Kelli Carmack

Toni Hedstrom Gets Creative for Buyers and Sellers

June 28, 2022 By Kelli Carmack

Toni Hedstrom, a Lutz resident for 13 years and real estate agent for Compass Realty, is always looking to be creative, and get buyers and sellers the best deal possible.

Luckily, Compass Realty offers a lot of programs that not only are helpful for Hedstrom as an agent, but also for people looking to buy and sell a home.

Compass Concierge, a highly recommended program by Hedstrom, offers sellers a no-interest loan that allows them to pay for updates, staging, professional cleaning and even temporary housing, while they are in the process of closing on their home.

“A lot of people have tons of equity in their homes, but can’t touch that money until they close,” says Hedstrom. “Compass Concierge will give the seller money up front, and once they close on their home, then they will pay back whatever they borrowed.”

Hedstrom’s primary market is in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel, but she has expanded into Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties.

“If I was to give any advice to someone looking to buy a home in 2022, I would suggest they ask about assumable loans. A lot of buyers who are worried about high interest rates don’t realize if they meet a certain criteria, they can assume a low-interest loan from a seller.”

Also, Hedstrom suggests that first-time homebuyers find a trustworthy agent that knows the market, rather than relying solely on Zillow and to never just call the listing agent.

“Especially in this kind of market, a buyer should rely heavily on the knowledge and expertise of a local agent. If you go in blindly against multiple offers, it’s very unlikely that you will secure the home,” says Hedstrom.

In regards to the housing market, Hedstrom believes that we’re going to start to see the market somewhat level out.

“Over the last couple years we’ve seen values increase by at least 20%, and I think that’s most likely going to calm down,” says Hedstrom. “The market’s going to stay strong because the low inventory of houses is going to trump high interest rates.”

Not only does Hedstrom want to get buyers and sellers the best deals, but she also focuses on helping local rescues, shelters, and foster homes by donating $100 after every closing through her Pads4Paws program.

“I’m really proud that over the last several years, Pads4Paws has raised over $23,000,” says Hedstrom. “I’m always looking for people who need help funding their projects and encourage locals to reach out to me.”

On a normal basis, Hedstrom works a lot with military families that are looking to buy and sell, so she suggests that active military and veterans in Lutz and Land O’ Lakes look out for the Tampa VA Network, a networking organization that is a consolidated resource portal comprised of businesses, military nonprofits, and veteran-related services.

For more information, visit www.DreamStyle360.com, or email Hedstrom at .

Spend Your Summer at these Florida Hotspots

June 17, 2022 By Kelli Carmack

There are plenty of places in and around Pasco and Hillsborough County that are perfect to spend time at on a hot summer’s day. Whether you’re going on a date, spending time with family, or hanging out with friends, here are a few places that are looking forward to having you and your loved ones this summer.

MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry)
Get hands on at MOSI, Tampa’s iconic science center, where curious young minds can explore space science, weather, engineering, robotics, physics, the human body and more. Become an aspiring astronaut in Mission Moonbase or let your creativity run wild in Idea Zone where anyone can design hands-on STEAM projects. Immerse your senses on the Virtual Reality Simulator, discover the night sky in Saunders Planetarium, or experience an adrenaline rush like no other on the Sky Trail Ropes Course.

Dinosaurs will be roaming at MOSI this summer! Dinosaurs Around the World is a paleontological journey to the supercontinent Pangea! Travel back in time to the world’s continents that were much different than they are today. Experience the breakup of Pangea into smaller landmasses and meet dinosaurs from all over the world. Guests will go on a globetrotting expedition, dropping in to see a variety of dinosaurs living on each of the seven continents that was once Pangaea during the Age of Reptiles. From their humble beginnings 238 million years ago through their reign that lasted 172 million years.

Visit mosi.org for updates on special events and programming! Get STEAM-ed at MOSI where Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math collide!

Urban Air Port Richey
If you’re looking for the best year-round indoor amusements in the Clearwater, Hudson, Land O’ Lakes, New Port Richey, Odessa, Port Richey and Trinity areas, Urban Air Port Richey Adventure park will be the perfect place. With new adventures behind every corner, it is the ultimate indoor playground for your entire family. Take your kids’ birthday party to the next level or spend a day of fun with the family and you’ll see why it’s more than just a trampoline park. With attractions that cater to any level of adventurer, there’s something fun for everyone. At Urban Air Port Richey, your mini warriors can conquer obstacles, show gravity who’s boss, and have a blast seven days a week!

Urban Air Port Richey is excited to announce that it is offering Camp Urbie this year! Camp Urbie is the ultimate summer camp experience with half- and full-day options. Registration for Camp Urbie still is available for July!

Check out Urban Air Port Richey’s website for more information: https://www.urbanair.com/florida-port-richey/

Carrollwood Cultural Center
Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda The Musical’

(Courtesy of Carrollwood Cultural Center)

From June 15 through July 24, the Carrollwood Cultural Center will tell the story of an extraordinary girl who dares to take a stand, with its stage production of Roald Dahl’s “Matilda The Musical.” Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, this Tony Award-winning show revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination, and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life.

Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence, and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Over her first term at school, Matilda and Miss Honey profoundly affect each other’s lives, as Miss Honey begins recognizing and appreciating Matilda’s extraordinary personality. However, Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth. The school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils’ saving grace!

Roald Dah’s “Matilda The Musical” is written by Dennis Kelly with original songs by Tim Minchin, and presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI (MTIShows.com).

(Content Warning: Bullying and minor violence)

July 15 at 8 p.m.
July 16 at 8 p.m.
July 17 at 2 p.m.
July 22 at 8 p.m.
July 23 at 8 p.m.
July 24 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $29 for Carrollwood Cultural Center members and $33 for general admission. Visit CarrollwoodCenter.org or call 813-922-8167 for details.

(Courtesy of In the Loop Brewing Company)

In the Loop Brewing Company
When In the Loop Brewing Company was founded, the business’ goal was to bring together good friends and family, creating special memories, and celebrating all of life’s little triumphs and big accomplishments. Long before it existed as a brick-and-mortar brewery and tap house, the concept began with a couple of friends home-brewing beer in their garage. The original “Loop” was a place for them to gather and to set aside time from their busy schedules, sometimes to celebrate a birthday, an important milestone, or simply to enjoy the company of good friends, laugh, let loose & drink the beer we brewed.

Today, In the Loop Brewing Company welcomes you into its lakeside brewery to do the same. The brewery offers 12 rotating beers on tap, as well as a full wine selection and several craft colas to choose from. The company prides itself in providing its guests delicious beer, great service, and a relaxing experience.

Check out In the Loop Brewing Company on social media for current beers and upcoming food trucks, along with live music. Bring your families, friends, and pups — all are welcome!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheLoopBrewing/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/in_the_loop_brewing/

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Eight Movies You Have To See On The Big Screen This Summer

May 26, 2022 By Kelli Carmack

Already thinking of ways to escape the summer heat? There’s nothing better than kicking back to one of these cool, hit movies coming out in theaters soon!

From sequels to beloved classics, novel-adapted movies, a biopic of an American legend and so much more, there’s a blockbuster for everyone to see.

Check out these featured films below:

Top Gun: Maverick
Release Date: May 27

Movie legend Tom Cruise put his name on the map with the original 1986 film and mega blockbuster hit, Top Gun. Now, 36 years later, Cruise reprises his role of Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in the highly anticipated sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, which will be released on May 27.

Here’s the synopsis according to the movie’s website:

After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy’s top aviators, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him. When he finds himself training a detachment of Top Gun graduates for a specialized mission the likes of which no living pilot has ever seen, Maverick encounters Lt. Bradley Bradshaw (Miles Teller), call sign “Rooster,” the son of Maverick’s late friend and Radar Intercept Officer Lt. Nick Bradshaw, aka “Goose.”

Facing an uncertain future and confronting the ghosts of his past, Maverick is drawn into a confrontation with his own deepest fears, culminating in a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those who will be chosen to fly it.

Watch the full trailer here.

Jurassic World Dominion
Release Date: June 10

The end of a classic movie era is here. The Jurassic Park/World movie franchise will end its series with Jurassic World Dominion. The highly anticipated movie will feature both the original cast (Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldbum) and the new cast (Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard).

Here’s the synopsis according to the movie’s website:

This summer, experience the epic conclusion to the Jurassic era as two generations unite for the first time. Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard are joined by Oscar®-winner Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum and Sam Neill in Jurassic World Dominion, a bold, timely and breathtaking new adventure that spans the globe. From Jurassic World architect and director Colin Trevorrow, Dominion takes place four years after Isla Nublar has been destroyed. Dinosaurs now live—and hunt—alongside humans all over the world. This fragile balance will reshape the future and determine, once and for all, whether human beings are to remain the apex predators on a planet they now share with history’s most fearsome creatures. Jurassic World Dominion, from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, propels the more than $5 billion franchise into daring, uncharted territory, featuring never-seen dinosaurs, breakneck action and astonishing new visual effects.

Watch the full trailer here.

Lightyear
Release Date: June 17

“To Infinity and Beyond!” is a quote made famous by beloved Disney® character, Buzz Lightyear, who starred in the Toy Story movie franchise.

Lightyear is finally getting his own feature film, aptly named Lightyear. Actor Chris Evans (Captain America, The Avengers, Knives Out) voices the iconic animated character.

Here’s the synopsis of the movie according to its website:

A sci-fi action adventure and the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear (voice of Chris Evans), the hero who inspired the toy, “Lightyear” follows the legendary Space Ranger on an intergalactic adventure alongside a group of ambitious recruits (voices of Keke Palmer, Dale Soules and Taika Waititi), and his robot companion Sox (voice of Peter Sohn). Also joining the cast are Uzo Aduba, James Brolin, Mary McDonald-Lewis, Efren Ramirez and Isiah Whitlock Jr. Directed by Angus MacLane (co-director “Finding Dory”) and produced by Galyn Susman (“Toy Story That TimeForgot”), “Lightyear” releases June 17, 2022.

Watch the full trailer here.

ELVIS
Release Date: June 24

Dubbed “The King of Rock and Roll,” American legendary singer Elvis Presley is finally getting his own autobiographical movie that will give viewers an inside look at the musician’s life and legacy.

Here’s the synopsis of the movie according to Warner Bros. Pictures’ website:

ELVIS is an epic, big-screen spectacle that explores the life and music of Elvis Presley, starring Austin Butler and Oscar winner Tom Hanks.

A thoroughly cinematic drama, Elvis’s (Butler) story is seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Hanks). As told by Parker, the film delves into the complex dynamic between the two spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the significant and influential people in Elvis’s life, Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge).

Watch the full trailer here.

The Black Phone
Release Date: June 24

For movie fans of scares and thrills, get ready for The Black Phone. The film is produced, directed and co-written by Scott Derrickson, who also wrote-directed Sinister and The Exorcism.

Here’s the synopsis of the movie according to Universal Pictures’ website:

The phone is dead. And it’s ringing.

Director Scott Derrickson returns to his terror roots and partners again with the foremost brand in the genre, Blumhouse, with a new horror thriller.

Finney Shaw, a shy but clever 13-year-old boy, is abducted by a sadistic killer and trapped in a soundproof basement where screaming is of little use. When a disconnected phone on the wall begins to ring, Finney discovers that he can hear the voices of the killer’s previous victims. And they are dead set on making sure that what happened to them doesn’t happen to Finney.

Starring four-time Oscar® nominee Ethan Hawke in the most terrifying role of his career and introducing Mason Thames in his first ever film role.

Watch the full trailer here.

THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER
Release Date: July 8

Marvel superfans are anxiously awaiting the fourth movie, Thor: Love and Thunder, in the Thor movie franchise. The film is the 29th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Here’s the synopsis of the movie according to Disney’s website:

Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Love and Thunder” finds the God of Thunder (Chris Hemsworth) on a journey unlike anything he’s ever faced – a quest for inner peace. But Thor’s retirement is interrupted by a galactic killer known as Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), who seeks the extinction of the gods. To combat the threat, Thor enlists the help of King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Korg (Taika Waititi) and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who – to Thor’s surprise – inexplicably wields his magical hammer, Mjolnir, as the Mighty Thor. Together, they embark upon a harrowing cosmic adventure to uncover the mystery of the God Butcher’s vengeance and stop him before it’s too late.

Watch the full trailer here.

Where The Crawdads Sing
Release Date: July 15

New York Times Bestseller, Where The Crawdads Sing, is coming to the big screen. Hello Sunshine, a media company founded by beloved actress Reese Witherspoon, is producing the fan-favorite novel that garnered nationwide success.

Here’s the synopsis of the movie according to its website:

From the best-selling novel comes a captivating mystery. Where the Crawdads Sing tells the story of Kya, an abandoned girl who raised herself to adulthood in the dangerous marshlands of North Carolina. For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” haunted Barkley Cove, isolating the sharp and resilient Kya from her community. Drawn to two young men from town, Kya opens herself to a new and startling world; but when one of them is found dead, she is immediately cast by the community as the main suspect. As the case unfolds, the verdict as to what actually happened becomes increasingly unclear, threatening to reveal the many secrets that lay within the marsh.

Watch the full trailer here.

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris
Release Date: July 15

Based on the 1958 novel, Mrs. ‘Arris Goes to Paris, by Paul Gallico, this movie adaptation takes place in the picture-perfect city of Paris during the 1950s and features stunning couture fashion. Mrs. Harris (played by Leslie Manville) is a loveable character that many can relate to and root for, for Mrs. Harris is a dreamer who is willing to finally take a chance for herself.

Here’s the synopsis of the movie according to its website:

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is the enchanting tale of a seemingly ordinary British housekeeper whose dream to own a couture Christian Dior gown takes her on an extraordinary adventure to Paris.

Watch the full trailer here.

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USF Federal Credit Union Opens Odessa Branch

April 19, 2022 By Kelli Carmack

USF Federal Credit Union (USF FCU) has opened its doors to Odessa.

“The Odessa/Land O’ Lakes/Lutz area is growing by leaps and bounds,” says Bill Steiger, director of Brand Strategy and Marketing Communications for USF FCU.

“We thought that was a perfect place to open a branch and move into that market.”

USF FCU was founded in 1959 by 16 members, with the total assets only being $505. Now, the credit union has over 67,000 members and over $1 billion in assets. Besides Odessa, USF FCU has branches in Tampa, New Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota and Orlando.

Steiger says credit unions like USF FCU offer anything a typical bank would offer, such as mortgages, loans, and savings accounts.

“You name it, and we probably offer it,” says Steiger.

According to Steiger, the main difference between banks and credit unions is that banks are for-profit institutions, while credit unions are not-for-profit.

“USF FCU is a financial cooperative owned and controlled by its members,” says Steiger.

One of the biggest ways USF FCU helps to serve its members is through its digital banking program.

“We stay on the cutting edge of that,” says Steiger.

Some of the key features of the credit union’s digital banking program is transferring money to/from internal and external accounts, paying bills with your checking account, viewing eStatements, creating budgets, and so much more.

USF FCU also can do new mortgages for people looking for homes. And with the housing market being a hot commodity right now, the credit union says it is here to help.

“Some people are spending half their income on rent. The one way to escape that is to actually find and buy a home, and have a set mortgage. Your mortgage payment isn’t going to change, unlike your rent payment,” says Steiger.

Another way USF FCU helps its members is by providing financial education and wellness, and making sure they stay up to date on all things financial.

The credit union achieves this with blog posts on its website on topics such as the difference between short- and long-term auto loans, ways to save in college, and fixing bad money habits.

For more information, go to USFFCU.com.

Federally insured by NCUA

Must-see movies at these must-see theaters

April 5, 2022 By Kelli Carmack

Summer’s around the corner, which means lots of highly anticipated blockbuster films are heading to the big screen such as “The Lost City,” starring Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, and “The Batman,” starring Robert Pattinson.

If you’ve asked yourself, ‘What’s a good movie theater near me?’ to watch these buzzworthy films, check out our recommendations below.

The Grove 16
The Grove 16, formally known as Cobb Theater, is located in The Grove at Wesley Chapel and is one of B&B Theatres’ three locations in Florida. Its newly renovated location has 12 theaters with half of them offering in-movie dining. The local theater also has a Cycle Cinema spin room, a supervised kids’ playroom, a sushi bar, and a high-end restaurant. The Grove 16 also is home to Side Splitters Comedy Theatre, Tampa Bay’s premier comedy showplace.

Choose your seats and reserve your spot today on B&B Theatres website.

Zephyrhills Cinema
Zephyrhills Cinema, located at 6848 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills, is a hot spot for locals and visitors looking to enjoy a movie in Pasco County. The theater has stadium and traditional seating along with updated projection and audio equipment, to ensure an enjoyable experience for its visitors.

Zephyrhills Cinema’s goal is to provide fresh concession stand products at a reasonable price to customers. The theater’s menu consists of a variety of snacks and foods, including pretzels, eggrolls, tacos, pickles, ice cream and candy. Visitors also can host a birthday party or event at the theater.

For more information about tickets and how to get in contact with Zephyrhills Cinema, visit their website.

AMC Highwoods 20
AMC Highwoods 20 has features and amenities that draws in visitors from all over the Tampa Bay area and Pasco County. Guests 21 and older can enjoy a beer, wine or cocktail, or eat a stone-fired flatbread pizza, and mac and cheese bites while watching a movie. The theater also offers Discount Matinees, which allows visitors to save 30% on evening tickets, if they’re purchased before 4 p.m., every single day!

Skip the line and order your favorite drinks and snacks through the AMC theater’s app, or visit the AMC Highwoods 20 website to learn more about this location’s amazing offers.

Cinema 6
Cinema 6 in Port Richey has been a family owned and operated theater since 2009. Tickets for VIP recliner seating in theaters 1-4 at Cinema 6 are only $7.50 per person before 5 p.m., and after 5 p.m. the charge is $8.50 per person. Regular seating for an adult is $7.50, and $6.50 for children and seniors.

This theater is perfect for families looking to go out together without breaking their bank. Cinema 6 has a variety of items on its menu, including chicken sliders, quesadillas and potato skins. The best part is Cinema 6 staff makes the food fresh and delivers it directly to the visitors’ seats.

To learn more about booking private events and the different party packages Cinema 6 offers, visit their website.

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This musical showcases dark side of American Dream

April 5, 2022 By Kelli Carmack

From left are Marcus Blake, as Charles Guiteau; Johnathan O’Brien, as John Hinkley Jr.; and, Jay Morgan as Samuel Byck. mad Theatre of Tampa is performing the musical ‘Assassins’ at the Straz Center, March 31 to April 16. (Kelli Carmack)

mad Theatre of Tampa, a local nonprofit performing arts theater, is bringing its latest musical, “Assassins,” to the Straz Center in Tampa.

Directed by Jessica Berger Vitalo, this musical explores the lives of nine men and women who either assassinated or attempted to assassinate one of the nation’s presidents.

The musical explores the dark side of American history, delving into the lives of assassins ranging from John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald, and others.

The stories of our country’s most infamous and would-be assassins intersect in unexpected ways creating a powerful, yet unnervingly funny look at some of the most shocking moments in the nation’s history.

The play also takes viewers on a nightmarish roller-coaster ride where assassins and would-be assassins from different historical periods meet and interact with each other.

The musical will be from March 31 to April 16 at the Shimberg Playhouse, at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets start at $27, and can be purchased at StrazCenter.org.

As an aside, Trevor Lloyd, who portrays John Wilkes Booth, also plays a role on The Laker/Lutz News team, handling an array of marketing duties.

Published April 06, 2022

Chris Cordero plays Guiseppi Zangara, who attempted to assassinate Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933. Pictured here is Zangara moments before he is executed.

Trevor Lloyd, center, plays John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of Abraham Lincoln, the nation’s 16th president. Jay Morgan to the left, as Samuel Byck, is to the left and Richard Brown, as Leon Czolgosz, is to the right.

Must-Try Breweries in Pasco County

March 18, 2022 By Kelli Carmack

Pasco County is home to some of the best breweries in Florida, giving visitors and local residents unique craft beers and unforgettable experiences. From Odessa to Zephyrhills, check out these must-try breweries!

Florida Avenue Brewing Co.
Florida Avenue Brewing Co. was established in 2010 and has worked for over 12 years to provide visitors with a memorable, Florida-style craft beer experience. Its Wesley Chapel location uses all local ingredients to brew its beer on site. The brewery hosts private events, offers custom catering packages, and sells its own brand of beers in local stores throughout Pasco County.Check out the Florida Avenue Brewing Co. website for more information on the brewery’s seasonal, year-round, and draft beers.

Double Branch Artisanal Ales Brewery and Taproom
Named after the twin creeks that flowed through the Wesley Chapel area in the 1920s, Double Branch Artisanal Ales Brewery and Taproom (DBAA), is located at The Grove shopping center in Wesley Chapel. This zestful brewery and taproom offers visitors a variety of drinks on tap and delicious food from its in-house kitchen, Omnivorous. DBAA puts on an event once a month for the public and can host private events as well.

For more information about the different types of events the brewery offers, visit its website and Facebook page.

Zephyrhills Brewing Company
Zephyrhills Brewing Company opened in 2016 and was the first brewery in East Pasco County. All of the beers on tap are brewed in-house in small-batch kettles, which allows the brewery to experiment with different styles of beer and flavor profiles. Zephyrhills Brewing Company also serves cider, wine, High Noon, seltzers, and other nonalcoholic drinks. Collaborating with local food trucks gives the brewery’s visitors the opportunity to have a variety of food options with their drinks.

Check out its website for more information on the Tasting Room and private events.

The Wicked Pour
This local self-pour taproom recently opened its new location in Odessa. The Wicked Pour’s new spot has outdoor seating, and offers visitors more room inside to enjoy local craft beer and wine, without having to wait in any long lines. Plus, samples are available for any of the local brews on tap. Even though this Odessa hotspot doesn’t serve food, the brewery encourages visitors to bring their own food to enjoy with their beverages.

Looking to enjoy Wicked Pour’s new location? Check out its website for more information.

Rock & Brews
Rock & Brews, a scratch-prepared American-style restaurant with a rock ‘n’ roll twist, sells craft beers that work as a perfect companion to rock music. This local restaurant in Lutz offers visitors a rotating menu of unique local and international brews, wines, craft cocktails, as well as other nonalcoholic drink choices. Rock & Brews works as a venue for parties and collaborates with local organizations to help with fundraising.

Want to be the first to know about Rock & Brews deals and promotions, special offers and real rockstar appearances? Visit its website and become a roadie!

In The Loop Brewing Company
Originally, In The Loop Brewing Company was a couple of friends spending time together at home-brewing beer in their garage. Once the brewery and taphouse became a brick-and-mortar, the company’s one goal was to focus on bringing people together and help them create special memories. At this brewery and taphouse in Land O’ Lakes, visitors have the option to visit the Tasting Room and Biergarten while enjoying craft beers, cocktails, or wine. Visitors also can book a private event for almost any occasion.

For more information, visit its website, or call 813-997-9189.

The Liquid Garage Co.
The brewery and taproom at The Liquid Garage Co., in New Port Richey, offers visitors a wide variety of traditional and unique craft beers that can be enjoyed in-house or ordered online and picked up in-store. The Liquid Garage Co. has indoor seating and a pet-friendly outdoor and front porch seating area that is perfect for events like weddings, office parties, and more. The brewery and taproom also offer different events to the public.

For more information on the business’ public events and upcoming food trucks, visit the Liquid Garage Co., website.

Welton Brewing Company & Oyster Bar
Previously known as The Brew Craftery, Welton Brewing Company & Oyster Bar is located in Land O’ Lakes and is known for creating beers based off of post-prohibition era recipes and popular modern styles. This small-batch brewery hosts bottle shares for home brewers, acoustic open mic every Thursday, and live music on Saturdays. On Fridays and Saturdays, the brewing company serves fresh Maine oysters and delicious lobster rolls for visitors to enjoy with their craft beer.

Head on over to the brewery’s website and Facebook page for more information on events and beer selections.

Dade City Brewhouse
If you’re looking for a Dade City brewery, Dade City Brewhouse is located in the newly renovated 1920’s car dealership in the heart of downtown Dade City, right next to Kansept Kitchen. The taproom holds original beers, wines and ciders that are manufactured by Premier Stainless Systems out of California. Even though the brewery does not offer food, the local brewhouse allows visitors to bring outside food to pair with the beers.

Want to enjoy a night out at this Dade City hotspot? Visit its website for more information.

Big Storm Brewing Co.
Big Storm Brewing Co.’s Odessa location sells 20 of the company’s most popular beer creations and is home to the sour beer production facility. The taproom puts on public events like trivia night, Saturday morning yoga, and an annual Oktoberfest celebration. Big Storm

Brewing Co. also offers catering, hosts private events, and has a large food menu to go along with the brewery’s light, hoppy, sour, malty, dark, and Belgian beers.

For more information on upcoming events at the Odessa location, visit the Big Storm Brewing Co., website.

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It’s All About Family at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

March 8, 2022 By Kelli Carmack

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church welcomes all individuals seeking God’s love to its congregation.

The church was founded in 1973, when a small group of Lutherans would meet up at the then Land O’ Lakes community center, near the post office. In 1976, they bought a property in Lutz, just south of State Road 54 and U.S. 41, where the church still resides today.

“We might be a little congregation, but we have a big heart,” says Beverly Schmidt, who has been with the church since 1978.

When asked how the church has changed throughout the years, Schmidt says in its most important aspect, it hasn’t.

“We’re still the loving, caring, warm family we were from the very beginning,” says Schmidt. “We’ve always been a close-knit congregation. We have a very strong family core here.”

One way the church supports its family is through its Shepherds Group.

“There’s about eight of us that are ‘Shepherds’ and we have church members that are referred to as ‘lambs’ that we watch out for,” says Schmidt, “If we haven’t seen them in a while, we reach out and make sure they are okay. You have to care about your people.”

Duwayne Johnson, current president of the church, echoes Schmidt’s sentiments. He adds that another one of the church’s strengths is going the extra mile to welcome its members.

“We’ve heard many stories of people going to other churches, and no one would even say hi to them,” says Johnson. “Here, we go out of our way to express Christ’s love to you with genuine, heartfelt warmth.”

Johnson has been a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church for almost 32 years. As current president, he handles all of the day-to-day operations of the church.

His main goals? To always add new members to the church’s family and to continue giving back to the community.

The church achieves this by supporting several local shelters and nonprofits such as Christian Social Services, Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers, Salvation Army, and the Special Olympics.

A popular outreach program at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church is child care services. It has a Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) for 4 year olds, which is state funded, and a preschool program called Little Lambs.

Little Lambs is a nonprofit and offers a unique Christian-based program that is licensed by the State of Florida, and is led by experienced, certified teachers and assistants. The curriculum’s focus is on the development of the total child: spiritual, emotional, cognitive, social and physical aspects, through academics and creative interaction.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church’s worship service always begins at 9 a.m., and can be streamed online for free.It is then followed with Sunday School, then fellowship.

For more information on Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, go to HolyTrinityLutz.com.

Having a royal time at the Renaissance Festival

March 8, 2022 By Kelli Carmack

Joe Monach and Andrea Meythaler proudly show off their renaissance festival outfits. Meythaler worked for the festival a couple years ago. ‘I’ll go wherever they go,’ said Meythaler. (Kelli Carmack)

The 43rd Bay Area Renaissance Festival features jugglers and full-armored jousting, men and women wearing Medieval styles, and plenty to eat, drink, buy and see.

There’s a marketplace, where more than 100 artisans display and sell handcrafted goods such as crowns, corsets, mugs and other items. Plus, there are 15 stages of entertainment, showcasing such acts as clowns, acrobats, musicians and magicians.

Each festival weekend has a different theme, such as Barbarian Brew Fest; Shamrocks & Shenanigans; and High Seas Adventure.

The event, being held at 12838 Auton Road in Dade City, runs rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on weekends through April 3.

Parking is free.

For ticket information and additional details, go to BayAreaRenFest.com.

Published March 09, 2022

One of the vendors at the festival was Fairydust Images. The owner, Charity Dauenhauer, creates original fantasy artwork, prints and collectibles. (Nicole Sanchez)

Ichabod Wainwright puts on quite a show with his Wheel of Death, a 30-foot tall wooden wheel. This is his 10th year participating in the Bay Area Renaissance Festival. (Kelli Carmack)

Holiday camaraderie

December 14, 2021 By Kelli Carmack

Staff at The Laker/Lutz News hosted an office potluck for a bit of camaraderie, cheer, and a white elephant exchange, to ring in the holidays.