The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Kevin Weiss

No plans to shutter Zephyrhills police department

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While Zephyrhills is considering a consolidation of its dispatch services with Pasco County’s emergency dispatch, city officials made it clear that there are no plans to shutter the city’s police department.

Last year, the city merged its fire department with Pasco Fire Rescue, as the city’s fire department faced mounting costs and personnel turnover.

Elected city officials want the public to know that its police department will remain intact.

Council Vice President Jodi Wilkeson put it like this: “We need to reassure people that it’s not our intent to merge the police department with the county, that this is purely to improve communications between law enforcement groups.”

If anything, the city should expand its own police force, which stands at 34 sworn officers, Councilman Ken Burgess said.

“I think we need more officers on the street. This (communications merger) could be a way of putting more officers on the street; I think that’s a positive,” Burgess said.

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco doesn’t have interest in absorbing the Zephyrhills Police Department or other municipal police forces, for that matter, said the city’s Police Chief Derek Brewer.

“The sheriff has publicly said he has no interest in taking over the cities, and I will tell you that is a very, very, very expensive proposition for the county to take over, that I don’t think that they’d be willing to look at,” Brewer said.

City officials also said that if a dispatch merger occurs, city dispatchers would retain full-time positions within the municipality or police department, albeit in a different capacity, if for some reason they are not taken in by county dispatch through a merger.

The city is budgeted for 10 dispatchers, but currently has eight on staff.

Published March 03, 2021

Local Jewish temple gifted Torah

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A local Jewish temple now happily can claim a Torah of its own, thanks to a generous donation from a fellow Tampa Bay area synagogue.

Land O’ Lakes-based Congregation Beth Chavarim (“House of Friends”) last month was gifted with an authentic Torah, the Hebrew version of the first five books of the Bible, from Gulfport’s Congregation Beth Shalom, which recently closed after being in operation since 1958.

Beth Chavarim launched in 2018 by Alan Stern and his wife, Nayda, operating the place of worship from their Land O’ Lakes home.

Since then, the upstart temple had been using a Torah from the Institute of Southern Jewish Life, based in Jackson, Mississippi.

Thus, to finally have its own dedicated Torah is significant for the place of worship.

Congregation Beth Chavarim president Alan Stern holds a Torah, which represents the Hebrew version of the first five books of the Bible. The authentic Torah was donated to the Land O’ Lakes temple from Gulfport’s Congregation Beth Shalom, which recently closed down.
The Torah is donned with a silver breastplate and elegant red and gold mantle. It weighs around 25 pounds to 30 pounds. (Courtesy of Alan Stern)

“You can’t believe how I excited I was when it was handed it to me,” said Stern, who holds the title of president of Beth Chavarim. “I can’t put it into words how excited I was that a congregation 3 years old has its own Torah.”

The Torah that the temple received is donned with a silver breastplate, and elegant red and gold mantle, weighing between 25 pounds to 30 pounds.

“It’s absolutely gorgeous,” Stern proudly said. “It’s going to be the foundation for our growth, which makes it exciting for me.”

Stern explained Torahs are handwritten by a scribe on special parchment paper, then sewn together and placed on rollers — a process which takes about a year to complete.

He is unsure exactly how old the Torah is, but noted Beth Shalom officials instructed him to “take good care of it.”

The handing down of a Torah from one congregation to another brings on added significance, Stern said.

“What makes it special is it’s just continuing the Jewish tradition of learning, and I say that because this congregation (Beth Shalom) was founded in 1958,” he said. “It’s keeping the Jewish traditional life, you might say, from generation to generation.”

When word spread of Beth Shalom closing its doors late last year due to the aging out of its senior membership, Stern inquired about obtaining one of the synagogue’s four Torahs.

Beth Shalom representatives eventually obliged, after multiple discussions, consultations and visits.

In addition to the Torah, the Land O’ Lakes shul received a slew of other items from the closing Beth Shalom, including a collection of Jewish High Holiday and weekday prayer books; Chumash, which provides the interpretation of the Torah; and an eternal light sanctuary lamp, which is supposed to burn at all times next to where the Torah is stored, symbolizing God’s eternal presence.

Beth Chavarim is an unaffiliated temple and welcomes people of all ages, including families with young children.

Stern himself grew up in a Reform Jewish household, while his wife was raised more Conservative/Orthodox.

They lived in Buffalo, New York, for more than 30 years, until moving to Florida in 2004.

Unable to find a synagogue in the Tampa area that offered what they were seeking, the Sterns decided to offer services of their own.

The temple has been holding online Zoom services twice a month, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Its last in-person service and meal held prior to the virus outbreak drew about 35 people, Stern said.

Meantime, there appears to be growing interest in the family friendly temple, receiving inquiries from New Yorkers and others with plans to relocate to Tampa Bay, Stern said.

With a Torah in tow and a solid membership base, the next step for Beth Chavarim is securing a standalone building to hold services in or around Pasco County. “We will,” Stern said, “when we get a little bit bigger.”

For information or interest in joining the congregation, email .

Published March 03, 2021

Land O’ Lakes Little League celebrates 50th anniversary

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Let the games begin!

The start of each Little League season often elicits a heightened level of nostalgia.

With spring in the air, youth of all ages and skills partake in America’s favorite pastime, testing their mettle on the mound, at the plate and in the field.

Sixteen-year-old Jaclynn Neel improvises the use of her baseball mitt as a protective mask, as she waits to throw the ceremonial first pitch for the girls’ softball teams. (Fred Bellet)

Pitches are thrown. Bats are swung. Balls are caught. Games are won or lost.

And along the way, life lessons, sportsmanship and lasting friendships are cultivated.

For Land O’ Lakes Little League, this year’s Opening Day festivities took on an added significance: The organization celebrated its 50th anniversary on Feb. 27, at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, off Collier Parkway.

The organization actually formed back in 1967 at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center (now Heritage Park) off U.S. 41, but it didn’t receive its first Little League charter until 1971.

The local league has come a long way since its initial start-up — boasting upwards of 800 boys and girls, ages 4 to 16, playing baseball and softball across 10 fields.

And, the league found a way kick off its semicentenary season in memorable fashion, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bounce houses and face painting, and other kid-centric interactive activities were noticeably absent due to coronavirus precautions.

While waiting for the 50th anniversary ceremony to begin, 4-year-old Lincoln Maxim, 4, gets a little tender loving care from his mother, Jodie Maxim, of Land O’ Lakes. Lincoln plays for the Atlanta Braves T-ball team.

The large ballfield took center stage in the league’s season-opening event.

Teams from all age divisions were spread across the infield and outfield, signaling the league’s staying power and sustained growth.

First pitches were accurately thrown from veteran baseball players, as well softball Little League players.

Local players sang the national anthem and read the league pledge.

There was the unveiling, too, of a framed 50th anniversary “golden ticket” issued and signed Little League International Headquarters, which is based in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Of course, there was plenty of action.

Ballgames were played from morning to night.

It was a special day that was long-awaited by Little Leaguers, such as 16-year-old Damien Lampe, who caught a ceremonial first pitch from left-hander Max Folkman.

Partaking in the longstanding pregame ritual is something Lampe won’t soon forget, given that it came during the celebration of the league’s 50th season. “Throughout the years I’ve been here and I’ve seen lots of people catch (the first pitch), so it’s kind of cool,” he said.

Lampe — like countless others — weren’t able enjoy the full Little League experience last spring, as the season was cut drastically short due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I was itching at home just to do something baseball-related, whether it was just watching it or like playing on video games, just something,” he said.

Lampe plays his fair share of travel ball and varsity ball at Land O’ Lakes High School, but the Land O’ Lakes Little League experience also holds its share of significance.

He was a part of league history as a member of the 2019 all-star senior team that won a state crown and reached regionals. The team’s banner is proudly displayed along the fence line of one of the park’s concession stands.

“That was a great group of kids,” Lampe recalled. “I really bonded with them and felt really close to them, and we’re all still good friends now, and it was just so much fun to travel around and play with them.”

Lampe started in the organization when he was 4, playing T-ball. This will be his final year, before aging out of the league.

Seven-year-old Kelvin Kinney, of Land O’ Lakes, a player for the Athletics, shows good sportsmanship and gives the thumbs-up signal to 7-year-old Remy Perez-Velasco, of the Nationals.

“It’s a great community,” Lampe said of Land O’ Lakes Little League. “I mean, I know, I’ve been here for so long I know almost all these kids that play. It’s fun. It’s just great to come out here and have fun.”

He also commended the countless volunteers and 20-plus board members who keep the league running smoothly: “They work so hard to keep this place clean and professional, and it’s really nice.”

It’s about more than wins and losses
The beauty of the organization is it’s a recreational format.

It welcomes the novice player that may never make an all-star team or play high school ball, to others who have the potential to earn college scholarships and maybe play professionally someday.

“I think every kid should play Little League,” said Land O’ Lakes Little League President Gary Gwinn, whose five children have taken part.

“The atmosphere of Little League is — the kids come here, they’re out here to have fun, they make new friends — friends for life — and, there’s stuff that’s going to have happen at this Little League that’s going to last forever.”

Gwinn joined the organization 18 years ago.

The league is about more than wins, losses or the number of runs scored, he said.

Alissa Canter, vice president of Land O’ Lakes Little League, holds the 50th anniversary charter with league president Gary Gwinn. Canter is outgoing VP.

Its focus is on playing fair, having the opportunity to play and developing traits that are important both on and off the field, he said.

“We’re here to give these kids structure, to teach them sportsmanship, just how to be a responsible person,” Gwinn said.

One of his most gratifying experiences, is guiding those kids that may not be as gifted athletically “and making them realize and believe in themselves,” he said.

“I’m a true believer in Little League,” Gwinn said.

Fostering a family atmosphere
League secretary Monica Woods offers a similar upbeat outlook about the popular youth baseball and softball sports organization.

“Every day that you’re up here, you’re going to see somebody get their first hit,” she said.

“You’re going to see a boy or a girl that got a chance to pitch and they might struggle, and then something clicks and their coach will say the right thing, and they’ll start throwing strikes.”

Woods’ involvement in Land O’ Lakes Little League has come full circle.

Her husband and son, Hayden, are now coaching a team in the league together.

Jackie Boyett, of Land O’ Lakes, holds her excited daughter, 4-year-old Jordan Boyett, as the little girl celebrates her first year in Little League.

Hayden recently aged out after a long run in the league, but still wanted to stay involved as a volunteer.

“It’s sad that he’s not playing, but I still get to see him in a different light, he’s doing what he loves and he’s out here with his dad, and it’s still a family thing,” Woods said.

The parent and volunteer still looks back on memories of her son and group of friends longing to head to the Little League for practices and games: “This was just like their mall. They would just come here and hang out.”

League vice president Alissa Canter also remains heavily involved, despite her two sons graduating from the league.

“It’s a wonderful experience,” Canter said. “I mean, the progression of seeing them from starting at T-ball all the way up to the big senior field here, and the all-star experiences are just amazing. It’s a lot of great memories, great experiences for the kids, and it’s like your family away from home.”

That’s the hope for new league parents like Jackie Boyett.

Boyett played in the organization’s softball league when she was growing up.

Now her 4-year-old daughter, Jordan, has joined a T-ball league.

And, like many other players, the little girl had her own personal fan club at the ballpark — with her mom, grandparents, aunt and uncle to cheer her on.

Some of Boyett’s best memories of Land O’ Lakes Little League revolve around opening day.

And, now, there’s a new generation in her family to keep that tradition alive.

“I’m happy for (Jordan) to experience it,” Boyette said.

Published March 03, 2021

Cypress Creek High coach earns regional honor

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Cypress Creek High School athletic director and varsity boys soccer coach Justin Pelliccia was named one of 100 regional winners for the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) 2021 Double-Goal Coach Award, according to an announcement by the organization.

Justin Pelliccia (File)

Nominees are assessed on the extent to which they reflect the model of PCA’s Double-Goal Coach, “whose first goal is winning, and whose second, more important goal is teaching life lessons through sports,” according to the organization.

Pelliccia and others were selected out of over 600 nominations that received over 3,000 letters of reference. He is one of 11 Florida-based coaches recognized.

In coming weeks, the organization’s selection committee will next identify 25 National Winners who will each receive $500, a certificate from PCA, and recognition on PCA’s website, newsletters and media campaigns.

From there, one special coach will win the Taube Family Prize in Recognition of Excellence in Coaching and be named PCA’s National Coach of the Year. This prize, to be awarded in April, will include $10,000 ($2,500 to the coach and $7,500 to a youth sports organization or school of their choice).

Pelliccia joined Cypress Creek when the school first opened 2017. Under his leadership, the upstart school’s athletics department earned the FHSAA’s Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award for Class 4A for the 2019-2020 season.

Saint Leo acrobatics coach steps down

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Saint Leo University acrobatics and tumbling head coach Allie Williams has stepped down from the program, to spend more time with her family after welcoming her first child last year.

Williams was hired as the first head coach of the acro and tumbling program in November 2018 — then Saint Leo’s newest and 21st intercollegiate sport.

Saint Leo acrobatics coach Allie Williams recently resigned to spend more time with family. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University athletics department)

Williams spent her first year recruiting and building the first collegiate acrobatics program in the state of Florida, while also procuring necessary equipment, uniforms and staffing.

The program’s first season of competition in spring 2020 was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Williams herself was a four-year standout at Baylor University, helping lead the team to three national championships in 2015, 2016 and 2017. She also scored individual event national titles in 5 element Acro (2015), Pyramid Heat 1 (2015), and multiple titles in Pyramid Heat 2 (2015, 2017).

Lions assistant coach Joely Smith will serve as the interim head coach for the program. A search will be conducted at a later date when COVID-19 protocols allow for the process to occur, according to a release from the school’s athletics department.

“We will always be grateful to Coach Williams for starting the Acrobatics & Tumbling program at Saint Leo,” Saint Leo athletics director Fran Reidy said, in a release. “Allie built things from the ground up, not only in recruiting great student-athletes but also in equipment needs, logistics, and promoting a new sport. We wish Allie, and her family, all the best as they start their newest journey as proud parents.”

Acrobatics and tumbling, a discipline of USA Gymnastics, is the evolution of different forms of gymnastics, and involves tumbling, tosses, and acrobatic lifts and pyramids. Teams participate in head-to-head competition and are scored in six events, including compulsory, acro, pyramid, toss, tumbling and team.

First Tee – Tampa Bay awarded $100,000 grant

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First Tee – Tampa Bay, a Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA program, has received a $100,000 grant from the United States Automobile Association (USAA) to help advance racial equality in Tampa Bay.

Because of the grant, First Tee – Tampa Bay will be able to provide free golf lessons to an estimated 600 minority students in Title I schools throughout Hillsborough County. The grant also will enable the organization to offer 80 golf tournament scholarships and five college scholarships to minority students.

“The goal is to eliminate cost as an obstacle for any children from these specific schools and get them involved in our program,” First Tee – Tampa Bay Executive Director Ian Baxter said, in a news release. “We are extremely appreciative to USAA for their generosity, which will introduce the game of golf to more children by removing any financial barriers.”

First Tee – Tampa Bay formed in 1999. It provides more than 80,000 children each year with hands-on, interactive golf experiences and focuses on developing core values.

In addition to being a program of Tampa YMCA, First Tee – Tampa Bay also partners with community members such as the Tampa Sports Authority, the City of Tampa and various golf facilities to offer year-round programming for kids and teens. The organization also offers programming in over 175 Hillsborough County Public Schools, afterschool programs or weeklong summer camp experiences.

For more information, call First Tee – Tampa Bay at 813-238-7320.

Pasco Schools eases attendance restrictions at sporting events

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The Pasco County School District recently announced a new set of rules that allows for more spectators at school sporting events.

The new rules allow 50% capacity at all outdoor athletic events, while indoor

athletic events are now limited to four spectators for each athlete and coach (double the number of spectators previously allowed).

The new rules officially went into effect last month.

Rules regarding masks have not changed, meanwhile.

At outdoor events, spectators and audience members still will be required to wear masks while entering and leaving the venue, and when leaving their seats to visit the concession stand or restroom. Masks are not required while spectators are seated at the event. Spectators and audience members still will be required to maintain appropriate social distance with anyone other than direct family members.

The revised rules were established after Pasco County experienced a marked decrease in local COVID-19 cases and infection rates, and following consultation with the Pasco Department of Health.

“We want parents and friends to be able to attend school events, so long as it can be done safely,” Pasco Superintendent of School Kurt Browning said, in a release. “With all decisions we make, our first priority is the health and safety of our student, staff, and families.”

Grove Theater now open in Wesley Chapel

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Streaming movies from the comfort of home has undoubtedly surged in recent years — and only ramped up more in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But, at least one local movie theater is trying to change this behavioral shift, by cultivating unique entertainment experiences not found from your sofa.

After a six-monthlong makeover totaling upwards of $6 million, Grove Theater, Bistro and Entertainment is ready for action — reopening with 50% capacity on Feb. 19, at 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The renovated Grove Theater, Bistro and Entertainment in Wesley Chapel is now open on weekends with limited capacity. The two-story, 85,000-square-foot complex is billed as a movie theater of the future — featuring 12 movie theaters with fully reclining seats, an upscale bistro restaurant and bar with in-movie dining, sushi bar, spin bike room, comedy club, acting studio, 40-plus game arcade and kid’s birthday party room. (Courtesy of MGoldProperties)

Billed as a movie theater of the future, the two-story, 85,000-square-foot complex takes a swiss army knife approach to amusement.

Formerly called the Cobb Grove 16 Theatre, the newly updated space has a little bit of everything.

Anchored by 12 movie theaters (some with fully reclining seats), the complex also features the following amenities:

  • Upscale bistro restaurant and bar with in-movie dining
  • Sushi bar
  • Spin bike room
  • Comedy club
  • Acting studio
  • 40-plus game arcade
  • Supervised children’s playroom
  • Birthday party room

Additional cinema add-ons include private movie theater rentals, where friends, families or corporate gatherings can reserve a room for $300. There’s also upper-deck level VIP sections for ages 21 and up at six theaters, for those seeking a more quiet, peaceful and luxurious atmosphere.

As part of the renovations, the building underwent a complete overhaul to allow for a modernized open-concept lobby, updated dining space, new color scheme, floors, carpet, décor and light fixtures.

Fully reclining seats and an in-theater dining service are just some of the many features at the renovated Grove Theater, Bistro and Entertainment in Wesley Chapel. Private theater rentals also are available. (Courtesy of MGoldProperties_

Various COVID-19-related safety precautions also were implemented as part of the new digs, including automatic temperature checks at entrance, UV light sanitation technology, fog machines to disinfect theaters between showings, hand sanitizer stations, required face coverings, and limited capacity with checkerboard and reserved seating.

The reimagined cinema is just one piece of the campus’ transformation.

An event stage, splash pad water park, 18-hole miniature golf course and shipping container park also are in the works just outside the building’s confines.

The wholesale renovation has come under the watch of Mishorim Gold Properties and developer and landlord Mark Gold, who originally purchased the entire 250-acre Grove at Wesley Chapel property in September 2019 for $64 million. The site also features existing traditional box stores and a quaint village shopping center.

With an array of activities, Grove Theater figures to be a family destination beyond a place to simply catch a movie then return home, Gold explained during a Feb. 17 media tour of the facility.

Rather, families can grab a bite to eat, play some games and watch a movie all in one place, however they see fit.

“It’s the solution for a family to go out today,” he said. “This is the future of the movie theater today, because people are not going to only stay two hours for a movie, people are going to stay four or five hours.”

In addition to seeing a movie, comedy show or play, Grove Theater offers a 40-plus game arcade space for children and adults, housed in the first-floor lobby. (Kevin Weiss)

At least one distinctive amenity generating quite a buzz is a spin bike studio — titled Cycle Cinema.

With exercise classes housed inside one of the former first-floor theater rooms, a surround sound, projector screen and stadium layout offers “a one-of-a-kind, fully immersive experience you won’t find anywhere else when it comes to cycling and indoor classes,” said Nick Walton, a managing partner in the Cycle Cinema venture.

The room normally would accommodate up to 45 spin bikes, but has been pared to 16 spaced out stations due to the coronavirus.

Scheduled classes range from live instructor-led to virtual reality options, taking fitness enthusiasts through the Swiss Alps and other digitally created places to the tune of upbeat music.

There’s even an option to spin while viewing a full-length feature film on the big screen “so if you’re up for it, if you want to spin for two hours, come on in,” Walton said.

The bike room is still undergoing test runs, with three-day free trials being offered to the public.

Grove Theater also partnered with Side Splitters Comedy Club and The Acting Studio to bring other added showbiz frills to the facility — each getting a dedicated first-floor auditorium room of their own. Side Splitters will host nationally recognized comedians, while The Acting Studio will host plays, shows and acting classes, for children and adults alike.

As questions linger about the survival and adaptability of cinemas across the country, the Grove Theater strives to stand out as a box office hit.

Spin bike classes take place in one of the former first-floor theaters, where exercisers get the benefit of surround sound, projector screen and stadium experience. There are options for a live instructor, virtual reality settings and even full-length feature films while spinning. (Courtesy of MGoldProperties)

“Watching a movie at home and watching a movie on the screen, it’s not the same, we all know this,” said Grove Theater vice president of operations Matheus Gold.

“We want to go out, we want to enjoy, we want to be able to have a movie session with our friends and not just sit at home, and here you feel even more comfortable with that. You can have a VIP dining experience, you have games, you have a comedy club, you can have different types of drinks, all sorts of stuff that you can’t find at your own home, and at the same time feel comfortable and feeling safe.”

And, while the pandemic remains a concern for many, Matheus feels the venue is opening at a time where people are eager to find something to do.

He observed: “I feel like people have been staying home for a long time, and they want to go out, they want to have fun, they want to enjoy, but I also know that a lot of people are scared to go out, so that’s why we’re taking so many precautions and why we invested so much money into making sure that this is a safe space for everyone; we’re trying to provide that comfort for everyone.”

Further underscoring the theater’s unique features, Matheus quipped: “Have you ever seen a sushi bar inside of a movie theater? I haven’t…”

Grove Theater, Bistro and Entertainment will be open Fridays through Sundays, from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets can be reserved at GroveTheater.com.

Grove Theater, Bistro and Entertainment,  6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., in Wesley Chapel:

  • 12 movie theaters (some with fully reclining seats and VIP access)
  • Upscale bistro restaurant, sushi restaurant and full bar with in-movie dining
  • Arcade with 40-plus games for children and adults
  • Cycle Cinema, a fitness experience where riders can take spin classes to the tune of an instructor, virtual reality settings, and full-length feature films
  • Side Splitters Comedy Club will host nationally touring comedians.
  • Kids Play Place, a supervised space for children to play that will feature slides and ball pits, to allow adults to catch a movie, comedy show or play
  • The Acting Studio will host plays, shows and acting classes, for children and adults alike.

Published February 24, 2021

An entertainment venue in downtown Zephyrhills?

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Downtown Zephyrhills could get a little louder and livelier in the next year or so — if a proposed project pushes through.

The City of Zephyrhills is considering the creation of its own entertainment backyard featuring food trucks, vendor carts, games, live music, public art installations and various seating areas. Picture it as a scaled-down version of the popular Sparkman Wharf waterfront venue in downtown Tampa’s Channelside.

The Zephyrhills concept, called “Little But Loud,” would be developed on a 150-foot by 60-foot city-owned vacant lot at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Eighth Street. The site was once home to a Disabled American Veterans chapter building, and is situated just a block north of Fifth Avenue and adjacent to Zephyrhills City Hall.

‘Little But Loud’ entertainment venue concept renderings were presented by Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency Director Gail Hamilton at a January meeting. This one shows semi-rigid covered seating, covered seating area, food cart court, game lawn/overflow seating, outdoor seating and food truck access. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

Gail Hamilton, director of the Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), presented two concept renderings at a CRA meeting in January.

The first concept shows semi-rigid covered seating, covered seating area, food cart court, game lawn/overflow seating, outdoor seating and food truck access.

The second concept shows an event stage/elevated seating area, mobile high-top seating, food and vendor stalls, a semi-rigid overhead structure and raised concrete deck, food truck access and a versatile event lawn.

As for parking, eventgoers could use the nearby City Hall parking lot on nights and weekends.

Main Street Zephyrhills Inc., would likely be tasked with managing Little But Loud, and with arranging the venue’s programming.

The scope of work and budget are not yet final.

No start date has been determined, either, but it’s possible the project could be completed by the end of the year, if the initiative gains the CRA Board of Commissioners’ approval.

Hamilton said the new venue would generate downtown foot traffic and “create a sense of community,” by giving locals and visitors a multi-use entertainment space on weekends.

It also gives the city an opportunity to use “a beautiful lot” that is currently vacant.

“People would want to come, especially in the spring and in the winter when we have beautiful days, to sit out, listen to some music, have something to eat, come downtown. The idea is to create an attraction to get people to come downtown,” said Hamilton.

Two ‘Little But Loud’ concept renderings were presented by Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency Director Gail Hamilton at a meeting. This one shows an event stage/elevated seating area, mobile high-top seating, food and vendor stalls, a semi-rigid overhead structure and raised concrete deck, food truck access and a versatile event lawn.

She thinks the project also would encourage residents and visitors to explore other areas of the city, including the historic downtown business district through Fifth Avenue.

Hamilton observed: “This is not to exclude any of the businesses on Fifth Avenue. It’s not to cut them out, it’s to get some activity going here, so that everybody who comes here goes to the restaurants and stores that surround it. You get up, you walk around — it’s a way for people to explore downtown Zephyrhills that maybe have never been here.

“It would bring people in that would go and shop, and try a craft beer that didn’t even know there was a microbrewery down here (at Zephyrhills Brewing Company).”

The intimate property — purchased by the city in 2017 — was originally anticipated to be developed into some type of retail/office space — which remains a future option.

However, Hamilton noted that option is not feasible yet, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The lot also could be reserved for some type of apartment or residential concept, but Hamilton doesn’t believe that’s a best use.

“If we wanted to do apartments, we could probably do apartments, but in the long run, that’s not what’s best for downtown, that’s not what’s best for the core of the city,” Hamilton told the CRA board.

If and when the time comes to redevelop the small lot, Hamilton said the Little But Loud concept could simply be relocated to another area of the city, perhaps Zephyr Park on Fifth Avenue.

“It’s a way for us to engage that lot without spending a tremendous amount of money, and when the market gets to the point where we want to build a building on that space, all of it can be picked up and moved somewhere else,” Hamilton explained.

Members of the CRA board expressed interest in the venue concept, with several more tweaks and details to be hammered out and finalized in coming months.

Board member Ken Burgess called Little But Loud “a good idea to get something going,” but advised the project be done in sections or phases, instead of all at once.

Board member Lance Smith said the concept would create an “inviting” atmosphere to downtown, pushing for other accents such as artificial turf and a large-sized television or projector to broadcast movies and sporting events.

Alcohol sales should be another consideration, he said.

“I think it’s interesting,” Smith said of the plan. “I think you need to look at the budget for it, too, because I’ve looked at these (venues) and they’re way more expensive than you think they are, but I think it’s a great concept to take a look at.”

Board President Jodi Wilkeson, too, was keen with the project, but expressed concerns about potential vandalism and possible impacts on surrounding take-out and sit-down restaurants and businesses.

“If we’re doing this to help promote businesses downtown, I think we should make an effort to ensure that they’re not producing food that’s in competition with any other businesses,” Wilkeson said.

She suggested that Little But Loud food trucks and containers stick to offering snack items, such as flavored popcorn and other treats “so that it gives people something to eat, but when they’re really hungry (for a meal), they’re going to go somewhere else.”

Overall, though, she likes the concept. “I think it’s a great idea. I look forward to seeing it a little fleshed out, but I’m in support of it as well.”

Board member Charles Proctor also offered his support: “I think it’s a good idea as well. We’ve gotta do something with (the lot).”

Published February 24, 2021

Sports agency in Lutz building reputation, clientele

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When conjuring up an image of a sports talent agent, the mind might wander to a sharp-tongued individual donning an expensive suit, wheeling deals and barking orders from an expensive downtown high-rise in Los Angeles, Miami or New York.

Think movies and television shows like “Jerry McGuire,” “Ballers,” and “Arliss.”

DNA Sports Management is a boutique sports agency firm situated off of State Road 54 in Lutz. The firm primarily represents professional football and hockey players. (Courtesy of DNA Sports Management)

But, David Walkowiak and Andre Kirwan aim to defy that stereotype. They operate a boutique sports agency firm out of Walkowiak’s law office, off State Road 54 in Lutz.

Walkowiak and Kirwan partnered around 2014 to form DNA Sports Management, a full-service sports agency that primarily works with professional football and hockey players.

Kirwan jokes the firm’s name sometimes gives the impression the duo is in an entirely different line of work — with people frequently asking if it’s a medical tech company.

The DNA moniker takes on multiple meanings.

For one, it ties in the first initial of Dave and Andre.

And, like the biological DNA, the firm asserts the tagline: “With You for Life.”

It also signals the team is available to help their clients even after their athletic career — providing guidance into the public and private sectors.

They’ve helped clients break into coaching and scouting, have written law school recommendations, and have helped another launch a rap career and establish contacts in the music and entertainment industry.

They regularly assist with housing issues, financial literacy, athletic training programs and are just there, sometimes, to lend an ear.

“We stay with these guys, whether they’re making millions of dollars or nothing, because we take this seriously,” Walkowiak says.

Kirwan asserts the firm’s priority is “do the right thing by players and not compromise integrity.”

In essence, Kirwan and Walkowiak are on call  24/7, Kirwan says.

“It’s just a matter of when life happens, so when they need us, they need us,” he says of DNA’s athletic clientele. “We’re taking calls on weekends, on evenings. If they had a bad practice, they’ll call us for a pep talk, so really, we’re family. We tell the parents, ‘We’re an extension of you…’”

David Walkowiak

Modest beginnings
DNA Sports started from humble beginnings.

The very first negotiated deal was on behalf of a player for the Triangle Torches, a little-known and now defunct professional indoor football team based out of Raleigh, North Carolina.

It was far from a headline-grabbing, multimillion dollar deal.

League players made around $150 per week and were given a couple food vouchers.

Now, the pair is working with several athletes who’ve gone on to have stints or extended action in both the NFL and CFL.

A new addition to the DNA roster is former USF record-breaking quarterback Quinton Flowers, who plays in the Fan Controlled Football league. Flowers also enjoyed stints with the Cincinnati Bengals (2018), Indianapolis Colts (2019) and XFL’s Tampa Bay Vipers (2020).

Another familiar face is former USF outside linebacker Nigel Harris. The former Hillsborough High standout is now on the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders negotiation list and has previous experience with the Los Angeles Chargers, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans.

Walkowiak estimates DNA Sports has represented “close to 100 players” since its inception. He  acknowledges many initial signings were reaches to have a legitimate shot in the pro football ranks, coming from the Division II and NAIA collegiate football ranks.

With time and experience, the firm now can be more selective with its client list.

“I think we learned a lot in the early years,” Walkowiak says. “We realized it’s not quantity. It’s not that you just sign everybody and hope one sticks, you know, it’s that we want to be a boutique agency, and one that really caters to all the needs.”

The firm has gone global to procure talent, too.

DNA Sports in November tabbed three Russian hockey player prospects to contracts — defenseman Artur Karmashkov, goaltender Ivan Veremchuk, and center Yuri Zholobov, respectively.

Karmashkov and Veremchuk have played in the KHL, the Soviet Union’s equivalent of the NHL, while Zholobov has had action in the Czech Republic’s premier professional leagues.

The signings were made possible with the help of former Tampa Bay Lightning winger Alexander Selivanov, the agency’s Director of European Scouting/European Agent.

Andre Kirwan

Further beefing up its ice hockey portfolio, DNA Sports recently hired Adam Bennett,  the No. 6 overall pick in the 1989 NHL Draft, to an advisory role.

Bennett, who bounced around professional leagues for six years, including playing for the Chicago Blackhawks and Edmonton Oilers, will be consulting primarily Florida-based hockey talent, helping them latch on with junior teams, colleges and so on.

The numbers guy
Walkowiak and Kirwan each bring their own set of unique backgrounds and experiences to the sports management firm.

Walkowiak is a self-professed “geek that loves numbers,” and describes himself as “the guy behind the scenes.” He previously worked closely with the Lightning’s former ownership group led by Henry Paul and Phil Esposito, assisting on tasks like arbitration, trades and player contract evaluations.

His career feats include facilitating the trade of then forward Jason Bonsignore and handling the arbitration case of then goaltender Daren Puppa.

On negotiating player contracts, Walkowiak calls the process “very similar to doing a comparative market analysis in real estate.”

With a passion for sports growing up and hockey in particular, Walkowiak “always wanted to be an agent.”

A practicing attorney since 1997 who specializes in real estate law, circuit civil and family law, Walkowiak figured he’d revisit this dream knowing pro athletes have landed larger and larger deals in recent years.

The tipping point came when Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog in 2013 signed a seven-year contract extension worth $39 million.

The report piqued Walkowiak’s interest.

Someone he never heard of was now “making Wayne Gretzky money,” he said, referring to arguably the greatest hockey player of all time, who retired in 1999.

Former USF record-breaking quarterback Quinton Flowers is one of the Lutz-based sports agency’s more prominent clients. (Courtesy of University of South Florida Athletics Department)

“For a period of about 15 years, to go from the greatest player that ever played the game, to almost the same amount of money for a guy that I had never heard of,” Walkowiak says. “I wanted to revisit that.”

The mentor
Kirwan, meanwhile, takes on more of the role of relationship-builder and athlete mentor. He often reminds clients and others to “stay humble, stay hungry and prayed up.”

Kirwan was a decorated athlete in his own right. He played nearly nine seasons with the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts, where he won a Grey Cup Championship as a starting wide receiver in 1997. He even had an NFL training camp stint with the San Francisco 49ers after graduating from Stanford University.

Kirwan understands the importance of an agent being forthcoming, and transparent, with athletes.

He once had to fire an agent from a high-profile firm for lying to him about sending his highlight film to NFL teams who’d expressed interest at the height of his CFL career. It could’ve been what Kirwan needed to break into the NFL at the time.

Kirwan often ponders if he would have been better served by a smaller, more personable firm like DNA Sports.

“I’ve sat on both sides of the table now.

“The No. 1 question I’d always ask an agent when I was interviewing them was, ‘Who else do you represent?’ and a lot of times you go for the shiniest objects, the biggest names and that’s what I ended up doing,” Kirwan explains.
“In essence, I should’ve gone to a boutique firm like us that really fought for my cause. Having had to fire an agent for lying to me, it’s even that more personal to me to do what we say we’re going to do,” he said, noting athletes are placing their futures in the firm’s hands.

Keeping momentum
So, what does the future holds for DNA Sports?

Perhaps the firm will venture into additional professional sports, such as basketball, soccer or track and field.

“We’re not opposed to branching out,” Kirwan says, but, “we don’t want to be a jack-of-all trades and a master of none.”

Whatever path they take, Kirwan and Walkowiak are bullish on the agency’s future prospects.

“It’s just a matter of time before we start having those first-rounders, those second-rounders,” Kirwan says, referring to top-flight NFL Draft prospects.

Says Walkowiak: “We’re excited. We have a lot going on. We’ve picked up quite a bit of traction lately.”

For information on DNA Sports Management, visit DNASportsManagement.com, email , or call 813-962-3176.

Published February 24, 2021