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Pasco tourism decreased in 2020
By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
Tourism in Pasco County came back to earth in 2020 — following a record year the year before, which saw the area surpass the million-visitor mark for its first time. An informational presentation from Experience Florida’s Sports Coast — the county’s branded tourism arm — reveals
some sobering facts and figures in a fiscal year impacted largely by the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Pasco attracted 959,700 visitors in fiscal year 2020, down 7.6% from fiscal year 2019 when it drew 1,038,700 visitors, according to an analysis by Downs & St. Germain Research Inc., consultants to the county. Other tourism economic impact indicators registered noticeable reductions across
the board for the county when compared to the previous year: • Room nights generated — 1,069,849 (12.1% decrease) • Direct expenditures — $391,642,500 (15.3% decrease) • Total economic impact — $552,216,200 (15.3% decrease) See TOURISM, page 9A
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Those attending the fifth annual Pasco Blues Festival were an enthusiastic crowd of music lovers, who had the chance to hear from national acts, enjoy a bite to eat and do a little dancing, if the spirit moved them. Above, Lightnin’, left, and Big Red are the stage names of father and son blues artists, who play along with drummer Ephrian Lowell, in the band, Memphis Lightning. They are a touring band and were the first performers of the afternoon at the Pasco Blues Fest on Feb. 6, in Land O’ Lakes. Check out more photos, page 6A.
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Erin Healey, of Lakeland, and Paul O’ Byrine, of Thonotosassa, dance to the music at Land O' Lakes Heritage Park.
Celebrating one life, saving another By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
Efforts continue to speed, simplify vaccine rollout By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
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The day began with a festive feel. Christine O’Connor, her husband Paul and their son Sean, of Lutz, had gone to an 80th birthday party for Christine’s mom. Great care had been taken to ensure that Connie Kubiak’s milestone celebration on July 26 would be special. A dozen people — mostly immediate family — were at the COURTESY OF CHRISTINE O’ CONNOR birthday gathering at Connie and Carl Kubiak’s home, in Paul O’Connor stands next to his brother-in-law, Chuck Kubiak. When Kubiak went into sudden cardiac arrest, Tampa’s Dana Shores. The house was decked out O’Connor, an Eagle Scout, performed CPR — saving his with 80th birthday balloons, brother-in-law’s life. Christine and her sister-in-law Kelly Kubiak had catered the meal, and It had been a great day, and the party was there were special cupcakes, too. wrapping up — with immediate family Christine had spent hours painstakingly members saying their goodbyes. putting together a power point presentation Christine was chatting with her brother, — showcasing her mom’s life —timed to a Chuck Kubiak, when suddenly he said he soundtrack of Jimmy Buffet tunes. felt lightheaded, and he fell into a recliner. “That was really moving for my mom,” See SAVING, page 9A Christine said.
National and local news reports show images of long lines of vehicles waiting to obtain COVID-19 vaccinations, as efforts continue to improve the process for signing up for the shots, and to speed the production and distribution of the vaccines. President Joe Biden last week announced that the United States signed a final contract for 100 million more Moderna and 100 million more Pfizer vaccines. The news came during a Feb. 11 speech at the National Institutes of Health. Biden also said that 100 million doses that were promised by the end of June now will be delivered by the end of May, and that the country is on track to have enough supply for 300 million shots by the end of July. A public-private partnership has been launched, as well, with vaccinations being distributed through 21 national pharmacy partners and networks of independent pharmacies representing over 40,000 pharSee VACCINE, page 9A
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A portion of Bell Lake Road will be closed from Lake Padgett Drive to Peninsular Drive for eight days in mid-March, to allow safety work to be completed on the road. The road closure in Land O’ Lakes is scheduled to commence at 5 p.m., on March 13 and will continue until 7 a.m., on March 22. Kamminga & Roodvoets Inc., requested the detour, in order to complete the project. The Pasco County Commission approved the detour request at its Feb. 9 board meeting. During the closure, those west of the portion that is closed, can take Bell Lake Road west to U.S. 41. At U.S. 41, they can head north traveling toward Hale Road, or south, traveling toward State Road 54. Those east of the closure, can travel east on Bell Lake Road to Collier Parkway. At Collier Parkway, they can head north to Hale Road, where they can head west on Hale
Road to get to U.S. 41. Or, they can head east on Bell Lake Road to Collier Parkway, and then go south on Collier Park to get to State Road 54. The project that is being completed consists of extensive infrastructure and safety improvements – including road reconstruction, stormwater modifications, curb and sidewalk – along Bell Lake Road, from east of U.S. 41 to Banjo Lake Road. The current open ditch stormwater system will be converted to a closed, piped system. This improvement allows room for sidewalks and reduces drop-off hazard related to the current ditches. The new roadway will include one 12foot lane in each direction, curb and gutter, and a 6-foot sidewalk on the north side of Bell Lake Road. The speed limit is 30 mph. For additional information, call Matt Kodsi, project manager, at 727-834-3604, or call Pasco County Traffic Operations at 727847-8139.
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An educational field trip The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club set out in the recent cold temperatures to tour a local Tampa nursery that specializes in Florida native plants. The women were particularly interested in learning from experts about the plants that can attract butterflies, for use in their proposed garden at a camp for autistic children. The garden is in the planning stages.
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Saint Paul’s Episcopal continues its faith journey By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
In the beginning, it had no walls and no members — but there was a vision, to create an Episcopal church community within Wesley Chapel. The congregation began gathering in car dealership conference rooms, then moved to larger locations. Now, it operates at 3836 Flatiron Loop, Suite 101, in a stand-alone building in a professional business park in Wesley Chapel. The church also has an official name: St. Paul’s Episcopal — to replace its original placeholder name of Wesley Chapel Episcopal Church. The congregation celebrated its first patronal feast day on Jan. 24 with a special visit from the Bishop Dabney T. Smith, the current and fifth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida. At the service, the bishop confirmed five adults, commissioned the church’s first governing board and blessed an icon of St. Paul. The church also had a dedication ceremony and ribbon-cutting on Jan. 28. In addition to Bishop Smith, Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore and North Tampa Bay Chamber CEO Hope Kennedy offered remarks. Initially, the church was operating only in a portion of the building, but it has expanded and is using the remaining space in the building for a parish hall, for fellowship and teaching. The long-term vision is to secure land and build a traditional church building, said the Rev.Adrienne Hymes, who was the original church planter and is now the church vicar. While the church is in a new building, it is rooted in an ancient tradition, Hymes said, in a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz News. The fledgling church has come a long way, in four years. “To be able to stand behind an altar and actually see people in the seats, safely distanced, is awe-inspiring for me, every Sunday,” Hymes said. The people who have gravitated to the church so far are already Episcopalians who were looking for a church closer to home, Hymes said. “The closest Episcopal church is 11.5 miles from here, down Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. A lot of people had been going there, but we’re now in their backyard,” she said. Having a church close to home allows
COURTESY OF ANDY TAYLOR/PASCO COUNTY
These officials recently took part in a dedication ceremony at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, in Wesley Chapel. From left: Mike Moore, of the Pasco County Commission; Bishop Dabney T. Smith, of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida; Hope Kennedy, president and CEO of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce; and the Rev. Adrienne Hymes, church vicar.
greater participation by church members, Hymes said. “Distance definitely determines the depth of discipleship. People who really want to serve and do things beyond Sunday, they can now do that,” Hymes said. Since the church is new to the area, people might wonder what to expect, she said. She noted:The exterior of the building is contemporary, but the liturgy is traditional. And that, she said, evokes a familiar feeling for Episcopalians. “It feels like their church, even though we don’t have the marble floors or the stained glass windows. With the liturgy, there’s no denying where you are and what to do,” Hymes said. “I think that really does appeal to the Episcopalians who are showing up.
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LOCATION: 3632 Land O' Lakes Blvd. Suite 102 • Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639 MAIL: P. O. Box 479 • Lutz, FL 33548 PHONE/FAX: ph: 813.909.2800 • fax: 813.909.2802 IT SUPPORT: STEVE MISTRETTA
“They are starving for that ancient liturgy,” she said. She takes care to preserve the sanctuary as a sacred space. “There is a reverence here.They have a space that feels like church, that has a quiet in it, a sanctity to it,” Hymes said. When people arrive before a service, to spend some time in personal prayer, she wants to be sure that they have a space where that can happen — without interruption by others. “The space is small, and the sanctuary is used for the sanctuary work,” she said. Ultimately, St. Paul’s Episcopal will want to operate in a more traditional church building — but that will take some time, Hymes said. “We’re grateful for a space for us to kind
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of nest, and build and grow and call more people to the ministry, but the vision has always been to find land here in Wesley Chapel — which we know is going to be a challenge,” Hymes said. The church leader said she realizes that not everyone enjoys the uncertainty that comes from planting a church in a new place — or being a member of a church that it not fully established, but Hymes embraces the challenges, and is pleased that others have joined her in this leap of faith. Anyone interested in knowing more about the church, or watching a livestream service can visit the website at SaintPaulsEpiscopalChurch.org. Those seeking additional information can call 813-803-7489, or email office@saintpaulsepiscopalchurch.org.
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What’s Happening
Your Community Calendar • Submit 2 weeks in advance to: news@lakerlutznews.com • All listings free of charge
ELKS LODGE BINGO
Fish Fry Fridays
Bingo is back at the Elks Lodge, at 6851 Wire Road in Zephyrhills, on Thursdays, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.There will be monetary and door prizes, and refreshments will be available. For information, call 813-782-4604.
Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, will offer its annual Lenten Fish Fry Fridays, starting Feb. 19. This year, dinners are prepaid, take-out only, from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., due to COVID19 restrictions. Each dinner includes two pieces of fish and up to three sides. The cost is $10 per meal. Preorder by the weekend before each Friday to guarantee your dinner. Additional upcoming dates are Feb. 26, March 5, March 12, March 19 and March 26. To preorder a meal, visit KnightsLOL.org/takeout.
LITTLE FREE LIBRARY The Wiregrass Ranch Foundation will host a ribbon-cutting of the Little Free Library at The Shops at Wiregrass on Feb. 19 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Little Free Library is a nonprofit that builds community, inspires readers, and expands book access for all through a network of volunteer-led little libraries. Participants are asked to bring a book, and take a book, in this free exchange.There will be activities all weekend, too, including a book signing, balloon twisting, gifts and music. For information, visit the event calendar at TheShopsAtWiregrass.com.
MAKE A POT ROAST The Pasco County Library Cooperative will offer a Foodie Feast video on Feb. 19 on how to make a pot roast.Watch the prerecorded video at Facebook.com/hughembrylibrary or Facebook.com/newriverlibrary any time between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. For information, call 352-567-3576, or email Danielle Lee at daniellel@pascolibraries.org.
FRIED EGG MAGNET The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will offer a curbside-pickup craft, for adults, from Feb. 22 to Feb. 27.The kit will include felt, magnet, safety eyes, thread and instructions on how to make a fried egg magnet. Registration is required. Call 813-929-1214.
PET BANDANA The Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, will offer a pick-up craft kit on Feb. 22, all day, for adults. Participants can learn to make a customized pet bandana. For information, call 352-5673576.
CUSTODIAL TRAINING
REMIX PERFORMANCES The Straz Center for the Performing Arts will resume live, in-person Arts Legacy Remix performances on the Riverwalk Stage starting Feb. 19 and continuing through May. • Feb. 19:“Lift Every Voice and Sing” — A night of classical Black voices and chamber musicians • March 26:“Bridges of Rhythm” — Latin rhythms to celebrate cultures from Central and South America, Spain and Portugal • April 16:“A Journey Through Central and Eastern Europe” — A melodic journey through Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Russia and more • May 21:“Jazz, Jazz, Jazz” — Performance by The Straz High School Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra and others All concerts are from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are free but required in advance at StrazCenter.org.There is a $3.90 processing fee.
contact Aaron Washington at aaron@carrollwoodcenter.org or 813-9228167.
by Gulfside Hospice.The run will start at Harley-Davidson New Port Richey and end at Elks Lodge No. 2731 in Zephyrhills. Check-in starts at 9 a.m. (last bike out at 10 a.m.) There will be stops along the way and a celebration at 1 p.m., featuring cash prizes, music, prize drawings and more.The top fundraising team will win the Wings & Wheels Award. Participants can register online at HittinTheRoadForHospice.org, or sign up the morning of the event.
SONS OF AMERICAN REVOLUTION The Tampa Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will meet, via Zoom, on Feb. 20 at noon.The guest speaker will be Ottis Stonestreet, a historian and lecturer, on the topic of the Battle of Cowan’s Ford. For information, email William Floyd at bloydpres@aol.com.
COMMUNITY GARDEN The OM Grown Garden of the WellCome OM Integral Healing & Education Center will host a membership information session on Feb. 20 at 10 a.m., at the AuratoriOM, 4242 Lake in the Woods Drive, in Spring Hill. Michael Bonanno, garden member coordinator, will discuss the various benefits of the free membership in the community garden. For information and to register, call 352-600-4242.
POKER RUN The ninth annual Hittin’ the Road for Hospice Motorcycle Poker Run is scheduled for Feb. 20, to raise money for hospice patients in Pasco County cared for
THEATER AUDITIONS The MAS Theatre at the Carrollwood Cultural Center will host auditions for “Behind Closed Doors,” on Feb. 21 and Feb. 22 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at 13345 Casey Road in Tampa.The play is the 2021 recipient of The Studio Project award and is a two-act play, with two scenes per act. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Prepared monologues are welcome, but not required. No experience is necessary, and all roles are voluntary.The production crew will practice social distancing, and participants will be required to wear a mask. For information,
The University Area CDC (Community Development Corporation) will offer free custodial services training on Feb. 23, Feb. 24, March 23 and March 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at its community center, 14013 N. 22nd St., in Tampa, for adults.The field of custodial services recently has grown due to the pandemic, and companies that never considered it before, are now hiring for these services. Registration is limited and is required by contacting Josie Rocco at 813558-5212, ext. 208, or jrocco@uacdc.org.
NETWORKING GROUP The East Pasco Networking Group will meet on Feb. 23 at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City.The guest speaker will be Beth Akers, director of East Pasco Meals on Wheels. For information, contact Nils Lenz at 813-782-9491 or nilslenz@gmail.com, or Vicky Jones at 813431-1149 or donlvicl@yahoo.com.
MASTER GARDENER SESSION The UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service will host a free meetand-greet preview session for anyone interested in applying for the 2021 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Class. Potential applicants must attend the 3 p.m., Feb. 23 online session to be considered for the program.The volunteer training class itself starts on March 23 and includes online training sessions, as well as online modules for participants to work at their own pace. See WHAT’S, page 5A
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Closer Look
GIRLS NIGHT OUT
The class runs for seven consecutive weeks. Preregistration is required at bit.ly/PascoMGV21.
The Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, will present a “Girls Night Out Comedy Show” on Feb. 26 at 8 p.m. Performing comediennes will be Catherine Maloney,Tiffany Barbee and Angela Nacca.The show will be livestreamed through CarrollwoodCenter.org.Tickets to attend in person are $15 to $20. Online access admission is $10.There are limited seats available for in-person, to ensure social distancing. For information and tickets, visit CarrollwoodCenter.org, or call 813922-8167.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will present “African American Tech Pioneers” on Feb. 23 at 5:30 p.m., for all ages. Participants can learn about the technological achievements of African Americans. Registration is through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org. For information, call 813-273-3652.
SERVSAFE CLASS/EXAM
The UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service will offer a ServSafe Manager Certification Class and Exam on Feb. 24, at the One Stop Shop Stallings Building, 15029 14th St., in Dade City.The class begins at 8:30 a.m., with a review of material from the textbook.The exam will follow lunch.To reserve a spot and order the textbook, register at bit.ly/SafeServFeb2021. Participants should pack a lunch or plan to purchase food during the lunch break. Face masks will be required in the classroom.
JUNKFEST CELEBRATION
The Blooming House Junk Shop, 12409 Curley St., in San Antonio, will host a fifth anniversary JunkFest Celebration on Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.There will be more than 40 vendors, food, live music, and tons of ‘junk.’ For information, call Laura Bloomer at 813-541-9234, or visit the shop on Facebook and click on the event tab.
LIVING HISTORY
The Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City, will host “The Battle of Fort Myers” on Feb. 27 and Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a battle reenactment with artillery at 2 p.m., both days.There also will be living history displays, authentic camps, traditional crafters, civilian portrayals and presentations, blacksmith demonstrations, food, live entertainment, and more.Admission is $5 cash, each day. Children age 5 and younger are free.All museum buildings will be open during the event. For more information, please visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org, or call 352567-0262.
PASSPORT TO BRAZIL
The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will offer a curbside-pickup activity, for kindergarten through fifth grade. The “Passport to Brazil” activity kit will explore the culture, art, music, food and language of Brazil during Carnevale. Pickup starts Feb. 23 at 10 a.m., and ends on Feb. 27 at 5 p.m.To register, call 813-929-1214.
DRIVE-IN LASER SHOW
There will be a Drive-In Laser Light Show on Feb. 25, Feb. 26, Feb. 27 and Feb. 28 at the Grove in Wesley Chapel. Shows are at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.The cost is $25 per car. Guests can bring chairs, blankets and refreshments, but will be required to remain around their own vehicle for safety and social distancing.Those attending will need to tune into the designated FM station for instructions and sound during the event. There will be portable bathrooms on site.
FLEA MARKET
The Wesley Chapel Antique & Collectible Flea Market will take place on Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Grove at Wesley Chapel.There will be food trucks, inflatables, 100-plus vendors, and more. Admission is $5. Parking is free.
SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
QUILTERS EXHIBIT
The sixth annual SunWest Crab & Shrimp Festival will take place Feb. 26 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Feb. 27 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Feb. 28 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at SunWest Park, 17362 Old Dixie Highway in Hudson.There will be live bands and entertainment, a stone crab claw eating contest, chainsaw carving, crab races and more.Admission is $10, with free entry on Feb. 26. Parking is $5, which supports SunWest Park Development. For information, call 727-674-1464, or visit FloridaPenguinProductions.com.
The Pasco-Hernando State College Rao Musunuru M.D.Art Gallery, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey, will display “Eye of the Quilter,” presented by the West Pasco Quilters’ Guild, through March 20. Art exhibits are free and open to the public. Social distancing and masks are required.Attendance is limited to individuals and small groups.The school will be closed for spring break from March 1 to March 5. For information, call 727-8163407, or visit PHSC.edu.
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A relaxing meal and peaceful view By Kelli Carmack The Laker/Lutz News
The Twisted Sprocket Café, located in the Bexley community in Land O’ Lakes, is a hidden gem with cozy indoor and outdoor seating areas that are open to the public. The café specializes in trendy breakfast and lunch items, such as acai bowls, avocado toast, quesadillas and many other items from its healthy menu. Its top-sellers include the Twisted Sprocket Salad (spring mix, chicken salad, feta, cranberries, pecans, bacon, cucumber and cherry tomatoes), the Bexley Club sandwich and a three-egg omelet that comes with four toppings. While the Twisted Sprocket Café already has dairy-free food and drink items, café manager Adrianna Caruso is planning to add more gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options to the menu. The café also serves beverages such as wine, beer from Big Storm Brewery in Odessa, and phenomenal coffee from Buddy Brew Coffee, a Tampa-based coffee company. “Partnering with Buddy Brew Coffee is a great way for us to support other local businesses,” says Caruso, “Plus, its coffee is out of this world. The cafe uses Buddy Brew’s Cubano expresso roast, which has a nutty, dark spice flavor that is ideal for a full-bodied cup of coffee, and a decaf Colombia roast with notes of caramel, apple and tangerine.
Twisted Sprocket Café has an outdoor deck that overlooks a peaceful lake with cabin-like chairs and tables. During the colder months, guests can enjoy the lake view from inside the café, where they can stay warm next to community fireplaces. Caruso encourages the public to visit the café, even if you don’t want to buy anything, and just need a new work area. “Our café is a great place for people who work or do school from home, and need a place to study and focus,” says Caruso. “We have power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and even a conference room.” Caruso started as a café attendant at the Twisted Sprocket Café three years ago and has worked her way up to manager. She prides herself on giving guests the best experience possible when they’re at the café. “I want my customers to feel like they’re at home when they’re here,” says Caruso. Caruso is looking forward to bringing back fun events this year, including happy hours, networking events and wine clubs. She’s also planning to have monthly specialty drinks, including black forest milkshakes, salted caramel milkshakes, pumpkin spiced lattes, and even mango-ritas. The Twisted Sprocket Café is open Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Caruso currently is hiring parttime café attendants, with pay starting at $12/hr.
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RANDY UNDERHILL
A jam at the end of the concert featured members from all three acts. From left: Sean Chambers, Damon Fowler, Justin Headley, Lightin’, guest harmonica player J.B Stone, and Chuck Riley at the fifth annual Pasco Blues Festival.
Musicians get their ‘jam on’ at blues festival By Randy Underhill Special to The Laker/Lutz News
An overcast sky couldn’t dim the enthusiasm of the record crowd gathered for the fifth annual Pasco Blues Festival at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. Blues fans appeared to be enjoying themselves, as they listened to top-notch bands playing blues tunes, from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., on Feb. 6. Featured bands were Memphis Lightning, from Cape Coral; Sean Chambers, of Tampa Bay; and Damon Fowler, of Brandon. The crowd was clearly pleased during the final few numbers — a jam featuring Debbie Rosenfelt, of Largo, and Bob Harmon, of all three acts. Besides the music, there Pennsylvania, enjoy a day of listening to the blues on Feb. 6, were plenty of food and re- in Land O’ Lakes. freshment trucks on hand, plus vendor tents offering T-shirts, jewelry, vance tickets. handmade crafts, and free blue fedora hats The festival was presented by T-Mobile, for the crowd. with sponsors Morgan Exteriors, WellMed The event was family friendly, with kids Medical Management, Florida Blue under 12 admitted for free. Social distanc- Medicare, and Pasco County Recycling. ing was enforced, too. The festival, produced by Florida Parking was free and tickets were $20 Penguin Productions, benefited the Stano on the day of the event, or $15 for ad- Foundation and the Land O’ Lakes Rotary.
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Jimmy Medina, of Spring Hill, and daughters, Luna, age 4 months, and Gia, age 7, take a time out to relax and enjoy some ice cream.
Wormtown was one of many vendors offering items at the fifth annual Pasco Blues Fest on Feb. 6, at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.
Pasco to update its facilities master plan By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
The Pasco County Commission has approved an agreement with Furr,Wegman & Banks P.A., for a facilities master plan update. The facilities master plan was completed in March of 2015, and this task calls for completing the work necessary to update it. The agreement specifies that the task must be performed for an amount not to exceed $336,720, according to background materials in the agenda for the Feb. 9 board meeting. The facilities master plan is expected to be completed within 248 days of the county’s notice to proceed, unless an extension is approved. In other action, the commission: • Approved a change order with Williamson Dacar Associates Inc., to extend the completion date of Feb. 9, 2021, for the Hugh Embry Library Renovations by 365 days. No funding was required for this action. The time extension will allow for completion of professional services, including construction administration and closeout. • Approved a change order with Moss & Associates LLC for the addition of two Design Assist Contractors (DACs) for the jail facility expansion and visitation building detention equipment and security electronics during the pre-construction phase.The amount of the change order is for an amount not to exceed $120,487 for a new cumulative not-to-exceed amount of $591,689 in fiscal year 2021. • Accepted a grant from the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida Inc., to expand archery supplies for reimbursement in the amount of $4,578 and to authorize the director of the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources, or his designee, to execute the grant agreement.The grant will be used to increase the county’s inventory of bows, arrows and targets; thus making archery education more available at passive parks, such as Starkey and Crews Lake Wilderness Parks and Withlacoochee River Park. • Approved the purchase of new carpeting in the Robert D. Sumner Judicial Center, in the amount of $57,991.72. The
purchase, being made through a state contract, is to replace carpet that is frayed and worn, and has reached the end of its useful life. New carpeting is required to maintain a safe and clean environment, according to agenda background materials. • Approve and accept the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Grant funding, through the Florida Department of Transportation, to purchase one vehicle. The grant is specific to Pasco County Public Transportation. Funding for the vehicle Is 80% federal, 10% state and 10% local. The total amount of the award is $90,000, which includes $9,000 match from the state and $9,000 match by the county. If the vehicle exceeds the total cost, the county must make up the difference. • Approved a recommendation to approve shortlist firms for roadway design services for design services for the Old Pasco Road widening, from north of Deedra Drive to North of Overpass Road. These are the shortlisted firms, in order: HDR Engineering Inc.; American Consulting Engineers of Florida; WGI Inc.; DRMP Inc.; Madrid Engineering Group Inc.; Johnson Engineering Inc., and Florida Transportation Engineering.The board also authorized negotiations with the topranked firm, HDR, to secure a design agreement for the project. If an agreement cannot be reached with HDR, the board also authorized negotiations could be conducted with the remainder of the firms, in ranked order.An agreement is expected to be brought to the county board for approval within three months. Commissioners also heard an update from County Administrator Dan Biles, who said the county has signed an agreement that will provide reimbursement to the county for the construction of the interchange at the Suncoast Parkway and Ridge Road. The county and the Florida Department of Transportation collaborated extensively to execute the funding agreement, in the amount of $20 million.The plan is to deliver the next phase of the Ridge Road extension — opening two lanes between Town Center Road and the Suncoast Parkway this summer.
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valon n pplauds Norah Catlin C If you know a studen nt or nonprofit deserving of recog gnition, please email your nominee suggestion to kcarmack@lak ke erlutznews.com. A $50 Visa gift card is given n profiled nominees.
CONGRATULATIONS to Norah Catlin, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Catlin, a senior at Wiregrass Ranch High School, picked up the sport of golf at the young age of 4, and has racked up quite the impressive resume of achievements since then. She has been named the Greater Tampa Junior Golf Association’s player of the yearr, has won countless junior tournaments, qualified for the Drive, Chip and Putt Championships at the Masters — all of this was before her freshman year of high school. When Catlin showed up for Wiregrass Ranch High School girls golf tryouts in 2017, it wasn’t long before coach Jeremy Calzone realized a special talent had entered the program. “She’s definitely by far the best (player) we’ve had,” Calzone said. Catlin is a three-time Sunshine Athletic Conference Player of the Year and four-time state qualifier. This yearr, Catlin finished 30th at the Florida High School Athletic Association State tournament at Mission Inn in Lake County. Last year she tied for 17th.
Catlin hopess her accomplishments inspire her younger teammates and the next generation of female golfers: “Honestlyy, I really hope somebodyy sees what I’ve done and wants to beeat it, because that’’s how you get bettter.” One of the top p students in her senior class with a 4.5 GPA who takes a heavy do ose of Advanced Placement (AP P) and dual-enrollment classes, C Catlin aspires to study political sciencce in college and attend law scho ool. She also is passionate about en nvironmental issues, recently compleeting an online environmental justice fellowship amid the pandemic. Studying abroad in Russia and beccoming fluent in the language are ssome other goals of hers. Whatever Cattlin winds up doing, Catlin’’s high scchool coach is sure she’ll find succeess. “She’s just a g great, all-around person,” Calzone ssaid. In either casee, golf will still be a lifelong hobby for Catlin, whether she’’s playing co ompetitively or not. “It’’s definitelyy going to be in my life, probably for the rest of my life,” Catlin said.
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ST. ANTHONY OPEN HOUSE
St. Anthony Catholic School, 12155 Joe Herrmann Drive in San Antonio, is scheduled to open a new VPK program in August. Enrollment for new families will begin on Feb. 23. St.Anthony is a private K-8 school founded in 1884 and dedicated to providing students with quality and Christ-centered education that addresses a child’s needs spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally and physically. For information and to learn more about the school’s VPK program, K-8 openings, or to schedule a tour, call 352-588-3041, or visit StAnthonySchoolFl.org.
COLLEGE/CAREER FAIR
Pasco County Schools will host a virtual College and Career Fair on Feb. 25 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., to share information with families across the district as plans are made for college entry and/or careers after high school. To learn more and to register, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/oll/page/college-and-careerfair.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
James Cook, of Lutz, has been named to the Dean’s List at College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Massachusetts. Cook is majoring in history. These area students were named to the Dean’s List at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa: Kaylynn Butts, Odessa; Austin Cambas, Lutz; Jennifer Clifford, Lutz; Jack Houser, Odessa; and Emily Ymiolek, Lutz. Kelly McDermott, of Lutz, was recognized to the President’s List at the University of Alabama. Leia Randall, of Land O’ Lakes, was named to the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
BLACK HISTORY CONTEST
All Hillsborough County students and teachers are invited to enter HART’s Black History Month Contest with a video, essay or drawing entry.The theme is the representation, diversity and identity of “The Black Family.” Participants must first visit YouTube.com/HARTtransit and watch the “HART Celebrates the Black Family” video. Then, students can create a video, write a short story, or draw an illustration that covers these three topics: • One thing you learned about the Black family from the HART video • Describe your own family • How your family uses HART (or take a trip on HART together and share your experience) For entry forms, visit GoHART.org, email Community@ GoHart.org, or visit one of HART’s transit centers in Tampa. The deadline to enter is Feb. 28.All entries will be entered into a raffle to win a 31-day HART Pass. Four winners will be chosen.
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Academy at the Farm, 9500 Alex Lange Way in Dade City, is open for enrollment through Feb. 28. The charter school is “designed to meet the needs of all students by promoting academic excellence, developing productive citizens through character building, and incorporating the advancement of technology in the curriculum,” according to its website. The academy serves preschool through eighth grade. For more information and to apply, visit AcademyAtTheFarm.com.
ESSAY CONTEST
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano is accepting entries for an essay contest, open to high school students. Students of Pasco’s public/charter, private, parochial, nonpublic and home-schools are asked to answer the question,“When unexpected events occur, such as COVID-19 or a devastating storm, people are often negatively impacted. Some may lose their jobs, their homes or experience other setbacks in their lives. Keeping in mind that funds expended by government (local, state or federal) must come from somewhere, what do you think government should do to assist people to get through these challenges?” Entries will be judged by a panel of directors from the tax collector’s office, and will be reviewed on how well the student com-
COURTESY OF FLORIDA’S HOMETOWN USA PROGRAM
Aubriella Chiarell will represent Land O’ Lakes in Hometown program.
ELEMENTARY STUDENT GARNERS RECOGNITION
Florida’s Hometown USA Program Inc., is a nonprofit educational youth organization for students in Florida that helps to educate the young on the values of volunteer work, and to inspire them to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors. The focus of the volunteer work is with children, youth and the elderly. Five students, elementary through college, are selected each year to represent their hometown throughout the state.Aubriella Chiarell was selected as the program’s elementary school representative for 2021. She attends Veterans Elementary School, and is the daughter of Sarah and Vince Chiarell. Students are being recognized for their volunteer and community service work, and will visit and entertain at nursing homes, children’s hospitals, veterans hospitals, charity events, and other scheduled activities. The program is partnered with 27 facilities throughout Florida. Florida’s Hometown USA Program has received Disney’s Helping Kids Shine Award, Disney’s VoluntEAR of the Year, the Governor’s Points of Light from former Gov. Jeb Bush, and the national President’s Daily Points of Light Award from former President George W. Bush for volunteer work with youth.
municates his or her response to the question, as well as overall essay structure, appearance and readability. Students in public/charter schools should submit their essays to their principal. For entries from private, parochial, nonpublic or home-schools, essays should be sent directly to Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526. Entries also can be dropped off at the New Port Richey office, 4720 U.S. 19, or sent by email to ggiordano@pascotaxes.com. For information and questions, call 727847-8179. The deadline to enter is 5 p.m., March 12.
ONLINE SECURITY
Students should be aware of the financial risks that accompany social media activity, according to the Kentucky High Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA). Each new social media platform — Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and others — present criminals with the opportunity to steal from unsuspecting people. Students should be cautious of any unsolicited messages asking them to open a file or click on a link. Criminals exploit vulnerabilities in social media software in the hope that users won’t realize they are being phished. One of the most common ways is to send a link to what appears to be a legitimate website. Students should not click on a link without first ensuring it is real by checking with the company that is the supposed sender. The KHEAA also advises social media users to be wary of any kind of online survey that asks them to fil out a long list of information, such as their favorite car or where they were born.The answers can give scam artists what they need to steal someone’s identity.
SAT SCHOOL DAY
The District School Board of Pasco County will provide the SAT School Day free of charge to all juniors on March 24, according to the Pasco County Schools Facebook page. The district will register all juniors for the test; it is not necessary for students to register on the College Board website. For more information, students should contact their respective school counselor.
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TOURISM, from page 1A
She thought he’d passed out. She tried to get a response, but couldn’t stir him. “Then, all of a sudden, his color changed. I turned to Paul and I said,‘He is not breathing.’” When Paul heard that, he said,“I said to myself,‘It’s go time.’ “I yelled over to my niece (Brooke Kubiak) to call 911,” Paul said. He asked his nephew, Brian Kubiak, to go get his keychain.That’s where Paul always keeps a CPR face shield. “I went to the other side of Chuck,” Paul said. ““I checked his carotid (artery) for a pulse. No pulse.” Paul, Christine and her brother Craig Kubiak laid Chuck out on the floor. “I started CPR on him, between CPR compressions and mouth-to-mouth, went back and forth about three times,” Paul said. As he was doing mouth-to-mouth, he turned Chuck’s head and could hear gurgling. “He started aspirating a little bit,” Paul said. “I just flipped him up on the side. He was breathing, but it was very labored,” Paul said. “Probably the whole scenario was around 5 minutes or so, 5-7 minutes,” Paul added, referring to when he began CPR and when emergency responders arrived. Chuck was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital’s main campus in Tampa, where he received care and a defibrillator was installed in his chest. He was discharged nearly a week later. Since then, Chuck has had visits with his cardiologist and had a return trip to the hospital because of blood clots. He remains on medication and said his prognosis is good. Paul, who is an Eagle Scout, said his Scout training prepared him to do what needed to be done. He recently received a Medal of Merit award from Boy Scouts of America. “When it happens, it happens really, really quickly. You have to be prepared for it,” Paul said, in a video taken during the medal presentation in a Lutz Troop 12 ceremony. “As that gurney went out the front door, he was breathing. I did my job,” Paul said. “It’s an honor, but then again, I’m an Eagle Scout. I was doing what I was trained to do,” Paul added, after receiving the award from Troop 12 Scoutmaster Paul Evans. Paul and Christine are both leaders in Troop 12 and their son, Sean, is a Life Scout — preparing to seek the rank of Eagle Scout — in the same troop. Christine’s family is both deeply impressed and enormously grateful for Paul’s actions. “It was very surreal, very surreal,” Christine said. Chuck, who lives in Wesley Chapel, was at the party with his 20-year-old twins, Spencer and Mackenzie. His wife, Lavon,
• Jobs supported by tourism — 6,790 (13.7% decrease) • Wages paid by tourism — $149,461,500 (11.1% decrease) • Tourist Development Tax (bed tax) — $2,639,427 (13.2% decrease) • Taxes supported — $51,789,400 (14.8% decrease) County tourism manager Adam Thomas shared these annual findings and other details during a Pasco County Commission meeting last month. The 113-page visitor report shows that about one in four visitors to Pasco came to visit friends and family, while one in 10 visitors traveled to attend or participate in a sporting event. The areas within the county attracting the most visitors were New Port Richey, Wesley Chapel, Port Richey and Lutz, according to the report. Perceptions of Pasco based on coded, open-ended tourist responses generally found the area as a friendly and pleasant place, with tropical Florida weather, and lots to do. In the way of visitor satisfaction, Pasco earned an 8.3 rating, out of a possible 10, as a place to visit or vacation in 2020, with 95% of respondents saying they plan to return to the county. About 85% of all visitors drove to Pasco in 2020, while 11% flew in through Tampa International Airport. Florida made up the bulk of the county’s visitation, with 51% of all visits, followed by the rest of the Southeast (16%), then Northeast (12%) and Midwest (12%) regions of the country. Six percent of visitors were international, while 3% came in from the West. Relatedly, 60% of all the visitors to Pasco were from 10 states. Besides a majority of Florida-based visitors, roughly 5% of tourists came in from Georgia and New York. Smaller subsets were from Michigan, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee; top origin markets were Tampa Bay (29%), Orlando (6%), Atlanta (4%) and New York City (4%). Another notable data point is that length of stays were shorter during the past year, according to the report. A typical visitors length of stay in Pasco measured an average of 4.8 nights in 2020, down from 5.7 nights in 2019. The reduction is believed to be a result of the pandemic. Despite reversing course in fiscal year 2020, Pasco’s tourism efforts have spearheaded in recent years, following a shift in philosophy to emphasize youth and amateur sports and recreation opportunities. The Experience Florida’s Sports Coast branding efforts highlight the county’s growing list of modern athletics venues, including AdventHealth Center Ice, the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center and the Wiregrass Sports Campus of Pasco County.Tourism efforts also showcase the county’s myriad outdoor activities that include golfing, saltwater fishing, skydiving and scalloping. The county’s day-to-day tourism efforts are under the direction of Thomas, a former minor league baseball pitcher who led the Citrus County Visitor and Conventions Bureau before being hired to Pasco in September 2017.
VACCINE, from page 1A macy locations across the country. The effort is part of a national strategy to expand equitable access to the vaccines. (More information is available at CDC.gov/covid19) Participating chains nationwide include Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Publix, Costco and Winn-Dixie.To find participating local pharmacies, check those companies’ websites. The retail pharmacy efforts are in addition to ongoing distributions coordinated through local public health departments. So far, based on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ order, COVID-19 vaccinations are limited to longterm care facility residents and staff; individuals age 65 and older; and, health care personnel with direct patient contact. Hospital providers also may vaccinate persons deemed extremely vulnerable to COVID-19. Pasco County seniors can register through the Pasco County health department’s portal. They also can register through participating private pharmacies. In Hillsborough County, seniors can preregister for the state’s portal and reserve their space in line. The state will contact them once it is their turn for a vaccine. Additionally, they can register through participating private pharmacies. Florida has no county residency requirement, so individuals can attempt to secure an appointment through any of these options. Despite increased supplies and more vaccination options, Pasco County commissioners said they continue to hear from constituents who are frustrated about not being able to get registered for a shot. At their Feb. 9 meeting, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey told her colleagues:“I am concerned and want to be sure that we’re doing all we can, that our senior citizens who don’t have access to computers and aren’t computer savvy, are able to figure out how to get on. I’m hearing this over and over again.” She thinks the county needs to do more to help. Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed. He’d like to see a system that would allow people to sign up and be put on a waiting list, and then to be notified when a vaccine becomes available. That would be better, he said, “even if you’re going to be (number) 135,000 — as opposed to not getting in the system.” Starkey reiterated her concerns: “The
COURTESY OF CHRISTINE O’ CONNOR
Paul O’Connor, left, stands with Troop 12 Scoutmaster Paul Evans, after an awards ceremony where O’Connor was honored for using CPR skills he learned in scouting to save the life of his brother-in-law, Chuck Kubiak.
couldn’t attend because the family’s dog was not doing well. Chuck knows how lucky he is to be alive. “I had what’s called a sudden cardiac arrest. It’s 95% fatal, from what I understand,” he said. “I was fortunate to be in the right place, at the right time, when it happened, that’s for sure,” Chuck added, because Paul was there and knew what to do. “It’s important that people not only know CPR, but that they do it correctly, because it makes a big difference, I think, in the outcome,” said Chuck, who learned his cardiac arrest was caused by an enlarged heart, possibly the result of a virus.
IN THE RIGHT PLACE, AT THE RIGHT TIME
After nearly dying, Chuck said, he’s more aware of the fragile nature of life. “It just shows you how quick life can come and go,” Chuck said. “Once I went down, it was like the off-switch was hit.” The experience has made him reflect about how he spends time. “Life goes by so fast — try to slow down a little,” Chuck said, noting that his brush with death has served to remind him “not be so driven to just work, work, work.” Christine said she’s happy that they were still at the party when Chuck needed help. “Why did it happen that way? There’s a reason for everything. “We could have been gone.We typically leave early on Sunday nights.And we could have left already. Or, Chuck could have been in the car with the kids. “I’m just grateful that everybody was in the right place at the right moment, and my brother is here with us today,” Christine said. For his part, Paul hopes more people will receive training to become certified in CPR. “I’ve been through CPR training a number of times,” Paul said. “Now, I’m a big proponent for the troop. Even the folks that I work with. “It can really hit close to home,” Paul said.
COVID-19 vaccinations
TO REGISTER:
In Pasco County: Go to PatientPortalFl.com to complete an account with CDR Maguire Health & Medical for upcoming appointments, or call 1-844-770-8548. New appointments open up every Sunday at 2 p.m., for the following week, and are typically filled within minutes. In Hillsborough County: Call 866-200-3896, TTY 844-251-5532, or visit MyVaccine.fl.gov.
BULLISH ON TOURISM FUTURE
Following the annual report presentation, county commissioners commended Thomas and his tourism staff for the work they’ve done of late, and expressed opti-
National Retail Pharmacy Program: Some retail pharmacies also are participating in a public-private partnership to administer COVID-19 vaccinations. Check the website of individual retail pharmacies to find out more.
FILE
Adam Thomas, director for Pasco County’s tourism brand, Experience Florida’s Sports Coast.
mism of a rebound — figuring the depressed 2020 was a temporary setback and anomaly because of COVID-19. Commissioner Mike Moore, who chairs the Pasco County Tourist Development Council, highlighted how the tourism agency achieved national recognition throughout the past year. Experience Florida’s Sports Coast won three Telly Awards, including gold, for its scalloping promotional video. The Telly Awards is recognized as the premier award honoring video and television across all screens. It received over 12,000 entries from all 50 states. The tourism department also claimed two silver Flagler Awards in 2020 for its website design and meeting planner guide. The Flagler Awards serves to recognize outstanding tourism marketing in Florida. Continuing on the positives, Moore pointed out bed tax collections actually increased in September 2020 compared to September 2019, despite the pandemic. Moore gave Thomas kudos for “amazing, amazing work,” to lock in enough amateur and recreational sporting events to make that happen. Others on the dais also voiced strong approval for Thomas and his tourism staff’s varied efforts. “I don’t remember what it was like before, but since you’ve been here, it’s really been booming, even with COVID,” Commission Chairman Ron Oakley said of Thomas.“It’s a great team.” Commissioner Jack Mariano noted Thomas was hired at an ideal time for the county almost four years ago, as projects like AdventHealth Center Ice and the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County were on the ramp-up. Mariano also noted more tourism options on the county’s west side are taking shape, with seawall plans for Hudson Beach and improvements to SunWest Park — the latter of which could pave the way for some major sand volleyball and wakeboarding events in the future.“It’s going to be real exciting times coming forward,” Mariano said. Commission Vice Chair Kathryn Starkey, too, acknowledged the staff of eight at Experience Florida’s Sports Coast has done a solid job. As for what more can be done to make the county an attractive tourism destination, however, Starkey turned to the county’s current slate of nature and parks offerings. She referenced a point in the report’s visitor surveys that indicated those features generally fell below expectations. Moreover, about 43% of polled visitors desired more outdoor activities, despite the county boasting over 24 miles of coastline to the west, hilly terrain to the east, and more than 100,000 acres of wilderness to explore in between. Upgrades in these arenas should be on the way, Starkey noted, thanks to a recently approved bond issue.“We haven’t had the money to make all of our parks as premier as we’d like them to be, but it’s coming,” she said.
Holistic H li i Family il M Me edicine di i
INFO: For the most recent COVID-19 vaccination information, check with your local health department websites. Pasco County: Pasco.FloridaHealth.gov Hillsborough County: Hillsborough.FloridaHealth.gov
queue is the queue. I’m just saying, some people don’t know how to get in the queue.” County Administrator Dan Biles noted there is a telephone number that people can call to make appointments. Starkey responded:“I know, but it’s really hard to get through. Biles observed:“You have 100,000 people trying to get 1,000 shots. It’s going to be hard to get through right now.” Meanwhile, across the country, 52.9 million COVID-19 vaccines have been distributed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The number of COVID-19 cases nationally stood at more than 27.4 million, as of Feb. 14, and there has been a downward trend in cases for the past 30 days. The death toll for COVID-19 related cases stood at 482,536. In Florida, the total number of positive cases exceeded 1.82 million, and there were 28,779 resident deaths, as of Feb. 14, according to data recorded on the Florida Department of Health’s COVID-19 dashboard. The figures stood at 31,348 positive resident cases in Pasco County, and 642 deaths; and at 105,531 positive resident cases and 1,397 deaths in Hillsborough County.
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February 17, 2021
9A
Community Sports Your Neighborhood Sports Source
Locals athletes ink with colleges By Kevin Weiss
ACADEMY AT THE LAKES Baseball Alex Carmichael — Upper Iowa University (Fayette, Iowa)
kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
D
ozens of local high school athletes earlier this month signed their letters of intent (LOI) to various colleges and universities as part of National Signing Day. It’s a special day held annually on the first Wednesday in February where thousands of athletes nationwide can sign a binding letter of intent with a member school of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). From The Laker/Lutz News coverage area alone, Wharton High registered the most signings with nine, followed by Cypress Creek and Steinbrenner high schools that each reported six apiece. Academy at the Lakes, Freedom High, Gaither High, Land O’ Lakes High, Sunlake High,Wesley Chapel High,Wiregrass Ranch High, Zephyrhills High and Zephyrhills Christian Academy also were well-represented as part of signing day festivities. Locals inked to play at the next level for the following sports — beach volleyball, baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, volleyball, softball, swimming and track. Here is a closer look at some notable area athletes who signed on the dotted line and are expected to make significant contributions at the next level.
KIAEL KELLY, GAITHER, FOOTBALL (Ball State University)
Kiael Kelly, a dual-threat quarterback, wasted no time in his lone season at Gaither — transferring in from Tampa Jesuit for his senior year. The 6-foot-1, 195pound athlete steered the Cowboys to an 11-1 record and 6A regional final — completing 63% of his throws for 1,594 yards, 16 touchdowns and four picks, plus 399 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. Kelly also is a COURTESY OF GAITHER member of the HIGH SCHOOL renowned Team Gaither High standTampa 7-on-7 all-star out quarterback team, which has won Kiael Kelly is headmultiple national ed to Ball State championships since University, in its formation in 2010. Muncie, Indiana. A consensus threestar recruiting prospect, Kelly also received Division I scholarship offers from Bethune-Cookman, Bowling Green, Coastal Carolina, Illinois, Indiana, Liberty, South Florida and Syracuse. One doesn’t have to look far to see where Kelly’s athletic bloodlines originate. His father is Kenny Kelly, a former starting quarterback at the University of Miami, who also played Major League Baseball for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals in the early 2000s.The elder Kelly also was a four-sport letterman at Tampa Catholic High School in baseball, basketball, football and track.
LILLY KIESTER, FREEDOM, SOFTBALL (University of Tampa) Lilly Kiester first hit the big stage back in 2015, when her Team Tampa U12 travel ball softball team ventured to Sacramento, California, to compete in the Amateur Softball Association national championship for that age group. She’s come a long way since advancing to the prep ranks. The speedy centerfielder was en route to another strong season as a junior— before the COVID-19 pandemic cut everything short — posting a .452 batting average through eight games, adding eight runs, four RBIs and two extra-base hits. Kiester was no slouch her prior two years on varsity, either, hitting .365 as a sophomore and .333 as a freshman. Her career numbers thus far stack up this way: In 52 games played, Kiester has a .366 average, .428 on-base percentage, 64 hits, 51 runs, 24 RBIs and 15 stolen bases. Defensively, she has a .941 fielding percentage, 66 putouts and 14 outfield assists during that time. Meantime, the Freedom Patriots during that time have gone a combined 38-15 with two regional playoff appearances. Expect more of the same, and maybe then some, this spring.
Football Sean Saccomanno — Saint Norbert College (De Pere, Wisconsin) Softball Vanessa Alexander — Brown University (Providence, Rhode Island)
COURTESY OF KELLIE PETRY
A quartet of Cypress Creek High varsity baseball players signed their National Letters of Intent with various colleges and universities. From left: Peyton Petry (Saint Leo University), Anthony Menendez (Thomas University), Zach Beulk (Thomas University) and Nolan Jamison (Mars Hill University).
PEYTON PETRY, CYPRESS CREEK, BASEBALL (Saint Leo University) Peyton Petry has established himself as one of the area’s most productive two-way players — a right-handed pitcher and outfielder —twice earning first team All-Conference honors. Before the COVID-19 pandemic terminated the 2020 campaign, the 6-foot-4 Petry had a .464/.531/.678 slash line with 12 runs, 9 RBIs and four extra base hits through 32 plate appearances in seven games, paired with a 3.50 earned run average and 27 strikeouts through 12 innings pitched. Petry’s full sophomore run was likewise noteworthy, with his arm and his bat. On the mound, Petry fired 36.1 innings to the tune of a 1.35 earned run average, 34 strikeouts, and a 4-1 win-loss mark. At the plate, he posted a .333/.413/.333 line, with five runs and seven RBIs, in 19 games played. Petry also has garnered widespread recognition around prep baseball circles —
JARED HAMMILL, WHARTON, CROSS-COUNTRY/TRACK (University of Tampa)
Jared Hammill turned in a banner performance at the 2020 FHSAA state cross-country championships, finishing third overall in the 4A meet — clocking a 15:51.9 (5:06-minute per mile pace). His time and placing represented was tops among local cross-country runners from all classifications in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. (Meanwhile, the only two runners faster in all of 4A were Rheinhardt Harrison (15:26.9) and Anderson Ball (15:43.5), both teammates at Nease High, in Ponte Vedra Beach.)
ranked among the top-500 recruits in the nation, according to Perfect Game, the world’s largest baseball scouting service. In addition to Cypress Creek, Petry plays for the Ostingers Baseball Academy travel ball team, where he’s earned multiple AllTournament team selections and helped the program win the 2020 Perfect Game 17U Florida World Series in Fort Myers. Saint Leo head baseball coach Rick O’Dette said this of Petry, as part of a Signing Day news release: “We saw him early as a low to mid 80’s strike thrower who we anticipated in becoming an immediate arm. That has happened even sooner than we have thought. He is now an upper 80’s arm who can throw any pitch at any time. The ceiling is extremely high for him. His work ethic and love to get better is extremely contagious. His future is bright.” Petry’s younger brother, Ethan, also is a talented ballplayer showing high-level collegiate potential. The Cypress Creek junior third baseman/pitcher is a University of South Carolina commit. The state showcase wasn’t Hammill’s fastest time of the year, however. That came at the Hillsborough County Championships in October, where he set a new school 5K record — posting a 15:34 to win the meet, besting Tre Rivers’ 15:45.7 mark set in 2018. Hammill now looks to end his prep running career on an even higher note with the forthcoming track season, likely to compete in the 800-meter, 1600-meter and 3,200-meter runs, as well as some relays. His personal-best in the 800-meter is 2:00.06, 1600-meter is 4:31.91 and 3,200meter is 9:41.52.
MCKENNA SMITH, ACADEMY AT THE LAKES, SWIMMING (Duke University) McKenna Smith soon will venture into the competitive NCAA Division I swimming ranks after wrapping up a decorated prep career as a seven-time state medalist — which includes recent third-place finishes in the 50-yard free (23.15) and 100-yard free (50.34) at the 2020 Florida High School Athletic Association 1A championship meet. This goes along with claiming more than a dozen individual regional and district titles combined over her varsity career, plus countless other events and invitationals won. The sprint freestyler, too, has earned a multiple high school All-American nod for her junior cuts in the 50 free and 100 free. Her personal-best time (in yards) in the 50 free is 23.05, 100 free is 50.11, and 200 free is 1:51.65. Besides her work in the pool for Academy at the Lakes, Smith swims yearround for Florida Elite Swimming, a club team based in Land O’ Lakes.
LILOU STEGEMAN, STEINBRENNER, VOLLEYBALL (University of Albany) Lilou Stegeman, a 6-foot-2 middle blocker, wrapped up an impressive final campaign as a key cog in Steinbrenner’s 17-8 record and 7A regional semifinals berth. In 55 sets played this season, Stegeman registered 136 kills, 73 digs, 44 blocks and 18 aces, en route to earning All-County honors. Stegeman also competes for the Orlando Tampa Volleyball Academy, regarded as one of the top clubs in the country. Stegeman also is an accomplished track athlete — a team captain who was a state finisher in the 100-meter hurdles in 2019. She also ran the 300-meter hurdles, high jump, 4x100-meter and 4x400-meter relays
February 17, 2021
www.LakerLutzNews.com
Swimming McKenna Smith — Duke University (Durham, North Carolina) CYPRESS CREEK HIGH SCHOOL Baseball Zachary Buelk — Thomas University (Thomasville, Georgia) Nolan Jamison — Mars Hill University (Mars Hill, North Carolina) Anthony Menendez —Thomas University (Thomasville, Georgia) Peyton Petry — Saint Leo University Softball Emma Coon — Lander University (Greenwood, South Carolina) Hailey Vasquez — Ava Maria University FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL Softball Lilly Kiester — University of Tampa Erica Wilton — Miami-Dade College LAND O’ LAKES HIGH SCHOOL Softball Emily Proctor — College of Central Florida Gracie Stanley — Pasco-Hernando State College STEINBRENNER HIGH SCHOOL Beach Volleyball Rebecca Bach — Missouri State University Football Brycen Lowe — Carthage College (Kenosha, Wisconsin) Lacrosse Matthew Wyatt — Belmont-Abbey College (Belmont, North Carolina) Softball Mykayla Parise-King — Mars Hill University (Mars Hill, North Carolina) Ashley Sholl — Concordia UniversityChicago (River Forest, Illinois) Volleyball Lilou Stegeman — University of Albany (Albany, New York) SUNLAKE HIGH SCHOOL Baseball Dominick Albano — Warner University Dylan Broderick — Saint Leo University Trevor Mannarino — Lake Sumter State College GAITHER HIGH SCHOOL Football Nick Bartalo — Charleston Southern University (Charleston, South Carolina) Kiael Kelly — Ball State University (Muncie, Indiana) Jordan Oladokun — Samford University (Birmingham, Alabama) Ricky Parks — University of Utah WESLEY CHAPEL HIGH SCHOOL Football Matt Helms — Warner University
COURTESY OF ACADEMY OF THE LAKES ATHLETICS
Academy at the Lakes swimmer McKenna Smith has signed a scholarship with Duke University, in Durham, North Carolina.
A volleyball player as a youth, Smith didn’t begin swimming competitively until the sixth grade. The watersport has become a family affair, however. Smith’s younger brother, Nate, an AATL freshman, competed in his first state swim meet this past year, finishing 22nd in the 1A 100-yard free (49.65). and 200-meter dash for Steinbrenner. This coming fall, Stegeman will join a University of Albany volleyball program that won the 2019 America East title — its first since 2011, and sixth conference championship, overall. Albany head volleyball coach Josh Pickard said the following of Stegeman’s athletic skillset, in a Signing Day release:“Lilou brings great size and presence in the middle. She has competed for a great club and will bring a great knowledge of the game to our squad. She has a great background in multiple sports, which helps her excel in her chosen sport of volleyball. Her upside in volleyball is huge due to her short time in the sport and we are excited to see her grow as a Great Dane.”
Remember your bags. Let’s do good together. 10A
Local high school athlete signings
WHARTON HIGH SCHOOL Baseball Zach Ehrhard — Oklahoma State University Dylan McDonald — Saint Leo University Frank Micallef — University of South Florida Michael Rivera — Hillsborough Community College Basketball Candice Green — Webber International University Softball Tieley Vaughn — University of South Florida McKayla Velasquez — Ave Maria University Cross-Country/Track Jared Hammill — University of Tampa Lacrosse McKenzie Watson — Newberry College (Newberry, South Carolina) WIREGRASS RANCH HIGH SCHOOL Football Grady Clower — University of Central Florida Larry Gibbs Jr. — Warner University Gabe Thompson — Army West Point (West Point, New York) ZEPHYRHILLS HIGH SCHOOL Football Mike Barber — Luther College (Decorah, Iowa) ZEPHYRHILLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Football Nicholas Novo — Apprentice School (Newport News, Virginia)
The LAKER / Lutz NEWS INSIDE: Directories, Classifieds, Games & More
FRED BELLET
Eilen Luft, of Wesley Chapel, enjoys an afternoon at the Farm Fest & Quilt Show held at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, in Dade City. Here, she peruses some of the 91 entries on display in the Mabel Jordan Barn.
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Forest Nichols, a winter resident of Zephyrhills from Genessee, Michigan, talks about pedal power and how it was applied to a scroll saw common in the year 1870. He and his wife, Cheyanne Nichols, were at the event to demonstrate how clothes were made using an early sewing machine and loom.
Event showcases brute power, intricate stitching The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report
H
undreds of people headed to the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, in Dade City, for the 32nd annual Farm Festival and Quilt Show. The event, on Feb. 6, featured the Southern Draft Horse Association’s Draft Horse Pull and a quilt show, including 91 quilts.
Visitors also could check out a clothing show; purchase quilts and supplies; watch cane-grinding and syrup-making; and, see demonstrations by a blacksmith and traditional crafters. Beyond the attractions, visitors could listen to music and purchase pulled pork dinners. To find out about upcoming events at the museum, at 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.
Colby Gordon, a winter resident from Maine, has his hat over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance and ‘The Star-Spangled Banner,’ which opened the Southern Draft Horse Association’s Draft Horse Pull, during the Farm & Quilt Show at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village. Volunteers, from left, are 15-year-olds Ashley Cvetanovic, of Wesley Chapel; Vivian Chanler, of Land O’ Lakes; and, Anna Ortega, of Wesley Chapel. As a precaution against COVID-19, they each were wearing a mask.
Dawn Matthew, shows her mother, Marguerite Stutzman, both of Zephyrhills, a pattern on a footstool.
Feisty ‘Louie’ and ‘Bud’ get jumpy at the start of the draft horse event, as a team member for Jason Abrell, of Russell Springs, Kentucky, gains control of the work horses competing in the Southern Draft Horse Association’s Draft Horse Pull.
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Officials at the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center, 440 N. Falkenburg Road in Tampa, are asking for donations to make life a little brighter for its dogs and cats that are still waiting for their new home. To view the center’s wish list, visit Hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/animals-and-pets. The pet population at the shelter has been increasing in recent weeks and the center now is above capacity with dogs and nearing capacity with cats. All adoption fees are currently waived. Adoptions are by appointment only, due to COVID-19, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and at other times when available. For information, call 813-744-5660.
KEEP ANIMALS SAFE FROM COYOTES
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding residents and visitors to protect pets and backyard animals from becoming prey to coyotes and other wildlife, as reports of interactions with these animals generally increases this time of year. Coyotes occur throughout the eastern United States and can be found in all 67 counties in Florida, in rural, suburban and urban areas.The coyotes thrive in natural habitats, but are very adaptable and will live in urban environments where food is available. To help avoid conflicts with these animals and other predators, proactive measures should be taken: Remove food sources (including unsecured trash and pet food) and secure pets and small livestock, as they can become prey to coyotes. Protect small pets by keeping them indoors or in an outdoor predator-proof pen. Also, take necessary precautions to shelter animals, such as goats, sheep,
calves, pigs, poultry and other small livestock, from coyotes and predators. Small livestock can be kept in a secure, fenced enclosure with a roof, especially at night. Electric fencing also can be effective to prevent wildlife from preying on domestic animals. Here are some additional tips: • Never feed coyotes, and do not place food outside that will attract coyotes or other wildlife. It is illegal to feed coyotes in Florida in a manner that can create or does create a public nuisance. • Clean up pet food, fallen fruit and seed around bird feeders. Coyotes are opportunistic feeders and can be drawn to these types of food sources. • Secure garbage cans and compost in animal-proof containers. • Encourage wildlife to nest or den in natural areas by closing off crawl spaces under houses and other buildings to prevent them from resting or raising their young in areas around your home. • Talk with your neighbors and ask them to follow these same steps. For assistance regarding coyotes near your home or in your neighborhood, contact the nearest FWC regional office by going to MyFWC.com/Contact and clicking on the “Regional Offices” tab. To learn more about coyotes, visit MyFWC.com/coyote.
SHARE YOUR PET NEWS
If you have pet news about adoptions, walks or other events for pet owners and their pets, you can let us know by sending us an email. We just need the basics: who, what, when, where and why. The information should be submitted two weeks prior to the desired publication date. We also need a contact name and number, in case we have questions. There is no guarantee of publication, but we consider each item we receive. If you’d like to make a submission, send it to news@lakerlutznews.com.
LOCAL WILDLIFE LOOKING FOR A GREAT CATCH
Gary Owens snapped this incredible shot of an osprey on Lake Heron, where he lives. Ospreys search for fish by flying on steady wingbeats and bowed wings or circling high in the sky over relatively shallow water. This bird of prey often will hover briefly before diving, feet first, to grab a fish. An osprey’s wingspan is about 5 feet.
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PUT YOUR PET IN THE SPOTLIGHT! We are looking for photos and information on your favorite pet. Include in your short story your pet’s name, age, breed, and anything else you would like to mention. Don’t forget to include the owner’s name and city of residence! Send photo and information to:
The LAKER/Lutz NEWS Email to: mrathman@lakerlutznews.com, SUBJECT: Pet of the Week Mail to: Pet of the Week, c/o The Laker, P.O. Box 479, Lutz, FL 33548
Ford just wants to play Ford is a 4-year-old, 50-pound guy that likes nothing better than spending time with his human and getting belly rubs. He sometimes doesn't know what to do with all his energy and gets the ‘zoomies’ (running around the yard as fast as he can). Ford would benefit from an active home where he can go for long walks and play in the yard. Although this sweet, friendly guy absolutely loves people, he may do best as an only pet. Need some humor in your life? Make an appointment to meet Ford.
A U N IIQU Q U E & P LEAS QU L E A S U RAB R A B LE LE
D DINING EXPERIENCE EXP PERIENCE Kane is one smart cookie Kane sits and lies down on command and takes treats gently. He is eager to please and would be a quick learner. Kane could use some work on his leash manners, and he would benefit from an active home where he could go for walks and play in the yard. This 1-year-old, 55-pound boy is a big puppy. If Kane sounds like the right fit for you, schedule an appointment to meet him.
If you would like to adopt Ford or Kane, be sure to visit Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes. The adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines. For more information, email adoptionpartners@pascocountyfl.net.
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PHSC panel seeks solutions on racial equity, social justice By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutnews.com
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) is leveraging its community connections to foster meaningful discussion on matters related to social justice and racial equity. As part of ongoing Black History Month programming, the local college organized a virtual summit titled, “Equity and Advancement of Minority Males in America.” The Zoom event on Feb. 1 included breakout sessions with educators and professionals on topics such as leadership and mentoring; politics, policing and civic responsibility; life skills; and, mental health and spirituality.The summit’s keynote speaker was Dr. John Montgomery, Humana’s vice president and medical officer for its Florida commercial markets. The daylong summit kicked off with a 45-minute panel discussion made up mostly of college students, and moderated by Emery Ailes, an adjunct humanities instructor and LIFE coordinator at PHSC.
BOOSTING GRADUATION RATES
The diverse panel first pondered ways to improve graduation, success and retention rates for Black and other minority students at colleges and universities. Dorian Howell is president of PHSC’s Student Government Association. The student leader believes it’s important to identify at-risk minority students early on in their college experience, then pair them with a mentor or counselor to closely monitor and support them throughout their college years. He pointed out some students immediately get discouraged with college when they have trouble navigating digital access codes and connecting to online course materials. Others, meanwhile, are unaware of the myriad financial aid and scholarship resources readily available to them, he said, which could keep vulnerable students in school. “It’s really about identifying the people at-risk and educating them on the tools we have, step by step,” Howell said. He also emphasized the importance of getting involved in student-led clubs or extracurricular organizations.Those, he said, can foster academic success and accountability among one another. “I found that my friends, a lot of them didn’t feel supported, but when they joined a club they connected with the community in the college, it helped them stay with it, it motivated them to stay with the courses,” he said. St. Petersburg College (SPC) student Ericka Jones expressed similar sentiments regarding ways to improve minority student
COURTESY OF PASCO-HERNANDO STATE COLLEGE
Dorian Howell is president of PascoHernando State College’s Student Government Association.
COURTESY OF EASTERN FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE
Eastern Florida State College student Xavier Edwards is studying digital and media television production.
RESOLVING ECONOMIC INEQUALITIES
FILE
Pasco-Hernando State College hosted summit titled, ‘Equity and Advancement of Minority Males in America.’ The daylong Feb. 1 virtual event featured a panel discussion and breakout sessions related to social justice and racial equity issues.
success rates. Jones — set to earn a business degree in December — correlated her academic achievements to involvement with SPC’s Badeya Club, a Black student organization that aims to create a sense of community and respect among all students. “If it wasn’t for them, I would’ve given up. I’m telling you, it’s so important to have a support system,” said Jones, who now serves as political action director of the college organization. Jones brought a unique perspective to the panel — she’s raising a Black son while trying to earn a college degree. “I can’t teach him all the things that a Black male is able to teach him. I believe in what this (summit) stands for. We need to uplift our Black males and our family in this society,” Jones said. Dana Hind is a representative from Black Coalition of Hernando County. She said more robust and accessible mentorship opportunities are needed before minority students get to college — perhaps throughout their high school years. “To actually get kids driven into getting into college, we have to start earlier, and it’s been a challenge for me as a parent,” Hinds said.“You should have someone there to advocate for you as you’re going through, to make sure you get those scholarships, to make sure you get all those opportunities.”
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“It’s about trying to get people who have the power to change the narrative of the image of Black and brown men. It might take us creating our own news (outlets),” he said. Howell concurred with the idea of developing alternative news outlets highlighting inspiring Black figures and experiences, such as former President Barack Obama, Dr. Ben Carson and PHSC President Timothy Beard. “We can use those as role models of changing the image to a positive image of, ‘OK, there’s doctors, there’s presidents that are all role models,’” Howell said. The student body leader also called for boycotting news and entertainment outlets that portray Black males and others in a negative light. “If the media is perpetuating this negative image, hit ‘em where it hurts, stop supporting the media, don’t share the media that’s showing this negative image,” he said.
COURTESY OF PASCO-HERNANDO STATE COLLEGE
Demarvion Brown is a freshman men’s basketball player at Pasco-Hernando State College.
COUNTERING NEGATIVE STEREOTYPES
The conversation then turned to negative media portrayals of young and adult Black males and other minorities — and seeking ways to reverse promulgated views. Panelist Demarvion Brown said such meaningful change must first come through Black families fostering nurturing childhood environments and identifying positive role models. “It starts at home,” said Brown, a freshman men’s basketball player at PHSC. “Some people have good households, and some people don’t, but to change that, to turn that into a positive way is to stand out in front of everybody and become a different person and become a role model. Most people don’t believe in role models, but I think we need more of them to make the world a better place.” Xavier Edwards is a student at Eastern Florida State College, in Cocoa. He said one way to eradicate the media’s negative portrayals of Black men is to create new channels of communication. Edwards, who is studying digital television and media production, suggested Black leaders and entrepreneurs venture to create their own newsletters, new stations, social media sites and YouTube pages, focusing on “pushing out more positive images of Black people graduating, minorities getting scholarships.
The panel also broached the nation’s inequities in wealth. Various reports point out that Blackowned businesses and individuals historically have been at the mercy of loan denials and subprime lending practices, Howell said. He referenced one study that a Blackowned businesses get about 10 cents for every dollar that a white-owned business receives from a bank, a situation he characterized as “sickening.” Howell called for a more equitable lending system and he encouraged individuals to simply inspire people to support Blackowned businesses. “For us as individuals, we see a minorityowned business or restaurant or whatever, support it with our dollars, buy from them,” Howell said. It also would be helpful to have more financial workshops led by Black business leaders, to encourage and educate others on stocks, saving, and general money management tips, Howell said. Edwards also called for increasing efforts to educate minorities about how to acquire loans and start their own businesses. Giving Black employees opportunities for advancement in their professions also can have broader implications, Edwards noted. As more Black individuals earn senior management positions, they can slowly amass generational wealth for their families and communities, he said. “It’s not that it can’t change, it’s just going to take some work, but it just starts with more minority people being able to get to those high positions,” he said.
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HIV and Hep C testing
The Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) continues to offer free rapid HIV and hepatitis C testing on Wednesdays and Thursdays at the county health department, 10841 Little Road in New Port Richey. Results from rapid tests will be available in 20 minutes. No matter the test results, DOH-Pasco will work with clients to take steps to help them protect their health. Testing is by appointment only. For information, questions or to schedule an appointment, call 727-619-0260.
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Zumba for women
Karl & DiMarco North, 19022 Geraci Road in Lutz, will host $5 Zumba for Women fitness classes on Mondays and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The studio is prepped and taped for social distancing, and hand sanitizers are available.Temperature checks also are done. Participants should bring a towel and water bottle. Drop-ins are welcome. For information, email dance911@ gmail.com, or visit ZumbaWithCece.com.
DIABETES PREVENTION
The YMCAs of Tampa Bay offer a CDC-approved (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Diabetes Prevention Program, for qualified Medicare participants. The 12-month lifestyle program can help to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and is offered both in-person and virtually. A trained lifestyle coach provides a supportive environment so participants can learn how to incorporate healthy eating, physical activity and behavior modification into their daily lives. For information, email the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA at YDPP@tampaymca.org, or call YMCA of the Suncoast at 727-379-2473.
FIRST RESPONDERS WEBINAR
Saint Leo University and F1RST (Forensics Institute for Research Security &
Tactics) will present a free webinar series for first responders, targeting skills to improve their well-being. The four-part series,“Strengthening the Force: Service, Support and Security Series,” will consist of eight-hour sessions (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) that can improve responders’ mental and physical health, as well as on-the-job effectiveness. The series will be interactive, with time for questions and answers. Attendance certificates will be issued for each training session. • Feb. 23: Unconscious Bias Training • March 23: De-escalation for First Responders • April 13: Resiliency for First Responders • May 11: Suicide Prevention for Law Enforcement Upon registration, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join the meeting. For more details, contact Nikki Heister, special programs manager, Department of Public Safety Administration, at Nikki.heister@saintleo.edu or 352-588-8487.
SENIOR HEALTH FAIR
The East Pasco Family YMCA, 37301 Chapel Hill Loop in Zephyrhills, will host a Senior Health Fair on Feb. 24 from noon to 3 p.m. Social distancing will be enforced, so participants must reserve a time slot to limit the number of individuals at the fair at any given time. To make a reservation, call 813-780-9622.
GRIEFSHARE MEETINGS
The weekly support group GriefShare will meet at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, on Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The group is designed to help those who have lost a loved one rebuild their life. The next meeting is Feb. 24. The group will meet through June 2. For information, call 813-949-4565.
WALK FOR LIFE
The inaugural Walk for Life, in support of Oasis Pregnancy Centers, will take place on Feb. 27 at the Tampa Bay Baptist Conference Center, 15601 Lake Magdalene Blvd., in Tampa. Check-in is at 9 a.m., followed by the walk at 9:30 a.m. Participate on your own or with a team and collect incentive awards.Those walking can choose between a 1-mile to 3-mile route. This is a family friendly event that also will include a bounce house, balloons, snow cones, popcorn and cotton candy. For more information, please visit BabyStepsForLife.org.
COURTESY OF ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL-NORTH
Hospitalists (doctors caring for hospitalized patients) at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North celebrate the Florida Stroke Registry honor.
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HOSPITAL ADDS ANOTHER NOTEWORTHY AWARD St. Joseph’s Hospital-North has earned an award from the Florida Stroke Registry for its ability to rapidly determine the severity and possible location of a stroke. The hospital received the Stroke Registry’s Certificate of Achievement “for the successful achievement of Most Completeness for NIHSS,” according to a news release. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is an assessment tool and quantitative measure used in stroke care. The Stroke Registry also notified the hospital that it ranked as the best among 121 Florida Stroke Registry hospitals that submit-
ted “Most Completeness” data.The data was compared from 2018 to 2019. The registry’s aim is to improve quality of care and health outcomes in stroke through partnerships, research, intervention and policy advocacy. The Stroke Registry award was St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s second award in 2020 for the treatment of strokes and heart attacks. Last year, the hospital received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline STEMI Receiving Award for meeting and exceeding specific standards of performance for quick and appropriate treatment of patients suffering heart attacks.
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February 17, 2021
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Making hearts happy for Valentine’s Day
COURTESY OF PATRICIA SERIO
1 -Day Productionn Workshop March 6th 2021 10a - 3p 3
2-Week Manufacturring Bootcamp March 15th March 26th 9aa 5p
Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club prepared little gift bags of sweet treats and handmade Valentine greetings for the homebound and seniors served by Meals on Wheels of Tampa Bay. The women worked in assembly line style to package chocolates and decorated Valentines to bring cheer to the clients who need assistance. Aniko Solomonson shows off an embellished heart that will be included with a gift bag. For information on the group, visit the club on its Facebook page or GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.
Location: UNIVERSITY AREA CDC 14013 North 22nd Street Tampa, FL 33613
Prescribed burns planned in local preserves The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report A number of prescribed burns are planned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, as a preventative step to reduce the risk of wildfires. Between now and March, the district will be conducting these prescribed burns: • Cypress Creek Preserve, east of Ehren Cutoff and south of State Road 52: Approximately 115 acres will be burned in small, manageable units. • Conner Preserve, west of Ehren Cutoff and south of State Road 52: Approximately 500 acres will be burned in small, manageable units. • Starkey Wilderness Preserve, east of New Port Richey, west of the Suncoast Parkway, north of State Road 54 and south of State Road 52: Approximately 800 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
• Upper Hillsborough Preserve, south of the County Road 54 and east of Chancey Road in Zephyrhills:Approximately 320 acres will be burned in small, manageable units. • Weekiwachee Preserve, north of Hudson, west of U.S. Highway 19 and includes the Aripeka Sandhills tract: Approximately 25 acres will be burned in small, manageable units. Some trails may be temporarily closed during prescribed burn events. Major benefits of prescribed burns include the reduction of overgrown plants, which decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfires; the promotion of the growth of new, diverse plants; the maintenance of the character and condition of wildlife habitat; and, the maintenance of access for public recreation. The water management district conducts prescribed fires on approximately 30,000 acres each year.
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