B.C. Manion

Honoring Vietnam War veterans for their service

June 29, 2016 By B.C. Manion

The City of San Antonio received an official Certificate of Partnership from the U.S. Department of Defense, as well as a Commemorative Partner Flag during the city’s commission meeting on June 21.

Brig. Gen. Thomas V. Draude, a retired member of the United States Marine Corps, presented the flag and award to the city, according to Lou Rinaldi, who is involved in the commemorative efforts.

San Antonio Mayor Tim Newlon, left, and Brig. Gen Thomas V. Draude display the flag. (Courtesy of Richard K. Riley) — San Antonio Mayor Tim Newlon, left, and Brig. Gen Thomas V. Draude display the flag.
(Courtesy of Richard K. Riley)

The Vietnam War Commemoration, being led by the Secretary of Defense, is supported through funds approved by the U.S. Congress in legislation that was signed into law in 2008.

President Barack Obama officially announced the Commemoration at a Proclamation Ceremony on Memorial Day in 2012 at The Wall in Washington D.C.

The Commemorative Partner Program is designed for federal, state and local communities’ veterans’ organizations, and other organizations, to help the country thank and honor Vietnam Veterans and their families, according to a fact sheet about the program.

Commemorative Partners must commit to conduct two events a year for three years, Rinaldi said.

The Commemoration is a way to respect and honor those who served in the Vietnam War, Rinaldi said, noting, “some of us remember how we were treated when we came back.”

The Commemoration program seeks to give those who served in the Vietnam War the respect and honor they were denied in the past, he said.

San Antonio is the first city in Pasco County to adopt the program, Rinaldi said. Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco has adopted it, and so has the Pasco County Commission.

Published June 29, 2016

Shops at Wiregrass debuts flagpole on Flag Day

June 22, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Initially billed as a celebration to unveil a new 40-foot flagpole at The Shops at Wiregrass, the event took on a more somber tone in light of the mass shootings in Orlando.

At the beginning of the Flag Day ceremony, Greg Lenners, the general manager for The Shops at Wiregrass, asked for a moment of silence.

That moment lasted 49 seconds.

Unfurling the 8-by-12 American flag, members of the Wesley Chapel Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol prepare to raise the flag during a Flag Day ceremony at The Shops at Wiregrass. Cadets, from left, Andrew Alayon, 16, of Wesley Chapel; Cassie Ramer, 15, of Spring Hill; and Francisco Pulgarin, 16, and Elicia Smith, 15, both of Wesley Chapel, assist in the regional mall’s first flag-raising event. (Fred Bellet/Photos) — Unfurling the 8-by-12 American flag, members of the Wesley Chapel Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol prepare to raise the flag during a Flag Day ceremony at The Shops at Wiregrass. Cadets, from left, Andrew Alayon, 16, of Wesley Chapel; Cassie Ramer, 15, of Spring Hill; and Francisco Pulgarin, 16, and Elicia Smith, 15, both of Wesley Chapel, assist in the regional mall’s first flag-raising event.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

Each second symbolized the loss of a life on June 12 at Pulse nightclub in Orlando.

In asking for sign of respect, Lenners also asked those gathered to honor those who were injured, as well as their families and the community of Orlando.

Following Lenners’ remarks, Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore shared some history about Flag Day, noting that it was officially established by a proclamation by President Woodrow Wilson on May 30, 1916.

President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress on Aug. 3, 1949 declaring June 14 as National Flag Day.

Moore invited those gathered to reflect upon the meaning of the American flag.

“Think to yourself: What does this flag mean to me?” Moore said. “In your heart, right now, what does it mean to you?” he asked.

“Who gave up their lives to keep that flag flying?” he asked.

Moore said when he thinks about the flag, he thinks about such things as freedom, family, veterans and pride.

The Wesley Chapel Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol handled the duties of presenting the colors and hoisting the flag.

Immediately after raising the 8-by-12-foot flag to the top of the pole, squadron members lowered it to half-staff, in honor of the Orlando shooting victims.

Those attending the event said they came to demonstrate their patriotism and celebrate what the American flag represents.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office mounted posse was on hand at the June 14 Flag Day ceremony, to celebrate the installation of a 40-foot flagpole at The Shops at Wiregrass.

Teresa Fegan came sporting a blouse decked out with stars.

“I feel like we’re free in this country,” the 73-year-old Fegan said, explaining why she wanted to attend. “It’s wonderful to be a part of this country. I am so sorry for what happened in Orlando,” she added.

Her 80-year-old husband, Pete, said he posts a flag at his home on all of the nation’s patriotic holidays.

Fifty-year-old Juan Obando and his 42-year-old wife, Monica, came to the ceremony for two reasons.

They wanted to support their son, Juan Obando Jr., who is part of the Wesley Chapel Cadet Squadron, and they wanted to express their patriotism.

Gabriel Quinn, a cadet with the Wesley Chapel Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, and others, salute, while Eric Johnson sings ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’

“We are American citizens,” Juan Obando said. “We are supporting America at this time,” he added, referring to the mass shootings in Orlando.

“It is so sad,” his wife, Monica said.

The event also attracted a number of dignitaries, including Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader and state Reps. Danny Burgess and Shawn Harrison. Bob Hatfield was there, too, representing U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis.

Eric Johnson, of Wesley Chapel Toyota, sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” with a few members of the audience reverently joining in.

When adding the flagpole to the regional mall, Lenners said “we were methodical in looking for the location.

“We wanted something that was front and center,” he said. “This is certainly front and center.”

Published June 22, 2016

Making life easier for local Marines

June 22, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Seventy-seven-year-old L. David Kirk lives by the U.S. Marine Corps’ motto, “Once a Marine, always a Marine.”

He served in the Marine Corps from 1956 to 1964, completing two tours of duty in the Mediterranean, two tours of duty in Okinawa, and serving in Southeast Asia and California, as well.

“It was the best eight years I ever spent, because it took me from teenager to man,” said the retired Lutz business man. “I can never thank the Marine Corps more, for giving me the discipline to make it where I am today.”

L. David Kirk, of Lutz, is spearheading an effort to establish a Marine Corps League Detachment in Land O’ Lakes. He wants to make it more convenient for those who are serving and those who have served to get involved in the league’s activities. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — L. David Kirk, of Lutz, is spearheading an effort to establish a Marine Corps League Detachment in Land O’ Lakes. He wants to make it more convenient for those who are serving and those who have served to get involved in the league’s activities.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Even though he completed his service more than half-century ago, Kirk’s fidelity to the U.S. Marine Corps remains robust.

“Three years ago, two other Marines and myself, and our wives, we got together and we thought it would be a good idea if we started a Marine group in Land O’ Lakes,” Kirk said.

That group, named Marine Forever Veterans Group LLC, meets on Monday evenings at the Beef O’ Brady’s in the Village Lakes Shopping Center, 21539 Village Lakes Shopping Center Drive in Land O’ Lakes. The shopping center is on the north side of State Road 54, slightly east of U.S. 41.

Kirk now is accepting applications from those wishing to join a new Marine Corps League Detachment that likely would meet at the same Beef O’ Brady’s restaurant.

The league is open to active duty, reserve and honorable discharged veterans of Marine Corps and Navy FMF Corpsmen and Chaplains who live in Land O’ Lakes, Lutz, Odessa, Wesley Chapel and surrounding areas.

There’s a need for the new detachment because there isn’t one nearby, Kirk said.

“We’ve got Marines here that travel 15 and 20 miles to belong to the League. Think how many more that would join, if they didn’t have to travel that far. And, there’s a lot of Marines that live in this area.”

Besides being more convenient, it would be less expensive to attend meetings in Land O’ Lakes, because it wouldn’t take as much gas to get to meetings, Kirk added.

To launch a new charter, the group needs at least 20 members that do not belong to an existing detachment, Kirk said. Once the new detachment is established, existing league members can transfer, he added.

A meeting has been scheduled for June 25 at 2 p.m., at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, in the Village Lakes Shopping Center, to answer questions about the proposed new detachment, the annual dues, uniforms, meeting dates, mission of the group and so on.

Anyone who would qualify to join and would like more information is encouraged to attend, said Kirk, past commandant of the Angus R. Goss Detachment in Tampa.

The Marine Corps League was founded in 1923 by World War I hero Major General Commandant John A. Lejeune, and its congressional charter was approved by an act of the 75th Congress, which was signed and approved by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Aug. 4, 1937.

The league’s mission calls for its members to “join together in camaraderie and fellowship for the purpose of preserving and promoting the interests of the United States Marine Corps and those that have been honorably discharged from that service that they may effectively promote the ideas of American freedom and democracy.”

The league’s mission also calls for “voluntarily aiding and rendering assistance to all Marines and former Marines and to their widows, and orphans; and to perpetuate the history of the United States Marine Corps and by fitting acts to observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of particular interest to Marines.”

Kirk said he’s confident that a new detachment will be formed, noting he already has commitments from 10 potential members. But, he would like to form this new detachment as soon as possible.

For more information on becoming a charter member of the new detachment and to receive updates on upcoming meetings, email Kirk at .

For more information about the Marine Corps League, visit http://mclnational.org//

For more information about Marine Forever Veteran Group, LLC, visit Marine4Ever.com

and Facebook.com/MarineForeverVeteransGroup.

Published June 22, 2016

No one hurt in Saddlebrook fire

June 15, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Quick actions by a student at Saddlebrook Preparatory School averted the potential loss of life, in the early morning hours of June 9.

About 2:30 a.m., the student smelled smoked and went searching for the source.

When he saw smoke, “he pulled the alarm. He started knocking on doors. His roommates went and knocked on doors. He called security, and security came down and they knocked on doors,” said Pat Ciaccio, general manager of Saddlebrook Resort Tampa, at 5700 Saddlebrook Way in Wesley Chapel.

It took 55 Pasco County Fire Rescue firefighters more than an hour-and-a-half to extinguish the blaze that broke out in the boys’ dormitory at Saddlebrook Preparatory School in the early morning hours of June 9. No one was injured, but the damage was extensive. (Courtesy of Pasco County Fire Rescue) — It took 55 Pasco County Fire Rescue firefighters more than an hour-and-a-half to extinguish the blaze that broke out in the boys’ dormitory at Saddlebrook Preparatory School in the early morning hours of June 9. No one was injured, but the damage was extensive.
(Courtesy of Pasco County Fire Rescue)

The resort has been home to an international school for aspiring professional tennis players and golfers since 1993. Ninety-six students, from 26 countries, attend the school, including 54 who board at the resort. While the school is for students from grade three through 12, it only boards eighth- through 12th-graders.

There were 28 students and two adults in the boys’ dormitory which caught fire, and everyone got out of the building without injury, Ciaccio said.

“We were able to get all of the students out actually, before there were flames. There was just smoke at the time,” Ciaccio said.

“From that point on, it turned into a three-alarm,” Ciaccio said.

Pasco County Fire Rescue Training Chief Shawn Whited said when the fire department crews arrived, “they had heavy fire through the roof of the building.

“As we were getting there, we realized there was a lot of fire there, so we called for a second- and third-alarm to help fight the fire,” Whited added. “The building was heavily damaged. The roof was burned off.”

It took 55 firefighters more than 1 ½ hours to put out the fire, and fire department investigators were still on the scene hours later, trying to determine the cause for the blaze, Whited said.

It turns out that the fire was started by a faulty bathroom exhaust fan/ bathroom heater mounted in the ceiling, Whited said.

No estimates were available on the extent of the loss, but Whited described the damage as extensive. “They’re going to have to gut the entire building,” he said.

On the afternoon after the fire, Ciaccio said, “Really, the extent of the damage — it’s too early — the adjusters aren’t even at the property yet.”

In the short term, the boarders from the boys’ dorm were relocated to the next courtyard.

“They’ll remain in there, those that stay for summer school, and then next school year, we’ll go back into there until Courtyard 11 is rebuilt,” Ciaccio said.

The general manager praised the students, resort staff and emergency rescue workers for their response.

The student who smelled the smoke “went into fire-drill mode,” Ciaccio said, explaining that the school and dormitories have monthly fire drills to know how to handle such emergencies.

“When your chief of security is calling you at 3 a.m., it’s not a good phone call. To arrive on property shortly after that and to have everything as buttoned down — you don’t ever want the tragedy to happen, but you feel good about the preparation,” he said.

“In an hour’s time, we had them (students) relocated to another courtyard, and they were in rooms, laying down,” he said.

He was particularly impressed by the way the students conducted themselves.

“They are in pressure situations all of the time on the tennis court, on the golf course. And, obviously that just extended into their personal lives, because they handled this situation so effortlessly.

“We were business as usual today. The kids were in class, taking exams,” Ciaccio said.

That is, except for the 28 who were in the dorm on the night of the fire. They were excused from exams.

Published June 15, 2016

$90,000 makeover gives public pool a fresh look

June 15, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Swimmers were splashing around the pool at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, enjoying the facility which recently received a $90,000 makeover.

Some adult swimmers swam laps, while some kids received instruction from Coach Robin Hilgenberg.

Lifeguard Jordan Wheeler, 19, of Land O’ Lakes, keeps a close watch on the swimmers in the pool at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex. This is his third season at the pool. (Fred Bellet/Photos) — Lifeguard Jordan Wheeler, 19, of Land O’ Lakes, keeps a close watch on the swimmers in the pool at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex. This is his third season at the pool.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

A little while later, others joined in, taking a refreshing dip on a scorching hot day.

Normally, the pool is open in time for Memorial Day holiday, but this year it wasn’t, because of delays on the project to upgrade the pool.

Besides resurfacing the pool, and repainting the deck, the pool’s shower facilities were improved, too.

The last time the pool had been resurfaced was during the 1990s.

Jordan Wheeler, a head lifeguard at the pool, said the improvements are noticeable.

“If you go in there, it feels a lot better on your feet. There were some holes on the backside over there, that got completely mended,” he said.

It looks better, too, he said.

“The water, now, is a lot more blue,” said Wheeler, who is working at the pool for his third season.

Coach Robin Hilgenberg, with the Florida Elite Swim Team, teaches a group in her swim class the importance of being able to float on one’s back.

The pool has a capacity for 150 guests, but typically doesn’t get that crowded, he said, noting the most he’s seen there at one time was about 120.

A number of summer camps visit the pool, and the kids seem to enjoy themselves.

“It gets rowdy, that’s for sure,” he said.

The pool’s upgrades were done primarily in the off-season, he said.

“We were only closed for about a week and a half in the time that we’d normally be open,” Wheeler said. “It was less than optimal that we didn’t get to open on Memorial Day. Usually, a lot of people want to come by. It’s practically the first day of summer. People want to go out and spend their day out at the pool.”

“We’re really excited to have this facility cleaned up a little bit, because last year it was kind of in sad shape,” said Kristany Fitzthum, supervisor at the site.

With the repair work completed, Fitzthum hopes people will take advantage of the pool.

Like a synchronized swimmer, Marie Berghoefer, of Land O’ Lakes, works on her backstroke as she sweeps through a lane in the recently reopened swimming pool at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex. Berghoefer has been a regular at the pool for 10 years.

“I don’t think many people know that we’re open. Our first day, we had four people here. Yesterday, we had 12 or 13,” she said.

To make matters worse, there was lightning on both afternoons, which meant they had to clear the pool.

When lightning is within a 10-mile radius of the pool, it is cleared for a half-hour before swimmers can return, Fitzthum said.

The price of admission is reasonable, Fitzthum noted. The daily charge for swimming is $4 for adults and $3 for children. Passes also are available. A family of four, with two adults and two children, is $120; an adult pass is $80, and a child’s pass is $60.

“The New Port Richey Recreation Center, it’s $7 to get in and swim, per person,” Fitzthum said.

Another advantage at the Land O’ Lakes complex is that there’s an adults’ only hour from 11 a.m. to noon, she said.

The pool temperature is kept at 80 degrees to 83 degrees.

“Most of the people who come here are really local. Most of our people who come are regulars. So, we can form really good relationships with them. We know all of them by name,” Fitzthum said.

Nancy and Bernie Guss, who live in Plantation Palms, are both retired from Pasco County Schools.

Lifeguard, Zachary Daniels, 19, of Hudson keeps a close eye on swimmers from his chair, high above the pool at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex. Daniels recently joined the pool’s staff.

They began using the pool when it opened, and their now-grown daughter was a member of a swim team there.

“We can do our yard work in the morning, and then just come over here in the afternoon and relax,” Nancy Guss said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of classes they offer. I hope they have a variety of classes,” she said.

Marie Berghoefer, who was doing laps, said she’s been swimming at the pool for 10 years. A lifelong swimmer, she said she enjoys coming to the pool and will be there as often as she can be this summer.

Carrie Kukuda, also of Land O’ Lakes, was swimming laps, too.

She said she appreciates the convenience of the pool, not only for herself but for members of the triathlon team from Get A Grip Total Fitness, where she is the owner, trainer and head coach.

As Coach Hilgenberg taught her class, some parents looked on.

Debbie Fisher has two kids — 13-year-old Tyler Esenberg and 11-year-old Kayla Esenberg — in the class, and Larisa Curbelo’s son, Nick, is taking it, too.

“This is their first day,” said Fisher, who lives in Lake Padgett. “They want to try out for high school swim. They want to be ready,” Fisher said. Tyler is going into eighth grade, and Kayla will be in seventh.

“They learned how to swim in Coach Robin’s backyard when they were young,” Fisher said, but they don’t swim competitively, and they want to learn the proper techniques.

She was glad they were there.

“They look happy,” Fisher said.

Curbelo, who lives in Wilderness Lake Preserve, said her 12-year-old son is “big into fitness now.”

She’s impressed by the pool at the Land O’ Lakes complex.

“It’s a beautiful pool,” she said.

“It’s great that they have somewhere to go,” Curbelo added.

The pool is open Tuesdays through Sunday. It opens at 11 a.m. on weekdays, and closes at 6 p.m. It opens at 11 a.m. on weekends, and closes at 7 p.m.

Week day hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Weekend hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Adults swim only, 11 a.m. to noon
Closed on Mondays, except for holidays
Daily admission: $4 adults, $3 children. (Passes: Family, $120; adult, $80; child, $60)

Published June 15, 2016

Land O’ Lakes native screening TV pilot

June 15, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Ryan Paul James’ first brush with fame came at the age of 6, when his name was listed in The Laker/Lutz News.

“I was playing Little League there, with the Red Sox. All of the players were mentioned there in an article,” said James, a former Land O’ Lakes resident, now an actor and writer who lives in Los Angeles.

Since moving to L.A., he’s performed in two dozen plays, has written 10 plays and is now shopping a pilot for a television show he’s written called “The Comeback Kids.”

The show is about a pair of actors who were famous as children and are attempting a comeback, decades later.

Melissa Disney is married to Ryan Paul James, who grew up in Land O’ Lakes. He’s shopping a television pilot, ‘The Comeback Kids,’ and she’s an acclaimed voiceover artist. She’s also related to Walt Disney, although she never met him. (Courtesy of Ryan Paul james) — Melissa Disney is married to Ryan Paul James, who grew up in Land O’ Lakes. He’s shopping a television pilot, ‘The Comeback Kids,’ and she’s an acclaimed voiceover artist. She’s also related to Walt Disney, although she never met him.
(Courtesy of Ryan Paul james)

While no one has picked up the television show yet, it has been screened at film festivals in such places as Los Angeles, Honolulu, Miami, Switzerland, Australia and London.

It also has picked up a number of awards.

It’s a project James has been working on for five years. He’s written eight episodes of the show and has casted most of them, with different stars who would be making appearances as themselves, or performing a role in the sitcom.

The TV pilot most recently screened on June 10 at The Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

James said his desire to act began when he was a young boy, when his dad was a wildlife officer and the family lived on the grounds of Pine View Middle School in Land O’ Lakes.

“Living in the middle of nowhere and playing there on the campus of Pine View, I would let my imagination go.

“I remember, that, like for a year, they were building their (Pine View Middle) gym. I don’t think I can get in trouble for this anymore — but I would go in there and play Indiana Jones,” James said.

“I would watch probably too much television,” he added.

His acting debut came in 1994 when he played the role of a Mousekateer on the Mickey Mouse Club, filmed in Orlando. His acting teacher, who was the show’s casting director, got him the gig, he said.

He knew from the beginning the role would be a short run.

“When I was brought on, they’d already announced that the show was cancelled,” James said.

He replaced a cast member who wanted to go to Los Angeles to pursue a music career.

James moved to Los Angeles in 1995 to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

But, that didn’t last long, either.

“I was so homesick, and I hated L.A. — could not stand it,” he said.

So, he returned to the Tampa Bay area, where he became a disc jockey on 100.7 Kiss FM.

“I wasn’t really looking to get into radio, but it just happened for me. I bounced around to a couple of other radio stations. A radio station out here in Los Angeles heard one of my air checks, and they called me up and wanted to see if I would be interested in coming out here,” he said.

He wasn’t sure what he wanted to do.

So, he prayed about it.

“I was like, ‘God, you’ve got to give me a sign here’,” James said.

He knew he couldn’t afford to move to L.A., but within a month of his prayer, he had booked two national commercials and had received the offer from the radio station.

“And, so I thought, ‘I’ll give L.A. one more shot.’

“Here I am, 12 years later, married, with a kid,” James said.

His wife, Melissa Disney — a cousin of Walt Disney — is a voiceover artist.

Though not a household name like her cousin, she has attracted her own share of fame.

She narrated the trailer for the action movie, “Gone in 60 Seconds,” — widely credited as one of the first major movie trailers to employ a female voice, according to The Hollywood Reporter. She also has voiced The Academy Awards, The Emmy’s and the Billboard Music Awards.

While James and his wife work in the industry, their 4-year-old son, Ryder, gets a chance to dip into the lifestyle, too. He already has met such international stars as Madonna, Harrison Ford and James Earl Jones.

Although the Land O’ Lakes native has lived in L.A., for a dozen years, he still gets homesick and travels back to the area to visit family a couple of times a year.

Every time he comes home, he must make one stop before returning to L.A.

He drops by Larry’s Deli, on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, where he loads up on Cuban sandwiches to take back to California.

The mere mention of them, James said during a recent telephone interview, makes his mouth water.

Published June 15, 2016

Summer programs feed kids

June 15, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Children who normally eat lunch at school when classes are in session have a free alternative during the summer months.

Both Hillsborough and Pasco counties are participating in a summer food service program that provide free lunches and afternoon snacks at numerous sites around each county.

The program begins on June 13 and concludes on Aug. 3.

The sites are situated in areas where at least half of the children qualify for free or reduced price meals during the school year. The meals and snacks will be offered at local parks and other community locations to all children under 18 in the area.

No applications are required and summer camp registration is not required.

The Summer Food Service program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Here are some sites that are providing free lunches and snacks. Check with the sites to find out hours of operation.

Hillsborough County (partial listing):

Northdale Recreation, 15550 Spring Pine Drive
North Tampa Boys and Girls Club, 2313 Yukon St.
North Tampa Recreation Center, 8608 12th St.

(For more Hillsborough sites, go to HillsboroughCounty.org/SummerFood)

Pasco County (partial listing):

Arbours Mobile, 12861 Stately Oak St., Dade City
Centennial Middle, 38505 Centennial Road, Dade City
Cypress Farms Mobile, 38727 Patti Lane, Dade City
Farm Workers Self-Help, 37124 Lock St., Dade City
James Irvin Civic Center, 38122 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dade City
Lacoochee Elementary, 38815 Cummer Road, Dade City
Lake George Mobile, 15246 Davis Loop, Dade City
Lewis Abraham Lacoochee Unit, 38274 Mudcat Grant Blvd., Dade City
Pasco Elementary, 37350 Florida Ave., Dade City
Pasco High, 36850 State Road 52, Dade City
New River Elementary, 4710 River Glen Blvd., Wesley Chapel
Quail Hollow Elementary, 7050 Quail Hollow Blvd., Wesley Chapel
Thomas Weightman Middle School, 30649 Wells Road, Wesley Chapel
Watergrass Elementary, 32750 Overpass Road, Wesley Chapel
Wesley Chapel High, 30651 Wells Road, Wesley Chapel
Chester W. Taylor, 3628 Morris Bridge Road, Zephyrhills
Crystal Springs Mobile, 1655 Partridge Blvd., Zephyrhills
East Pasco YMCA, 37301 Chapel Hill Loop, Zephyrhills
R.B. Stewart Middle, 38505 10th Ave., Zephyrhills
Thomas Promise, 6851 Wire Road, Zephyrhills
West Zephyrhills Elementary, 37900 14th Ave., Zephyrhills
Zephyrhills High, 6335 12th St., Zephyrhills
Land O’ Lakes Recreational Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes
Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Odessa Park Community Center, 1627 Chesapeake Drive, Odessa

For additional information, check the Pasco County Schools website at Pasco.k12.fl.us.

Published June 15, 2016

Lacrosse tournament to stay in Wesley Chapel

June 8, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Lacrosse players from across the nation will compete in Wesley Chapel at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions for at least the next two years.

Pasco County and NDP (National Development Program) Lacrosse have entered into an agreement that covers the tournament for 2016 and 2017.

Last year’s tournament had a $2.1 million economic impact on Pasco and Hillsborough counties, said Ed Caum, Pasco County’s tourism manager.

Opponents face off in a previous Dick’s Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions game. (File Photo) — Opponents face off in a previous Dick’s Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions game.
(File Photo)

With new developments — such as Tampa Premium Outlets and Florida Hospital Center Ice, as well as other businesses and restaurants — there’s potential for an even greater economic return from the visitors, Caum said.

“We are very pleased the Dick’s Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions lacrosse tournament will be returning to Wesley Chapel,” Tracy Clouser, board chair of The Greater Wesley Chamber of Commerce, said via email. “We feel the area has a lot to offer tournament attendees and their support of our hotels, restaurants and shopping venues has a significant economic impact on our community.”

Besides the economic boost, the tournament offers lacrosse players a chance to showcase their skills, and colleges a chance to scout for players, Caum said.

Teams from the United States and Canada earn bids at qualifying tournaments to compete for the national championship across five divisions.

The tournament has been held at the Wesley Chapel District Park and at Wesley Chapel High School since 2008.

This past year, 73 teams competed. Fifty-nine came from out-of-state and 14 were from Florida, Caum said. The 2015 tournament involved 1,533 players and 219 coaches. There were about 3,250 spectators on each day of the tournament, which takes place each year from Dec. 29 through Dec. 31.

On average, those traveling to the tournament stayed in the area for 3 ½ days to 4 days, Caum said.

But, the tourism manager thinks more can be done to extend their stay.

And, he’s begun reaching out to area sponsors to help make that happen.

“The event kicks off at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Store. They are at The Grove every year.

“There’s a number of other days that they’re going to be in the area. I’d like to see all of our shopping centers and local businesses step up and do some sponsorship to provide opportunities, to move these teams and their families around the whole Pasco area.

“I’d love to see them go to Tree Hoppers, the new cable adventure park. I’d love to see them take an opportunity to go out to SunWest, because even in January that water temperature stays between 72 and 75 degrees because it’s spring-fed.

“You actually could be out there on that giant water playground at the end of December.”

Caum also would like to see more of the visitors bed down for the night in Pasco County.

“I’ve got the report from NDP Lacrosse. About 20 percent of the participants stayed in Pasco and 80 percent stayed in Hillsborough,” Caum said, that’s a 20 percent increase in the number of visitors choosing Hillsborough hotels, instead of staying in Pasco.

“We had a number of our hoteliers that had raised their price up,” the tourism manager said. Families that may have preferred to stay in Pasco were priced out and stayed in Hillsborough hotels instead, he said.

“We’re going to partner with the hotels a lot closer,” Caum said.

“Just because you have a great event coming in, you can’t gouge your participants. We’re hoping that they don’t do that again this year,” Caum said.

There was a time, back in 2012, when the lacrosse tournament’s future in Pasco County was uncertain. Back then, the tournament was being courted by IMG Academies, an elite athletic training facility in Bradenton.

But, Pasco upped the ante in their bid to keep the tournament and were able to secure it for four more years.

This time, the county signed a two-year deal with a third-year option, Caum said.

The county didn’t want to tie the contract to the Wesley Chapel District Park and the fields at Wesley Chapel High School for a longer period, Caum said.

“We may have a new field complex, depending on what rolls out with the sports complex,” Caum said, referring to Pasco County’s ongoing efforts to open a new sports complex.

Regardless of where the event is, however, Caum said the county wants to continue the involvement of the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association.

“We could not do it without them,” Caum said. “They’re the ones who provide all of the volunteers, and do all of the concessions and stuff.”

“That’s another reason that the NDP wanted to come back, because of the relationship they have (with the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association) — they have that volunteer base,” Caum said.

“Pasco County’s Board of County Commissioners, its Tourist Development Council and the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association have provided tremendous support to the event for nearly a decade,” Josh Gross, NDP’s vice president of business operations, said in a news release announcing the two-year deal.

Published June 8, 2016

Saint Anthony’s makes history again

June 8, 2016 By B.C. Manion

At a place that can trace its history back to the 1880s, Saint Anthony Catholic School marked another milestone on June 3 with a ceremony to bless the completion of a renovated building constructed in 1922.

It was the second time in two years that Saint Anthony Catholic School paused to celebrate the completion of a construction project.

This view of the new school shows the St. Anthony Catholic School sign. The façade on the old school is plain red brick.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

The first event occurred on Feb. 5, 2015, when the Rev. Robert N. Lynch, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, presided over the dedication of the school’s new building. That building, designed to architecturally match the existing building, was funded through the Diocese’s Forward in Faith Capital Campaign.

At last week’s event, Abbott Isaac Camacho, of Saint Leo Abbey, presided over the ceremony to bless the school’s newly renovated 1922 building. The Saint Anthony Parish community is covering the cost of the $1.8 million project.

Those gathered at last week’s ceremony expressed gratitude for the education the school provides.

Retired U.S. Army Col. Peter Quinn was among those attending the ceremony. His son, Gabriel, just graduated from the school, and his twin daughters, Faith and Grace, are seventh-graders.

These children are sharing a special moment in history at Saint Anthony Catholic School as they witness the blessing of the school’s renovated 1922 building. They are from left in the front row, Sofia Trevino, Andrew Werckman, Cora Woodard and Taylor Young. In the back row, from left are Abigail Kocher, Boden Ballinger, Kyle Bueno and Joseph Hammond.

“We got here three years ago. This is a pearl of joy for us,” Quinn said. He noted that he searched all of the Diocese, including St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Brandon, before choosing to enroll his children at Saint Anthony.

“I wanted a place where my parish life and my kids’ school life would be one and the same.

“When I found this place, with the sisters in residence, that was it.

“The surrounding community is just so supportive,” Quinn said.

Leo Brand and Kyle Christmas, both members of the Knights of Columbus, were there, dressed in their full regalia.

They came to present the school with a gift: A pole and a stand, to hold the school’s banner.

“They’ve always borrowed ours for years,” Brand said. So, the Knights of Columbus San Antonio Council 1768 decided to purchase one for the school, he said.

Abbott Isaac Camacho, of Saint Leo Abbey, presides over the ceremony which included blessing the restored building, room by room. Brother Lucius Amarillas stands to the abbott’s right.

Christmas noted that one of his family members helped build the school decades ago. “He’s got his name on one of the bricks up on the top of the roof,” he said.

Christmas said he’s pleased to see that the school is building for the future.

“It’s nice to see that they are expanding and that they’re getting busy enough to expand, that people are taking advantage of a Catholic education,” Christmas said.

Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader was at the event — but not in his role as an elected leader. He has closer ties to the church and school.

“I’m an alumnus. It’s my parish. My church. It’s a great part of our community. My parents were actually married in the church,” Schrader said.

The renovation of the 1922 school building marks a proud moment for the parish and school, Schrader said.

“The community just came together. They recognized the importance of a Catholic education,” Schrader said.

Leigh DiMaria has three children at the school.

Sister Alice Ottapurackal takes the stage during the June 3 dedication and blessing ceremony for the renovated 1922 building on the Saint Anthony Catholic School campus. She spent the majority of her time expressing gratitude for the project and thanking those who were involved in making it happen.

“I love the fact that they were able to restore a lot of the old elements,” DiMaria said.

She’s pleased that her children, Faith, Vincent and Nolan, attend Saint Anthony, and that her family is part of the school’s community.

“The community around here, the support, I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s amazing,” DiMaria said.

Abbott Camacho presided over the ceremony, but others took part, as well. Rev. Garry Welsh, the current pastor, Sister Alice Ottapurackal, the current principal, and Sister Roberta Bailey, the Prioress at Holy Name Monastery and former principal of the school, also offered remarks.

Students took part, too. Hannah Fox, led the assembly in “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You,” Lindsay Golliday read a selection from scripture, and Aiden Fox and Adeline Shiver were altar servers.

Abbott Camacho reminded those gathered that “one of the characteristics of us Benedictines (who founded the school) is to welcome the other, as Christ, no matter who the other is. To see in them, the image of Christ.

“It’s not about the teachers. It’s not about the good reputation of the school. It’s about the other. Can we see Christ in the other, no matter their background? If we see in them, Christ, things start to change for good,” Abbott Camacho said.

Sister Bailey recalled Saint Anthony Catholic School’s rich history, and noted that it has faced some tough times.

“We owe a great deal of credit to the pastors that were in this area. There was a day when the principal and the bookkeeper would come up with budget, based on the tuition that we knew we could collect. And, whatever we thought we couldn’t collect, we gave that debt to the pastors, and they figured out how to support the school,” Sister Bailey said.

But through prayer, God’s blessings, the help of the Diocese, and the generosity of the parish and community, there’s now a new school building and a renovated building, Sister Ottapurackal said.

“Our school looks beautiful, and it is ready for 21st century learning. We are proud of how it came out, because of God’s blessing and people’s help,” the principal said.

Published June 8, 2016

Lutz is gearing up for the Fourth of July

June 8, 2016 By B.C. Manion

The Fourth of July is just weeks away, and Lutz is gearing up for its annual festivities.

This is a place that enjoys its Independence Day traditions, and it likes the community to join in on the fun.

So, if you’re thinking about being in the Fourth of July Parade, it’s a good idea to let Cheryl Benton know. She’s the one that makes sure you get your form filled out, so she can reserve you a spot in the parade lineup.

And, if you’re looking to earn some bragging rights for your baking skills, it’s a good time to get in touch with Karin D’Amico to find out about the rules and categories in the Cake Bake competition.

Three-a-half-year-old Logan Freelen got an early start at the one-mile run during Fourth of July festivities last year in Lutz. The little boy makes his way up Lutz Lake Fern Road with his dad, Richard Freelen of Riverview, during the last leg of the run before the start of the parade and festivities. (File Photo) — Three-a-half-year-old Logan Freelen got an early start at the one-mile run during Fourth of July festivities last year in Lutz. The little boy makes his way up Lutz Lake Fern Road with his dad, Richard Freelen of Riverview, during the last leg of the run before the start of the parade and festivities.
(File Photo)

If you’re planning to run in the 5K or take part in the 1-mile fun run or family walk, Terry Donovan is the guy who is in charge of those activities.

The main thing is, if you want to take part, it’s not too early to begin gearing up for the annual event.

One of the highlights each year is the auction that takes place after the parades, where cakes and pies that have been entered into the Cake Bake competition go home with the highest bidder.

And, finding out who will win the annual Lutz Guv’na race is always fun, too.

This annual competition, which raises money for local organizations, is a good-natured competition where the only qualification that the winner must possess is the ability to raise money. Whoever raises the most money wins.

This year, Greg Gilbert and Andre Pamplona are squaring off to see who will claim the title and be sworn in over a copy of Dr. Seuss’ “Green Eggs and Ham.”

The 5k and fun run get things rolling, generally drawing in the neighborhood of about 600 participants, said Donovan, the race director.

Runners begin arriving around 6 a.m., to register or pick up their packets.

The 5k is a chip-timed event.

The race, which originates at the Lutz Community Center, has been going on for decades.

And, many of the runners have been racing since they were young, Donovan said.

“I don’t really run anymore, I shuffle,” he joked.

The cake and pie competition also tends to get a lot of repeat entries.

Last year’s cake and pie contest drew 28 entries, including a 5-pound apple pie, a cake shaped like a fish and another with the look of the community’s iconic train depot.

Wilma Lewis had eight entries in the competition.

And, Shirley Simmons entered her famous, made-from-scratch pound cake, which fetched $75 in the auction after the parade.

Those interested in entering the competition should touch base with D’Amico to find out the various categories.

The parade — which has an old-fashioned feel — tends to attract scouts, schools, politicians, community organizations, law enforcement and local businesses.

It also draws a wide assortment of vehicles, ranging from antique fire trucks to flatbed trucks, military vehicles to classic cars, and bicycles to convertibles.

The parade route, which goes down Lutz-Lake Fern Road, turns to go in front of the Lutz Branch Library.

“We have 11 different trophies,” Benton said. “We have one for antique vehicles. One for bicycle entry. One for commercial. One for a family entry. Most comical. Most patriotic. Neighborhood entry. Walking unit. Youth entry. Judge’s favorite. Grand Marshal’s Choice.”

She thinks people enjoy the Fourth of July festivities because it’s a fun way to start off the holiday.

“It’s crafted after an old-timey Fourth in the park,” Benton said.

“It’s a community thing. It’s something for the kids to do on the Fourth of July,” Benton said.

All sorts of entries are welcome, she said. But, she does have a request: “Please no high-powered water guns,” she said.

“Because they have soaked little babies before,” she explained, and that’s not cool, she added.

Benton is in charge of getting the parade entries lined up along the route.

That requires marking spots on the street, based on the size of the entry, she said.

“It’s a hot job, I can tell you that,” she said, noting the spot for each entry must be painted on the street.

“They can email me, and I can email them an entry. It’s .”

Lutz Independence Day festivities
July 3
Cake entry drop off: Call Karin D’Amico at (813) 786-8461 for time and location

July 4
Festivities take place at 101 First Ave. N.E., in Lutz

6:30 a.m. to 7 a.m.: Cake registration deadline. For information, call Karin D’Amico at (813) 786-8461

8 a.m.: 5K begins (registration and packet pickups begin at 6 a.m.) For information about the 5K, 1-mile fun run and family walk, call Terry Donovan at (813) 949-6659

8:45 a.m.: 1-mile fun run and family walk begins

9 a.m.: Flag raising ceremony

9:30 am: Race trophies presented

10 a.m.: Lutz Community Parade begins. To sign up to be in the parade, email Cheryl Benton at Although she prefers emails, she can be reached by telephone at (813) 948-0823.

11 a.m.: New Guv’na sworn in; parade trophies awarded; Cake Bake Auction

Parade breakdown begins immediately after the festivities. Volunteers are welcome to help.

Published June 8, 2016