The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Kevin Weiss

Steinbrenner football player commits to FIU       

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Steinbrenner’s Devon Connors, a senior outside linebacker/defensive end, has committed to Florida International University, a Division I school. The 6-foot-2, 240-pound Connors recently transferred from Carrollwood Day School, where he logged 53 tackles and 10 sacks in 2015. Connors is a two-star recruit, according to Scout.com.

Saint Leo golfer captures Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship

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Hugo Bernard (Courtesy of Saint Leo Athletics)
Hugo Bernard
(Courtesy of Saint Leo Athletics)

Saint Leo men’s golf standout
 Hugo Bernard came from behind to win the 112th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship on Aug. 11 at the Royal Ottawa Golf Club in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. Bernard, a sophomore at Saint Leo, won by two strokes with a four-round total 271 (-11) over Andy Zhang, 273 (-9).  Bernard, the first Canadian to win the title since 2011-12, opened slowly with a first round 73 (+3) before firing off rounds of 64 (-6), 69 (-1) and 65 (-5) to capture the Canadian Men’s Amateur title. With the win, Bernard became the first Quebec native to win the tournament since Craig Matthew in 1998.

Gluten-free café opens in Lutz

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A unique, gluten-free café has sprung up in Lutz.

Café Liberty & Bistro, 17695 N. Dale Mabry Highway, opened its doors in April, replacing Hattie’s Café and Beanery.

Café Liberty & Bistro, 17695 N. Dale Mabry Highway, opened in April. The breakfast and lunch dine-in restaurant features an all-natural menu, where more than 75 percent of offerings can be prepared gluten-free. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)
Café Liberty & Bistro, 17695 N. Dale Mabry Highway, opened in April. The breakfast and lunch dine-in restaurant features an all-natural menu, where more than 75 percent of offerings can be prepared gluten-free.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)

Owned by James and Marni Frank, the breakfast and lunch dine-in restaurant features an all-natural menu, where more than 75 percent of offerings can be prepared gluten-free.

The menu, and ingredients used, are a far cry from that of a typical breakfast and lunch spot.

Breads and produce are sourced locally, and coffee is roasted daily, in-house. Moreover, the café uses cage-free eggs and non-GMO, organic sunflower oil.

“We saw the need (for gluten-free) in the market that we were in,” Marni Frank said. “I travel in a circle with people that have a lot of allergies and autoimmune diseases, and I think it’s a healthier way of living.

“Even our kid’s menu is the same way — we use the same all-natural chicken, the same gluten-free flour, the same oil,” she said.

Café Liberty — who’s moniker and logo comes from the Statue of Liberty in New York City — is open Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beginning Aug. 25, it will also be open for dinner on Wednesdays through Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

In addition to the restaurant’s full breakfast and lunch offerings, additional items like Crab Cake Benedict, will be available for the evening crowd.

“Instead of changing up the whole menu, we’ll add in like two or three specials,” Frank said, noting salmon, steak and pasta dishes will likely be offered throughout the week.

Though the restaurant has only been open for about four months, the menu has already been altered three times: “You learn what works and what doesn’t work,” Frank said.

Owner Marni Frank preps a salad made from all-natural, gluten-free ingredients. (Courtesy of Cafe Liberty & Bistro)
Owner Marni Frank preps a salad made from all-natural, gluten-free ingredients.
(Courtesy of Cafe Liberty & Bistro)

In addition to standard breakfast and lunch fare, Café Liberty’s menu features several distinct waffle options, including a so-called “Baffle,” where bacon is added into the waffle batter; various waffle sandwiches, including ham and swiss, and turkey and cheddar.

There’s also a “Fry Bar,” where restaurant-goers can choose from a variety of waffle fry options: truffle parmesan garlic, Triple B (bacon, blue cheese and balsamic glaze), sweet potato and Cajun.

“We’re trying to be a little different, with a flair,” Frank said.

From 1992 to 2001, the Franks operated a New York City-based office coffee service, called “Café Liberty Coffee.” After 9/11, they sold the business and relocated to Tampa, starting a similar office coffee service, which they sold in October 2015.

“The city had changed,” Frank said about leaving New York City. “You had armed guards at every bridge; we lived 35 miles away from the city, and it took two hours each way to get to work, minimum.”

From New York to Florida, Café Liberty’s owners have always placed an emphasis on philanthropy, Frank said.

Prior to selling their Florida-based office coffee service business, which spanned 10 counties, they were finalists for the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Corporate Philanthropy Award.

They currently participate in several fundraisers and charities, such as The Arthritis Foundation, the American Breast Cancer Strides Against Cancer walk, and Metropolitan Ministries’ food and toy drives.

“I feel like being part of the community…is what it’s really about,” Frank said. “Why be in a community and not part of a community?”

“We enjoy talking to people, meeting people and being a part of people’s lives,” she added.

As another gesture of “giving back,” military veterans and first responders receive 10 percent discounts at the café.

“Really, our (focus) is family and community,” she said. “And because of that, it also dictates the products we’re providing.”

Café Liberty is approximately 3,000 square feet. It has 18 employees, including the Franks’ two daughters, Sabrina, 15, and Jessica, 19.

Breakfast and lunch menu items:
Breakfast sandwiches; twisted Benedicts and biscuits; various waffles; skillets, eggs and omelets; burgers and sandwiches; waffle fry bar; and, soups and salads.
Barista bar: in-house coffee blends roasted daily; espresso, cappuccinos, frappuccinos and lattes; blended smoothies, sorbets and milkshakes; bakery items including danishes, muffins and cookies

Published August 17, 2016

Fifth-graders learning how to lead at Oakstead Elementary

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Just before the school year began, fifth-graders at Oakstead Elementary School took some training on how to be school leaders.

Teachers, administrators and support staff organized an “Oakstead Elementary Leadership Retreat” which was held on Aug. 4. This is the second year in a row that the school has had the half-day retreat.

Throughout the morning, fifth-graders took part in several team-building activities, which included analyzing leadership personality traits along the way.

Oakstead Elementary fifth-graders had to use teamwork and communication for several activities, including the ‘Balloon Train.’ Groups had to line up single-file, and reach a finish line with balloons linked to one another — without using their hands. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos)
Oakstead Elementary fifth-graders had to use teamwork and communication for several activities, including the ‘Balloon Train.’ Groups had to line up single-file, and reach a finish line with balloons linked to one another — without using their hands.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos)

They also learned about many qualities that it takes to become a leader —  open-mindedness, integrity, authenticity, generosity and responsibility.

“Our big focus is to make them think more like, ‘Hey, I’m the leader, I’m setting the example,’ instead of ‘I’m done with this place,’” explained Sandra Stine, an assistant principal at Oakstead. By the time they reach fifth grade, she explained, some students are anxious to begin middle school.

After last year’s retreat, Stine noted, many fifth-graders were “more excited” heading into the school year. The school dished out less discipline, too, she added.

Based on feedback from last year’s retreat, Oakstead administrators shortened this year’s retreat to five hours and incorporated more collaborative activities.

The goal was to cut down on tedious paperwork for the students and to add more cooperative games.

One game, called the “Balloon Train,” required small groups of fifth-graders to imagine themselves as a locomotive connected by balloons. Each group had to line up single file and reach a finish line with balloons linked to one another — without the use of their hands.

The activity aimed to underscore the importance of teamwork and communication in accomplishing a goal.

“We brought in even more interaction — get them up and get them moving with a lot more activities,” Stine said.

Fifth-graders discuss the qualities it takes to become a leader.
Fifth-graders discuss the qualities it takes to become a leader.

Bullying prevention was added to this year’s retreat agenda — emphasizing the importance for fifth-graders to stand up for other students, especially younger children, in kindergarten through fourth grade.

“(Fifth-graders) can be the ones where they see bullying happen, they can intervene and stop,” said Oakstead principal Tammy Kimpland. “As leaders, when you see something going on that’s not supposed to be going on, you have the power to say, ‘Hey, quit picking on that kid.’”

Kristen Hirsbrunner, a fifth-grade teacher at Oakstead, said having leadership retreats reinforces positive attitudes in the school’s eldest students.

“It’s so important,” Hirsbrunner said, “because our fifth-graders come in, at times, thinking they’re the big man on campus. They still are, but they’re taking a different role with that…to truly be that role model for the younger kids and each other.”

Throughout the leadership retreat, Oakstead Elementary fifth-graders participated in several interactive activities. One activity required fifth-graders to reach out to other students they don’t normally interact with, and get to know one another.
Throughout the leadership retreat, Oakstead Elementary fifth-graders participated in several interactive activities. One activity required fifth-graders to reach out to other students they don’t normally interact with, and get to know one another.

She added: “I think these kids, too, having seen what the kids last year were able to do, came in a little bit more excited about being a leader and what it means to be a leader.”

Fifth-grader Charlie Newport said the retreat gave him a greater understanding of the importance of teamwork and collaboration.

“It was really great,” he said. “I was able to work more with people I normally wouldn’t be able to…because they’re not in my class.”

Throughout the school year, every fifth-grade student will be assigned to an adult in the building for leadership support throughout the year.

On Fridays, students will wear a “Pay It Forward” T-shirt to remind them to be responsible leader.

The school is also working to get a grant approved to purchase copies of the book, “Pay It Forward,” by Catherine Ryan Hyde to give to each fifth-grade student.

There are about 180 fifth-graders among the school’s total enrollment which surpasses 1,100, the principal said.

Published August 17, 2016

Keeping children safe in the water

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Just a few months ago, Christopher Santana, 11, didn’t know how to swim.

Neither did 10-year-old Ruby Rodriguez.

A patient and buoyant, Seoyeong Lee, 11, of Tampa, floats on her back without the assistance of swim instructor, Nilofer Bharwani, at the New Tampa YMCA pool. (Fred Bellet/Photos)
A patient and buoyant, Seoyeong Lee, 11, of Tampa, floats on her back without the assistance of swim instructor, Nilofer Bharwani, at the New Tampa YMCA pool.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

But, thanks to free summer water safety lessons offered at the New Tampa Family YMCA, both youth, along with several others, are now confident about hopping into a pool and swimming unassisted.

For the past three years, the New Tampa YMCA has partnered with the nonprofit University Area Community Development Corporation to offer free swim lessons to children from low-income families living near the areas surrounding the University of South Florida.

For an hour each Tuesday and Thursday from June 13 to Aug. 5, dozens of youth from the Development Corporation’s Dream Catchers summer camp program were transported to the New Tampa Y, where they learned lifesaving swim techniques during the warmest days of the year.

Throughout the summer program, children ages 6 to 12 were taught how to float in the water and to swim to the edge of the New Tampa YMCA’s Olympic-sized pool. The pool is one of the largest in Hillsborough County at 50 meters by 25 yards.

“A lot of it is just being comfortable in the water, so they aren’t scared,” said Lacey Carter, the YMCA’s aquatics director. “With this particular group, water safety is the main focus — learning how to be safe in the water, if they do fall in. Teaching them how to swim is definitely something we want to aim for, but the water safety piece is what the program is most about.”

Young swimmer Ashley Charlotte, bottom, of Tampa, got a kick out of learning to swim, as she and others practice kicking their feet alongside the pool at the New Tampa YMCA. The free water safety program offered kids a safe and cool way to spend the last days of summer before heading back to school.
Young swimmer Ashley Charlotte, bottom, of Tampa, got a kick out of learning to swim, as she and others practice kicking their feet alongside the pool at the New Tampa YMCA. The free water safety program offered kids a safe and cool way to spend the last days of summer before heading back to school.

With a ratio of one certified swim instructor to eight children, the young swimmers often received individual attention, learning how to properly use their hands and feet to easily buoy through the water.

While the majority of lessons take place in the shallow end of the pool, the oldest children were permitted to jump into the deepest end of pool, which is 7 ½ feet deep.

Fun swim activities, too, were mixed in with the water safety training.

“They’ll play games as part of the curriculum,” the aquatics director said. “They’ll do like ‘red light, green light’ or (instructors) will have them dive for things. Water safety is important, but we want them to have fun, otherwise they’re not going to want to come here.”

According to the Florida Department of Health, the state has the nation’s second highest drowning rate (2.54 deaths per 100,000 population) for children under 15, trailing only Oklahoma (2.69 per 100,000).

Additionally, a 2010 study by USA Swimming found that in ethnically diverse communities, the youth drowning rate is “two to three times higher than the national average.”

Martine Dorvil, program director for the University Area Community Development Corporation, said a majority of the youth in the camp come from working-poor families, and ordinarily wouldn’t have access to swim lessons, which can be expensive.

Ruby Rodriguez, 10, of Tampa, uses a kick board under the watchful eye of ‘Y’ swim instructor, Harper Cassady, a USF student from Alabama. Two groups from the Dream Catchers summer program spent the afternoon learning the fundamentals of swimming.
Ruby Rodriguez, 10, of Tampa, uses a kick board under the watchful eye of ‘Y’ swim instructor, Harper Cassady, a USF student from Alabama. Two groups from the Dream Catchers summer program spent the afternoon learning the fundamentals of swimming.

“This is huge,” she said, “because most of our kids live in apartment complexes which have pools. We have a lot of parents with a lot of children, and what ends up happening is the oldest child — sometimes just 10 years old — is watching the 6-year-old. So, this provides them a safe place.”

She continued: “This partnership with the YMCA has been phenomenal. Most kids don’t get the attention that they’re given here to actually have a personal swimming instructor, so that’s really something extra.”

Dorvil has witnessed, firsthand, how much the youth involved in the program enjoy the biweekly lessons over the summer months.

“On one of the days when it rained, I actually had to buy pizza because they were that upset when they didn’t get to go swimming,” she said, chuckling.

Tony Kimbrough, executive director for the New Tampa YMCA, said he will look to renew the partnership with the University Area Community Development Corporation on an annual basis.

The summer is not the only time that free water safety lessons are offered at the New Tampa YMCA. They also offer a four-day course each March, called “Safety Around Water,” for children ages 3 to 12. Each class lasts 40 minutes.

Published August 17, 2016

Area fall football preview: Hillsborough County

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The 2016 high school football season is just around the corner, and several teams in The Laker/Lutz News’ Hillsborough County coverage area enter the year with intriguing storylines, standout players and must-see matchups.

Carrollwood Patriots
Coach: Lane McLaughlin (10th year)
2015 record: 7-4
Spring Game result: 14-7 loss to Victory Christian

Freedom Patriots
Coach: Floyd Graham (1st year)
2015 record: 3-7
Spring Game result: 7-0 win over King High

Gaither Cowboys
Coach: Jason Stokes (6th year)
2015 record: 4-6
Spring Game result: 7-0 win over Sickles High

Steinbrenner Warriors
Coach: Andres Perez-Reinaldo (5th year)
2015 record: 9-2
Spring Game result: 18-0 loss to Alonso High

Wharton Wildcats
Coach: David Mitchell (12th year)
2015 record: 8-2
Spring Game result: 14-0 loss to Hillsborough High

Three teams to watch:

 

The Carrollwood Day School Patriots are loaded with talented playmakers on offense. (Courtesy of Carrollwood Day School)
The Carrollwood Day School Patriots are loaded with talented playmakers on offense.
(Courtesy of Carrollwood Day School)

Carrollwood Patriots
The Patriots, coming off a 7-4 season, appear to be one of the more interesting teams in Tampa this year. Despite being a smaller school, their youthful talent rivals many of the area’s larger schools. Armed with a bevy of playmakers on offense — quarterback Raymond Woodie III, tailback Yahsin Wooten, and receivers Nazir Achecar and Markeis Colvin — the Patriots are likely to rack up a lot of yards and touchdowns against foes. But, in order to take the next step forward, the Patriots must find a few pass-rushers on defense that can pressure opposing quarterbacks and generate sacks, due to the departures of Zac Watson-Parcels (team-leading 11 sacks), Devon Connors (10 sacks) and Corey Shamley (seven sacks).

 

The Gaither High Cowboys are looking for a bounce-back season in 2016. (File Photo)
The Gaither High Cowboys are looking for a bounce-back season in 2016.
(File Photo)

Gaither Cowboys
Despite coming off a disappointing 4-6 season, the Cowboys should have plenty to be excited about in 2016. After ending the 2015 campaign on a three-game win streak, the Cowboys return several impact players, including senior running backs Alex Rodriguez (805 yards, five touchdowns) and TJ Williams (391 yards, three touchdowns), and senior linebackers Decalon Brooks (114 tackles, five sacks) and Estefano Feliciano (73 tackles, six sacks). Though the team has several experienced playmakers on both sides of the ball, Gaither’s success may be determined by quarterback play — which must become more efficient. Gavin Deboer, the team’s incumbent quarterback from last season, struggled at times as a sophomore (48 percent rate, 10 interceptions.) If he can improve his touchdown-to-interception ratio and find a few reliable pass-catchers, Gaither may be in store for a winning season.

Steinbrenner High’s Warriors look to build off their stellar 9-2 mark in 2015. (Courtesy of Steinbrenner High football)
Steinbrenner High’s Warriors look to build off their stellar 9-2 mark in 2015.
(Courtesy of Steinbrenner High football)

Steinbrenner Warriors
Coming off a breakout 9-2 season, the Warriors are looking to keep the upward momentum going in the 2016 campaign. With holes to fill on offense and defense, Coach Andres Perez-Reinaldo will need several players to step up this season. Gone are the team’s top two offensive skill players — running back Jay Dantley (1,269 yards, 13 touchdowns) and wide receiver Justin Moffatt (41 receptions, 641 yards, 8 touchdowns) — and the team’s top four leading tacklers from last season. On a positive note, junior quarterback Colin Wray looks to build off his stellar sophomore season (56 percent completion rate, 1,634 yards, 13 touchdowns) with a few reliable targets at his disposal in seniors Brett Bitter (35 receptions, 600 yards) and Carson Kaleo (34 receptions, 277 yards). Helping the Warriors immediately is the addition of hybrid linebacker Devon Connors (53 tackles, 10 sacks), a 6-foot-3, 234-pound senior transfer from Carrollwood Day School.

Three players to watch:
Gaither senior linebacker Decalon Brooks
Decalon Brooks, the son of former Tampa Bay Buccaneer great and NFL Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks, is quickly making a name for himself. Brooks, who led the Cowboys in tackles (114) in 2015, holds several Division I offers, most notably from Florida State University and the University of Louisville. An inside linebacker at Gaither, the undersized Brooks (5-foot-10, 197-pounds) figures to transition to the safety position in college. Brooks, a consensus three-star recruit, is lauded by scouting services for his “aggressiveness, agility, athleticism and blitzing ability.”

Carrollwood sophomore quarterback Raymond Woodie III
Raymond Woodie III, the son of University of South Florida defensive coordinator Raymond Woodie Jr., will be a name to remember for the next several years. Just a sophomore, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound dual-threat quarterback already has seven Division I offers, highlighted by the University of Southern California. In 2015, Woodie III put together a stellar season (1289 yards, 11 touchdowns.) More refined, he’ll likely raise his completion percentage (53 percent) and cut down on turnovers (nine interceptions) in 2016. Recruiting services praise the young quarterback for his “strong arm” and “ability to extend plays with his feet.”

Steinbrenner senior kicker Noah Ruggles
It’s not often a kicker makes a player-to-watch list, but Noah Ruggles is a rare case, considering he’s one of the top prep kickers in the nation. According to KohlsKicking.com, Ruggles is ranked No. 5 for the class of 2017, and holds an offer from Vanderbilt University. The 6-foot-3, 175-pound senior is known for his “leg speed and athletic frame.” Last season, Ruggles made 37-of-38 extra-point attempts and 8-of-13 field goals with a long of 51 yards for Steinbrenner. Kicking runs in the family — Ruggles’ older brother, Michael, earned a scholarship as a punter for the University of Texas at El Paso in 2013.

Three games to watch:
Sickles High at Steinbrenner High, Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Two teams coming off terrific 2015 seasons face off in a Week 1 rivalry game. Steinbrenner has the benefit of not having to matchup against former Sickles quarterback Chris Oladokun (1,390 yards, 15 touchdowns), who recently graduated. The last time these teams met was in 2014 — Steinbrenner won 15-7.

Tampa Catholic High at Gaither High, Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Gaither appears to be overmatched in this contest, but fans will get to see a lot of Division I talent on the field for both sides. If Gaither can play a ball-control game, leaving the prodigious Tampa Catholic offense on the sidelines, they have a chance to keep it close.

Carrollwood Day School at Cambridge Christian School, Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m.
With ample experience on offense, Carrollwood will look to avenge last season’s 21-12 defeat to Cambridge Christian School. It won’t be easy, considering Cambridge returns most of their impact players from its 12-1 team in 2015. Also of note, Cambridge was undefeated (8-0) at home last season. Nevertheless, expect to see a lot of big plays and offensive highlights in this contest.

Published August 17, 2016

Local football and soccer commits

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Isaiah Bolden (Courtesy of 247Sports.com)
Isaiah Bolden
(Courtesy of 247Sports.com)

Florida State defensive back commit Isaiah Bolden has transferred to Wesley Chapel High School, from Bartram Trail High in Jacksonville. The 6-foot-3, 170-pound Bolden is a consensus four-star recruit, and universally nationally ranked as one of the nation’s top 150 prep football players for the class of 2018. Multiple scouting services praise Bolden for his “coverage awareness, frame, hands and size.” Bolden’s transfer should be a major boost to the Wildcats program, which has suffered four consecutive losing seasons, including a 2-8 mark in 2015.

Sydny Nasello, a University of South Florida soccer commit, has transferred to Sunlake High from Land O’ Lakes High, for her junior season. In 2015, the midfielder led the Gators in points (91) and goals (34). Senior teammate Madison Silvest has also transferred to Sunlake High.

Offers and Transfers

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Justin Kre (Courtesy of Land O' Lakes High football)
Justin Kren
(Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes High football)

Land O’ Lakes High safety Justin Kren has received his first football scholarship offer from Valparaiso (Indiana) University, a Division I FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) school. The 6-foot, 160-pound senior was third on the team in tackles (79) and first in interceptions (5) last season.

Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay wins big at nationals

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Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay, a program of Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation, set 14 National Records at the 2016 National Junior Disability Championships, from July 16-23 in Middleton, Wisconsin. Team members returned home with 60 medals, including 42 gold, 17 silver, and one bronze.

The team’s achievements earned them first place in the Small Team Division (team size of 2 to 5 participants). It marks the third year in a row that Paralympic Sports Tampa Bay has finished at the top of its team division.

Individual athlete achievements include:
Beecher Bruno (11 gold, 3 silver)

  • 1st place in five swim events: 50, 100, 200-yard freestyle, and 50 and 100-yard backstroke
  • 1st place, 4×25 and 4×50 freestyle relay team
  • 1st place, shot put, discus, javelin, and long jump
  • 2nd place: 100, 200, and 400-meter track events

Danielle Kanas (15 gold)
•   1st place, shot put, discus, javelin, long jump.

  • 1st place, shot put, discus, javelin, long jump.
  • 1st place, 25, 50, and 100-yard freestyle and 25 and 50-yard backstroke
  • 1st place, 25-yard breast stroke
  • 1st place, 4×25 and 4×50 freestyle relay team
  • 1st place, 100, 200, and 400-meter track events

Eric Lowry (7 gold, 9 silver, 1 bronze)

  • 1st place, javelin
  • 1st place, shot put
  • 1st place, archery — cadet division
  • 1st place, weightlifting
  • 1st place, 200-yard freestyle
  • 1st place, 4×25 and 4×50 freestyle relay team
  • 2nd place, 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle, 50-yard backstroke and 100-yard backstroke
  • 2nd place, discus
  • 2nd place, 100, 200, 400, and 1,500-meter track events
  • 3rd place, 800-meter track

Zach Woodke (4 gold, 5 silver)

  • 1st place in shot put, discus, and javelin
  • 1st place, 1,500-meter track
  • 2nd place, long jump
  • 2nd place, 100, 200, 400, and 800-meter track events

Logan Krepop (5 gold)

  • 1st place shot put, discus and javelin

•   1st place 100 and 200-meter track

State football championships stay in Orlando

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For the next three years, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Football State Championships will take place at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, with the Central Florida Sports Commission serving as event host.

“We appreciate the Central Florida Sports Commission and the City of Orlando for giving us the flexibility to conduct the finale of our Drive to December on just one weekend, following this year,” outgoing FHSAA Executive Director Dr. Roger Dearing said, in a release. “For the past nine years, they have proven to be exemplary hosts for this epic event. Their generosity helps our member schools tremendously, and we are grateful to continue our positive partnership with both groups.”

The 2016 Drive to December for Classes 1A-4A will culminate inside the 60,000-seat venue Dec. 2 and Dec. 3. Classes 5A-8A will compete Dec. 9 and Dec. 10. For the final two years of the current contract, the championships will take place on just one weekend (Dec. 7 through Dec. 9, 2017 and Dec. 6 through Dec. 8, 2018).

Since 2007, Camping World Stadium has been the last stop on the “Drive to December.” Following the end of the current contract, the stadium will have hosted the state championships more years than any venue in FHSAA history (12).