Kevin Weiss

Lutz Learning Center starts All Pro Dad chapter

May 25, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Kimberly Wilson found out about the All Pro Dad program after sifting through a few children’s books a parent had recently donated to the Lutz Learning Center.

That parent was legendary NFL coach and Hall of Famer Tony Dungy.

Tony Dungy, left, has a chat with John Viscardo, one of the dads in attendance. (Photos courtesy of Lutz Learning Center) — Tony Dungy, left, has a chat with John Viscardo, one of the dads in attendance.
(Photos courtesy of Lutz Learning Center)

After speaking with Dungy and finding out more about the Family First-based fatherhood program, Wilson, the learning center’s director of innovation, was “ecstatic” about creating a chapter at the independent private school, which currently serves 120 students.

“This is really all about connecting dads with their kids, and giving them that time to connect together,” Wilson said. “Have breakfast and sit and hang out, and get to know your kids and have meaningful discussions.”

That’s what happened at the first chapter meeting on May 18, when 15 dads bonded and shared a meal with their young ones at the Lutz Learning Center campus.

The new chapter will meet quarterly during the school year, with each session focusing on a particular topic. May’s topic was “Finishing Well.”

Fifteen fathers attended the Lutz Learning Center’s first All-Pro Dad Chapter meeting on May 18. The program uses football themes to tout the importance of being a good father.

The overall goal of the discussion was to empower children to “complete what they start” and “do their best” in all aspects of life.

The topic of “Finishing Well” also provided an opportunity for Dungy to reflect on one of his coaching experiences from nearly a decade ago, when he was the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.

It was the 2007 AFC Championship game, where Dungy’s team faced the New England Patriots, and quickly fell behind 21-3. They eventually mounted a historic comeback to capture the Super Bowl XLI title, with a score of 38-34.

“Everything went wrong early in the game…and it would have been easy to give up and say, ‘Oh well.’ But we didn’t,” Dungy said. “Our guys continued to play hard and work hard…and encourage each other.

“If you continue to encourage even when things aren’t going well and do your best, things usually work out,” Dungy said.

Throughout the early morning session, the private school’s dads underwent positive affirmation activities hoping to ensure their young children know that their fathers support them.

This sign tells dads what they need to do at the All Pro Dad meeting.

Part of the morning involved a human knot disentanglement puzzle exercise, that required teamwork, patience and perseverance, from both the dads and the learning center’s students.

It turned out to be an “awesome” experience for one dad in attendance.

“It makes you appreciate being a dad more,” school parent John Viscardo said. “It really gets you talking to your kids in a nontraditional fashion.”

All-Pro Dad was launched in 1997 by Mark Merrill, with Dungy’s help.

The goal of the program is to use football themes to speak out on the importance of being a good father, the program’s website says.

“I think really the idea behind it was getting men to understand how important just a few minutes of connecting with your kids can be,” Dungy said. “Coming to school, getting them involved in knowing where the school is, knowing the teachers, letting the kids know it’s important — it sends a great message.”

The program has spread to 1,293 schools across 46 states.

Published May 25, 2016

Author with local ties has best-seller

May 25, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

It’s been seven years since Karen Pashley last visited Dade City, but she was excited to have the chance to reconnect with area friends.

Pashley was in town Friday for a book signing of her best-selling Christian novel, “Precious in His Sight,” released just last month.

Karen Pashley is the author of ‘Precious in His Sight,’ a best-selling Christian novel released last month. Pashley lived in Dade City from 1997 to 2009, and still owns a home there.
(Photos courtesy of Adams PR Group)

In the first week of its release, the novel catapulted to No. 2 on Amazon’s Christian nonfiction best-seller list. It also was endorsed by New York Times’ best-selling author Denise Jackson, the wife of country music icon, Alan Jackson.

It’s been a surreal experience for the first-time novelist, who was surprised by her sudden popularity.

“As a first-time novelist, this isn’t what we gear ourselves up for. We hope that our family and friends will read it and that will be it,” Pashley said. “I knew the book had merit, but it’s so hard to get recognition in this publishing industry with the rise of independent publishing.

“People are apparently resonating with this story, sharing it with their friends, and it’s just really exciting what is happening,” Pashley said.

In a nutshell, the book centers on a scandalous affair of a prominent southern Christian couple, and how it affects the husband, wife and mistress.

“It’s the story of three people entangled in this web,” Pashley said. “The story is written from all three points of view — the wife’s point of view as she discovers her husband’s affair, from the husband’s point of view as he tries to work his way out of the mess he’s gotten himself into, and from the mistress’ point of view — and the struggles that they go through during the course of the year the book takes place.

“It’s kind of a story of betrayal and heartbreak, but it’s also a story of tremendous hope in light of very, very difficult circumstances,” she added.

The author said the book’s title is also very relevant to the story, which readers will eventually discover.

“As readers work their way through the novel, they’ll have an ‘ah ha moment’ where they’ll understand why the title is what it is,” Pashley said.

‘Precious is His Sight’ is a novel that centers on a scandalous affair of a prominent southern Christian couple.

“There’s a lot of symbolism in this book, a lot of deep layers, a story within a story. The title plays into the plot, but it also plays into the turning point for my characters and their journey and understanding that we’re all really important in this world, and we all are worthy of being loved,” the author added.

Pashley’s vision for the book came through a daydream several years ago, in what she described as a “really unique experience.”

“Most writers maybe have to search for their inspiration from somewhere, but this story literally dropped in my mind like a movie,” she said. “The whole thing played out from beginning to end — the settings, the characters, the plot, the twists, everything. I jotted all my notes down and stuck it in a drawer, and then a couple years later, in a moment of epiphany, I decided to try my hand at writing a book, and I pulled that old notebook out and the story had never left me.”

However, writing the book became a significant task for Pashley, who was just starting the project when she was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease, a disorder of the inner ear that causes vertigo.

“I had to work off and on with it,” said Pashley, who is now in remission.

“Looking at a computer is a major trigger, so I had a very hard time working for several years because of the period of time where I just couldn’t look at the light, so it took an immense effort to get the draft finished,” she explained.

After the book was awarded first place in the unpublished novels competition at the 2014 Blue Ridge Writer’s Conference, Pashley figured she’d move forward with fully completing the novel, and publishing it.

“I wasn’t willing to put my name on something until I knew it was going to be the best that I could make it, so I guess that’s why I was patient and put the time in to really learn the craft, and get a lot of feedback early on from people in the industry,” Pashley explained.

“In the course of learning how to put together a proper novel, you don’t just sit down and write it. I attended many workshops and conferences, and met with editors all over the country.”

As she tours the country on book signings and other speaking engagements, Pashley is finishing up a companion study guide to go along with the novel, allowing book clubs and Bible study groups to incorporate it into their discussions.

Pashley says the companion guide, which is expected to be ready for order in July, will “really cultivate all the feelings and the thoughts that (readers) are going to have when they finish reading the book.”

As for future novels, Pashley already has outlined a sequel.

“I’ll hopefully be carving out some time for that,” she said, adding, “I’m taking a trip to British Columbia for two weeks where I can watch the bears and draft for the sequel.”

Pashley and her husband lived in Dade City from 1997 to 2009, until the family relocated to Nashville, Tennessee.

Before living in Dade City, the New York native resided in Spring Hill, Florida, for 11 years.

The family still owns their Dade City home, Pashley said.

She thinks her Pasco ties should help spread the visibility of the novel through the rest of the Sunshine State.

“I knew going into this that I wanted…to make myself available to women’s groups, church groups, book clubs and bookstores in Florida. I still do have a lot of connections in the area,” she said. “It’s just kind of getting our feet wet. I hope to be back in the Florida area, especially the Tampa Bay area.

“This is just our first whirl,” Pashley said.

Published May 25, 2016

Basketball coach casts wide net for quality recruits

May 25, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

For Anthony Crocitto, winning games is important.

Saint Leo University’s new women’s basketball coach hopes to be one of the top four teams in the Sunshine State Conference within four seasons.

To do that, the 20-year college-coaching veteran is on a mission to find high-level recruits — wherever they may live.

While he’s certainly looking for Florida-bred talent, he’s also searching far and wide to secure skilled players for the Division II program.

New Saint Leo women’s basketball coach Anthony Crocitto said he’ll look locally, nationally and internationally to find recruits. (Courtesy of Saint Leo Athletics) — New Saint Leo women’s basketball coach Anthony Crocitto said he’ll look locally, nationally and internationally to find recruits.
(Courtesy of Saint Leo Athletics)

By using this approach, there’s a chance he’ll land an imposing post player from Tampa, a crafty point guard from New York, or maybe a sharpshooting forward from Europe.

“We’re going to look internationally, locally and nationally to find the best fits,” Crocitto said last week. “You’ve always got to keep it open because you may get a call from Alaska, and you may get five calls locally, so you’ve just got to unturn every stone.

“Otherwise, you’re going to miss out on something,” he said.

Crocitto didn’t miss out on much in his previous coaching stop at New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), leading them to a 26-9 record and an appearance in the Division II East Regional Championship game.

That team featured players from all over, including New York and Tennessee, and Egypt and Greece.

However, it’s not just about finding exceptional ballplayers, it’s also about finding compatible pieces that gel together on the court, the Lions coach said.

When he’s assembling a team, he’s looking for players with an intense desire to play and he’s considering the overall dynamics of the team.

“I think when you recruit that and you don’t have cliques, and you do your best to maintain it as a family, you’re…not going to have any wars within your program. I think that’s how we were so successful at NYIT — we were able to mesh all that to win,” he said.

“You’re not always going to recruit the players like we did at NYIT that are All-Americans,” he added, “but you can consistently change the culture in how you act and how you hold yourself, the character you recruit, and the people that surround you.”

The coach said he’s not just recruiting players. He’s going after Saint Leo alumni, as well.

He’s trying to generate alumni support for a program that experienced a disastrous 5-22 record last season, under Missy West, its former coach.

Crocitto wants to build the alumni base of support a little more each year, noting that graduates from the university may not have previously received “a whole lot of love, or even a phone call.”

The coach is so determined to bring alumni back into the fold that he and Saint Leo athletic director Francis X. Reidy plan to call at least five to 10 alumni each week, beginning in July.

They intend to increase community outreach, too.

One way to generate interest involves scheduling athletic department functions at restaurants from San Antonio to Wesley Chapel, where fans and alumni can meet coaches, ask questions and build relationships.

He believes this approach will eventually generate more interest in his program, and may lead to increased attendance at games. Attendance has been down for the past three years, dropping from an average of 250 fans per game in the 2013-2014 season to an average of 220 fans per game last year.

Crocitto wants to build a relationship with fans that makes them “feel special.” He wants them to feel “that they can come back and watch practice, come to games, and be a part of receptions, and get out into the community a little bit more.

“As you build your locker room, you try to get to know people and that’s where I’m very good at — networking and building something special,” the coach said.”

Published May 25, 2016

Middle school wrestler to compete at nationals

May 25, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Truman Noble, an eighth-grader at Martinez Middle School, has qualified to competed at a national wrestling tournament next month.

The wrestler, the son of Steinbrenner High wrestling coach Paul Noble, will face off in the USA Wrestling Schoolboy National Duals in Indianapolis, from June 8 to June 12.

To take part in the prestigious tournament, the 136-pounder first had to make the Florida Schoolboy National Team roster.

Truman Noble, left, grapples with fellow wrestler Justin Moran during a recent practice. (Courtesy of Paul Noble) — Truman Noble, left, grapples with fellow wrestler Justin Moran during a recent practice.
(Courtesy of Paul Noble)

He did that after winning his weight class (for his age group) at both the 2016 Father Devine National Qualifier, and the Freestyle and Greco Roman State Championships in Osceola.

“It felt good, it was shocking,” Noble said about making the roster. “I’m excited to see what I can do (at nationals).”

Despite Noble’s recent success, his father, Paul, noted that his son “struggled for years” at the sport until he began flourishing during the last 12 to 18 months.

“He’s started to really turn the corner,” said Paul, who’s been coaching wrestling at Steinbrenner High since the school’s opening in 2009.

“His skillset has always been pretty high as far as his technique, but getting things done on the mat hasn’t always translated from drills to being able to do it in a match situation. That’s just really kind of started to happen in the last year to year in a half,” he added.

The high school coach attributes his son’s recent triumphs on the mat to a heightened maturity and an increased commitment to becoming a more refined wrestler. He noted that the middle-schooler trains nearly every day.

The wrestler concurred. He said he has improved by “working hard and not giving up” when he loses.

Having a passion for the sport, combined with a competitor’s mentality, doesn’t hurt, either.

“It’s just fun,” said Truman, who’s been wrestling since third grade. “I like to compete at anything, just like if it’s backyard football or something.”

His son shows immense potential, but Paul noted that Truman will likely be facing older wrestlers when he enters Steinbrenner High because of his weight class.

Many gifted ninth-graders competed in the 106-pound or 113-pound weight class, but Truman is competing at a heavier weight.

That means there will be a steeper learning curve in order to be successful, the high school coach explained.

“He’s going to come in at 132 or 138 (pounds), and those kids are going to be juniors or seniors in high school. It’s going to take more of an effort to get to where he wants to be,” Paul said.

That work starts with hitting the weight room extensively this summer.

“I think his technique is fine, he’ll just have to continually get stronger and be ready for kids that are going to try to get him off of his game, get him out of his comfort zone — that’s what they’ll try to do to freshmen,” Truman’s father explained. “Some juniors and seniors don’t wrestle all year long, so they get kids that they know are probably more skilled than they are…and they try to beat them just with their physical prowess.

“If he gets stronger, he’ll be better,” he said.

Truman agrees, but said, “it definitely helps” to have a father that can continue to develop his wrestling skillset. He’s also excited to work with his dad more frequently once he joins the Steinbrenner High wrestling team.

Paul is “excited” too, but acknowledges that of the two, Truman is likely more enthusiastic about the future father-son wrestling scenario at Steinbrenner High.

“It’s nerve-wracking a little bit,” Paul acknowledged. “It’s a little different when it’s your kid, but we’re looking forward to it.”

Published May 25, 2016

Saint Leo baseball player semifinalist for national award

May 25, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Saint Leo junior first baseman Troy Sieber was one of 40 Division II baseball players named as a semifinalist for the 2016 D2 Baseball News Tino Martinez Award, which recognizes the national player of the year in Division II baseball.

Saint Leo first baseman Troy Sieber was recently named a finalist for the 2016 Tino Martinez Award. (Courtesy of Saint Leo Athletics) — Saint Leo first baseman Troy Sieber was recently named a finalist for the 2016 Tino Martinez Award.
(Courtesy of Saint Leo Athletics)

As of May 18, Sieber leads the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) with a .457 batting average, which ranks sixth among Division II leaders. The New Jersey native also ranks second in all of Division II with a .553 on base percentage, and is among the SSC’s top five in slugging percentage (.873, 2nd), runs scored (68, 2nd), runs batted in (55, T-5th), hits (79, T-3rd), and home runs (16, 3rd).

The winner of the 2016 Tino Martinez Award will be named on June 6, following the NCAA Division II Baseball Championship in Cary, North Carolina. The award is named after former University of Tampa player, United States Olympian, first-round MLB draft pick, and MLB All-Star Tino Martinez. A three-time All-American, Martinez still holds several Tampa records and led the Spartans to national championships in 1986 and 1987. He was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2013.

Lutz summer basketball league forming

May 25, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Registration is open until May 26 for the Our Lady of the Rosary (OLOR) and Saint Tim’s Catholic Church’s inaugural Basketball League. There will be a boys and girls league, for players age 5 to 18, as well as an adult league for those 18 and older. The season runs from June 11 to July 31. All games will be played on Saturdays at the St. John Paul II Youth Center, at 17520 Lakeshore Road in Lutz. To register, visit OLORSports.org. For additional information, contact Patrick Poland at (813) 484-8621 or .

Steinbrenner wrestling camp

May 25, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Registration is open for the 2016 Steinbrenner Warrior Wrestling Camp, for ages 5 to 17. The camp is organized by Steinbrenner High wrestling coach Paul Noble. The purpose of the camp is to teach and promote amateur wrestling at all levels. There will be three sessions throughout the summer: June 14-16, June 20-21 and July 18-21. Prices range from $30 to $60. For more information, contact Paul Noble at (813) 478-1148 or .

Steinbrenner youth football camp

May 25, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Registration is open for the 2016 Elite Warrior Football Camp. The youth camp is available to boys and girls entering grades one through eight. Organized by Steinbrenner High coach Andres Perez-Reinaldo, the camp’s goal is to promote football in the community and help teach the game’s fundamentals. The weeklong camp is from June 20 to June 24 at Oscar Cooler Park; each camp day runs from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Preregistration is $100. Registration on the day of the event is $125. For information, visit WarriorFootballCamp.net.

Local artist is making some noise

May 18, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Eden Shireen is making a name for herself in the local music scene.

Thousands of YouTube views for her cover songs and the March release of her five-song ‘Shadows’ EP (Extended Play) have made the 20-year-old Land O’ Lakes singer-songwriter an up-and-coming artist.

Her popularity has been steadily increasing since she became a 2015 Florida GRAMMY Showcase semifinalist, that helped to propel her career.

Local artist Eden Shireen has made a name for herself since she became a 2015 Florida GRAMMY Showcase semifinalist. (Photos courtesy of Eden Shireen) — Local artist Eden Shireen has made a name for herself since she became a 2015 Florida GRAMMY Showcase semifinalist.
(Photos courtesy of Eden Shireen)

Shireen, a 2014 graduate of Land O’ Lakes High School, describes her musical style as a “clash between pop, indie and folk.”

That unique style was formed during her high school years, when she was heavily involved in her school’s choir and theater programs.

“I was about 14 or 15 when I started to write short stories and poems, and then I got involved in musical theater…and I was like, ‘Oh, my poems are literally just songs.’ Then I started the whole writing process, and it was great,” Shireen said. “I really found my voice through acting and realized, ‘Wow, I love doing this.’”

Listening to alternative bands like Bleachers, Of Monsters and Men, The 1975 and First Aid Kit were major influences during her formative high school years when she started creating music.

“I started to not just listen to what was on the radio,” she said. “Being a musician, you want to find what’s going to inspire you the most, so I really just dove into Pandora (Internet Radio) and Spotify, and any different kind of playlists I could find.”

She continued, “I always grew up listening to great music in my house with my family. I knew who The Sundays and The Cranberries were before anybody else.”

As she manages her burgeoning music career, Shireen is working toward an associate degree at Pasco-Hernando State College, before she relocates to Orlando to enroll in the University of Central Florida’s Entertainment Management degree program.

She plays a lot of shows in Tampa, including the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, but Orlando appears to be more ideal location for generating more buzz about her work.

“Land O’ Lakes and Tampa do not have the kind of music scene that I knew how to jump into when I first started getting into music, and the Orlando music scene is much younger—the teen crowd, teen bands, early 20s bands,” she said.

Meanwhile, Shireen is working with local venues on an EP release show around mid-June, and then plans to embark on a music tour throughout the state.

Someday, Shireen hopes to be able to create a full-length album. For the time being, though, she’s content with sharing her music through short EPs.

Eden Shireen is a 2014 graduate of Land O’ Lakes High School. She’s currently a business major at Pasco-Hernando State College.

“The cool thing about writing EPs is you’re really developing your sound, developing stories that you want to tell,” Shireen explained. “You’re building an audience and you kind of create a feeling on longing — people want more, people are going to connect with you on one level. Writing a record is financially a little bit of a hit with studio time, and I want to find the right people that can really help me craft my sound even more.”

Jotting down lyrics and creating music is a constant for the young artist, whether she’s in the recording studio, relaxing at home, or even out shopping with friends.

“Making music for me is a relief of some kind. It’s the most satisfying feeling once you finish a song and you’re like, ‘Wow, I really believe in this’…and other people are going to relate to this. It’s a very powerful feeling knowing that you can impact people in what hopes to be a very positive way.”

Despite Shireen’s eclectic sound and her growing popularity locally, she still feels that one of the biggest challenges ahead is developing more of a widespread audience.

“There’s a lot of music out there, there’s a lot of talented musicians, and there’s a lot of very powerful people who have the power to change your life if they hear you. But, having those people hear you, and having people really turn their heads and look at you, sometimes it can be the biggest challenge, because there is so much music all over the Internet.

“It is just a challenge being heard.”

Land O’ Lakes singer-songwriter Eden Shireen released her five-song ‘Shadows’ EP on March 25.

But, that challenge doesn’t discourage her from living out her dream, and encouraging other aspiring artists to do the same.

“Never discredit that little voice inside of you that says to do it,” she said. “Believe in what you write…and don’t let anybody else diminish what you created.

“If you want to become an artist, just have that self-belief and that passion in knowing whatever you create is original, and you have the power to make it something.”

“Shadows” is available for download and streaming on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, Spotify and Apple Music.

For more information on Eden Shireen, visit EdenShireen.com.

A closer look at Eden Shireen
In this conversation with Eden Shireen, the singer-songwriter from Land O’ Lakes:

Shares how her interest developed in singing and songwriting
“I think that always being an avid reader and always knowing that stories were a place where magic kind of happens. I always loved reading other people’s stories, and feeling a little bit like an outsider in school…I was just kind of in my own world, and from there I wrote. It was a place where I could find my own solace and I found myself.”

Describes her musical style
“I think it’s definitely eclectic. Kind of every song is going to have a different undertone to it, but I’m definitely pop. I like to say I’m a little bit indie and folk because my voice isn’t all completely pop — with the way the inflections are in some of the songs, so I think it’s a clash between pop, indie and folk.”

Explains what inspires her song ideas
“I think there’s a story within everything, whether it’s a little bird that we see taking a bath in a puddle, or the wind blowing in a certain way. …I just enjoy believing in something that’s so much bigger than myself that isn’t exactly tangible. It’s the idea I can grow it into whatever I choose…and I have the power to manifest it in a way where other people are going to understand.”

Shares her writing process for her ‘Shadows’ EP
“I started writing it in the end of 2013 and I finished the record in June 2015, but I took a little time to figure out how I wanted to come out with it — what the title track should be, how I wanted to structure the photo shoot, all of that. For all of the songs and the singles— and how am I going to work to design it — I really took my time on the after-effects of writing the EP. But, it did take about two years to write the record, and about six months after that to get to a good place to put my songs out there.”

Talks about ‘Stick Around,’ one of her favorites on ‘Shadows’ EP
“It’s a single from the record, and I like the message of the song. I had written the whole album from a sad place, and I was coming out of a very toxic situation with someone. For me, the whole idea of the record and the title being ‘Shadows’ is…the idea that it’s darkness, it’s hidden, you’re playing with shadows and you’re hiding — all of these different kind of themes are playing throughout the whole record. But, when you get to the song “Stick Around” at the very end, it’s about feeling empowered. …Ending with that song definitely leaves an impression on how you can develop, even in your darkest moments.”

Published May 18, 2016

Lutz Guv’na candidates square off in amusing debate

May 18, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

There were only supposed to be two candidates facing off head-to-head at the annual Lutz Guv’na debate at the Old Lutz School on May 14.

That was until a mystery candidate was revealed prior to the debate: Donald Trump. Or, more accurately, someone dressed in a suit sporting a latex mask in the likeness of the Republican presidential candidate.

Lutz Guv’na hopefuls compete in a makeshift bowling event during the Lutz Guv’na Debate at the Old Lutz School on May 14. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos) — Lutz Guv’na hopefuls compete in a makeshift bowling event during the Lutz Guv’na Debate at the Old Lutz School on May 14.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos)

The entertainment had just begun, as actual Guv’na hopefuls Greg Gilbert and Andre Pamplona answered mostly tongue-in-cheek questions from dozens of Lutz residents, and family members, in the crowd.

They also squared off in a makeshift bowling competition, plus costume and watermelon-eating contests.

In between the fun-filled activities was emcee Paul Vahue of First Baptist Church in Lutz, steering the event along, all while providing several jokes and one-liners to those gathered at the Old Lutz School.

The day’s silliness was done in an effort for both Gilbert and Pamplona to drum up as much support as they could, hoping to raise as much money as possible for their “campaigns,” which ultimately go to benefitting several nonprofits and local organizations.

Those in attendance quickly discovered where each candidate’s “political” obligations stand: their Lutz businesses — Beef O’ Brady’s and Royal Bowling Lanes, respectively.

Gilbert’s slogan was “Beef it up at Brady’s,” while Pamplona’s was “Raising the education of bowling.”

A watermelon-eating contest was just one of the many entertaining activities during the Lutz Guv’na Debate on May 14. From left, Andre Pamplona, Donald Trump look-alike and Greg Gilbert.

Most of the adulation and amusement came during the question-and-answer format of the debate, where each candidate (and Trump) made countless exorbitant promises and guarantees.

One hot-button issue was how the candidates would prevent unwanted migrants, especially snowbirds, from coming into Lutz.

Gilbert’s solution was to have “all Canadians stopped in Land O’ Lakes.” Pamplona, on the other hand, had a more grandiose idea.

“I will build a huge wall of bowling pins around Lutz,” he said with as much seriousness as the Guv’na hopeful could muster.

Roaring laughter ensued.

The debate didn’t stop there.

The candidates disputed: Who should appear on the nickel: Homer Simpson versus Hillary Clinton. How to spend Lutz citizens’ money wisely: Beef O’ Brady’s versus Royal Bowling Lanes.

But, they agreed on one thing: How to appeal to women voters — with their good looks.

Another key, and laughter-filled, moment came when the candidates were asked, “What song best describes your work ethic?”

Gilbert answered swiftly, “It’s 5 O’ Clock Somewhere,” naming the popular tune by Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett.

Pamplona opted to sing — or to attempt to sing — the lyrics to the hit Rihanna song, “Work,” perhaps appealing to the younger “voters.”

The candidates’ performances throughout the afternoon festivities did enough to even impress two former Guv’nas.

“I think they did a fantastic job on their answers,” said Suzin Carr, the only two-time Guv’na. “We’ve got 2 ½ candidates that were really putting themselves out there for the community.”

“They did great,” said Jennifer Rankin, outgoing Guv’na who raised more than $9,200 throughout her 2015 race. “They did very well. I wanted to be up there.”

The annual Guv’na Race fundraiser continues through the Fourth of July weekend, where the winner is announced, and earns the coveted “sash” from Rankin, the prior year’s winner.

The race, which started in 1991, is sponsored by the Lutz Civic Association. It typically raises several thousand dollars for about 20 beneficiaries.

Dignitaries at Saturday’s event included volunteers from Steinbrenner High School, the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, the GFWC Little Women of Lutz, representatives from the Old Lutz School and the Lutz Civic Association.

For more information on getting involved or participating in Guv’na fundraising events, contact Greg Gilbert at (813) 909-2300 or , or Andre Pamplona at (813) 949-3603 or .

Published May 18, 2016