Kevin Weiss

Army vet gets big surprise: A mortgage-free home

March 8, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

An unseasonably chilly and windy March morning wasn’t going to disrupt one family’s warm welcome to Land O’ Lakes.

Retired U.S. Army Sgt. David Roca and his three children were on their way to receiving a new home in Connerton, the 4,800-acre mixed-use, master-planned community in central Pasco County.

Yet, they had no idea.

Retired U.S. Army Sgt. David Roca and his three children received a new home in Connerton. The 2,065-square-foot, four-bedroom is mortgage-free. From left, Alex, 14; Amelie; 15; David Jr., 3; and, David.
(Courtesy of Grey Street Studios Inc.)

The Roca family, who currently live in Orlando, assumed they were just going through Operation Finally Home’s preliminary interview process on March 3.

Instead, they were treated like VIPs, as they received an escort by the Patriot Guard Riders, and were greeted at the site of their new Land O’ Lakes home by dozens of residents, dignitaries and fellow veterans.

The groundbreaking for the family’s new one-story, four-bedroom home was a patriotic celebration that left the 36-year-old single father smiling.

And, speechless.

“It’s a great feeling,” Roca said afterward. “It’s hard finding the words.”

Lennar Homes and Connerton partnered with Operation Finally Home to provide the custom-built, mortgage-free home to the army veteran and his children, Amelie, 15; Alex, 14; and, David Jr., 3.

Based in Texas, Operation Finally Home has provided more than 150 mortgage-free homes for veterans during the past 10 years.

The nonprofit was one of three organizations that MacDill Air Force Base recommended to Connerton officials.

Construction is already underway at 8743 Savory Walk Drive. The family of four is expected to move in on April 30, thanks to an expedited permitting and review process by Pasco County.

The ceremony marked the sixth home Lennar has provided to military families around the country, and the first in the Tampa Bay market.

Construction has already begun on the 2,065-square-foot home, at 8743 Savory Walk Drive.

The family of four is expected to move in on April 30, thanks to an expedited permitting and review process by Pasco County.

Like other recipients of Operation Finally Home, Roca’s background is honorable, yet heart-wrenching.

The native of Queens, New York, enlisted in August 2004 as a 13F Forward Observer.

During his deployment to Iraq, he sustained several traumatic brain injuries in combat, one of which occurred when an improvised explosive devise hit his vehicle.

Upon returning home, Roca’s injuries prevented him from performing in physical training.

He experienced mood swings and severe headaches, too.

After thorough evaluation, Roca medically retired in December 2008.

Dozens of residents, dignitaries and fellow veterans attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Roca family’s new home.

Today, Roca still suffers from several brain injuries, migraines, sprained ankles and post-traumatic stress disorder.

In service, Roca received numerous accolades, including the Valor Device, an award for saving his Commander’s life in battle. He has also received an Army Commendation Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award and Army Good Conduct Medal.

Rusty Carroll, executive director of Operation Finally Home, was particularly moved by Roca’s background.

“He suffered through countless incidents that nobody would want to go through,” Carroll said. “But, his courage and valor stood true, and he helped save lives.”

Upon retiring in 2008, Roca moved his family to Long Island, where he hoped to recover and continue his bachelor’s degree at Nassau Community College.

But, he struggled with concentration and memory due to his wartime injuries, and opted to focus on his mental and physical health before continuing school.

He and his three children moved to Florida for a “better life.”

“The thing that stood out to me when I first saw David’s story, was his commitment to his family,” Carroll said. “That certainly has shined through ever since I was able to know David and meet him.”

Operation Finally Home, Carroll noted, simply “connects the dots” among communities, builders and subcontractors, to honor veterans.

“David and others just like him don’t feel like they deserve it, but they do,” Carroll said. “He has paid for it. He’s paid it through his service and his sacrifice to this country, so he’s earned it.”

Once the family moves to Land O’ Lakes, Roca said he eventually wants to work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to find employment that suits his skills, and immerse his family into the community.

Published March 8, 2017

Awards keep rolling in for Lutz robotics program

March 8, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

The Lutz-based Trinity Dragons swept the Florida Vex Robotics State Championships last month, securing multiple bids to represent the state in April’s world championships.

On Feb. 17, Team 6430 outscored 56 other high school teams to claim both the Excellence Award and the Tournament Championship Award at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

The Trinity Dragons Team 6430 won last month’s state robotics championships, securing bids to compete in the 2017 Vex World Robotics Championships, in April. Last year, Team 6430 finished ninth among 500 teams at the world championships, which consisted of more than 16,000 participants from 37 nations.
(Courtesy of Ray Carr)

A week earlier, the Dragons’ elementary squad, Team 6430X, outscored 28 other teams in the Florida State Elementary School IQ Vex Challenge Championship; they were also recognized for winning the Robot Skills Champion Award.

The high school team, is ranked fourth internationally, of 8,500 teams worldwide, in autonomous programming skills; Team 6430 also went undefeated in each of its tournament championships.

The 2017 Vex World Robotics Championships, entering its 10th year, runs from April 19 to April 25 at the Kentucky Exposition Center, in Louisville, Kentucky.

This year’s Vex robotics challenge, titled “Starstruck,” is played on a 12-by-12 square field, in which two alliances consisting of two robotics teams each, compete in matches comprising of a 15-fifteen second autonomous period, followed by 1 minute and 45 seconds of driver-controlled play.

The object of the game is to attain a higher score than the opposing alliance by having each robot place “stars” and “cubes” in designated zones, and remotely hanging robots onto a hanging pole.

In 2016, Team 6430 finished ninth among 500 teams at the world championships, which consisted of more than 16,000 participants from 37 nations.

Last year’s competition, called “Nothing But Net” required teams to construct robots that could essentially score as many balls into goals during a two-minute span.

The Trinity Dragons, coached by Ray Carr, was formed about five years ago.

Published March 8, 2017

Local youth attends Trump’s address to Congress

March 8, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

Like millions of other Americans, Colin Cagle viewed President Donald Trump’s first speech to a joint session of Congress on Feb. 28.

Unlike most, the 13-year-old Odessa resident, attended Trump’s speech in Washington D.C.

He was the invited guest of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis.

Colin Cagle, left, was an invited guest of Rep. Gus Bilirakis during President Donald Trump’s first speech to a joint session of Congress on Feb. 28 in Washington D.C. The 13-year old Odessa resident is in seventh grade at Martinez Middle School.
(Courtesy of Sharri and Bill Cagle)

That fact is even more impressive, considering each member of congress was allotted just one extra ticket for Trump’s address.

Cagle, a seventh-grader at Martinez Middle School, was thrilled to receive the rare invitation.

“I was just extremely thankful, and I was in shock. I was so surprised,” Cagle, said.

Bilirakis first became aware of Cagle when his family requested tickets for President Trump’s Inauguration on Jan. 20. (Though Bilirakis’ office was out of tickets, Rep. Dennis Ross was able to pitch in.)

Cagle and Bilirakis have remained in touch, and the congressman became enthralled by the youth’s keen passion for politics.

That was furthered once Bilirakis’ office came across a 6 ½-minute NBC News feature on Cagle’s political interests and ideology.

Cagle, an unabashed Trump supporter, left the address content with the president’s remarks on strengthening the military and unifying the country.

“He put out plans that I know that both Democrats and Republicans can all stand behind,” Cagle said. “Overall, it was very presidential, and it was an amazing experience.”

The teenager’s visit to Washington D.C. also included tours of the U.S. Capitol Building, the Kennedy Center and the Library of Congress. “It was really awesome,” he said.

Though Cagle always has had an interest in politics, his curiosity peaked following the Feb. 2016 death of his 75-year-old grandfather, Lyndon Hooper.

During his visit to Washington D.C., 13-year-old Colin Cagle received tours of the U.S. Capitol Building, the Kennedy Center and the Library of Congress.

According to Cagle’s mother, Sharri, the youth’s grandfather was “extremely involved” in politics, assisting with numerous campaigns, including former Republican Congresswoman Katherine Harris.

Following his grandfather’s death, Cagle closely monitored the 2016 presidential race, heavily researching the hot-button issues.

Trump’s position on health care reform and immigration were two of many Cagle agreed with.

“I kind of formed my own opinions, and they happened to match up with President Trump’s,” Cagle explained.

He then put his conservative principles in action.

Prior to the election of the 45th president, Cagle volunteered at Republican call centers in Carrollwood, Brandon and Orlando.

He also attended three of President Trump’s campaign rallies in Tampa, Lakeland and Ocala.

Being such an open Trump supporter has come with some challenges, however.

Cagle’s mother acknowledged her son has received “a lot of backlash.”

Yet, he’s stood firm in his viewpoints.

“I’m proud of him,” she said. “I think that’s important to stand with your convictions, and not waver when you believe in something, and not change who you are depending on who you’re with,” he said.

She added: “I know how ugly politics can be. So, we try to use things as a learning experience for him, and he’s seen the good and the bad.”

Cagle said he hopes one day to make a difference in politics, perhaps as a senator or congressman.

“I’d like to work for a congressman when I’m in college, so that way I can get some hands-on experience,” he said. “I just like how all the congressman and senators are running to make a difference, to help our country be better.”

With plans to start a Young Republicans Club at Martinez Middle, his passion for government and politics doesn’t appear to be waning anytime soon.

“He spends so much time and effort learning the issues at hand, and trying to base his opinion on facts,” his mother said. “We just tell him to be open-minded, listen to both sides, and base your opinion on facts, and try not to engage in ugliness.”

Meanwhile, the young conservative remains pleased with President Trump, less than two months in office.

“Everything he’s said he’s going to do, he’s doing it,” Cagle said. “He’s not really backtracking. Obviously, he’s going to have to make some compromises, which is what he’s saying. But, he’s still sticking to the main principles of what he said he’s going to be doing.”

Published March 8, 2017

Zephyrhills chamber ‘pays it forward’

March 8, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

The seventh annual Pigz and Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest is over, but its community impact lingers on.

The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce earmarked more than $19,000 in scholarships and donations during its annual “Pay it Forward” dinner on Feb. 23, at the Silverado Golf and Country Club.

Evan McBride, part of a grilling group called Peachy Boys, from Mount Dora, turns some meat on the grill during the seventh annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest on Jan. 21. Revenue from the event allowed The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce to earmark more than $19,000 in donations and scholarships to civic clubs, youth groups and graduating seniors from Zephyrhills High School.
(File)

The post-barbecue banquet celebrates volunteers’ efforts during the Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest, which just wrapped its seventh year on Jan. 21. More than 100 sponsors, participants and volunteers attended the celebration.

Throughout the banquet, the chamber handed out $14,500 in donations to 11 civic clubs and youth groups, from money raised through the barbecue event.

Those donations ranged from $250 to $1,900.

The chamber also announced $5,000 in scholarships to graduating Zephyrhills High School students in May. Among those are a $1,000 performing arts scholarship, a $1,000 culinary arts scholarship and a $1,000 scholarship to a student “who may not have started well, but has made a turnaround in his or her scholastic life.”

Organizations receiving donations were the Pasco County Sheriff’s Posse, Zephyrhills Civil Air Patrol, Zephyrhills Noon Rotary, Zephyrhills Museum of Military History, Zephyrhills/Wesley Chapel Ministerial Association, Relay 4 Life committee, and the Resurrection House Mission.

Several groups from Zephyrhills High School also were rewarded, including Army JRTOC, Interact Club and Drama Club.

Each organization, which contributed the bulk of the festival’s 3,000 volunteer hours, was also presented with various certificates, plaques and other prizes.

The seventh annual Pigz in Z’Hills festival, meanwhile, was its most successful to date, chamber officials say.

Net revenue from the event totaled more than $50,000 — the highest mark yet, according to Melonie Monson, executive director of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

Moreover, the economic impact for the city of Zephyrhills from this year’s barbecue fest was estimated at about $500,000, Monson said.

Pigz in Z’Hills, now a mainstay for east Pasco, drew somewhere between 11,000 and 14,000 attendees.

It also featured 54 teams, and more than 140 vendors.
In a release, Monson credits some of the event’s success — both financial and turnout — to the new festival venue, which was completed just prior to the barbecue shindig.

The $70,000-plus venue spans 14 acres, and includes amenities such as a 20-by-40 stage, and 50 spaces equipped with water and electric.
It was constructed via a public-private partnership, with contributions from Florida Hospital Zephyrhills and the City of Zephyrhills. Additionally, John Kinsman, of Martin Electric, and Paul Correia, of Sunstate Aluminum, contributed labor and expertise in electrical, plumbing and construction.

The venue is now expected to be used for various events and fundraisers organized by nonprofit organizations.

Published March 8, 2017

Area softball preview

March 8, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

The high school softball season in Florida is underway, and several of the top players — and teams — in the state reside right here in our coverage area. From Land O’ Lakes to Steinbrenner, there’s no shortage of prep softball talent.

Academy at the Lakes’ Alexis Kilfoyl
(File)

Some players to watch, as the season progresses:

Pitcher Alexis Kilfoyl, sophomore, Academy at the Lakes: Just a few weeks into the 2017 season, the 6-foot-1 sophomore ace and University of Alabama commit is already living up to the national hype she received throughout the preseason. Kilfoyl, a varsity standout since seventh grade, has won her first five starts, tallying a 0.50 ERA and 50 strikeouts through 28 innings. Her presence is also being felt at the plate, with a .471 average and a team-leading three home runs. Kilfoyl was selected in January to join the 2017 USA Softball Junior Women’s National Training Team, along with just 23 other athletes nationwide. She is known for her ability as a drop-ball pitcher.

Infielder/Outfielder Isabella Huff, junior, Sunlake High: A transfer from Bishop McLaughlin, the versatile fielder is on a tear this season for the Seahawks, batting a whopping .625, with two home runs, a triple and seven RBIs, through five games. It’s not a surprise, considering Huff had a breakout season in 2016, batting .441, with four home runs, six triples and 18 RBIs. Huff is also a threat on the base paths (nine steals in 2016). She was a 2016 Miracle Sports All-State Class 3A Honorable Mention.

Pitcher Callie Turner, sophomore, Land O’ Lakes High: This season, Turner has been tasked with assuming the ace pitcher role vacated by Shannon Saile, now at Florida International University. Through five appearances, Turner has handled the challenge swimmingly, compiling a 0.68 ERA and 68 strikeouts through 31 innings. A University of Tennessee commit, Turner is quickly establishing herself as one the region’s top pitchers. As a freshman in 2016, Turner won five games, netting a 0.46 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 46 innings.

Pitcher Hailee DeCicco, junior, Gaither High: The 5-foot-10 right-hander is picking up precisely where she left off in 2016. Through two starts, DeCicco has a 0.00 ERA and 20 strikeouts through 12 innings. Last season, DeCicco was one of the most unhittable pitchers in Hillsborough County, compiling a 0.91 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 100.1 innings. In 2016, she was a Hillsborough County Western Conference American Division First-Team selection and a 2016 Miracle Softball All-state Class 7A Second-Team selection.

Shortstop/Catcher Emma Frost, senior, Carrollwood Day School: Perhaps the most consistent hitter in our coverage area, Frost is looking to put together one of the more impressive four-year prep careers in recent memory. An immediate impact player since her freshman year, Frost has eye-popping career numbers in several categories, including batting average (.664), triples (21), doubles (24), hits (103), runs (92) and stolen bases (51). Through four games this season, Frost has already slugged two homers and is batting .615. A Florida International University signee, Frost is lauded by coaches for her all-around athleticism and deep understanding of the game.

Other key players:
Catcher Kameron Aitken, senior, Wiregrass Ranch
P/INF Emalee Jansen, senior, Steinbrenner
INF Tia Williams, junior, Land O’Lakes
3B Ashley Nickisher, sophomore, Wesley Chapel
P/SS Jordyn Kadlub, sophomore, Pasco High

Three teams to keep an eye on:

Land O’ Lakes High’s varsity softball team looks to return to the state tournament in 2017.
(Courtesy of Edwin Rodriguez)

Land O’ Lakes High: Despite graduating three starters — including former dominant ace Shannon Saile — the Gators, coached by Mitch Wilkins, are still primed as a regional powerhouse. Plenty of skill and depth remain from last year’s 27-win team that advanced to the Class 6A state semifinals. A trio of juniors — Tia Williams, Ashley Smith, Brianna Lindner — expect to offer plenty of support for sophomore ace Callie Turner. Meanwhile, opponents will have to contend with several heady baserunners, like sophomore Shelby Westbrook and senior Jessie McCallister. The Gators are currently 5-1.

Academy at the Lakes: Armed with one of the nation’s elite pitchers in Alexis Kilfoyl, the Wildcats also add a bevy of power-hitting youngsters in eighth-graders Kendra Falby, Brooke Blankenship and Devyne Davis, each of which are already making an immediate impact for the 6-0 Wildcats. It doesn’t hurt, either, to have an experienced Division I coach anchoring the program. In the offseason, the Wildcats hired Diane Stephenson to oversee the team’s move to Class 3A. Stephenson served as the head softball coach at Indiana University from 1987 to 2002. She was also an assistant softball coach at both the University of Iowa (2008-2010) and Purdue University (2010-2013). More recently, Stephenson was the head softball coach at Division II Saint Joseph’s College (2014-2015) in Renssalaer, Indiana.

Steinbrenner High: Already off to a blistering 6-0 start, the Warriors’ winning ways don’t appear to be going away anytime soon, especially under third-year coach Brenda Leach. In addition to having one of Hillsborough County’s top pitchers in Emalee Jansen (a University of Tampa signee), the Warriors return five .300 hitters from the 2016 squad. Also a solid team defensively, the Warriors figure to win several close games. Over the last two seasons, Steinbrenner has 40-13 combined record.

Published March 8, 2017

Former Zephyrhills standout receives honors

March 8, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

Jeremy Oppenheimer
(Courtesy of Southeastern University)

Former Zephyrhills High standout Jeremy Oppenheimer, now at Southeastern University in Lakeland, was recently named Sun Conference Freshman of the Year. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound guard averaged 13.8 points and 4.7 rebounds in his debut season for the Fire, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) program. In 2016, Oppenheimer helped guide Zephyrhills to the state semifinals, where he led the Bulldogs in scoring (22.6), rebounding (8.2), assists (5.4) and steals (4.8).

PHSC Cheer Team captures state title

March 8, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

For the fifth time in seven years, the Pasco-Hernando State College cheer team won the state championship title in the College Co-Ed Level 6 division at the American Championships Official Florida Championships Cheer and Dance competition.

The Pasco-Hernando State College cheer team will compete at nationals on March 17.
(Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

The team received a score of 88.78 out of 100, during the Feb. 11 competition at the Florida State Fair.

“We pushed really hard, and the team faced some adversity this semester; however, they pulled together and made it happen,” Sophia Fluellen, the team’s coach, said in a statement.

The team’s next challenge is March 17, when they travel to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to compete in the Cheer Ltd. Collegiate Nationals at Canam.

The college placed fourth at nationals last year, and fifth in 2015.

“Our sights are always set on improvement — hoping for a first place this year,” Fluellen said.

To view the award winning routine, visit PHSC.edu/athletics/cheerleading.

Land O’ Lakes 2017 football schedule

March 8, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

The Land O’ Lakes Gators have announced their 2017 regular season football schedule, along with its spring and preseason matchups.

Land O’ Lakes High football coach Brian Wachtel returns for his seventh season.
(File)

The Gators, coached by Brian Wachtel, are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2-6 season that saw them go winless at home.
The 10-game regular season slate includes six road trips and four home games:

at Lecanto (May 18, 7 p.m.) (Spring Game)
at Wesley Chapel (Aug. 18, 7 p.m.) (Preseason Game)
at Ridgewood (Aug. 25, 7:30 p.m.)
at Anclote (Sept. 1, 7:30 p.m.)
vs. Hernando (Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m.)
at Sunlake (Sept. 15, 7:30 p.m.)
at Cypress Creek (Sept. 22, 7:30 p.m.)
Bye (Sept. 29)
at Lakeland Christian (Oct. 6, 7:30 p.m.)
at Springstead (Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m.)
vs. Pasco (Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m.)
vs. Mitchell (Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m.)
vs. Fivay (Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m.)

The Gators, meanwhile, expect to return quarterback Jude May (466 passing yards, 1 touchdown, five interceptions) and tailback Kyle Leivas, the team’s rushing (308 yards) and receptions leader (20 catches). Linebacker Myron Bloom, the Gators’ leading tackler (119 tackles), is another key contributor likely to return.

Hillsborough all-star soccer players

March 8, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

The following prep athletes from our coverage area were selected to participate in the 24th annual Senior Soccer Challenge, in which chosen all-stars from Hillsborough County high schools face off against those from Pinellas County high schools.

Boys

Clifford Adjei, Wharton
Steven Soronellas, Steinbrenner
Dovydas Sakalys, Steinbrenner
Seth Bos, Gaither
David Garzon, Gaither

Coach Scott Ware, Wharton

Girls

Claire Morrison, Steinbrenner
Erika Peitersen, Steinbrenner
Mia Brantley, Steinbrenner

Coach Dennis Vukorep, Wharton

Woman’s club offers giant flea market

March 1, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

Donations are still rolling in for one of the Tampa Bay area’s most popular flea markets.

The annual GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club flea market is scheduled for March 3 and March 4 at the Historic Old Lutz School, 18819 U.S. 41 in Lutz.

Events hours are from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., on both days.

Club members have been gathering and sorting thousands of donated goods since Feb. 13.

Locals have provided a wide range of items, including household and children’s goods, antiques and collectibles, sports equipment and gardening tools.

Higher-end products, such as silver and crystal, also will be sold at the market.

Clothing items, as usual, are in high supply.

They’ll also be in high demand, said Pat Serio, one of the flea market’s organizers.

“Clothing is so hugely popular, because most items are $1 per piece, with the exception of a few boutique items,” she said.

“People walk out with armfuls,” Serio said.

Many flea market items, Serio said, are in the $1 to $5 range.

Other goods — like children’s toys and crafts — can be had for a quarter.

Shoppers, too, can often find rare “treasures” — like depression-era glasses — at relatively good prices.

“We’re our own best donors. We give the bulk of this stuff, and we solicit all of our friends,” Serio said. “We love donating, and we love shopping.”

The flea market has been a staple in Lutz for more than 35 years, organizers say. It had modest beginnings, with “just a few tables” at the Lutz Train Depot.

In a short time, however, the event outgrew that location.

Now, thousands flock to the Historic Old Lutz School during the two-day run.

It is now the club’s second-largest fundraiser, behind the annual Lutz Arts & Crafts Show each December.

Sales from the flea market go toward the club’s college scholarship fund.

At the end of the event, leftover items will be donated to local organizations, including Goodwill and Salvation Army, local nursing homes, veterans’ charities and local libraries.

Put simply: “Nothing goes to waste,” Serio said.

Besides the woman’s club, groups such as Boy Scout Troop 12 and the University of South Florida’s Sigma Lambda Gamma sorority chapter pitch in to help with the event.

About 80 other volunteers also help, including club members’ husbands and children.

Last year, the flea market was the organization’s primary fundraiser after the arts show was cancelled due to a burgeoning sinkhole in Lake Park.

That led to a budget shortfall — which the organization is still recovering from, Serio said.

Even so, the burden for a banner showing is lesser compared to 2016.

“There isn’t so much stress about how much money we’re going to make to fill the coffers,” Serio said. “But, there’s always stress involved in coordinating, and there’s a lot of chaos involved…”

Still, members find a way to have a fun experience once the flea market commences.

“We all enjoy it,” Serio said. “We like to think of ourselves as the ‘Chiseler’s North.’”

Karin D’Amico, the club’s president, acknowledged the event takes “a lot of work.” However, the immense community support makes it worthwhile, she said.

“We have carload after carload of people …dropping off stuff,” D’Amico said. “That’s what I think is (special) — the community coming out for us, and you can really feel the support…”

Anyone who wishes to donate items for the flea market still has time. Donations will be accepted until March 1. All donations should be in clean and in working order. Large appliances and sleeper sofas cannot be accepted.

To find out more about making a donation, call (813) 948-4752.

GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club Flea Market
Where: Old Lutz School, 18819 U.S. 41 in Lutz
When: March 3 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and March 4 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For information, call (813) 948-4752.

Published March 1, 2017