It’s a place of beauty. It’s a place of serenity. It’s a place of history.
Bok Tower Gardens has been a part of Florida since before the interstate highway system criss-crossed the region, becoming a popular stop since it opened in 1929.
But even before the park opened, there were some who didn’t believe the Lake Wales landmark would survive the year, let alone decades.
“There were a lot of naysayers who said you couldn’t plant on a sand hill and it would be hard to keep things alive,” Bok Tower Gardens president David Price told reporter B.C. Manion.
Instead, it became a gift from The Ladies Home Journal editor Edward W. Bok to Florida, and is one that keeps on giving.
Too see some of the great images of gardens, and find out if it’s worth the trip, check out this week’s print edition, which you also can read online here.
Speaking of beauty, Pasco County commissioners want to keep their county looking as amazing as possible, and it might mean making some changes to the way residents can report code violations.
Commissioner Kathryn Starkey wants to give residents a chance to report violations anonymously, similar to what other communities inside the county do. This, she said, would allow for more people to become involved, without fear of retaliation.
But not everyone is convinced.
“I am very concerned with going anonymous,” Commissioner Henry Wilson said during a recent workshop in Dade City, as reported by Michael Hinman. “I think it would be a huge burden to the (code enforcement) officers, but I will defer to them. If they think it’s the better option to do that, then I would be willing to look into it.”
What do the other commissioners think? Check out this week’s print edition, or read the story online by clicking here.
And finally, Bruce Hockensmith and his crew of flag wavers have made their home in front of the Old Lutz School every Friday for more than a decade. And all they want is for people to remember there are service members in harm’s way overseas, and they continue to need our support.
“If you stand here and watch us, you’ll hear the horns honking and see the lights flashing,” Hockensmith told reporter Michael Murillo. “It’s like a silent majority, people who support the troops.”
Get the full story in this week’s Lutz News, which you can read online right here.
All of these stories and more can be found in this week’s The Laker/Lutz News, available in newsstands throughout east and central Pasco County as well as northern Hillsborough County. Find out what has your community talking this week by getting your local news straight from the only source you need.
If The Laker/Lutz News is not coming to your door, call us to see where you can get your copy at (813) 909-2800, or read our free e-edition by clicking here.
