New Tampa resident Zach Godbold was poised to conclude his high school athletic career on top of a winner’s podium. At Wharton High School, Godbold had wrapped up his final varsity football and soccer seasons in the fall and winter, respectively. His attention then turned to track and field. He envisioned hoisting up the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA)’s first … [Read more...]
Pasco mobility fee rates expected to change in September
June 9, 2020 By
The Pasco County Commission is poised to remove an incentive that benefits market-rate apartments throughout the county. Stripping the incentive will, in essence, create a higher fee for those apartments. At the same time, commissioners are expected to encourage more affordable housing across the county and to spur redevelopment in the West Market Area — by eliminating mobility fees in those … [Read more...]
Locals among top MLB draft prospects
May 26, 2020 By
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Major League Baseball (MLB)’s 2020 first-year player draft has been shortened to five rounds, from the usual 40 rounds in previous years. The draft, scheduled for June 10 and June 11, assigns amateur baseball players to MLB teams. Even with the new consolidated format, however, several locals from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area have a solid chance at being … [Read more...]
Finding a way to shine a spotlight on seniors
May 5, 2020 By
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 … [Read more...]
Sunlake distance runners leave lasting mark
February 12, 2020 By
For this group of distance runners, the thousands of miles of foot to pavement have finally paid off — in the form of college athletic scholarships. The past few years, Sunlake High School’s boys and girls cross-country and long distance track programs have established themselves as among the best in the area, and the state. This year’s National Signing Day festivities underscored that fact: … [Read more...]
Remembering Pete ‘Hutch’ Brock II, a community servant
February 5, 2020 By
Pete Hutchinson “Hutch” Brock II, a former Dade City mayor who was active in community life — passed away on Jan. 26, at age 54. Brock served on the Dade City Commission from 2000 to 2004, then as Dade City’s mayor from 2004 to 2008, according to an obituary posted on the Hodges Family Funeral Home website. “While he was mayor, we had an unprecedented period of annexations – undeveloped … [Read more...]
Transition made easier, with a little love
February 5, 2020 By
When Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano first learned about the Luggage of Love program, he committed to helping meet its goal of providing displaced children and families with new and/or gently used suitcases. Luggage of Love is a coordinated effort in Pasco County by the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Pasco County Extension Office. In … [Read more...]
Inspiring others with lyrical rhymes
January 29, 2020 By
In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Saint Leo University added a hip-hop element — showcasing the rapper Duke. The Jan. 21 event was a part of the school’s weeklong series, recognizing the iconic civil rights leader. Duke shared his story and inspirational words – sometimes conveyed through rap lyrics. He noted his lyrics often are influenced by the words of the slain civil … [Read more...]
Two Hillsborough women to be honored
January 8, 2020 By
A Valentine’s Day ceremony and luncheon is being organized by the League of Women Voters of Hillsborough County to celebrate two women of distinction. The 15th annual Lifetime Achievement Award Luncheon will honor Liana Fernandez Fox, Ph.D., and the late Dena Gross Leavengood, according to a posting on the Hillsborough County website. The event will take place on the day that coincides with … [Read more...]
Principal of the year is surprised by honor
December 4, 2019 By
Principal JoAnne Glenn and her staff were conducting a training seminar — when Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning and an entourage cruised into the room with flowers, balloons, a cookie cake and an announcement. The superintendent offered Glenn hearty congratulations, as he announced she was the district’s principal of the year. School Board Chairwoman Colleen Beaudoin gave Glenn a … [Read more...]
