ST. LEO – October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a national initiative dedicated to promoting digital safety and strengthening the cybersecurity workforce. Saint Leo University is preparing students for employment in the cyber sector. It was one of the Tampa Bay area’s first institutions to offer cybersecurity degrees. Edward Santiago, assistant professor of computer science in […]| The Laker/Lutz News
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – The Florida Department of Transportation anticipates Hillsborough County’s population could increase by about 1 million people by 2070. To keep up with the growth, Hillsborough planners are mapping out future roadways to ensure the scale, location and rights-of-way are adequate to serve the needs of Hillsborough residents. To do so, an update […]| The Laker/Lutz News
CLEARWATER – The rumble returns as the eighth annual St. Pete BikeFest roars into town for four days of chrome, concerts and coastal fun. Tens of thousands of riders and music fans from across the country will roll in for live music, custom bike shows, a charity ride led by Paul Teutul Sr. of Orange County […]| The Laker/Lutz News
Better Together to host job fair at Crossover Church TAMPA – Better Together is partnering with Crossover Church to host a community job fair for Tampa residents on Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is now open for job seekers and employers to participate in the November event at BetterTogetherUS.org/Crossover or by texting […]| The Laker/Lutz News
LAND O’ LAKES – Land O’ Lakes resident Chris Garrido has released a book, “Fit by 50: My Yearlong Journey from Death to Life,” that explains how he transformed his health, mindset and faith to lose 130 pounds in one year. A year before his 50th birthday, Garrido found himself at his lowest point. He […]| The Laker/Lutz News
ZEPHYRHILLS – Metropolitan Planning Organizations in Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties are continuing talks about joining forces to secure more funding for larger transportation projects across the Tampa Bay region. Tania Gorman not only serves as executive director for the Pasco County MPO but she’s also a resident of Zephyrhills. She updated the Zephyrhills City […]| The Laker/Lutz News
TAMPA – Downtown Tampa is celebrating the 10th anniversary season of Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park with new attractions, expanded accessibility and a record number of local small businesses. Visitors can skate, shop and celebrate the spirit of the season from Nov. 21 to Jan. 4 at the Tampa Riverwalk. “Winter Village has grown […]| The Laker/Lutz News
LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa talked leadership with leaders from the Pasco County Fire Rescue during the 55th episode of the “Pasco Podcast.” During the 31-minute episode, Carballa asked Special Operations Chief Lee Hudson about a moment when leadership made a critical difference during response. Hudson talked about fire rescue and the […]| The Laker/Lutz News
DADE CITY – Moonlight and Ivory has provided the community an opportunity to celebrate local talent for the past 27 years. Musicians and artists from Dade City, Zephyrhills, Wesley Chapel and beyond are busy preparing for another set of shows Nov. 1 at the Dade City Woman’s Club, 37922 Palm Ave. Spectators can expect vocal and […]| The Laker/Lutz News
LAND O’ LAKES – Liza Olivia Blecher, owner of Liza Olivia Photography, earned international recognition after one of her portraits was selected for display in the SEEN AGAIN International Art Show. Liza traveled to Springfield, Illinois, where the exhibition was held Sept. 16 and 17 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. “Being featured in […]| The Laker/Lutz News
Target opens Wesley Chapel store WESLEY CHAPEL – Target was scheduled to celebrate the grand opening of its newest store in Wesley Chapel on Oct. 12. The 149,000-square-foot store, located at 27920 Pink Flamingo Lane, will employ about 170 team members and feature 16,000 square feet of fresh produce, meat and dairy. Guests can enjoy Target’s […]| The Laker/Lutz News
NEW PORT RICHEY – The New Port Richey Public Library is preparing to hit the road with a new Mobile Library Branch that will bring books, resources and services directly to the community. Launching in the coming months, this mobile branch will expand access to library materials and programs for residents who may not be able […]| The Laker/Lutz News
Saint Leo University hosting open house Oct. 25 ST. LEO – Saint Leo University will host a fall open house for prospective students. High school and transfer students and their families can explore academic programs, campus life and university resources from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 25 at 33701 County Road 52. They are […]| The Laker/Lutz News
LARGO – Arnold Jewelers has been buying and selling gold, coins and bullion in the Tampa Bay area for more than 40 years. As a family-owned business with a GIA-certified gemologist and experienced numismatist on staff, they have seen firsthand how global events, economic shifts and local demand influence gold prices. They are committed to sharing […]| The Laker/Lutz News
PASCO COUNTY – U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis and Laurel Lee are teaming up with Pasco-Hernando State College and the Pasco Dental Association to host their annual Stars, Stripes, and Smiles event. The initiative will provide urgent dental care at no cost to 100 military veterans experiencing untreated dental pain and infection. Local dentists have volunteered […]| The Laker/Lutz News
LUTZ – Hurricanes Debbie, Helene and Milton may have left Florida a year ago, but the destruction and disruption to daily living still linger. The Salvation Army continues its care and ministry through long-term recovery groups assembled to restore normalcy and quality of life to afflicted communities. “The Salvation Army always integrates recovery into […]| The Laker/Lutz News
WESLEY CHAPEL – Staff at John Long Middle School have raised more than $25,000 to help the family of a late colleague who passed away Sept. 29. Damon Zassenbraker, 52, taught history and coached the football team at the school. Principal Christine Wolff sent a letter to families Sept. 29 sharing the news of Zassenbraker’s passing. […]| The Laker/Lutz News
TAMPA – Olga Montano wiped away tears as she explained what winning the Ray Kroc Award means to her. It’s an honor given to just 1% of all managers at McDonald’s restaurants in the world. Montano works as general manager of the McDonald’s at 1520 W. Kennedy Blvd. It’s one of several restaurants in Hillsborough […]| The Laker/Lutz News
LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North urges women to make a promise to get a mammogram. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, aside from skin cancers, according to the American Cancer Society. It’s also the second-leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer. The ACS says about one in eight women will […]| The Laker/Lutz News
ST. LEO – Saint Leo University ranked 117th among the 400 national universities for social mobility in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2026 rankings, which were released Sept. 23. The rankings look at a university’s ability to enroll, retain and graduate students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and help them get high-paying jobs […]| The Laker/Lutz News
Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964| The Laker/Lutz News
LAND O’ LAKES – The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was scheduled to welcome Christopher LaFramboise and his family on Aug. 7 into a new mortgage-free smart home in the Let Us Do Good Village. LaFrambo…| The Laker/Lutz News