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...]
Hoops coach brings overseas pro pedigree
May 12, 2020 By
It’s not uncommon for Derrick Sharp to be recognized when he’s out and about in the Tampa Bay area, while he’s shopping, running errands or just going about his day. The new Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School varsity boys basketball coach has been approached by strangers at clothing stores, mall kiosks and tire shops, among other places. And, it’s usually not because they remember him as … [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...]
Businesses seek help during pandemic
April 7, 2020 By
The economy has been flattened by coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), and businesses are seeking a way to continue operating or to reopen their doors. A $2 trillion stimulus package— the largest in the nation’s history — is called the CARES Act, which stands for Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security. Part of that package is specifically aimed at assisting companies with fewer … [Read more...]
Will cross-county commuters have a new option?
February 12, 2020 By
Commuters in Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties could have a new way to get around, as planning continues on a proposed 41-mile bus route connecting the counties. The plan being considered calls for designated rapid bus transit lanes to be built along the shoulders of Interstate 75 and Interstate 275. The route would run from Pasco to Hillsborough County — beginning at State Road … [Read more...]
Hometown kids shine in 2019 college football season
January 15, 2020 By
The college football season has come to a close, and it was one in which many players with ties to The Laker/Lutz News coverage area showcased their skills. Dozens of area athletes are a part of programs at the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and Football Championship Series (FCS) levels, as well as Division II, Division III, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) … [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...]
Wesley Chapel color guards receive national acclaim
November 13, 2019 By
While the Wesley Chapel Cadet Squadron is affiliated with aviation, its their performance on ground that has granted them national accolades. The squadron’s color guard team, known as The Wesley Chapel Knights, has won two consecutive national championships in 2018 and 2019. 1st Lt. Cesar Alayon is one of the commanding officers who helps oversee the local cadets. “We’re the only team in … [Read more...]
Hillsborough’s economy showing new signs of growth
November 6, 2019 By
Adam Myers, senior business development manager for the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, paid a visit to Pasco County a few weeks ago, to share what’s happening on the economic front in Hillsborough County. Myers outlined some of the major new developments happening in Tampa and Hillsborough County during a membership luncheon meeting of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. He … [Read more...]
