The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Justin Vick

Townhome project approved near schools in Holiday

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This map shows the 46-acre site outlined in red. Some of its neighbors include Anclote High School, Paul R. Smith Middle School, a Duke Energy easement, Holiday Lake Estates and a recently rezoned parcel. Photo courtesy of Pasco County

HOLIDAY – Lennar Homes has received approval from Pasco County commissioners to develop 190 townhomes by Anclote High School and Paul R. Smith Middle School.

The company had to get the county to rezone the 46-acre site from agricultural uses to a master planned unit development district to move forward.
The future land use plan calls for residential uses to the tune of six units per acre. The site is just north of the Dominion Anclote affordable housing project approved last year for 220 multifamily units. 

“We’ve got a great plan here,” said Clarke Hobby, of Hobby & Hobby P.A., speaking on behalf of the applicant. “We’ve got really attractive townhouses that Lennar is building with a newer product style that they have just reworked their architecture on. I think it’s going to be a great credit to the community but this is ideally situated next to the Dominium site and right in the middle of all the schools. It should be really great for the area.”

Commissioner Lisa Yeager said the townhomes will be available at a great price point that will be affordable to teachers. 

Hobby described the Lennar Homes project as the first chance of homeownership for people in the area. 

“I have to credit Lennar for stepping up its game,” he said. “About five, 10 years ago, not all the townhouses were great. The newer ones are showing six or seven different architectural finishes on the front and they look completely different and a big step up from the old ones. I think it’ll be good for the community.”

To the north and east of the site is a Duke Energy easement. 

The project will connect to the Coastal Anclote Trail via a multi-use path, according to Pasco County senior planner Willaim Vermillion. He said this will allow pedestrians to access both school sites. 

 

Adopt a Pet (3/26/25): English Muffin is quite the treat

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English Muffin is an incredibly loving 2-year-old who lives to spread happiness. The moment she sees you, she will joyfully roll onto her back, eagerly awaiting belly rubs. Her tail never stops wagging, showcasing her happy and affectionate nature. Although English Muffin was previously adopted, she was returned because she prefers to be the only pet in the home. She is searching for a loving forever family where she can be the center of attention and shower you with unconditional love. If you’re looking for a loyal and happy companion who will fill your life with joy, English Muffin is the perfect match. Come meet her today at Pasco County Animal Services.

If you would like to adopt English Muffin, be sure to make an appointment at Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, by calling 813-929-1212. The adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines. Email for more information.

 

Colors offer clues to the health benefits of foods

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While we see a lot of green this month, make note of the colors on your plate year-round.  

Hopefully it’s not just green (or any one color) because the more colorful your produce, the more nutrition you are getting.  

It’s recommended to “eat the rainbow” of fruits and vegetables.

That’s because of the health benefits from the different phytonutrients found in each pigment.  

These phytonutrients strengthen the plant’s immune system from various dangers, such as sun damage and diseases.  

And just as the phytonutrients protect the plant and keep it healthy, once we consume the plant, these phytonutrients keep us healthy, too.

Consequently, the more diverse colors you eat, the better.  

Here is a breakdown of how a colorful eating pattern can protect you from various diseases (Harvard Health Publishing, 2019):

  • Red fruits and vegetables have lycopene: improves heart health, decreases prostate and breast cancer risks, helps prevent stroke, and is good for brain health. Tomatoes, radishes, cherries, strawberries, beets and red peppers are examples of high lycopene food.
  • Orange and yellow have beta cryptothanxin, which plays a role in preventing heart disease. Find this in sweet potatoes, carrots, oranges, pineapple, mango, pumpkin, butternut squash, peaches and more.
  • The green in fruits and vegetables have cancer-blocking chemicals that hinder carcinogens. These are in foods like spinach, kale, collard greens, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kiwi, avocado and green herbs, too, such as rosemary, basil, etc.  
  • Blue and purple have antioxidants that slow down aging and prevent the formation of blood clots in the heart.  These antioxidants are in blueberries, blackberries, grapes, eggplant, plums, prunes, purple cabbage and more.
  • The white and brown is the last subgroup of colors.  While these technically aren’t rainbow colors, they are still just as important to eat thanks to their antioxidants.  Foods in this group include onion, cauliflower, garlic, mushrooms, parsnips and potatoes.

So when you’re feeling hungry for a snack, you can see why choosing a peach over the cookies is a much better option.  

You don’t have to completely eliminate cookies, but only have it once in a while and only after you’ve reached your fruit and vegetable amount recommendations.  

Your body will thank you.

How can you make your meals more colorful?  Here are some tips:

  • Instead of a side dish of French fries, order a side salad or soup.
  • Make your pizza colorful with veggie toppings, such as spinach, tomato, mushroom, etc.
  • For a snack or dessert, have fruit or a fruit smoothie
  • Look at your shopping cart to make sure you have a variety of colors
  • Frozen and canned produce count, too, which can help with your grocery budget.

While the exact amount of fruits and vegetables per day depend on factors such as gender and age, a general rule of thumb is to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.  

In one particular study that followed 2 million people over 30 years, those that had five servings (specifically, two servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables per day), saw:

  • A 13% lower risk of death from any cause.
  • 12% lower risk of death from heart disease or stroke.
  • 10% lower risk of death from cancer.
  • 35% lower risk of death from respiratory disease.

Note that this is the average servings per day.  

So if you go all day without fruits and vegetables, you can make up for it for the next few days by increasing your intake (Harvard Health Publishing, 2021).

 

Eggplant Stir Fry (MyPlate.gov)

 

Ingredients

  • 2 eggplants, cubed
  • 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup green bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 2 onions, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons Italian salad dressing, low fat
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice

 

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Place eggplant, zucchini, green bell pepper, onions and salad dressing into a skillet.
  3. Stir lightly to combine and cook over low heat until tender.
  4. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-5 minutes. Serve over cooked brown rice. 

 

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County, An Equal Opportunity Institution.

Ace Pickleball Club to open first Florida location in Lutz

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LUTZ – Pickleball has always played a significant role in McKinley Cooper’s life. 

Long before pickleball surged in popularity, Cooper and her family bonded over the game, spending quality time together, especially with their dad. For years, Cooper and her family primarily played on outdoor courts, but the Florida heat can make it too hot to enjoy the game. 

Recognizing the need for a climate-controlled space, she saw an opportunity to provide Lutz and its surrounding communities with an indoor facility where people could play pickleball year-round in ideal conditions. 

Launching the first Ace Pickleball Club in Florida holds even more meaning for Cooper as it allows her to share her passion and give back to her community.

“Southwest Florida is incredibly active and quickly becoming a hub for pickleball, so I knew there was a need to offer the community a place where they could play anytime, in a comfortable and welcoming environment,” Cooper said. “For me, this isn’t just about building a business; it’s about growing the sport of pickleball and fostering a positive impact.”

Cooper will celebrate the grand opening of Ace Pickleball Club on March 31 at 18381 Pasco Business Center Way.

The new Ace Pickleball Club will cater to growing local demand, offering members the flexibility to play whenever their schedule allows for a flat monthly membership fee. Ace Pickleball Club offers open play all day, every day, letting members get their games in without the hassle of coordinating with others or paying additional fees. They can also take advantage of clinics, club-coordinated tournaments, social events and court and ball machine reservations. 

With unlimited paddle demos included, members can test out all of the newest paddles from a wide variety of brands to find their favorite. 

New to the sport? Ace Pickleball Club – Lutz will offer free introductory pickleball clinics to go over the rules of the sport and feel more comfortable as they learn about the game. 

On the web: acepickleballclub.com

 

Business Briefs (3/28/25): Chamber to study Wesley Chapel incorporation

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Chamber to study potential Wesley Chapel incorporation

WESLEY CHAPEL – The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce is raising money to fund an independent economic impact study regarding incorporation of Wesley Chapel. 

Executive Director Hope Kennedy and board chair Angelique Lenox emailed a note March 13 to stakeholders explaining the effort. 

“Many in the business community have asked the Chamber to lead efforts in exploring the possibility of incorporation,” they wrote. “The Chamber is neither for nor against incorporation. However, as the leading business organization representing Wesley Chapel, we are well-positioned to facilitate the necessary studies to ensure everyone has the facts and data needed to make an informed decision.”

The North Tampa Bay Chamber Foundation will raise the money for the study. Donations will be capped to ensure the study remains impartial. 

“This study is the first step in a long process,” they wrote. “Our goal is to provide accurate, unbiased information so that, when the time comes, Wesley Chapel’s citizens can vote with full knowledge of the potential benefits and challenges of incorporation.”

 

Forbes puts Tampa on a fun list

TAMPA – Tampa is getting national recognition as one of the best places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and other communities are probably green with envy.

Forbes highlighted the city in a new report, ranking it among the top destinations in the U.S. for the holiday.

The ranking, based on data from WalletHub, compared 200 major cities using 15 key metrics, including the number of Irish pubs and restaurants per capita and affordability of three-star hotels on St. Patrick’s Day. 

Tampa ranked No. 21 and stands out as the only major Florida city to color its river green, earning it the title of the “Nation’s Sunniest St. Patty’s Day Celebration.”

“Tampa has everything you love about St. Patrick’s Day, minus the winter chill,” said Kenyetta Hairston-Bridges, president and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “Forget shivering by a green river – in Tampa, you can trade winter coats for flipflops and enjoy a festive waterfront celebration under the sun.”

 

County has new spokesperson

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County Government has added Public Information Officer Amanda Hunter to its Media Relations & Communications team.

She will serve as the official spokesperson/media contact for county government. 

Hunter previously worked with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office.

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber happenings

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber meets for networking and a grand opening in the week ahead. 

  • Chamber President Hope Kennedy leads a new member orientation from 9 to 10 a.m. March 26 at North Tampa Bay Chamber Office Wiregrass Mall, 28329 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel. Register in advance. 
  • Members celebrate the opening of Tiny Tots Playtown from 4 to 6 p.m. March 26 at 24412 State Road 54, Lutz. The ribbon cutting is at 4:30 p.m. 
  • Members network in a relaxed setting during Final Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. March 28 at Hyatt Place Tampa/Wesley Chapel, 26000 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz. 

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.

 

Greater Pasco Chamber happenings

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will take part in a Medical Roundtable, ribbon cutting, brochure exchange and more in the days ahead. 

  • Members hold a ribbon cutting at Any Lab Test Now from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 26 at 1310 Seven Springs Blvd., New Port Richey. The ribbon cutting is at noon. Register in advance. 
  • Members exchange company literature during the New Port Richey Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 27 at Vesh, 5811 Richey Drive, Port Richey. Registration is free for members and $10 for others. Food costs $15. Register in advance. 
  • The Young Professionals Group meets for its monthly Coffee Connections from 10 to 11:30 a.m. March 28 at The Daily Vibe Coffee Company, 5738 Main St., New Port Richey. 
  • Reps from Premier Community Healthcare, Cares Clinic, and Good Samaritan Clinic speak during the Greater Pasco Medical Roundtable  from 8 to 9 a.m. April 3 at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, 6600 Madison St., New Port Richey. Register in advance. 

Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events. Register in advance. 

 

Chalk Talk (3/26/25) Pasco schools offers opportunities in art

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Pasco County Schools offers opportunities in art

LAND O’ LAKES – Students from the Mittye P. Locke Early Learning Academy and Wiregrass Ranch High School performed March 4 during the Pasco County School Board meeting.

The performances were in honor of Fine Arts In Our Schools Month.

“Fine Arts In Our Schools Month is a time to celebrate the various artforms,” said Thomas Viking, fine arts coordinator for Pasco County Schools. “Fine arts study is at the heart of the music we hear, the art we see, the beauty of dance and the transcending nature of theater.”

Vikings said students average 2,000 musical performances per year and participate in more than 100 art displays and shows. And 11 schools offer dance courses to boot. 

“The arts are all around us and it’s one of the things that makes us uniquely human,” Viking said. “From the music we hear when riding elevators to the design of our cars, fine arts are woven into the fabric of our lives. The arts feed our souls like nothing else can.”

 

Employees worried about federal issues

LAND O’ LAKES – School employees are encouraged by some of the education conversations happening locally but concerned about national issues, according to Jeff Larsen, president of United School Employees of Pasco.

Larsen shared his insight with members of the Pasco County School Board on March 4 after visiting several jobs sites from the previous week. Those include Chasco Middle School, Cypress Creek Middle, Fox Hollow Elementary, Hudson Primary, Wesley Chapel High  and the central bus garage. 

Larsen said employees were encouraged by district conversations regarding homework and removing distractions from classrooms. However, staff is worried about what’s going to happen with the U.S. Department of Education. 

“Frankly, people are scared,” Larsen said. “I know that parents are concerned that important programs and services may be cut or even eliminated. And some employees are wondering how they will be impacted and what can come of their career.”

 

Students get hands-on experience in construction

WESLEY CHAPEL – Students at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation and Pasco High School got hands-on experience during a Workforce Development Day at the Target under construction at The Groves Shopping Center. 

More than 100 students got to work with tools and interact with the team at Williams Company Management Group. Staff led lessons and activities at a series of stations at the worksite.

“This provided students with hands-on career exposure and interactive learning experiences like we’ve never seen,” said Lori Romano, assistant superintendent for support services for Pasco County Schools. “The structure allowed students to gain knowledge and practical experience, reinforcing true workforce readiness and workplace learning.”

 

Quick Hits

  • Magnet Schools of America recognized Pine View Middle School as a Nationally Certified Magnet School.
  • The J.W. Mitchell High School boys soccer team won a state championship. 
  • Bella Schwarz, of River Ridge High School, recently won her second state weightlifting championship. 
  • Kristy More, of Sunlake High school, recently won a state wrestling championship. 
  • The Rotary Club of Seven Springs donated $1,000 to the Pasco County Education Foundation to continue its William (Bill) Van Sickle Memorial Scholarship. 

Expo designed to get older adults thriving

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The give and take of daily life can be so distracting that you look into the mirror one day and suddenly realize that you kind of look like your parents … when they were old. 

Or you may get caught off guard as the social media algorithm starts bringing to your attention videos with catchy titles like, “Don’t do this if you’re over 50” or “Do this before it’s too late.”

Whatever you do, don’t feel overwhelmed. 

The Laker/Lutz News invites you to the Thrive Over 55 Senior Expo, where we’ll have several companies that specialize in serving older adults – under the same roof.

We’re talking Medicare providers or companies that focus on health and wellness, financial services or travel agencies. In other words, you may come to get your Medicare questions answered but also leave with a next step in securing a sizable retirement nest egg, taking care of that nagging health concern or finally going on that cruise you always dreamed of. 

The Laker/Lutz News will host the Thrive Over 55 Senior Expo from 9 a.m. to noon April 25 at B&B Theatre, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel. The event is free. Register in advance at https://tinyurl.com/thriveFL to help us plan for your arrival. 

This is a great event for both people that make a plan before they leave the house or people who just want to get out of the house and see what the fuss is about. 

If you’re a social butterfly that likes to talk with everybody, there will be lots of people to meet. If you’re a stealthy person that likes to pick up brochures to read later, this event is for you, too.

We hope to see you there. 

 

Pasco County salutes retiring police chief, utility leader

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Chief James E. Walters, center, holds the framed resolution he was presented on March 11 recognizing him for the 30 years he worked for the Dade City Police Department. Walters retired Feb. 28. Photo courtesy of Pasco County Media Relations

 

DADE CITY – Pasco’s County commissioners honored two men who each recently retired after decades of service to Pasco County and Dade City on March 11.

They were Ronnie Deese, who retired Jan. 17 from Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, and Chief James Walters, who retired Feb. 28 from the Dade City Police Department.

The resolution the commissioners adopted honoring Deese said, among other things, that he had been hired as the chief financial officer for Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative on Sept. 1, 1988. 

Ronnie Deese, center, holds the framed resolution he was presented on March 11 recognizing him for the 36 years he worked for Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative. Deese retired Jan. 17. Photo courtesy of Pasco County Media Relations

During his 36-year career with the cooperative, Deese oversaw annual budgets of $600 million and played a key role in the redevelopment of the Lacoochee area.

His role at the cooperative included locating substation sites and negotiating contracts for pole attachments and towers.

He was involved with the Boys and Girls Club in Lacoochee, with the community of Lake Jovita and with the Walmart Distribution Center coming to Hernando County.

Deese served on several boards, including the Pasco County Fair, Pasco-Hernando State College, AdventHealth Dade City and the Chamber of Commerce.

“I’ve tried to help my community like y’all have,” Deese said, “It’s something we strive to do.

“I’ve had a lot of coworkers, friends and citizens of this county that I have depended upon that I could always go and ask for help, money, whatever was needed to better our community.

They haven’t buried me yet so I plan on continuing these projects.”

Deese added that he had started a new project a few days ago.

“I’d like to see that our senior citizens who are impoverished get an opportunity to go out to a few restaurants and that is a goal of mine,” Deese said. “That’s the new project that we’re taking up.”

Walters became chief of the Dade City Police Department on Aug. 17, 2018, following the retirement of Raymond Velboom.

Walters joined the department as a patrolman in 1995 and moved up in rank over the years including detective, sergeant, captain and chief.

The resolution the commissioners adopted honoring Walters said, among other things, that he was committed to protecting life, property and individual rights while maintaining peace and order, and instilling the core values of respect, integrity, professionalism and service. 

Walters taught at what is now Pasco-Hernando State College in the Law Enforcement Academy, from 1999 to 2018, teaching well over 1,000 recruits, many of whom work for the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. 

Walters earned a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from St. Leo University in 2006 while he was a sergeant with the police department. He continued to work at the university as an adjunct faculty in the criminal justice program.

Since 2018, Walters made it a priority to host an annual Back to School Shop with a Cop program to help instill confidence in students and ensure they have the essentials to be successful.

He was awarded the President’s Award through the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce in 2019 and elected president of the Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Association in 2022.

Walters promoted his philosophy of the Stop, Walk, and Talk program to assist in fostering a culture of trust within the community of Dade City.

He also fostered strong relationships with Pasco County, Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Pasco County School Board, Pasco County Emergency Management and Pasco County Fire Rescue.

“It’s nothing without the partnerships as you all well know,” Walters told commissioners. “I’m grateful for the partnership that we had and hopefully continue to have with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and just keeping all our citizens and visitors to this community safe.”

 

Applicant wants to make room for day care, vet clinic

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BDI Properties US LLC/TLE is pursuing a revision to its site plan to allow a veterinarian’s clinic in space previously approved for a day-care center.  Photo courtesy of Pasco County

DADE CITY – The Pasco County Planning Commission was favorable to a request March 6 from BDI Properties US LLC/TLE to develop a day-care center and veterinarian’s clinic.

BDI sought an exception so it could move forward with plans to construct two buildings on 2.08 acres at 31210 Wells Road.  The site is vacant.

BDI wants to construct a 10,000-square-foot building to accommodate 160 day-care students and a 4,000-square-foot building for a vet clinic. 

Michael Costello, of Collier Engineering & Design, said plans were to initially serve 200 students on the site but there was interest in having a vet clinic on the property. 

The amount of traffic entering and leaving the property would be almost 50% less with the vet clinic, Costello said. 

The change would also result in a significant reduction in the amount of traffic entering and leaving the property at peak times of the day, Costello said. 

Access to the property will be from Curley Road, Wells Road and Eloian Avenue.

One of the conditions of approval for the exception was that the applicant would conduct a revised access analysis assuming no left turn in or out of the driveway connection onto Wells Road.

Also, the applicant would be required to have a small raised section of pavement, colloquially referred to as a “pork chop island,” placed in a way to prevent vehicles from turning left off of Wells Road to enter the site’s driveway.

No construction can occur on the site until the applicant has first submitted and received approval of a preliminary site plan.

 

Other business

In other business, the board recommended Pasco County commissioners approve a rezoning request from St Joe Walk Inc/St Joe Walk for 68.82 acres on the southeast corner of the Scharber Road and St. Joe Road intersection in northeast Pasco County.

The property is zoned ER-2 Estate-Residential District. The request is rezone it as E-R Estate-Residential District.

This would allow for the future creation of single-family lots being one acre or larger in size while conforming to the existing Future Land Use designation, RES-1.

Section 403 of the land development code requires owners/applicants to submit a preliminary site plan or preliminary development plan for review and approval prior to the development or redevelopment of the property.

County commissioners will consider this rezoning request April 9 in Dade City.

The board also put off a decision until April 3 for a rezoning request made by Evans County Line 80 MPUD Master Planned Unit Development – Evans Properties\ Inc.

Evans wants to develop 300 multi-family units (condominiums and platted townhomes), 100,000 square feet of commercial and 1,500,000 square feet of light industrial on 80 acres zoned for Agricultural District.

The property is on the east side of Lake Iola Road, 0.53 miles south of County Line Road North, and north of the Lake Iola Road/Blanton Road intersection. 

 

Pasco County leaders explore funding strategies for parks

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Pasco County is discussing the possibility of a new Parks Municipal Services Taxing Unit. That source of funding would help address a shortage of playing fields, parks and recreational facilities.

DADE CITY – Pasco County commissioners are considering setting parks and recreation funding aside from the general fund to better support park operations and maintenance. 

As the county prepares its annual budget, the needs of parks and recreation compete with the needs of other departments. This has caused parks and recreation to fall behind.

Amielee Farrell, director of the Pasco County Office of Management and Budget, introduced the idea March 11 of creating a Municipal Service Taxing Unit for parks and recreation. 

The department would have its own millage rate placed on property tax bills, much like the fire department. Its revenue may increase over time as the county experiences growth. 

District 2 Commissioner Seth Weightman was the biggest supporter of going this route. 

Weightman appreciated the transparency of a separate fund. If commissioners wanted to adjust the budget to manage growth, he said the public would have an opportunity to advocate for or against. 

District 3 Commissioner Kathryn Starkey favored this approach as well.

“It doesn’t matter to me as long as we get the money to safely and professionally operate and maintain our parks,” Starkey said. “We have more parks coming online with no money to maintain them.”

District 5 Commissioner Jack Mariano initially pushed back on the idea. 

“The bottom line is we control the budget,” Mariano said. “If we want to increase the budget, I don’t need an MSTU to increase the budget.”

Mariano also had concerns about getting buy-in from cities. He felt like if the county goes in this direction, it needs buy-in from all cities to make it fair. About 91% of the county is unincorporated. 

County officials acknowledged there has been mixed reaction from cities about this idea. 

One potential equalizer that may be explored is charging fees to use county parks.