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The LAKER EAST PASCO EDITION
LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM
APRIL 22, 2015
Will body cameras become new standard? By Kathy Steele ksteele@lakerlutznews.com
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The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office rolled out the use of body cameras as standard equipment for its deputies beginning in February. The Tampa Police Department has adopted a pilot program, using 80 cameras in three police districts. The leaders of both police agencies spoke about the use of body cameras at the debut of the Criminal Justice Speaker Showcase on April 16 at Saint Leo University. Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco and Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor addressed roughly two dozen faculty, students and media about the expanding use of body cameras. Pasco’s deputies and investigators put on a body camera at the beginning of each shift. Nocco made the decision to use the cameras after seeking opinions from other law enforcement agencies that were using See CAMERAS, page 9A
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Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco and Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor spoke recently at Saint Leo University about the use of body cameras.
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B.C. MANION/STAFF PHOTO COURTESY OF BRENDA FINORA
Joseph Militello often boxes with Paul Finora, his stepdad.
Joseph Militello plans to spend seven weeks this summer participating in a scientific research program at the University of Florida.
Rubbing shoulders with scientific researchers By B.C. Manion
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Joseph Militello, a junior at Pasco High School, is one of 90 students from throughout the world selected to attend a summer scientific research program at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Militello will spend seven weeks immersed in the 57th annual University of Florida Student Science Training Program. He was chosen for the residential study program through a highly selective application program, according to background materials from the University of Florida. The curriculum includes 28 hours a week in a science or engineering research lab, where participants are involved in ongo-
ing research as part of a mentor’s lab team. Militello also will write a research paper, give two research talks, attend faculty lectures, go on field trips and take part in activities aimed at helping him to build leadership skills. The program was established in 1959, and since then has involved more than 4,300 academically talented students from 20 states in the United States and from countries around the world. Militello is excited about the possibilities. “I’m nervous, but confident at the same time,” the 17-year-old said. “I’m nervous because it will be one of the first times I’ve been thrown into a situation that I have absolutely no idea who I’m going to be with, what I’m going to be
studying,” he said. “I know I’m going to struggle, because it’s going to be very rigorous,” he added, noting that he has been fairly laid back with his high school courses. He’s looking forward to meeting other students involved in the residential research program. He thinks there’s a chance he could develop some lifelong friends, because others taking part in the program have interests that are similar to his. Militello also thinks the experience of working with researchers will have a lasting impact. At this point, he’s keeping his career option open. See SCIENTIFIC, page 9A
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B.C. MANION/STAFF PHOTOS
Thousands of people streamed to Lowry Park on April 18 to celebrate Earth Day a bit early. The event initiated by Learning Gate Community School in Lutz had to be moved to a larger venue last year because it has become too large for the school’s campus.
EcoFest offers fun, and food for thought By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
INSIDE, PAGE 1B
Thousands turned out for the sixth annual EcoFest at the picturesque setting of Lowry Park. This year’s event had the feel of a farmer’s market and that was intentional, said Michele Northrup, an event organizer from Learning Gate Community School. The charter school, located in Lutz, has spearheaded the event since its inception.
As its name implies, the festival celebrates efforts to make the earth more sustainable by promoting energy conservation, environmental protection and healthy living practices. The event initially took place on the grounds of the school in Lutz, but it outgrew that location. This year, the event was on April 18 and was presented by the school, the City of See ECOFEST, page 9A
Lots of people did a double take when they saw Amanda Renaud, of Topsy Turvy — an entertainment troupe — towering above them on stilts at the sixth annual EcoFest at Lowry Park.