Christine Holtzman

Church hosts huge community event

June 26, 2019 By Christine Holtzman

Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, 2017 Reigler Road in Land O’ Lakes, recently hosted a fun, family event. The Big Event II featured games, food, drinks, live music, local vendors and a movie under the stars. Chance drawings took place throughout the day for prizes, such as Apple watches, a bike, restaurant gift cards, and a television. The free event was open to the public, and its goal was to give the community a chance to learn about the church, and give the church a chance to be involved with the community.

Fifteen-month-old Lily Hunter, of Land O’ Lakes, sits on her mom Kassi’s lap, as she gets her face painted by Emily Hinson, of Wesley Chapel. The young girl picked out a pink kitty cat for her design. (Christine Holtzman)

Carol Clark, of Land O’ Lakes, left, and Julie Stevenson, of Lutz, celebrate, after each got back-to-back wins during a friendly lawn game of cornhole.

Church member and volunteer Bill White, of Lutz, grills dozens of hot dogs at a time on the large barbecue grill. He estimates that around 400 hotdogs are cooked for this event.

Zephyrhills library hosts a silly science party

June 19, 2019 By Christine Holtzman

Dozens of children in kindergarten through fifth grade tested their knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics recently at the Dr. Seuss Silly Science Party, hosted by the Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St. The summer reading program, presented by Seffner resident Tanci Mishler, featured several hands-on STEAM stations, with experiments primarily based on Dr. Seuss’s books. Participants tried their hand at balancing acts, center of gravity tests, counting, measuring weight, engineering and the arts. The free event was funded by the newly formed nonprofit group, Friends of the Zephyrhills Public Library.

A group of girls at the science station test their balancing skills, by stacking items, and getting them to hold for 5 seconds. The book, ‘The Cat in the Hat,’ influenced this gravity test. From left: 6-year-old Isabelle Jarboe, 6-year-old Samantha Stephens, 4-year-old Sydney Stephens, all of Wesley Chapel, and 6-year-old Elizabeth Ayres, of Dade City. (Christine Holtzman)

Seven-year-old Noah Purcell, of Zephyrhills, left, and his 10-year old brother, Nicholas, use a scale to determine how many plastic teddy bears it will take to balance one apple. This activity at the technology station was inspired by the Dr. Seuss book, ‘Ten Apples Up on Top.’

Six-year-old Elizabeth Ayres, of Dade City, smiles, after Tanci Mishler, of Seffner, compliments her work at the art station. Mishler, a former Hillsborough County librarian, organizes different themed programs at the library.

Kickoff to summer reading party is a blast

June 19, 2019 By Christine Holtzman

The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, recently held its Summer Reading Club Blast Off party. The event featured dozens of attractions, such as water activities, Pasco County Utilities and Fire Rescue Touch-a-Truck, Pasco County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, dance parties, face painting, crafts, a bounce house and a mobile science center. Branch manager Robert Speich described the annual kickoff party as a way of getting patrons excited about summer reading, as well as letting the community know about the many programs and activities the library will have available throughout the summer.

Two-year-old Gabrielle Haile, of Land O’ Lakes, is fascinated by the large, inflatable elephant sprinkler at the Summer Reading Blast Off party, at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library. (Christine Holtzman)

Two friends, 6-year-old Iniya Singaravelan, left, and 5-year-old Haasini Pradip, both of Wesley Chapel, use an outdoor activity center, hosted by WaterVentures – Florida’s Learning Lab. The mobile science center’s public programs focus on conservation and the understanding of Florida’s ecosystems.

Nine-year-old Aubree Collins, of Land O’ Lakes, takes a hula hoop for a spin. The seasoned pro has been practicing for many years, since attending music festivals with her mother, Sarah.

Celebrate dad this week: Father’s Day is June 16

June 12, 2019 By Christine Holtzman

As Father’s Day approaches, we set out to capture some special moments between dads and their kids, in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. Such tender exchanges can happen when a child is tiny, or a full-grown adult. We salute those dads who are never too busy to go fishing with their kids, or attend dance recitals, coach Little League, or do the millions of other things that dads do. Happy Father’s Day to you. Enjoy your day.

Anthony Sievert, of Land O’ Lakes, shares a strawberry Italian ice with his 4-year-old daughter, Alicia, on a recent afternoon in Land O’ Lakes. When asked what makes her dad special, Alicia said: ‘My dad tells me silly jokes, and he reads to me. I like when we play hide-and-seek. It’s my favorite game.’ (Christine Holtzman)

During an evening walk in Cypress Creek Preserve, off of Parkway Boulevard in Land O’ Lakes, Gerard Flaherty, of Land O’Lakes, poses for a picture with his two adult daughters, Alison Cagle, left, and Emily Flaherty. When asked to use one word to sum up how he feels about fatherhood, he replied: ‘Blessed.’

During a recent morning outing to the New River Branch Library in Wesley Chapel, Thomas Skinner, of Wesley Chapel, reads a book to Elaina, his 2 ½-year-old daughter. He calls fatherhood ‘the best thing in the world.’ He said being a dad requires tending to a child’s curiosity while maintaining the delicate balance of being loving, but also providing discipline.

Congratulations to the Class of 2019!

June 12, 2019 By Christine Holtzman

Seniors from Cypress Creek Middle High School made history when they graduated on June 5, becoming the first class to graduate from the high school in Wesley Chapel. But, these graduates were among thousands picking up diplomas from schools across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. Whether they graduating from a small private school, from a large public high school, or a sprawling campus — these graduates have finished one chapter of their lives, and are onto the next.

Many seniors displayed messages on their caps, reflecting a bright future ahead, during the inaugural graduation of Cypress Creek Middle High School. (Christine Holtzman)

Graduate Jermyzhae Simmonsh proudly holds up her diploma, after receiving it from Cypress Creek Middle High Principal Carin Hetzler-Nettles.

This place offers a whole lot more than bowling

June 5, 2019 By Christine Holtzman

For those passing by, Pin Chasers in Zephyrhills may look like a typical bowling alley.

But, for those within the center, at 6816 Gall Blvd., it’s a social hotspot.

Dylan Teets, of Wesley Chapel, hurls a ball down the lane. He came to the alley with his dad, William. (Christine Holtzman)

Throughout its 60-year history, Pin Chasers — owned by the Perrone family — has been a gathering place for generations of people.

The 32-lane bowling center provides ample opportunities for bowlers to test their mettle and show off their skills.

But, it’s also a place where people meet to throw back a beer or two. Or, host birthday or holiday parties.

Some have even been married there.

Aubrey Ogilbee, Pin Chasers’ sales and marketing director, grew up in Zephyrhills and spent a lot of time hanging out at the alley.

Inside the bar, Ken Kenyon, of Dade City, left, strikes up a conversation with William Teets, of Wesley Chapel. General Manager Amy Higgins is behind the bar.

She went to see her grandmother, Fran Rebenski, who was the bowling league secretary for years.

By 2002, Ogilbee was competing on her grandmother’s team.

One thing led to another and she went to work for Pin Chasers, where she has remained for more than a decade.

And now, her 12-year-old son, Hayden Lopez, is continuing the family tradition. He’s been growing up inside the bowling center’s walls, just like his mom did.

Olivia Blackman, of Zephyrhills, left, and her older brother, Donell Blackman II, of Wesley Chapel, celebrate after Donell bowled a strike. The duo was at the alley to compete in a friendly match of sibling rivalry.

Longtime employee Amy Higgins, who is now the general manager, often brings her 4-year-old son, Orion, along to work.

He adapts well to the environment: Even the hustle and bustle of the busy alley can’t keep him from napping on the lobby couch.

Pin Chasers is one of those places where everyone seems to have a story to tell.

On a recent Friday afternoon, three women were finishing their lunch, getting ready to roll another game.

Martha Colon, of Tampa, was there with her sister Liz Douglas, of Wesley Chapel, and their friend, Regina Trader, also of Wesley Chapel.

Martha Colon, of Tampa, left; her sister Liz Douglas, of Wesley Chapel, center; and, their friend Regina Trader, also of Wesley Chapel, call themselves, ‘The Golden Girls.’ They were finishing lunch before setting out to play another game.

The ladies call themselves ‘The Golden Girls.’

They recount that their adult children say they don’t know how to have fun — but their laughter, teasing, hooting and hollering echo throughout the place, defying their children’s claims.

Meanwhile, at one of the pool tables near the lobby, Angie Blair, of Zephyrhills, and Carl, her husband of 35 years, are working on their game.

They’ve caught the fever again, after a 20-year hiatus.

Angie says she rusty, but claims that Carl “still has it.”

Over at the bar, a regular has dropped in.

Ken Kenyon, of Dade City, has been bowling at Pin Chasers since 1986.

Four-year-old Orion Higgins, of Zephyrhills, doesn’t let the noises around him keep him from napping on the lobby couch. His mom is the alley’s general manager.

As he sips a beer, he strikes up a conversation with William Teets, of Wesley Chapel, who was there drinking a Coca-Cola.

Kenyon has half of his beer left, as he begins to make his exit — running into Ogilbee on his way out.

The two give each other a hug.

Kenyon has known the sales and marketing director since she was just a year old.

He’s been close to her grandparents for decades.

They met when they were bowling on the same league.

That’s just one of the many lifelong friendship Kenyon says he’s formed because of Pin Chasers and bowling.

Published June 05, 2019

Twelve-year-old Hayden Lopez, of Zephyrhills, plays one of the newest arcade games at Pin Chasers. His mother is the sales and marketing director for the alley.

Candlelight vigil honors young girl killed while riding tricycle

June 5, 2019 By Christine Holtzman

Little 3-year-old Remington ‘Remi’ Lily Solano has been described as a loving and affectionate child, a beam of light that could make anyone smile.

Standing behind the memorial table honoring his sister Remi, Londen Solano watches people pass out candles ahead of the vigil on the evening of May 31. The table was decorated with photos and personal items of the young girl, who died after being struck by a car while riding her tricycle on May 29. (Christine Holtzman)

She enjoyed swimming, and going to school, where she would eat hot dogs for lunch nearly every day.

She loved being outdoors and playing with her neighborhood friends, on the quiet dead-end street, Torvest Court, in the Suncoast Pointe subdivision in Land O’ Lakes.

She was doing what she loved doing the best on the evening of May 29 — riding her purple tricycle.

That’s when a neighbor backed his SUV out of his driveway and struck the young girl, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The child was flown to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Tampa, where she passed away as a result of her injuries.

Remi’s grieving father, Casey Solano, left, and mother Kasey Clark, comfort each other before the candlelight vigil begins.

Two days later, dozens of family and friends, gathered outside the family’s home for a sunset candlelight vigil, to honor the little girl who would have turned 4 later this month.

Remi’s heartbroken family, parents Kasey Clark and Casey Solano, her big brother Londen, her aunt Tiffany Clark, and her grandmother Genevieve Clark huddled together — protected by layers of family members, close friends and grieving community members, offering solace for their unimaginable loss.

Between tears, they found the strength to share their favorite memories of the little girl, whom they affectionately called, “Remi the Pooh.’

At the vigil’s conclusion, the family asked the crowd to raise their candles — to light the way for Remi and to remember the little light who once beamed so bright.

Published June 05, 2019

Genevieve Clark, Remi’s grandmother, listens as another family member shares a memory of the little girl.

Family, friends and others gathered at a candlelight vigil for Remington Solano, a 3-year-old girl who lost her life after being struck by a car while riding her tricycle in her Land O’ Lakes neighborhood. At the conclusion of the vigil, those gathered raised their candles in a response to Remi’s family, to honor the little girl.

Teen game night features friendly ‘battles’

June 5, 2019 By Christine Holtzman

The New River Branch Library, at 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, is hosting a variety of activities and crafts on Wednesday evenings, geared toward students in grades eight through 12. Recently, the library had a Teen Game Night, where those attending played classic board games, such as Monopoly, Battleship and Mario Kart. They also had a chance to enjoy snacks and meet potential friends. For more information, call (813) 788-6375.

Fifteen-year-old Samantha Scott, left, and 15-year-old Daniela Ramirez, both of Wesley Chapel, battle it out while playing a boxing game on the Nintendo Wii game system. (Christine Holtzman)

With a steering wheel remote control in hand, 17-year-old Edward Cuao, of Wesley Chapel, competes against Teen Librarian Casey Abbott, for a first-place race win, during a round of ‘Mario Kart’ on the Nintendo Wii game system.

Sixteen-year-old Matthew Santiago, of Wesley Chapel, calls out coordinates to his opponent, 15-year-old Daniela Ramirez. The teens were playing the classic game, Battleship.

Hundreds walk for a meaningful cause

May 29, 2019 By Christine Holtzman

Hundreds gathered at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel, for the March of Dimes’ biggest annual fundraiser event on May 11. The Suncoast March for Babies, a 3-mile walk through The Shops at Wiregrass, raised more than $40,000 for the March of Dimes. This year’s ambassador was Chloe Rose Gray, a 4-year-old Tampa Bay girl who was born prematurely at 28 weeks, and spent 96 days in the neonatal intensive care unit. Funds raised from the walk help the March of Dimes on their mission to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Walkers make their way down Paseo Drive at The Shops at Wiregrass, during the March of Dimes’ biggest annual fundraiser event, the March for Babies. (Christine Holtzman)

Wearing a superhero cape, 1-year-old Isaac Coutant, of Lutz, walks with his mother Brittany Tremblay, left, and father Steven Coutant, during the March for Babies event. The walk is special to the family because when Brittany was 32-weeks pregnant, she gave birth to Isaac following a traffic accident. The youngster spent the first 35 days of his life in the neonatal intensive care unit.

A butterfly memorial garden table offered a packet of seeds to anyone who had lost a baby, to ceremoniously plant a ‘butterfly flower’ in their memory.

Students participate in law enforcement fitness test

May 29, 2019 By Christine Holtzman

The middle school students enrolled in the criminal justice program at Cypress Creek Middle High School, in Wesley Chapel, recently got a first-hand look at what it takes, physically, to become a law enforcement officer.

The students participated in a timed fitness test, modeled after the same course that is given to candidates in the police academy. The test, known as the PAT (Physical Abilities Test), featured simulated calls to dispatch, entering and exiting a vehicle, a couple of 220-yard sprints, an obstacle course, and the firing of a dry weapon with each hand. The students had six minutes and four seconds to complete the course.

The school’s Criminal Justice Academy is the first of its kind geared towards middle school students, and focuses on the exploration of criminal justice and the skills required to enter the field of law enforcement.