The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Search Results for: Sanders Elementary School

Staples closing leads searches on LakerLutzNews.com

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Thousands of Web travelers found their exit off the Information Superhighway to LakerLutzNews.com thanks to search engines this past year, but what exactly lead them here in the first place?

Apparently, it was all about the closing of Staples.

Not long after LakerLutzNews.com started publishing daily stories to complement the print stories found each week in our papers, reporter Michael Hinman published a story March 6 about the closing of 225 Staples stores by the end of 2015. That could include two stores locally — the Staples at 7910 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills, and another at 6260 Commerce Palms Blvd., in New Tampa.

It was a rather significant chunk of the Staples chain, which has 1,500 stores in the United States and employs more than 50,000 people.

But what else led the list of top search terms that led to the LakerLutzNews.com in 2014? Check out our list, just in time for us to start it all over again in 2015.

1. Staples closing stores
The good news, however, is that both the Zephyrhills and New Tampa stores continue to remain open by year’s end, with no public announcement of their fate made at this point.

2. Angela Madonia Tampa
Who is Angela Madonia you might ask? Well, she’s a co-owner — along with mother Josephine Argento — of what was then a new farmer’s market called The Family Farm on 41 that opened May 23.

Reporter B.C. Manion shared the news of this market for the first time on June 12, based on a story that appeared the day before in the Lutz News.

“The concept is providing the freshest and healthiest fruits and veggies to our customers,” Madonia said at the time. “We will be growing strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, peppers, carrots, corn, radishes, pumpkins and okra. We will start harvesting in late August or early September.”

At the beginning of the year, the site where the outdoor market would eventually open was just an empty field south of County Line Road on U.S. 41. But that changed quickly throughout the spring as what appeared to be a barn went up, and the Family Farm opened for business.

3. Sanders Elementary School
A lot has happened on the former campus of Sanders Memorial Elementary School in Land O’ Lakes in the past year, everything from the announcement of it becoming a magnet school to the opening of enrollment earlier this month.

Through reporter B.C. Manion, The Laker has stayed on top of all the developments regarding the school, including the November announcement that Lake Myrtle Elementary School principal Jason Petry would be the head administrator at the new Sanders school.

It is set to open in August, just in time for the 2015-16 school year.

4. Cypress Creek Town Center
With all the development taking place in Pasco County, it’s surprising to see one project get more attention than others. Yet that seems to be happening with the Cypress Creek Town Center area in Wesley Chapel, right where State Road 56 and Interstate 75 meet.

With everything from the construction start of Tampa Premium Outlets to plans to open a Costco on the site, there’s been plenty to talk about on the property. In fact, in the past year alone, LakerLutzNews.com has posted six stories about the project. It would be hard to find any other topic, outside of the failed elevated toll road project, the paper wrote about more.

5. Atlanta Braves
Believe it or not, the elevated toll road didn’t make our list of the top five search terms — probably because that project died last July.

However, people were interested in the Atlanta Braves, especially some teasing from former Major League Baseball star Gary Sheffield, who told Wesley Chapel business leaders in September that he wanted to convince his former team to set up spring training in Pasco County once a massive baseball complex he was involved in was built.

Except there’s one problem: At the moment, it doesn’t look like the baseball project is coming. Last week, the Pasco County Commission terminated the contract it had with Sheffield and business partner James Talton after they failed to secure funding for their 19-field project.

Could Sheffield and Talton come back with a revised plan? Talton thinks so. But they would likely have to compete with other would-be developers to turn that part of Wiregrass Ranch into a sports megaplex.

Are you curious to what the most-read online stories were on LakerLutzNews.com this past year? Find out in the Dec. 31 print edition of The Laker/Lutz News, and get a great recap of all the stories that moved readers over the past year as well.

And be sure to visit LakerLutzNews.com for daily stories every day — sometimes before you even have a chance to read it in print. Find out why more and more people are making sure The Laker/Lutz News online is a regular stop on their Web journeys.

Family fights to be heard in the battle against autism

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By Sarah Whitman

Senior Staff Writer

Luke Sengul lines up his toys one by one, tuning out the rest of the world. Although he will turn 4 this year, he still doesn’t speak.

The Sengul family together at their Land O’ Lakes home. From left, Patricia, Paul,2, Tamer, Luke, 3 and Adam, 4. (Photos by Sarah Whitman)

Luke is autistic.

It is a world Luke’s parents, Tamer and Patricia Sengul, know too well. The couples’ oldest son Adam, 4, was diagnosed with high functioning autism at age two. While Adam is now doing well and his brother, Paul, is a typical 2-year-old, Luke struggles to keep up with his brothers.

“We’ve only recently been able to make eye contact with Luke,” Patricia said. “For the longest time, he wouldn’t even look at us.”

The Sengul family lives in Land O” Lakes and are participating in Walk Now for Autism Speaks May 1 at in St. Petersburg. The event will benefit Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism advocacy organization, and help fund research to fight the neurological disorder.

“This is a real condition that a lot of families are devastated by,” Patricia said. “We are walking to raise money and awareness.”

According to Autism Speaks, 1 in 110 children are affected by the disorder. Symptoms can impair an individual’s ability to communicate, form relationships and relate to their surroundings.

Neither Patricia nor Tamer Sengul has a history of autism in their families. When Adam was born, they expected to have a typical life. Then, Adam’s pediatricians started using words like developmental delays. A child psychologist referred the Senguls to an autism specialist, who made the official diagnosis.

Adam had pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, a form of high functioning autism.

The words shook Patricia to her core.

“You hear autism and you think of stereotypes, of your kid growing up banging his head against a wall and other children poking fun at him,” she said. “You think he’s never going to get to know the fun things of growing up.”

Adam was put in intensive therapy for six months, where he learned to communicate and to interact socially. The Senguls now consider him recovered, though doctors have yet to make it official. He no longer exhibits typical autistic behaviors and learns with little difficulty as a preschool student at Sanders Elementary School.

“I like school,” Adam said. “I like to play and eat at school. I like my teachers and friends.”

At home, Adam helps look after Luke, who tends to go off by himself.

Luke’s autism is a difficult case. He has exhibited signs since infancy. Having more than one autistic child is not unusual, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

The Senguls had yet to receive Adam’s diagnosis when Patricia became pregnant with Luke.

They were devastated to find out his case was even worse.

“We had a playroom but we had to move the toys out into the main living area because Luke would just want to go in there by himself and stay for hours,” Patricia said. “He gets frustrated because he can’t communicate, so he throws tantrums. He has a lot of behavioral problems and emotional issues.”

Luke has yet to receive treatment using applied behavior analysis. The Senguls are waiting on approval from their medical insurance. In Luke’s case, the therapy may or may not help.

As a father, Tamer can only hope for the best.

“There could be improvement,” he said.

Tamer works with Luke on a daily basis, correcting inappropriate behaviors and encouraging good ones.  He never gives up but admits it’s a hard road.

“It can be very taxing on the family,” he said. “We are fortunate to have a good church and a good support system.”

The Senguls believe a variety of factors contribute to autism.

“I think it’s a combination of things,” Patricia said. “I think some children are genetically predisposed but there are also environmental factors involved. I don’t want to say the vaccines caused it, but I think everything from vaccines to pesticides and even what’s in formula plays a role.”

Patricia has decided to homeschool all three boys starting next year. Prior to having children, she worked as a preschool teacher. She has started an in-home preschool for Luke and Paul. The brothers are best buddies.

“Paul will hold Luke’s hand when they walk outside,” Patricia said.

All three brothers get along well because the Senguls make family time a priority. They attend church weekly at North Tampa Church of Christ, where the boys are able to play with other children. The family also takes frequent trips to the zoo, the beach and to Disney World. The children love the characters at the park.

“I like Mickey Mouse,” Adam said. “Donald’s boat ride, that’s my favorite ride.”

Patricia and Tamer often observe the boys as they play. Adam is full of energy and giggles, running from one game to the next. Paul is already able to name his toys. Luke jumps around playfully; then sits quietly, appearing to disappear into a world all his own.

Still, Luke is not alone. He is loved.

To donate to team Sengul for the walkathon and Autism Speaks, visit www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/tampabay/sengul.

Chalk Talk 06/26/2024

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Environmental champions honored
Learning Gate Community School in Lutz announced the recipients of this year’s SIEGE Award, an honor given to an individual on each campus who embodies the spirit of the school mascot, the heron.

Kara Windish, left, and OJ Beane are the recipients of the 2024 Environmental Champions award. (Courtesy of Learning Gate School)

As a premier charter school, Learning Gate prioritizes academic excellence, community service and environmental responsibility through the ethos of “Nature is our Best Teacher.”

The SIEGE award recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond in their dedication to education, reflecting on the core values: Striving for excellence, Inspiring others, Engaging in learning, Giving respect and Establishing purpose.

This year’s recipient for the Hanna Campus is Kara Windish for her dedication to students and love for teaching. She uses methods like Socratic Seminars, Shark Tank Pitches, Mystery Historic Crime Scenes, Debates, Escape Room and skits, making lessons come alive. She also plays a key role in The Amazing Shake program, teaching students vital communication skills and accompanying them to national competitions.

Windish supports new teachers, organizes sixth-grade challenges, contributes to the National Junior Honor Society, and supports both school campuses through training sessions and teaching sessions at the University of South Florida.

OJ Beane is this year’s recipient for the Lutz Lake Fern Campus, recognized for his positive attitude and team spirit.

He is dedicated to self-improvement and professional growth, and his humility and kindness make him approachable and easy to work with.  Beane proactively addresses needs before they become issues and connects with students on a personal level, supporting their academic, emotional and social growth.

Learning Gate Community School is a tuition-free, A-rated public charter school.

Curbside meals offered
Pasco County Schools has four sites offering curbside meal pickup every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Connerton Elementary, Lacoochee Elementary, San Antonio Elementary and Watergrass Elementary.

These sites provided meals to over 1,300 children this week, which is 30% more than anticipated. Pasco Schools has implemented changes and improved its process with the hope of meeting the demand for summer curbside meals.

To better serve the community, families are encouraged to fill out the Curbside Intent to Participate Form each week so the district has an estimated number of meals to prepare.

The Curbside Intent to Participate form opens at 6:30 a.m. every Wednesday and closes at 5:30 p.m. every Sunday.

Filling out the form does not guarantee meals at the time of pick up, as meals are distributed on a first-come, first served basis.

For more information, visit https://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/fns/mform/view.php?id=285537

Goal exceeded in reading campaign
Pasco County Schools has announced that students, parents and staff exceeded a reading goal by more than 15 million minutes during the 2023-2024 Race to Read campaign. The Pasco Schools community read 30,468,440 minutes in the district-wide initiative aimed to foster a love of reading by engaging students, parents and staff in a collective effort.

“We are immensely proud of our students, parents and staff for overwhelming participation and dedication to this initiative,” said Superintendent Kurt Browning, in a news release.

“Reading is the foundation of all learning, and the incredible number of minutes read this year demonstrates our community’s commitment to education and literacy,” said Browning.

Moon Lake Elementary School, Pine View Middle and Pasco High were the champions in their respective categories. These schools each receive a celebratory banner and 500 paperback books to distribute to students next year. Several schools achieved significant milestones and have been awarded digital badges created by Beanstack.

These schools were awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze medals based on their reading achievements:
Gold: Moon Lake Elementary, Pasco Elementary, New River Elementary, Seven Oaks Elementary, Connerton Elementary, Sand Pine Elementary, Pasco High, Quail Hollow Elementary
Silver: Odessa Elementary, Longleaf Elementary, Double Branch Elementary, Pine View Elementary, Denham Oaks Elementary, Cypress Elementary, Trinity Elementary, Mary Giella Elementary, Shady Hills Elementary, Anclote Elementary, Wiregrass Elementary, Pine View Middle, Centennial Middle, Sanders Memorial Elementary, James M. Marlowe Elementary, Veterans Elementary, Charles S. Rushe Middle
Bronze: Wesley Chapel Elementary, Chester W. Taylor Elementary, Bexley Elementary

For more information about the Race to Read campaign and other initiatives, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us.

{Courtesy of USDA Food and Nutrition Service}

Nutrition training funding
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) announced funding for Behind the Tray-Food Science for School Meals, and is committed to providing safe school meals and supporting those who prepare and serve them every day.

FNS seeks to award a two-year $600,000 cooperative agreement to develop, implement and evaluate a new weeklong, in-person, science-based food safety education training program for school nutrition professionals. Behind the Tray will enhance the food science and food processing literacy of school nutrition professionals with special emphasis on food safety and food microbiology.

Public, state and private universities and colleges are eligible to apply. The opportunity closes on July 12.

For information and to apply, visit https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/354169.

New Horizons program
Saint Leo University is now offering its Next-Level Grad Award, a scholarship available to graduate program students who study online or at one of the university’s education centers.

This graduate program scholarship is for students newly enrolled in Saint Leo’s Master of Business (MBA) or Master of Science in criminal justice degree programs. It covers the tuition costs for the final nine credit hours of the program (all specializations).

Technology, book and assessment fees are not waived for those who receive the award, and up to six transfer credits will be accepted for those enrolling.

Eligibility requirements include that the recipients must be Saint Leo WorldWide students, fully admitted to the MBA or master’s in criminal justice programs that are now enrolling.

To continue receiving the scholarship, students must meet all academic performance requirements and maintain good standing in their program from an attendance, student conduct, and GPA requirement standard (3.0 cumulative average or better).

For more information about the Next-Level Grad Award, email , or call 855-523-2472 or 800-707-8846.

Five high school students received scholarships from local woman’s club. (Courtesy of Deborah Erdahl)

Woman’s club awards scholarships
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club announced the 2024 scholarship winners and recognized each of the following high school students:

  • Siena Pena, Sunlake High School: $2,000 – University of South Florida (nursing)
  • Tyler Montgomery Tyson, Jesuit High: $5,000 – University of Florida Honors Program (computer science)
  • Aelexys Carley, Land O’ Lakes High: $2,000 – St. Thomas University (biology/biochemistry)
  • Rohil Agarwal, Land O’ Lakes High: $2,000 – University of California-Berkeley (computer science)
  • Caitlin Conrad, Steinbrenner High: $5,000 – University of South Florida

For more information and/or club membership opportunities, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org or its Facebook page.

Chalk Talk 03/06/2024

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(Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation)

Memorial scholarship established
Laura Raposa, Pasco-Hernando State College’s dean of accelerated learning, and her husband Ben established the Kimberly Ann Montgomery Scholarship in memory of Laura’s sister, who dedicated her life to nursing and caring for others. Kimberly’s calling was to be a nurse and care for others and she served 21 years as a nurse at North Bay Hospital. The family hopes the scholarship will help other like-minded students achieve their goals. To make a gift to the scholarship, visit Giving.PHSC.edu.

Student achievements

  • Zoe Adkins, Lutz: Dean’s List, Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pennsylvania
  • Kenza Brown, Lutz: Dean’s List, Kennesaw State University, Georgia
  • Justus Espinoza, Odessa: The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Florida State University
  • Flagler College has recognized these area students to its President’s List: Mikayla Croissant, Lutz; Niamh Kirkwood, Odessa; and Madeline Rodriguez, Lutz.
  • The Florida Institute of Technology named these area students to its Dean’s List: Lance Fales, Land O’ Lakes; Anika Futo, Lutz; Daniel Vassallo, Lutz; Max Martino, Lutz; Jackie Figueredo, Lutz; and Madison Rooth, Odessa.
  • Jaeden Lowther, Odessa: President’s List, Kennesaw State University, Georgia
  • Jacob Statman, Lutz: Dean’s List, Rochester Institute of Technology
  • The University of Tampa named these students to the school’s Dean’s List: Samantha Park, Odessa; Robert Cooper, Lutz; Cole Benjamin, Odessa; Hope Lelekacs, Odessa; Tristan Hilson, Lutz; Michelle Loefstrand, Odessa; Madison McElhone, Odessa; Angelina Santana, Lutz; Lindsey Reed, Lutz; Zoe Papageorgiou, Odessa; Margret Gudmundsson, Lutz; Ashley Mantei, Odessa; Gabrielle Reim, Odessa; Charles Pals, Odessa; Alyssa De La Sala, Lutz; Makenzie Reynolds, Lutz; Olivia Jacinto, Lutz; Andrea Centeno, Odessa; and Timothy Chen, Odessa.
  • Payton VanNort, of Lutz: attended the Musical Theatre Intensive (MTI) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and competed in the MTI competition in late January. VanNort is majoring in Theatre-Directing.
  • Claudia Vitale, of Lutz, to its Dean’s List, Georgia Institute of Technology

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
The East Pasco Education Academy, 35830 County Road 52 in Dade City, will host Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on March 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The event also will include pictures with the Easter Bunny, a petting zoo, Bunny Express tractor ride, and an Egg Scramble.

Admission is $10 for children ages 2 and older. Adults are free (breakfast is $5). All proceeds will benefit the students at the academy.

For information, call 352-524-5700.

Five for Five Dinner
The Republican Party of Pasco will host its fourth annual Five for Five Dinner on March 14, at the Timber Greens Golf & Country Club, 6333 Timber Greens Blvd., in New Port Richey, to benefit the party’s $5,000 scholarship fund. Check-in and cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m.

Special guests will include Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco, Sen. Ed Hooper, Rep. Brad Yeager, Commissioners Seth Weightman and Gary Gradford, and school board member Colleen Beaudoin.

Individual tickets and a la carte Host a Toast are $100. Table sponsorships are available.

For tickets and information, call Sandy Graves at 813-817-3011 or 727-863-5400.

Women in Education
NOTE TIME CHANGE: Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) will host an Empowered! Women in Education Conference on March 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the PHSC Instructional Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

Participants can explore leadership, confidence, empowerment, and engage in networking opportunities. There also will be a celebration of Women’s History Month.

To view the agenda, visit PHSC.edu/empowered/agenda. To register, visit PHSC.edu/about/events/campus/empowered-women-education-conference.

For information, contact Jessica White, associate dean student life and leadership, at 727-816-3764 or .

Community Action Board Scholarships
The Hillsborough County Community Action Board Scholarships are available to eligible Hillsborough County students who want to continue their post-secondary education. Scholarships are worth up to $5,000, can be used to accredited trade schools, community colleges, or four-year universities, and are awarded to students to help alleviate some of the financial burden of tuition.

All applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

  • Applicants must be between 16 and 24 years old and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent (16-year-olds may apply if they are a graduating senior).
  • The candidate must have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
  • Applicants must reside in Hillsborough County.
  • The applicant’s household income must fall within 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines of the Community Services Block Grant.
  • Students seeking a master’s degree or a second bachelor’s degree do not qualify.

Students are encouraged to read through the Community Action Board Scholarship Application Package online, at http://tinyurl.com/3entyf4e, before applying.

Students can apply online at https://form.jotform.com/233123786503151.

For questions, email .

Giving students a voice
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is giving students a voice in the democratic process to influence the decisions that affect them most.

To help students make their voices heard nationwide, NASSP is establishing the National Student Council, an assembly of student leaders from across the country to serve as powerful advocates for their peers at the federal level, according to a news release.

NASSP’s National Association of Student Councils (NASC), formerly known as NatStuCo, will administer the National Student Council.

“It’s incredibly rare for policymakers to ask my classmates and me for our opinions,” said Shreeya Gogia, an NASC member and senior at Carroll Senior High School in Southlake, Texas, in the release. “NASC’s National Student Council will finally give students like me a seat at the table so we have a say in the decisions that will have the biggest impact on our schools and futures.”

Elections and appointments to the National Student Council will take place from March to September, after which the representatives will identify the most pressing challenges facing students and then advocate for solutions.

In addition to the National Student Council, the NASSP will give away $100,000 in new scholarships to NASC members each year.

For more information, visit NatStuCo.org.

Schools of Distinction
Pasco County Schools has announced three of its schools have been recognized as National Merit Schools of Distinction. Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools, awarded the title.

The schools earning the commendable designation are Hudson High School’s Cambridge Programme, Sunray Elementary’s Cambridge Programme and Sanders Memorial STEAM Elementary, according to a news release.

Each school has distinguished itself through its dedication to integrating specialized themes into curricula and instructional methods, ensuring students don’t just learn but thrive through enriched educational experiences that are both engaging and challenging.
By achieving this distinction status, these schools have demonstrated their effectiveness in raising student academic achievement, providing diverse educational environments, and fostering continuous improvement through evidence-based instruction aligned with their theme, the release says.

Men of Excellence
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) hosted its first Men of Excellence event on Feb. 20, at the PHSC Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel.

The event featured a panel discussion and vendor fair, and was designed around a barbershop-style concept aimed at encouraging men to come together and openly share and discuss a wide array of topics and how to incorporate excellence into their lives, according to a news release.

“When you’re presenting yourself, whether it’s on the job, in the community, or in the classroom, you want to reflect a standard of excellence and helping young men and women be able to identify, understand and exhibit excellence is critical,” said Nathaniel Brown, PHSC linking in faith and education (LIFE) coordinator, in the release.

Several community leaders addressed current challenges facing youth by offering personal stories, advice and encouragement.

Javon Parker, a sophomore at Wharton High School, was in attendance and said he enjoyed gaining knowledge from the speakers and hearing about the variety of experiences and challenges they overcame. The event was open to the community as well as PHSC students.

PHSC plans to host additional similar events. For more information, visit PHSC.edu/about/events.

Lutz Church of God gains approval for Land O’ Lakes location

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The Lutz Church of God has been granted a special exception from the Pasco County Planning Commission, allowing it to locate a church on 8.50 acres, on the west side of School Road, at the northernmost intersection of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard and School Road.

The planning board approved the request, with conditions. Planning board Peter Hanzel voted no, saying he doesn’t think the proposed church is compatible with the surrounding development.

Lutz Church of God has been granted a special exception from the Pasco County Planning Commission, allowing it to locate a church on 8.50 acres, on the west side of School Road, at the northernmost intersection of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard. (Mike Camunas)

In granting the request, the planning board stipulated that the future church be prohibited from allowing access to the lake by motorized boats.

The church’s pastor said that won’t be a problem.

It may have an observation deck at some point, so people can view the lake, but has no plans for a boat launch, he said.

Three neighbors spoke against the request.

They said they were worried that the church could create an access to the lake, which already suffers from water quality issues, posing an ecological threat to the lake.

They said if that access was granted, there’s no way of knowing how many members of the congregation would use that access.

They also said the church’s traffic and other impacts would just be another thing they’d have to live with, in an area that already has traffic from nearby Sanders Memorial Elementary School, a church and Christian school on School Road, and Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.

Planning board members told opponents of the project that the church would not be able to add a boat dock without environmental clearances, which would be unlikely to occur.

The site is flanked on the north by Edmonson Electric; on the east by School Road, vacant property and Land O’ Lakes Boulevard; on the south by wetlands and vacant land; and on the west by Lake Thomas and wetlands.

The site currently has a single residential dwelling, which will remain on the property to be used for church purposes, according to the church’s pastor.

Published September 20, 2023

Chalk Talk 09/20/2023

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

A boost for Miles Elementary students
GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club members delivered a van filled with school supplies to Miles Elementary School in Tampa. The women donated and collected supplies for four in-need schools in the area, which they support every year. The school posted a thank you to the club on its marquee. Club members Cheryl Winegar, left, and Marcy Edmonson, right, flank Deborah Mora, Miles’ guidance counselor. For information about the club, visit its Facebook page or GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.

Academy at the Farm recognized
The Academy at the Farm FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapter has been recognized as a three-star national chapter and is a top-five finalist for the National FFA Middle School Model of Excellence award at this year’s National FFA Convention, according to an email from the school.

Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership. National FFA recognizes the top chapters with innovative activities in each of the three divisions: growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters that receive three-star ratings during judging are eligible to compete for the premier chapter awards.

Academy at the Farm members participated in a variety of activities during the 2022-2023 school year to qualify for this recognition, including organizing a pep rally for the school’s fair exhibitors, donating seed packets to the local library for its patrons and sponsoring a petting zoo at the Dade City annual Christmas Stroll, to merit their three-star status.

In November, FFA sponsor Robin Carter and several FFA members, will travel to Indianapolis, Indiana, to attend the National FFA Convention. They are currently seeking help to raise funds to get as many members as possible to attend the event.

For $5, you can sponsor a mile of their 967 mile trip. For $100 you can be a pit stop sponsor and have your name or business name on the back of their special edition Proud Supporter T-shirt.

To participate, visit AATF.wufoo.com/forms/q133k7fi18b3zd5 or AcademyAtTheFarm.com.

After-School Program
The Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, will host Early Release Day After-School Programs to coincide with Pasco County Schools’ early release dates: Oct. 4, Nov. 1, Dec. 6, Jan. 10, Feb. 14, March 13 and April 10. The programs are free and geared to second- to fifth-graders. There will be structured games, sports, and arts and crafts.

Program spots are limited and each date opens three weeks prior at 8 a.m. Registration can be done in person or online at secure.rec1.com/FL/pasco-county-fl/catalog. For more information, call 813-929-1220.

SONIC Foundation donations
SONIC Drive-In is dedicated to getting teachers and students the classroom supplies they need for the new school year. In August, the SONIC Foundation donated $1 million to help fund requests on DonorsChoose, a national nonprofit that allows individuals to donate directly to public school classroom requests submitted by teachers, according to a news release.
The $1 million donation is part of the SONIC Drive-In brand’s ongoing Limeades for Learning initiative.
The following schools received support for their teachers through the funding:

  • Lutz K-8 School, Lutz: $96 for “Classroom Necessities” for grades six to eight 
  • Sanders Memorial Elementary School, Land O’ Lakes: $107 for the project, “Magical Reading Nook for Little Bookworms!” for prekindergarten through second grade
  • Walker Middle School, Odessa: $168 for “Wobbling Into Small Group Engagement” for grades six to eight
  • Westside Elementary, Spring Hill: $61 for “Bold, Colorful Seating” for prekindergarten through second grade

Through the Limeades for Learning initiative, the brand donates a portion of proceeds from every drink, slush and shake purchase to the SONIC Foundation, which is used to support local public education. Since 2009, SONIC has donated more than $26 million to funding local classrooms, becoming one of the largest programs in the U.S. to support public education, the release said.
Visit DonorsChoose.org to donate to the public school teacher requests seeking support to provide students with educational resources.

Student achievement
Kierra James, of Odessa, was recognized to the summer Dean’s List at Georgia State University, Atlanta.

Performing Arts Series
Tickets are now on sale for the Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation Inc.’s 2023-2024 Performing Arts Series. All shows are at 7 p.m., at the PHSC Performing Arts Center, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey.
The concert line-up includes:

  • Dec. 1, The Atlantic City Boys
  • Jan. 19, She Will Rock You!
  • Feb. 23, The Olivia Show
  • March 15, The Beatle Maniacs
  • April 5, The Majesty of Rock

Tickets are $30 to $35. Season tickets are automatically discounted 15%. Groups of 10 or more can use code 15OFF. To purchase tickets, visit Tix.com/ticket-sales/phsc/1015.

For information, contact Jen Ferguson at 727-816-3431 or ">.

Tampa Bay braces for Idalia

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Tampa Bay governments, businesses and residents are gearing up for expected impacts from Hurricane Idalia.

While Idalia’s path appeared to be headed toward communities in Tampa Bay, the paths of tropical storms and hurricanes are uncertain and they have been known to veer off in a different direction at the last possible moment.

Residents in West Pasco County areas were forced to evacuate prior to Hurricane Idalia hitting the Tampa Bay area. (Mike Camunas)

Pasco County officials expect to feel the effects of Idalia, in terms of storm surge, high winds and heavy rainfall.

It’s impossible to know at this time how extensive the impacts will be, but disruptions have been occurring across a broad swath of Florida, as preparations are made to prevent damage and loss of life, and to be ready to go into recovery mode, in the storm’s aftermath.

Stay up to date on the latest developments, as released through local government social media apps and from local and national news reports.

Governor Ron DeSantis has issued an emergency order covering 46 counties in Florida — clearing the way to mobilize emergency response teams.

The Pasco County Commission has issued a Local State of Emergency for the county ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia.

The order allows County Administrator Mike Carballa to waive everyday procedures to do what is believed necessary to ensure the health, safety and welcome of the community.

The county has issued mandatory evacuations for the following:

  • Evacuation Zone A
  • Everyone living in a manufactured home, mobile home or RV anywhere in Pasco
  • Everyone in low-lying areas or areas prone to flooding
  • Everyone in an area ordered evacuated by local authorities due to life-safety hazards
  • Voluntary evacuations are in effect for the following:
  • Evacuation Zones B and C
  • Everyone registered with Pasco as a Special Needs Resident
  • Everyone who would be vulnerable in the event of a power loss

Pasco County also is opening hurricane shelters for anyone who needs to leave their home ahead of the storm and has nowhere else to stay.  Shelters opened Aug. 29 at 8 a.m. The county’s customer service center is now open 24 hours. Call 727-847-2411, or chat online at MyPasco.net.

The county also is posting storm updates on its social media pages and at MyPasco.net.

Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise also has declared a Local State of Emergency and Hillsborough has issued a mandatory evacuation order for Evacuation Zone A, and for those in mobile and manufactured homes and residents in low-lying areas prone to flooding. That order took effect at 2 p.m., on Aug. 28.

Both Pasco and Hillsborough counties have opened public shelters. (See accompanying list). Although shelters are available, officials urge residents to treat them as a haven of last resort. Instead, they encourage those evacuating to wait out the storm with friends or relatives, whenever possible.

Like many of the stores in and around Pasco County, this Publix in Lutz saw swarms of shoppers hit the stores preparing for Hurricane Idalia impacting the Tampa Bay area.

Schools across the region are closed.

Gov. DeSantis returned on the evening of Aug. 28 to the State Emergency Operations Center with Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie and Major General John Haas to provide updates on Tropical Storm Idalia.

DeSantis announced tolls would be waived beginning at 4 a.m., Aug. 29, along Florida’s west coast in preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia.

At DeSantis’ request, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has granted a pre-landfall emergency declaration for Tropical Storm Idalia. Additionally, the State Emergency Operations Center has activated to Level One in anticipation of potential impacts from the storm.
Tropical Storm Idalia is predicted to strengthen to a major hurricane when it makes landfall early Aug. 30, according to the news update from DeSantis’ office.

Life-threatening storm surge and dangerous winds are becoming increasingly likely for portions of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
As of 5 p.m., EDT on Aug. 28, Tropical Storm Idalia was located approximately 480 miles south-southwest of Tampa. Idalia has maximum sustained winds near 70 mph and is forecast to have the greatest impact to the state during the overnight hours of Aug. 29 through the afternoon of Aug. 30.

As of that briefing:

  • Storm surge watch is in effect along the Gulf Coast from the Charlotte/Sarasota County border to the Collier/Monroe County border.
    • Storm surge warning is in effect along the Gulf Coast from the Charlotte/Sarasota County border to the Franklin/Gulf County border, including Tampa Bay.
    • Tropical storm watch is in effect for Brevard, Clay, inland Collier, Duval, Flagler, East Marion, Nassau, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns, and Volusia counties, as well as the Lower Keys.
    • Tropical storm warning is in effect for Charlotte, coastal Collier, DeSoto, inland Franklin, Gulf, Hardee, Lake, Lee, Leon, Liberty, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, and inland Wakulla counties, as well as the Dry Tortugas.
    • Hurricane watch is in effect for eastern Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Hamilton, Leon, central Marion, Sarasota, Union, and inland Wakulla counties.
  • Hurricane warning is in effect for western Alachua, Citrus, Dixie, coastal Franklin, Gilchrist, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Manatee, western Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, and coastal Wakulla counties.
    The governor’s office encourages Floridians to monitor weather conditions and listen to all orders from local officials, as well as have emergency contact lists updated and important documents backed up and stored in a waterproof protective container.

Sandbags
Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County is making sandbags available at four locations, through 2 p.m., on Aug. 29.

  • Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Road, Plant City
  • E.G Simmons Conservation Park, 2401 19th Ave. NW, Ruskin
  • Ed Radice Sports Complex, 14720 Ed Radice Drive, Tampa  
  • Larry Sanders Sports Complex, 5855 S. 78th St., Tampa  

Hillsborough County residents are eligible for a maximum of 10 sandbags per family. Residents must show ID verifying they live in the county; a driver’s license or utility bill will serve as proper identification. 

Pasco County
Pasco County sandbagging stations are available, 24/7.

Westside:
– Magnolia Valley Golf Course: 7223 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey
– W.H. Jack Mitchell, Jr. Park: 4825 Little Road, New Port Richey
– Veterans Memorial Park: 14333 Hicks Road, Hudson

Eastside:
– Pasco County Public Works (C-Barn): 30908 Warder Road, San Antonio
– Wesley Chapel District Park: 7727 Boyette Road, Wesley Chapel
– Land O’ Lakes Recreation Center: 3032 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes
– Zephyrhills Fire Station-2: 6907 Dairy Road, Zephyrhills

*Note: Sandbag locations are self-serve and are open 24 hours to Pasco County residents; however, sand will only be restocked between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. You should bring a shovel and be prepared to fill your own sandbags.

City of New Port Richey
6420 Pine Hill Road, New Port Richey

City of Dade City
Former Dade City Police Department building, 38042 Pasco Ave., Dade City

The most effective placement for sandbags includes entry and exit points of your home. To watch a Pasco video explaining how to properly fill and place sandbags, visit bit.ly/PascoSandbags.
SHELTERS 
Pasco County
Pasco County hurricane shelters opened Aug. 29 at 8 a.m.:

All shelters allow family pets. Learn what supplies you should bring with your pet at mypas.co/PetHurricanePrep.

Visit MyPasco.net to find an open shelter near you. 

Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County has opened 10 shelters.

  • Erwin Technical, 2010 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa (Special needs and pet-friendly) 

Nine general population shelters:

  • Hillsborough Community College at The Regent, 6437 Watson Road, Riverview
  • Lockhart Elementary Magnet School, 3719 N. 17th St., Tampa 
  • Middelton High School, 4801 N. 22nd St., Tampa (Pet-friendly) 
  • Newsome High School, 16550 Fishhawk Blvd., Lithia 
  • Pizzo Elementary, 11701 USF Bull Run, Tampa 
  • Reddick Elementary, 325 West Lake Drive, Wimauma 
  • Shields Middle School, 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin (Pet-friendly) 
  • Steinbrenner High School, 5575 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz (Pet-friendly) 
  • Sgt. Paul R. Smith Middle School, 14303 Citrus Pointe Drive, Tampa 

CLOSINGS (Subject to change, based on conditions)

  • Pasco County Schools will be closed Aug. 29 and Aug. 30; Hillsborough County Schools will be closed Aug. 29 and Aug. 30; and Hernando County Schools will be closed Aug. 28 through Aug. 30.
  • Saint Leo University will be closed from 5 p.m., Aug. 28 through Aug. 30.
  • University of South Florida will be closed Aug. 29 and Aug. 30.
  • Hillsborough Community College will be closed Aug. 29 and Aug. 30
  • Pasco-Hernando State College will be closed Aug. 28 through Aug. 30
  • Amalie Arena rescheduled the $uicideBoy$ event from Aug. 29 to Nov. 5. Tickets for the original date are valid for the rescheduled date. Refunds are available at point of purchase through Sept. 28.
  • The Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections closed at 4 p.m., on Aug. 28, and will remain closed through Aug. 30. Office is expected to open for regular business hours on Aug. 31. VoteHillsborough.gov is available for those who want to register to vote, update information or request a Vote by Mail ballot.
  • The city of Tampa’s Department of Solid Waste schedule has been revised: Residential garbage collections will run through 10 a.m., Aug. 29. Only blue City of Tampa garbage carts will be collected. If your garbage cart was not collected by 10 a.m., Aug. 29, please secure it in preparation for the storm. After the Aug. 29 pickup, services will be suspended until further notice. Recycling is suspended until further notice. Please secure your recycling carts.

New Tampa residents are encouraged to contact Hillsborough County Solid Waste Management at 813-272-5680 for their storm collection schedule.

  • The city of Tampa’s commercial collection will run through 10 a.m., Aug. 29, and then will be suspended until further notice. 

PREPARING AND RESPONDING
AAA — the Auto Club Group offers these safety and insurance tips:

  • Gather your supplies
  • Fortify your home
  • Document your belongings
  • Collect your insurance policy information and phone numbers for your agent and provider. Contact your provider to ensure you have adequate coverage. If you do not have flood insurance, it’s too late to get a new policy for this storm.
  • Check your auto insurance policy to ensure you have comprehensive coverage. That helps with vehicle damage such as flooding or if a tree falls on it.
  • Store important documents in a portable waterproof container. These documents can include insurance policy information, birth certificates, passports, social security cards, medical cards and other information.
  • Do a visual inventory of your home. Walk through with a video camera or smartphone to show what’s there. Keep a record of large purchases, including the cost of the item, the purchase date, the model and serial numbers.
  • Protect your home: Bring in loose items such as patio furniture, bikes and children’s toys – which could turn into dangerous projectiles in strong winds. Trim trees near your house. Ensure you have materials to make sandbags and board up windows, if necessary.
  • Have an evacuation plan and be ready to execute it.

 AAA provides this evacuation advice:

  • Identify multiple destinations in case the storm shifts or roads are closed.
  • Reserve a hotel room early, if needed. Hotels along evacuation routes often fill up fast due to high demand.
  • Take your important documents with you.
  • Bring enough food, water and supplies for each family member and your pets.
  • If evacuating, leave early. It will help you to avoid traffic congestion and avoid long lines at gas stations, which also are known to run out of fuel because of heavy demand.
  • Leave, if authorities instruct you to leave. Don’t return until authorities say that it’s safe to do so.
  • Before leaving, turn off your utilities and unplug your electrical items

AAA also offers these safety tips for drivers:

  • Leave early, so you’re not in a rush.
  • Avoid distractions while driving.
  • Slow down.

When driving in the rain:

  • Increase your following distance.
  • Turn your headlights on.
  • Turn your hazard lights off.
  • Avoid using cruise control.
  • Avoid flooded areas.
  • When visibility is poor, pull over to a safe place to wait until the rain eases up.

Duke Energy offers these safety tips for consumers

  • Be sure to have an adequate supply of flashlights, batteries, bottled water, nonperishable foods and medicines, as well as a portable, battery-operated radio, a TV, or a weather radio.
  • In case you lose power, customers dependent on medical equipment should have a power backup system, as well as an action plan of proceeding to the nearest medical facility, if necessary.
  • Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging. Consider all lines energized, as well as trees or limbs in contact with lines. Report all power line hazards to Duke Energy at 800-228-8485 or your local emergency services agency.
  • If a power line falls across a car that you’re in, stay in the car. If you must get out of the car due to a fire or other life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.

For more tips on what to do before, during and after a storm, visit Duke-energy.com/StormTips.

Pointers for boaters
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offers this advice:

  • Move your vessel, if possible. If you can; protect it, if you can’t.
  • Cover all lines to prevent chafing.
  • Charge batteries and make sure they can run automatic bilge pumps throughout the storm.
  • Do not stay onboard and do not venture out in rough conditions.
  • Monitor weather broadcasts and comply with evacuation orders.
  • After the storm, report any issues to the FWC.

Published August 29, 2023

Land O’ Lakes resident Ralph Padilla loads up several sandbags he filled at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex on Aug. 28, less than 48 hours before Hurricane Idalia was supposed to hit the Tampa Bay area.
Several local gas stations in and around Pasco County were already out of gas on Aug. 28, such as this RaceTrac in Land O’ Lakes, less than 48 hours before Hurricane Idalia impacted the Tampa Bay area.
A familiar sight at a Publix during hurricane preparations, as the water aisle at this Lutz-based store was completely bare less than 48 hours before Hurricane Idalia impacted the Tampa Bay area.

A look inside the huddle

By

Some say a football team is a family.

And Land O’ Lakes High coach Dan Goodspeed knows that a football family includes the moms, sisters, grandmothers and aunts. In the case of the Gators, specifically, the Women of Blue.

Dan Goodspeed

The Gators coaching staff and football team hosted nearly 65 women for its first ladies clinic, which is expected to become an annual event. The clinic is part of an initiative to include, and educate, women more about the game, by discussing topics such as play calling strategies, player safety, equipment, nutrition and hydration.

Goodspeed, a former NFL lineman who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when they won Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003, borrowed the idea from the Bucs, which has the Women of Red. That version does a similar event and also provides in-season exclusive content and team updates.

“I used to go speak at (The Women of Red Ladies Clinic), and (owner and president of Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation) Darcie Glazer (Kassewitz) always does a great job with it,” Goodspeed said. “It’s held in the Club Section at Raymond James Stadium, and the women would go from station to station, learning different aspects of the game.

“My station was describing the playbook,” he added. “We would show there’s rhyme and reason to what we do — like a chess game, that we’re not just out there trying to run into each other. We show the real reason why we play football.”

Land O’ Lakes High Football coaches spoke to the Women of Blue, at Stonewater Grill on Aug. 1. The coaches and team hosted a Ladies Clinic to speak to the moms, sisters, aunts, grandmoms and women of the football players or other women interested in learning more about the sport and game. Topics covered included player safety and play calling. (Courtesy of Dan Goodspeed)

Although Goodspeed set out to emulate the Buccaneers, his initial source of inspiration was his mom — especially because she was concerned about his safety when he began playing football in high school.

“It is a violent sport,” Goodspeed said. “She thought I would just get all crunched up, but we wanted to show that we make sure their boys are safe. They’re young adults, and we want them to make it through the season.

“Football is the greatest sport,” he added. “Many of these guys aren’t going to play football in college, but we feel (the clinic) lets (the players) be able to sit down with parents on the weekend and tell them exactly what they did or have a conversation about what is happening when watching games.”

The Gators had stations at its Ladies Clinic, but there was a heavy emphasis on player safety. Goodspeed and his staff brought in old and newer equipment — helmets and shoulder pads — to show how it has improved over time and how it will protect the players.

Additionally, an anonymous donor gave the team 85 guardians caps – the new padding that goes outside the helmet that is designed to cut down up to 12% of the force of a hit. The women also were invited to try on the equipment to find out how it feels inside the helmet.

Zaida Abel enthusiastically tries on football equipment at the Women of Blue event hosted by the Land O’ Lakes High football team.

“Honestly, my biggest take-away was feeling very comfortable that my child was in good hands,” said Lisa Campbell, whose son, Zach, is a junior tight end on the team. “We got to meet all the coaches and each was more caring than the next, so I know when I’m not there, they are in good hands, whether he’s 5 or a junior.

“So, you can see that they’re not all about win, win, win,” she added. “They care about safety and are concerned with making things better, and as safe as possible.”

Campbell said she enjoyed hearing coaches at the stations addressing various aspects of the sport, such as playcalling and designing plays with X’s and O’s.

She especially enjoyed the clap cadence drill, with the coaches trying to get the women to clap at the same time like in a huddle.

“They got all the moms, grandmoms, sisters, aunts, neighbors — all the women and gave us a run down on all the positions,” Campbell said. “They showed us that football is great and that they love it, but they love also developing the man, the full student, the full player — to become a good man. I think we were all very impressed.

“Many of the women were pretty comfortable in their knowledge of football coming in, but they then saw what we were trying to do on both sides of the ball,” Goodspeed added. “They’re very sharp and picked it up and understood it all very quickly, but still had plenty of questions. … As parents, when (the kids) get to high school, I think they know time is running out, and they’re going to go out on their own lives, so this really lets them still be a part of their lives, just on the football field.”

And that is important to Campbell, a bookkeeper at Sanders Elementary, who knows full well how quickly time at school can go. To her, she feels every team should have its own version of the Women of Blue.

“I don’t know if everyone could do it, but it is a real bonus,” Campbell said. “We’re appreciative of it and had a great time with it and learned why our boys are passionate about football. It gave us a real look of what happens behind the face mask.”

The Women of Blue listen in as Gators coaches go over the X’s and O’s of football play calling.

Land O’ Lakes High Football 2023 Schedule
Aug. 18 at Lakeland Victory Christian (preseason, 7 p.m.)
Aug. 25 at River Ridge
Sept. 1 vs. Anclote
Sept. 8 at Williston
Sept. 15 vs. Zephyrhills
Sept. 29 at Mitchell
Oct. 6 vs. Nature Coast
Oct. 13 vs. Springstead
Oct. 20 at Sunlake
Oct. 27 vs Wiregrass Ranch
Nov. 3 at Pasco

* All games start at 7:30 p.m.

Published August 16, 2023

Unearthed drawings reveal life from a century ago

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Susan Maesen, a volunteer at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, was thrilled when she stumbled upon a gray box containing a collection of hand-drawings dating back to roughly a century ago.

“I could not believe my eyes when I found them!” Maesen said.

Winnie Bridge Latham’s depiction of a horse and buggy. (Courtesy of Florida Pioneer Museum & Village)

The drawings were found amidst boxes stacked with newspaper clippings, albums filled with black-and-white photographs and a purple heart belonging to James W. Varden, of Zephyrhills (see related story).

The drawings were created by Winifred “Winnie” Bridge Latham, a beloved local elementary school teacher and artist. She lived next door to Maesen’s grandparents on Church Avenue.

Latham, known locally as “Miss Winnie,”  died on April 14, 1963.

Maesen speculates the Miss Winnie’s drawings were donated to the museum by the Dayton family of Dade City.

One of the Daytons — George — was a former state senator. He served as a pallbearer at “Miss Winnie’s” funeral.

“Miss Winnie’s” artistic skills were widely known, in her community.

Winnie Bridge Latham drew this portrait of herself with her parents.

“Her favorite subjects were her parents, self-portraits and shots with animals,” Bill Dayton told The Tampa Tribune, in a story published in 1980.

When she died, at age 81, she was living alone in a frame house that was surrounded by an overgrown garden, directly across from the First Presbyterian Church.

Dewey Hudson, of Dade City, told The Tampa Tribune, that “Miss Winnie” was his second-grade teacher in 1906.

“She was an excellent teacher and an elegant lady,” Hudson recalled.

“Miss Winnie” received her teacher’s certificate in 1903 and taught elementary school for 20 years.

Winnie Bridge Latham drew this portrait of Virginia Sistrunk and Sistrunk’s son, Floyd. Sistrunk, the wife of Dr. R.D. Sistrunk, was Latham’s neighbor.

Her work in the classroom was “characterized by fidelity, patience, duty in every detail,” according to a local newspaper report.

Much of her influence stemmed from her father, Fred Bridge, who came to Pasco County after serving as a captain in the Union Army during the Civil War.

He was a well-read, educated man.

However, the Bridge family’s connection to the Union Army meant they weren’t always well received by their new neighbors in the former Confederate States of America.

Miss Winnie’s drawings and diary entries offer a glimpse of life in Dade City, during the days when a horseless carriage was first spotted on the city’s streets.

Winifred ‘Winnie’ Latham holding Dan Sistruck, who later served as a pallbearer at her funeral in 1963.

“Yes! There was an automobile in town today… Papa saw it. But I didn’t!” she wrote in her diary.

She memorialized her views on the adoption of the 19th amendment, giving women the right to vote: “The reason for the women’s movement, as for all great movements, is social advantage.”

Her father died in 1922 and her mother died a few years later.

“This is all very hard,” she wrote in her diary. “I’m afraid I’m losing control of my mind.”

In 1933, she married the Rev. C.W. Latham, a Presbyterian minister. She was 52.

He died in 1936, and after that, she mostly stayed inside her home.

The box of old drawings, though, offer a reminder of a woman who touched the lives of schoolchildren and used her artistic talents to help chronicle the life and times of Dade City, of nearly a century ago.

Doug Sanders has a penchant for unearthing interesting stories about local history. His sleuthing skills have been developed through his experiences in newspaper and government work. If you have an idea for a future history column, contact Doug at .

Published December 14, 2022

Chalk Talk 06/29/2022

By

Congratulating more 2022 graduates

Luke Romesburg is an Eagle Scout from Troop 12 and a graduate of Steinbrenner High School’s Class of 2022. He’s an avid fisherman and aspires to be a paramedic and firefighter. (Courtesy of Cindy Romesburg)
Camellia Moors graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University, with a bachelor degree from the School of Public and International Affairs. She is a 2018 graduate from Land O’ Lakes High School’s International Baccalaureate program. She plans to work in Washington D.C. (Courtesy of Christine Moors)
Jillian Marie Jasinski graduated cum laude with the Land O’ Lakes High School Class of 2022. She will attend the University of South Florida and will major in English Literature. She loves to read, write, and drive her friends to new restaurant hot spots. (Courtesy of Michelle Jasinski)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading assessments
Fifty-three percent of Pasco County’s third graders passed the state’s reading test this year, a passing rate that matched the state average and was higher than all but one Tampa Bay area school district, according to a news release.

The statewide trend was a dip in scores this year, and Pasco was no exception.

Pasco’s overall passing rate last year was 56%.

State officials offered perspective on the overall decreases, pointing out that this year’s third-graders were first graders when the pandemic disrupted schooling.

“This group of third graders has had a lot to overcome,” said Pasco Superintendent Kurt Browning, in the release.

“I’m proud of them for holding their own and outperforming so many of their peers. We still have a lot of work to do, and I know our students and teachers are up to the challenge,” said Browning.

Trinity Elementary School posted an 83% passing rate, up from 69% last year.

Sanders Memorial posted an 82% passing rate.

Starkey Ranch K-8, which opened this year, posted a 76% passing rate, and Connerton Elementary posted an improvement of a 75% passing rate, up from 54% last year.

School district results can be found online at the Florida Department of Education website, at FLDOE.org, and click on Accountability and then Assessments.

Woman’s club awards scholarships
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club announced its 2022 annual scholarships, awarded to nine students.

The Lutz Volunteer Fire Department Endowment Fund scholarships of $2,500 each were given to Luke Romesburg, Briana Macumber, Camilla Quiniero and Ian Beilfuss.

The woman’s club scholarships of $1,500 each were awarded to Cayman Nash Garcia, Emelina Brown, Dylan Mazard and Madison Stysly.

Little Women of Lutz member Ashlyn Turnage received the Club Special Achievement Award of $1,500.

From left: Luke Romesburg, Briana Macumber and Ian Beilfuss, and club president Elayne Bassinger. (Courtesy of Patricia Serio)
From left: Linda Mitchell, Ashlyn Turnage and club president Elayne Bassinger.
From left: Cayman Nash Garcia, Emelina Brown and Dylan Mazard, and club president Elayne Bassinger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saint Leo fills Cohn chair
The Saint Leo University Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies (CCJS) has appointed Rabbi David Maayan as its inaugural Maureen and Douglas Cohn Visiting Chair in Jewish Thought and assistant director of CCJS. Maayan will join Saint Leo in August, according to a news release.

The Cohn Chair is a two-year visiting appointment with the possibility of a third-year renewal as full-time faculty member in the College of Arts and Sciences.

The chair also represents the establishment of Jewish Studies at Saint Leo University.

Maayan comes to Saint Leo from Boston College where he was a teaching fellow and instructor of Judaism and Christianity in Dialogue for the past academic year.

He graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in religion with a focus in Jewish mysticism from Oberlin College in Ohio, earned his master’s in Jewish studies from Hebrew College, and is a doctoral degree candidate in comparative theology at Boston College.

“I have always firmly believed in the importance of community educational opportunities, including the art of teaching which fosters spaces in which people can meet, discuss, and exchange ideas in a spirit of creativity and mutual understanding,” said Maayan in the release.

Free English/Spanish classes
ReDefiners World Languages provides free English and Spanish classes for parents and caregivers in Hillsborough County. All classes take place at the seven Children’s Board Family Resource Centers.

The program offers these language courses to develop skills critical to today’s workforce, and to enhance opportunities to foster and develop social and cultural competencies within families and communities.

Classes are now enrolling.

Participants can expect an eight-week series with classes meeting one time per week, for one-hour class periods.

All curricular materials are aligned with World-Readiness Standards for Language Learning, and the adult English curriculum aligns with standards for workforce development.

The classes are free, with funding from the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County.

To enroll, visit Redefinerswl.org/learn-in-tampa-florida, or call 813-530-2313.