The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Kevin Weiss

Local commitments

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• The Pasco-Hernando State College men’s basketball program landed a verbal commitment from Wharton High 6-foot-5 senior combo guard Joshua Barnett. Barnett was part of a senior trio that helped guide Wharton to a 25-4 record and Class 7A regional semifinals.

• Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High junior libero Adrianna Lopez verbally committed to play volleyball at Rollins College, an NCAA Division II program in Winter Park. Lopez this past season led the Hurricanes in digs (309) and digs per set (4.2), and was second in assists (63).

• Sunlake High product Andrea Wallace verbally committed to play basketball at Kentucky State University, an NCAA Division II program in Frankfort, Kentucky. The 6-foot-1 Wallace played four years of varsity hoops at Sunlake from 2015 to 2018, then went on to play at St. Petersburg College the past two seasons.

Pasco municipal elections postponed

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Municipal elections in Pasco County were supposed to take place April 14, but instead are delayed indefinitely per an executive order from Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The action was taken in the wake of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).

The elections for the cities of Dade City, San Antonio and Zephyrhills will be rescheduled “as soon as is practicable,” Executive Order 20-97 states.

Pasco County municipal elections have been postponed indefinitely, per an executive order issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis. (Courtesy of Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Office)

The governor’s order says the election postponement is necessary “in order to ensure maximum citizen participation in the electoral process and provide a safe and orderly procedure for persons seeking to exercise their right to vote, to minimize citizen exposure to danger during this emergency, and to protect the integrity of the electoral process.”

The initial request to delay the local city elections came from Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley, who cited the “health and safety” of voters and poll workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Pasco was the first county in the state to request such a delay.

Corley had ongoing discussions on the matter with intermediaries Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee, State Division of Elections Director Maria Matthews and incoming Senate president Wilton Simpson.

The elections supervisor made the request on behalf of the municipalities April 2. The governor’s executive order was issued April 8.

“I’m very pleased and appreciate the governor moving as expeditiously as he did,” Corley told The Laker/Lutz News. “I think the governor made a really good decision to look out for the citizens and the voters.”

As for a new date, Corley said the elections office is “very, very tentatively” eyeing sometime in June as a possibility to hold the municipal elections.

The elections supervisor previously called for those elections to be held on the Aug. 18 state primary election date.

However, Corley pointed out that could prove problematic for multiple reasons.

Here’s why: The elections office would have to find a way to create separate ballots for those who already voted by mail in the municipal elections, so those voters don’t accidentally or deliberately vote twice for those elections. Another scenario would have been to just discount all vote-by-mail ballots already collected, which may not be viewed as legitimate in the eyes of voters and candidates.

With that, Corley noted “it’s a lot cleaner” to just hold those municipal elections at a date sometime before the primary — coordinating with the cities and polling places.

The county elections office has since reopened vote-by-mail requests, and is encouraging voters to use that method for convenience and safety sake. People can do so by visiting PascoVotes.gov.

“I can tell you, if you vote by mail, you can make sure your vote counts, your voice counts,” Corley said.

Meanwhile, the election delay ultimately could result in higher turnout for the city elections, Corley said, as more time has been given to citizens register to vote or request a vote-by-mail ballot.

The prospect of that is “exciting for the cities” and “seems to me like a win-win,” Corley said.

In Dade City, six candidates are running for three open seats on the Dade City Commission — for Groups 3, 4 and 5.

In San Antonio, five candidates are vying to fill three open seats on the San Antonio City Commission.

In the City of Zephyrhills there are two races on the ballot. One is for mayor and the other for District 2.

For more information, visit PascoVotes.gov, or call (800) 851-8754.

Published April 15, 2020

Local karate academy kicks to virtual

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The dojo is closed for now, but karate lessons press on.

The novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has put a halt to many organized recreational activities, but Wesley Chapel-based Keiko Shin Karate Academy has found another way to keep members sharp, while staying home — via virtual classes using the Zoom online video conference platform.

Sensei Ernesto Fuentes now is offering virtual karate lessons from the Keiko Shin Karate Academy in Wesley Chapel. Fuentes opened the academy about 15 years ago. (Courtesy of Keiko Shin Karate Academy)

Many Keiko Shin students find themselves training in their living rooms. Others find enough space in their bedrooms, backyard or lanai.

Even Sensei Ernesto Fuentes, who operates Keiko Shin, makes it a point to change up his own backdrop when facilitating karate activities and workouts to students.

Though it’s not quite the same as the traditional Keiko Shin dojo on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, students make do to practice katas and kick-punch combinations.

“Our kids are so dedicated that they made room, they found room,” Fuentes said. “They moved some furniture, and you’d be surprised to see how much space they have.”

The online classes have been continuing for the past month or so, around when the Pasco County School Board suspended all in-person school events and extracurricular activities until at least May.

To Fuentes, the virtual offerings help maintain students’ progress in achieving their karate goals, also keeping them active and motivated.

“We train hard. Virtually or no, we do train hard,” said Fuentes, who started the academy 15 years ago. “Parents are happy to not see their kids sitting on the couch, playing video games.”

Even in cyberspace, the academy has maintained a full schedule, Monday through Friday.

Keiko Shin karate students practice forms and techniques from the comfort of their homes. (Courtesy of Keiko Shin Karate Academy)

Classes are offered for beginners and advanced athletes of all ages, including adults.

As many as 28 students have joined in at once for an online class, Fuentes said.

To help monitor and ensure proper techniques are followed by all, the sensei enlists the help of black belt-level teenagers to monitor the many split screens “and make sure the kids are doing it right.”

Fuentes said the handful of helpers frankly has made the transition to online easier. He explained it allows those younger, beginner students to get more personalized attention and correction — perhaps the biggest “limitation” of virtual classes, as compared to live, in-person instruction at the academy’s physical facility.

Either way, the virtual classes have kept entire families occupied with something positive to do.

Les Borowski is an adult black belt student at Keiko Shin. His two children, Nicholas and Olivia, are students, too. His wife participates in early morning workout sessions that are offered through the academy.

The regular activities — albeit online — have kept the family up to speed in their respective karate and fitness progression.

“It doesn’t seem like we’re affected, to be honest, by the COVID-19, because we’re still in shape, still doing what we’re supposed to. The only drawback is we cannot compete because all the tournaments are closed,” Borowski said.

He said his children “love” the virtual setup, because there’s no commute, which ultimately gives them more free time. “As soon as they’re done with karate, they can come back into their Minecraft or Fornite (video games), or whatnot,” he said.

Borowski noted he also makes it a point to jump in on his children’s regular Wednesday classes, as a bonding mechanism. “The three of us are bouncing around, so it’s pretty neat, actually,” he said.

This is how Sensei Ernesto Fuentes normally interacts with his students at Keiko Shin Karate Academy. (File)

Besides teaching varied karate forms and techniques, Fuentes has developed improvised at-home strength and conditioning warmups and workouts for both Keiko Shin students and anyone in the community, in lieu of full-service fitness centers now closed.

That includes bodyweight exercises, such as pushups, sit-ups and squats, along with plyometrics, like jumping in place. He’s also resorted to water bottles and one-gallon water jugs as makeshift dumbbells.

Borowski finds the creative workouts “very helpful” for families without home gyms or specialized equipment.

“Sensei’s very adept at using all the items you find around the house — chairs, water bottles, things like that — so he builds the exercises around everyday stuff that everybody has at home already,” Borowski said.

For 17-year-old black belt Lauren Anderson, Keiko Shin’s virtual classes keep her moving and focused through the relative monotony of this new temporary stay-at-home lifestyle.

“If it weren’t for this,” Anderson said, “I would be on my couch, and I would feel like I’m lazy and not doing anything productive.”

Anderson, a student at Wiregrass Ranch High School, simply connects to the classes each week through her smartphone.

While she admits it’s “not the same as being at the dojo,” Anderson said the online instruction is “a really good way to stay in shape, and keep my karate going.”

She added:  “I get a full workout, I’m sweating, I’m sore, even though I’m at home.”

Anderson has been a member of the karate academy for six years.

Though the virtual setup is right now the only option to maintain karate skills, the teen is hoping to someday return to the Wesley Chapel dojo she loves, after the coronavirus pandemic passes.

“It’s just nice to be there and have that open space, and have that communication and personal connection with people, and I actually get to talk to people, and sensei can actually go up to me and say something,” Anderson said.

Meanwhile, Fuentes insists Keiko Shin will follow guidelines put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other state and federal health officials, before reopening the academy.

That means virtual karate lessons will continue indefinitely, he said.

“We try to keep everyone safe and the families safe,” Fuentes said. “To be honest, I’m dying to have my kids back in the academy, but whenever it’s safe and when (health officials) decide it’s safe to come back, then we’re going to open our dojo.”

For information, visit KeikoShin.com, or email .

Published April 15, 2020

Local signings

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Linsey Christianson (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College Athletics)

• Pasco-Hernando State College women’s volleyball sophomore libero Linsey Christianson signed with Bethel University, an NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics program in McKenzie, Tennessee. Christianson led the Bobcats in 2019 in digs (494) and digs per set (5.31).

• Land O’ Lakes High senior guard Mekhi Perry verbally committed to play basketball at Eckerd College, an NCAA Division II program in St. Petersburg. The 6-foot-2 Perry is the Gators boys program’s all-time scoring leader, with 1,616 points.

• Steinbrenner High senior receiver Carson Franks signed to play football at Oberlin College, an NCAA Division III program in Oberlin, Ohio. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound Franks registered 18 catches for 320 yards and three touchdowns in 2019. He also was a member of Steinbrenner’s varsity lacrosse, and track and field programs.

Saint Leo hoopers join record books

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A trio of Saint Leo men’s basketball seniors end their career with their names etched in the program’s all-time record books.

Here is a closer look at each:

Kyran McClure (Courtesy of Saint Leo University Athletics)

Kyran McClure
The 6-foot-2, 170-pound guard from Concord, North Carolina, became the Saint Leo all-time program leader in three-pointers made (92) in a single season and free throws made in a single season (207) — which was tops in the NCAA Division II ranks for the 2019-20 season.

McClure’s marks surpassed those previously held by Saint Leo products Marcus Dewberry (88 three-pointers in 2015-16) and Tyrone Graves (165 free throws made in 1991-92).

McClure concluded his Lions three-year career inside the top-15 all-time in program history in free throws made (second, 451), three’s made (fourth, 193), assists (ninth, 276), and points (11th, 1,374). He eclipsed the 1,000-point plateau on Dec. 14, with a 24-point effort against University of Tampa.

 

Isaiah Hill

Isaiah Hill
The 6-foot-6, 175-pound guard from Richmond Hill, Georgia, tied McClure with 276 career assists and became the 25th Lions player to score 1,000 career points, sitting 19th all-time with 1,092. Hill also put his name in the Lions record book in career steals, finishing seventh with 138.

 

 

Yalen Reed

Yalen Reed
In two seasons in the Green and Gold, the 6-foot-6, 205-pound forward from Nashville, Tennessee, etched his name in the Lions record book with 71 career blocks — good for ninth-most in program history. Reed posted 39 blocks his junior season and 32 this past season.

FHSAA spring sports could return

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In response to concerns about coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) released a statement that leaves open the possibility of a spring sports season, which could run from as soon as May 3 through June 30.

The FHSAA also indicated if a spring sports season is canceled altogether, it’s working on a solution to create additional athletics eligibility for students who were unable to participate.

FHSAA-sanctioned spring sports include baseball, flag football, lacrosse, softball, tennis, track & field, boys volleyball, water polo and boys weightlifting.

The statewide athletics organization released the following statement on its website:

“Pending schools are back in session and afforded the opportunity to resume activities after May 3, by federal, state and local authorities, the FHSAA will follow the advice and guidance available to us at that time regarding the continuance of all FHSAA spring sports.

“In light of the current situation, the FHSAA staff is actively working on creative solutions for the continuance of spring sports, which could extend through June 30. The FHSAA does understand the hardships caused by COVID-19 and the inability to play spring sports. If we are not able to continue spring sports, the FHSAA is working diligently to create a plan regarding additional eligibility for students who have not been able to participate in spring sports.”

Passover to have a different look this year

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This year’s Passover festivities will be celebrated unlike any other.

Amid the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, area synagogues sit mostly idle, with limited or no in-person religious services or activities.

Yet, Jewish groups have found other ways to salvage the celebrated holiday, which this year runs from April 8 through April 16.

Northdale-based Congregation Kol Ami has turned to virtual programs and services, amid the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. (Courtesy of Congregation Kol Ami)

That includes using the Zoom online video conference platform to connect and serve congregants, albeit virtually.

Northdale-based Congregation Kol Ami on April 9 will use Zoom to stream a virtual second night Seder with Rabbis Denise Eger and Max Chaiken. They’ve also set up “Seder in a Box” meal kits that families can preorder and pickup. Other local temples, such as Congregation Beth Am and Congregation Mekor Shalom, have similar arrangements in place.

It’s all something that Kol Ami has become accustomed to since the coronavirus outbreak hit the United States.

For the past few weeks, the synagogue’s rabbis have been streaming daily prayer, various classes and Sabbath services to members to view from the comforts of their own homes. Even Kol Ami’s Sisterhood group have held needle-working activities online.

As far as program offerings, it’s pretty much “business as usual,” Kol Ami executive director Mitchell Weiss said. “We’re doing everything virtual, but we’re doing everything in the right way to accommodate what our congregants need,” he said.

Weiss is the only person still working from the Kol Ami facility. He’s staying busy checking up on congregants with personal phone calls and seeing if families or seniors have any particular needs, whether it’s help with getting meals, medications and so forth.

Interestingly, Weiss has noticed more people engaging services — even if only online. He noted a recent Saturday evening service on Zoom was particularly lively with “singing and dancing, and everyone’s up and around.”

From a spiritual perspective, Kol Ami is trying to stay positive in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

“During this time of crisis, you really see the passion of people coming together and, I guess, doing the right thing,” Weiss said.

Alan Stern, who operates Congregation Beth Chavarim in Land O’ Lakes, is likewise searching for positives in the wake of the nationwide health scare.

What he’s found is reconnection with family and neighbors.

“The silver lining of this is that you’re getting to know your neighbors, from a distance. You’re getting to spend more time with your family,” Stern, 76, said. “They never really had time for anybody else, because they were so stressed out with the day-to day-activity, so it’s like we’re getting to know them.”

Stern had to cancel a planned Passover gathering slated for April 20, instead advising members to celebrate the holiday with a Kosher meal with their families.

That’s more or less the approach Chabad at Wiregrass is taking.

Rabbi Mendy Yarmush closed the facility through at least April, which means the synagogue won’t hold its annual community Passover Seder.

Instead, the rabbi encouraged members to conduct Passover festivities from home with family. To help with the transition, he’s organized a pre-Passover Zoom class, provided resources, including the Haggadah — the guidebook to the Seder, and offered matzah and wine. (Since Chabad at Wiregrass doesn’t use electronics on the Sabbath or the holidays, they won’t stream Passover online.)

Yarmush acknowledged the transition is “definitely a challenge” because “people will be on their own” for the holiday.

However, Yarmush noted congregants for the most part have maintained positive spirits.

“I think most of the families are taking it well, and trying to adjust to the new temporary reality,” he said.

“I’m hearing a lot of people finding the silver lining in it. A lot of people are enjoying their time home with their families that they don’t usually have. At the same time, I’m very concerned and fearful about what’s going on, but we’re trying to appreciate on the good parts of it and not focus on the negative.”

More on Passover
The Jewish holiday of Pesach, or Passover, is an eight-day festival celebrated in the early spring, from the 15th through the 22nd of the Hebrew month of Nissan.

This year, it runs from April 8 to April 16.

Passover commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Following its rituals allows the Jewish community to relive and experience the freedom of their ancestors.

Observances: Passover is divided into two parts. The first two days, April 8 and April 9, and the last two days, April 15 and April 16, are full-fledged holidays. Holiday candles are lit at night, and holiday meals (Seders) are usually enjoyed for one or two days. The middle four days are referred to as Chol Hamoed, or semi-festive “intermediate days.” To commemorate the unleavened bread that the Israelites ate when they left Egypt, Jews don’t eat chametz, or leavened grain, from midday of the day before Passover until the conclusion of the holiday.

Seders: The highlight of Passover is the Seder, typically observed on each of the first two nights of the Passover holiday. The Seder is a 15-step, family oriented tradition and ritual-packed feast.

Focal points of the Seder include:

  • Eating matzah, which is unleavened bread
  • Eating bitter herbs to commemorate the bitter slavery endured by the Israelites
  • Drinking four cups of wine or grape juice to celebrate the newfound freedom
  • The recitation of the Haggadah, a liturgy that describes the story of the Exodus from Egypt. It begins with a child asking the traditional “Four Questions.”

Symbolic Seder foods:

  • Maror—bitter herbs, usually horseradish, to serve as a reminder of the bitterness of slavery
  • Saltwater—symbolizing the tears of the slaves
  • Charoset—sweet paste made of fruit and nuts, symbolizing the mortar the slaves used to build the Egyptian pyramids
  • Zeroah—shank bone, representing the Passover sacrifice
  • Beitzah—hard-boiled egg, symbolic of life and birth associated with the spring season
  • Karpas—a leafy green vegetable, usually a piece of lettuce, symbolizing hope and redemption
  • Some traditional Ashkenazi Passover dishes include gefilte fish, matzah ball soup, brisket, tzimmis (sweet carrot and fruit dish), and macaroons and sponge cake (made from matzah meal) for dessert.

Local synagogue information 

• Chabad Jewish Center, Trinity: Call (727) 376-3366, or visit ChabadWP.com.

• Chabad at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel: Call (813) 642-3244, or visit ChabadatWiregrass.com.

• Congregation Beth Am, Tampa: Call (813) 968-8511, or visit BethAmTampa.org.

• Congregation Beth Chavarim, Land O’ Lakes: Email ">.

• Congregation Kol Ami, Tampa: Call (813) 962 6338, or email .

• Congregation Mekor Shalom, Tampa: Call (813) 963-1818, or visit MekorShalom.org.

• Shoresh David Messianic Synagogue, Wesley Chapel: Call (813) 760-3269, or visit ShoreshDavid.org.

Published April 08, 2020

 

Lutz video game studio offers virtual concerts

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As coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is keeping most stuck inside home, a Lutz-based video game studio is discovering novel ways to keep users together and entertained.

For years, Artix Entertainment has been creating free online fantasy-based video games filled with monsters, magic and storytelling.

Adam Bohn is the founder/CEO of Artix Entertainment, an independent video game studio in Lutz. (Courtesy of Adam Bohn)

Among the most popular iterations is the AdventureQuest3D series, which takes role-playing users into an expansive fantasy world where combat skills are tested in an environment filled with the undead, beasts, dragons, dungeons and all sorts of other challenges. The game is cross-platform, meaning it can be played through computer, tablet or smartphone.

More recently, AdventureQuest’s creators have added a new wrinkle: in-game, virtual battle concerts from various well-known bands like Alice in Chains, Breaking Benjamin, Korn and others.

And, ever since the outbreak of the coronavirus has canceled many activities and concerts, game makers vowed to keep the music going.

So, the company decided to again team up with Breaking Benjamin, a multi-platinum rock band with nine No. 1 hit songs, to re-release an “encore” virtual battle concert, with some newly added features and objectives.

Here’s how the battle concert works: After completing a short tutorial, an unlimited number of users enter the concert and are tasked with fighting off a host of giant monsters all while the band’s music plays in the background. Users also have the option of taking a virtual selfie and interacting with Breaking Benjamin animated characters.

The virtual concert loops nonstop, and is designed for players of all skill levels. Bands send pre-recorded songs and custom voiceovers to Artix for the virtual concerts.

“I think it’s the best thing we’ve ever created,” Artix CEO/founder Adam Bohn said of the virtual concert series. “We’re trying to provide the most fun we can and help people during their stays at home.”

Artix also is expanding the virtual battle concert series to include local bands, so long as their music is safe for radio play. Interested groups can email .

“We have the ability to do these performance with any band in our game,” Bohn said. “Right now, I’m sure there’s musicians, with all the concerts canceled, there has to be some other way we can help, so it’d be great if anybody wanted to contact us.”

Humble beginnings, to millions of users
Artix today has over 30 employees, headquartered out of the NorthPointe Village business plaza off State Road 54.

Yet, the company started with humble beginnings back in 2002.

“It started out at the kitchen table of my first home here in Lutz,” Bohn, 44, said. “Our offices have been very, very slowly, methodically just moving down (State Road) 54.”

A computer video game enthusiast growing up in Pennsylvania, Bohn’s “lifelong dream” was to someday create games of his own.

It first came from the encouragement of his father, who all but told a youthful Bohn that if others could build video games, then his son could, too.

The planted seed led Bohn on “this kind of obsessive mission” that included years of trial and error “and unbelievable persistence.”

Lutz-based Artix Entertainment has teamed up with rock band Breaking Benjamin to host virtual concerts inside the AdventureQuest online video game series.

In the almost 18 years since Bohn launched the first version of AdventureQuest — then in 2D form — over 200 million accounts have been created worldwide across Artix’s platform of more than a dozen games.

It’s more than Bohn could’ve ever anticipated two decades ago. “I put the game out there hoping we’d get 100 players,” said Bohn.

In addition to AdventureQuest, other Artix titles include DragonFable, MechQuest, and BioBeasts. While the games are all free to play, users have the option to purchase cosmetics to improve the likeness of their characters.

Bohn acknowledged he entered the video game industry at the right time — when internet technology began booming in the early 2000s. “We were very early, so we were a part of this great video game evolution that’s been happening,” he said.

Like other area businesses dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, Artix employees have begun working remotely from home, collaborating via Google Docs, Trello and a chat program called Discord.  “I think gamers maybe have an easier time with this (coronavirus) problem because we love staying at home,” Bohn quipped.

However, the work to fine-tune a host of online games is anything but easy.

Bohn explained gameplay updates and problem-solving requires long hours from his team of artists, programmers and developers, and database managers.

For him and his team, it’s “pretty much a 24/7 job.”

“Most of the team is quite a fan of coffee,” Bohn joked, adding video game creation is more difficult than some may think. “There is this belief that we have this magical “make game button” and we press it and then there’s more games…”

As if running an independent video game studio day and night wasn’t enough, Bohn has another side project — he’s building a new video game for the 1985 Nintendo.

Bohn said the game, coming in a physical Nintendo cart, should be finished in two months’ time. “The game’s really, really far along,” he said. “We’ve already kind of done all the fulfillments. I have the circuit boards, I have the shelves…”

To play AdventureQuest and other Artix Entertainment games, visit AQ3D.com and Artix.com.

Published April 08, 2020

Pasco seeks to delay municipal elections

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UPDATE: Postponed indefinitely per Executive Oder 20-97 from Gov. Ron DeSantis. Elections will be rescheduled “as soon as practicable.”

In the wake of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley is seeking to delay the April 14 municipal elections Dade City, Zephyrhills and San Antonio.

To that end, Corley has requested Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to move back the local county elections to the Aug. 18 state primary election date.

Corley told The Laker/Lutz News he’s had ongoing discussions on the matter with intermediaries Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee, State Division of Elections Director Maria Matthews, and incoming Senate president Wilton Simpson.

However, no decision was made by The Laker/Lutz News Monday press deadline.

Corley cited the “health and safety” of voters and poll workers in wanting reschedule the municipal elections.

The elections supervisor said it doesn’t make sense “having the public come to an election day polling place, to their own possible health peril, when our average age is not exactly, really, really young.” He also said “asking members of the public to come out and vote” runs contrary to the governor’s stay-at-home executive order.

City managers of the three local municipalities have concurred delaying the municipal election, Corley said. Holding those elections concurrently with the primary election poses no additional financial costs to those cities, he said.

The county elections office is mandated to hold the April 14 election, until it hears otherwise from the governor’s office, Corley said.

Here is a closer look at each election:

Dade City
Six candidates are running for three open seats on the Dade City Commission — for Groups 3, 4 and 5.

In Group 3, two-term incumbent Jim Shive is being challenged by Matthew Wilson. Shive is a retired government employee. Wilson is a data entry clerk for the United Parcel Service.

Groups 4 and 5 seats will see fresh faces, as Nicole Deese Newlon and Eunice Penix are not seeking re-election. Newlon served one four-year term after she won in 2016, while Penix has held her seat since 1993.

Vying for Newlon’s Group 4 seat are Ann Cosentino and Knute Nathe.

Cosentino owns a communications/branding consulting firm. Nathe is an attorney with McCLain Alfonso P.A.

Christopher King and Normita Woodard are facing off for Penix’s Group 5 seat. King is the founder of The Gentleman’s Course Inc., a local youth mentorship charity. Woodard is a secretary at Lacoochee Elementary School.

The Dade City municipal election will take place at First Baptist Church Dade City, 37511 Church Ave., in Dade City. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Zephyrhills
In this election cycle, the City of Zephyrhills will have a mayoral race, as incumbent Gene Whitfield faces off against Justin Docherty.

Whitfield has held the mayor chair since 2014 when Danny Burgess resigned to run as the area’s state representative in Tallahassee.

The Zephyrhills mayor serves mainly an ambassador’s role, being a presence at many public events, ribbon cuttings and so on. As far as citywide matters, the mayor doesn’t run council meetings, cannot make motions and cannot vote on matters before the council, but does have the ability to veto city ordinances.

On the Zephyrhills City Council, Seat 2 incumbent Alan Knight is running unopposed.

Knight is a retired educator who’s worked mainly in Pasco County Schools as a teacher, coach and administrator. He was first elected to the seat in 2014.

The Zephyrhills municipal general election will be at the Alice Hall Community Center, 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

San Antonio
Five candidates are vying to fill three open seats on the San Antonio City Commission.

Running are incumbents Elayne Bassinger and Sarah Schrader, along with Joseph Couture, John Vogel and Dacia Wadsworth Mitchell.

Unlike the head-to-head matchups of other municipalities, the top three overall vote-getters earn commission seats. San Antonio commissioners serve two-year terms.

For more voting information, contact the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections office at (800) 851-8754 or (352) 521-4302, or visit PascoVotes.gov.

Updated April 09, 2020

Lifting spirits is his specialty

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Whether it’s cracking jokes or serving up a friendly greeting, volunteer Brian Mason is known for his ability to lift people’s spirits at the East Pasco Family YMCA in Zephyrhills.

His jovial demeanor and friendly approach draws attention — so much so that Mason was named the local branch’s “Volunteer of the Year” for the second straight year.

East Pasco Family YMCA’s ‘Volunteer of the Year’ Brian Mason (Courtesy of Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA)

The 50-year-old Land O’ Lakes resident has been volunteering with the nonprofit organization for about five years.

He began volunteering at the New Tampa YMCA before moving to the East Pasco facility.

Mason can be seen Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the branch — helping out at the front desk, scanning membership cards and greeting all those entering.

When it comes to the role, Mason goes above and beyond, said Ryan Pratt, East Pasco YMCA’s membership and wellness experience director.

The first thing members and staff notice about Mason is his beaming smile and upbeat nature, the supervisor said.

Pratt said Mason is “always happy. Super excited to be here.”

He added that he “never has a bad day.”

“A member may come in or even a staff member might not be having the best day, and you can’t help but laugh when Brian’s around, and smiling because of his presence, so we’re lucky to have him,” he said.

YMCA regulars can’t help but get to know Mason well, Pratt said.

He almost always has a prepared joke or some sort of innocent hijinks at the ready, he said.

For instance, he’ll pretend someone isn’t a member anymore, in a good-natured way.

“He’s got a great sense of humor and he has a lot of fun and just brightens up everyone’s day,” he said.

Mason’s volunteer contribution officially was recognized at the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA’s annual Community Impact Award dinner ceremony held recently at Pepin’s Hospitality Centre in Tampa.

He was one of 13 volunteers honored at the event — which attracted more than 500 guests.

Pratt, who chauffeured Mason to the ceremony, noted the award winner was quite popular throughout the night’s festivities.

“He was a hit at the table we were at,” Pratt said. “The gentleman who I introduced him, too, was just over the top impressed with him and super excited to see him win this award, so he was a hit for the night, I would say for sure.”

Mason said he “felt good” to again earn volunteer of the year honors.

His passion for volunteerism comes from his joy of being around people — particularly the members, staff and entire YMCA community.

“They’re nice people,” he said.

For information on the East Pasco Family YMCA, call (813) 780-9622, or visit tampaymca.org/locations/east-pasco-family-ymca.

Published April 08, 2020