The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Kevin Weiss

Football standouts choose teams

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Haden Carlson (Courtesy of Steinbrenner High Athletics)
Aidan Bitter

Steinbrenner High school senior quarterback Haden Carlson and senior receiver Aidan Bitter have signed to play college football at Division I FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) program Florida International University and Iowa State University, respectively. Both made their school choices official during the college football early signing period, on Dec. 18. Carlson and Bitter, both consensus three-star prospects, helped guide the Warriors to a 12-2 mark and the Class 8A state semifinals during the 2019 season.

He helped catch criminals, solve crimes for 50 years

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Det. Roger Cockerill — who was instrumental in some of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office’s  largest investigations — has retired from a law enforcement career that spanned a half-century.

In Pasco, his work included investigations involving illegal drug trafficking, casino style gambling, prostitution and human trafficking.

But his career in law enforcement began in February 1967 at the Suffolk County Police Department, in Long Island, New York.

Pasco Sheriff’s Office Det. Roger Cockerill’s lengthy law enforcement career was celebrated at a special retirement ceremony at Grace Family Church’s Land O’ Lakes campus. Cockerill spent a combined 50 years in law enforcement between the Suffolk County Police Dept. in New York and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. (Courtesy of Pasco Sheriff’s Office)

He officially called it quits last month, and was honored during a special retirement ceremony at the law enforcement agency’s quarterly swearing-in ceremony in December at Grace Family Church’s Land O’ Lakes campus.

More than 40 friends and family members gathered, along with dozens of other law enforcement officials — representing his native New York, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and other Tampa Bay agencies.

Now 75, Cockerill spent the first 20 years of his policing career in Suffolk County.

After graduating from the police academy, he started as a patrolman and worked his way up to the rank of detective in the Third Precinct in Bayshore, Long Island. He retired from that role in 1987.

Shortly after, Cockerill moved his family to Pasco County, where he joined the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and continued his calling in law enforcement — for another 30-plus years.

He began working for the local agency on April 24, 1989, as a patrol deputy. Most recently, he worked as a detective in vice and narcotics.

He was involved in undercover operations, and served as the subject matter expert in cases involving surreptitious video and audio recordings for evidentiary and undercover officer safety.

He was involved in digital surveillance techniques to assist the agency’s Major Crimes Unit with solicitation to commit homicide investigations, as well as threats to public officials.

He also worked extensively with the agency’s federal partners by assisting task forces with undercover and digital investigations.

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco characterized Cockerill as a good detective and an overall great person, during the special ceremony.

“Roger’s definitely one of our gems,” Nocco said, describing the longtime detective as “a man amongst men.”

The sheriff said whenever he saw Cockerill at a crime scene, he made it a point to walk up and talk to him.

“You just want to be around him,” Nocco said.

Cockerill remained calm in high-stress situations, Nocco said, explaining, “he’s seen it, been there, and done that.”

Nocco also praised Cockerill’s fitness.

The 6-foot-6 detective frequently passed the agency’s physical assessment test (PAT), with 3 minutes or 3 minutes or more to spare, Nocco said.

“When somebody would say, ‘I can’t believe we’ve got to do that PAT test,’ I’m like, ‘Look at Roger, he’s out there kicking all your butts.’,” the sheriff said.

Nocco said Cockerill’s achievement is unique.

“I don’t think in any of our lives again, we’re going to meet or see another individual that met this accomplishment — 50 years in law enforcement. There are many things in life that repeat itself, I don’t think this will ever.”

Besides honoring the law enforcement officer for his service, speakers also poked some fun at the detective.

Known for his love of animals — even squirrels and raccoons — Nocco teasingly referred to Cockerill as “Noah.”

But that wasn’t his only nickname.

He was also known as “Big Bird,” which stuck from his days in Suffolk County.

Retired Suffolk County Police Department officer Al DeMeo explained how that came to be.

It was sometime after Easter in the early 1970s, and DeMeo and Cockerill were both working in the warrant unit, in the basement of the Third Precinct, DeMeo recalled.

Notified that a fresh warrant had come in, Cockerill arrived at the the office somewhat disheveled, hair still wet from a shower and comb in his teeth, DeMeo said.

What caught everyone’s attention though, was the way that Cockerill was dressed, DeMeo said.

He was wearing all yellow — from his pants and sport jacket, to his dress shirt and tie.

“I said, ‘You look just like Big Bird,’” DeMeo said, referring to the famed Sesame Street character.

“Well, it’s 50 years later, and Roger’s still affectionately known as Big Bird — and always will be.”

Pasco Sheriff Cpt. Bill Davis also shared fond memories of working 12 years alongside Cockerill in the agency’s Narcotics Unit.

Both being from the same area of southeast New York, they clicked right away, Davis said.

“I never had so much fun going to the job (with Cockerill). I looked forward going to the job,” Davis said. He also noted that Cockerill kept a Sesame Street Big Bird toy figure in his patrol car.

He also said Cockerill was particular about his coffee — it had to be “light and sweet” — and that with the detective, “nothing started until we had coffee.”

When Cockerill was summoned to speak at the ceremony, he received a standing ovation and was serenaded with bagpipes.

In true “old school” fashion, Cockerill kept his comments brief, mainly showing his appreciation to his bosses and co-workers.

“I love the job. I love everybody,” Cockerill said.

He did shed some light, though, on what it takes to maintain a lengthy career in law enforcement.

“You’ve just got to keep going, work hard, be honest, treat everybody equally,” he said.

He also added: “If someone gets up in your face and is nasty, best thing to do is to turn around and walk away. That’ll annoy ‘em more than fighting with ‘em.”

He also offered some advice to the group of freshly sworn-in Pasco Sheriff’s deputies:

“When you snap that pistola on, you’re not going to work — you’re going to the job. Remember that. And, stick together. Always stick together.”

Cockerill may be retired now, but he won’t be venturing too far from the sheriff’s office.

He plans to join the agency as a volunteer.

Pasco Sheriff’s Office Det. Roger Cockerill’s 50 years in law enforcement:

  • Began service with Suffolk County Police Dept. (NY): Feb. 6, 1967; Patrolman
  • Retired from Suffolk County Police Dept. (NY): Feb. 23, 1987; Detective
  • Began Service with Pasco Sheriff’s Office: April 24, 1989; Patrol Deputy
  • Retired from Pasco Sheriff’s Office: December, 2019; Detective

Published January 01, 2020

Zephyrhills is gearing up for big changes in 2020

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As a new decade approaches, the City of Zephyrhills plans to open a much-anticipated tennis facility, plans to extend its airport runway, will be engaged in infrastructure improvements and could possibly end a 60-year tradition of operating its own fire department.

Here’s a closer look for what’s on the horizon for 2020 and beyond:

Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center
The $4.9 million Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center is expected to be open in late summer, about a year after its July 2019 groundbreaking.

The much-ballyhooed facility, at 6585 Simons Road in Zephyrhills, will feature:

  • Eleven outdoor tennis courts (eight clay, two hard surface, one exhibition), eight pickleball courts and four padel courts
  • An adjoining 7,400-square-foot indoor wellness center, with a fitness and rehabilitation studio, salt/sauna room, cryotherapy, pro shop, café, kid’s area and more.

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe recently told The Laker/Lutz News that the city also has requested an additional $1.5 million in state appropriations for a second phase of the project, which would encompass a 30,000-square-foot multipurpose indoor facility for tennis, soccer, athletic training, banquets, receptions and so on.

Zephyrhills Fire Department consolidation?
The Zephyrhills Fire Department could be absorbed by Pasco County Fire Rescue sometime in 2020, after nearly 60 years of operation and tradition.

The county is drafting up a tentative agreement that will be presented and reviewed by Zephyrhills officials sometime in early 2020, Poe said.

The move is due in part to funding and staffing issues that have plagued the city’s fire department, the city manager said.

Should the merger occur, Pasco County Fire Rescue would operate the city’s two fire stations and would absorb the city’s fire department personnel at their proper pay step.

The county also would ensure and maintain additional staffing needs at both stations and place an ambulance within the city limits.

Zephyrhills Municipal Airport’s runway 1-19 is getting a $5.9 million extension. (File)

Airport runway extension
Work is progressing to extend Zephyrhills Municipal Airport’s runway 1-19, a measure to accommodate larger passenger and corporate jets, and spur aviation and industrial development.

The city received $5.9 million in state appropriations to extend the runway by 1,200 linear feet — which will bring it to about 6,200 feet.

Engineers and officials are analyzing the design of the project, keeping in mind any potential  impacts it could have on Skydive City’s landing zone, Poe said.

The airport also is set to receive an upgraded fuel farm, as well as airfield beacons and lighting improvements, he said.

Relocation of U.S. 301/Pretty Pond Road traffic signal
Development plans at and near the corners of U.S. 301 and Pretty Pond Road have prompted the relocation of the traffic signal that currently is located at Merchants Square and Townview shopping centers, to a new location at Pretty Pond Road.

The city is working with the Florida Department of Transportation on the design, and has requested $2.3 million in state funds  for the project. If funding comes through, construction likely would begin in August or September. Completion is targeted for early 2021, the city manager said. Relocating the signal would improve traffic flow, he said.

Meanwhile, the city has budgeted $600,000 for road resurfacings in 2020, the most significant being 12th Street in front of Zephyrhills High School.

New developments on tap
Zephyrhills expects to see a surge in population growth over the new decade, as residents move in to make their homes in residential projects that are now at the permitting stage, are already coming out of the ground, or have received entitlements for future development.

Larger single-family developments include The District at Abbott’s Square, Zephyr Lakes, Hidden River, as well as expansions to the Silver Oaks and Silverado communities. Meanwhile, Wire Ranch Apartments and Pretty Pond/Wire Road Apartments are some of the larger multifamily units in the works.

Commercial development is expected to follow.

Chipotle and a Chick-Fil-A are expected to open in Zephyrhills, and there are rumors the city could become home to some other chain restaurants and businesses.

Published January 01, 2020

Top 2019 sports moments

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Teams captured state titles and local athletes turned in outstanding performances, during a year that brought shining moments and countless lasting memories.

Here is a look at some of the top moments in sports, from across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area:

Longtime Zephyrhills High boys hoops coach Alan Reed (File)

Zephyrhills High names ‘Alan Reed Court’
Little more than a year after naming its football field after legendary coach Tom Fisher, Zephyrhills High School named the school’s gymnasium floor after longtime varsity boys’ basketball coach Alan Reed.

A formal dedication ceremony for Reed was held Jan. 18 — an evening that coincided with a Bulldogs defeat of crosstown rival Pasco High, 61-34.

The 71-year-old served as Zephyrhills boys’ basketball coach for a total of 16 years, in four separate stints — 1975 to 1979; 1981 to 1986; 2006 to 2010; and, 2014 to 2016.

During that time he became — and still is — the school’s all-time winningest basketball coach.

In total, he’s been involved with Zephyrhills athletics for more than 35 years, also coaching volleyball, track, football and softball.

He remains a volunteer coach at the school, to this day.

Sunlake varsity girls weightlifting won its first state title in February. (File)

Sunlake girls weightlifting wins state title
The Sunlake High varsity girls weightlifting program, under longtime coach Denise Garcia, perennially has been among the more dominant programs in the area, wielding multiple conference and district titles over the years. And, the Seahawks took the next step forward in February, winning the 2019 FHSAA Class 2A girls weightlifting state championship, in Panama City Beach. The title marked the end of the sport’s longest-active streak of consecutive team championships held by Navarre High, who won four straight from 2015 through 2018.

The feat marked Sunlake’s second state championship among all boys or girls sports — the school’s competitive cheerleading team won a state title back in 2014.

Academy at the Lakes softball repeats at states
A year after claiming the school’s first-ever FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic) state championship, the Academy at the Lakes Wildcats did it again in May. Behind the arm and bat of two-time Gatorade Florida State Softball Player of the Year Lexi Kilfoyl, the Wildcats mowed through the Class 2A state playoffs, outscoring opponents by a combined 35-0 — including an 11-0 shutout against Mount Dora Christian Academy in the state title game.

Women’s sports museum opens in Wesley Chapel
Wesley Chapel’s AdventHealth Center Ice is widely known as the largest hockey facility in the Southeastern United States and training ground of the gold-medal winning 2018 U.S. Olympic women’s ice hockey team.

In March, it became known for another meaningful reason — the home of the first virtual museum dedicated to women’s hockey trailblazers.

Called the Women’s Sports Herstory Museum, it is the brainchild of female hockey coaching legend Digit Murphy and her friend, Jeff Novotny, a Wesley Chapel resident.

Situated in a second-floor viewing room at Center Ice, the museum features interactive wall panel displays where visitors scan QR codes to view content online in the form of videos and in-depth stories.

Poster-sized displays highlight several of hockey’s female pioneers, including Katey Stone, Katie Guay and Amanda Pelkey. The room is also filled with various sports memorabilia and equipment, including a signed jersey and signed pictures of all 23 members of the U.S. Olympic women’s ice hockey team.

Zephyrhills tennis center breaks ground
Years of talks and planning to bring a state-of-the-art tennis center to Zephyrhills finally became a reality in July, when a groundbreaking ceremony officially marked the beginning of construction on the long-awaited Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness, at 6585 Simons Road, Zephyrhills.

Situated on more than 8 acres of land, the multimillion complex when complete will feature 11 outdoor tennis courts, eight pickleball courts, four padel courts, along with an adjoining 7,400-square-foot indoor wellness center housing a fitness and rehabilitation studio, salt/sauna room, cryotherapy, pro shop, café, kids’ area and more.

Slated to open in summer 2020, the facility is named in honor of Sarah Vande Berg, a former Zephyrhills High School district tennis champion, who died in an automobile accident at the age of 21 in October 2015.

Land O’ Lakes Little League baseball celebrated its first state title since the early 2000s. (File)

Land O’ Lakes Little League wins state crown
It is believed to have been more than 15 years since a Land O’ Lakes Little League baseball team won a state title — until this summer.

In July, the Land O’ Lakes all-star squad composed of 14- to 16-year-olds bested seven other teams all across the state at the 2019 Little League Baseball Senior League Florida State Championships, in Bradenton.

The roster was made up of players from Land O’ Lakes, Sunlake, and Cypress Creek high schools, who put aside local prep rivalries to come together as a group.

Before advancing to and winning states, the team moved through districts and sectional tournaments in Tampa, Land O’ Lakes and Plant City, respectively.

Playing in round robin, double elimination formats, Land O’ Lakes lost initial games in sectionals and states, forcing them to play from behind and win multiple games in same days to claim the respective tournaments.. They went 7-2 in all three tournaments combined, outscoring opponents by a 57-27 margin.

Wesley Chapel fishing enthusiast Keven Barber. (File)

Local fisherman featured on national television
Wesley Chapel’s Keven Barber got the fishing trip of a lifetime, when he was featured on the Union Sportsman’s Alliance “Brotherhood Outdoors” television series on the Sportsman Channel. Barber’s August saltwater fishing trip along the Mississippi River Delta in Louisiana was shown to the masses on television in October.

Barber was selected for the show based on his combination of passion for the outdoors, union membership and involvement, volunteer efforts and more. When he’s not working or fishing, the father of four boys stays busy as a scout leader and director of tackle football for the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association.

Pasco High claimed victory over Zephyrhills High in this year’s 9-Mile War rivalry football game. (Courtesy of Pasco High Athletics)

Pasco High gets revenge in 9-Mile War
The year 2014 was the last time Pasco High had beaten Zephyrhills High in the annual 9-Mile War rivalry football game, in a 35-34 nail-biter.

Since then, the contests had been extremely one-sided in favor or Zephyrhills, who won the ensuing four games (2015-2018) by a combined 187-39 scoring margin.

But, in November, under first-year head coach Jason Stokes, Pasco finally unseated the Bulldogs – winning the November matchup by a decisive 27-9 mark. Even better for the Pirates, they did it on the Bulldogs home turf. The Pirates now lead the series 41-21, in a tradition that dates back to 1941.

Steinbrenner High boys’ cross-country (File)

Steinbrenner boys’ cross-country claim first state title
After finishing state runner-up the past two years, the Steinbrenner High boys’ cross-country program at last collected its first-ever state championship in the FHSAA Class 4A meet in Tallahassee in November.

The Warriors were paced by senior Josh King, who finished in sixth place overall, crossing the finish line in 15:52.32. The rest of the team’s top five runners were senior Blake Walker (19th, 16:05.88), senior Gabriel Lara (32nd, 16:19.79), junior Zachary Harrigan (45th, 16:26.18) and senior Rama Jonnalgadda (56th, 16:30.95). Steinbrenner’s 129 points in the meet were enough to edge out second-place team finisher Nease High (140)

Gaither, Steinbrenner football programs reach state semifinals
It was a banner year for the two Lutz area prep football programs, as both Steinbrenner and Gaither high schools reached the state semifinals in Classes 6A and 8A, respectively. Both programs were buoyed by top-flight senior quarterbacks— Haden Carlson for Steinbrenner, Tony Bartalo for Gaither — plus several other Division I prospects dotting their respective rosters. Moreover, both local programs went 12-2, marking the only 10-plus win seasons from teams in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Published January 01, 2020

Dade City project put ‘on hold’ for Kumquat Festival

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Trying to ease concerns from downtown merchants, the City of Dade City’s massive downtown stormwater capital improvement project will be halted until after the Jan. 25 Kumquat Festival.

The work stoppage will come with a price tag not to exceed $65,000 — as contractor Kamminga & Roodvoets (K&R) will need to place temporary asphalt from Pasco Avenue to Sixth Street, and remove all construction staging equipment for the week leading up to and after the festival.

Heavy construction machinery is spread out all along Pasco Avenue, as work is underway on Dade City’s $2.3 million downtown stormwater improvement project. The area will be cleaned up and temporarily paved for the week of the Kumquat Festival. (Kevin Weiss)

Commissioners unanimously approved the construction change order “not to exceed $65,000” during a Dec. 17 special meeting.

Under the work order, the contractor will install the asphalt, then remove it after the Kumquat Festival, so crews can resume installing pipes, generally from Pasco Avenue to Seventh Street to the intersection of Pasco Avenue and Fifth Street.

Commissioners took the action after downtown business owners and merchants pleaded with city officials earlier this month to pause the project. They feared that construction work zones could negatively impact the safety and overall experience of festival vendors and attendees, and in turn, local businesses.

The annual festival, in its 23rd year, is expected to draw more than 400 vendors and 35,000 visitors, with an estimated economic impact of almost $900,000.

Dade City business leaders originally called for the stormwater project to be delayed until April altogether, so as to not disrupt the busy winter season where northern snowbird residents and other visitors flock to the city.

But, that suggestion was strongly discouraged by Doug Benjamin, K&R’s vice president of Florida field operations, at the Dec. 17 meeting.

He told commissioners delaying the project until April “is a very bad idea,” noting it would create scheduling conflicts with K&R crews scheduled to be on other jobs, and interfere with Florida’s wet season, which could yield further delays.

Benjamin put it like this: “We’re in the dry season — this is when we can work, without dewatering and without additional costs.”

Benjamin said he understands the inconvenience for local business owners, but it’s all a reality with any downtown stormwater project: “There’s always an economic impact when we work in cities and towns – that’s what we do. What you see out here is what we do day in and day out, all over the Tampa Bay area, and there’s always an impact, there just is.”

Local business owners also have taken issue with the amount of heavy machinery equipment and concrete piles blocking off parts of the downtown and access to parking around Pasco Avenue and near the Historic Courthouse. Some have called for staging areas to be placed somewhere west of Seventh Street once construction resumes.

Benjamin rebuffed those suggestions, too. He stressed that area really needs to be shut down when work crews proceed with the project’s water main portion, also noting there’s additional liability associated with the further away equipment is placed from a work zone. “You can do anything for a cost, but there’s a huge cost associated with that, and it’s going to slow the project way down,” he said.

“The more hurdles you put in our way, the longer it’s going to take,” he said

The $2.3 million stormwater project is funded by state appropriations, as well as the Florida Department of Transportation and Dade City. It seeks to address flooding problems that have plagued the area for years, where downtown streets and sidewalks have been known to be swallowed in at least 6 inches to 7 inches of standing water for days at a time after heavy rains.

The scope of the project generally takes underground piping through multiple downtown streets into an existing conveyance system into a reconfigured Irwin Pond, just pass U.S. 98 and the CSX railway.

Work began in August, but was delayed more than a month because TECO and Centurylink needed to clear their utility complex around construction zones. The project has a yearlong timeline for completion.

Mayor Camille Hernandez said the decision to temporarily pause construction to accommodate the Kumquat Festival “is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but we’re trying to do what’s in the best interest of the merchants in Dade City.”

Hernandez, like fellow commissioners, said she would have preferred to delay construction until the springtime so downtown business owners can capitalize during the busy winter months.  “We’re throwing money away, but I don’t think we have a lot of other options at this point. We’re trying to salvage what we can for the holiday season,” she said.

Commissioner Nicole Deese Newlon said the plan doesn’t go far enough to help merchants, but added, “I don’t know that there’s much alternative at this point.”

Meanwhile, Commissioner Jim Shive called the brief construction postponement “a workable solution.”

Published December 25, 2019

All-Pasco County fall awards announced

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High school coaches from Pasco County Schools recently announced Sunshine Athletic Conference (SAC) All-Conference Teams, Athletes of the Year and Coaches of the Year, for the 2019-2020 fall sports season.

Selections were made for both the East and West division.

The following high schools from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area were represented in the East: Cypress Creek, Land O’ Lakes, Pasco, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills.

Here is a listing of girls team and individual recipients within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area for volleyball, cross country, golf, and swimming and diving.

The Sunlake High School varsity volleyball team went 18-7 and reached the Class 6A region quarterfinals. (Courtesy of Sunlake High School Athletics)

Fall Sports (Girls)
SAC East All-Conference Volleyball
Team Champion: Sunlake
Coach of the Year: Robin Holowiak, Wiregrass Ranch
Player of the Year: Bianca Vieira, Land O’ Lakes

First-Team
Zoi Evans, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
Kayla Baer, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore
Cydnee Reimann, Sunlake, senior
Caroline Schoonover, Sunlake, senior
Brette Heymann, Sunlake, junior
Taylor Moore, Pasco, senior
Jordan Danielson, Wesley Chapel, junior

Second-Team
Caitlin Astell, Sunlake, senior
Sofia McGuire, Sunlake, senior
Hanna Sifford, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Abbie Hindersman, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Rebecca Wolfe, Pasco, senior
Chloe Danielson, Wesley Chapel, freshman
Jasmine Christian, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore

Honorable Mention
Mercedes Kruger, Zephyrhills, junior
Alexis Driggers, Wiregrass Ranch, junior

The Sunlake High varsity girls cross-country team won the Sunshine Athletic Conference title, then went on to place sixth in the Class 3A state meet — the best finish among girls programs in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. (Courtesy of Sunlake High School Athletics)

AC East All-Conference Girls’ Cross-Country
Team Champion: Sunlake
Coach of the Year: Randall Reeves, Sunlake
Runner of the Year: Liina Winborn, Sunlake

First-Team
Liina Winborn, Sunlake, senior
Shannon Gordy, Sunlake, junior
Ashley Spires, Sunlake, junior
Emily Jenkins, Sunlake, senior
Emma Burleson, Sunlake, sophomore
Mya Hill, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
Hannah Sheen, Wiregrass Ranch, freshman

Second-Team
Breanna Preiser, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
Annie Winborn, Sunlake, freshman
Maranda Hildebrand, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore
Destiny Saltzman, Sunlake, senior
Elise Noll, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Brianna Patane, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
Madison Poe, Zephyrhills, sophomore

Honorable Mention
Agnes Hernandez, Pasco, junior
Mary Flook, Cypress Creek, senior
Amanda Walford, Wesley Chapel, freshman

The Wiregrass Ranch High School varsity girls golf team was the Sunshine Athletic Conference Eastside’s conference team champion. The Bulls ended up advancing to the 3A-3 regional. (Courtesy of Wiregrass Ranch High School Athletics)

SAC East All-Conference Girls’ Golf
Team Champion: Wiregrass Ranch
Coach of the Year: Jeremy Calzone, Wiregrass Ranch
Golfer of the Year: Norah Catlin, Wiregrass Ranch

First-Team
Taylor Zachary, Sunlake, sophomore
Tiffany Colin, Wiregrass Ranch, freshman
Sophia Clark, Sunlake, senior
Loryn Finn, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Madison Wagner, Sunlake, senior

Second-Team
Carmen Phousirith, Wiregrass Ranch, freshman
Ricci Guico, Zephyrhills, senior
Calissa Kwiat, Cypress Creek, senior
Cydnee Jonas, Wesley Chapel, junior
Hailey Hannigan, Land O’ Lakes, senior

Honorable Mention
Evelyn Randall, Pasco, sophomore
Helena Potter, Sunlake, sophomore

The Sunlake High varsity girls swimming and diving team won the Sunshine Athletic Conference title for a second straight year, then went on to place ninth in the 3A state championships. (Courtesy of Sunlake High School Athletics)

SAC East All-Conference Girls’ Swimming & Diving
Team Champion: Sunlake
Coach of the Year: Lorin Collins, Sunlake
Swimmer of the Year: Gisella Wright, Sunlake
Diver of the Year: Isabela Monagas, Sunlake

First-Team
200 Medley Relay: (Sunlake) — Amber Ewald, sophomore; Audrey Ballash, senior; Gisella Wright, freshman; Alex Sprague, junior
200 Freestyle: Apryl Paquette, Land O’ Lakes, junior
200 Individual Medley: Audrey Ballash, Sunlake, senior
50 Freestyle: Alex Sprague, Sunlake, junior
100 Butterfly: Gisella Wright, Sunlake, freshman
100 Freestyle: Gisella Wright, Sunlake, freshman
500 Freestyle: Apryl Paquette, Land O’ Lakes, junior
200 Freestyle Relay: (Sunlake) — Tori Eurell, senior; Audrey Ballash, senior; Alex Sprague, junior; Gisella Wright, freshman
100 Backstroke: Amber Ewald, Sunlake, sophomore
100 Breaststroke: Audrey Ballash, Sunlake, senior
400 Freestyle Relay: (Sunlake) — Tori Eurell, senior; Leah Fonnotto, sophomore; Madison Houck, freshman; Lilli Hilt, sophomore
Diver: Isabela Monagas, Sunlake, junior

Second-Team
200 Medley Relay: (Wiregrass Ranch) — Cheyenne Herold, sophomore; Maryam Khalil, sophomore; Jenna Darland, freshman; Kathleen Wiechowski, sophomore
200 Freestyle: Jennifer Zartman, Land O’ Lakes, senior
200 Individual Medley: Catherine Pinkos, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore
50 Freestyle: Amaya Henry, Land O’ Lakes, senior
100 Butterfly: Jenna Darland, Wiregrass Ranch, freshman
100 Freestyle: Amaya Henry, Land O’ Lakes, senior
500 Freestyle: Catherine Pinkos, Land O’ Lakes, senior
200 Freestyle Relay: (Cypress Creek) — Gianna Nuguit, junior; Casey Cubitt, senior; Reeya Latchana, freshman; Julia Spielberger, freshman
100 Backstroke: Jenna Darland, Wiregrass Ranch, freshman
100 Breaststroke: Maryam Khalil, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore
400 Freestyle Relay: (Wiregrass Ranch) — Cheyenne Herold, sophomore; Maryam Khalil, sophomore; Jenna Darland, freshman; Kathleen Wiechowski, sophomore
Diver: Tifani Farquhar, Wesley Chapel, senior

Honorable Mention
Casey Wright, Pasco, freshman
Mykenzy Neal, Zephyrhills, senior

Published December 25, 2019

Wiregrass Ranch football product earns All-American nod

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Wesley Chapel native Chris Faddoul (Courtesy of Florida A&M University Athletics)

Former Wiregrass Ranch football star Chris Faddoul, now a junior punter at Florida A&M University (FAMU), has been named third-team Associated Press FCS All-American.

The Wesley Chapel native’s average of 46 yards per punt this season ranked second in Division I FCS (Football Championship Series). He tallied 40 punts for 1,841 yards, with 19 punts placed inside the 20-yard line, with only five touchbacks. He also registered a season-long punt of 72 yards in an Oct. 20 overtime win over nationally-ranked North Carolina A&T State.

Faddoul previously earned first team All-MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic) Conference honors, for the 2019 campaign.

At Wiregrass Ranch, Faddoul was a multi-sport standout, playing football, soccer, tennis, and also competing in track & field. His senior year on the gridiron, Faddoul guided the Bulls to a state playoff appearance in 2016, as the team’s starting quarterback, kicker and punter.

1,000 point club

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(Courtesy of Saint Leo University Athletics)

Saint Leo University senior guard Kyran McClure joined the 1,000-point club in a 69-65 overtime home win over the University of Tampa, on Dec. 14. The North Carolina native is the 24th player in program history to eclipse the 1,000-point plateau. McClure has played for the Lions for three seasons, transferring from Navy after his freshman year. He currently is the leading scorer for the Lions, averaging nearly 21 points per game. He also led the team in scoring last season, averaging 17.1 points.

Pasco surpasses one million visitors in 2019

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Pasco County has hit the million-visitor mark, establishing a new record for tourism in a single fiscal year.

The county’s tourism department, which brands the county as Florida’s Sports Coast, reported that 1,038,700 million visitors generated 1,217,021 room nights in paid accommodations between October 2018 and September 2019.

Pasco County tourism director Adam Thomas, at Florida’s Sports Coast brand launch earlier this year, at Tampa International Airport. (Courtesy of Pasco County Office of Tourism)

By comparison, the number of visitors in fiscal year 2018 was roughly 965,000 visitors, generating about 1,132,000 room nights in paid accommodations.

Some other key tourism findings:

  • Visitor spending in fiscal year 2019 translated to more than $652 million in economic impact to the area, a 6% increase from 2018.
  • County bed tax collections surpassed $3 million — another first, and also a 15% increase from the previous year.
  • Tourism supported 7,870 jobs, a 5% percent increase from 2018, and equaled $168,157,000 in wages and salaries (up 7% from the previous year).

For every dollar spent in marketing, the return is $447 in visitor spending, according to Adam Thomas, the county’s tourism director.

The growth in tourism follows a shift in the county’s branding to emphasize sports and recreation.

Its current tourism pitches are based on the brand, “Florida’s Sports Coast,” with the tagline “Let’s Play.”

The shift to the new brand was made in March, replacing the previous slogan “Visit Pasco. Open Spaces. Vibrant Places.”

The new brand highlights the county’s growing list of recreational sports venues and outdoor activities.

In a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz News, Thomas said the new brand identity, along with enhanced strategized marketing efforts, has yielded a greater impression in tourism circles both statewide and nationally.

Increased participation in national-based tourism and consumer shows, as well as media missions, have helped spread awareness about Pasco County as a popular vacation spot, said Thomas, who took over the tourism department in fall 2017.

“We now are seeing our destination image change overnight,” he said, “and it’s really going to make an impact for further visitation because we’re only going to further tell our story.”

Crossing the 1 million visitor mark, he said, “is a milestone” for the county.

“We’re only going to see our visitation numbers increase,” Thomas added.

A larger staff is working to ensure all that.

When Thomas took over the office, he had one other staffer. Now, he has a team of seven, including the recent addition of a digital content producer and corporate tourism sales manager.

With a slew of new sports and recreation facilities coming online within the next year or so,

the county is poised for even more tourism growth.

New facilities coming online include the Wiregrass Sports Complex of Pasco County in Wesley Chapel, the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center in Zephyrhills, and the state’s first and only alpine snow park being built Dade City.

Those facilities will add to Wesley Chapel’s AdventHealth Center Ice, Saddlebrook Golf & Tennis Resort, and outdoor adventure activities, including skydiving, saltwater fishing, parks and nature trails.

Several hotels also are coming to the county in 2020. Those include the renovation of New Port Richey’s historic Hacienda Hotel into a 40-room boutique hotel; a 124-room Residence Inn by Marriott next to the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex; and, two Woodspring Suites extended Suites extended stay-style hotels, in close proximity to AdventHealth Center Ice.

The county is banking on those sports and hospitality venues to thrive in any economic climate, Thomas said.

The tourism leader pointed out youth and amateur sports tourism is “a sustainable entity” even in economic downturns because parents are still apt to invest in their children’s athletic endeavors no matter what.

“You’re still going to get Johnny to his baseball game, you’re going to get Cindy to her cheerleading competition,” Thomas observed.

However, Pasco wants to be more than just a youth sports and recreation hotbed, Thomas said.

The tourism director said his staff is also putting greater focus on luring group business travelers (social, military, education, religious, fraternal groups) for conventions, retreats and so on.

The addition of more hotels and sports venues helps to “diversify not only our destination, but our portfolio as a sports, leisure and business destination,” Thomas said.

Tourism statistics reveal that Pasco’s visitors come from six states: Florida, New York, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee, Thomas said during a Pasco County Commission meeting last week.

Of those visiting the county, 42 percent are from Florida, he added.

Published December 18, 2019

Hanukkah begins Dec. 22

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The eight-day Jewish festival known as Hanukkah or Chanukah, this year runs from the evening of Dec. 22 to the evening of Dec. 30.

The celebration, also known as the “festival of lights,” commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem in second century B.C., where according to legend, Jews had risen up against their Syrian Greek oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.

Each year, Chabad at Wiregrass holds a Hanukkah celebration and menorah lighting at The Shops at Wiregrass. The synagogue will host the event on Dec. 29. (File)

As the story goes, once the Greeks were run out of the city, Maccabees took possession of the temple, and worked to purify it from the invasion. A menorah was required to burn throughout the night every night, but there was only a day’s supply of olive oil available — and it would take a week to produce more. Yet, the oil somehow lasted eight days, creating a “miracle” that has been celebrated ever since.

Hanukkah is celebrated toward the end of the Jewish month Kislev, which usually falls in November or December of the common calendar.

Jews today acknowledge the holiday by lighting a menorah (a candelabrum, also called a Hanukkiah) for eight nights, adding a candle each day until all eight, plus a head candle, are lit together.

The holiday is celebrated with traditional foods, such as pontshkes and latkes (jam-filled doughnuts and potato pancakes), along with gift exchanges, songs and melodies, prayers, and a recounting of the miracle. The holiday is also a time for kids to play games with a dreidel, a four-sided spinning top with a Hebrew letter on each side.

Hanukkah events

Where: Congregation Kol Ami, 3919 Moran Road, Tampa
What: Annual Congregational Hanukkah Party, including food, games, music and dancing, and outdoor lighting of the Hanukkiah.
When: Dec. 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Event is free and all are welcome
Info: Call (813) 962-6338, or email .

Where: Congregation Mekor Shalom, 14005A N. Dale Mabry Highway
What: Seventh annual Light Up the 1st Night Hanukkah Party. The celebration will include a communal lighting (bring your own Hanukkiah), latke bar, sweets, dreidel spin-off and sing-a-long, and storytime and crafts (for children under 8 years old). Event also will include a white elephant gift exchange for Mekor Shalom youth in grades seven through 10.
When: Dec. 22 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Info: Call (813) 963-1818, or visit MekorShalom.org.

Where: Trinity Community Park, 11530 Trinity Blvd., adjacent to the Pasco Sheriff’s District Office/Pasco Fire Rescue Station
What: Chabad of West Pasco presents its Grand Chanukah Celebration. The event will feature Blaise Ryndes’ Bubble Show, seen on America’s Got Talent; also, Chanukah crafts for kids, latkes and doughnuts, face painting, music, balloon sculpting and appearances from local dignitaries.
When: Dec. 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Event is free and open to the community.
Info: Call (727) 376-3366, or email .

Where: Congregation Beth Am, 2030 W. Fletcher Ave., Tampa
What: Chanukah Potluck Supper and Menorah Building Contest. Attendees are encouraged to bring a Chanukiah and a dairy or vegetarian dish, as Men’s Club potato latkes will be provided. Attendees also are encouraged to participate in Beth Am’s annual menorah-building contest. The candles should all be at the same level to be considered kosher. The contest is limited to one entry per family or person, and there will be prizes. Event also will feature singing with the Cantor and an opportunity to participate in Shabbat.
When: Dec. 27 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Info: Call (813) 968-8511, or email .

Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, in front of Dillard’s
What: Chabad at Wiregrass will host its annual Chanukah Street Fair, a family friendly event that will feature an obstacle course, live DJ rock climbing, 3D Chanukah video game, criss-cross race, face painting, balloon twisting, latkes and doughnuts, a stilt walker, Chanukah crafts, raffle and more. Reko, from the American Ninja Warrior television series, also will make an appearance and provide live entertainment.
When: Dec. 29 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Event is free and open to the public.
Info: Call (813) 642-3244, email , or visit ChabadatWiregrass.com.

Where: AdventHealth Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel
What: Young Israel of Tampa’s 15th annual Hanukkah on Ice. The event will feature the lighting of a large ice sculpted menorah, ice skating, Jewish music, kosher food stand, arts and crafts, latkes and a raffle.
When: Dec. 29 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Admission is $5 and includes ice skate rental.
Info and RSVP: Call (813) 832-3018.

Where: Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Veranda C tailgate
What: Celebrate Chanukah with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, featuring a pre-game concert from the Big Picture Band and a menorah lighting with team owner Bryan Glazer. Kosher lunch, latkes, doughnuts and dessert also will be served.
When: Dec. 29 at 11 a.m.
Cost: Game ticket and pre-game tailgate packages start at $60. Pre-game tailgate for season pass members is $10.
Info: Visit Buccaneers/com/JHD.

Published December 18, 2019