Kevin Weiss

Efforts begin to reduce flooding hazards

April 6, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The Hillsborough County Public Works department will soon begin a project aimed at reducing the potential for flooding near the intersection at West Bearss Avenue and Lake Magdalene Boulevard.

The department expects to begin construction on the West Bearss Drainage Improvement Project within the next month. The $400,000 project entails replacing the existing drainage structure at the southeast corner of the intersection, upgrading the drainage pipe on West Bearss Avenue and constructing a new linear pond to allow pretreatment of the water before it flows to Lake Magdalene.

Hillsborough County project manager Robbie Wiseman said debris buildup over time has led to flooding at the intersection.

Construction will take place at the intersection of West Bearss Avenue and Lake Magdalene Boulevard. (Photos courtesy of Hillsborough County) — Construction will take place at the intersection of West Bearss Avenue and Lake Magdalene Boulevard.
(Photos courtesy of Hillsborough County)

Stormwater flows through a flume to a ditch bottom inlet with a grate positioned on top to prevent debris from entering the storm system and ultimately the lake, Wiseman said.

“This project will provide a large slot into the structure to allow water to flow into the structure, while still preventing the debris from entering the system,” he said.

Wiseman added the drainage project will allow stormwater runoff to flow to the linear pond, located on the south side of Bearss Avenue.

“The current drainage system flows through a series of culverts from the north side of Bearss Avenue, and ends in a small pond at the northwest corner of Bearss and Emerald Lake Boulevard. The last culvert leading into this pond is currently plugged with siltation and causing flooding in the area. This is due to the pond’s outfall elevation (being) set too high for the current treatment of stormwater runoff,” he explained. “This project will lower this elevation in the structure.”

Stormwater issues, including flooding, have affected the intersection of West Bearss Avenue and Lake Magdalene Boulevard.

According to Jason Boulnois, the county’s construction services manager, the linear pond will provide additional treatment of the stormwater runoff by “allowing time for water from the roadway to slowly move from the entry point in the pond to the outfall” in Lake Magdalene. He noted it will “naturally treat and remove particles collected from the roadway.”

The entire system should have a 50-year life span, with proper periodic maintenance, Wiseman said.

Construction will take place on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Access to homes will be maintained through construction.

Officials say most of the construction will be in the right of way. However, it may be necessary to work on private property with prior approval, and all areas affected by the construction will be restored, they said.

Boulnois said one lane of traffic might need to close during construction when workers or equipment are present. Closures will be between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Weather permitting, construction should be complete within 90 days, he added.

The project is being funded through the Stormwater Fee Capital Improvement Program. Additionally, the Southwest Florida Water Management District is cooperatively funding the project at 50 percent.

West Bearss Drainage Improvement Project
What: The Hillsborough County Public Works Department plans to construct and replace the existing drainage structure at the southeast corner of the intersection at West Bearss Avenue and Lake Magdalene Boulevard. The county also will upgrade the drainage pipe on West Bearss Avenue and build a new linear pond for water quality pre-treatment discharge to Lake Magdalene.
Why: To address stormwater issues and flooding on and around the intersection.
When: Spring 2016
Where: Areas around the intersection at West Bearss Avenue and Lake Magdalene Boulevard
Project Cost: $400,000

Published April 6, 2016

Façade grants available in Zephyrhills

April 6, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Some commercial buildings in Zephyrhills are about to become more attractive.

The Zephyrhills City Council, on March 28, approved the Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency’s Matching Façade Rehabilitation Grant Program.

The $10,000 grant aims to encourage the restoration and preservation of commercial buildings within the CRA district — a 520-acre defined district that essentially encompasses the center spine of the city, generally between Hercules Park to C Avenue, and from Zephyr Park to 17th Street.

Commercial businesses located within the CRA district are eligible for the Matching Façade Grant Program. The CRA district is a 520-acre defined district that essentially encompasses the center spine of the city, generally between Hercules Park to C Avenue, and from Zephyr Park to 17th Street. (Courtesy of Gail Hamilton) — Commercial businesses located within the CRA district are eligible for the Matching Façade Grant Program. The CRA district is a 520-acre defined district that essentially encompasses the center spine of the city, generally between Hercules Park to C Avenue, and from Zephyr Park to 17th Street.
(Courtesy of Gail Hamilton)

The program offers up to a maximum of $2,500 in grant money, but the applicant must spend at least twice the amount of the grant.

The program’s goal is to encourage complete rehabilitation of the structures.

The funds can be used for specific improvements, including a new coat of paint, awnings, doors, windows, exterior lighting and approved siding.

The one-time grant is “first come, first served.”

The grant is part of an effort to eliminate “blighting influences and further deterioration of commercial properties within the CRA district,” according to program documents.

“The CRA’s job is to increase the value of the properties, and therefore, the taxable value,” said Gail Hamilton, CRA director for the city of Zephyrhills.

“In looking at the buildings…it’s going to be city staff that’s going to be doing this, not just CRA staff, but also the building department, as well as the planning department,” she added.

To be eligible for the grant, all property taxes have to be current. Funds will not be provided to a property that has outstanding tax liens, Hamilton said. The CRA director also noted that nonprofits are not eligible to receive funding.

“This is tax dollars, so the CRA has to know you’ve done the work, and once the work has been done, and you prove to the city that you’ve paid the bill in full, then we will reimburse you,” she said.

Hamilton said the grant is not to be used for building maintenance, such as interior improvements, electrical work (unless related to signage or exterior lighting), roof and chimney repairs, or the installation of aluminum or vinyl siding.

“The building must be structurally sound,” Hamilton said, adding the properties must meet the minimum building and life safety codes. “We’re looking at the façade of the building — not if its roof is good. If your roof isn’t structurally sound, then you have a whole lot more problems than just the façade.

“If next year, you decide you don’t like the awning that you put up this year, you can’t come back to the CRA and ask for another grant,” she added.

The façade rehabilitation grant is a follow-up of the CRA’s $10,000 Residential Paint Grant Program, which was approved at last month’s council meeting.

To create an incentive for residents and businesses to participate in both programs, the CRA recently partnered with the Sherwin-Williams paint store in Zephyrhills to provide a 50 percent discount in paint purchases for grant qualifiers.

City Council president Ken Burgess pointed out the program is beneficial for aiding commercial businesses in keeping up with stronger code enforcements within the CRA district.

“I think this (will) be a good (way) to show that we’re not just trying to make things tougher; we’re also willing to help along the way, too,” he said.

Hamilton said she’s focused on “selling” the program to the community, and making sure people in the district understand the overall purpose of the CRA.

“I want to try to use as many carrots as I possibly can to get people to understand the vision of what the city and the CRA is trying to do, and that we’re not just saying, ‘You have to do this,’ but we’re also giving you a hand up in getting it done,” Hamilton said.

“We’re all in this together. Code enforcement and the city and the CRA are all working together, and this grant is there to help them.”

Other initiatives the CRA has focused on include a neighborhood cleanup program, restoration of the historic Jeffries Home and a master plan for the development of Zephyr Park.

Matching Façade Rehabilitation Grant Program
What: A grant program earmarking $10,000 to be used to stimulate façade rehabilitation and preservation of commercial buildings. Grants of up to $2,500 are permitted, but applicants must spend at least twice the amount of the grant they receive. For instance, someone spending $1,000 could receive a grant of $500.

Eligible improvements: New paint job, addition or replacement of awnings, traditional windows, door replacements and exterior lighting.

Ineligible improvements: Interior improvements, electrical work (except as related to signage or exterior lighting), roof and chimney repairs, and installation of aluminum or vinyl siding.

Published April 6, 2016

New River kids tackle cooking challenge

April 6, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Four New River Elementary students are getting set to take off their “thinking caps” and put on their “chef’s caps.”

Fourth-graders Payton Furman, Cameron Keehn, Payton Leidy and Charyn Maldonado will compete as a team in the third annual Gridiron Cooking Challenge at One Buc Place, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers training facility, on May 14 from 9 a.m. to noon. Other regional competitions are being held at the Miami Dolphins’ and Jacksonville Jaguars’ facilities on separate dates.

From left, program advisor Kathy Gillooly and fourth-graders Cameron Keehn, Payton Furman, Payton Leidy and Charyn Maldonado. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo) — From left, program advisor Kathy Gillooly and fourth-graders Cameron Keehn, Payton Furman, Payton Leidy and Charyn Maldonado.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)

The challenge was created by the Florida Dairy Farmers and is part of Fuel Up to Play 60, an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by the National Dairy Council and the NFL to help encourage youth to lead healthier lives.

The team from New River Elementary, located in Wesley Chapel, was named as one of four central Florida finalists in March after the students’ recipe — “Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Quesadilla with Yogurt Veggie Dip” — was judged and chosen by members of the Dairy Council of Florida.

The four students decided to create a quesadilla recipe, since they all enjoy the entrée, and knew the contest required entrants to make an original recipe that included dairy products.

To make the Mexican classic healthier, they opted to add a few veggies — peppers and chopped spinach— to the recipe.

“I wasn’t sure about the peppers or the chopped spinach, but then I did end up liking it, because all of it was good together,” said Leidy, 10. “I don’t like them separate, but I do like them together.”

The New River students are one of four regional finalists chosen for the third annual Gridiron Cooking Challenge for their recipe, ‘Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Quesadilla with Yogurt Veggie Dip.’ They will prepare the recipe at One Buc Place on May 14. (Courtesy of Kathy Gillooly) — The New River students are one of four regional finalists chosen for the third annual Gridiron Cooking Challenge for their recipe, ‘Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Quesadilla with Yogurt Veggie Dip.’ They will prepare the recipe at One Buc Place on May 14.
(Courtesy of Kathy Gillooly)

The team will have 60 minutes to prepare and present the quesadilla and veggie dip in front of the judges at One Buc Place. After making the meal once before, they are confident they can get the finished product complete in 45 minutes or less.

To do so, group member has been assigned a job, whether it’s making the veggie dip, flipping the quesadilla or cutting it into football shapes.

“It’s fun cooking, but the best part is eating it,” Maldonado said with excitement.

“I like how we get to cook at One Buc Place. That’s my favorite part, and cooking in front of other people and the judges,” said Keehn, a fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

If the New River students win first place, they’ll each receive a tablet, and the school will receive a $2,500 prize pack.

The team’s program advisor and school’s P.E. teacher, Kathy Gillooly, said the entire initiative is beneficial, because it helps students learn about healthy habits and helps the school obtain additional funding.

“Since we brought this aspect into the school, I think it really helps them because they know “fuel up” means eating well, and “play 60” means they’re supposed to exercise for 60 minutes,” said Gillooly, who’s been an advisor for the cooking challenge all three years.

“I really think it’s an advantage that they’re doing this for kids. It’s also an advantage for schools getting that grant money,” she said.

Third annual Gridiron Cooking Challenge
What: Young chefs compete in a cooking challenge, which is part of Fuel Up to Play 60.
When: May 14, 9 a.m. to noon
Where: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Facility, One Buc Place

Published April 6, 2016

All-girl band gaining popularity

April 6, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

A group of 13- to 15-year-old Tampa girls are turning heads in the local music scene.

Extra Celestial, an all-girl band made up of vocalist Casey Banales, 14; guitarist Devyn Dacus, 15; bassist Caitlin McHale, 15; and drummer Anabella Vivero, 13, will be performing several live shows in the next two months.

They’ll be at Skipper’s Smokehouse on April 8, the Hard Rock Café on April 30 and The Orpheum on May 14.

Extra Celestial was formed in August. From left, Annabella Vivero, Caitlin McHale, Casey Banales and Devyn Dacus. (Courtesy of Marlene Fox Photograph) — Extra Celestial was formed in August. From left, Annabella Vivero, Caitlin McHale, Casey Banales and Devyn Dacus.
(Courtesy of Marlene Fox Photograph)

The band, formed in August by Jim Chambers of Jim Chambers Music Box, is also working on recording its first single, “Restart.”

Chambers, a former 15-year record executive who won three Grammys with Maroon 5, the Dave Matthews Band and Flyleaf, had been trying to put an all-female band together for some time.

“I had worked with them in the past,” said Chambers, who works closely with three other bands. “I finally was able to assemble them.

“I think they’re the only all-female band in Tampa. Each of them do have (good) qualities; they all play very well.”

The band, described as “alternative rock with pop leanings,” mainly plays cover songs from the 1980s to contemporary.

Some of their favorite tracks to perform include “Helter Skelter” by The Beatles, “Heartbreaker” by Pat Benatar and “Exes and Ohs” by Elle King.

“We don’t really stick to one specific area of music. We kind of just do everything,” said McHale, a sophomore at Steinbrenner High School who’s played bass for two years.

From left, Casey Banales, Caitlin McHale, Annabella Vivero and Devyn Dacus. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo) — From left, Casey Banales, Caitlin McHale, Annabella Vivero and Devyn Dacus.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)

While it’s “much easier” for the band to learn cover songs, the group also has its eyes set on creating a few more singles, and possibly creating an EP, extended play.

Their single, which they’ll record in a studio on April 17, was written by Banales and riffed by Dacus. The process of crafting the single to make it “sound good” took about a month, band members said.

“I think it will be easier now to put out more (songs) since we understand the process of songwriting more,” McHale said.

The band, which typically rehearses twice a week, has developed a close camaraderie since forming several months ago.

“I think it’s because we’re all from different cliques at school,” explained Banales, a freshman at Cambridge Christian High School. “Like, we’re all so different that we get along so well; none of us are alike each other.”

Despite being the lead vocalist, Banales was initially hesitant about joining a band.

“One of the reasons I didn’t want to be in a band was because I don’t like having to get to know new people,” she said. But, she said her mom encouraged her, saying: “‘Do it. You’ll like it.”

So, Banales decided to give it a try and discovered she liked it.

“They’re all actually really cool,” she said, referring to her band mates.

Over time, the group has become closer through learning to communicate and express opinions with one another.

Also helping the band’s development is Chambers’ vast experience throughout the music industry, which included stints at Sony/BMG and VH1.

“I just show them how to navigate that process…and manage them, like, ‘How do you make a flyer, how do you use social media,’” Chambers said. … “It’s really ‘Record Label 101’ and ‘Band Management 101,’ too.”

“It’s good to have someone tell you what you’re doing wrong just because sometimes we don’t notice…when it sounds bad or off,” McHale said.

According to Chambers, pitching a young band to certain venues can be a tough sell — until management witnesses their talent and the ensuing crowds the group draws to their shows.

“It’s a big deal Skipper’s is allowing them to perform on a Friday night,” Chambers said, emphatically. “Often…you see a young band and you’re like, ‘Okay, we’ve seen this show before.’ But, our bands kick (butt); it’s like, ‘Whoa, they’re quite good.’

“It’s a really tough pitch, but when you bring 300 people, they’re like, ‘Oh, he wasn’t kidding.’ I did that on a Sunday with them,” he said.

While the band was initially nervous when they first had to perform in front of a live audience, the group now has no problem headlining on a big stage.

“When there’s a lot of people, I don’t get as nervous,” Banales said.

Dacus agreed, saying, “When you’re around people you don’t know, it’s kind of easier.”

With youth and potential on their side, Extra Celestial has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.

“I would love to do it professionally,” McHale said. “I don’t know if that’s where it’s going to go, but I think that would be pretty cool. I’d love to do that.”

Extra Celestial
Band Bios
Casey Banales, vocalist: Banales is a freshman at Cambridge Christian School. She began singing at age 6, and also played violin when she was younger. Banales is a member of her school’s basketball, volleyball, track and cheer teams.

Devyn Dacus, guitarist: Dacus is a sophomore at Steinbrenner High School. She first started playing music, on the piano, as a 4-year-old. When she was 10, she started playing the guitar.

Caitlin McHale, bassist: McHale is a sophomore at Steinbrenner High. She has been playing bass for two years after first learning how to play the guitar. She also plays soccer at Steinbrenner.

Annabella Vivero, drummer: Vivero is an eighth-grader at Cambridge Christian. She’s been playing drums since age 5, when she took classes at the American Rock School in Tampa. She is a member of her school’s basketball and track teams.

Published April 6, 2016

Senior nears Sunlake home run record

April 6, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

From Courtney Durbin to Stephanie Frances, Sunlake softball coach Nelson Garcia has seen his fair share of power hitters in his five seasons at the school.

Perhaps none is more powerful than senior catcher/third baseman Gianna Basilone, who leads all Tampa Bay area hitters with seven home runs, through 19 games. One more dinger and she’ll tie Sunlake’s single-season home run record set by Samantha Dittman in 2009. In addition to her home run total, Basilone has 28 RBIs to go along with an eye-popping .448 batting average.

Sunlake senior Gianna Basilone is one of the top power hitters in the Tampa Bay area. She has a scholarship offer on the table from Oklahoma State University.
(Courtesy of Nelson Garcia)

The senior’s performance, both at the plate and behind the plate, has led to a scholarship offer from Oklahoma State University, which is coached by Kenny Gajewski, a former assistant with the Florida Gators.

The Sunlake slugger is still waiting on a financial package from the university before she commits.

Coach Garcia called Basilone a “coach’s dream” because of work ethic, leadership and, of course, on-field results.

“You get these certain players, I won’t say every year, but you get these players, you can’t replace them. They’re irreplaceable,” Garcia said. “Somebody can come in and say they can hit eight home runs or nine home runs, but it doesn’t replace these players. As people, they’re awesome, and as teammates and leaders. It’s the same thing with (former players) Stephanie Francis or Courtney Durbin.”

While Basilone has always been known for the pop her in her bat—she mashed six home runs last season—she’s become an even more imposing slugger after Garcia implemented a team weight-training program in the offseason.

The program has helped Basilone get stronger and quicker — aspects that are imperative for making an impact at the Division I level.

“There’s always things I can like improve on,” said Basilone, who started attending Sunlake as a sophomore after moving from Pittsburgh. “It’s such a higher pace up in college.”

As Basilone has filled up the stat sheet, some opposing teams have started to approach her at-bats differently. Instead of giving her pitches to hit, teams have resorted to giving her a free pass to avoid facing her.

“After my first few at-bats, they try to find a weakness that I have. Or, some people just walk me or hit me,” Basilone said.

“There was one game (against Hudson on Feb. 26) she had two home runs. …I was surprised they pitched to her the second time,” Garcia said, adding, “I wouldn’t have pitched to her.”

The strategy of avoiding Basilone’s bat only works so well, as Sunlake (13-7) features a lineup with seven everyday players batting over .350.

In his lineups, Garcia opts to place senior Cassidy Roberts (.435 batting average, 16 RBIs) ahead of Basilone, and freshman sensation Shelby Lansing (.438. 20 RBIs) behind her in the lineup.

“I like to try to do to people what the (New York) Yankees used to do from a few years ago,” Garcia said. “I want (teams) to be tired by the time they get through our order. Then we can go small ball.”

With a 7-3-district mark, the Seahawks have aspirations of winning their district, and making a deep run into the postseason.

“I’ve told these girls from Day 1 when we started practicing that I’m very confident that if we play our game, and stay within ourselves, we can go out and compete against anybody out there,” Garcia said.

Basilone added this year’s team is “definitely” the best one she’s been on in her three seasons at Sunlake.

“All the girls that I’m playing with want to go to college, and they all are here for a reason,” she said. “They give their full effort…and they’re just all really competitive.

“That’s how we all click, too.”

Published April 6, 2016

Former pro cyclist organizes community rides

April 6, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

A former professional cyclist has created a weekend community cycling ride in Dade City that welcomes riders of all skill levels.

The ride, organized by Josh and Kaleigh Thornton, takes place each Saturday at 8 a.m., at the parking lot next to 14112 Eighth Street in Dade City.

Rides are typically two hours long, with varying paces, depending on each member’s skill level.

Josh Thornton, 37, has organized a Dade City community cycling ride on Saturdays. The free rides are open to cyclists of all skill levels. (Photos courtesy of Josh Thornton) — Josh Thornton, 37, has organized a Dade City community cycling ride on Saturdays. The free rides are open to cyclists of all skill levels.
(Photos courtesy of Josh Thornton)

Thornton, a professional cyclist from 2005 to 2009 and former member of the U.S. National Team, wanted to create a community ride to promote the cycling industry and bike advocacy in the area.

He said there’s currently a core group of 10 to 15 riders that have been showing up each Saturday over the past few months.

“It’s a really good ride, because it truly is for all skill levels,” Thornton, 37, said. “There’s other rides that are very fast and for very skilled riders, and a lot of people are intimidated by that, so this is kind of neat because it’s for anyone. We wanted something that really started in Dade City; there was nothing like that.”

“There’s no cost. Just show up and go, and hopefully hang out and meet some new people,” he added.

Throughout the course of the two-hour ride, the cyclists usually log about 30 miles, pedaling at an average pace of 13 mph to 15 mph. However, some less-experienced riders can opt to start out slow, and work their way up.

Thornton noted the group will typically “head out toward the hills” and ride along Darby Road. Other times, they’ll head north and hop on the Withlacoochee Trail.

“The roads that we pick are generally the less-traveled roads. That’s generally how most cyclists try to think,” he said. “We do have a couple different routes that we’ve done.”

Instead of trying to finish first, the rides are more about enjoying the scenery, and getting in some early weekend exercise.

“We have a protective group; we’re looking out for the other riders,” Thornton said. “You ride differently when you’re thinking like that as opposed to where you’re muscling around with the guys, jockeying for position.”

A regular group of about 10 to 15 people has been taking part in the rides for the past few months.

While still a small group, Thornton hopes the local rides will grow to the point where there can be multiple groups — like an A, B and C group —that can more closely match each rider’s skill level.

Although no longer a professional racer, Thornton is still very much involved in the cycling industry.

He operates a bike promotions and coaching business called Wicked Awesome Racing, and has also spawned a cyclo-cross racing series.

As opposed to a road race on pavement, Thornton’s Wicked Awesome Racing Series events are held on closed courses, like at Stanley Park in Lacoochee.

According to Thornton, cyclo-cross is currently the fastest growing form of cycling.

“It’s a much different form of cycling,” said Thornton, who competed in both road races and closed-circuit races (criteriums) as a professional. “It’s almost like a minor steeplechase kind of a race. It reminds me of cross-country in high school. You have a modified road bike— a little bit wider tires with knobs on them and the brakes are more like a mountain bike style brake.”

“The cool part about it is it’s a seven- to eight-minute loop, so you see the (racers) multiple times. It has this spectator-friendly aspect to it that you really don’t get when you go to a road race,” he added.

With Pasco County’s rolling hills and varying elevation points, the area offers an ideal setting for the cyclo-cross races, Thornton said.

“I’m from New England originally, and people see photos of (the course) and they don’t believe its Florida, because they think it’s flat as a pancake and there’s (only) beaches here,” he said.

For more information about the community rides, e-mail or call (352)-444-6413.

Published April 6, 2016

Wharton track shines at Western Conference meet

April 6, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The Wharton boys and girls track and field teams fared well at the Western Conference National Division meet on March 23 at Armwood High. The girls won the meet with 194 points, while the boys took second with 127. Both teams competed against eight other schools in Hillsborough County (Freedom, King, Tampa Bay Tech, Middleton, Hillsborough, Chamberlain, Armwood and Strawberry Crest).

The boys scored individual event victories in the following:

1-mile by sophomore Noah Damjanovic in 4:39.83
2-mile by Damjanovic in 10:19.42
Pole vault by senior James Santana by clearing 10-feet, 6-inches

The girls scored individual event wins in the following:

Pole vault by senior Gabby Paul by clearing 9-feet, 6-inches
1-mile by junior Bryanna Rivers in 5:29.13
400-meters by junior Searra Woods in 57.71 seconds
800-meters by junior Rivers in 2:23.45
4×400-meter relay in 4:16.81
4×800-meter relay in 10:43.75

PHSC Cheer team places fourth at nationals

April 6, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The Pasco-Hernando State College cheer team placed fourth in the Cheer Ltd. Nationals at CANAM in the small coed collegiate division on March 18 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The team also placed first in an all-girl stunt group division that included flyer Amanda Kahn with backspot Ashley Morris, and bases Elizabeth Stowers, Damari Sanchez and Stephanie Gause. The cheer team is coached by Sophia Haddad.

Big Catches

April 6, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Dave Panno, left, and Ken Willis caught five fish for a total weight of 22.54 pounds to win the South Pasco Bassmasters March tournament on Lake Istokpoga. They also won the tourney’s ‘Big Bass’ award after reeling in an 8.62-pound bass using a spinner bait.

Sunlake weightlifting program honored

April 6, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The Sunlake girls weightlifting program was recently awarded the Sunshine Athletic Conference (SAC) championship for the 2015-2016 season. Senior Brianna Anderson, right, was named Lifter of the Year, while Denise Garcia was named Coach of the Year. Anderson won a state championship in the 183-pound division on Feb. 6, recording a 165-pound bench press and a 220-pound clean-and-jerk. She plans to enter the Navy after she graduates.