The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

B.C. Manion

Resolve to have fun in 2017

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Maybe 2017 is the year that you’re going to have more fun.

But, perhaps you want to improve planning your activities, and to get a better handle on your spending, too.

The Laker/Lutz News is here to help.

Whether you’re new to area, or have lived here for decades, this guide is intended to help you plan fun activities for you and your family, without breaking the bank.

January
Raising Cane, a sweet & spicy event
When: Jan. 14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
How much: Admission: $5 per person
Details: Cane syrup making, cane syrup competition, chili cook-off, salsa competition, greased pole climbing, iron skillet toss, entertainment and vendors

This blues band is keeping the crowd entertained at the Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues fest. (File Photos)

Seventh annual Pigs in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues
When: Jan 21, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 5200 Airport Road, at the new community venue
How much: Free admission; $10 parking
Details: Mouth-watering barbecue, blues music, classic car show, aircraft displays, World War II museum, beer and wine, gift vendors, business showcase, kids zone and more
For information, call (813) 782-1913, or visit ZephyrhillsChamber.org.

 

12th annual Suncoast Arts Fest
When: Jan. 21, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Jan. 22, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel
How much: Free admission and parking
Details: More than 125 fine artists and craftsmen; live entertainment; emerging artist booth, featuring work of area middle and high school students; street painting; roaming entertainers; and, free art projects for the kids

Dade City’s annual Kumquat Festival
When: Jan. 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Dade City
How much: Admission and parking are free; free shuttles for satellite lots
What: Local entertainment, antique cars, arts and crafts, activities for kids, vendors, health and wellness, kumquat pies, kumquat products, quilt challenge and more
Several events are held leading up to the festival, visit DadeCityChamber.org for information.

February
Farm Fest & Quilt Show
When: Feb. 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Feb. 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Florida Pioneer Museum & Village,15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
How much: $10 per day, or $15 for both days.
What: Draft horse pull on Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Bring your own lawn chair, limited seating); quilt show, activities, music and more
For information, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Florida Ranch Days
When: Feb. 11 and Feb. 12
Where: Little Everglades Ranch, 17951 Hamilton Road, Dade City
How much: Free admission; parking, $10 for cars and $25 for RVs
Details: Live entertainment on multiple stages; guided ranch tours on hay wagons; swamp buggy rides; trading post; food roundup; children’s area; and more
For information, visit RanchDays.com.

Third annual Snowbird Palooza
When: Feb. 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
How much: Free parking and free admission
Details: Entertainment, speakers, coffee and donuts social, Bingo tent, live magician, art classes and more
For information, email .s.

Pasco County Fair
When: Feb. 20 to Feb. 26
Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City
Details: Midway, fair food, entertainment, competitions
For a schedule of events, admission charge and other information, visit PascoCountyFair.com.

March
Flea Market at the Old Lutz School
When: March 3 and March 4
Where: The Old Lutz School, 18819 U.S. 41 N.
How much: Admission is free.
Details: Thousands of items for sale to generate funds for causes supported by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club.

Second annual Land O’ Lakes Music Fest
When: March 11, noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
How much: Early bird $10 general admission, $15 at the gate; Early bird $25 reserved seating, $30 at the gate; $5 parking.
Details: Live music, car show, bounce houses, obstacle course, video games, food and drink vendors, business and arts & crafts showcase. No outside food or coolers allowed. Event will be held, rain or shine.

Founders’ Day Parade in Zephyrhills
When: March 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Main Street Zephyrhills District
How much: Free admission
Details: A parade to celebrate Founders’ Day in Zephyrhills. This year’s theme is classic board games.
For information, visit MSZI.org.

Savage Race
When: March 18 and March 19
Where: 17951 Hamilton Road, Dade City
Details: Twenty-five obstacles, mud in your underwear, chip timing, T-shirt, beer, action photos, camaraderie, memories
For information, visit SavageRace.com.

Dogs Day in Dade City
When: March 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Agnes Lamb Park, in downtown Dade City
Details: Dog wagon parade, dog costume contest, canine got talent, ice cream/yogurt eating contest and more

Zephyrhills Pie Festival
When: March 25, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
How much: Free admission and parking; $10 all-you-can-eat pie buffet, from noon until 3 p.m.
Details: Pie bakers and vendors, slices of pie and whole pies for sale; pie-eating contests, a pie buffet, local business showcase, kids’ area, DJ entertainment and other activities

Gran Fondo Florida
When: March 26, start time 8 a.m.
Where: San Antonio
Details: Bicycle road race through the rolling hills of Dade City and San Antonio. Cyclists can choose to ride three distances: 30 miles, 60 miles or 100 miles, and are timed on certain stretches of the race.For information, visit GranFondoNationalChampionshipSeries.com.

April
Jelly Bean Fling
When: April 8, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
Details: Easter bunny, Easter bonnet parade, egg hunt, face painting, bounce house and more
For information, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Easter Sunrise Service
Where: Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills
When: April 16, 6:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.
How much: Free admission
Details: Live Christian music, an inspirational message, a live dove release and free refreshments. Seating is limited and lawn chairs are encouraged.

 

 

 

 

Wesley Chapel Boat Show
When: April 21 to April 23
Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel
For information, visit TheShopsatWiregrass.com.

June
Third Annual Zephyrhills SummerFest
Where: Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
When: June 24, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
How much: Free admission, free parking
Details: Live entertainment; bounce houses, slides, a rock wall, trampoline and other kids’ activities; vendor village of arts & crafters; pet friendly; fireworks at sunset
For information, contact .

July
What: Lutz Fourth of July
When: July 4, parade starts at 10 a.m. (There’s a race and other festivities before and after the parade). More details will be available closer to the event.
Where: Downtown Lutz, near the Train Depot
How much: Admission and parking are free.

November
29th annual Florida Bug Jam
When: Nov. 11 and Nov. 12
Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City
For details, visit FloridaBugJam.com.

 

 

 

December
Lutz Arts & Crafts Show
When: Dec. 2 and Dec. 3|
Where: Keystone Preparatory High School, 18105 Gunn Highway in Odessa
Details: Hundreds of arts and crafts vendors and food booths in an annual show that draws tens of thousands of shoppers

Christmas in the Park
When: Traditionally held on the first Sunday in December
Where: City Park, 12202 Main St., in downtown San Antonio
How much: Free admission, free refreshments
Details: Annual lighting of giant Christmas cards, old-fashioned carol singing and other nostalgic touches.

Tampa Tour de Clay
When: Dec. 9 and Dec. 10
Where: Stops at area pottery studios
How much: The tour is free.
Details: Those making the tour will have the chance to watch kiln openings, talk with nationally known ceramic artists and perhaps do a bit of shopping.
For details, visit TampaTourDeClay.com.

Church Street Christmas
When: Traditionally held on select dates in December
Where: Historic Church Avenue in Dade City
How much: Admission is free
Details: Enjoy carolers, musicians and other entertainers along a street where the sidewalks are lit by luminaries and the houses are brilliantly decorated.

Old Lutz School Christmas House
When: Traditionally held on select dates in December
Where: 18819 U.S. 41 N.
How much: Free admission; donations of toys and nonperishable foods are encouraged
For details, visit OldLutzSchool.com.

Festival of Lights on Main Street
When: Traditionally held on the first Saturday in December
Where: On Fifth Avenue, from Seventh to 10th streets in downtown Zephyrhills
How much: Admission is free
Details: The event includes food, entertainment, holiday activities and a Christmas parade.

REGIONAL EVENTS
These events are beyond The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, but may be of interest to our readers.

Gasparilla Parade of Pirates
When: Jan. 28, 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: The parade goes from Bay to Bay and Bayshore boulevards, and continues on a route through downtown Tampa, ending at Cass Street and Ashely Drive. (People begin gathering hours before the parade begins; parking can be difficult to find).
Details: The parade includes 130 units, including floats, marching bands, pirates and more.

Florida State Fair
When: Feb. 9 through Feb. 20
Where: Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 N.
Details: Fair foods, midway, entertainment, competitions
For information, visit FloridaStateFair.com.

Bay Area Renaissance Festival
When: Weekends, Feb. 18 through April 2
Where: 11315 N. 46th St., Tampa
How much: $17.95 adults, $9.95 children; free parking
Details: Step back to medieval times, with live jousting, and old time foods and shops.
For information, visit BayAreaRenFest.com.

Strawberry Festival
When: March 2 through March 12
Where: 303 N. Lemon St., Plant City
Details: Strawberry shortcake, entertainment, festival rides, contests, fair foods, competitions and more.
For information, visit FlStrawberryFestival.com.

Chasco Fiesta
When: March 24 through April 1
Where: Downtown New Port Richey
Details: Chasco Fiesta is a nine-day festival with events ranging from a Native American Pow Wow, to a street parade, to a boat parade to shows, a carnival, a fiesta and more.
For information, visit ChascoFiesta.com.

Florida Blueberry Festival
When: April 22, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and April 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Historic downtown Brooksville
How much: $10 for adults (over 18); $5 for ages 13 to 17; free for those 12 and under; $5 in designated parking areas. The event is pet friendly.
Details: Entertainment, fresh blueberries, kids zone, arts and crafts, beer, wine, food and more
For information, visit FloridaBlueberryFestival.org.

Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat Races
When: April 29, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Contachobee Fort Brooke Park, 601 Old Water St., Tampa Bay
Details: Rowing teams compete
For information, visit PanamDragonBoat.com, and click on “Events.”

GeckoFest
When: Sept. 2, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 3101 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport
Details: The theme of the 17th annual GeckoFest will be Geckostock, a celebration of the 1969 Woodstock Festival, as was hippies and the “Peace and Love” generation.

Published January 4, 2017

School board seeks higher impact fees

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Pasco County School Board members are asking the Pasco County Commission to significantly boost school impact fees charged against new residential construction.

The board voted on Dec. 20 to seek impact fees of $9,174 for single-family detached residences; $3,693 for single-family attached residences; $5,382 for multi-family dwellings; and $5,634 for mobile homes.

New home construction in the Wiregrass Ranch area, and in other communities, is causing enrollments to rise in area schools.
(File Photos)

That compares to the current rates of $4,876.28 for single-family detached; $1,757.40 for single-family attached; $1,873.55 for multifamily; and, $2,871.43 for mobile homes.

In Pasco County, a school impact fee is assessed on the builder for the construction of every new home with the exception of 55 and older communities.

The theory behind impact fees is that new growth should pay for itself, instead of increasing the burden on existing residents.

Pasco County’s school impact fees have not increased since 2005, but continued residential growth in the county is generating increased student enrollment. The county initially adopted impact fees in 2001.

The new rates being proposed now are based on an impact fee study commissioned by the school board. The analysis was conducted by Tischler Bise, a consulting firm based in Bethesda, Maryland.

“We have a new impact fee study that is recommending that we impose a larger fee on housing construction in Pasco County,” Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent said, during the board’s Dec. 20 meeting.

“We’re in a county that’s in a very high-growth trend,” Gadd said.

“As you well know, from Wesley Chapel to Trinity and up (U.S.) Highway 41, the building industry in Pasco County is exploding,” he added.

Carson Bise, president of the Tischler Bise, who addressed the board also had held an impact fee workshop with board members before the evening meeting.

Wiregrass Elementary School opened in August to help relieve crowding in nearby schools. Pasco County Schools can’t build schools fast enough to accommodate the district’s increasing enrollment.

At the evening session, Bise said, “We’ve made some, what we think are rather conservative projections of students over the next five- to 10 years, based on the most recent building permit trend.

“However, I would argue that that building permit trend is likely to increase in the future.

“Just with this conservative growth estimate, we estimate over 5,200 new students over the next five years and almost 10,500 students over the next 10 years,” he said.

“To give you a better flavor, the average annual increase of students over the last four years has been about 1,400, and this year’s increase in new students was over 1,800.

“We expect this growth trend to continue.

“The district’s response to this growth, in addition to the two new schools that you have opening next year, which is Cypress Creek (Middle/High) and Bexley (Elementary), the district also has plans to open four additional schools over the next 10 years, which would add approximately 6,500 student seats.

“The cost of those schools is estimated at $196 million. So, it’s clear that substantial revenue is needed to fund the growth-related capacity,” Bise said.

The district doesn’t have enough money to pay for anticipated growth, the consultant added.

Increased revenues from impact fees could be used to build new schools, add capacity to existing schools, purchase buses, furniture and fixtures.

The school board cannot increase the fees because that authority rests with the Pasco County Commission, Bise said.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore said the commission has not yet received a formal request to increase school impact fees from the school board.

He said he is willing to look at the issue and wants to form a committee.

Moore said he thinks the impact fee committee should be appointed by both the commission and the school board, and should have representatives from the housing industry, as well as parents.

He would like that committee to come up with a recommendation.

Moore also wants commissioners to have the opportunity to ask questions of the consultant who recommended the proposed increases.

The commission chairman also wants to find out more about the history of school impact fees in Pasco, as well as what the other sources of school funding are and how they are used.

He thinks that the issue is important enough that commissioners should consider having a workshop on the topic, to ensure they have enough time for questions and discussion.

Published January 4, 2017

2016 marked by rapid growth, touching moments

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The national election captured headlines and attention, but 2016 was an eventful year in many other ways, as well, across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

The big story is the region’s growth.

Eighty-eight-year-old Angel Torres, center, a veteran from Puerto Rico and a resident of the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home, is being positioned to have his photograph taken by Mark Fosket, of Valrico, during the ‘Honor Flight’ ceremony at the nursing home. Gabrielle Perrella, a volunteer from Baltimore, Maryland, who is dressed in a uniform costume, posed with each veteran for their portrait.
(File Photos)

New houses are popping up all over the place, with developments such as Long Lake Ranch, Estancia at Wiregrass Ranch, Connerton, Bexley and Asturia, just some of the residential communities beckoning to buyers.

Pasco County is on the move in many other ways, too.

A futuristic, technology-based network of communities across 7,800 acres in northeast Pasco County is in its planning stages.

Raymond James Financial has closed on a deal to buy 65 acres across from Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, with the financial services giant expected to have hundreds of workers in Pasco County at some point.

Florida Hospital Center Ice — a new 150,000-square-foot hockey arena and sports complex — is nearly set to open, and that is expected to be a big draw for both tournaments and tourists.

And then, there’s the commercial development that continues to transform the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor, especially near the Interstate75/State Road 56 interchange.

Just in that vicinity alone, there’s Tampa Premium Outlets, Longhorn Steakhouse, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Chick-fil-A and Culver’s.

A 186,000-square-foot Costco Wholesale is expected to open in February, with an estimated 200 employees.

A historic photo of a baptism of members of the First Baptist Church of Lutz.

Just across the road, on the north side of State Road 56, Cypress Creek Town Center — another shopping development — is being built.

There are also plans for a new cinema, grocery store, apartments, shops and restaurants next to The Shops at Wiregrass, off State Road 56.

Of course, all of this growth is compounding traffic problems on area roads — and numerous projects are underway or are expected to begin work in coming years.

Improvements are expected to begin near the I-75/State Road 56 interchange. Wesley Chapel Boulevard is slated to be widened. An extension of State Road 56 is planned between Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills, and discussion continues about the best solution for reducing congestion at U.S. 41 and State Road 54.

Growth is putting the squeeze on schools, too.

Pasco County Schools can’t keep pace with growing enrollments.

The district opened Wiregrass Elementary School, in Wesley Chapel, in August, to reduce crowding at area schools.

In the coming school year, it plans to open Bexley Elementary and Cypress Creek Middle/High.

Bexley is being built in a new subdivision off State Road 54. Cypress Creek Middle/High is going up on Old Pasco Road.

School board members gave preliminary approval for boundaries for Bexley and Cypress Creek at a contentious public hearing on Dec. 20. A final vote is expected on Jan. 17.

But, school board members and Superintendent Kurt Browning said the new schools fall far short of addressing district needs. They want the Pasco County Commission to require new residential construction to pay higher impact fees to support school construction.

Paramedic John Ward helps Sister Helen Lange blow out the candles that lit up her 103rd birthday cake at a party at Heritage Park in Dade City.

While growth and its ripple effects clearly dominated the news, there were plenty of other notable moments within the region during 2016.

For instance, there were heroics in everyday life.

On June 3, a fire claimed the life of a tiny black Chihuahua named Peanut, but not until after the dog’s persistent barking saved the life of three generations of a Lutz family.

Later that same week, quick actions by a student at Saddlebrook Preparatory School in Wesley Chapel averted potential tragedy at the international boarding school for aspiring golf and tennis players.

A student smelled smoke, investigated, pulled the alarm and help to ensure that all 28 students and two adults got out of the dorm safely.

It took 55 firefighters more than 1 ½ hours to put out the blaze.

This past year also was one of milestones and celebrations.

The First Baptist Church in Lutz celebrated its 75th anniversary, The San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival turned a half-century, Cox Elementary School turned 90 and the Town of St. Leo marked its 125th anniversary.

On a more personal note, Sister Helen Lange, of Dade City, received a surprise cake to mark her 103rd year on Sept. 28 in Dade City, and Nellie and Gain Hughs Bailey Sr., of Lutz, celebrated 70 years of married life on March 31.

There were inspiring moments, too.

Hundreds of people turned out for the “Honor Flight” celebration on Aug. 20, at the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Home in Land O’ Lakes. The event provided a virtual tour of the nation’s war monuments because these veterans are unable to make the trip to Washington D.C.

The stands were also filled at Ron Allen Field at Gaither High School, in North Tampa, to attend the June 15 vigil to honor Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, one of 49 people killed during a mass shooting on June 12 at Pulse nightclub in Orlando.

There was the inspiring message, too, from Immaculee Ilibagiza, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide, who spoke at two days of gatherings at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz.

Ilibagiza’s family, friends and other members of her tribe were brutally murdered in Rwanda, but through her faith, she was able to forgive the killers.

Forgiveness, the genocide survivor said, brings freedom.

Published December 28, 2016

School boundaries gain preliminary approval

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The Pasco County School Board has given preliminary approval to new school boundaries for the 2017-2018 school year.

The board’s action came after a contentious public hearing on the proposed boundaries for Cypress Creek Middle/High School, set to open in fall 2017.

The proposed boundaries for Bexley Elementary, being built off State Road 54, on the other hand, drew no public opposition.

Bexley is intended to reduce crowding at Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools. The proposed boundaries also provide additional students for Lake Myrtle Elementary.

Kurt Browning

Cypress Creek Middle/High School will open initially for students in sixth through 11th grades, and will add a senior class during its second year of operations.

Its proposed boundaries will affect Rushe, John Long and Weightman middle schools, and for Sunlake, Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass Ranch high schools.

Despite considerable opposition, school board members supported Superintendent Kurt Browning’s recommended option for the Cypress Creek Middle/High boundaries.

Some speakers criticized Browning and questioned his motives for disregarding the boundary committee’s recommended option and substituting his own recommendation.

Others, however, applauded Browning, saying his option makes the most sense.

In a letter to parents, Browning said his recommended option would result in the least disruption and avoid the possibility of Seven Oaks being rezoned twice in as few as four years.

School board member Steve Luikart did not support any of the proposed boundaries.

Instead, Luikart said if students need to be rezoned, it should only be at the end of elementary school or middle school.

Rezoning them at any other time is disruptive, Luikart said.

School Board Chairman Allen Altman said after reading scores of emails, he came to the conclusion that even people living in the same community can’t agree on the best solution.

In the end, board members have to do their own due diligence, Altman said.

Colleen Beaudoin, who joined the board this year, was taking part in her first rezoning process. She said she found it heartbreaking to see neighborhoods pitted against each other.

Board members Cynthia Armstrong and Alison Crumbley said they understand that parents don’t want their children rezoned, and they emphasized they don’t take the issue lightly.

While some people were thrilled by the board’s vote to back Browning’s recommendation, others were clearly dejected.

The board is slated to take final action on school boundaries for 2017-2018 at its Jan. 17 meeting.

For more information, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/planning/rezoning/.

Published December 28, 2016

‘Freeing’ birds from blocks of wood

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Edna Speyrer was just a college student when a visit to a furniture store changed her life.

While there, she saw a carving of a matador and a bull.

“They were priced at $50 a piece. I said, ‘I can do that,’” she said.

Edna Speyrer can spend hours in her workshop, absorbed in the quest to unearth beauty from blocks of wood.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

So, she got a piece of mahogany wood and went to work on it. She spent several months, using her Case pocket knife, to create the three-dimensional figure, with its considerable detail.

“I ended up doing two bulls and two horses, and then that was the end of that,” said Speyrer, who now lives in Land O’ Lakes.

Years passed before she did any additional carving.

“Then, at the place where I was working, there was this fella that did carving — this was in Baton Rouge — and he said, ‘There’s a carving club in Baton Rouge. You need to join.’

“So, after a lot of coaxing. I decided to go one night,” Speyrer recalled.

“It was mostly men, and everybody would bring what they were working on, or what they had just finished. It was kind of a show and tell.

“I looked at this stuff. It was mostly birds.

A perch provides a perfect place to display a carving of a Blue Jay or a Carolina chickadee or Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

“And I thought, ‘Oh, gosh, if I could only do half that good, I would be pleased.’

“And so, I started.

“Some of the members would give weekend seminars, and then everything started falling in place and (my) birds started looking pretty good.

“Every year, they have a big carving show in New Orleans. They coaxed me into entering and so I entered. I won ‘Best of Show’ as a novice.

“The next time I entered, I entered as an amateur, and I did well with that, and it just sort of spurs you on,” she said.

She entered shows for several years, but at some point stopped competing.

She’s never stopped carving.

She also began attending seminars — learning techniques from some of the best woodcarvers in the world.

A duck that’s familiar to many, Mallards are found throughout North America and Eurasia, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The male’s gleaming green head, gray flanks, and black tail-curl arguably make it the most easily identified duck, the ornithology lab’s website says.

Those seminars have taken her to Pennsylvania, Vermont, Arizona, Indiana and other places.

Her interest continued to grow, and she traveled to see birds in their natural settings.

She’s been to South America, Africa, Asia and Europe. She’s also visited New Zealand, 40-plus states and to several national parks.

She’s been to Alaska, twice.

Over time, she expanded her toolkit, too.

She carves her birds from Tupelo gum wood, which is ideal because the wood has an intertwined grain, which resists splitting while being carved.

She uses patterns to sketch out the basic shape of the bird.

After carving the bird, she begins working to contour it — delineating different areas of the bird for feather groupings.

Each feather is richly detailed, and she uses a burning process to bring out its texture.

This collection of tools includes a burning tool used to burn barbs into feathers on the birds that Edna Speyrer creates from blocks of wood. Other items she uses in her work include a spatula for blending paint, an epoxy for gluing bases and other small details, pencils for marking feather groupings and the location of bird eyes.

The high-pitched whirring sounds in her workshop are reminiscent of a dentist’s drill, and fine-grained wood dust flies, as she works to create birds that look real.

She is a stickler for detail.

She uses knowledge she has gained through the years to carve birds that are anatomically correct. She uses reference materials she’s collected to guide her painting.

She enjoys blending colors — and confesses that she has a knack for getting the exact shade she needs.

She also buys clear glass eyes for her birds — of varying sizes — and then paints them according to her needs.

“Some birds have yellow eyes. Some have red eyes. Some have brown eyes,” she said.

The Land O’ Lakes woman said she never thought that a simple trip to a furniture store would lead her into an entirely new universe.

“You learn all kinds of interesting things,” she said. She added: “When I was a teenager, I bet I didn’t know the names of 10 different birds.”

Since then, she has carved hundreds of birds, in about 75 different species.

She thoroughly enjoys the challenge.

Edna Speyrer begins each carving with a block of tupelo gum, which she cuts, burns, shapes and paints. She’s carved hundreds of birds over roughly 60 years.

“I think you get a tremendous amount of self-satisfaction out of producing something from a block of wood. You have to just imagine that he’s in there. You just have to remove what doesn’t look like him.”

She gets so immersed that she often is absorbed in the pursuit for hours.

“I just lose track of time,” said Speyrer, who worked as a teacher and as a security guard before retiring at the age of 57.

She enjoys learning from master carvers and developing friendships with other carving enthusiasts.

Carving birds has never been her sole source of income, but she does sell her work. Her pieces range from $200 to $2,500.

Some of her birds are on display at a gift shop in Cedar Key. She also does work on commission. She also is open to private appointments with potential buyers.

Some birds require more time and energy to create, but even if it meant parting with the piece that’s become most precious to her, Speyrer said she wouldn’t hesitate to sell it.

“I can always carve me another one,” she said.

If you’d like to know about Speyrer’s birds, you can reach her by calling (225) 485-1374.

Published December 28, 2016

Telling life stories, through ornaments

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The ornaments on the Christmas tree in Becky Wanamaker’s Land O’ Lakes home are like tiny snapshots of the family’s life.

“Everything on there is significant — has a story, or represents a memory,” she said.

“They’re either passed down from the family, they’re something I made as a kid, got on a trip or was given as a gift,” Wanamaker said.

“You see the Snoopy one up at the top?

Ink, compressed air and glass ornaments are used to create one-of-a-kind ornaments.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

“That thing has traveled multiple states. Somebody made it for him (her husband Wayne), when he was a couple of years old.

“All of these faded ones here are his grandparents’ ornaments.

“This is an ornament he made with his grandmother, when he was a kid,” she said.

There’s one ornament — that Wanamaker’s mom made for her — that dates back to the 1970s.

There are decorations that Wanamaker made for her children, Ewan, Ridley and Amelie, too.

“This star with Ewan’s name on it is something I made with him when he was probably about a year old. This one is my daughter’s. She was about a year old. It has her picture on it.
Other ornaments remind the family of events from their lives, or places they’ve been.

She hopes the ornaments she now creates as an artist will become a keepsake for the people who purchase or receive them.

A car accident and a burglary combined to set Becky Wanamaker on a new path in life. She now creates unique Christmas ornaments, using a method she calls fluid abstract art.

“I look at these ornaments as treasures they can pass down, from generation to generation,” she said, of the 4-inch glass orbs that she transforms into works of art.

“I am what I call a fluid, abstract artist,” she said. ““I do fluid abstract art paintings, using inks and pigments and resin. The ornaments are one facet of what I do.”

She applies inks to the interior of the glass ball, then uses pressurized air to direct the flow of the ink. She often applies several layers of color.

The result is a unique, hand-crafted ornament.

“No two are exactly alike.

“I might use the same colors,” she said.

But, she added, “because of the way I do them, I can’t make duplicates.

Some of the inks used to create the ornaments. No two are alike.

“I can make them look like they belong together, as a set, but they’re all different from one another,” Wanamaker said.

The ornaments range from $15 to $20 each, with discounts available for orders of three or more.

Wanamaker enjoys creating the ornaments and can personalize them to suit the customer’s needs.

“If you want a message or a name or a date, I’ll do that. I’ve done ornaments for marriages.

“I’ve done ornaments for a child’s first Christmas. I’ve done ornaments in memory of someone who has passed. I’ve done ornaments for people’s dogs,” she said.

Some people want ornaments representing a specific team’s colors. Others want to say: “Merry Christmas from the Sunshine State,” she said.

“Ornaments can signify so many things,” the Land O’ Lakes woman said.

Indeed, on one level, the fact is these ornaments reflect a significant change in the direction of Wanamaker’s life.

This is what the ornaments look like before Becky Wanamaker’s artistry begins.

She had been working a freelance graphic designer when she was involved in a car accident two years ago, in November. Two days later her house was robbed. Her computer was stolen, and her house was ransacked.

“Those two things, back to back, just kind of put everything into a tailspin for me. So, I took a job managing an office, doing nothing creative because I just didn’t have it in me,” she said.

But, around October of last year, she felt the urge to do something artistic, she said.

“I came across these inks. They’re called alcohol inks. I started on paper, then I experimented with it on glass faces.

“I was at Michael’s one day and they had these glass ornaments, and I thought, ‘You know, those would probably be cool to do for Christmas.’ I was just doing it for myself.

“I shared what I created on Facebook, and before I knew it, I had people who wanted to buy the ornaments and the vases, and what not.

“Fast-forward a year, I left my job at the company, and I am pursuing a full-time career as an artist,” she said.

Compressed air is used to move and dry various ‘layers’ of ink, that she has applied inside clear glass ornament balls.

Most of her customers come from social media or word-of-mouth, she said. She also sells at art shows and festivals, and in a gallery in Ybor City.

Next year, she’d like to branch out to teach some classes.

As she creates her art, she wants to keep it affordable.

“I need to make money on it, but I don’t need to make a killing on it,” she said. Plus, she added, “I’m still an emerging artist.”

When she reflects upon the accident and the recent changes in her life, she thinks they were meant to be.

“I think everything happens for a reason,” Wanamaker said.

The car accident left her with back injuries, she said, which she expects to deal with for the rest of her life. But she said, it taught her something, too.

“You learn, after something like that happens, that the material stuff just doesn’t matter,” she said.

“I think everything is a journey in life. It’s a matter of how you look at it,” Wanamaker said.

“I always wanted to be an artist. I just didn’t think I could make a living on it,” she said.

Besides giving her a chance to express her creativity, Wanamaker said her work has other, intangible rewards.

She gets to play a role in helping others to create memories, and, she said: “I know in the end, it’s going to make somebody happy.”

It is too late for ornament orders for this Christmas, but Wanamaker accepts orders all year. So, if you’d like to order some ornaments or want to know more about Wanamaker’s work, you can email her at .

Published December 21, 2016

Celebrating the gift of life, at Christmas

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Joan Hamm was asleep when she felt an incredible pain in her chest.

She woke up, called 9-1-1 and unlocked her front door.

Emergency personnel found her, when they arrived, and set into motion a series of actions to save the 77-year-old Dade City woman’s life.

Joan Hamm of Dade City, March 2016 patient, with Amanda Martin, Monica Anderson and Wayne Ruppert.
(Photos courtesy of Richard K. Riley)

Armando Lopez Jr., was watching television in his Hernando County home when suddenly he blacked out.

He recalls parts of what happened next: His son administering CPR, his wife calling 9-1-1, and emergency crews taking him to the hospital.

But, he said his memory is spotty because he was in and out of consciousness.

Both Hamm and Lopez were among surviving patients invited to Bayfront Health Dade City’s fourth annual Lifesaver’s Awards banquet.

About 65 people attended the event, which included hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, a catered meal and an awards presentation. Those recognized during the event each received a citation of meritorious performance.

The banquet recognizes the work of emergency personnel, physicians and the Bayfront Health Dade City associates who successfully revived patients whose hearts stopped beating and who were “clinically dead.”

“With Lifesavers, we reunite the patient with their family and everybody who helped take care of them,” said Wayne Ruppert Jr., master of ceremonies for the awards banquet. He is the hospital’s cardiovascular care coordinator. He also received an award during the ceremony.

Hamm was pleased to be there, accompanied by members of her family.

She characterized the banquet as “uplifting and inspiring.

Back row, left to right: Wayne Ruppert, Monica Andersen, Nicholas Jordan-Topp, Fakhreddin Fard, John Kinzie, Raul Cruz and Amanda Martin.
Front row, left to right: Suzanne Green Lopez, Armando D. Lopez III, Armando Lopez Jr. (the patient who was saved) and Nancy M. Lopez.

Hamm added: “I am so happy that somebody thanks these people for what they do.

“So many times, the EMTs never know what happens to the person.

“All of those people were so nice to me. My brothers were here and my stepdaughter. They just couldn’t say enough good things. They said, ‘I’ve never seen people so nice and so concerned, and so helpful as they were, at the hospital here,” Hamm said.

The Dade City woman said she doesn’t’ recall much of what happened to her, but she has a report that provides a minute-by-minute account.

One thing is certain, Hamm said: It never was a sure thing that she’d walk away from the hospital, especially without deficits.

“For several days, they didn’t know which way it was going to go,” Hamm said.

She was in the hospital for about a week and then at a nursing home for a couple of more before returning home.

“I did my physical therapy. I did a lot better than they thought I would do. They just said they never dreamed it would all end up so good,” Hamm said.

Lopez, a retired postal worker, appreciates the outstanding care that he received.

“I just wanted to mention that the care that I received at Bayfront Health Dade City was excellent. It’s a small hospital, but it’s really great.”

“I’m very grateful to the fire rescue and Bayfront Health (Dade City) for saving my life,” Lopez added. “I can’t thank them enough.”

He especially appreciates the additional time he’s been able to spend with his family.

Ruppert, who had spent most of his career working for St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa and St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, joined the Bayfront Health Dade City’s staff four years ago.

He was immediately impressed by the skills he saw exhibited by emergency responders and hospital personnel.

“Performance is gauged in the cath lab, by door to balloon,” Ruppert said.

“When a patient comes in the door having a heart attack — how fast do you get them on the cath lab table, get a balloon in their heart, and balloon open the blockage and put a stent in?

“That’s when the heart attack stops.

“So, the stop watch begins when they come in the front door, and it ends when you restore blood flow to the part of the heart where the blockage was blocking blood flow,” he said.

“The statistical survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is around 7 percent, and that’s according to a recent Heart Association American College of Cardiology Journal paper,” Ruppert said. “BayFront Health Dade City, typically, every year is two to three times that amount.”

Two of the patients who were invited to the banquet had experienced prolonged down times, Ruppert said.

If CPR isn’t started within 4 minutes to 6 minutes, brain cells begin to die, he said, and historically the survival rate for those patients is low.

There is a therapy called Therapeutic Hypothermia that can be used to cool down the patient’s core body temperature to chill the temperature of the brain to preserve brain cells, Ruppert said, and that was used on two patients who had prolonged down times.

Due to that treatment and the good care they received, Ruppert said, “they walked out of the hospital with no deficit. They’re totally normal.”

Hamm was one of those patients.

“I feel very blessed,” she said.

Published December 21, 2016

Spreading cheer, and cuddly bears, at Christmas

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A Land O’ Lakes mom recently led an effort to help less fortunate children by making stuffed bears and other animals at Build-A-Bear Workshop at The Shops at Wiregrass.

“I made an event on Facebook,” said Cindy Ross, whose business RP&G Printing, is in Wesley Chapel.

Cindy Ross, of RP&G Printing in Wesley Chapel, welcomes guests to a fundraiser at Build-A-Bear at The Shops at Wiregrass. The fundraiser was originally started by her daughter as a service project.
(Mary Rathman/Staff Photos)

“I asked people to come build a bear. Bring their kids, bring their family. Just have fun building a bear that they’re willing to donate,” she said.

She also announced the event through The Laker/Lutz News.

Twenty-seven people came out to build stuffed animals and 11 others who couldn’t come donated money.

The volunteers made a total of 70 bears and other animals with a total estimated value of more than $1,100, Ross said, expressing gratitude for all of the help.

The people at Build-A-Bear Workshop were fantastic, she said. And, the volunteers were great, too, she added.

“A lot of the people I’ve met through the years — with my business and with the chamber and with my friends — this community is just truly amazing. I definitely want to say, ‘Thank you so much,’ to all these people. This would not have happened at all, if these people in our community, weren’t as giving and caring as they are,” she said.

Ross said she was inspired to organize the event by her daughter, Miranda, who originally came up with the idea when she was a student at Wesley Chapel High School.

Miranda thought it would be fun to create cuddly stuffed animals for kids who couldn’t make them for themselves, and she enlisted a couple of her friends, Cindy Ross recalled.

Barbara Wilson, Jennifer Crissey and Stephanie Vokes have their Build-A-Bear minions and bears in hand, ready to stuff.

“We did The Joshua House, and we had a pretty good turnout.

“So, she did it for two or three more years, up through high school,” Cindy Ross added.

Miranda and her friends made 55 bears during her senior year, before the young woman headed off to college to the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.

A couple of years ago, Cindy Ross decided to revive the effort.

“I asked my friends, my neighbors, did a little event on Facebook.

“Two years ago, I did it, and we donated them to Farmworkers Self-Help. I want to say, I had maybe 20 bears or stuffed animals.

“I didn’t do it last year, but I decided this year I wanted to do it again.

Guests lined up at the bins to choose which animal to stuff and dress for the fundraiser at Build-A-Bear in Wesley Chapel.

“It’s something I would like to continue to do every year,” she said.

“I just felt, just really the calling,” she said.

The bears and stuffed animals will go to children who live in the areas of Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and East Pasco, she said.

“There are so many people and kids in need, all over the place.

Some of the stuffed animals were delivered to Double Branch Elementary. Others will go to children of people being served by Sunrise of Pasco County Inc., Domestic and Sexual Violence Center, and also to other children in need at area elementary schools.

Cindy Ross said her husband, Kent, also pitches in.

The Wesley Chapel business woman said she plans to organize the event again next year, and she wants it come full circle.

She wants Miranda, who now lives in Jacksonville Beach, to get back into the act.

“I told her last night, ‘Definitely, next year when we plan this, we’re going to plan it on a day that you can be there. We’ll make it an annual thing, together.”

Published December 14, 2016

Boundary proposals draw fire

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The Pasco County School Board is in for a long meeting on Dec. 20, if parent meetings on proposed school boundaries are any indication.

Board members are scheduled to hold public meetings on school boundaries proposed for Bexley Elementary School, Cypress Creek Middle/High School and on rezoning changes affecting schools in West Pasco County.

Parents wore T-shirts to express opposition to Option 12, the option originally recommended for Cypress Creek Middle/High School.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

The board meets at the school district’s headquarters at 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Recommended boundaries for Bexley Elementary, which is being built in a new subdivision off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes, appear to be the least controversial.

The proposed boundaries for Bexley would reduce crowding at both Odessa and Oakstead elementary schools, and would provide additional students for Lake Myrtle Elementary.

Controversy ratchets up when it comes to proposed boundaries for Cypress Creek Midde/High School, now under construction on Old Pasco Road.

The middle/high school initially will serve sixth- through 11th-grade students, and will add a senior class during its second year of operations.

Its proposed boundaries for Cypress Creek Middle/High affect Rushe, John Long and Weightman middle schools, and Sunlake, Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass high schools.

The atmosphere was like a pep rally during a parent meeting at Wesley Chapel High School on Nov. 29, to discuss the boundaries initially recommended by a boundary committee.

Speakers line up to express their opinions and ask questions regarding the proposed boundaries for Cypress Creek Middle/High School during a Nov. 29 parent meeting in the gymnasium at Wesley Chapel High School.

At that time, the committee was recommending that Meadow Pointe students be moved from John Long and Wiregrass Ranch, while Seven Oaks students be allowed to stay at those schools.

Now, the committee is recommending a different option.

“Instead of sending the Meadow Pointe folks, they’re sending the Seven Oaks folks to Wesley Chapel (High)/Weightman (Middle),” said Chris Williams, director of planning for Pasco County Schools.

The committee changed its original recommendation from Option 12, to Option 20. For more details, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/planning/rezoning.

“It’s going to be interesting to see what the reaction is now,” Williams said.

In addition to changes affecting Seven Oaks and Meadow Pointe, the committee has recommended changes affecting students in the Rushe and Sunlake attendance areas.

The students moving from Rushe would go ahead and move next school year, Williams said.

But the Sunlake students, in the affected area, would be phased into the new high school, Williams said. Only the freshmen in the affected area would attend Cypress Middle/High School next year. The sophomores, juniors and seniors in that area would be grandfathered in at Sunlake.

So many people showed up to a parent meeting regarding the proposed boundaries for Cypress Creek Middle/High School that Chris Williams, director of planning for Pasco County Schools, could not face the entire crowd while giving his prepared presentation. He turned during portions of the presentation, to acknowledge the people behind him.

As the ninth-graders from the Sunlake area become sophomores, a new crop of freshmen from the affected area would move to Cypress Middle/High. Eventually, the phase-in will be completed.

That approach is considered necessary, Williams said.

“Because, essentially, if we move everything we say we’re going to move into Cypress Creek, Cypress Creek is going to be over capacity, right away,” he said.

Steps are needed to provide more capacity at Rushe and Sunlake because the schools are situated in high-growth areas, and they don’t have much space available to add portable classrooms, Williams said.

Phasing in Sunlake will create transportation problems, but the district also faces that issue when it allows seniors to be grandfathered to finish out high school, Williams said.

“It’s problematic, but it’s short term,” Williams said.

Williams said he cannot recall an instance when the district has grandfathered three grades at a school, but he said there is enough space at Sunlake to do that for now.

That’s different than the situation at Wiregrass Ranch High School, which has so many students it has been operating on a 10-period day to create additional capacity, the planning director said.

If the district just moved the ninth-graders from Wiregrass, it would have to remain on a 10-period day, he said.

Despite this year’s recommendations, Williams said it’s important for Meadow Pointe residents to understand there may be a day when not all of the community’s students will be able to go to John Long and Wiregrass Ranch.

“That (school zone) is going to have to continue to get smaller as more houses are built in Wiregrass,” Williams said.

Regardless of where their children are assigned, parents raised a number of issues during parent meetings.

They wanted to know the potential impacts to academic offerings and athletic opportunities. They voiced concerns about traffic hazards and hardships on children whose learning will be disrupted. Some parents also noted their children will be attending more than one high school because their siblings are seniors and are grandfathered in at their current high school.

School boundary hearing
When: Dec. 20, 6 p.m.
Where: Pasco County School boardroom, at 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
Why: New boundaries are needed to relieve overcrowding at some schools and to provide enrollment for others.
To be sure to have the most updated information, call (813) 794-2000, or visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/planning/rezoning/.

Boundary committees making recommendations on where the lines should be drawn for schools are asked to consider these factors:

  • Socioeconomic balance
  • School feeder patterns
  • Future growth and capacity
  • Transportation issues
  • Subdivision integrity
  • Planning integrity to provide stability

Boundaries for Cypress Creek Midde/High School
The new school, which will open initially for students in sixth through 11th grades, will affect the boundaries for Rushe, John Long and Weightman middle schools, and for Sunlake, Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass Ranch high schools.

 

Boundaries for Bexley Elementary School
Proposed boundaries for Bexley Elementary School would provide relief for Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools, and will provide additional students for Lake Myrtle Elementary.

Published December 14, 2016

Learn about manatees, and maybe see some, too

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If you’re looking for something to do with out-of-town guests, want to take the family for a little getaway or simply would like to get close to nature — Tampa Electric Company’s Manatee Viewing Center may be just the place.

The center, now celebrating its 30th anniversary, is open each year from Nov. 1 through April 15.

Located at 6900 Dickman Road in Apollo Beach, the center attracts people from all over the world, said Yasmin McComber, an environmental specialist there.

“A lot of the locals love it. Then, the snowbirds come down, so they’ll be here, too. You have a lot of retirees — this is how they work out. They take our nature trail for an hour or two,” McComber said.

Manatee statues and informational signs help to guide visitors through the attraction.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

Last year, the center drew 277,000 visitors during the peak season for manatees. It expects its 5 millionth visitor in January.

Kimmy Smith, from Riverview, was there on a recent day. She wanted to show off the center to her mom, Pam Fattic, who was visiting from Pendleton, Indiana.

Smith said she’s visited the center on numerous occasions.

“I come all of the time when manatees are in season,” she said, noting she’s been there 10 to 15 times.

“Seeing manatees is hit or miss,” Smith said, but she estimates she’s seen one during about 80 percent of her visits.

It doesn’t bother her if she doesn’t see a manatee because there are other things, such as butterflies and a nature walk, to enjoy, she said.

Smith’s mom, who was making her first visit to the center, liked what she saw.

“It’s really pretty. I love this. It’s just beautiful. I didn’t expect it to be so big,” she said.

No matter how many times a person visits, the experience is never quite the same, McComber said.

“Every day, things change. It’s nature,” she said.

“People sometimes complain: ‘There’s no manatees,’” McComber said. But, that’s beyond the electric company’s control. The manatees come and go as they please, she explained.

“They started coming here in the mid-1980s,” she said, because of the warm water near the plant.

The Manatee Viewing Center is celebrating 30 years of operation.

When Tampa Bay reaches 68 degrees or colder, the mammals seek out this refuge, McComber said.

The discharge canal is a state and federally designated manatee sanctuary that provides protection from the cold for the manatees.

“Cold water comes in from the outside. It cools down our machinery, then it is pumped back (warm) into the water,” she explained.

The ideal time to visit is when it is between 50 degrees and 60 degrees outdoors, McComber said. “The air temperature is cold, and the water’s cold. They’re looking for warmth. The first two weeks in November were perfect,” she said.

Spotting a manatee can be tricky, she said. “You have to keep your eyes on the water.”

But, even if you don’t see a manatee, there’s a good chance you’ll see other interesting wildlife.

“You’re going to find fish. It can be a bull shark, a spinner shark or black-tip sharks. Then you have your black drum, your sheep head. You have your mangrove snappers, snook and tarpon,” McComber said.

And, there are fiddler crabs, mangrove snakes and other wildlife.

Visitors can get a closer look at Florida’s outdoors along the center’s nature trail, and they can hike the trail to gain access to the observation tower that is 50-feet tall.

Those wanting to visit the observation tower should be aware there are three flights of stairs and no bathrooms there.

But, there are benches, where visitors can rest, and those climbing the tower will be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the Apollo Beach area.

While the center has been open for decades, there have been some recent improvements, including the addition of a rays touch tank and additional restrooms.

Other highlights include an educational center, a gift shop, picnic areas and a butterfly garden.

Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center
When: Open from Nov. 1 through April 15. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The wildlife observation tower and habitat trails close at 4 p.m. daily. Closed at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.
How much: Free admission and parking
Where: 6990 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach, 33572
Please note: Shoes and shirts required; service animals only. The center is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

For more information: Call (813) 228-4289, or visit TampaElectric.com/Manatee.

Manatee facts

  • Manatees have a thin layer of fat and can become cold stressed if they are in water colder than 68 degrees.
  • A manatee’s nostrils have valves that close while the animal is underwater. Manatees can hold their breath up to 20 minutes when resting.
  • Manatees are herbivores. Manatees eat up to 10 percent of their weight a day.
  • Manatees can travel up to 15 mph in short bursts. They can travel up to 50 miles in one day.

Published December 14, 2016