Search Results for: Sanders Elementary School

Chalk Talk 06/22/2022

June 21, 2022 By Mary Rathman

From left: Heather Wallen; Melonie Monson; award recipients Erin Caffarelli, Diya Patel, Natalie O’Donovan, Emily Kirk, Emile Limoges and Madison Poe; Dr. Randy Stovall; and, Vicki Wiggins. (Courtesy of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce)

A night of excellence
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce awarded $3,000 in scholarships to six Zephyrhills High School seniors at the school’s Night of Excellence Academic Awards Ceremony. Recipients of the scholarships were selected based on community service, presentation, character, and academic achievement.

These students each received $500 for the chamber’s Academic and Vocational Scholarships:

Erin Caffarelli plans to attend Pasco-Hernando State College and major in automotive engineering/technology.
Emily Kirk will attend Saint Leo University to major in sport business and marketing.
Emile Limoges plans to attend Black Hawk East College and major in agriculture science.
Natalie O’Donovan will attend Saint Leo University to major in elementary education.
Diya Patel has not yet decided on a college, but plans to major in pre-med.
Madison Poe will attend the University of Florida and focus on a degree in biology.

Community Job Fair
Pasco County Schools will host its seventh annual Pasco Community Job Fair on June 23 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Zephyrhills High School, 6335 12th St.

Participants can meet hiring managers from district departments, Pasco County Emergency Services, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Pasco Tax Collector, Pasco County BOCC, military branches, and more.

Job opportunities will be available in these areas: bus drivers, food service, information services/help desk, custodian, skilled trades, finance services, customer services, mechanics, and more.

School Choice open
Pasco County Schools’ Pasco Pathways Innovative Programs and School Choice application windows for the 2022-2023 school year close on June 24 at 4:30 p.m. Visit Pasco.k12.fl.u3/ed_choice.

(Courtesy of Renee Gerstein, Saint Leo University)

Key to the city awarded
Saint Leo University President Jeffrey D. Senese (center) received the key to the City of Tampa in May. Senese accepted the key on behalf of the university, which was a gift from Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. Presenting the key were John Bennett, chief of staff for the city and mayor (left), and Tampa Police Department Assistant Chief of Operations Lee Bercaw. The presentation followed a doctoral hooding ceremony in which both Bennett and Bercaw received their Doctor of Criminal Justice hoods in advance of graduating from Saint Leo on May 14, with doctoral degrees.

Saint Leo admissions event
Saint Leo University will host “The Mane Event” on June 25 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for new and prospective undergraduate students. This is the last chance for incoming students to experience the university and its campus.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore Saint Leo’s academics, community and student services, while completing preparations for August classes.

The day will include class registration, financial aid meetings, department presentations, housing selection, parking registration, student ID photos, tours, residence hall walk-throughs, and more.

Students and their families can bring transcripts for the final round of Fall 2022 instant admission sessions, complete an on-site application, take placement exams, submit their deposit, and meet faculty and staff from various departments.

There also will be food trucks, prizes, music and giveaways.

For information, contact the Office of Admissions at 352-588-8283 or .

National Merit winners
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners, chosen from a pool of more than 15,000 finalists in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program.

The finalists were judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

These students in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area were named $2,500 winners:

Daniel J. Urbonas, Land O’ Lakes (Land O’ Lakes High School). Probable career field: Computer Science
Lauren E. Novorska, Lutz (Hillsborough High). Probable career field: Law

The NMSC also announced the winners of the National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities. Officials of each sponsor college selected their scholarship winners from among the finalists in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program who plan to attend their institution.

Aahan Dwivedi, Land O’ Lakes (Hillsborough High): University of Florida, physics
Leo P. Melson, Lutz (Middleton High): University of Central Florida, computer engineering
Lily Viet, Lutz, (King High): University of South Florida, biomedicine
Kenneth P. Chew, Wesley Chapel (Pasco High): University of Florida, computer programming

Teacher appreciation
Sonic Drive-In donated $1.5 million to help fund local education needs through DonorsChoose, a national nonprofit that allows individuals to donate directly to public school classroom requests submitted by teachers.

As part of Sonic’s ongoing Limeades for Learning initiative, the brand matched 50% of each donation made to teacher requests on DonorsChoose for Teacher Appreciation Day, according to a news release.

These Land O’ Lakes teachers received funding:

Monique Large, Countryside Montessori Charter School, for the project SOLO Time, for grades six to eight
Brittany Leidel at Sanders Memorial Elementary, for the project Organize and Appreciate, for prekindergarten through second grade

Dade City teachers who received funding were:

Jo Ann Fiscus, Pasco Elementary, for the project Scribble and Write in Kindergarten, for prekindergarten through second grade
Julie Pitts, Pasco Elementary, for the project Reading Fun in First Grade, for prekindergarten through second grade
In Odessa, Josh Arnold at Walker Middle School, received funding for two projects: Pencils and More, and Class Store Supplies, for grades six to eight.

Summer meals program
Pasco County Schools Summer Food Service program continues through July 29.

Breakfasts and lunches will be provided Monday through Thursday to anyone age 18 and younger, at various West Pasco, Central Pasco and East Pasco schools.

Students attending PLACE or Extended School Year programs will receive meals on campus while attending the program.

For school locations, visit Connectplus.pasco.k12.fl.us/summerfoodpasco/site-locations/.

Additionally, buses will be available at these locations, also Monday through Thursday:

Hilltop Landings Apartments, 37611 Colina Drive, Dade City
Resurrection House Park, 37124 Lock St., Dade City
Trilby United Methodist Church, 37504 Trilby Road, Dade City
Zephyrhills YMCA, 37301 Chapel Hill Loop, Zephyrhills
Crystal Springs Community Center, 1655 Partridge Blvd., Zephyrhills

For questions and information, email .

Driver shortage causes disruptions

October 26, 2021 By B.C. Manion

A change is being proposed that will shift starting and ending times for school days — to address a bus driver shortage in Pasco County Schools.

The proposal, if approved, would take effect on Jan. 4.

All schools would have some adjustment to their start and end times, with most shifts being 30 minutes or less, according to school district officials.

District staff addressed the issues and presented a proposed solution during a workshop with the Pasco County School Board on Oct. 19.

Superintendent Kurt Browning also outlined the issues in two videos on YouTube. One video is addressed to families and the other to district staff.

Pasco County Schools’ buses cover hundreds of routes each day and the district simply doesn’t have enough drivers. To solve the problem of getting students to school on time, the district is proposing a massive scheduling shift. (File)

In essence, Browning noted that the district struggles every year to hire and retain all of the bus drivers that it needs, but this year, the shortage is worse than ever.

He noted that the district has tried different strategies to solve that, he said, including financial incentives, job fairs, waiving background check fees and using an all-hands-on-deck approach.

Those efforts have helped, but have not solved the problem, the superintendent said.

“The result of this acute shortage is that many of our students are late arriving at school in the morning, which results in loss of instructional time, and they are late arriving at home in the afternoon and early evening, which puts a strain on families.

“Our bus drivers and our transportation department are doing a remarkable job under very difficult circumstances.

“Still, chronically late buses remain the norm.

“This is unacceptable.

“We have now devised a strategy that we believe will solve the problem,” he continued.

“In short, by having some schools start earlier and some start later, we can widen the window of opportunity for us to transport students on time,” he explained.

“This proposed solution was not our first choice. It will have a district-wide impact on families, including those who do not rely on school buses for transportation,” he acknowledged.

“For some, the impact will be a minor tweak to some morning and afternoon routines. For others, the impact will be significant and will require some planning,” he said.

However, the superintendent said: “We cannot continue to have a large group of students who are chronically late, arriving at school, through no fault of their own.

“This challenge is not unique to Pasco, but it is up to us to solve it.

“We have a responsibility as a school community to do everything we can to provide all students with an opportunity to learn.

“And that includes having a consistent and predictable start and end to their school day.”

During the school’s evening Oct. 19 meeting, Don Peace, the president of United School Employees of Pasco (USEP), said, “it is clear that making the proposed changes will be a monumental undertaking with numerous issues that must be worked out, not only for transportation employees, but worksite employees, students, parents and community partners, as well.

“I think we can safely say that every issue or concern will not be able to be worked out to everyone’s benefit, therefore communication and collaboration between district staff and USEP are key to reducing those problematic concerns to a minimum.

“We, as a district, have never attempted an undertaking this large in mid-year. Clearly, thinking outside the box to create solutions for all should be employed.

“It is in everyone’s best interest to minimize as much transitional stress as possible, and new and untried methods of operations may be necessary,” Peace said.

Even before the school year began, district staff had been raising the warning flag about the bus driver shortage.

The inability to attract drivers is not unique to Pasco, as school districts across the nation are facing the same problem.

The impacts from the lack of drivers are numerous: including the loss of instructional time; unpredictability for students, families, schools and employees; and the stress and turnover in the transportation department, exacerbating the problem — according to a presentation created by district staff for the school board.

The vast majority of schools would begin their day at 7:10 a.m., 8:10 a.m., 9:10 a.m., or 10:10 a.m., under the proposed bell times.

The school board is expected to consider and vote on the issue at its 9:30 a.m. meeting on Nov. 2.

The board meets in the board room, in Building 3, at the school district’s headquarters at 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

PROPOSED BELL TIMES

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
School                         Start                End
Bexley                         10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Centennial                   9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Chester Taylor            10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Connerton                   10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Denham Oaks             10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Double Branch            9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Lacoochee                   8:10 a.m.         2:20 p.m.
Lake Myrtle                 9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
New River                   10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Oakstead                     10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Odessa                        10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Pasco                           8:10 a.m.         2:20 p.m.
Pine View                    10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Qual Hollow                10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Rodney B. Cox             8:10 a.m.         2:20 p.m.
San Antonio                9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Sand Pine                    9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Sanders                       9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Seven Oaks                 9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Starkey Ranch K-8       9:10 a.m.         3:30 p.m.
Veterans                     9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Watergrass                 9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Wesley Chapel            9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
West Zephyrhills         10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Wiregrass                    9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Woodland                   10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOLS
School                         Start                End
Centennial                   8:10 a.m.         2:30 p.m.
Rushe                          7:15 a.m.         1:42 p.m.
Cypress Creek             8:10 a.m.         2:30 p.m.
John Long                    9 a.m.              3:20 p.m.
Pasco                           7:10 a.m.         1:30 p.m.
Pine View                    9 a.m.              3:20 p.m.
Stewart                       9 a.m.              3:25 p.m.
Starkey Ranch K-8       9:10 a.m.         3:30 p.m.
Weightman                 8:10 a.m.         2:30 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOLS
School                         Start                End
Cypress Creek             7:10 a.m.         1:37 p.m.
East Pasco Education Academy    7:10 a.m.         1:35 p.m.
East Pasco Education Academy    8:10 a.m.         2:35 p.m.
Land O’ Lakes              7:10 a.m.         1:35 p.m.
Pasco                           7:15 a.m.         1:45 p.m.
Sunlake                       7:10 a.m.         1:44 p.m.
Wesley Chapel            7:10 a.m.         1:34 p.m.
Wendell Krinn             8:10 a.m.         3:05 p.m.
Wiregrass Ranch         8:10 a.m.         2:36 p.m.
Zephyrhills                  7:10 a.m.         1:36 p.m.

Note: These schools are located in or near The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. For a complete list of schools and proposed bell times, visit the Pasco County Schools’ website at Pasco.k12.fl.us.

Published October 27, 2021

Chalk Talk 09/15/2021

September 14, 2021 By Mary Rathman

High school fishing program
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) 2021-2022 High School Fishing Program offers high school fishing clubs or teams the opportunity to teach fisheries conservation, practice fishing skills and apply for the Florida R3 Fishing Grant Program.

The program is focused on recruiting new anglers to ensure the future of fishing in Florida.

The Florida Sport Fish Restoration R3 Fishing Grant will award up to 30 high school fishing clubs or teams $500 to assist with club expenses and the purchase of fishing licenses or gear for participants.

Participating clubs and teams will receive an updated educational curriculum comprised of lessons and activities on fisheries conservation and resource management, plus a chance to win prizes by completing a conservation project.

The grant program is open to freshwater or saltwater fishing clubs or teams at public, private and charter high schools throughout Florida.

To be considered for the grant, clubs or teams must have a minimum of five members and be represented by a school faculty member or parent who will follow the provided instructor’s manual.

The application can be found online at MyFWC.com/HSF, under “Florida’s R3 Fishing Grant Program.”

The deadline to submit an application is Sept. 17 at 5 p.m.

Fee adjustments review
Pasco-Hernando State College’s (PHSC) District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider the approval of proposed adjusted course-related fees at its Sept. 21 board meeting, at 6 p.m., via Zoom.

Fee adjustment proposals are reviewed and approved for DBOT consideration by PHSC’s Council of Academic Affairs, a committee that includes representation by administrators, deans, academic department chairs, program directors, faculty and staff.

Many fee adjustments relate to vendor increases for workforce courses, laboratories, and program testing.

Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants.

For details regarding proposed fee adjustments, justification for the fees and fee implementation details, visit Policies.phsc.edu/policies-and-procedures/public-disclosure.

Magnet schools recognized
Three Pasco County schools have been recognized as nationally certified magnet schools, which means they have met the rigorous standards that define high-quality magnet programs.

The schools are Bayonet Point Middle and Centennial Middle, both of which are STEM magnet schools, and Sanders Memorial Elementary School, a STEAM magnet school.

Magnet Schools of America, the national association of magnet and theme-based schools, created the national certification process to recognize the nation’s exemplary magnet schools and to help them continue providing high-quality magnet programs, according to a press release.

Magnet schools are those that offer specialized courses in themes that are designed to attract students from outside the traditional school boundaries.

“This is a tremendous honor for our magnet schools,” said Pasco County Superintendent of Schools Kurt Browning, in the release.

“The staff at each school should be very proud, and I know parents will be pleased to know that their schools have met the highest standards of excellence,” said Browning.

Student achievements

Austin Cambas, of Lutz, received a Bachelor of Science in Commerce & Business Administration from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.
Shane McBride, of Wesley Chapel, was named to the summer Dean’s List at Columbia College of Missouri.

Working while in college
Working while going to college can pay off in several ways, according to The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA).

The KHEAA states, in a news release, that earning money while in school, building a resume and learning to work well on a team can help a student after graduation.

One benefit is learning the importance of time management by having to juggle classes, study time, work and other parts of life in general.

Being employed can help to build a network of contacts and references that can aid in a future job search, too.

However, there can be possible drawbacks.

Working and going to school, especially if a student has a full-time job and a full schedule of classes, can cut into study time. The combination of work and school also can reduce downtime, which is needed to stay healthy — an important part of being a good student and employee, as well.

Before signing up for additional work hours or additional classes, a student should make sure there is still time to take care of one’s self.

For more information on KHEAA services, visit KHEAA.com.

Early release days
Pasco County Schools again will utilize a monthly, early release time to allow for staff to engage in professional development aligned with student needs, and district and school priorities.

Upcoming early release dates are: Oct. 6, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, Jan. 12, Feb. 2, March 9 and April 13.

On each of these days, students will be released two hours early.

The bell times, including the early release times for each school, can be found online at Pasco.k12.fl.us/site/pcs_bell_schedule.

Education award
The Center for Education Reform (CER) will accept applications for and award a $1 million prize to an education provider, exceptional group of people, or organization that demonstrated accomplishment during COVID-19 and seeks to expand its work throughout the coming year, in the U.S.

The STOP Award for Education will reward education that is Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless.

The application window is open now and closes on Oct. 6 at 11:59 p.m., EST.

“We are on the hunt for great, successful entrepreneurs and innovators who have been educating our kids during COVID, and didn’t skip a beat to give parents what they want and children what they need during the pandemic,” said Jeanne Allen, CER founder and CEO, in a news release.

In addition to the $1 million prize, CER also is supporting several new micro-schools in underserved communities.

For more information, visit StopAward.com.

Keeping a tradition alive, even during a pandemic

August 31, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Twenty-one-month Cecilia Mathes, along with her 4-year-old brother Zachary and her 6-year-old brother Connor, on Connor’s first day of kindergarten. (They’re the children of Andy and Erin Mathes, of Appleton, Wisconsin, and the grandchildren of Diane Kortus, publisher of The Laker/Lutz News.) (Courtesy of Andy and Erin Mathes)

Schools across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area have rung in another school year — with children breaking in their new shoes, sporting new haircuts and hauling nearly empty backpacks to classes on their first day of school.

Oh, of course, there were those traditional First Day of School Photos, too.

Here are some that families within our newspaper’s coverage area shared with us, so we could, in turn, share them with you.

There are a couple of photos, as well, of children from outside our coverage area: Publisher Diane Kortus shared the photo of her grandchildren, who live in Wisconsin, and contributor Doug Sanders shared the photo of his granddaughter, who attends prekindergarten in New Port Richey.

Rachel Kocsis is a second-grader at Denham Oaks Elementary.(Courtesy of Shelley H. Roth)

Rishaan Nair is in second grade at Sanders Memorial Elementary School. (Courtesy of Manpreet Kaur)

Rebekah Miller, on her first day as a junior at Sunlake High School. (Courtesy of Sally Miller)

Nykolus Di Roma marks his first day of third grade at Denham Oaks Elementary. (Courtesy of Sabrina Di Roma)

Nileah Rodriguez, on her first day of fifth grade at Sanders Memorial Elementary. (Courtesy of Jeff Rodriguez)

Nicholas Miller on his first day of eighth grade at Rushe Middle School. (Courtesy of Sally Miller)

Freedom High School English teacher and department head Megan Lewandowski on her first day of the 2021-2022 school year. (Courtesy of George O’Connor)

Second-grader Margaret Lewandowski, on her first day at Chiles Elementary. (Courtesy of George O’Connor)

Luna Stoltz on her first day of preschool at Mary’s House in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Jan Crowley)

Kindergartener Liliana Stephenson on her first day of school at Sanders Memorial Elementary. (Courtesy of Juliana Stephenson)

Julia O’Connor celebrates her first day of fourth grade at Sand Pine Elementary. (Courtesy of George O’ Connor)

Jonah Miller, on his first day as a second-grader at Oakstead Elementary. (Courtesy of Sally Miller)

Eleven-year-old Isabella Wilson on her first day of sixth grade at Rushe Middle School. (Courtesy of Billie Jo Wilson)

Sixteen-year-old Devlin Frost, a junior, and 14-year-old Griffin Frost, a freshman, on their first day of the 2021-2022 school year at Cypress Creek High School. (Courtesy of Vanessa Frost)

Four-year-old Derek Fillingham heading to his first day of prekindergarten at KidsRKids, in Wesley Chapel’s Meadow Pointe community. (Courtesy of Frank Hult)

Nine-year-old Daphne Fread, on her first day of fourth-grade at Pine View Elementary. (Courtesy of Jennifer Trimble)

Christopher ‘CJ’ Muniz, on his first day of kindergarten at Connerton Elementary. (Courtesy of Stephanie Muniz)

Cannon Frisco, 17, is a senior at Sunlake High School. (Courtesy of Tammy Frisco)

Brielle Leonard and Brandon Leonard attend Countryside Montessori. Brielle is in fifth grade and Brandon is in third. (Courtesy of Krystin Leonard)

Four-year-old Tensely Hannah Collito, on her first day at prekindergarten at Beacon Community Church, in New Port Richey. (She is the granddaughter of Doug Sanders, the contributor of Knowing Your History for The Laker/Lutz News.) (Courtesy of Alanah Jean Sanders)

The Laker/Lutz News wins best in class in state newspaper contest

July 20, 2021 By B.C. Manion

The Laker/Lutz News received 27 awards in the 2021 Florida Press Association Weekly Newspaper Contest, and won first place, overall, in its division.

The top honor resulted from a team effort — with awards received for news and feature stories, page design and photography.

Diane Kortus, publisher of The Laker/Lutz News, stands alongside Jim Fogler, president and CEO of the Florida Press Association and Intersect Media Solutions. (Courtesy of Florida Press Association)

Newspaper staffers Kevin Weiss, B.C. Manion and Matt Mistretta each played an important role in securing the recognition. But so did special contributors Joey Johnston, Kathy Steele, Christine Holtzman, Fred Bellet, Doug Sanders, Lillian Cucuzza and Steve Vinik.

Behind-the-scenes work by Mary Rathman, editorial assistant, and Stefanie Burlingame, graphic designer, also played critical roles in the newspaper’s success.

Points received from each of the winning entries are tallied to determine which newspaper will be declared the first-place winner. The Laker/Lutz News won that distinction in Division A, for weekly newspapers of 15,000 or more — the largest circulation division in the competition.

Staff writer Kevin Weiss hauled in six awards at the 2021 Florida Press Association Weekly Newspaper Contest, including three first-place honors. (Kelli Carmack)

Entries from The Laker/Lutz News received seven first-place, 12 second-place and eight third-place awards.

The newspaper won top honors for coverage of the impact that a retiring coach had on his players, both on and off the court; the threat posed by a possible ‘twindemic;’ and, the mighty Wurlitzer playing on at Tampa Theatre, despite the pandemic.

Other first-place awards came for stories that detailed a panel discussion on social issues and race relations; a local javelin standout ready for a bigger stage; and, the flurry of construction projects underway in Pasco County Schools.

A shot of the Neowise Comet, when it was closest to earth, won first place in the reader-generated photo category.

The honors were presented during a July 16 luncheon at the Florida Media Conference, held at the Westin Sarasota, in Sarasota.

The contest drew 1,167 entries, from a total of 51 newspapers across Florida. The contest was judged by experienced editors and publishers from Arizona, California, Colorado, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York and Washington.

The Laker/Lutz News, locally owned by Diane Kortus, covers the communities of Odessa, Land O’ Lakes, Lutz, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Dade City, San Antonio and St. Leo.

Here is the complete list of The Laker/Lutz News winning entries:

Front Page Makeup: Matt Mistretta, second place

Page Design: Matt Mistretta, third place

Sports Spot News Story: Kevin Weiss, first place

Sports Feature Story: Kevin Weiss, first place; Joey Johnston, third place

Portfolio Photography: Christine Holtzman, second place

Photo Series in One Issue: Christine Holtzman, second place; Fred Bellet, third place

Reader-Generated Photo: Lillian Cucuzza, first place; Steve Vinik, third place

Feature Photo: Christine Holtzman, second place

Spot News Photo: Christine Holtzman, third place

Community History: Doug Sanders, third place

Outdoor & Recreation: Kevin Weiss, second place

Local Government Reporting: Kevin Weiss, third place

Roads and Transportation: Kathy Steele, second place

Faith and Family: B.C. Manion, second place

Arts Entertainment & Review Reporting: B.C. Manion, first place; Joey Johnston, second place

Health, Medical & Science Reporting: Joey Johnston, first place; Kevin Weiss, second place

Education Feature: Christine Holtzman, second place

Education News: B.C. Manion, first place

Feature Story, Profile: Kathy Steele, second place; Joey Johnston, third place

General News Story: Kevin Weiss, first place

COVID-19: Feature Story: B.C. Manion, second place

Published July 21, 2021

Fred Bellet took this shot as one in a series of photos of Sophia Moon, a girl in Lutz who is wild about goats. Bellet won third place in the category of photo series in a single issue. Kathy Steele won second place for her feature profile about the girl. (File)

Volunteer Deanna Okun, left, administers a medical exam inside the Medical Detainment room, to student Jyles Morales, during a living history simulation at McKitrick Elementary. The children were learning about Ellis Island. Christine Holtzman was awarded a second place in the feature story category and a second place for this particular photo from the series that accompanied the story (File)

Chalk Talk 07/07/2021

July 6, 2021 By Mary Rathman

High marks for PHSC president
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) president Timothy Beard earned near-perfect scores on his annual review by the college’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT), according to a news release.

The College Board of Trustees gave him an overall average score of 4.95 out of 5, noting Beard’s excellent communications with the DBOT and community stakeholders, as well as administrators on the college’s administrative leadership team.

Marilyn Pearson-Adams, DBOT chair, summarized the review comments in a letter to the trustees, noting in the release that “Dr. Beard’s personal and professional demeanor have positively impacted his performance as president and consequently facilitated the college being one of the premier institutions in the Florida College System.”

Beard exceeded performance standards in all areas of the evaluation.

He earned a 4.86 for board relations; a 4.88 for community, state and national relations; a 5.0 for fiscal accountability; a 4.99 for leadership; and a 5.0 for accountability.

Beard is starting the second year of a three-year contract awarded last year by the college trustees after he demonstrated his ability to grow as a leader, embrace a style of leadership that promotes transparency, collaboration and clear communication.

ABC Program
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices will collect donations during the month of July in support of the Pasco County Schools’ ABC (Assist, Believe & Care) Program.

The ABC program was created to provide financial assistance to students and their families who are experiencing economic hardship, especially when those needs interfere with the student’s ability to be academically successful.

All money collected will go into a fund that teachers can use when they see or learn of a need a child may have.

For information about the charitable giving programs at the tax collector’s office, contact Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

Free vaccinations
The Florida Department of Health – Pasco County is teaming up with Pasco County Schools and Health Hero to offer free COVID-19 vaccinations to Pasco County students age 12 and older.

The free vaccinations also will be made available to children’s eligible family members.

Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian to receive the vaccine.

The Pfizer vaccine will be distributed at several school locations around the county.

Appointments are required to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.

July 12:

J.W. Mitchell High School, 2323 Little Road, Trinity – 8 a.m. to noon, in the cafeteria. Enter the school from Photonics Drive and park in the first parking lot on the right.

July 13:

Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., Land O’ Lakes – 8 a.m. to noon. Park in the student parking area.

July 14:

Pasco High School, 36850 State Road 52, Dade City – 8 a.m. to noon. From State Road 52, pull in after the tennis courts and park in the staff or gym parking lot.
Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel – 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park in the faculty parking lot and take the sidewalk between Building 300 and the main office.

Parents are encouraged to fill out the online registration available from the school district website (Pasco.k12.fl.us), and select from the available dates, times and locations.

An individual registration form must be completed for the student and every additional family member.

Back-to-School fundraiser
Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells, and entrepreneur and philanthropist Jacques Hakim have partnered with the Pasco Sheriff’s Charities and the YMCA of the Suncoast James P. Gills Family Branch to launch “Step up for Pasco Students,” a back-to-school fundraiser, for students in Pasco County schools.

Every $10 donated can buy a new pair of quality shoes for a child in need.

The goal is to collect 5,000 pairs by July 18.

Sponsorship levels also are available.

To donate, visit bit.ly/PascoSheriffCharities or YMCASuncoast.org/stepup.

Employment Fair
Pasco County Schools will host its sixth annual Pasco Community Public Employment Fair on July 21 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Fivay High School, 12115 Chicago Ave., in Hudson.

Those in attendance can meet managers from Pasco County Schools, Pasco County Emergency Services, Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Pasco County Tax Collector, Pasco Board of County Commissioners, and more.

Summer food service
Pasco County School’s Summer Food Service program will continue through July 27, at selected school campuses and at bus stop locations around the county.

All school location meal packs will contain seven breakfasts and seven lunches, and will be provided curbside on Tuesdays only, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., to anyone age 18 and younger.

East Pasco school sites include: Cypress Creek High, Double Branch Elementary, New River Elementary, Pasco High, Quail Hollow Elementary, R.B. Cox Elementary, R.B. Stewart Middle, San Antonio Elementary, Sand Pine Elementary, Watergrass Elementary, Wesley Chapel Elementary, Wesley Chapel High, West Zephyrhills Elementary, Wiregrass Ranch High and Woodland Elementary.

In Central Pasco: Connerton Elementary, Lake Myrtle Elementary, Oakstead Elementary, Odessa Elementary, Sanders Memorial and Sunlake High.

Students attending PLACE (Pasco Learning and Activity Centers of Enrichment) or Extended School Year programs at the schools will receive their meals on campus and are not eligible to participate in curbside meal pickup.

School bus stops will distribute meal packs on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For bus stop locations and menus, and to participate in the meal pickups, visit tinyurl.com/3mp6x4dh.

For questions, email .

Unlimited bus rides
Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT) Department buses on regular routes all summer for just $20.

The special student rate is effective now through Aug. 31.

The Summer Haul Pass can be purchased at these locations:

Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Office, West and East Pasco Government Centers
Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores in Dade City, New Port Richey and Wesley Chapel
PCPT Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., Port Richey
All Pasco County Libraries

For information about the pass, bus routes and schedules, visit RidePCPT.com.

Chalk Talk 06/23/2021

June 23, 2021 By Mary Rathman

Wharton High seniors Taryn Bartley, Taylor Kaliszewski, Payton Kenny, Alexandria Massey, Vlada Pitner and Callie Zack were part of the Blue & White staff. Not pictured is senior Fallon Lavine. Kyle LoJacono, adviser, sits at the top. (Courtesy of Kyle LoJacono)

School paper earns first
Wharton High School’s school newspaper, the Blue & White, was named a Most Outstanding High School Newspaper 2020-2021 by the American Scholastic Association.

“This is the best we’ve ever done in this national competition,” said Kyle LoJacono, Blue & White adviser, in an email to The Laker/Lutz News.

“Not only did they (students) create one of the best student-run high school newspapers in the nation, but they did it with half the staff working from home while e-learning, and half in person. That speaks to their dedication and also their ability to communicate and get the job done under less-than-ideal circumstances,” said LoJacono.

Blue & White’s editor-in-chief, Callie Zack, is the third person in her family to be on the newspaper staff at Wharton. LoJacono noted: “We had a great mix of leadership styles.”

Student achievements

Dean’s List:

Jose Bautista, of Lutz, Avila University, Kansas City, Missouri
Jennifer Clifford, of Lutz, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
Moriah Davis, of Lutz, University of Alabama
Sydney Fleeman, of Odessa, Valdosta State University, Georgia
Michelle Graham, of Lutz, Mercer University, Macon, Georgia
Olivia Jablonski, of Odessa, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama
Emily Leonard, of Wesley Chapel, Mercer University
Brianna Pearson, of Lutz, The College of Saint Rose, Albany, New York
Angelo Sardegna, of Lutz, Curry College, Milton, Massachusetts
Sierra Sosa, of Odessa, Samford University
Christiana Till, of Odessa, University of Alabama
Troy Tsotsos, of Land O’ Lakes, Mercer University
William Tucker, of Lutz, Samford University

President’s List:

Jack Houser, of Odessa, University of Alabama
Elijah James, of Odessa, Kennesaw State University, Georgia
Emily Ymiolek, of Lutz, University of Alabama

Graduate degrees:

William George Albrecht, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science in engineering, McNeese State University, Lake Charles, Louisiana
Clare O’Keefe, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science in sports management, Endicott College, Beverly, Massachusetts
Royce Pope, of Lutz, Bachelor of Arts in philosophy, Centre College, Danville, Kentucky
Sydnee Turner, of Lutz, Associate of Science in nursing, Lincoln Memorial University, Tampa

Unlimited bus rides
Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT) Department buses on regular routes all summer for just $20.

The special student rate is effective now through Aug. 31.

The Summer Haul Pass can be purchased at these locations:

Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Office, West and East Pasco Government Centers
Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores in Dade City, New Port Richey and Wesley Chapel
PCPT Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., Port Richey
All Pasco County Libraries

For information about the pass, bus routes and schedules, visit RidePCPT.com.

The free vaccinations also will be made available to children’s eligible family members.

Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian to receive the vaccine.

The Pfizer vaccine will be distributed at several school locations around the county.

Appointments are required to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.

July 12:

J.W. Mitchell High School, 2323 Little Road, Trinity – 8 a.m. to noon, in the cafeteria. Enter the school from Photonics Drive and park in the first parking lot on the right.

July 13:

Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., Land O’ Lakes – 8 a.m. to noon. Park in the student parking area.

July 14:

Pasco High School, 36850 State Road 52, Dade City – 8 a.m. to noon. From State Road 52, pull in after the tennis courts and park in the staff or gym parking lot.
Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel – 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park in the faculty parking lot and take the sidewalk between Building 300 and the main office.

Parents are encouraged to fill out the online registration available from the school district website (Pasco.k12.fl.us), and select from the available dates, times and locations.

An individual registration form must be completed for the student and every additional family member.

Summer food service
Pasco County School’s Summer Food Service program will continue through July 27, at selected school campuses and at bus stop locations around the county.

All school location meal packs will contain seven breakfasts and seven lunches, and will be provided curbside on Tuesdays only, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., to anyone age 18 and younger.

In Central Pasco: Connerton Elementary, Lake Myrtle Elementary, Oakstead Elementary, Odessa Elementary, Sanders Memorial Elementary and Sunlake High.

Students attending PLACE or Extended School Year programs at the schools will receive their meals on campus and are not eligible to participate in curbside meal pickup.

School bus stops will distribute meal packs on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For bus stop locations and menus, and to participate in the meal pickups, visit tinyurl.com/3mp6x4dh.

For questions, email .

Chalk Talk 06/16/2021

June 15, 2021 By Mary Rathman

Nicholas Sobestanovich with his parents, John and Susan, after the undergraduate commencement at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. (Courtesy of the Sobestanovich family)

Academic honors
Nicholas (Niko) Sobestanovich, of Land O’ Lakes, was named salutatorian at Saint Leo University, University Campus in Pasco County.

Sobestanovich earned a Bachelor of Arts in accounting.

He completed a spring internship with Strategis CPAs & Consultants, in Lutz, and accepted a full-time job with the firm as a tax accountant.

Chloe Padron, of Spring Hill, earned the recognition of class valedictorian and was named the winner of the Clara McDonald Olson Scholarship Award, which is given to a University Campus undergrad with the highest grade point average over four years of study.

Padron graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in management.

Both of the students studied in programs offered by the Saint Leo University Tapia College of Business.

Student achievements

Angelica C. Gonzalez, of Lutz, was named to the spring Dean’s List at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
Danny Jennings, of Land O’ Lakes, earned a Master of Science in occupational therapy professional development from Mount Mary University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Anapaula Rios-Rosales graduated magna cum laude from Saint Leo University and will attend Edward Via College of Osteophathic Medicine in Auburn, Alabama.
Megan Rizzi, of Lutz, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina.
Amy Stanton, of Odessa, was recognized to the spring President’s List at Georgia College, Milledgeville, Georgia.

The free vaccinations also will be made available to children’s eligible family members.

Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian to receive the vaccine.

The Pfizer vaccine will be distributed at several school locations around the county.

Appointments are required to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.

The dates listed below are for the first and second doses.

On June 21 and July 12:

J.W. Mitchell High School, 2323 Little Road, Trinity – 8 a.m. to noon, in the cafeteria. Enter the school from Photonics Drive and park in the first parking lot on the right.

One June 22 and July 13:

Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., Land O’ Lakes – 8 a.m. to noon. Park in the student parking area.

On June 23 and July 14:

Pasco High School, 36850 State Road 52, Dade City – 8 a.m. to noon. From State Road 52, pull in after the tennis courts and park in the staff or gym parking lot.
Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel – 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park in the faculty parking lot and take the sidewalk between Building 300 and the main office.

Parents are encouraged to fill out the online registration available from the school district website (Pasco.k12.fl.us), and select from the available dates, times and locations.

An individual registration form must be completed for the student and every additional family member.

School supply drive
DAVRON, a local executive search and outplacement firm in Land O’ Lakes, will host a school supply drive through June 28, to benefit Christian Social Services (CSS) of Land O’ Lakes.

CSS provides food, clothing, supportive services and Christian hospitality to families and individuals in central Pasco and northern Hillsborough counties.

For each donation, a raffle ticket will be given to be entered into a live drawing for a chance to win prizes from local businesses, such as restaurant gift cards, trampoline park admission tickets, and more.

DAVRON also will host a company fishing tournament for staff, and for every fish caught, DAVRON will donate $10 to CSS.

Donations of school supplies, backpacks and lunch boxes can be dropped off at the DAVRON office, 6753 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Summer food service
Pasco County School’s Summer Food Service program will continue through July 27, at selected school campuses and at bus stop locations around the county.

All school location meal packs will contain seven breakfasts and seven lunches, and will be provided curbside on Tuesdays only, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., to anyone age 18 and younger.

In Central Pasco: Connerton Elementary, Lake Myrtle Elementary, Oakstead Elementary, Odessa Elementary, Sanders Memorial Elementary and Sunlake High.

Students attending PLACE or Extended School Year programs at the schools will receive their meals on campus and are not eligible to participate in curbside meal pickup.

School bus stops will distribute meal packs on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For bus stop locations and menus, and to participate in the meal pickups, visit tinyurl.com/3mp6x4dh.

For questions, email .

Unlimited bus rides
Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT) Department buses on regular routes all summer for just $20.

The special student rate is effective now through Aug. 31.

The Summer Haul Pass can be purchased at these locations:

Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Office, West and East Pasco Government Centers
Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores in Dade City, New Port Richey and Wesley Chapel
PCPT Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., Port Richey
All Pasco County Libraries

For information about the pass, bus routes and schedules, visit RidePCPT.com.

Chalk Talk 06/09/2021

June 8, 2021 By Mary Rathman

Pasco High senior receives scholarship
The Republican Party of Pasco scholarship committee selected Pasco High School senior Brian Schildt as a scholarship recipient. Schildt’s application was evaluated by the committee and received a high score. Points were given for GPA, community volunteer hours, school clubs, awards, sports and activities, political involvement and an essay. Other student scholarship recipients included one student each from Wiregrass Ranch High and Land O’ Lakes High, and two students from J.W. Mitchell High. From left: Jean Nathe, Republican Party of Pasco scholarship committee; Brian Schildt; Rep. Randy Maggard, District 38; and Debbie Murray, Republican Party of Pasco scholarship committee.

Summer food service
Pasco County School’s Summer Food Service program was set to begin on June 8 and continue through July 27, at selected school campuses and at bus stop locations around the county.

All school location meal packs will contain seven breakfasts and seven lunches, and will be provided curbside on Tuesdays only, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., to anyone age 18 and younger.

In Central Pasco: Connerton Elementary, Lake Myrtle Elementary, Oakstead Elementary, Odessa Elementary, Sanders Memorial and Sunlake High.

Students attending PLACE or Extended School Year programs at the schools will receive their meals on campus and are not eligible to participate in curbside meal pickup.

School bus stops will distribute meal packs on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For bus stop locations and menus, and to participate in the meal pickups, visit tinyurl.com/3mp6x4dh.

For questions, email .

Essay contest draws students
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club sponsored an essay contest for Lutz Elementary School second-graders, on the topic of “Would you rather play indoors or outdoors?”

Fifty-nine students submitted entries, and retired elementary school teacher and club member Pat Wagner and her granddaughter judged the submissions.

The winner of the contest was presented with a blue scooter, donated by club education chair and member Faith Sincich.

Each student received a participation ribbon, as well.

SONIC donates to teachers
To honor the creative efforts that teachers have made to maneuver the ever-shifting learning environments and keep students engaged this past year, SONIC Drive-In donated $1.5 million to teacher requests on the national education nonprofit site, DonorsChoose.com, on Teacher Appreciation Day in May, according to a news release.

The brand matched 50% of each donation made to all teacher requests on DonorsChoose.

In Odessa, one teacher from Walker Middle School received a combined donation of $140 for a Salty and Sweet Rewards project and a Fidget Fun project.

In New Port Richey, two teachers received a combined donation of $773 — Calusa Elementary School for a Classroom Resources project and Longleaf Elementary for a Calm Corner Connections project.

Unlimited bus rides
Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT) Department buses on regular routes all summer for just $20.

The special student rate is effective now through Aug. 31.

The Summer Haul Pass can be purchased at these locations:

Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Office, West and East Pasco Government Centers
Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores in Dade City, New Port Richey and Wesley Chapel
PCPT Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., Port Richey
All Pasco County Libraries

For information about the pass, bus routes and schedules, visit RidePCPT.com.

CSS provides food, clothing, supportive services and Christian hospitality to families and individuals in central Pasco and northern Hillsborough counties.

DAVRON also will host a company fishing tournament for staff, and for every fish caught, DAVRON will donate $10 to CSS.

Donations of school supplies, backpacks and lunch boxes can be dropped off at the DAVRON office, 6753 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Student achievements
• Roland Anthony Chacon, of Lutz, was named to the honor roll of the academic dean at Mars Hill University, North Carolina.
• Amanda Clifford, of Lutz, earned a Master of Arts from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.
• Moriah Davis, of Lutz, received a Bachelor of Science in Commerce & Business Administration from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.
• Kayla Mains, of Lutz, earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics education at Union University, Jackson, Tennessee.
• John Martinez, of Wesley Chapel, was named to the spring dean’s list at Union University, Jackson, Tennessee.
• Rylind Robinson, of Wesley Chapel, was recognized to the spring dean’s list at Shorter University, Rome, Georgia. Robinson is majoring in interdisciplinary studies.

This museum keeps making a history of its own

July 21, 2020 By Doug Sanders

In the wee hours of June 2 — around 1:35 a.m., to be exact — the first of two sections of a log cabin were transported down U.S. 301, en route to a new home on the grounds of The Pioneer Florida Museum and Village.

The structure joins a collection of more than a dozen buildings situated on the 20-acre site, north of Dade City.

Together, they help tell the story of the men, women and children who have made a life in Florida — through the buildings where they went to school, or worshiped, where they shopped, worked and met for social gatherings.

Descendants of the Overstreet family helped raise the money to cover the cost of moving this dwelling to the grounds of the Pioneer Florida Museum, for restoration. The structure was moved on Sept. 27, 1978. Originally, the building was situated on the site now occupied by Rodney B. Cox Elementary School in Dade City. The Overstreet House is typical of the mid-1860s time period. It was built with native heart pine and has a dogtrot connecting it to the kitchen. (Courtesy of Doug Sanders)

The collections include the Enterprise Baptist Church, originally built in 1878, then rebuilt in 1903.

There’s also the Old Lacoochee Schoolhouse, built around 1926.

Other structures on the property include the 1896 Trilby depot, the 1927 C.C. Smith General Store and Overstreet House, an 1864 farmhouse.

The museum’s most ambitious relocation project happened in 1993, when it moved buildings from The Green Swamp, which is managed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

“We moved an old hunting lodge and a bunkhouse 40 miles from The Green Swamp,” recalled Susan Sumner Shelton, a long-time museum board member.

The cypress structures originally were owned by the Cummer Sons Cypress Company, which operated the South’s largest sawmill and box factory in Lacoochee until 1958.

“It took state historic grants to move and restore those buildings,” Shelton said.

The log cabin, which is the most recent structure moved to the grounds, is perhaps the oldest one in Pasco County.

It was moved from Lacoochee.

The Pioneer Florida Museum and Village added a little new history of its own when a log cabin was moved, in sections, to the museum grounds.

Elaine Black Wilson, who donated her grandfather’s log cabin to the museum, marveled at the how well the cabin has stood up, over time.

“I was just amazed that it was not damaged by rotten wood after all these years,” she said.

Besides its connection to the past, the building also has a connection to the present. It belonged to Dade City Commissioner Scott Black’s grandfather. The commissioner lived in the house with his grandmother for several months, in the early 1970s.

George E.W. and Mamie Black purchased the cabin from the Mann family in the late 1950s, after George retired from the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. The house was passed onto their son, Walt Black, and later his daughter, Elaine.

Before the cabin was moved to the museum grounds, volunteers worked to do some deconstruction work — removing additions that had been added to the original structure.

The first historically significant building to be moved to the museum grounds was the Old Lacoochee Schoolhouse circa 1926. Electric lights were furnished in the style of the Florida one-room schools prevalent in the early 20th century.

The house also had to be divided in two, to fit on the trailers used in the move.

Like the building relocations in 1993, this one was complicated.

It was done at night, and had to avoid electric power lines and other utility lines.

A permit was required to cross the railroad tracks facing the museum.

Various sources provided funding for the move.

“We received $25,000 in tourist development funds secured by Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, and $10,000 from the Joseph and Rose Herrmann Charitable Foundation,” said Stephanie Black, the museum’s director.

“Scott Black secured $5,000 from CSX Transportation,” added Black, who is no relation to city commissioner Black.

Steve Melton, who coordinated the log cabin’s relocation, said when the restoration is finished, museum visitors will see a pioneer home hand-hewed from whole trees to construct 30-foot log beams and floors that were squared by an axe.

“It was made from old growth cypress trees,” Melton explains, “and it really must be viewed to appreciate one of the best examples of Florida Cracker-style architecture I have ever seen in my life.”

Dozens of historic photographs and artifacts are on display in these buildings relocated from the Green Swamp, to serve as a history center for the museum.

Pioneer Florida Museum and Village features a collection of historic structures. In non-COVID times, it also is a popular venue for public and private events and school field trips.
Where: 15602 Pioneer Museum Road (1 mile north of Dade City)
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please arrive by 3:30 p.m., to tour the museum. Closed on Sunday, Monday and most holidays.
Cost: Adult, $10; Senior, $8; Student (including college with ID), $5; Children under 5, no charge
The museum is open, but has been hit hard by COVID-19. Concerns about potential spread of the virus has canceled many special fundraising events, weddings, family reunion and student field trips.
Info: For more about the museum, or if you would like to help it through these challenging times, call (352) 567-0262, or visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

A brief history of the museum
In 1961, a prominent citizen of San Antonio donated 37 vehicles and tools to the Pasco County Fair Association, prompting the formation of the Pioneer Florida Museum Association, with 87 charter members.
Those charter members made it clear they wanted the museum “…to show that the men and women who were here before us, struggled, made do, and sometimes won…”
Initially located in a small building at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, the museum now sits on land donated by prominent attorney and rancher, William Larkin, and his wife, Emily.

Published July 22, 2020