B.C. Manion

It’s Pasco Schools choice time

February 6, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Parents who want to apply for Pasco County Schools’ School Choice program have until March 1 to submit their application.Parents do not need to reapply if their child is currently attending a school choice program, unless they have moved since the initial approval. Requests for more than one child must be submitted individually.

Families who live outside of Pasco County who want to be considered for a program in Pasco must submit a release from their home county before they can be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications are available at PascoSchools.org (Click on the school choices banner).

Coach Kris Keppel exhibits grace to the end

February 5, 2015 By B.C. Manion

The impact that Joel “Kris” Kristan Keppel’s life had on those who knew him was exhibited in all sorts of ways last week in Land O’ Lakes.

Keppel, a revered cross-country coach at Land O’ Lakes High, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on Jan. 25.

Coach Kris Keppel was known for motivating athletes to push for excellence, while also being a mentor to help them with other issues in life. (File Photo) — Coach Kris Keppel was known for motivating athletes to push for excellence, while also being a mentor to help them with other issues in life.
(File Photo)

Land O’Lakes High Principal Ric Mellin notified the school’s staff and students with this recorded message:

“It is with a heavy heart that I am calling this evening to inform everyone of the passing of Kris Keppel. I was informed that he passed at 4:32 p.m., this afternoon, while in hospice care. Kris Keppel spent more than two decades as the coach of the Land O’ Lakes High cross-country team, as the school’s media specialist, and as a teacher.

“Mr. Keppel was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer over a year ago. Despite the exhausting treatments, he continued to be a member of our staff and attend as many cross-country practices and meets as he could up until his retirement this past fall. He is survived by daughters Meredith and Morgan, and wife Dar.”

Keppel’s coaching skills were widely known. He coached the boys’ cross-country team to Sunshine Athletic Conference championships in 1986, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014; and District and Regional championships in 2013.

He also was nominated and became a finalist in the Brooks Running Most Inspirational Coaches of the Year competition.

But Keppel’s influence went far beyond helping athletes reach their potential, students, who were coached by Keppel, said in videotapes recorded by the school district after Keppel’s death.

He was more than a coach, they said.

“He was a friend and a mentor,” said Maddie Toth, who ran for him. “You could go to him for anything — from boy trouble to grades.”

After a moment of silence to honor Keppel, which can now be viewed on a YouTube video, Assistant Principal Jeff Morganstein described a man who was “sort of a fixture in our building for over 20 years.”

Keppel was involved and he made a difference, Morganstein said. “These students really are his legacy.”

Members of the Land O’ Lakes cross-country team honored the coach by covering the school marquee with purple construction paper — symbolizing the continuing fight against pancreatic cancer.

They wrote messages on yellow ’Gators, representing the school’s mascot, and posted them on the marquee.

One simple message seemed to convey the collective mood: “I’m going to miss you,” it says.

Hundreds turned out to pay their respects to the coach at his funeral Jan. 31 at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, in Land O’ Lakes.

The Rev. Ron Aubin presided over the Mass, joined by other priests on the altar.

Aubin spoke of Keppel as a dedicated servant of the church, and as a man he’s known for 21 years.

At the conclusion of the funeral Mass, the Rev. Lynn Nichols — a friend and neighbor of the Keppel family— delivered a eulogy.

He began at the beginning, describing the man who was born on June 6, 1961 in Indianapolis, Indiana as the youngest son of the Rev. John and Mildred Keppel.

He noted that Keppel was very close to his mother, who was a high school medial specialist — a career path that Keppel would also follow.

He told those gathered that Keppel met his wife, Darlene, on a blind date on Feb. 29, 1984 —forever changing his life.

They went on to have two daughters, Meredith and Morgan.

“Dar said he was a hands-on dad. He’d get up with them (the girls) in the morning and feed them, get them dressed and take them to school. They rode with him to school their entire lives,” Nichols said.

“He believed talk is cheap,” Nichols added.

When the Keppels were married, Darlene was Catholic and he was not. But he told the priest they would raise their children as Catholics and they did, and he later converted to the faith.

“His coaching was how he changed the world,” said Nichols, whose sons ran for Keppel.

“It was his ministry. He built a great team and a legacy at Land O’ Lakes. He used the discipline of cross-country — its training and perseverance and focus — to give direction and aid to kids.

“He went beyond coaching. He provided transportation, bought shoes, provided tutoring, counseled kids through difficult family times, helped them get into college, gave dating advice and shared his faith with them.

“He was also committed to his community,” Nichols added.

He was involved in Rotary and was the Interact sponsor at Land O’ Lakes High for more than a decade. He also took part in events helping Metropolitan Ministries, the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots and the American Cancer Society Relay For Life.

He was an active member of the LifeTeen Band for Our Lady of the Rosary Church for 15 years.

When Keppel asked Nichols to do his eulogy, he wrote a few words that he asked Nichols to share.

“When you find that cancer is a part of your life,” Keppel wrote, “you have the benefit of saying goodbye to friends and family members.

“You get to share special moments …”

“Kris knew he wouldn’t be here for many of Meredith and Morgan’s big days,” Nichols said. So, earlier in the year, he recorded two songs to be played at their weddings.

“One was the song he sung to Darlene at their wedding,” Nichols said.

Published February 4, 2015

Pasco officials to discuss potential charter government

February 5, 2015 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Commission is having a workshop to explore whether a charter form of government would be in the best interest of residents.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., on Feb. 12 at the West Pasco Government Center, in the boardroom on the first floor. The government center is at 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Ted Schrader said Pasco County commissioners should be prepared to ask plenty of questions about the charter form of government when the board holds a workshop on the issue on Feb.

Switching to a charter government could lead to massive changes in Pasco County government.

State Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, is advocating that Pasco voters be allowed the option to vote on whether the county should shift to a government governed by a charter.

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano thinks shifting to a charter government would lead to higher taxes and more layers of bureaucracy.

Commissioners discussed the idea at their Jan. 13 meeting, then decided to call a workshop for a more detailed look at the issue.

Under state law, either a majority of county commissioners or a petition signed by 15 percent of the county’s registered voters can create a charter commission. In Pasco, that would require more than 46,000 signatures.

Once a panel is formed, it has 18 months to complete a charter that Pasco voters would adopt or reject.

At the Jan. 13 meeting, Pasco County attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder said there are 20 charter counties operating across the state’s 67 counties.

The charter dictates the shape that the government will take, he said.

At the board’s Jan. 27 meeting, Schrader reminded commissioners of the upcoming workshop and encouraged them to find out about how charter government works in other jurisdictions.

“We need to make sure we ask as many questions as possible,” Schrader said.

Commissioner Mike Moore said commissioners may benefit from talking with elected officials in jurisdictions using a charter form of government.

Schrader added: “Don’t just stop with the elected officials.”

Constituents served in those jurisdictions may offer a different perspective on the issue, Schrader said.

Schrader said it’s also a good idea to talk with the constituents in those places, to hear how charter government works from their perspective.

The commission has invited representatives from the Florida Association of Counties to provide information and answer questions at the public workshop.

Ginger Delegal, the general counsel for the association of counties, will make a presentation on the charter process. Kurt Sptizer, former executive director of the association of counties and now a private consultant, also will be on hand.

Pasco commissioners also have invited the county’s legislative delegation and the county’s constitutional officers.

Published February 4, 2015

Land O’ Lakes to get its largest liquor store

February 5, 2015 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Commission unanimously approved a new liquor store in Land O’ Lakes, despite objections by a competitor.

Party Liquors & Fine Wines plans to open a store in the shopping center at the northeast corner of State Road 54 and Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

The 11,250-square-foot store will sell package beer, wine and liquor at the location, 2410 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

It would be the company’s third store, according to Nick Tanoukhi, the store’s owner.

Tanoukhi said he expects to hire 10 full-time and 15 part-time employees.

Joseph Nahas, of TJ Liquor, located on U.S. 41, objected to the proposed liquor store.

Nahas noted there are nine liquor stores within a 5-mile radius and said there’s not enough of a market to support the additional store.

Nahas said the new store might not add anything to the community, but could harm his business.

An area resident also questioned the location of the new liquor store, noting it was within 1,000 feet of a school and a church.

But county planners, who recommended approval of the request, said the distance requirement previously had been waived for another business in the shopping center. So, that provision does not apply in this case.

Tanoukhi said Land O’ Lakes residents will benefit from the store because it will offer better prices.

Pasco County attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder told commissioners that the county’s criteria for granting conditional use permits does not address the issue of competition.

“Generally, the way the code works is, it’s a free market system,” Steinsnyder said.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said she has a bias against big corporations wiping out mom and pop operations. But in this case, she said, the new liquor store is not a large corporation.

Starkey said the best way that competitors can retain their business is to offer excellent customer service.

Published February 4, 2015

Pasco attracts company through incentives

February 5, 2015 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Commission approved an $85,000 incentive to a Land O’ Lakes company that plans to create 17 jobs, with an average wage exceeding $107,000.

The company Retail Process Engineering LLC operates at 20537 Amberfield Drive in Land O’ Lakes.

It offers a range of strategic, functional and technical retail supply chain consulting focused exclusively on retail.

The company, which is known as RPE, works with leading midsize retailers across the United States and Canada.

Some of its clients include Boy Scouts of America, Dollar Tree, Fifth & Pacific, Francesca’s Collections, It’Sugar, KatzGroup, Kipling, Mark’s, Michael Kors, Newfoundland Labrador Liquor, Papyrus, Rexall, rue21, Spencer’s, The North Face, VF Corp, vineyard vines, and XS Cargo.

In addition to approving the economic incentives for this company, commissioners heard a 2015 progress report from John Hagen, president and chief executive officer of the Pasco Economic Development Council

So far, in 2015, the county has attracted five companies and created 154 new jobs.

It also has had 64 new leads so far this year, compared to a total of 205 last year.

Those new opportunities include a plastic injection molding company, a distribution facility and support office, a medical product manufacturer, a medical service provider, a medical product supply and distribution company, and an aerospace technology firm.

The economic development council has made 29 company visits and presentations, attended trade shows and development conferences. and used social media and news releases to traditional media to tell Pasco County’s story.

It also uses contractors’ roundtables and developers’ roundtables to encourage growth and stability, and has several upcoming events planned to help stimulate growth and share information regarding job creation, site selection and other economic topics.

Published February 4, 2015

Riggleman benefit offers display of true community spirit

February 5, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Barbecue smoke wafted through the air, musicians sang on the stage, and women sold plants under the shade of an oak tree during a Feb. 1 fundraiser to benefit Lewis and Diane Riggleman of Dade City.

A fire swept through the couple’s home days before Christmas, causing damage that’s so severe the house cannot be repaired.

Donna Messenger and Susan Maesen were at the City of San Antonio Park bright and early on Feb. 1 to help sell plants at a community benefit for Diane and Lewis Riggleman. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Donna Messenger and Susan Maesen were at the City of San Antonio Park bright and early on Feb. 1 to help sell plants at a community benefit for Diane and Lewis Riggleman.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Fire and smoke damage ruined most of the couple’s other belongings, and their dog, Taz and cat, Christopher, perished in the blaze.

Lewis is an ornamental blacksmith and has been involved in blacksmithing in the local community for years. He has participated in many arts and crafts shows, as well as worked as a true crafts demonstrator. As owner and operator of the Ramshead Forge in San Antonio, he offers an introduction to blacksmithing as well as advanced training for more experienced students.

Diane is a storyteller and craftsperson who demonstrates broom making, rope making, and other traditional crafts throughout Florida and the Southeast.

The community event at the City of San Antonio Park was an incredible outpouring of love and generosity — and a bit overwhelming, Diane Riggleman said.

When she and Lewis arrived, they knew a benefit was being held in their honor, but they had no idea how many people would be there.

The crowd was so big that Diane thought there were two events going on at the park.

Diane Riggleman said she and her husband, initially, didn’t want people to go out of their way to help them. There are many other people who have gone through worse trials, she explained.

But many people pitching in at the benefit said it was a pleasure to help the couple.

In many ways, the community festival felt like a giant reunion, Diane Riggleman said.

People showed up that the couple hasn’t seen in years, she said.

She said she and Lewis don’t use the word “awesome” to describe things, but in this case the character of the event truly merits the description.

The benefit ran from noon to 5 p.m., but volunteers began assembling hours before festivities began. They set up folding chairs so spectators could enjoy the bands playing on stage. They lugged plants to sell under the shade tree. They arranged gift baskets and auction items on tables. They prepared food to sell.

Chet Taylor, owner of the Dade City Animal Clinic, spent hours slow-cooking the pulled pork that he transported to the event to be sold to help feed the hungry masses, while raising money to help the Rigglemans.

Once the event got under way, volunteers were busy selling and serving food, pouring beer and selling chances for the drawings.

Everyone seemed happy to be playing a part.

Donna Messenger, a native of Dade City who lives in North Carolina now, was there with Susan Maesen, selling plants.

Both women have known the Rigglemans for decades.

“They’re just a very neat couple,” Maesen said.

“They’re definitely people-people,” Messenger added.

“I think they’re astounded by people doing this.”

“My slogan has been: They need cash now,” Messenger said.

One of the event organizers, Dennis Devine, said he’s known the couple “forever.”

The couple didn’t have insurance, but the community is stepping up, Devine said.

“We’ve got thousands of dollars of donated stuff, beautiful items,” he said.

Wendy Clifford, from St. Joseph, was there helping, too.

Her husband, Joe Clifford, and the Rotary Club played a huge role in putting on the event.

“The both of them are really good people,” Wendy Clifford said. “So, now we’re trying to help them. This is all community.”

Besides helping them, the event was fun, Diane Riggleman said.

“There was great dancing. There was food. It was amazing,” she said.

“We slept last night, like babies.”

Want to help?
The Rotary Club of San Antonio is collecting donations through its 501(3)(c) nonprofit fund to qualify the donations as tax deductible.

Funds raised will be deposited in the Rotary Club of San Antonio, FL Fund Inc., account at the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union prior to full distribution to the Rigglemans.

Online donations may also be made through Go Fund Me at GoFundMe.com/jrxxpg.

Published February 4, 2015

Keeping rural Pasco rural

February 5, 2015 By B.C. Manion

After waiting a decade, residents in northeast rural Pasco County are finally embarking on a quest to create development standards for their quiet neck of the woods.

During a Jan. 27 Pasco County Commission meeting, county staff told commissioners that they plan to begin holding stakeholder meetings on the issue in February.

The county’s work plan cites a goal of adopting Northeast Pasco Rural Development Standards in December.

Two residents in the affected area, near Dade City, praised commissioners for getting the ball rolling on the effort.

“This is a banner day for us,” said Nancy Hazelwood.

“Please take into consideration that you have a group that’s been interested in this for 10 years,” she told commissioners.

She also made this request: “Please keep the meetings in the Dade City area.”

Richard Riley offered his gratitude for the inclusion of the issue in the county development department’s work plan.

“It appears our prayers have been answered,” Riley said.

He also urged commissioners to ensure that any voting members in the stakeholder process have a personal stake in the area, not outside influences.

“The Northeast Rural area should be represented by people with a real passion for that area,” Riley said.

Anyone should be allowed to offer input and make presentations to the stakeholder group, but not have a vote on the committee, Riley said.

Published February 4, 2015

Business Digest 01-28-15

January 29, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Women-N-Charge to meet
A business women’s group called Women-n-Charge will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., on Feb. 6 at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in New Tampa.

The meeting includes lunch, a feature speaker and time to network. The cost is $15 for members, paid by the Tuesday before the meeting, and $18 for members paying later, and for guests, too.

February’s speakers will be Rosa Quintela and Shanita D. Jones, who will be speaking on “Business and Personal Tax Tips for Filing your Taxes.”

For more information, contact Judy at (813) 600-9848 or .

NetFest sponsors needed
The Pasco Economic Development Council is hosting its 13th annual NetFest, which is short for Networking Festival, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., on March 5 at Starkey Ranch on State Road 54 in Odessa.

The council is seeking sponsorships ranging from $500 to $2,000.

The event is a casual night of food, drink and music — and a great chance to network.

For more information, visit PascoEDC.com.

Central Pasco Chamber introduces new expo
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce is launching a new event this year called the 2015 Community Fun Day and Business Expo.

The event, open to everyone, will shine a spotlight businesses and service providers in the northern area of Hillsborough and the central area of Pasco counties.

There will be fun and games for kids, live entertainment, door prizes and a food truck rally at the event, which has the theme of “Keeping It Local — Moving our Businesses Forward.”

The two-day event, free to the public, will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., on March 6 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on March 7. It will be at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

Sponsorships and booth spaces are available.

Visit CentralPascoChamber.com for an application. For more information, call (813) 909-2722, or email .

Wesley Chapel author writes about personal finance
Wesley Chapel resident Dave Robbins has written a book aimed at helping people achieve financial success.

He wants to help people learn to earn more, spend less and live debt-free.

His book is called, “Rich Little Piggy: Build a Financial House of Brick.”

His book is available on Amazon. You can also visit Facebook.com/richlittlepiggy.

Pasco Tax Collector’s office raises $60,000 for charities
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s office has raised $60,000 for various charities between October 2013 and the end of 2104.

During the past 15 months the following organizations have received donations and/ or partnered with the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office to provide goods and services to those in need: The Able Trust, Blind Services Foundation of Florida, Prevent Blindness Florida, The Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program, The James Patrick Work Incentive Program, Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living, Support Our Troops, Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Drive, Be a Santa to a Senior, Farm Share, The Volunteer Way, Lighthouse for the Blind, Gulfside Hospice & Palliative Care, Guardian ad Litem Program, Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation, Lifelink/ Donate Life, ARC Florida – Center for Independence, Pack-a-Sack 4 Kids, AAA Traffic Safety Foundation, Florida Breast Cancer Foundation, Terri’s Tears Foundation, Toys 4 Tots and One Community’s Hunger Walk.

Jobs on the go
CareerSource Pasco Hernando has reintroduced its Mobile One Stop, a 38-foot bus retrofitted with 13 computer stations. It’s complete with satellite Internet, telecommunications, printing, copying and scanning — everything anyone would need to find a job.

It provides service to more than 100 people every month with stops that include the New River Branch Library in Zephyrhills among others.

For details on where Mobile One Stop will be, visit CareerSourcePascoHernando.com.

Small Business Help
If you’re launching a new business or trying to expand, the Pasco Enterprise Network may have information that can guide and assist you.

The network is a collaborative effort of nonprofit agencies committed to ensuring the success of small businesses in Pasco County. Network partners provide consulting, counseling, education, and technical assistance in a variety of areas and subjects.

To find out more, visit PascoEDC.com/pen.

State program could generate 25,000 new jobs
An independent analysis by Florida TaxWatch has determined that expanding GrowFl could result in 25,000 new jobs over the next 10 years.

GrowFl is a state program designed to grow and develop the biggest job-creating companies in Florida.

Florida TaxWatch is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit public policy research institute.

In addition to boosting job growth, investing in GrowFl would help diversify the state economy and provide positive return on Florida’s investments, Florida TaxWatch said, in a news release.

PEDC board names new chairman
The Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc. has named Lex Smith as the new chairman of its board.

Smith is city president-Nature Coast of SunTrust Bank.

Smith has been involved with the Pasco EDC board since 2010 and has served in various roles.

Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Florida, where he played both quarterback and linebacker for the UF Gators football team from 1989 to 1992.

Business Link available monthly
Business Link, a monthly small business gathering hosted by the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, meets the second Wednesday of each month beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The meeting is designed to provide a networking and information-sharing platform for the business community.

For locations, details and to reserve a seat, email , or call (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237.

Wesley Chapel networking group
Networking for Your Success meets every Thursday at 8 a.m., at Lexington Oaks Country Club, 2615 Lexington Oaks Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Cost is $5, and annual membership to the group is $79.

Penny for Pasco funds to help spur local economy

January 29, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker said the county wants to keep an application process open to private parties to submit unsolicited applications for part of the Penny for Pasco proceeds to spur economic development.

The Pasco County Commission soon will be deciding how to allocate funds from Penny for Pasco proceeds to create jobs and spur the county’s economy.

Before they can do that, though, they must adopt a resolution that establishes how funds from the Penny for Pasco Jobs and Economic Trust Fund will be allocated.

The resolution will define eligible applicants, such as Pasco County, the Pasco Economic Development Council and private industry, that can submit unsolicited proposals.

Commissioners had a workshop on Jan. 20 to discuss how to proceed in choosing investments and allocating funds.

The particulars haven’t been ironed out, but the process is expected to include an application process, a ranking system and an economic investment council.

Commissioners will appoint an economic investment council, which likely will have members possessing expertise in a variety of fields, such as manufacturing, commercial/industrial, site selection, real estate and agriculture.

Commission Chairman Ted Schrader told county staff that the council should include a representative from the health care industry.

“Health care obviously is the economic engine in Pasco County,” Schrader said. “I think that’s critically important.”

Pasco is notorious for the tens of thousands of residents who head out of the county for work in the morning and return to the county at night.

It’s been trying to shake the image of being a bedroom community for years and wants to use Penny for Pasco funds to inject energy into the county’s economic development.

With so many people leaving the county each day, it’s obvious that Pasco has an available work force, said Commissioner Mike Moore.

“What jobs are they leaving for?” Moore asked. “That’s where our focus should be initially.”

The primary goal of the trust fund is to attract jobs to Pasco, said Richard Gehring, the county’s planning and development administrator.

Gehring said the county has a number of opportunities.

There’s a railroad corridor in East Pasco, as well as heavy industrial zoning, which the county could use to create new opportunities, he said.

There are also buildings that can be recycled for other uses, he said.

The county needs to develop a method for scoring applications because those who are not selected will want to know why, Gehring said.

The county is expected to generate $45 million to $50 million for economic development through Penny for Pasco.

The goal is for the county to get a 4-to-1 return on investment, said Melanie Kendrick, senior planner for economic development in Pasco.

The county is going after jobs being generated in the Tampa Bay region, with the aim of Pasco becoming a prime player, Gehring said.

John Hagen, president and chief executive officer of the Pasco Economic Development Council, said putting money into acquiring an industrial site would not create jobs directly, but would set the stage for that to happen.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey would like the county to invest in infrastructure into areas where it could attract numerous end-users.

County Administrator Michele Baker said that allowing private applicants to make unsolicited applications could result in attracting potential development the county had not even imagined.

“Part of the problem is not knowing what ideas are out there that might come forward,” Baker said. “We don’t know, what we don’t know.”

Hagen urged the county to adopt a process that is easy to understand.

“If it is too complicated or too difficult, people will go, ‘I can’t deal with that,’” Hagen said.

Since the board cannot take action at a workshop, the Jan. 20 session was intended to give the staff additional direction before preparing a resolution to bring back for the board’s consideration.

Published January 28, 2015

Wanted: Donations for the Woman’s Club annual flea market

January 29, 2015 By B.C. Manion

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club is putting the word out that it is seeking donations for the annual Woman’s Club Flea Market at the Old Lutz School.

The annual sale is a great way for people to clear out closets, attics, garages, patios and sheds — and to help good causes at the same time, according to Pat Serio, co-chairwoman of the flea market.

Verna Johnson helps out during a recent Flea Market at the Old Lutz School and does a bit of shopping, too. This year it will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., on March 6 and March 7 at 18819 N. U.S. 41 in Lutz. (Courtesy of GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club) — Verna Johnson helps out during a recent Flea Market at the Old Lutz School and does a bit of shopping, too. This year it will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., on March 6 and March 7 at 18819 N. U.S. 41 in Lutz.
(Courtesy of GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club)

While residents can clear some of their clutter — others can benefit from a bargain, Serio said, noting the items at the flea market are priced to sell quickly.

“We have the best prices,” Serio said.

As always, the flea market will feature a wide range of goods. There will be items for the home, such as linens, lamps, china, and pots and pans.

Big pieces of furniture will be under tents outdoors, and plants will be sold, too, Serio said.

There also will be a room called Trinkets and Treasures that will feature higher quality and higher priced items, Serio said.

In previous years, the club has had a half-price sale the weekend after the flea market, but has decided not to do so this year, Serio said. Any items that are left over after the flea market will be distributed to a variety of charitable organizations, she said.

Putting on the flea market is a big project, Serio noted.

Generally, about 60 club members volunteer to help receive donations, to sort through them and get ready for the sale.

“We also rope in husbands and children and significant others,” Serio said, with a laugh.

Proceeds from the sale support local charities and the club’s scholarship fund.

It’s the club’s second largest fundraiser of the year, Serio noted. It’s second only to the club’s annual Arts and Crafts Festival at Lake Park.

To prepare for this year’s sale, club members will accept donations at the Old Lutz School on Mondays and Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to noon, through the month of February.

Besides helping the club, the flea market also serves a community need, Serio said. Many people are in the market for affordable furniture and house goods, she said.

It’s also fun to look through the assortment of items that turn up every year at the market, she added.

The club also can arrange to pick up large items, but appointments must be made, Serio said.

The club is unable to accept large appliances or items that are heavy, such as sofa sleepers.

For more information about the woman’s club, visit GFWCLutzLandoLakesWomansClub.org and like them on their Facebook page.

For more particulars on flea market donations, please call Phyllis Hoedt at (813) 949-1937 or Pat Serio at (813) 948-4752.

Published January 28, 2015