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Teen’s rare disease sparks legislation
By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakelutznews.com
After more than three years of fighting for their medical coverage for their son’s rare disease, a Land O’ Lakes family has seen some progress in their quest. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the Patient Saving Act on June 12, which includes language requiring the state
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insurance plan to provide enteral formula coverage, regardless of age, condition or intake method. Stephanie Walls, whose son Remington suffers from Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), called the legislative victory “absolutely amazing.” The rare EoE disease, which is incurable, causes food to deteriorate in his esophagus. Remington, who was diagnosed at age 4,
has lived a life without regular food or drink. His only source of nutrition since then has come via a hypoallergenic amino acidbased liquid formula, called Neocate EO28 Splash. He consumes roughly 18 to 22 of the eight-ounce juice boxes per day. Through it all, 19-year-old Remington has See DISEASE, page 11A
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As the sun rises on the first day of school, Cypress Creek Middle High School Assistant Principal Donna Gricoski, right, greets students exiting the buses.
Pasco school year gets off to a smooth start By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
Five-year-old Joshua Cortes was eager to begin his first day of kindergarten at Pine View Elementary School in Land O’ Lakes. The youngster was beaming as his parents took his picture near a welcome sign at the school — the perfect prop for a photo op. A little while later, as buses rolled into the bus loop, Pine View staff greeted students as they exited the bus. They saw many familiar faces, and they offered kind remarks, welcoming students
and commenting on such things as a new haircut or new pair of shoes. Meanwhile, across campus, teachers were ready for another year. Art teacher Kimber White expressed enthusiasm about teaching at Pasco County’s first officially authorized International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. The IB PYP highly regards the arts, encouraging creativity and innovation, across the disciplines. Third-grade teacher Monica Woods aimed to set a positive tone for the children
When experience matters Boy Scouts build a new pathway at Lutz Nature Park to you! See SCHOOL, page 11A
B.C. MANION
Art teacher Kimber White is enthusiastic about teaching at Pine View Elementary, which has been officially authorized as Pasco County’s first International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.
By Brian Fernandes
Luke Romesburg, of Lutz Boy Scout Troop 12, decided to give back to the community in an effort to obtain his Eagle Scout medallion. Romesburg and fellow scouts, on Aug. 3, helped construct a new sidewalk at the Lutz Nature Park.
bfernandes@lakerlutznews.com
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It was the break of dawn, and while many were spending their Saturday sleeping in — members from Boy Scout Troop 12 were hard at work at Lutz Nature Park. Equipped with rakes and shovels, the youths were building a new sidewalk, under the direction of Luke Romesburg, a 15-yearold leading the effort in his pursuit for the rank of Eagle Scout. The Lutz Nature Park recently had constructed a sidewalk connecting its pavilions, but there was no pathway leading to the parking lot. So, the teenager decided to address the need. He reasoned:“Originally, they (patrons) could not get the wheelchairs out here to See SCOUTS, page 11A
BRIAN FERNANDES
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL PHOTOS
INSIDE, PAGE 1B
COURTESY OF KIMBERLY CHAPMAN COURTESY OF VERENA GIZELBACH
Nine-year-old Sienna Gizelbach couldn’t wait to meet some new friends at Bexley Elementary School. The fourth-grader’s family just moved to the area from Virginia.
Fourth-grader Nicholas Chapman is giving two thumbs-up to the beginning of a new school year at Sanders Memorial Elementary STEAM Magnet School in Land O’ Lakes.
COURTESY OF GEORGE O’ CONNOR
Margaret Lewandowski, who lives in Land O’ Lakes, is excited for kindergarten.