The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Brian Fernandes

World War II vet celebrates 100th birthday

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VFW Post 8154, in Zephyrhills, was packed with people to celebrate Edward Bruno’s 100th birthday on Oct. 12.

“I think he will be absolutely stunned to see how many people have come out today to honor him and celebrate his birthday,” said Suzanne Ahmad, his niece.

And, so he was.

Edward Bruno, of Zephyrhills, donned a golden crown as he celebrated his 100th birthday on Oct. 12, with family and friends. (Brian Fernandes)

“It’s a surprise to me,” said Bruno, a decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran, during an event that attracted relatives, devoted friends and dignitaries.

He sat at a long table, in a chair festooned with balloons, donning a birthday crown emblazoned with the number 100.

Like many of his fellow VFW members in the room, he also wore a signature red polo shirt.

Friends and relatives swarmed him, giving him hugs and handshakes, and taking photos of him.

VFW dignitaries took to the stage, offering their birthday wishes, as Bruno relaxed, taking occasional sips of his wine.

Fellow Marine veteran Glenn Shaw, who lives in Zephyrhills, welcomed the crowd.

His eyes welled with tears as he spoke about his friendship with Bruno.

“I go to his house at least once a week. If nobody makes his bed, I make his bed for him. [I] do little things around the house for him. He’s a good man. He’s my buddy,” Shaw said.

State Rep. Randy Maggard was there, too, to help celebrate the day.

“This is a special event and a special time. Truly he has epitomized the spirit of those we call the greatest generation,” said Maggard, who represents District 38 in the Florida House of Representatives.

Bruno’s extended family sat near him during the celebration, including nieces, a younger sister, a grandson and a daughter-in-law.

They celebrated Bruno’s 100 years of life, which began when he was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1919.

He grew up there, in a family of 13 children.

He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1942, at the height of World War II.

The same year, he fought in the Battle of Guadalcanal, and earned a Bronze Medal.

As his military career progressed, he served as a drill sergeant and was stationed in Guadalcanal, New Guinea, Georgia and Cape Gloucester.

“I think he’s always been very proud of his service, his devotion to his family and country,” Ahmad said.

Longevity is a family trait, she added.

However, while enjoying a lengthy life, Bruno has outlived his wife, Barbara, and his only son, Bobby.

There have been challenges, too.

He had to be fitted with a prosthetic leg, after an accident in a factory.

But, he always has made the best of his situations, Ahmad said.

And, his example has been a life lesson for her, she added.

Bruno’s two other nieces, Paulette Kline and Louise Cantwell, also were at the party, reminiscing fondly about their uncle.

“We would have a lot of happy memories of being in his home,” Kline said, “and [he was] always a very gracious host and very loving.”

She said her uncle helped her to develop a sense of gratitude.

Cantwell recalled that at family gatherings, Bruno and her other uncles would talk about growing up during the Great Depression.

She said it reinforced the importance of being there for one another.

“The solidarity is what we get from it. The family solidarity – to be together when we can and help each other when we can,” Cantwell said.

She also noted his upbeat attitude.

“He’s always got a positive outlook,” Cantwell said. “He just kept on being the same happy person.”

Plus, she mentioned, Bruno has been quite a “chick magnet,” and that’s still true today.

“At 100 years old, he can still get the women to come give him attention,” she said, laughing.

The nieces also agreed that their uncle also has an excellent sense of humor.

Besides offering kind words of congratulations, VFW members also gave Bruno gifts to mark the occasion.

They gave him a framed plaque, a case holding a certificate for his service and a Tervis tumbler cup engraved with his name.

But, Bruno wasn’t the only one celebrating a birthday that day.

Jack Henry Dias was celebrating, too. He shares Bruno’s birthday, and he was turning age 1.

Bruno held little Dias in his lap, while people took photos.

The pictures kept coming, as Bruno was helped outdoors by his grandson, Eric, before partaking in a special meal.

There, Bruno posed with his family and caregivers in front of a big military truck.

They were creating yet another memento, to celebrate Bruno’s century’s worth of life experiences.

Published October 23, 2019

Helping children to have a Happy Birthday

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Birthday parties and children seem to go together naturally — but some children are in situations in which his or her birthday can be overlooked.

That’s where Celebrate Birthdays, a nonprofit organization, comes in.

It collaborates with organizations and agencies to find foster kids, other kids with certain needs or kids in clubs, to throw a birthday party for them.

The Celebrate Birthdays organization provides children throughout the Tampa Bay area with elaborate parties for their own birthdays. (Courtesy of Belinda Leto)

Belinda Leto and Celina Saunders founded Celebrate Birthdays.

They go to various locations and throw a monthly birthday party, for all of the children at that particular place celebrating a birthday that month.

The festivities include cake, ice cream, games, activities and presents for all the children at the party — whether they are celebrating their birthday or not, Leto said.

“We want every kid to feel special,” she said.

“It makes them look forward to when it’s their birthday, knowing we’ll show up consistently,” Saunders said. “We do not disappoint.”

The idea for creating Celebrate Birthdays came up two years ago, when Leto was involved in her church’s gift donation program.

She said she was approached by a grandmother who asked whether there were  local services that provided birthday gifts for children.

Leto didn’t know, so she reached out to a friend who worked for Hillsborough County. She found out that the county wasn’t aware of such programs either.

So, Leto and Saunders set out to fill that gap.

“That was the initial spark and seed that really started the idea,” Leto said.

Celebrate Birthdays began serving children, and in March, it was officially recognized as a nonprofit organization.

News of the program’s existence has spread mostly through word of mouth and social media.

The organization also collaborates with organizations such as the Joshua House and the Boys & Girls Club, who refer children to Celebrate Birthdays.

Even a local Girl Scout troop has assisted the effort by collecting gifts and forming a bond with a “birthday buddy.”

“It’s kids helping kids,” Leto remarked. “It doesn’t get much better than that.”

Children who are not part of an organization are not overlooked, she said.

With “Birthday in a Box,” gifts and birthday supplies are stocked up in individual boxes to be sent to children’s homes.

However, community support is needed to keep spreading the joy.

The organization receives gift donations from individuals and various establishments.

Some local businesses accept toy donations on their premises for the organization.

And, Celebrate Birthdays hosts fundraisers and applies for grants, as well.

Volunteers pitch in, too, including high school students.

Leto and Saunders also have recruited their own children to help.

The organization currently covers Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties, with intentions to branch out into Hardee and Highlands counties.

Being part of Celebrate Birthdays is rewarding, Saunders said.

“I think there’s a different feel when you are volunteering your time and not expecting anything in return,” she said.

Being in a position to help the children makes her appreciate her blessings all the more, she said.

“It’s such an overwhelming sense of gratitude. There’s not a price tag on that,” Saunders said.

To learn more about the nonprofit or to make an online donation, please visit CelebrateBirthdays.org.

Published October 23, 2019

A community steps up to lend its support

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Pasco County firefighter Hunter Garcia, his wife, Kayla, and their 5-month-old daughter, Clara, were traveling down Van Dyke Road on Sept. 13, when they were involved in a multi-car accident.

A total of four cars were affected, with five people transported to the hospital, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office news release.

All three Garcias were taken to the hospital. Hunter and Kayla sustained severe injuries. Clara did not survive.

Now, a community event is planned to benefit the Pasco County firefighter’s family.

The event is set for Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Patrons can purchase a $10 plate, with their choice of barbeque pork, chicken, a hamburger or a hot dog, accompanied with two sides.

There also will be a raffle, T-shirt sale, bake sale and an auction.

Volunteers for the benefit will have a planning meeting on Oct. 20 at 1 p.m., at Heritage Park.

Admission to the event is free, with proceeds raised from the food sales, raffles, bake sale and auction benefiting the Garcia family.

Anyone who would like to donate food or drinks, take part in the auction, or volunteer their time, please contact Kristal Morrow at (813) 860-7991.

Garcia family fundraiser
When: Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Cost: Free
Details: A fundraiser to benefit a Pasco County firefighter’s family, after a car accident claimed the life of his infant daughter.
Info: Call Kristal Morrow at (813) 860-7991.

Published October 23, 2019

Lutz festival to offer selections of food and fun

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The community of Lutz is set to usher in the autumn season with food galore and activities at the St. Timothy Family Fall Festival.

The function will run from Oct. 24 to Oct. 26 at St. Timothy Catholic Church, at 17512 Lakeshore Road in Lutz.

The upcoming Family Fall Festival at St. Timothy Catholic Church will have a multitude of games and activities for families to enjoy. The event will be at the church from Oct. 24 to Oct. 26 (Courtesy of St. Timothy Catholic Church)

The Taste of St. Timothy will be on Oct. 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. With a ticket, patrons can indulge in diverse foods from more than 40 different restaurants in the Bay area.

Early morning exercise will be offered on Oct. 25 with the Family Fun Run at 8 a.m. The run will be free to the public and T-shirts will be handed out at 7 a.m.

At 9 a.m., patrons can register for the free fishing derby, which will kick off at 10 a.m.

From noon to 7 p.m., a host of activities will be available, including a quad jumper, a rock wall, pony rides, a petting zoo and a 27-foot double slide, to name a few.

And, at 1 p.m., spectators can watch as the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office lands its own helicopter near the premises, weather permitting.

On Oct. 26, there will be pumpkin decorating, crafts, water coloring and balloon-making from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Tickets for the Oct. 24 food tasting, can be purchased at the church’s parish office for $10 or online for $11. Admission is free for children ages 5 and under.

Tickets will not be sold the night of the event.

To purchase tickets online or for additional information, please visit SaintTims.org/news/taste-of-st-timothy/.

St. Timothy Family Fall Festival
Where: St. Timothy Catholic Church, 17512 Lakeshore Road in Lutz
When: Oct. 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Oct. 25 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Oct. 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Food tasting on Oct. 24 will be $10 when purchased at church’s parish office and $11 when purchased online. Admission is free for ages 5 and under. Tickets will not be sold the night of the event. There will be vendors selling food on Oct. 25 and Oct. 26, but the events are free.
Details: St. Timothy Catholic Church will host various restaurants’ food for patrons to partake in. The fest also will feature multiple activities and crafts.
Info: For tickets or information, visit SaintTims.org/news/taste-of-st-timothy/.

 

Published October 23, 2019

Law seeks to reduce distracted driving

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For now, drivers caught using a hand-held phone while driving through an active construction or school zone, will be issued a warning.

But, at the beginning of the New Year, a citation can be issued with a $164 fine and three points against a driver’s license for the first offense.

The new restriction was included in a law that addressed texting while driving, passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The texting portion of the law took effect July 1. It makes texting while driving a primary offense, and also applies to emailing and browsing on a phone.

Deputy Marc Lane, of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, keeps an eye out for motorists who may be talking on their phones while in an active construction zone on State Road 54. Florida has a new state law, which took effect Oct. 1, that prohibits talking on a hand-held device while driving through active school or construction zones. (Brian Fernandes)

Before July 1, driving while texting was deemed as a secondary offense, meaning that a driver couldn’t be pulled over for it, but could be cited for it, if the driver had been stopped for another offense.

The portion of the law relating to talking on hand-held devices in active construction or school zones took effect on Oct. 1, with a three-month grace period — meaning only warnings will be issued initially.

“The common theme is we want you paying attention to your driving, not your phone,” said Sgt. Dan Fenstemacher, of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

“With everything that’s going on in vehicles, distracted driving is a major problem,” he said.

Tragic consequences can occur when drivers are distracted, said Fenstemacher, who is part of Sheriff’s Office’s Highway Interdiction Team division.

“Bad things can happen when you’re not watching where you’re going. You’re going off the road, you might hit a bicyclist, hit a kid on the sidewalk [or] go head on into a vehicle. We’re not out there to just write tickets, but we want people to drive safe,” he said.

Vehicular accidents due to “electronic communication devices” last year alone resulted in 48 crashes and two fatalities in Pasco County, according to statistics from the Florida Highway Patrol.

Fenstemacher’s team is assigned to patrol main corridors such as State Roads 52, 54 and 56.

Recently, Deputy Marc Lane of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office observed motorists who may have been talking on their phone while driving. He was parked in an unmarked SUV, in a median near an active construction zone. Within about 30 minutes, he pulled over five motorists for speeding or using hand-held devices in the zone and issued them warnings.

The county’s sheriff’s office is working along with the Florida Highway Patrol and local police departments to enforce the new measure.

“Certainly we work collaboratively to try and cut down [on accidents],” Fenstemacher said.

Driving in school zones and construction zones while talking on a hand-held phone is prohibited only when those premises are active with people present.

A school zone is considered to be operational when there are speed limit signs with flashing lights, cross guards, and children crossing the street.

For construction zones, orange, diamond-shaped signs and cones along the road, are signals that work is being done in that area.

It is permissible to use a Bluetooth or an earplug in only one ear in restricted zones, as long as a device is not in the motorist’s hand.

This also can apply to a phone or a tablet.

If a vehicle is not in motion, whether at a stoplight or in congested traffic, texting is not considered an infraction, the Fenstemacher noted.

Signs that a driver is texting on the road may include delayed reaction time, slowing down below the speed limit, swerving outside of a designated lane or periodically taking eyes off the road to look downward, he said.

Published October 23, 2019

Under Construction 10/16/2019

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(Brian Fernandes)

Tidal Wave car wash
Tidal Wave Auto Spa will offer motorists a new car wash, at 3893 Atmore Grove Drive, off North Dale Mabry Highway, in Lutz. It will feature a drive-through lane, free vacuuming service, two payment kiosks, and monthly membership plans. The project is set to be completed and opened later this year.

 

 

 

UF/IFAS Pasco Extension
The University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences-Pasco County Extension will soon have an added section to its main office, in Dade City. The 7,000-square-foot structure will be comprised of conference and office rooms, as well as restrooms. It also will have a new parking lot and a new sidewalk connecting the building to the sidewalk running along State Road 52. The project began in August and is set to be finished in time for an early 2020 opening.

 

Main Event
Wesley Chapel soon will have more recreational options, with the Main Event entertainment center. The 49,000-square-foot center is being built at 2839 Creek Grass Way, between Interstate 75 and the Tampa Premium Outlets. The venue will feature 22 bowling lanes, billiards, laser tag, gravity ropes, shuffleboard, numerous games and two banquet rooms. It is set to open in 2020.

 

 

Stonewood Professional Park
Stonewood Professional Park offices are being developed, at 2716 Stonewood Park Loop, in Land O’ Lakes. The plaza will consist of 10 buildings for medical or professional office space, and have a custom designed floor plan. This building will include over 3,000 square feet. It is set to open in 2020.

 

 

 

Curious about something new that’s popping up in your community? Please send us the location — along with the address, if possible — and we’ll see what we can find out. Send your email to .

Published October 16, 2019

Long-term planning efforts continue for Pasco’s roads

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Pasco County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will adopt a new plan, in December, pushing forward its long-term agenda for the county’s road system.

Its 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan gives an overview of what roadway modifications could be made within a 20-year span.

Wally Blain of Tindale Oliver and Kasey Cursey of AECOM, consultants who work alongside the county’s MPO, explained some highlights of the 2045 plan at a luncheon hosted by the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, on Oct. 8.

Some key projects include:

  • Widening State Road 52 to six lanes, from the Suncoast Parkway to U.S. 41
  • Widening State Road 52 to four lanes from U.S. 41 to Old Pasco Road
  • Widening U.S. 41 to four lanes, from its intersection with State Road 52, heading south to Connerton Boulevard
  • Extending Ridge Road, from Moon Lake Road to the Suncoast Parkway
  • Constructing a new State Road 52 alignment, east of Interstate 75, to connect with Clinton Avenue

Improvements on State Road 54 also are planned, but how to proceed has not yet been determined.

While State Road 54 continues to be an ever-congested corridor, especially at the intersection with U.S. 41, the roadway may see new improvements in Pasco County’s 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan. (Brian Fernandes)

“We know that State Road 54 is a huge priority for the county,” Blain said. “There’s been much discussion about what would be the preferred solution or strategy for State Road 54.”

The map indicates that the Vision 54/56 plan will be evaluated for potential transit improvements, overpasses, elevated lanes and alternative intersection designs.

“[The] county and DOT (Department of Transportation) are working on the coordination of traffic signals on State Road 54,” Blain noted.

However, there are no plans to widen State Roads 54 and 56 respectively, from U.S. 41 to U.S. 301, according to the map.

Blain said: ”What we’re doing in the plan is we’re setting aside the money to do the project, and as those studies are completed, implementation can begin to happen right away.”

Currently, there is $395 million set aside for Vision 54/56 studies and improvements.

The long-range plan also proposes revamping the county’s public transportation system. That includes adding Sunday services, increasing the frequency for bus pickups and drop offs, and extending services to as late as 11:30 p.m.

“The MPO is a federally funded and mandated organization. It’s required in large metropolitan areas to do the transportation planning – where will people live and where will jobs exist, according to our crystal ball, by the year 2045,” Blain said.

Based on those projections, schematics of Pasco County were drawn showing potential road connections and widenings, as well as improvements to the transit system, he said.

Pasco County residents were surveyed in 2018 to get feedback on the MPO’s proposed plans. About 1,600 surveys were received.

Needs were identified, and then, he said, “we look at our revenues and what can we afford based on our expected revenue streams.”

Another survey was conducted for additional public feedback over the summer, to consider practical suggestions that could be implemented in the MPO’s cost-affordable plan.

While Pasco County’s transportation system receives appropriations from the federal and state levels, it also collects revenue from the county’s Penny for Pasco surtax.

The program raises funds through a one-penny surcharge for every dollar of sales tax collected by the county.

Of the portion allocated to the county, 18% goes toward transportation.

The 2045 long-range plan calls for the renewal of the Penny for Pasco program after 2024, as it currently stands.

Transportation revenues collected from federal, state and county levels are projected to exceed $7 billion from 2025 to 2045, Blain said.

Every five years, the Long Range Transportation Plan is reevaluated for potential modifications.

The 2045 plan would see slight allocation increases to specific projects in contrast to the 2040 plan.

Here are some specifics:

  • Road capacity would receive 69%, compared to 64%
  • Sidewalks and bicycle facilities would receive 3%, compared to 1%
  • Technology and congestion management also would receive 3%, compared to 1%
  • Roadway maintenance would receive 15%, compared to 9%

But, Blain also noted that transit projects would see a decline from 25% to 10%.

That decrease is due to the MPO’s assumption that there will not be any new local taxes or revenues generated toward transportation, Blain added.

The public is encouraged to engage in a 30-day comment period, starting on Nov. 1.

For more information or to give comment feedback, please visit MobilityPasco.com.

MPO public workshops
Where/When: New Port Richey Public Library, 5939 Main St., in New Port Richey (Nov. 5 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.); Pasco County Historic Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Avenue in Dade City (Nov. 6 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.); The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel (day/time to be announced).
Cost: Free
Details: The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization will unveil and explain to guests its roadway projections for 2025 to 2045.
Info: Visit MobilityPasco.com.

Published October 16, 2019

Dade City Christmas parade seeks applicants

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Dade City’s 2019 Christmas Parade is just around the corner, and those who want to be a part of it are invited to apply.

The parade will be in downtown Dade City on Dec. 6 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., where spectators can enjoy decorated floats, bands or walking units.

Those wanting to take part in Dade City’s 2019 Christmas Parade can entertain spectators, along with Santa Claus himself. Applicants need to register by Nov. 11 at 5 p.m., at the latest. (Courtesy of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce)

“It’s very much a community event run by wonderful volunteers,” said John Moors, executive director of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce. The chamber will once again host the parade, which also will be sponsored by AdventHealth Dade City.

Those wanting to take part in the parade must register online.

Registration is nonrefundable, and is set at $40 for individuals and businesses.

Nonprofit organizations can register for $25 with photo proof uploaded in the application process.

Deadline for applications is Nov. 11 at 5 p.m. Applications can be obtained at DadeCItyChristmasParade.com.

For additional information, contact the chamber at (352) 567-3769 or online at DadeCityChamber.org.

Dade City 2019 Christmas Parade registration
When: Deadline for applications is Nov. 11 at 5 p.m.
Cost: $40 for individuals and businesses; $25 for nonprofit organizations with photo proof uploaded on application
Details: Those wanting to participate in the upcoming parade can still apply online.
Info: For parade applications, visit DadeCityChristmasParade.com. For additional information, contact The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce at (352) 567-3769 or online at DadeCityChamber.org.

Published October 16, 2019

Dade City’s downtown soon to receive flood relief

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The completion of a project now underway in downtown Dade City aims to address flooding problems that have plagued the area for years.

The public works project, which began in August, involves the installation of new stormwater piping.  Joseph DeBono, Dade City’s public works director, is overseeing the project.

Behind Dade City’s City Hall, a portion of Pasco Avenue is being unearthed to facilitate new piping. This is one of several routes to see pipe placement that will help diminish flooding in the downtown region. (Brian Fernandes)

The work is being done to address major flooding that hinder parts of downtown, DeBono said.

“What this project does is to aid in mitigating a lot of that sheet flow, by channeling the water in new drains – curb drains, street drains – in various configurations,” the director said.

Sheet flow refers to the water that settles at ground level or higher.

DeBono added: “What we’re doing is we’re actually bringing it (water) down below grade with the stormwater collection system, to basically help cars navigate down the roadway instead of having 6 (inches) to 7 inches of water that they have to go across.”

The concrete-made pipes will be placed underground, spanning 2,400 linear feet and ranging in size.

New curb drains will relieve roadways of rain water by sending it directly into the piping system.

The construction will begin at Seventh Street’s intersections with Church Avenue, and Pasco Avenue – further north. Then it heads east on Pasco Avenue to Third Street, where it will head north up to Meridian Avenue.

The piping will head east passing U.S. 98 and the CSX railway, eventually dumping the water into Irvin Pond.

The pond will be reconfigured and widened to accommodate the additional water it will receive. A larger surface area also will grant more time for the wastewater to be treated.

Canal Street, just east of Irvin Pond, will undergo modifications as well.

Underneath the roadway, a culvert pipe is currently situated for better ease of water off the street. There are plans to expand this structure as well.

The project will benefit both shop owners and those going through downtown, DeBono said.

Signs indicate where construction is taking place. Detour routes have been established, too.

The director also mentioned the installation may impose some inconvenience, as it is being done during the day.

“We understand that there’s businesses there along most of the corridor that we’re going down, and we make a best effort for allowing patrons to actually get to their locations,” he said.

The estimated $2.3 million-project is funded by state appropriations as well as the Florida Department of Transportation and Dade City.

Construction is set for completion for some time between the middle and later part of next year, DeBono said.

Published October 09, 2019

Rattlesnake Festival offers new features, special guests

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It’s that time of year again, when the Rattlesnake Festival offers two full days of fun at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, following a special concert by the world-famous Bellamy Brothers to kick off this year’s event.

The Bellamy Brothers will perform on the evening of Oct. 18, with separate tickets sold for that event.

The traditional festival activities will be offered on Oct. 19 and Oct. 20 at the fairgrounds, at 36722 State Road 52, in Dade City.

Where else can you feel slithery snake skin but at the annual Rattlesnake Festival? This year’s event is set from Oct. 18 to Oct. 20. (Courtesy of Joe Simmons)

The event, now in its 53rd year, will offer some new features and bring back some old favorites, too.

“We want the festival to continue to be an annual event that everyone looks forward to just like they did for more than 50 years,” said Joe Simmons, executive director of The Thomas Promise Foundation, which is hosting the event.

The Bellamy Brothers’ concert at the Dan Cannon Auditorium, at the fairgrounds, will be their first festival appearance since 1968.

Festivities on Oct. 19 are planned from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. , with some events occurring only on that day, including Cowboy Tom’s Wild West Show and a live performance by Clerks with a Cure in the Dan Cannon Auditorium.

That day’s schedule also includes the 41st annual Rattlesnake Run, held at the San Antonio Park at 12750 Oak St., in San Antonio. This will be comprised of a pet-friendly 5-mile run starting at 8 a.m., and a 1-mile run at 9:15 a.m. Registration begins at 7 a.m.

And at 6:30 p.m., the Rattlesnake Festival After Dark concert will provide musical entertainment by the Seventeenth Street Band and River Junction Band. Admission will be $10 per person at the gate.

Activities on Oct. 20 will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Exclusive to the day will be the Subaru Off-Road event as well as a dance and theater exhibition in the Dan Cannon Auditorium, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Both days will feature first-time and traditional offerings.

Some new features this year include a live bear exhibit and Soccer Collies – where people and dogs interact in a soccer game.

Also new will be the Walk on Water Air Bubbles that allows patrons to roll around inside a bubble, floating on water.

Jim Mendenhall’s snake show will make a comeback, along with Tampa’s Croc Encounters crocodile and reptile show, and other wildlife exhibits.

Also returning are bounces houses, a pumpkin patch, a petting zoo and pony rides.

Hungry patrons can visit the food court with various options, and there will be an array of vendors selling arts and crafts.

The purchase of a  $15 wristband provides unlimited access to numerous fair rides provided by Big O Amusements.

Parking is free and admission is $5 for those ages 3 and older.

Proceeds will go toward The Thomas Promise Foundation, which helps to provide weekend meals to kids in need.

To pre-register for the run, visit www.RattlesnakeRun.com.

General admission for the Bellamy Brothers concert is $40 and seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased at www.RattlesnakeFestival.com.

For additional information, please contact Joe Simmons at (813) 782-0000 or at .

Rattlesnake Festival
Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City
When: Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. (Bellamy Brothers Concert); Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Festival admission $5 for those ages 3 and up for Oct. 19 and Oct. 20 events; General admission for Bellamy Brothers concert is $40 and limited; 1-mile run is $20 for 18 and up, $15 for ages 11-17, and free for ages 10 and under; 5-mile run is $40 for 18 and up, and $25 for those under 18
Details: The festival kicks off with a live performance from the Bellamy Brothers. New and returning fun features and activities will be there on the other two days to enjoy. Vendors and a food court will be there, too.
Info: contact Joe Simmons at (813) 782-0000 or at . For Bellamy Brothers concert tickets, visit www.RattlesnakeFestival.com. Pre-register for the run at www.RattlesnakeRun.com.

Published October 09, 2019