile bus will provide free pregnancy testing and limited ultrasound services every other Tuesday. Appointments can be made by calling 813-763-5437.

The Pregnancy Care Center of Zephyrhills also honored longtime volunteers Sami Sykes and Terri Luna with tokens of appreciation. Both have volunteered for more than 20 years. 

Visitors could tour the center, located at 38435 North Ave., as well as learn about its programming, which includes resources for expectant mothers and families about pregnancy and parenting. 

 

Club donates to the arts

LAND O’ LAKES – The March General meeting for GFWC Lutz Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club included a fundraiser luncheon presented by the Arts and Crafts CSP. CSP members provided Irish food and various “green” desserts. 

Proceeds will be donated to Arts for All. 

Visit gfwclutzlandolakeswomansclub.org for information about membership.

 

Luncheon to empower women

WESLEY CHAPEL – Pasco County’s Commission on the Status of Women is hosting its third Women Uplifting Women luncheon to unite our community, share ideas and inspire others.

From CEOs to frontline workers, this annual luncheon offers something for every woman in Pasco County. 

The Women Uplifting Women Luncheon takes place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 29 at Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus, Third Floor Conference Center, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel.

“Understanding the broad issues impacting us daily is crucial for women,” said Jennie Yingling, chair of the Commission on the Status of Women. “It’s inspiring to see strong, successful women united to discuss and identify solutions to our community’s challenges.”

Keynote speaker Effie Santos, founder of Madi’s Movement and author of “The Power of the Pause,” will discuss the significance of pausing and delve into life’s unexpected twists and the choices women confront. 

Attendees will also gain valuable insights from a panel of women who will address critical issues impacting women today and explore solutions for a brighter future.

RSVP no later than April 22 by visiting mypas.co/UpliftingWomen2025

Event Registration is $10, including a boxed lunch limited to 140 participants.

 

Extension hosting Earth Day celebration

DADE CITY – UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension is celebrating Earth Day with a family-friendly, educational event that aims to increase environmental stewardship and awareness.

The Earth Day 2025 Celebration takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 19 at Pasco County Extension One Stop Shop, 15029 14th St., Dade City.

Activities and educational opportunities Include a Master Gardener Volunteers’ Plant Sale, 

hydroponic gardening, new garden tours/Q&A, touch a truck for kids, vertical oyster, gardens, composting and pollination.

Representatives from various Pasco County departments and state agencies will explain how to become better Earth ambassadors and introduce free or low-cost county and state services.

Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service assists people in Pasco County by developing and delivering practical, educational programs in environmental horticulture; sustainable agriculture; 4‑H and youth development; and family and consumer sciences. 

Visit mypas.co/UFIFASPascoExt for details or volunteer opportunities.

 

Pasco County opens registration for 4-H camp

PASCO COUNTY – Summer is right around the corner, so now is a great time to enroll your child in a variety of fun activities to keep them active.

Join UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension 4-H for a weeklong, overnight summer camp adventure June 16 to 20, 2025.

The week’s theme is Eco-Discovery, which focuses on classes and activities about the environment.  It is also filled with activities including swimming, kayaking, archery, campfires, herpetology and arts & crafts.

4-H Overnight Camp is for children, ages 8 to 17. The camp will be held at 4-H Camp Cloverleaf, 126 Cloverleaf Road, Lake Placid. The cost for the camp is $400.

Kids 14 years and older who want to be a Junior Counselor must complete an application.  

Email to register or more information. 

 

 

WESLEY CHAPEL – The Heritage Arts Center Association awarded $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors Conway Theel and Larkin Mainwaring during the Spotlight on Talent Performing Arts Competition on March 15 at Wesley Chapel High School. 

Theel’s performance on the piano and Mainwaring’s vocal range received high scores from the show’s judges. 

They were among more than 120 young people, ages 6 to 18, that performed during Spotlight on Talent. 

A handful of people in 1983, led by Sally Blackwood, envisioned a competition that promoted the performing and visual arts. Spotlight on Talent has grown from 30 acts at the county fair to an $18,000 event spanning two shows.

A matinee showcased younger students and groups. An evening show focused on older students and groups.  

A 15-member board of directors worked for three months to coordinate the show. The final production team included eight additional community friends who gave their time.  

Barbara Friedman was the executive producer. Lauretta Brown, Michelle Twitmyer and Laurel Weightman were assistant producers.  Clint Roberson, David West and Ben Alexander served as masters of ceremonies. 

Thirty-one corporate/community sponsors donated toward the over $6,000 for cash prizes, trophies and ribbons. A large donation from Suncoast Credit Union allowed the Heritage Arts Center Association to award two scholarships instead of one. 

 

Matinee Show Winners

• CATEGORY 1: Adelynn Erickson (first place, contemporary dance), Amber Luu (second, piano), Addie Pereira (third, piano) and Ruby Ricardo (fourth, musical theater).
• CATEGORY 2: Akshath Anand (first place, vocal & piano), Gabriella Tigley (second, piano), Savanna Nelson (third, ballet dance) and Naomi Reed (fourth, piano).
• CATEGORY 3: Kennedy Kring (first place, pointe dance), Chloe Adams (second, contemporary dance), Tenley Ryman (third, contemporary dance), Jacob Burkett (fourth, piano) and Penelope Whipple (fifth, lyrical ballet).
• YOUNGER GROUPS: Avery & Kailani (first place, contemporary dance), Velvet Voices (second, vocal duet), AIM’s Melodic Stars (third, vocal) and Titanic Duo (fourth, violin & piano).

 

Evening Show Winners

• CATEGORY 1: Tavin Groomes (first place, musical theater), Paul McGill (second, piano), Rio Ricardo (third, musical theater) and Jerry Lee (fourth, piano).
• CATEGORY 2: Makenna Henry (first place, contemporary dance), Naomi Lopez (second, lyrical dance), Anna Hutchinson (third, jazz dance), Logan Gilbreath (fourth, guitar) and Srikruthi Neralla (fifth, vocal).
• CATEGORY 3: Conway Theel (first place, piano), Samuel Wu (second, piano), Reagan Ricardo (third, musical theater), Larkin Mainwaring (fourth, vocal) and Alynza McBride (fifth, ballet dance).
• OLDER GROUPS: AIM Stars Acting (first place, acting), AIM’s Harmonic Stars (second, vocal) and Star Company I (third, contemporary ballet). 
• PASCO HERITAGE SCHOLARSHIPS: Conway Theel (piano) and Larkin Mainwaring (vocal).

 

DADE CITY – Putting aside the disappointment and losses suffered from Hurricane Milton, the Dade City Garden Club is gearing up for a day of celebration with butterflies, bees and free family fun taking centerstage. 

The Dade City Garden Club is partnering with the city to present the Monarch Butterfly Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 5 at the newly renovated Touchton Park with festivities flowing into Dade City Garden Club gardens.

Main attractions will include a plant sale, a Kids’ Zone, strolling entertainment, educational exhibits and presentations, food, prizes and an eclectic market that will satisfy shoppers. Live butterflies displayed during the event will be released into the gardens at the close of the day. 

The Dade City Garden Club is also holding its biennial National Garden Clubs Small-Standard Flower Show, Blooms & Bees – The Buzz in the Garden, with the purpose of educating club members and the viewing public; stimulating an interest in horticulture and floral design; and providing an outlet for creative expression. 

After the participants’ entries are evaluated by accredited Florida Federation of Garden Clubs judges, the show will open to the public on April 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Dade City Garden Club, across the street from Touchton Park.

The Jolley Trolley will be in town thanks to the Community Foundation Tampa Bay. Visitors will be able to park downtown and hop on the free trolley to the festival and/or flower show from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. One pick-up/drop off location will be adjacent to the Robert B. Sumner Judicial Center (38033 Live Oak Ave.) and the other location at the Dade City Heritage Museum and Welcome Center (37800 Church Ave.). Parking is available in city and county-owned lots and other areas around the downtown. 

Attendance at both events is free. Email or visit dadecitygardenclub.com for more information.

ZEPHYRHILLS – Bauducco Foods broke ground on a production and distribution facility March 21 at Zephyrhills Airport Industrial Park.

The company, which produces more than 400,000 tons of baked goods annually, analyzed over 160 potential sites across seven states for its expansion, according to Bauducco USA CEO Stefano Mozzi.

“Zephyrhills stood out as the ideal location,” Mozzi said. “From the business-friendly environment to the fantastic support from the business development teams in the state, county and the city, we knew Zephyrhills was the right place.”

Bauducco expects to invest over $200 million into a facility on its 72-acre site. 

The facility will be used to produce and distribute its products across the U.S. Products will include biscuits, wafers and its signature Panettones.

With advanced production technologies in place, Bauducco will have greater flexibility to expand its product offerings, bringing new products to market.

“Their investment not only brings hundreds of high-wage jobs and economic growth but also reinforces our city’s reputation as a prime destination for business and industry,” Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson said during the groundbreaking. “We look forward to a prosperous partnership and the sweet success that lies ahead!” 

The Zephyrhills facility will be developed in three phases. The first phase is expected to be operational by mid-2026, the second phase by 2028 and the third by 2030. 

Bauducco anticipates creating 600 new jobs in the Tampa Bay area, of which 120 full-time positions will open during the first phase. 

“We are grateful for the meaningful partnerships that Bauducco has already formed in our community, and we are looking forward to seeing this project progress,” said Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council. “There will be many new jobs coming to Pasco County in the near future as a result of this investment in our community.”

On the web: bauducco.com

 

DADE CITY – Pasco’s County commissioners honored two men who each recently retired after decades of service to Pasco County and Dade City on March 11.

They were Ronnie Deese, who retired Jan. 17 from Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, and Chief James Walters, who retired Feb. 28 from the Dade City Police Department.

The resolution the commissioners adopted honoring Deese said, among other things, that he had been hired as the chief financial officer for Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative on Sept. 1, 1988. 

During his 36-year career with the cooperative, Deese oversaw annual budgets of $600 million and played a key role in the redevelopment of the Lacoochee area.

His role at the cooperative included locating substation sites and negotiating contracts for pole attachments and towers.

He was involved with the Boys and Girls Club in Lacoochee, with the community of Lake Jovita and with the Walmart Distribution Center coming to Hernando County.

Deese served on several boards, including the Pasco County Fair, Pasco-Hernando State College, AdventHealth Dade City and the Chamber of Commerce.

“I’ve tried to help my community like y’all have,” Deese said, “It’s something we strive to do.

“I’ve had a lot of coworkers, friends and citizens of this county that I have depended upon that I could always go and ask for help, money, whatever was needed to better our community.

They haven’t buried me yet so I plan on continuing these projects.”

Deese added that he had started a new project a few days ago.

“I’d like to see that our senior citizens who are impoverished get an opportunity to go out to a few restaurants and that is a goal of mine,” Deese said. “That’s the new project that we’re taking up.”

Walters became chief of the Dade City Police Department on Aug. 17, 2018, following the retirement of Raymond Velboom.

Walters joined the department as a patrolman in 1995 and moved up in rank over the years including detective, sergeant, captain and chief.

The resolution the commissioners adopted honoring Walters said, among other things, that he was committed to protecting life, property and individual rights while maintaining peace and order, and instilling the core values of respect, integrity, professionalism and service. 

Walters taught at what is now Pasco-Hernando State College in the Law Enforcement Academy, from 1999 to 2018, teaching well over 1,000 recruits, many of whom work for the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. 

Walters earned a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from St. Leo University in 2006 while he was a sergeant with the police department. He continued to work at the university as an adjunct faculty in the criminal justice program.

Since 2018, Walters made it a priority to host an annual Back to School Shop with a Cop program to help instill confidence in students and ensure they have the essentials to be successful.

He was awarded the President’s Award through the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce in 2019 and elected president of the Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Association in 2022.

Walters promoted his philosophy of the Stop, Walk, and Talk program to assist in fostering a culture of trust within the community of Dade City.

He also fostered strong relationships with Pasco County, Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Pasco County School Board, Pasco County Emergency Management and Pasco County Fire Rescue.

“It’s nothing without the partnerships as you all well know,” Walters told commissioners. “I’m grateful for the partnership that we had and hopefully continue to have with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and just keeping all our citizens and visitors to this community safe.”