Lutz News-Lutz/Odessa-December 9, 2020

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The Story Behind The Tour de Clay It was 13 years ago that a group of ceramic artists came together to establish The Florida Westcoast Ceramic Society. This group established the Tour de Clay of Tampa Bay, an annual event modeled after other pottery tours held around the country.

The founders’ goals were to share their love of pottery by inviting local residents to their studios to view and buy their work, while also learning about their craft through pottery demonstrations and kiln openings The tour’s magical draw is that visitors can travel to multiple studios over the same weekend, which is always the second weekend in December.

“It is one of the most unusual, creative and funky events of the year for folks who enjoy art and the natural world,” said Jack Boyle of San Antonio Pottery. Boyle is a founding member and his studio is one of three studios participating this year.

People who are drawn to pottery are naturally attracted to the Tour de Clay, adds Kim Wellman of Wellman & Welsch Pottery in Lutz, another original member, whose studio also is open for the 2020 Tour.

“The tour offers so much more than the chance to add some unique pottery pieces to your collection,” said Wellman. “It also gives you a closer look at what goes into the creation of ceramic

art, and the techniques and processes we use.”

Taking the tour tends to deepen participants’ appreciation of pottery, adds Glenn Woods of Pottery Boys in Palm Harbor, the third studio host this year. “All of the potters work hard throughout the year to create a nice variety of new pieces for the show, so our guests have a huge selection to enjoy and choose from.”

Pieces available for purchase include everything from a comfortable warming mug to a spectacular centerpiece for your home. There truly is something for everyone.

In addition to buying gifts or adding to your personal art collection, the tour also is an opportunity to see the works of ceramic artists from around the country and discuss their work with them in person. This year’s tour features 20 nationally acclaimed ceramic artists, 14 who are exhibiting their work at the three physical studio locations, and an additional six potters who are participating in a virtual tour.

These clay artists and potters share an intense passion for ceramics that is reflected in their work and in their deep appreciation for ceramic arts. They invite pottery lovers, folks who enjoy arts and crafts festivals, and families looking for fun things to experience virtually, or in person, the 2020 Tampa Bay Tour de Clay.

Many of Tampa Bay’s most well-known ceramic artists have been involved in the Tampa Tour de Clay since it began in 2007. This photo was taken at a gathering of core members celebrating their event’s success.

Pottery and clay art shown are actual handcrafted pieces being sold during the Tour de Clay, and representative of types of pottery available in different price ranges.

Because every piece is handmade, once it is sold, it is no longer available, although similar clay pieces may still be for sale.

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Learning options go on, in Florida

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

Parents will continue to have the choice of keeping their children at home for remote learning through the second semester of the school year.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran made that announcement during a joint news conference on Nov. 30.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning also discussed the state’s new executive order during the Pasco

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County School Board’s Dec. 1 meeting.

The order “does allow for the continuation of the mySchool Online learning model,” Browning said. “It also does hold school districts harmless, financially, and I would add, with some caveats. We are still working through the details of the order, as it relates to the financial matters.”

The district must submit a plan to the state by Dec. 15, which outlines how it will identify struggling students and provide learning supports.

“Needless to say, staff is working feverishly to not just submit a report, or a plan, but

submit a plan that represents how we’re going to support all of our students, and especially the struggling students,” Browning said.

“The plan will require specific steps for progress monitoring,” the superintendent added.

The plan will cover how the district plans to take “even more aggressive steps” in identifying students that are not having success, Browning said.

The district will be making contact with

See LEARNING, page 7A

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Bringing the blues to Wesley Chapel The Wesley Chapel Art & Blues Festival offered a weekend of family fun, art, food and live music, on Nov. 21 and Nov. 22, at the Grove at Wesley Chapel. An artisan craft fair featured dozens of artists selling homemade items, such as artwork, candles, jewelry and clothing.

Artisans created work while interacting with guests, and there were all sorts of fun activities, such as barrel painting and Nerf Wars, too.

Numerous food trucks and a beer garden rounded out the festival’s offerings. Above, Matthew Misener, shows off his impressive double axe throwing skills at the Molly’s Hatchet axe throwing experience at the Wesley Chapel Art & Blues Festival on Nov. 21. The Zephyrhills native is the operations manager and event coordinator for Molly’s Hatchet, a competitive axe throwing venue in downtown Zephyrhills.

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Lena Blackwell of Lutz, works on an abstract painting that depicts the plight of the honey bee inside her booth at the Wesley Chapel Art & Blues Festival on Nov. 21. Blackwell said most of her art is inspired by nature.

Susan Gann, a school teacher from Eagle Lake in Polk County, paints a green metal barrel in a butterfly and vine motif at the barrel painting and maze exhibit.

BayCare Hospital Wesley Rezoning request Chapel is taking shape calls for convenience

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A ceremonial groundbreaking was held last week for the new BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, under construction at 4501 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

The Dec. 2 event was dubbed “ceremonial” — because crews already are working hard to build the 318,000-square-foot facility that is scheduled to open in early 2023.

While the sounds of construction work served as a backdrop, officials offered remarks about the project. It is being built on land the hospital chain acquired in 2008.

Mindful that the “groundbreaking” milestone was being celebrated during the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the gathering was kept small. Guests, were bundled up because of brisk weather. They wore masks, and the seating was spaced out to encourage social distancing.

BayCare Chairman of the Board Eric

Obeck, reflected on some of the challenges posed by COVID-19, while addressing the audience.

“While 2020 has been an unprecedented year for health care that has called for tough decisions and creative solutions, we are grateful to celebrate the long-term goals that brought us to this moment,” Obeck said.

“I’m proud to be part of an organization that keeps setting the pace, even as we react to the coronavirus impact on our daily business,” the health care official continued.

“Over the past few months, we have canceled and restarted elective procedures and visiting hours. We have offered our team members early retirement and managed to retain our workforce of nearly 30,000 team members without furloughs or layoffs,” he said.

BayCare also has continued its plans to expand its hospitals in St. Petersburg, Safety See BAYCARE, page 7A

store in Lutz

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

A hearing on a proposed rezoning that would allow a gas station and carwash on the east side of U.S. 41, about 900 feet north of Sunset Lane, has been postponed until next month.

The hearing had been set for Dec. 14, but has been rescheduled to Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. It will be held at Robert W. Saunders Sr. Public Library, 1505 N. Nebraska Ave., in Tampa.

Applicant RKM Development Corp., is seeking to rezone the 2.6-acre parcel at 18601 U.S. 41, to allow a 4,650-square-foot convenience store and 16 gas pumps, as well as a car wash.

The land, owned by Lutz Realty and See REZONING, page 7A

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December 9, 2020

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Public asked to do more to help in COVID-19 battle

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

Increasing COVID-19 cases in Tampa Bay has prompted the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties to urge members to help fight the spread.

Those officials are asking the public to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during quarantine or isolation.

Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID19 away from others, says a news release issued by the health department.

Quarantine can help prevent the spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms.

People who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 need to quarantine. In addition, if someone has been tested but unaware of exposure, they should remain in quarantine until they receive a negative result, the news release says.

People in quarantine, including those who feel sick and/or are waiting for test results, should stay home, separate themselves from others, monitor their health, and follow directions from their state or local health department.

The Tampa Bay health departments shared the CDC’s guidance.

CLOSE CONTACT MEANS:

• You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more • You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19 • You had direct physical contact with the person (hugged or kissed them) • You shared eating or drinking utensils • They sneezed, coughed or somehow got respiratory droplets on you

DURING QUARANTINE:

• Stay home for at least 14 days (check for current guidance) after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19.

• Watch for fever (100.4F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.

• If possible, stay away from others, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.

Isolation is used to separate people who are infected with COVID-19 from those who are not.

People who are in isolation should stay home until it’s safe for them to be around others.

IN THE HOME, IF YOU ARE SICK OR INFECTED:

• Monitor symptoms.

• Stay in a separate room from other household members, if possible.

• Use a separate bathroom, if possible.

• Avoid contact with other members of the household and pets.

• Don’t share personal household items, such as cups, towels and utensils.

• Wear a mask when around other people, if possible.

IF YOU LIVE WITH SOMEONE WITH COVID-19:

• Try to stay at least 6 feet away from the sick person.

• If you have to share space, make sure the room has good air flow.

• Open the window to increase air circulation.

• Improve ventilation to help remove respiratory droplets from the air.

• Avoid having unnecessary visitors.

If you are caring for someone with COVID19 at home or in a non-health care setting: • The person who is sick should eat (or be fed) in their room, if possible.

• Wash dishes and utensils using gloves and hot water: handle any dishes, cups/glasses or silverware used by the person who is sick with gloves. Wash them with soap and hot water or in a dishwasher.

• Clean hands after taking off gloves or handling used items.

• Do not share dishes, cups/glasses, silverware, towels, bedding, or electronics (like a cellphone) with the person who is sick.

• The person who is sick should wear a mask when they are around other people (Masks should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is not able to remove the covering without help.)

• The caregiver should put on a mask and ask the sick person to put on a mask before entering the room.

• Wear gloves when you touch or have contact with the sick person’s blood, stool or body fluids, such as saliva, mucus, vomit and urine. Throw out gloves into a lined trash can and wash your hands right away.

• Practice everyday preventive actions to keep from getting sick: wash your hands often; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and, frequently clean and disinfect surfaces.

• Clean and disinfect “high-touch” surfaces and items every day: This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks and electronics.

The Florida Department of Health encourages individuals to discuss any questions or concerns with their primary care provider.

For more information to help prevent household spread of COVID-19, go to CDC.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/preventgetting-sick/index.html.

For more information on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, visit CDC.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/.

For general information on COVID-19 in Florida, visit FloridaHealth.gov/covid-19, email covid-19@ flhealth.gov, or call 866-779-6121.

Land development code changes are coming

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

Changes are coming to Pasco County’s land development code — but most of them are minor fixes to the regulations that govern the way land can be used in the county.

One of the biggest changes in the proposed amendments involves the way requests for package sales and on-premises consumption of alcohol are approved.

Previously, the changes went to the Pasco County Planning Commission for a recommendation, and then to the Pasco County Commission for approval.

Under the amended land development code, the changes would go to the county’s administrative staff for approval, and to the planning commission for variance requests.

The county has rules about the minimum distance for alcohol sales from schools, parks and churches. If someone wants a variance from those rules, that request will be considered by the planning commission.

That process change is being made by staff, at the county commission’s request.

These are among the other changes being recommended: • The side setback can be reduced to no less than 5 feet for R-4 subdivisions developed after Dec. 8, 2020, as long as they meet drainage requirements and do not allow side entry

• In neighborhood commercial districts: Adds fitness centers as a permitted principal use; adds sale of alcoholic beverages as permitted principal use, subject to administrative approval • In general commercial district: Adds sale of alcoholic beverages as permitted principal use, subject to administrative approval • In section regulating fraternal lodges and social and recreational clubs: Clarifies that lot area and setbacks for fraternal lodges and social and recreational clubs do not apply in such clubs proposed in certain locations and zoning categories. Also clarifies buffering and landscaping requirements • Amends a section regarding the County Commission’s jurisdiction to indicate that the board reserves the jurisdiction and authority to review and revoke Special Exception, and Conditional Use, and Administrative Use Permit for the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages approvals.

• In the section relating to mobile food operations, the requirement for a county permit is deleted, since that is now handled by the state.

No one spoke during the county board’s first public hearing, held on Nov. 17, on the proposed changes. Final action is expected during the 1:30 p.m. public hearing on Dec. 8, in New Port Richey, after The Laker/Lutz News press deadline.

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The LAKER / Lutz NEWS

LUTZ, ODESSA, LAND O’ LAKES, WESLEY CHAPEL, NEW TAMPA, ZEPHYRHILLS, DADE CITY Serving Pasco since 1981 / Serving Lutz since 1964 PUBLISHER & OWNER: DIANE KORTUS, dkortus@lakerlutznews.com EDITORIAL

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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

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www.LakerLutzNews.com

December 9, 2020

3A

Agricultural zoning allowed, with conditions

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

Charles Gilbert Tucker received the approval he wanted for a small tree farm on a 5.46-acre tract, 1,750 feet south of Cypress Lane and Dupree Lane, in Land O’ Lakes.

Tucker said he needed the rezoning, in order for the property to qualify for an agricultural exemption, for taxing purposes.

The Pasco County Commission approved the request on Nov. 17, contingent on Tucker obtaining a deed restriction to limit operations on the site to a pine tree farm, and other non-commercial farm uses.

The deed restriction is intended to prevent uses that could have negative impacts

on neighbors.

Pasco County Commission Mike Moore recommended a deed restriction be added to Tucker’s property, noting that it was a solution discussed during the Pasco County Planning Commission’s consideration of the request.

Tucker had agreed to the restriction, but planning commissioners did not require it when recommending approval.

Moore asked Tucker if he remained willing to obtain a deed restriction, and the property owner said he has no objections to doing so.

Tucker said he plans to use the property for a pine tree farm and for citrus trees for personal use.

The rezoning won’t take effect until Tucker obtains the deed restriction.

Homeless Coalition seeking rental properties COURTESY OF PATRICIA SERIO

A little comfort can go a long way On behalf of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, member Beth Nevel-Rader (right) delivered 17 stuffed animals to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Station 40 in Lutz. The animals are intended to bring comfort and calm to children when the Fire Rescue team arrives at a home during a time of emergency, and/or stress and anxiety for the family. Firefighter EMT Tarel Peralta accepted the donations. For information on the woman’s club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.

The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report

The Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County is seeking available rental properties to provide residences for its Housing Surge, which will house 225 currently homeless households — singles and families — over the next 180 days.

Those knowing about a house, mobile home or apartment posted for rent should

take a photo of the sign with the contact information, and send it along with the street name and address to the coalition’s housing locator, Kelly Miller-Funk, at rentinpasco@gmail.com.

Landlords should send their contact information and the number of units owned.

A weekly list of available units will be provided to case managers.

For more information, call 727-842-8605.

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What’s Cookin’ Giving a gift from the heart — and from your kitchen, too

SOCIAL DISTTA AN NCING SEMINAR FOLLOWING CDC GUIDELINES

By Shari Bresin Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Whether you are giving a gift, or receiving one, chances are food could be involved.

Gifts of food have been on the rise in recent years — for all occasions, from birthday to holidays.

New companies have been popping up in the food niche, offering specialty gourmet food and gift baskets.

Gifts from these companies may be convenient, but there are many reasons to consider making your own homemade food gifts instead.

You may be wondering, what makes homemade food such a good gift?

The answer is simple: It’s because we love to eat.

It’s also one of those feel-good gifts that makes both the giver and receiver happy.

Just about everyone eats and nibbles on treats, so this type of gift typically can be enjoyed by all.

Homemade food also can be comforting — a practical, and a thoughtful expression of appreciation and love.

Christmas cookies and fruitcakes often come to mind, in terms of holiday food gifts.

But, there’s a range of other flavorful and unique foods that can be made, with the recipient in mind.

Here are some other reasons to consider giving the gift of homemade food: • It’s affordable: You can make recipes that will provide a number of gifts at one time. For instance, you can make a few batches of flavored popcorn and create individual bags of popcorn, with a card and a bow.

• It’s less wasteful: By giving recipients foods you know they enjoy, you don’t have to worry about giving them something they do not want.

• It can be unique: If the recipient has special dietary needs, for instance, you can personalize your gift by making a healthier version of a recipe. So, in addition to giving the gift, you’re conveying that you care, which may leave the recipient feeling appreciated.

• It can be fun for the giver and recipient: By sharing his or her passion, the giver can create a uniquely crafted food gift; the recipient, meanwhile can enjoy something other than a standard store-bought gift.

SOME HOMEMADE FOOD GIFT IDEAS

Mason jars and tins are two popular ways to present gifts.

If you’re crafty, you can dress up these packages, to add a special touch and give them a unique look.

Here are some ideas for gifts to present, in jars and tins: • Mason jars holding the dry ingredients for a cake. Just add a card with baking directions.

This gift is ideal for friends and family who love your cakes or want to bake their own with a homemade recipe but don’t know how.

• Tins of cookies. A tin of soft chocolate chip or sugar cookies is a simple, but pleasing gift, for the afternoon snacker.

• Jars or tins of seasoned nuts.The type of nut and type of seasoning can vary. Nuts offer a healthier gift option.

• Jars of dry rub seasoning or herbed salts using homegrown garden herbs. This is a

COURTESY OF SHARI BRESIN

Don’t know what to give someone for the holidays? Food gifts, like these bread-and-butter pickles have become increasingly popular.

Bread-and-Butter pickles Ingredients 6 pounds of 4-inch to 5-inch pickling cucumbers 8 cups thinly sliced onions (about 3 pounds) ½ cup canning or pickling salt 4 cups vinegar (5%) 4-1/2 cups sugar 2 Tbsp mustard seed 1-1/2 Tbsp celery seed 1 Tbsp ground turmeric Yields: About 8 pints Directions • Wash cucumbers • Cut 1/16-inch off blossom end and discard.

• Cut into 3/16-inch slices.

• Combine cucumbers and onions in a large bowl.

• Add salt, cover with 2 inches crushed or cubed ice.

• Refrigerate 3 hours to 4 hours, adding more ice as needed.

• Combine remaining ingredients in a large pot.

• Boil 10 minutes.

• Drain and add cucumbers and onion, and slowly reheat to boiling.

• Fill hot pint jars with slices and cooking syrup, leaving ½-inch headspace.

• Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if needed.

• Wipe rims of jars with a dampened clean paper towel.

• Adjust lids and process for 10 minutes at 0-1,000 foot altitude.

Source: The USDA’s Complete Guide to Home Canning https://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/ publications_usda.html

great gift for cooks who enjoy cooking with different flavors.

• Jars of flavored simple syrups.These are great for those who like to top off their favorite desserts, coffee or just fruit, with a dab of sweetness.

• Jars of handcrafted tea blends with common culinary herbs, spices and dried fruit.This is a big hit with tea drinkers.

• Jars of pickled treats that have been canned, such as okra or cauliflower.This can make a surprising treat, and a break from the norm.

Food gifts can be enjoyable to make and receive, but care must be taken to be sure that they also are safe. Care must be taken when preparing food gifts and in storing perishable items.

Before sending a food gift by mail or delivery, be sure to check the USDA mail order food safety list for its limits on refrigerated foods.

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The Laker/Lutz News likes to keep our readers informed about news from our local schools, including upcoming events, photos of events, recognitions and so on.

Submissions need to include who, what, where, when, contact information, identifications for individuals in a photo (unless it is a large group), and a photo credit.

Please send your information two weeks prior to desired publication date, and email it to news@lakerlutznews.com. If you would like The Laker/Lutz News to consider coverage of an event, send a request to the same email.

Send school news to news@lakerlutznews.com

ASK A COLLEGE STUDENT

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The Pasco County Library Cooperative will host “Ask a College Student� on Dec. 11 at 4 p.m., through Zoom, for teens in grades eight to 12.

A panel of current students from a variety of colleges, majors and experiences will answer any questions participants may have.

Registration is required. Zoom meeting details will be emailed the day before the event.

For information and to register, contact Amaris Papadopoulos at 727-861-3020 or amarisp@pascolibraries.org.

vidual under contract with the board must have a remote pilot certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.The drone also must be registered and properly marked.

Anyone who is authorized to operate a drone also must comply with applicable regulations.

‘THE PERFECT STORM’

LIMITED CROWDFUNDING

Saint Leo University and FIRST-Florida’s Forensics Institute for Research Security & Tactics will present a look at how officials deployed and the best practices they implemented at “The Perfect Storm 2020: Navigating a Historic Hurricane Season during a Global Pandemic Symposium� on Dec. 17 at 10 a.m., via Zoom.

The free webinar will discuss lessons learned from public safety officials regarding their preparedness and response efforts during the current COVID-19 pandemic and what turned into the most active hurricane season in history.

Federal, state and local officials will exchange perspectives and ideas, and offer the best practices to improve all phases of emergency management.

The event is open to the public, criminal justice and emergency management personnel, Saint Leo students, prospective students, and alumni.

To register, please visit SaintLeo.edu/perfectstorm.

WREATH CHALLENGE

The Florida Aquarium’s inaugural “Upcycled Wreath Challenge: Conservation Connections� is a platform for youth to learn about critical environmental issues impacting our planet through a creative art format.

All schools in Hillsborough County can participate.

Each upcycled wreath will focus on one of the aquarium’s conservation priorities and be made entirely of reused/repurposed items or materials.

Guests can then come to see the wreath in the aquarium’s CIBC Aquatic Lounge, in the Mosaic Center.

The challenge runs through Jan. 3.

For information, visit FlAquarium.org.

DRONE BAN IN SCHOOL ZONES

The Pasco County School Board has adopted a policy that prohibits the unauthorized operation of small unmanned vehicles – typically referred to as drones – on property that is leased, owned or contracted for by the board.

The ban is in effect at all times.

The superintendent may authorize the use of drones.

Also, pursuant to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) administrative policies, the board prohibits the operation of drones at FHSAA events conducted on property owned or leased or contracted for by the board. District officials may deny admission or entry to anyone attempting to use a drone until the event has been completed.

To be authorized to operate a drone, a staff member or administrator or other indi-

The Pasco County School Board has adopted a policy that applies to any form of crowdfunding within the district.

The action, adopted by the board at its Nov. 17 meeting, applies whether the benefit is to a specific classroom, grade level, department, school, or academic or extracurricular activity.

The policy defines crowdfunding as “the solicitation of funds or resources from individuals and/or organizations to support identified activities or projects that enhance the educational program or a specific cause approved by the district.�

Such solicitations typically are from a large number of people or organizations, using internet-based technologies.

The policy allows crowdfunding, but only with specific, prior approval by the superintendent.

It also says that “all crowdfunding activities shall protect the privacy of students, children, and young adults� in accordance with board policies, district guidelines, and applicable state and federal laws.

The policy also says that materials, supplies, equipment, and other proceeds of the crowdfunding activity shall become the property of the district, or school.

Also, any benefit to an individual employee derived from crowdfunding activities must comply with board policy, related to gifts and compensation, as well as applicable laws and state ethics rules.

The policy also prohibits cash or equivalent payment to district personnel.

And, all crowdfunding activities are subject to the district’s fundraising and other financial control procedures.

‘TYPE’ CAPSULE CONTEST

The Pasco County Library Cooperative is sponsoring a 2020 “Type Capsule� Essay Contest through Dec. 31, for grades three to five.

Because 2020 has been a historic year, students are asked to answer this question: “If you made a time capsule, what would you want to share about the year with future generations?�

The essay can discuss something the child experienced during 2020 and explain why it is worth remembering.

Submission deadline is 11:59 p.m., on Dec. 31.

Third-graders should write at least three paragraphs; fourth-graders, four paragraphs; and fifth-graders, five paragraphs.

Essays should not be more than three pages of writing. The student also can include images, but the images must be on separate pages from the writing itself.

For more details and guidelines, visit PascoLibraries.evanced.info/signup.

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LEARNING, from page 1A those parents, who then will have a choice between sending their student, or students, back to the traditional brick-and-mortar model, or to continue on with mySchool Online.

If they want to continue remote learning, they must make that affirmative choice.

“That is going to add another level of complexity,” Browning said.

“I will tell you, there will be a districtwide approach to this. There will not be different procedures in different schools,” the superintendent said.The procedure for identifying struggling students and notifying parents will be the same, he explained.

School board member Colleen Beaudoin asked the district to provide additional support for secondary teachers who are in schools where a significant number of notifications will have to be made.

Browning responded:“That is one of the issues that we’re trying to figure out.”

The district also is working on the best approach for notifications to parents.

“Do we send a certified letter home to moms and dads, with a return receipt, so we have written confirmation that they received it. Do we make phone calls? Who makes those phone calls? What information are we sharing with them? What is the measure of success?

“Those are all issues that we’re having to deal with, with guidance from Tallahassee,” Browning said.

While the district works this out, some other district tasks are being put on hold, he added.

Beaudoin said her perception of the press conference was that the state would like to get students back into traditional classrooms.

Browning agreed:“We do know that the Commissioner (Corcoran) was pretty clear yesterday, in his assessment about kids that are struggling: They need to be back in bricks-and-mortar environment.”

But, Browning said he’s pleased the state

is continuing to give parents the choice.

“I will tell you that I understand, with where we find ourselves with COVID, particularly on Dec. 1, 2020, I understand why there are parents that do not want to come back into a bricks-and-mortar environment,” he said.

The superintendent went on:“The numbers, because of the measures and steps that we’ve taken as a district, have been relatively low.”

In fact, the number of positive cases among students is about ½ of 1%, he said.

In large part, the cases on campus are not resulting from spread at school, but are originating elsewhere, Browning said.

At one high school, for example, about a dozen students were sent home that were directly tied to a birthday party, he said.

“You go to parks and ballfields, and you will see full parks and ballfields — and I might add, with no masks, or very few masks,” the superintendent said.

Browning also noted that he’s been in constant contact with Mike Napier, the health officer for the Florida Department of Health — Pasco County.

“He’s concerned about the direction that we’re headed — not we, as a district, but we, as a community, are headed with COVID cases,” Browning said.

Board member Beaudoin urged parents to help ensure their children’s success.

Browning said the district needs to give assurances to Tallahassee that it is adding additional supports, and those supports, he said won’t be cheap.

“Miss (Olga) Swinson (chief finance officer), and I, and others — we talk about the funding piece and how we are going to be able to get the dollars that we’re going to need to have in order to provide these supports that the department expects us to provide to these students,” he said. “It’s a sticky wicket.”

School board member Alison Crumbley said the district needs to analyze why students are struggling. “We need to break it down,” she said.

REZONING, from page 1A Investment LLC, currently is zoned for agricultural and single-family conventional use.The request calls for rezoning the site to become a planned development zoning.

The request has attracted opposition.

“A number of Lutz residents do not like this proposal,” Jay Muffly, a longtime Lutz resident, wrote in an email to The Laker/Lutz News.

Thomas Pinta, of 405 W. Lutz B.C. MANION Lake Fern Road, has voiced his opposition in a document included in This property could become the home of a convenHillsborough County’s file on the ience store and car wash, under a proposed rezoning in Lutz. request.

“As a longtime, 30-plus years’ resident of Lutz, I have seen unnecessary quired 20 feet, down to 5 feet. development over and over,” Pinta wrote.

The reduction is needed, according to He recommended that the hearing be the file, to allow the maneuverability necesheld in a more convenient location, to give sary for trucks to reach the proposed solid Lutz residents an opportunity to voice their waste dumpster. thoughts on the request. He suggested the The transportation report, prepared by Lutz Branch Library, at 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Palm Traffic of Tampa, shows the estimated Road, in the heart of Lutz, as a better place daily trip ends at 3,697, including a substanto hold the meeting than a library located tial number of stops by motorists that near Ybor City in Tampa. already would be passing by the area.

Planners for the Planning Commission The report estimates there would be 225 have reviewed the request. trip ends during the a.m. peak hours, includIn the rezoning file, Jiwuan Haley, senior ing 83 new inbound trips and 84 new planner, notes:“The site is not a qualifying outbound trips. intersection and does not meet commercial During the p.m. peak hours, there would locational criteria.” be 64 new inbound and 62 new outbound The zoning file indicates that the site of trips. the proposed rezoning is outside of the The report also notes that Hillsborough Hillsborough County urban services area, County’s capital improvement program calls but is next to a 12-inch county water line. for adding westbound and southbound dual There is no Hillsborough County waste- left-turn lanes on Sunset Lane, and for a sigwater line of adequate capacity currently nal rebuild at the intersection. Construction available. of that project is expected to start in early The property is subject to the Lutz Rural 2021, the traffic analysis says.

Development Standards, according to inforThe public hearing on the request will mation included in the file. be conducted in a hybrid format, meaning Another detail reported in the file is that those wishing to participate can do so virtuthe applicant is proposing a reduction of ally, through the use of technology, or in the eastern perimeter buffer from the re- person.

COURTESY OF BAYCARE

BAYCARE, from page 1A Harbor and Clearwater, even while building the first hospital to bear the BayCare name, Obeck said.

Glenn Waters, executive vice president and chief operating officer of BayCare, offered some project details.

“Our 86-bed general community hospital will provide medical/surgical care, emergency care, cardiac care, surgical care – including general surgery, orthopedics, urology and gastroenterology – imaging, and outreach lab services.

“Beyond the ‘beds’ and the ‘services’ we provide, we will hire about 220 team members to be the heart and soul of BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel,” he added.

Waters noted that the nearly 30,000 people who work across the BayCare system, make it a great place to work.

The year 2020 was the third consecutive year that BayCare was named one of Fortune’s 100 best companies to work for anywhere in the country,Waters added.

He also cited recognition for the hospital’s quality of care.

“According to IBM Watson, we are in the top 20% of high-performing health systems

From left: Glenn Waters, BayCare executive vice president and chief operating officer; Eric Obeck, BayCare chairman of the board; Mike Moore, Pasco County Commission chair; Hope Kennedy, North Tampa Bay Chamber president and CEO; and, Becky Schulkowski, BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel operations director, fling a shovel of dirt.

across the country,”Waters said.

The event also included a reflection from Father Aloysius Ezenwata, a director of mission with BayCare. He read a selection from scripture, offered some commentary and shared a prayer.

In part, Ezenwata said, “In building this BayCare Hospital in Wesley Chapel, we are continuing to live out our mission, which is to ‘Improve the health of all we serve through community-owned services that set the standard for high-quality, compassionate care.’”

He added: “Today we continue to build on the legacy of the founders of BayCare Health System, to care for our community, to be our sisters’ and our brothers’ keeper.”

At the conclusion of the official remarks, Waters and Obeck joined Becky Schulkowski, BayCare’s operations director, Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore and North Tampa Bay Chamber President and CEO Hope Kennedy, to fling a ceremonial shovel of dirt.

BayCare is building its new hospital just down the road from AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, a hospital that opened in 2012. It already has undergone an expansion and added new services to meet the high-growth area’s burgeoning health care demands.

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Community Sports Your Neighborhood Sports Source

Area swimmers make a big splash at state meet

By Kevin Weiss

Results among locals at the state meet:

kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

R

ecords were broken and titles were claimed by area athletes at the 2020 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state swimming and diving championships, held last month at the Sailfish Splashpark Aquatic Athletics Center, in Stuart.

A total of nine local schools were represented across all four classifications — Academy at the Lakes (Class 1A), Carrollwood Day School (1A), Cypress Creek Middle High (2A), Freedom High (3A), Gaither High (3A), Land O’ Lakes High (3A), Sunlake High (3A) and Wiregrass Ranch High (3A) and Steinbrenner High (4A).

Two of these programs registered top-10 finishes— the Freedom Patriots girls team finishing eighth among the 41 schools competing in 3A, and the Land O’ Lakes Gators boys team winding up eighth out of the 43 schools competing in 3A. Another notable combined team showing came from the Steinbrenner Warriors, whose girls team finished 11th (among 32 schools competing in 4A) and boys team went 17th (among 37 schools competing in 4A).

The most striking showings came in the way of individual and relay performances.

On the boys side, Land O’ Lakes senior Zuri Ramsey captured three medals, headlined by his second-consecutive gold medal in the 3A 50-yard free, clocking 20.51.That bested his state title in the event last year, when he posted 20.53.

Ramsey also took second in the 100-yard free (45.87) and fifth in the 200-yard medley relay, teaming with sophomore Michael McCloskey, senior Griffin Sutek and freshman Garret McNab, who combined to post a 1:37.12 in the race.

Ramsey is the younger brother of former Gators standout Jabari Ramsey, who was a three-time state champion in the 100-yard breast and a one-time champion in the 200yard medley relay — making him the swimmer to win the most gold medals in Pasco County history.

Cypress Creek senior Clyde Crouse captured multiple 2A medals for the second-straight year — placing fourth in the 200-yard medley free (1:42.43) and fifth in the 500-yard free (4:40.35) Last year, Crouse took silver in the 500-yard freestyle (4:34.48) and sixth in the 200-yard freestyle (1:44.01).

Other medals (top-eight finish) were collected in diving by Land O’ Lakes senior Mason Gandy and Cypress Creek freshman Jace Beckwith. Gandy went eighth in the 3A event (scoring 340.55) and Beckwith took seventh in the 2A event (322.40).

Also, Freedom senior Zachary Kopel earned an eighth-place medal in the 3A 500yard free (4:39.62) A slew of banner performances took place on the girls side of the pool, as well.

Most notable was Steinbrenner senior Alexis Mulvihill, who took gold in both the 4A 50-yard free (22.22) and 100-yard fly (53.16).

The Auburn University signee’s 50-yard free time is a new state record.

The previous mark of 22.30 was set in

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ARTS FUNDRAISING RACE IN TARPON SPRINGS

The Tarpon Springs Leadership Conservatory for the Arts (TSLCA) is hosting a virtual run/walk event to benefit youth arts education.

The TSLCA’s 2020 Race for the Arts is set for Dec. 12. Participants can choose to run or walk a 10K, 5K, or 1-mile distance. Due to the virtual nature of the event, participants may choose to complete their race anywhere and anytime between Dec. 11 and Dec. 12 by 11:59 p.m. Participants are encouraged to run, jog, or walk through streets, parks or trails, or even on treadmill.

Entry fee is $30. All participants will receive a runner’s T-shirt and personal printable finisher’s certificate. Proceeds from the event will help the TSLCA to continue to promote and support music and leadership education.

For more information, email fundraising@ tarponspringsband.com, or visit tinyurl.com/y3nrk2cy.

4A BOYS

COURTESY OF CARROLLWOOD DAY SCHOOL

Carrollwood Day School freshman Adele Sands medaled in the 200-yard free and 100yard free, in the 1A state meet.

COURTESY OF STEINBRENNER HIGH SCHOOL

Steinbrenner High senior Alexis Mulvihill won gold and set a state record in the 4A 50-yard free, clocking 22.22. The Auburn University signee also took gold in the 100yard fly (53.16).

2002 by Gulliver Prep’s Christina Swindle.

Interestingly, Swindle went on to swim at Auburn and competed at the 2003 Pan American Games, winning gold in the 400meter free and silver in the 100-meter free.

Of note: Mulvihill was about a half-second shy of the national high school swim record in the girls 50-yard free clocked at 21.59 — set in February by Gretchen Walsh, of Nashville,Tennessee.

And, Mulvihill wasn’t the only local girls swimmer to earn a state crown.

Freedom junior Michelle Morgan took first in the 3A 200-yard medley, clocking 2:00.92.

She also took silver in the 500-yard free (4:48.43) and anchored bronze in the 400yard free relay with senior Hannah Labohn, and juniors Alexa Valdez-Vellez and Carly Joerin, who combined to swim the event in 3:32.58.

Other local female swimmers captured multiple medals, too.

Academy at the Lakes senior McKenna Smith — a Duke University signee — took third in both the 1A 50-yard free (23.15) and 100-yard free (50.34).

Carrollwood Day School freshman Adele Sands went fifth in the 1A 100-yard free (51.96) and seventh in the 200-yard free (1:52.60).

Wiregrass Ranch junior Maryam Khalil went fifth in the 3A 100-yard breast (1:06.53)

LOCAL PARK GETS LANDSCAPE UPGRADES

Steinbrenner (11th, out of 32 schools) Events: 50-yard freestyle: Alexis Mulvihill, senior (first, 22.22) 100-yard butterfly: Alexis Mulvihill (first, 53.16) 400-yard freestyle relay: Alexis Mulvihill; Emma Brown, senior; Kayla Daley, sophomore; Gavriela Daniels, freshman (ninth, 3:34.30)

Land O’ Lakes (eighth, out of 43 schools) Events: 200-yard medley relay: Michael McCloskey, sophomore; Griffin Sutek, senior; Garret McNab, freshman; Zuri Ramsey, senior (fifth, 1:37.12) 50-yard freestyle: Ramsey, senior (first, 20.51) Diving: Mason Gandy, senior (eighth, 340.55) 100-yard freestyle: Ramsey (second, 45.87) 200-yard freestyle relay: McCloskey; Sebastian Arbelaez, senior; McNab; Ramsey (12th, 1:31.58) 100-yard breaststroke: Griffin Sutek (ninth, 59.53) Wiregrass Ranch (16th) Events: 200-yard intermedley: Noah Porter, junior (14th, 2:03.21) 100-yard freestyle: Yuheng Chen, junior (14th, 49.30) 50-yard freestyle: Emanuel Silva, senior (12th, 22.17) 200-yard freestyle: Emanuel Silva; Matthew Gomez, senior; Noah Porter; Yuheng Chen (10th, 1:31.03) 400-yard freestyle relay: Noah Porter; Matthew Gomez; Emanuel Silva; Yuheng Chen (ninth, 3:19.97) Freedom (25th) 500-yard freestyle: Zachary Kopel, senior (eighth, 4:39.62) Gaither (tied 41st) 100-yard freestyle: Zachary Cannon, junior (15th, 49.64)

and eighth in the 50-yard free (24.48).

Land O’ Lakes senior Apryl Paquette took eighth in the 3A 200-yard free (1:57.62) and anchored an eighth-place finish in the 200yard free relay, teaming with freshmen Jahzara Ramsey and Abigail Hahm, and junior Catherine Pinkos, as the group clocked 1:41.29 in the event.

The Northlakes Sports Complex, 2640 North Lakeview Drive in Tampa has gotten a major landscaping upgrade, courtesy of the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors and Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation.

On Nov. 18, volunteers from the Realtors association beautified the Northdale-based park by planting some 40 live oaks, robellini palms, purple tabebuias, crepe myrtles, bald cypress and red maple trees, along with 20 blueberry flax lilies.

COURTESY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Volunteers also deep-cleaned Volunteers last month spruced up the landscapthe park’s concession stand and ing at Northlakes Sports Complex. made other landscaping enhancements, according to a news release.

A portion of the November project The popular complex includes basewas funded through a Community ball, soccer and lacrosse fields; Rebuilding Grant from the National basketball, pickleball, tennis, and racquetAssociation of Realtors; funds for the ball courts; and, playgrounds and walking trees came through the Hillsborough trails. It is owned and operated by the County Tree Fund. county’s parks & recreation department.

Make every moment—and every recipe—extra special this holiday season.

Merry Christmas from Publix. publix.com/christmas December 9, 2020

GIRLS

3A BOYS

Another day closer to Christmas.

Another memory made.

8A

Steinbrenner (17th place, out of 37 schools) Events: 200-yard freestyle relay: Jayden Repak, freshman; Alex Harkness, senior; Shane MacGregor, senior; Gavin Peck, freshman (ninth, 1:27.35) 100-yard backstroke: Shane MacGregor (11th, 52.81) 100-yard breaststroke: Garrett Sykes, junior (16th, 1:01.65) 400-yard freestyle relay: Shane Macgregor; Jayden Repak; Alex Harkness; Gavin Peck (ninth, 3:13.06)

www.LakerLutzNews.com

GIRLS Freedom (eighth, out of 41 schools) 200-yard intermedley: Michelle Morgan, junior (first, 2:00.92) 50-yard freestyle: Hannah LaBohn, senior (tied 15th, 24.15) 100-yard freestyle: Hannah LaBohn (10th, 53.77) 500-yard freestyle: Michelle Morgan (second, 4:48.43); Carly Joerin, junior (11th, 5:03.06) 400-yard freestyle relay: Hannah LaBohn; Alexa Valdez-Vellez, junior; Carly Joerin; Michelle Morgan (third, 3:32.58) Sunlake (14th) 200-yard medley relay: Amber Ewald, junior; Lillian Hilt, junior; Madison Houck, sophomore; Alex Sprague, senior (ninth, 1:53.64) 50-yard freestyle: Alex Sprague (tied 13th, 24.92) Diving: Isabela Monagas, senior (eighth, 342.25) 200-yard freestyle: Madison Houck; Amber Ewald; Lillian Hilt; Alex Sprague (seventh, 1:40.17) 100-yard backstroke: Madison Houck (13th, 1:00.39) Land O’ Lakes (23rd) Events: 200-yard freestyle: Apryl Paquette, senior (eighth, 1:57.62) Diving: Madison Burnstein, senior (20th, 199.75) 200-yard freestyle relay: Jahzara Ramsey, freshman; Abigail Hahm, freshman; Catherine Pinkos, junior; Apryl Paquette (eighth, 1:41.29) Wiregrass Ranch (tied 24th) Events: 50-yard freestyle: Maryam Khalil, junior (eighth, 24.48) Diving: Abby Galo, junior (12th, 307.20) 100-yard breaststroke: Maryam Khalil (fifth, 1:06.53)

2A BOYS Cypress Creek Middle High (tied 19th, out of 48 schools) 200-yard medley freestyle: Clyde Crouse, senior (fourth, 1:42.43) Diving: Jace Beckwith, freshman (seventh, 322.40) 500-yard freestyle: Clyde Crouse (fifth, 4:40.35)

1A GIRLS Academy at the Lakes (18th, out of 48 schools) 50-yard freestyle: McKenna Smith, senior (third, 23.15) 100-yard freestyle: McKenna Smith (third, 50.34) Carrollwood Day School (tied 20th) Events: 200-yard freestyle: Adele Sands, freshman (seventh, 1:52.60) 100-yard freestyle: Adele Sands (fifth, 51.96)

Other medal performances came out of Sunlake, where it’s 3A 200-yard free relay team took seventh (1:40.17), while senior Isabella Monagas finished eighth in diving (342.25). The podium-earning relay team consisted of sophomore Madison Houck, juniors Amber Ewald and Lillian Hilt and senior Alex Sprague.

ADULT SOCCER TOURNAMENT

The NewAPSL (Adult Premier Soccer League) will host a two-day winter tournament on Dec. 12 and Dec. 13, at Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road in Wesley Chapel.

Coed divisions will include 11-on-11, 7on-7 and those over 40 years old.

League participants must be at least 18 or older. Divisions are limited to eight teams per group. Prizes and trophies will be given to tournament winners and runners-up.

Registration is $350 for a team of up to 14 players. Visit NewAPSL.com for more information and to register, or call league organizer Colin Eke at 813-610-2278.

YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL REGISTRATION

Registration is open for Idlewild Baptist Church’s youth recreation flag football league, which will run from Jan. 7 through March 4.The league is open to all children in the community enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade. All practices and games will be played back-to-back hours on Thursday evenings at the Lutz campus, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd.

Cost is $90 per child. For more information, visit Idlewild.org/recreation/.

With thoughts of you at Christmas We thank you for your support this past year.

You’ve delivered us nothing but kindness, and we hope we’ve done the same for you.

YOU ARE OUR BEST GIFT!

The LAKER / Lutz NEWS 813-909-2800 www.LakerLutzNews.com

14TH ANNUAL

DEREK PIEPER

Memorial Lacrosse Tournament A few weeks have passed since the 14th annual Derek Pieper Memorial Lacrosse Tournament, and we want to thank so many people who honor our son every year by organizing and participating in this tournament.

To endure the loss of a child is an unexplainable heartbreak and grief.

Derek’s memory has lived on vicariously every November since 2006, when Coach Tom FitzSimons and Derek’s teammates came together after the murder of our son.

Tom’s continued dedication after so many years shows his undeniable passion for lacrosse and exemplifies the encouragement and guidance he shows his players. His love for the sport shines on through the players. While the numDerek Pieper was a standout lacrosse ber of teams have varied, he makes this player for Wesley Chapel High School tournament a success every year.

Tom’s wife, Deb, has always helped with many responsibilities, making sure all goes as planned, games played, scores kept. Their children are also involved, and we are so very grateful for this.

There are so many volunteers who take time to do what needs to be done. One stand out is Jonnie Knight, whose son also played lacrosse for Wesley Chapel High.

Jonnie heads up the technical grounds, management and makes sure all is in place as required to play the game. He even tends to the barbecue grills, and does it all with a smile.

Many items in memory of Derek have been presented over the years — players given a “DP” label to put on the side of their helmet, pink wristbands and even pink sunglasses. Players have even worn pink socks in the past. Why pink? Because Derek loved the color and wore it well!

The Tournament is always is a bittersweet reunion weekend for us. Talking with players, parents and hearing the enthusiasm, cheers, laughter whether winning or losing is a reminder that once a Lacrosse family, always a Lacrosse family.

To everyone involved, please accept our sincere thanks and appreciation for keeping alive the Derek Pieper Memorial Lacrosse Tournament.

Susan and Steven Wood (Derek’s mother and step father)

Derek Pieper was a 17-year-old lacrosse player for Wesley Chapel High, who in 2006 was shot and killed on a dirt road outside of Dade City. Two years later, Luc Pierre-Charles was convicted of his murder and given a life sentence. The Derek Pieper Memorial Cup was established after Derek’s death and is played each November at the Wesley Chapel District Park. The event raises money to help needy families buy lacrosse equipment, and also awards scholarships to lacrosse players.

What’s Happening

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CAREERSOURCE STOP

CareerSource’s Mobile One Stop will visit the Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., on Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., to help anyone looking for employment.

Participants can search for jobs, polish and print resumes, copy and scan materials, use email and social media, and talk to a workforce professional. For information, call 813-780-0064, or visit CareerSourcePascoHernando.com.

PLANT A TREE to honor a loved one

The Dade City Garden Club is accepting orders for memorial trees to be planted and dedicated on Arbor Day, scheduled for Jan. 15.

The Dade City Garden Club Memorial Tree Program was created in support of the city’s Tree City USA designation. Since 1994, about 400 trees have been planted throughout Dade City.

Memorial trees are $75, and includes the tree planting, marker and inscribed plaque for the honoree. A variety of trees being offered include holly, maple, magnolia and pine.

The deadline to order a tree is Dec. 15.

For information, email Julie Hale at Julie.hale2011@tampabay.rr.com.

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

The Suncoast Harmony Chorus wants to share a magical, musical COVID-free Christmas greeting, by offering to telephone your family or friends, anywhere in the United States, and deliver a live performance of a chosen Christmas carol.

Calls will be available on Dec. 14 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Dec. 20 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Participants can purchase one song for $10 or two songs for $15, to the same phone number. Choose a time and a favorite Christmas song:“Little Saint Nick,” “Caroling, Caroling,”“Do You Hear What I Hear,” a Carol Medley (“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” and “Silent Night”),“Go Tell It on the Mountain,” or “Angels We Have Heard on High.” For information and an order form, visit Suncoast-Harmony.com. For questions, call 813-996-4680. Orders and payments must be received no later than Dec. 10.

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’

The Tampa Theatre will host its first movie screening since March on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m., with the showing of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

The socially distanced screening will take place at Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N.Ashley Drive in Tampa.Attendance is limited, and each party (up to six people) will be seated in one of 40 designated ‘pods’ spread across the lawn. Concessions will be available, and guests can bring picnic baskets, blankets and lawn chairs.Admission is free, but reservations are required at Eventbrite.com.

SANTA SING-ALONG

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will offer a virtual Sing-Along with Santa on Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. Santa will ‘log in’ from the North Pole to sing carols with participants.

For information on how to register for a Zoom invite, email maryg@pascolibraries.org.

VILLAGE DISPLAY

The Beck Gallery, 1720 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, has a large Dept. 56 Christmas Village on display for anyone who would like to stop by to see it, for free.Also, the gallery is offering mini photo sessions on Dec. 12 and Dec. 19, by appointment only. For information, call Tana Brackins at 813-949-6557.

TRAIN SHOW & SALE

Regal Railways will present its Christmas Toy Train,Toy Show/Sale on Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Hillsborough County

Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road in Dover.Vendors will be on hand with model trains, various hobbies, collectibles and die cast cars.There also will be a running train layout.Admission is $5 for adults, and free for kids age 12 and younger. Credit cards will be accepted. For information, call 727244-1341, or visit RegalRailways.com.

CANDY CANE SLIME

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will offer a tween craft on Dec. 12 at 2 p.m.

Participants can learn how to make candy cane slime.To see the video, visit Facebook.com/cpib.

AVALON AGLOW

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will host its annual Avalon Aglow on Dec. 12 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 5060 River Glen Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.There will be a bounce park, food trucks, vendors, community performances, pictures with Santa, and fireworks at 8 p.m.Avalon also will host cookie decorating on Dec. 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; caroling on Dec. 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; ornament decorating on Dec. 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; hayrides on Dec 17 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and a movie night on Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. Guests are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines for social distancing and face masks. Events are free, but ticket reservation is required at AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com, or by calling 407-658-6565.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

The Live Oak Theatre and Conservatory’s first annual Christmas Festival will take place Dec. 12 from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., following the Brooksville Downtown Parade.The festival will be held on the grounds of the Carol & Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville.Admission and musical entertainment are free. Food and activities will be available for purchase.There will be a bounce house, games, a Whoville experience, and photos with Santa, too.All

proceeds will benefit the Live Oak Theatre Company and Conservatory, a 501C3 notfor-profit organization. For information, call 352-593-0027, or email LiveOakBoxOffice@GMail.com.

WINTER STREAM KIT

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will offer a Winter Holiday STREAM Kit from Dec. 14 to Dec. 19, available to 50 registrants.The STREAM kit (science, technology, reading, engineering, art and math) will contain activities, experiments, cultural activities and learning components, both hands-on and online. Kits can be picked up curbside or at the information desk. For information, call 813929-1214.

ANIMAL STORY TIME

The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will host “Story Time with ZooTampa: Opposites in Nature” on Dec. 14 at 9:30 a.m., for ages 3 to 6.The presentation will combine an animal experience and early literacy skills, and will encourage reading readiness and social interaction. Registration is required online at HCPLC.org, using the calendar feature.

DIY SPA KIT

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will offer a DIY spa kit, through curbside pickup, from Dec. 14 to Dec. 19.

The kit includes two tea bags (for drinking and then, after cooling, for the eyes), supplies and instructions for goat milk soap and a crochet scrubby, and directions for making a simple sugar scrub and a face mask, with household items. Registration is required by calling 813-929-1214.

OPEN BUILD

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will have a Foundry Open Build on Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., for ages 9 to 18, when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.All users must have a library card, follow safety guidelines, and submit a signed

liability waiver. Project approval and an appointment are required. Call 813-9291214.

GARDENING CLASS

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will host “Backyard Gardening with Jo Ann” on Dec. 15 at 2 p.m., through Zoom.

Registration is required. Participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about the Zoom meeting. For questions, email maryg@pascolibraries.org.

REPUBLICAN CLUB

The East Pasco Republican Club will meet on Dec. 15 at 6 p.m., at Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd.,Tuttle Room, in Zephyrhills.The guest speaker will be state Sen. Danny Burgess.

BOOK DISCUSSION

The LOL Book Club will discuss the book “The Woman in Cabin 10” by Ruth Ware, through Zoom, on Dec. 16 at 2:30 p.m.

Registration is required to have a Zoom link sent in an email the day before the meeting.

For information, call 813-929-1214.

FOOD GIVEAWAY

The 26th annual Holiday Food Giveaway will take place on Dec. 18 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., as a drive-thru pickup, on a first-come, first-served basis, at Faith Baptist Church, 9230 Ridge Road in Port Richey. No food will be given away before 9 a.m. For information, all 727-847-8032.

HOLIDAY CRAFT KIT

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will offer a Winter Holiday Curbside Kids Craft on Dec. 19 starting at 10 a.m. Pickups will be available curbside or at the information desk, until supplies run out. For questions, call 813-929-1214.

HOLIDAY BOOK SALE

The Friends of the Land O’ Lakes Library group, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host a Holiday Craft Book Sale through Dec. 19.

Guests can browse craft books, cookbooks, and other holiday-related items. Cash only, supplies are limited, and face masks and social distancing are required.All donations will benefit the Land O’ Lakes Library. For information, call 813-929-1214.

CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS

The Concourse once again will host its Celebration of Lights on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, through Dec. 20. Friday and Saturday hours are from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday hours are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.The cost is $20 per carload for the drive-thru experience throughout the property. Get a ticket at the Train Depot for the Grand Concourse Railroad miniature Holiday Train (Friday and Saturday nights only).The Concourse is at 11919 Alric Pottberg Road in Shady Hills.Tickets are at the gate only (cash, debit and credit cards).

For information, visit CelebrationOfLightsFL.org.

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How Kia of Wesley Chapel Is Giving Back THIS HOLIDAY SEASON COLLECTING BIKES FOR KIDS

KIA of Wesley Chapel’s

Kia of Wesley Chapel is teaming up with the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA to collect bikes for students at Sulphur Springs K-8 Community School.

“We’re so excited to partner with the YMCA on this because they have a fantastic grasp on what the local community needs,” says Emily Brun, community coordinator at Kia of Wesley Chapel.

Sulphur Springs is a Tampa neighborhood where many families need help getting children to and from school. These holiday bikes will be a safe way for these kids to get to school every day.

“Besides putting a smile on a child’s face during this challenging year, what better way than on a brand new bike to stay healthy, get outside, and ride with their friends to school or the park,” says Brun.

Kia of Wesley Chapel is collecting new bicycle donations from Friday, Dec. 18 to Sunday, Dec. 20. The dealership is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

ATHLETE OF THE

MONTH

Alexis Mulvihill,

STEINBRENNER SWIMMING AND DIVING Steinbrenner High School senior Alexis Mulvihill capped off a decorated prep swim career by collecting shiny hardware and making history at the 2020 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) 4A state swimming and diving championships, at Sailfish Splash Waterpark and Aquatics Center in Stuart.

She captured two gold medals in the meet’s 50 yard free (22.22) and 100 yard fly (53.16).

Her 22.22 mark in the 50 free is a new state record — breaking the previous time of 22.30 set in 2002

by Gulliver Prep’s Christina Swindle.

The 50 free is undoubtedly Mulvihill’s strong suit — as she finished first in the event at the state championships 2019 and state runner-up in both 2018 and 2017.

In total, Mulvihill collected some 10 individual and relay medals at states across her four year varsity career.

In addition to Steinbrenner, Mulvihill swims year-round at Tampa Elite Aquatics and qualified for the 2020 Olympic Trials last June.

She recently signed on to swim collegiately at NCAA Division I Auburn University (Auburn, Alabama), a program which has won five women’s national championships.

Staff from Kia of Wesley Chapel recently volunteered at Helping Hands Food Pantry, working together to feed 373 families.

KIA STAFF VOLUNTEER AT HELPING HANDS FOOD PANTRY On Nov. 18, Kia employees volunteered at the Helping Hands Food Pantry located at Atonement Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel. Together, they were able to feed 373 families, which was the largest distribution in the food pantry’s 10-year history.

“After seeing just how many families we were able to help, we’ve decided to volunteer at the pantry at least once a month from now on,” says Shawn Visconte, general manager at Kia of Wesley Chapel.

The food pantry is open every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Each vehicle can receive food for up to two families.

Kia of Wesley Chapel also recently donated food during its annual Salute to Veterans Food Drive, partnering with the Stano Foundation, a Wesley

Kia of Wesley Chapel recently hosted its Salute to Veterans Food Drive.

From the left: employee Israel Santiago, General Manager Shawn Visconte, Community Coordinator Emily Brun, West Tampa Memorial American Legion Auxiliary Member Mary McColgan, Stano Foundation President Paula Stano, and employee Sal Cris.

Chapel non-profit dedicated to supporting veterans.

Over four boxes of food was donated to the West Tampa Memorial American Legion Auxiliary Unit 248, who operates a food pantry for area veterans.

SUPPORTING HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

FIREWORKS SPONSOR To cheer on the holiday season, Kia of Wesley Chapel is sponsoring the fireworks at the Avalon Aglow event, hosted by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

The free family event is Dec. 12 from 5 to 8 p.m., with fireworks at 8 p.m. Families will also enjoy “real snow”, pictures with Santa, community performances, live music and shopping at vendor tables.

Along with bringing the fireworks, Kia of Wesley Chapel will be showcasing three new vehicles at the event --- the Telluride, K5, and the 2021 Sorento.

In honor of the recent #GivingTuesday holiday, Kia of Wesley Chapel made a donation to Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco. As a way of saying thanks, the non-profit dropped off a stud at the dealership for Kia’s staff to decorate for the holidays. Afterwards, it will be a part of the frame work of a new home being built by Habitat for Humanity.

“Our entire team is writing encouraging words on the stud,” says Emily Brun, the dealership’s community coordinator. It’s so cool that it will forever be part of a home.”

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DECEMBER 9, 2020

10 unique takeaways from the Florida 2020 Election

By Dr. Susan A. MacManus Special to The Laker/Lutz News

E

lections in Florida are rarely boring, but the 2020 Election will be hard to forget.

The COVID-19 pandemic and big news happenings affected nearly every aspect of the election, including the issues on voters’ minds, campaign tactics and voting methods.

This was a hotly contested election in one of the most eventful years in recent history. Besides the presidential race, there were many hard-fought down ballot races featuring candidates more diverse in their partisan affiliations, age, race and ethnicity, and gender.

The most unexpected outcome of the 2020 election was how smoothly the vote counting in Florida went. It left Sunshine State voters hopeful that our state’s future elections will run just as smoothly, preventing any more “Flori-duh” stories from appearing in the national news.

While most Floridians are happy to put Election 2020 behind them, it is interesting to pinpoint exactly what made this election so intriguing.

Here are 10 things that made Election 2020 unique in Florida: 1. Over 70,000 Floridians (of the 11.1 million who voted) did not vote for president (called “undervotes”). They skipped the race, finding neither Joe Biden nor Donald Trump nor any third-party candidate acceptable or worthy of their vote.

Thousands of others cast unofficial write-in votes for everyone from Mickey Mouse, God, Baby Yoda, and Batman, to None of the Above. While these write-in votes did not count, they also reflect disappointment or disgust with the official choices for president.

2. Turnout was the highest since 1992—75%. (The 1992 presidential race was between Bill Clinton (D), George H.W. Bush (R), and a strong third-party candidate, Ross Perot (Reform Party).This was not surprising. For months on end, record numbers of Floridians said they were following the election closely and believed their vote could really make a difference. Reflecting Florida’s “biggest swing state” status, the presidential candidates and their running mates visited Florida more often than other states. More money was spent on TV ads in the Sunshine State than anywhere else.

3. The two major parties differed significantly in their registration and Get-Out-The-Vote strategies and in their issue priorities. Florida Democrats primarily relied on social media, virtual town halls, and drive-in rallies to push voters to register, then vote. This “no in-person contact” approach was adopted to be consistent with Biden’s central COVID-19 theme of social distancing. In contrast, Florida Republicans utilized more a locally focused ground game with more personal contact, which allowed them to register new voters and canvass neighborhoods to pinpoint high priority issues. The superior GOP ground game was what won Florida for Trump and helped down-ballot Republican candidates win their races.The Florida exit poll conducted

by Edison Research found that the top issues for Trump voters were the economy, and crime and safety. For Democrats, the coronavirus, racial inequality and health care were top concerns.

4. Only one-third of Floridians actually voted on Election Day. More chose to either vote by mail or early in-person at a central polling location.Vote-By-Mail (VBM) was the most popular option (44%), chosen by those fearful of crowded polling places exposing them to COVID-19 or by the ease and convenience of VBM. Early in-person voting was the second most common choice (39%), particularly among those worrying the postal service would not deliver their VBM ballot on time, but also by voters who just wanted to put the election behind them! Still 17% voted on Election Day,

FILE

Dr. Susan A. MacManus, a retired distinguished professor from the University of South Florida, has spent decades learning the ins and outs of Florida politics. She frequently shares her expertise with a national audience.

FILE

Workers for the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections conduct post-election activities in the supervisor’s warehouse.

FILE

Republican supporters turned out to the Land O’ Lakes Recreational Complex during Early Voting on Oct. 24. From left: John Keller, Sandy Graves, Paul Blevins, Summer Blevins, Kurt Browning and James Mallo. Summer Blevins is the deputy chief of staff for Congressman Gus Bilirakis on the ballot for an additional term; and, Browning , who has since been reelected as superintendent of Pasco County Schools.

choosing to be part of the electric atmosphere at a polling place with sign-wavers and candidates pushing voters to choose them.This year a voter’s choice of when and where to cast their ballot had a heavy partisan overtone. Democrats and candidate Biden stressed VBM, while Republicans, following Trump’s lead, favored voting early in-person or on Election Day. 5. It was the “Year of the Woman Candidate.” A record number of women (177 total) ran. Forty ran for Congress and 137 ran for the Florida Legislature (Senate 26; House 111). Of those, 62% were Democrats, 31% Republicans, 3% No Party Affiliation—NPAs, and 3% write-ins.They reflected the political party, age, and racial and ethnic diversity of Florida. Many were young, first-time candidates. Over 40% were women of color (27% Black, 14% Latina, 3% Middle Eastern, 1 % Asian, and 1% multiracial).Women won 57 races—eight seats in Congress, nine seats in the Florida Senate, and 40 seats in the Florida House of Representatives.The Sunshine State was, and is, a bright spot for women candidates.

6. The gap between registered Democrats and Republicans shrunk significantly, while the ranks of NPAs continued to grow larger than in 2016.

The registration gap between the two parties is the narrowest in Florida history—only 134,000 more Democrats than Republicans were registered statewide.

This near closing of the gap was the result of an aggressive registration drive that began after the 2016 election and continued throughout the COVID-19 shutdown to the

registration deadline (Oct. 5). While this made the state more evenly divided from a partisan perspective, it masks the fact that 26% of all registrants were NPAs—choosing not to register with either party (more common among younger voters, Latinos, and Asian Americans).

7. The margin-of-victory (3.4%) for Trump was the largest in over a decade.

In the five prior statewide races (two presidential, three gubernatorial) the margin-of-victory for the winner was around 1% (0.5% in the 2018 governor’s race).This larger-than-usual margin in the most recent election prompted some to question whether Florida is still a swing state or now a solidly Republican state.The proof will lie in the results of the 2022 mid-term election.

8. Highly unusual news-dominating events constantly changed the focus of the 2020 presidential campaign—impeachment proceedings and defeat; the Democratic presidential primary that began with 25 candidates seeking the party’s nomination; COVID-19, the presidential order for a shutdown; the death of African American George Floyd at the hands of a police officer, which sparked extended protests against police and racism; the death of U.S. Supreme Court justice icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg and U.S. Senate confirmation of a new Justice Amy Coney Barrett; the president’s hospitalization for COVID-19, followed by quick release, and a slew of rallies in swing states. Interspersed were the more traditional events — the party conventions and the debates. Except this time, those events were virtual.

FILE

Because Election 2020 took place during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, special precautions were needed to keep voters and poll workers safe.

9. Florida shed its “Flori-duh” label for poorly run elections. Instead, Florida was applauded for its smoothly run election.The “Flori-duh” label was first given to Florida after the extremely close 2000 election featuring the infamous punch card ballots, hanging chads, recounts, and multiple lawsuits finally resolved by the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2020, the label was passed on to other states with voter identification problems, signature issues, vote-by-mail controversies, and recounts yielding thousands of uncounted ballots.

10. In the end, it was a win for both Florida Republicans and Democrats.

Republicans could crow that Donald Trump won Florida and Republicans gained seats in Congress and in the House and Senate of the Florida Legislature. For Florida Democrats, they could find solace in Joe Biden winning the presidency.

Dr. Susan A. MacManus, a distinguished university professor from the University of South Florida, lives in Land O’ Lakes. She is known nationally for her deep knowledge of Florida politics.

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COURTESY OF THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM

Turtles are transported in a private plane to be cared for at The Florida Aquarium by the nonprofit Turtles Fly Too.

COLD STUN SEASON BEGINS

The end of November typically marks the start of the “cold stun season,” which is when turtles in the Northeast are exposed to prolonged cold temperatures and become incapacitated.

These turtles are often found floating or stranded on the beach with malnutrition, infections and injuries. Turtles like these usually take 2 months to 3 months of intensive care to get well enough to return to the sea.

The Florida Aquarium officially opened its Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center in Apollo Beach in 2019 to care for turtles affected by cold stunning.

The two story, 19,000-square-foot center features five rehabilitation pools, including one of the state’s deepest turtle-exclusive dive pool with an observation window.

The pools at the care center range in size from 1,500 gallons to 25,000 gallons.

The sea turtle dive pool, which reaches a depth of 11 feet, is used to assess buoyancy

issues, swim conditioning and food trials before turtles are cleared by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to be returned back into the wild.

The center also includes a state-of-theart sea turtle surgery suite.

The rehabilitation center was made possible through a unique public-private partnership consisting of groups who all shared the same common goal of working to achieve and maintain healthy sea turtle populations.

The FWC contributed $3 million, The Spurlino Foundation and others donated $690,000, The Florida Aquarium contributed more than $400,000, and TECO Energy helped make the center a reality through a generous land use agreement.

VIRTUAL MEETING

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will meet virtually on Dec. 16 and Dec. 17 at 9 a.m.

The Florida Channel will be broadcasting live video coverage at TheFloridaChannel.org, and participants can utilize the telephone conference line to call in for public comment.

There is a time limit for each agenda item.

Advanced comments can be submitted no later than Dec. 11, through the FWC meeting agenda website page, using the web form.

For a full agenda, links to background reports and ways to participate, visit MyFWC.com/about and click on “The Commission” and “Commission Meetings.”

Elected leaders take oath of office The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report Swearing-in ceremonies were held earlier this month, for elected leaders.

Pasco County Commission members Jack Mariano, Ron Oakley and Kathryn Starkey, who were reelected to new terms, and Christina Fitzpatrick, newly elected to the board, each took the oath of office.

Mariano’s swearing-in ceremony was in the board’s New Port Richey chamber, while the other commissioners were sworn-in at the board’s Dade City chambers.

The Pasco County Commission is expected to have its organizational meeting, where the chairman is selected on Dec. 9,

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At Pasco County Schools’ district headquarters in Land O’ Lakes, reelected Pasco County Superintendent of Schools Kurt Browning took the oath of office, as did reelected board members Colleen Beaudoin and Alison Crumley.

Meanwhile, in Hillsborough County, newly elected Hillsborough County Commissioners Harry Cohen and Gwen Myers, and reelected Commissioner Pat Kemp, each took the oath of office.

And, on the Hillsborough County School Board newly elected members Nadia Combs, Jessica Vaughn and Henry “Shake” Washington were sworn-in, as was Lynn Gray, who was reelected.

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15. A Spanish river 16. Pig meat (French) 17. Famed astronomer 18. Floating ice 19. Broadcast 21. Aquatic mammals 22. Some are bath 23. Hip hop trio 24. NY Giants’ #56 25. Small European viper 28. Neither 29. Multiple Tony-winner Rivera 31. Loud noise 33. Second year high schooler 36. “__ in comparison” 38. Golf score 39. Raise 41. Pastas 44. Easily manageable 45. Fathered 46. Pouch 48. Institute legal proceedings against 49. News organization 51. Unruly group of people 52. Fasten or secure 54. Sheets of glass 56. Doubled 60. Foolish person 61. Rooney and Kate are two 62. Small, rich sponge cake 63. Advice or counsel 64. Large wading bird 65. Famed British physicist 66. Narrow ridges (Swedish) 67. Field force unit 68. Lying face downward

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3B

Health

The Laker/Lutz News likes to keep our readers informed about available classes, seminars, lectures and events regarding health and wellness issues. Hospitals, doctors, individual practitioners and anyone related to the health care industry can submit information, at least two weeks in advance, to be considered for publication. Photos of events, recognitions and so on, also are welcome. Submissions should include who, what, where, when, cost, contact information, identifications for individuals in a photo (unless it is a large group), and a photo credit. This information should be emailed to news@lakerlutznews.com.

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Wellness Send health news to news@lakerlutznews.com

WORLD AIDS DAY The global observance of World AIDS Day is Dec. 1. This year the theme was “Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Resilience and Impact.”

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) recognized World AIDS Day with free testing at its New Port Richey office.

In 2019, there were 119,689 people living with HIV in Florida, according to a DOH-Pasco news release. More than half of the 4,584 new diagnoses were for people between the ages of 20 and 39.

Florida is a national leader in HIV testing, and the FDOH has made great strides in prevention, early identification and treatment.

To reach the goal of zero new HIV transmissions and reduced HIV-related deaths, FDOH focuses on these four key strategies: • Implementing routine screening for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, especially among high-risk populations • Providing immediate access to treatment for the newly diagnosed, as well as retaining HIV-positive persons in the care system, with the ultimate goal of getting

HIV-positive persons to an undetectable viral load •Improving and promoting the use of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) medication and nPEP (non-occupational post exposure prophylaxis) as prevention strategies to reduce the risk of contracting HIV • Increasing community outreach and awareness about HIV, high-risk behaviors and the importance of knowing one’s status For information on services offered by DOH-Pasco, call 727-861-5260, ext. 0901, in New Port Richey, or 352-521-1450, ext.

6118, 6100 or 6119, in Dade City.

COVID-19 HEALTH TALK

AdventHealth will host a virtual health talk entitled,“COVID-19:What You Should Know” on Dec. 15 at noon, on the AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Zephyrhills Facebook pages.

The guest speaker will be Dr. Rodrigo Torres, chief medical officer of both hospitals.

To register, call 877-534-3108, or visit AHZephyrhills.com

DONATING TO OTHERS’ NEEDS

GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club members Dee Knerr and Debbie Cardona delivered a large supply of cloth-

ing, hygiene items, socks, slippers and other items to Amilcat Care Home in Lutz.

The women also secured and donated a walker that was needed by one of the residents.

For information on the club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.

GULFSIDE FUNDRAISERS

Due to the current pandemic, the third annual Charity Casino Night to benefit Gulfside Hospice has been rescheduled to Jan. 30, at the Heritage Springs Golf & Country Club in Trinity.

All proceeds will provide patient care and bereavement support in Pasco County through Gulfside.

For tickets and sponsorship information, visit CharityCasinoNight.org.

Also, due to the ongoing health and safety challenges, Gulfside postponed The Candace Glewen Charity Fashion Show, originally scheduled for Dec. 3.

The fundraiser was to bring people together in honor of Candace Glewen, a longtime board member of Gulfside Hospice until her recent passing, and to support the patients and families served by Gulfside.

Instead of a winter-themed fashion show, the event will now feature the latest 2021 spring looks on May 4, at Spartan Manor in New Port Richey.

For information about the event, visit GulfsideFashionShow.org, or contact Leesa Fryer, fundraising and event planning specialist, at 727-845-5707 or leesa.fryer@gulfside.org.

ELDER ABUSE IN FLORIDA

The personal-finance website WalletHub reported its 2020 States with the Best Elder-Abuse Protections, according to a news release.

To determine which states fight the hardest against elder abuse, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 16 key metrics.

The data set ranges from “elder-abuse, gross-neglect and exploitation complaints” to “financial elder-abuse laws.”

Here are the Elder-Abuse Protections in Florida, rating 1 for Best and 25 for Average (*per resident aged 65 and older): • Third: Elder-Abuse, Gross-Neglect and Exploitation Complaints* • Fourth: Nursing Homes Quality • 27th: Total Expenditures on ElderAbuse Prevention* • 30th: Number of Certified Volunteer Ombudsmen* • 51st: Total Long-Term Care Ombudsman-Program Funding* • 51st: Number of Eldercare Organizations & Services* For a full report, visit WalletHub.com.

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Super Bowl project seeking donations

By Mary Rathman mrathman@lakerlutznews.com

Community partners are teaming up with the National Football League, the Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Host Committee and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a Super Bowl project that will put books, sports equipment, school supplies and games into the hands of local children.

The project, called Super Kids-Super Sharing, has been implemented in every Super Bowl host community for the past 22 years, according to an NFL Green news release, and area residents are being invited to help.

Super Kids partners will host collections through Dec. 18 at their facilities, and donated items will be shared with the children the organizations serve, and with Repay Tampa Bay, and Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay. Participating partners include the YMCAs of Tampa Bay, the Hillsborough Education Foundation, Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation, City of Tampa Parks and Recreation, the City of Tampa, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, and numerous schools in the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

New and very gently used books appropriate for schoolchildren, sports equipment of all types, school supplies, and board and video games can be dropped off at these locations:

• Hillsborough Education Foundation, 2306 N. Howard Ave.,Tampa: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful Environmental Education Center, 4398 N. Riverside Drive,Tampa: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• New Tampa Recreation Center, 17302 Commerce Park Blvd.: Monday through Thursday from noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon • East Pasco Family YMCA, 37301 Chapel Hill Loop, Zephyrhills: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• New Tampa Family YMCA, 16221 Compton Drive,Tampa: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gently used donated items should be in excellent condition; new items also will be accepted.

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mrathman@lakerlutznews.com

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s office will host several collections to help the community during the 2020 holiday season.

All five tax collector offices in Pasco County will be drop-off sites for the Marine Corps League’s annual Toys for Tots drive.Toys for children of military personnel and others in need will be collected up until Dec. 15.

The Gulf Harbors and Wesley Chapel offices will be donation sites for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Drive on Dec. 12 and Dec. 19. Donations can be made between 8:30 a.m. and noon on either day. Volunteers from the Salvation Army also will be at each location from Dec. 14 to Dec. 18, as well.

The collection jars for the Farm Share Holiday Food Giveaway will be displayed at all of the tax collector offices. Donations

15% OFF O

Toys for Tots is one of the charities the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office supports during the holiday season.

any cigar pur rchase

made will help to purchase fresh food for families in need this holiday season and into next year. The Holiday Food Giveaway is scheduled for Dec. 18 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Faith Baptist Church, 9230 Ridge Road in Port Richey.

For details about each program, information regarding hours and locations, or general questions about the services provided by Fasano’s offices, call Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector/communication and special projects, at 727-847-8179.

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