Mike Camunas

It’s a dog-gone pool party

January 2, 2024 By Mike Camunas

There are bars, many of which allow four-legged canine friends to accompany their own owners.

And then there are dog bars.

Which is not to say dogs are sitting around — maybe even playing poker — with adult beverages. (At least, many of us wish this could happen).

No, there are a handful of dog “bars” that are springing up, which allow dogs, small and large, off their leashes, so they can play, romp and even make new friends while the owners enjoy an adult beverage.

Mutts & Martinis, located in downtown St. Petersburg, is a 21-and-up sports bar that features a small saltwater pool for your four-legged companions. Gregarious canines can swim, romp, play and make new friends, while owners grab a drink or a bite to eat. The sports bar also features several events, such as breed meet-ups, costume parties, trivia and ladies nights, and more. (Mike Camunas)

They are enclosed dog parks — but just a little extra to not only entertain the pups, but the owners, as well.

Now, there’s even more.

Mutts & Martinis isn’t the only dog bar in downtown St. Petersburg, but it is the only one that features a pool. That’s right, this new dog bar takes the splash area a step further and has a dog-only pool for pooches.

And that, my dog-loving readers, is why heading over there is totally worth the trip.

Splish splash — not a dog bath
Mutts & Martinis features a 10-foot, saltwater, dog-only pool, complete with a few water streams, rafts and plenty of tennis balls for the pups.

It’s barely 2-3 feet deep, so there won’t be any actual swimming — except for the smaller dogs — so expect a lot of romping, and splashing, around the pool’s edge.

What’s great about Mutts & Martinis is that the sports bar employs “lifeguards,” or employees that hang out in the pool area and play with the dogs. Sure, it sounds like a tough job, but it’s a lot like a kids’ indoor gym that also has employees keeping a watchful eye. In this case, it allows dog owners to enjoy food and drinks.

And that’s definitely the big appeal of Mutts & Martinis — bartenders will bring out the drinks and food, as dogs need to be leashed around the bar area. But there are plenty of shaded tables and seats for owners while the pups partake in the pool.

The sports bar features several other areas the dogs can enjoy, they just have to be leashed to do so. However, there also is a small-dog area, where the little ones can go off-leash and roam around, without feeling too overwhelmed by the chaotic pool area or larger dogs.

Hunter S. Camunas, the four-legged companion of The Laker/Lutz News Staff Writer Mike Camunas, takes a breather and enjoys the sunny surroundings of Mutts & Martinis, a dog sports bar in downtown St. Petersburg that features a 10-foot saltwater, dog-only pool.

Pooling together options
And yet, Mutts & Martinis is more than just a dog bar with a pool.

Sure, that is the main feature that stands out from the rest, but the establishment goes beyond just pool playtime.

Regularly, like any other sports bar, Mutts & Martinis will host trivia nights, theme nights, costume parties for the pups, certain holiday and sporting event specials, and even breed meetups.

The bar will host a “yappy” hour time in which owners of a certain breed of dog can all meet each other, while the dogs play. The bar does it for breeds, small and large, and several of the meetups partner with organizations such as animal shelters and those dedicated to certain breeds of dogs.

Mutts & Martinis certainly goes the distance to be as pet- friendly as possible.

In downtown St. Petersburg, dog owners can bring their dogs, small and large, to Mutts & Martinis to let their furry friends play around, while they grab a bite or drink at this dog-friendly sports bar.

Working like a dog
Again, Mutts & Martinis is, by far, not the only local dog bar — but alas, there are none currently located in Pasco County. (Anyone looking for a new business idea?)

However, Mutts & Martinis stands out because it has a dog-only pool, which isn’t to say the other dog bars we’ve listed aren’t great in their own right (I should know, I’ve been to them all with my pup, Hunter).

In fact, each dog bar features its own uniqueness and events that make it worthy of its featured article.

It’s just that Mutts & Martinis showcases a pool for the pooches.

Making this bar worth the trip — especially for the dogs.

Mutts & Martinis
Where: 2900 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
Hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Fridays, Noon to 10 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: $10 day pass. Registration is required to enter, as is proof of all current and up-to-date vaccinations for dogs.
Details: A 21-and-up sports bar in downtown St. Petersburg that features a 10-foot saltwater, dog-only pool and play area. Food and drink specials also are available. The sports bar also has employees that interact with the pups, as well as complimentary toys and towels on hand by the pool.|
Info: Visit MuttsAndMartinisOnCentral.com.

Other Dog Bar Options

Two Shepherds
Where: 4813 N Grady Ave., Tampa
TwoShepherdsTaproom.com

The Dog Bar
Where: 2300 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
DogBarStPete.com

Pups Pub Tampa
Where: 2202 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
PupsPubCo.com

Hair of the Dog Park
Where: 4211 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa
HairOfTheDogParkAndBar.com

Published January 03, 2024

Dogs scamper around the 10-foot pool at Mutts & Martinis as their owners enjoy a drink or two and watch on in delight. The sports bar also holds breed meetups regularly.

Students in store for real-world experience

January 2, 2024 By Mike Camunas

It’s not uncommon for high school students to get a part-time job.

They may work at the mall or a fast-food restaurant or Publix, but not every teen finds themselves in the workforce.

Angeline Academy of Innovation students Davina Horowitz, left, Michael Colon, center, and business instructor and teacher Chad Mallo, right, work the counter at the Bullseye Corner Store at the first-year school in Land O’ Lakes. The store, which opened in December, will be fully student run, with Mallo’s students gaining real-world experience in retail, customer service, marketing and advertising, managerial fields and more. The store will feature fun items for students, as well as school-branded gear. (Mike Camunas)

Angeline Academy of Innovation, the first-year magnet school in Land O’ Lakes, is looking to change that.

In December, the school opened Bullseye Corner Store, which will be run by students, many of them taking business and other like-minded classes. They’ll be unpaid “employees,” but still do everything an employee might do at, say, Gap or American Eagle, all from sales, customer service, managerial skills, marketing, advertising, social media promotion, ordering, quality control, stocking and even housekeeping.

“We’re going to operate this like a real-world store,” Angeline business instructor and teacher Chad Mallo said. “So it’s similar to the real-world experience, not a cookie-cutter class or experience, that way they know what to do whether here or at their first real job or next job.”

Mallo thought having a student fully run store would be beneficial to them, especially beyond what he can teach or talk about in a classroom. Which is why whoever is hired at Bullseye will be required to apply with a resume and have a sit-down interview.

Angeline Academy of Innovation business instructor and teacher Chad Mallo will guide and educate his students to run Bullseye Corner Store at the first-year school in Land O’ Lakes, where they’ll learn real-life skills on how to work in customer service, as well as build a resume and apply for jobs.

“I want them to go through the whole real-world process,” Mallo added. “It won’t just be sales. They’re going to have job titles and responsibilities like they would at any other store or business and they’ll all have to do their jobs.”

Bullseye Corner Store will actually have two sides to it.

One side of the store will feature items like pens, stickers, toys, candy and other school supplies that students can obtain once they have enough Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) points to cash in. These items will be donated by parents.

On the other side of the store, it will actually sell, for money, school-branded gear with the school logo and mascot, The Archers. These will range from shirts, sweatshirts, hats and more, however, as part of their jobs, the students will market and research the store and see what items are their best sellers or in demand.

The monies made from these sales will go back into the school, usually to help fund field trips or other projects.

“All that stuff, we’re learning in class,” freshman shop worker Davina Horowitz said. “We’re learning how to fill out applications, resumes, interview techniques — all of which were used to work at the school store, but also for more jobs. … We’re given the opportunity to run (the store), to have the responsibility to run it because usually admin or staff volunteers run a school store.

Bullseye Corner Store co-workers Davina Horowitz, left, and Michael Colon go over some housekeeping and customer service items for their ‘jobs’ at the store at Angeline Academy of Innovation in Land O’ Lakes, which will be fully run by students.

“I think that makes it more of a school store because having students run it, that really not only gives us the experience, but really makes a school store — and it’ll be great that students are running it.”

“We have to go through the roles and learn the responsibilities,” sophomore co-worker Michael Colon added. “We will learn what a manager really does and what they go through. It’ll be interesting because we’ll be learning about it on the job, both at the store and in class.

“We’re a school store, but run by the students — that’s what makes us different from other school stores.”

Mallo’s classes also collaborated with the school’s Career Technical & Agricultural Education team — Michael Marchesano, Nichole Matthews, Loc Hoang and Lisa Witfoth — to include those students as part of running the store. The students combined to pick the name of the store and work out all the details.

Angeline Academy of Innovation Business Instructor and teacher Chad Mallo, right, speaks with four of his students, from left to right: Davina Horowitz, Lianna Gonzalez, Michael Colon and Brandon Miller, at the school’s newest business, Bullseye Corner Store.

They also approved store designs and builds that came from Mark Fox, director of maintenance services, and Jimmy Witfoth, senior crew chief, who would eventually install the cabinets. They also approved the neon sign, which was built and installed by Kelvin Valle of Transonic Laser Engraving.

And the store is already seeing anxious customers.

“Hey, if you build (it), they will come (laughs),” Mallo added.

But the real excitement is coming from, believe it or not, the student employees, who are ready to get their hands on the real-life experience. They’re ready to sell and even deal with customers.

“This is going to give us a lot of experience for other jobs,” Horowitz said. “We may not get paid, but it will pay off.”

“I’m excited to get it up and running,” Colon said. “No, I’m not getting paid, but the experience is great, which I think we’re all looking forward to, especially finally having customers.”

Mallo agrees.

“We’re covering everything,” Mallo said. “I tell the students to have a smiling face, even if customers are rude, but don’t be confrontational. If there is a ‘situation,’ try to de-escalate it, just like you would teach an employee in the real world.

“And to keep a smile, and if all else fails, come get Mr. Mallo (laughs).”

Published January 03, 2024

Vroom, vroom at the Croom

January 2, 2024 By Mike Camunas

Surprisingly, a big dirt field is a tourist attraction.

It’s the Croom Motorcycle Area (CMA) and avid riders come from miles (and locally) to use the 2,600-acre wide-open area located within Withlacoochee State Forest in Brooksville.

Austin Lavo, a tour-guide and instructor with Wolfpack ATV Riding, takes a look at Croom Motorcycle Area — a 2,600-acre, wide-open area specifically designed for dirt bikes, ATVs and more. Located in the Withlacoochee State Forest in Brooksville, the area is open daily and provides plenty of space, and wooded trails, for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts to ride around, as well as Lavo and Wolfpack to provide ATV rentals for tours and rides. (Mike Camunas)

Open daily, rain or shine, the area even offers wooded trails to enjoy some nature. And it sees tourists, and locals, come to spend a day riding around for adventure and enjoyment.

“We get like 80% tourists,” said David Collins, owner and operator of Wolfpack ATV Riding.

Collins, for nearly five years now, has run his ATV Riding business out of CMA, giving off-highway vehicle enthusiasts a chance to free ride or even take a guided tour. Collins says some people — especially those from Tampa and Pasco County — will bring their own ATV or dirt bike or four-wheeler, but since he ends up renting to a lot of tourists, he knows coming to CMA to ride for the afternoon is a popular destination.

“We get people from all over — from Orlando, from down south,” he continued. “A lot of people come to Florida, and maybe they don’t want to go to the beach or (in the winter) maybe it’s too cold to be at the beach, but they want to be out and ride around, and even ride through the woods. This way, they can get out for the afternoon and ride. … People are on vacation, and we market to that, so they come out and it’s something a little different, but it’s a great area and track and it’s always a popular spot.”

Collins added that while people will trailer or haul out in their own ATV or four-wheelers, his rental business is not different from, say, a company that rents out boats or kayaks on the water. Meaning, it’s an easy way for people to experience the CMA, but not worrying about towing a trailer or even the maintenance that comes with owning a four-wheeler.

Austin Lavo, left, and David Collins come around on a dune at the Croom Motorcycle Area in Brooksville. The 2,600-acre, wide-open area allows dirt bikes, ATVs and more to rev up and ride through hills and mounds, as well as wooded trails in the Withlacoochee State Forest.

“There’s not many places to go and do this, at least a wide-open space with trails, some for dirt bikes or even for kids in the back,” he added. “This is a pretty popular spot, even in a state park, so it’s really the place to go.”

There are specific areas for inexperienced riders that are 12 and under, and vehicles must be 1,500 pounds or less, as there will be a variety of off-roading vehicles in the park.

Collins says they offer guided tours, but usually people are content to just jump on a four-wheeler and zoom around the Croom.

“Everyone loves to get out there and take full advantage of the 2,600 acres,” he said. “Locals, tourists, people coming over from a nearby county — it’s a popular spot and there are hardly any times when it’s truly dead. There are busier times than others, but if you can’t find some space or aren’t happy enough with 2,600 acres, then you’re at the wrong place.”

Croom Motorcycle Area
Where: 6420 La Rose Road, Brooksville
When: Open daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Day passes start at $14. Annual passes available.
Details: Off-highway vehicle enthusiasts in Central Florida will find miles of trails within the 2,600-acre Croom Motorcycle Area (CMA) at Withlacoochee State Forest. The wide-open area features hills and turns and dunes for dirt bikes, ATVs and more. Renting ATVs also is available, from companies such as Wolfpack ATV Riding, which has hourly rates in the CMA starting at $125.
For more information on the CMA, visit tinyurl.com/ycxbz2mj.
For more about WolfPack rentals, visit TampaATVRiding.com.

Published January 03, 2024

An ATV rider prepares to head out to the Croom Motorcycle Area — a 2,600-acre, wide-open area specifically designed for dirt bikes, ATVs and more, located in the Withlacoochee State Forest in Brooksville.

An ATV rider zooms through the Croom Motorcycle Area — a 2,600-acre, wide-open area specifically designed for dirt bikes, ATVs and more, located in the Withlacoochee State Forest in Brooksville.

David Collins walks past some of his ATVs he rents through his company, Wolfpack ATV Riding, which runs out of Croom Motorcycle Area in Brooksville.

Croom Motorcycle Area is a 2,600-acre, wide open area specifically designed for dirt bikes, ATVs and more, located in the Withlacoochee State Forest in Brooksville.

What’s up is that ATV rentals, from the likes of Wolfpack ATV Riding, are available for hourly rates at Croom Motorcycle Area — a 2,600-acre, wide-open area located in the Withlacoochee State Forest in Brooksville.

Land O’ Lakes, Lutz celebrate tradition, change in 2023

December 26, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Being neighboring towns and communities, Land O’ Lakes and Lutz will forever be intertwined in events, interactions, sports, outreach and more. This year, those areas saw a lot of change and happenings coming their way, so we’re taking a look back at some of the important stories that came out of Land O’ Lakes and Lutz in 2023.

**Lutz business owners, couple share kidney**
Aaron and Andrea Barnes have shared the bond of love, being married for 20 years. However, the Wesley Chapel couple became closer than ever in February, as Andrea donated a kidney to Aaron, who has been dealing with chronic kidney failure (CKF) for decades. It extended and bettered his life, one filled with dialysis sessions three times a week and a year of health deterioration that has taken its toll on the family of five.
As co-owners of Tru U Fitness Studio in Lutz, the couple are hoping the major surgery will improve their lives, which has been filled with many life-and-death scares and medical procedures.
“No, not anymore am I scared,” Aaron told The Laker/Lutz News in January, referring to the impending procedure at the time. “After being in critical condition four times and almost dying four times, I’m not scared anymore.
“At this point, I can’t be scared anymore because this is what I need not to die.” (Mike Camunas)

**Angeline Academy of Innovation opens in Land O’ Lakes**
New schools, it seems, are being announced, and opening, nearly every school year in Pasco County, and in 2023, it was no different.
On the first day of school on Aug. 10, the doors of Angeline Academy of Innovation in Land O’ Lakes were opened, marking Pasco County’s newest school. The $52.7-million, 6-12 magnet school, run by Principal JoAnne Glenn, will focus on technology courses and will also feature athletic teams.
“Literally, since November, I have been completely engrossed with the nitty gritty,” Glenn, who helped open Wharton High in 1997 and Pasco’s eSchool in 2009, told The Laker/Lutz News in August. “It was a lot of fun to look through it all, go over everything, from the equipment, to the teachers we wanted to hire.
“Kids here are going to be solving the world’s problems, I really believe that,” she added. “I’m excited that my teachers, in this setting, will be able to use their time and expertise a little differently than in a traditional setting.”
Additionally, the “town” of Angeline is well underway, with more homes being added to the budding neighborhoods that already have residents in homes. Also, in January 2023, Moffitt and Pasco County officials held the groundbreaking that symbolized the beginning of construction of the complex, including a 100,000-square-foot clinic and a research center sprawling 250,000 square feet, which is slated to open in 2025. (Mike Camunas)

**Community rallies around Ukulele Brand’s, local restaurant damaged, closed due to accide**nt
Ukulele Brand’s, the longstanding, lakeside restaurant and bar at 4805 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., reopened on April 18, after a nearly three-month closure.
The restaurant, which has been serving loyal patrons for 25 years, welcomed back crowds and live music while returning to full service and its regular hours.
The popular dining spot sustained extensive damages on the night of Jan. 25, when an SUV and food truck plowed into an exterior wall, leaving a large hole, knocking into kitchen equipment and essentially forcing the business to shut down.
The incident required the restaurant to turn off the power, which resulted in food spoiling. It also needed to shutter its doors, while repairs were made.
“How no one died — I don’t know. No clue,” Ukuleke’s manager Jennifer Fischer told The Laker/Lutz News in February. “Our dishwasher flew 10 to 15 feet into my kitchen area, where there were staff members — it was horrible. When I watched the video, my heart was in my throat, and I don’t know how it wasn’t worse.”
During the closure, the community demonstrated an outpouring of support during a Feb. 18 support-the-staff fundraiser organized by local businesses and the Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes.
The more than $20,000 raised went to help the temporarily unemployed 42 employees of Ukulele Brand’s. (Mike Camunas)

**PopStroke Tampa opens in Lutz/Wesley Chapel corridor**
Coming with high anticipation and much fanfare, PopStroke Tampa, a new 36-hole, state-of-the-art, putt-putt experience with its courses designed by Tiger Woods, opened on Feb. 17, bringing with it hundreds of locals ready to try the new attraction.
The golfing venue, at 25297 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz, features an outdoor dining area with a full menu and craft beer, wine and signature cocktails. It also has an ice cream parlor, outdoor game area and a playground.
PopStroke’s two courses — Tiger Black and Tiger Red — were designed by TGR Design, a golf course design company owned by golf legend Tiger Woods.
“It’s been a long journey to getting here in Pasco County,” PopStroke founder and co-owner Greg Bartoli said at the grand opening. “We first discovered this site (near the intersection of State Road 56 and Wesley Chapel Boulevard) about three years ago, and we have been welcomed with open arms from the Pasco community.
“I spend a lot of time in Tampa, as my kids play youth sports here all the time,” he added. “So, I know the facilities and communities here are second to none, and that’s what put this place on the market for a PopStroke.” (Mike Camunas)

**New lanes on U.S. 41 open**
After more than two years of reconstruction, U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes has more, much-needed lanes.
In early October, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) removed barrels and opened its new lanes on U.S. 41, or Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, beginning at Connerton Boulevard and heading north to State Road 52.
Now, U.S. 41 is a four-lane divided highway from Ehren Cutoff and ending at State Road 52.
The $16.9-million project began March 12, 2021 and added nearly three miles of new lanes past northern Land O’ Lakes subdivisions such as Tierra Del Sol and Asbel, and AdventHealth Connerton. The project also included drainage improvements and roadway signage and markings.
The new four-lane U.S. 41 will come in handy, as the county and FDOT readies to extend the Ridge Road Extension even further, bringing it from Sunlake Boulevard to U.S. 41 and Connerton Boulevard.
That project, which is Phase 2 of the Ridge Road extension, is slated for completion in late 2025.
As for State Road 52, the widening to a six-lane divided highway from the Suncoast Parkway to east of U.S. 41 and approximately one-mile total of widening on U.S. 41 approaching the State Road 52 intersection in each direction is still underway. According to the FDOT website, completion on that $49.9-million project is tentatively set for early 2024. (Mike Camunas)

**Local Lutz Boy Scout Troop turns 90**
Boy Scout Troop 12 celebrated its 90th anniversary of camping, pine car racing, merit badge collecting, as well as community service projects and turning boys into men and men into leaders. According to former Scoutmaster and Troop Historian Paul Evans, the troop has had an uninterrupted charter since it was formed in 1933 and has produced dozens of Eagle Scouts, including the first: Ralph Combs in 1939.
“You can’t look around Lutz without seeing (an Eagle Scout project), and, of course, we always look at places close to us (for projects), from the K-8 School to the Old School House,” Troop 12 Scoutmaster Doug Tibbett told The Laker/Lutz News in September. “Those projects, they’re great, because they’re a part of Lutz and always will be.” (Mike Camunas)

Growth, change were East Pasco’s big stories in 2023

December 26, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Over on the east side of Pasco County, there’s Zephyrhills, Dade City, San Antonio, St. Leo, Lacoochee, Trilby and more, some of which are the oldest towns, cities, communities and municipalities in the state. But this year, those areas saw a lot of change and happenings coming their way, so we’re taking a look back at some of the important stories that came out of East Pasco in 2023.

**Zephyrhills in the midst of a makeover, more growth**
Pasco County’s largest municipality — with its population nearing 20,000 residents — is in the process of seeing a lot of changes and additions to itself. Zephyrhills not only has several projects on the books or underway, it even went about rebranding itself, from top to bottom, with a new town logo and slogan, color schemes and marketing campaign.
Unveiled in October, Zephyrhills embraced its history, heritage, well-known assets and future by telling residents and visitors to “Jump Right In.” The new slogan pays homage to Skydive City, while shying away from its former slogan, “City of Pure Water.” However, the color scheme still honors the water, as well as the green of the rolling hills in the town limits.
Additionally, groundbreaking and construction finally got underway for a brand new park. On Nov. 28, after more than five years of planning and budgeting, city officials broke ground on Hercules Park — a 12-acre, $5.4-million park project coming to the corner of County Road 54 and Gall Boulevard, adjacent to Zephyrhills High and Woodland Elementary schools. It will be the city’s first new park in more than 40 years.
Also happening in Zephyrhills will be more jobs on the horizon. Bauducco Foods purchased 72.5 acres of the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport’s Ready Site and should hire more than 600 employees within the coming decade to fill its $200-million new facility. Plus, Zephyrhills Bottled Water Plant, through its parent company, Blue Triton Brands, will get an expansion, adding 30 new positions and converting 45 of the existing 56 positions into full-time roles. (Mike Camunas)

**Dade City’s several projects updating town-wide amenities**
Over in Dade City, Zephyrhills’ sister city is also in the midst of several projects — in fact, the city is undergoing or in the process of starting eight citywide projects, in which it has invested more than $32 million.
There’s a new park with a splash pad coming to Church Avenue and Eighth Street. There’s the redesign and rejuvenation of Polly Touchton Park. The city also is working on designs, but will eventually rebuild from the ground up James Irvin Civic Center at Naomi Jones Park.
Additionally, the city will streetscape its main street, a.k.a Seventh Street, making it more shopper- and driver-friendly. And while it’s not a city, but a county project, the Pasco County Fallen Law Enforcement Memorial, just in front of the Pasco County Historic Courthouse, is nearing completion.
“We are all excited about all the projects and improvements because we know the impact it will have on Dade City,” City Manager Leslie Porter told The Laker/Lutz News in November. “We’ve been listening to the community and working with them, hand in hand, to bring what they want to Dade City, which is growing exponentially.”
“This is all very exciting,” Mayor Jim Shive added. “We can’t wait to bring them all to our city.” (MIke Camunas)

**New State Road 52; all complete to 301**
Beginning way back in late 2019, construction on the realignment and widening of State Road 52 – from Interstate 75 to U.S. 301 in Dade City—was a cause for consternation among drivers.
But that project was finally finished in early October.
State Road 52 has shifted. Instead of going through St. Leo and San Antonio, through the rolling hills past Saint Leo University, it now bears right and passes Curley and Prospect roads. State Road 52 still becomes Clinton Avenue once past Prospect Road at the edge of St. Leo. Now, starting at the new Mirada community in San Antonio, which opened its largest human-made lagoon in the country in June, the road is a four-lane highway until it intersects with U.S. 301.
Drivers can still take the old 52, which is now County Road 52, and still go past Saint Leo and head out to the residential outskirts of Dade City at Meridian Avenue. (Courtesy of FDOT)

**Orange Belt Trail planning in East Pasco still ongoing, drawing ire**
It’s been no secret that Pasco County, and its commissioners, are totally in on creating the Orange Belt Trail — a proposed, continuous 37-mile multi-use trail from Trinity to Trilby. However, while some proponents and residents are all for the Orange Belt — which will make use of the Coast-to-Coast Trail, Starkey Trail, Suncoast Trail and Withlacoochee Trail and is expected to be a 12- to 14-foot-wide paved — not all of them are as excited about this project.
Several East Pasco residents — namely from Dade City, San Antonio, Trilby and beyond — have voiced their displeasure with the project, pointing out it would intersect private properties or align with backyard property lines and that they are not willing to spend taxpayer money on it.
In August, Pasco County and Orange Belt project leaders heard several heated objections to the project, while in December the City of San Antonio also objected with a Sept. 20 letter to the Pasco County Commission, from Mayor John Vogel II, Mayor pro-tempore Mark B. Anderson and commissioners Alison Cagle, Kevin Damic and Sarah Schrader.
Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, a staunch advocate for the Orange Belt Trail, has said there are no plans for the county to take property against property owner wishes or impose on private property.
Orange Belt planning and discussion are expected to continue well into 2024. (Courtesy of Diane Jones)

**St. Leo aims to attract tourists**
St. Leo, which is Pasco County’s oldest municipality, with a history dating back to 1891, is a community working to brand itself beyond being home to its private college, Saint Leo University.
In February, the St. Leo’s Town Commission unveiled its plans for a multi-faceted town center at the corner of State Road 52 and Lemon Road. The facility will include an underground stormwater system for food and beverage vendors, overflow parking restrooms, sidewalks, gardens and performance plaza. It is seen to be a destination that will draw tourists — a crowning gem that St. Leo will market to those beyond East Pasco.
“We really did our homework here,” St. Leo Mayor Vincent D’Ambrosio told The Laker/Lutz News in February. “We know that we can maintain the history and feel of St. Leo while still showing the greatness that we know we’re capable of. With a town center, we won’t be a drive-thru town anymore, but a destination that people will want to stop at.”
(Courtesy of City of St. Leo)

Capturing moments in a snap

December 26, 2023 By Mike Camunas

As we set forth into 2024, we at The Laker/Lutz News took some time to reflect on the year that has passed, including the images that graced our pages, website and social media platforms. From community events to local sports and the stories that gripped us, here are some of our favorite images from the past year.

**Painting with Puppies – March 29**
A rescue puppy lovingly enjoys the attention from Wesley Chapel residents Brandy Poblete-Scaglione, left, and Jen Poblete-Scaglione at B Creative Painting Studio at the Grove at Wesley Chapel, during Painting with Puppies.
(Mike Camunas)

**Zephyrhills Shuffleboard Club – Feb. 15**
Chuck Moulton, the Zephyrhills Shuffleboard Club treasurer and webmaster, elegantly slides a disc to the other side of the narrow court. Moulton, like many other members, such as Fred Litzman, behind, who leans to see the shot, can be found almost daily at the club, either practicing slides, enjoying afternoon frolics or participating in the many tournaments at the club. (Mike Camunas)

**45th Bay Area Renaissance Festival – April 12**
Brianna Vorbeck, of Oldsmar, sits upon the Iron Throne — er, Throne of Swords — at the 45th Bay Area Renaissance Festival in Dade City on April 2 as her husband, Travis, snaps a picture. The yearly festival, which runs from mid-February to early April, brought the magical 16th Century European Village of Fittleworth to the wooded fields off Auton Road, just outside Withlacoochee River Park. The festival includes more than 100 artisans selling handcrafted goods and wares, entertainment from jesters, acrobats, bards and more, and even full-contact live armored jousting, themed weekends and some period-accurate food. (Mike Camunas)

**Back to School – Aug. 16**
Lake Myrtle Elementary fifth grader Kendall Cave, 10, walks her bike across Weeks Boulevard on Aug. 10, the official first day of school for Pasco County Schools. (Mike Camunas)

**112th annual Founder’s Day Festival – March 15**
A Zephyrhills couple dances at the Clock Plaza in historic downtown on Fifth Avenue, to the sounds of the Time Travelers during the Annual Founder’s Day Celebration on March 4. The 112th edition of Founder’s Day Festival returned after a two-year hiatus because of COVID and scheduling conflicts. (Mike Camunas)

14th annual Swamp Fest – Nov. 8
It was a wild, and swampy, weekend as Madison Froelich, left, and Amber Allen, both of Land O’ Lakes, are whipped around on a ride at the 14th annual Swamp Fest, the carnival of rides, games, food, entertainment and more at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. The four-day event is a community-wide fundraiser benefiting area schools, nonprofits and community groups, as well as area businesses. It is hosted by the Land O’ Lakes High School Athletic Booster Club. (Mike Camunas)

**Stomp Out Suicide Run – Oct. 18**
Iren Taylor, left, and Sarah Gruber share a laugh while running on the trail at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City during the third annual Stomp Out Suicide Trail Run, hosted by the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department. The run — that included a 10K, 5K, a fun run and a dog run — is part of the department’s ‘RECreate Your Mind’ initiative, which hosts events to bring attention to suicide prevention. (Mike Camunas)

**Saddle Up For Autism – May 17**
Ten-year-old Kam Venkat, of Wesley Chapel, straps on a helmet and gets ready to ride a friendly stallion with the help of Tammy Sliger during Saddle Up for Autism on April 29, at Kiddy Up Ranch in Hudson. Venkat, and a handful of other kiddos with special needs, had a fun afternoon that included feeding farm animals, riding and grooming horses, and playing on the ranch compound. The event is one of the inclusive activities the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department put on in April, which is Autism Awareness Month. (Mike Camunas)

**Juneteenth Community Celebration – June 28**
C’Rayiah Gardner, 7, takes a fun ride down the slide on an inflatable obstacle course during the Juneteenth Community Celebration on June 17, at the Lewis Abraham Boys & Girls Club, 38724 Mudcat Grant Blvd., in Dade City. The celebration included the family fun zone, local vendors and food trucks, free health screenings, prizes, games and raffles. (Mike Camunas)

**Sunlake Senior Showcase – Sept. 27**
Sunlake High mom Kristin Satin performs a dance in a shirt with her son’s face on it during a showcase for Seahawk Seniors’ Homecoming Week. Satin and dozens of other senior moms (and a few dads) boogied down at the football fields at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex on Sept. 20 to entertain hundreds in attendance, including their senior students and friends. (Mike Camunas)

**Pasco Blues Festival – March 1**
Eboni Reed, left, and Donette Howe enjoy a coconut drink and some bluesy music during the Seventh Annual Pasco Blues Festival on Feb. 18, at Heritage Park in Land O’ Lakes. Three popular blues artists performed throughout the afternoon. Proceeds from adult beverage sales benefit the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel’s support for the Bridging Freedom Foundation. (Mike Camunas)

**Mirada Lagoon Opens – June 14**
From left, Mirada residents Jared Romero and Tori Romero and their guest, Laura Berry, enjoy some sunbathing while lounging at Mirada Lagoon in San Antonio. It is the largest human-made lagoon in the country with 15 acres of water and offers activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, an obstacle course, water slides, a swim-up bar, lounging and beach play and playgrounds. (Mike Camunas)

**Annual Lutz Independence Day Parade – July 12**
Ten-year-old Sophia Joiner was one of hundreds of Lutz residents and locals who attended the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade on the morning of the Fourth of July. The event featured nearly 50 floats, with beads and trinkets being tossed to the patriotic faithful lined up and down Lutz Lake Fern Road, in front of the Lutz Branch Library and near the historic Lutz Train Depot. Event-goers battled the heat, but still enjoyed the parade, the cake auction, the naming of a new Lutz Guv’na, the 5K and Mile Fun Run, and other activities. The yearly event brings out a huge crowd, in the community of more than 28,000, in an unincorporated area in North Tampa. (Mike Camunas)

**Cannoli Eating Contest – Sept. 13**
Land O’ Lakes resident Trinity Boyle tries to keep down a cannoli during Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market’s first-ever Cannoli Eating Contest in Wesley Chapel on Aug. 27. (Mike Camunas)

**Chalk Art Festival – April 26**
Danielle Ostolaza, of Holiday, uses sidewalk chalk to draw one of her four sectionals of murals during the Chalk Art Festival at the KRATE at the Grove on April 16. Ostolaza, along with a handful of other local artists, were given the chance to show off their artistic styles and creations during the festival. The Wesley Chapel shopping and entertainment district also was the venue for The Harvest Market, which featured dozens of vendors. (Mike Camunas)

Favorite Sports Stories of 2023

December 26, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Here at the Community Sports Section of The Laker/Lutz News, we enjoy telling stories of local individuals — the people who live and grow up in our coverage area — and their accomplishments when it comes to the wide world of sports. From the shuffleboard in Zephyrhills to the Little Leagues in Lutz to the PAL football in Wesley Chapel to the watersports in Land O’ Lakes to the outdoor adventures in Dade City, here are a handful of our favorite sports stories from 2023.

Crumbley wins game No. 800
Published on April 19, 2023

In four decades and counting, longtime baseball coach John Crumbley has accumulated a lot of accolades, including four state titles. He is the winningest Hillsborough County baseball coach by a mile. He’s in three separate Hall of Fames, and now, thanks to a win on April 12 vs. Land O’ Lakes High, Crumbley became the first Hillsborough County coach to reach 800 wins.

“God has put a special blessing on me, my career and my family,” Crumbley told The Laker/Lutz News in April. “The results, the titles, the lifelong friendships with players and coaches — it’s been really something. … It’s been neat, and I’ve been blessed for every year and every win.”

Former Gaither baseball player now hitting coach for Rays
Published July 4, 2023

Brady North is one of two Gaither High grads coaching the Tampa Bay Rays. But North is quickly establishing himself as a valuable member of the team’s coaching staff, just finishing up his second season with the Rays. North rose the ranks in the Rays’ organization after joining the team in 2019, with the rookie-level team, and then the COVID-canceled 2020 season with the Charlotte Single-A team. The Rays added North to the coaching staff in late 2021, leaning on his keen hitting eye and his ability, because he’s bilingual, to talk freely with the team’s many Latino players.

“You can never get complacent with things,” North told The Laker/Lutz News in June. “You always have something to learn, no matter what environment it is. … I’m just trying to be the best assistant hitting coach I can be and learn everything I can.”

Local centenarians going strong
Published May 24 and July 19, 2023

Roy Caldwood, of New Tampa, and LaVerne Pace, of Lutz, aren’t about to stop their activities because of their age. Both are over 100, and they’re still going strong. Caldwood, a World War II Buffalo Soldier, can be found a few times a week at AdventHealth Wellness Center in

Wesley Chapel, where he works with a trainer and puts others half his age to shame. Pace is the same way, but she’s over at Jazzercise in Lutz, where she attends classes several times a week with close friends.

“I don’t feel 100 — I’ve never been 100 before, so I don’t know what it’s supposed to feel like!” Caldwood told The Laker/Lutz News in May. “But I’m going to keep working out and hopefully I’ll reach 101.”

“Oh yeah, I’m going to keep coming, probably until I drop dead here at Jazzercise (laughs). I’ve been very blessed with good health and family and friends,” Pace told The Laker/Lutz News in July. “I really never thought I’d reach 100 and I don’t know anyone else who has!”

McGough wins MVP, back-to-back titles
Published June 14, 2023

Alex McGough doesn’t mind being a local celebrity and he’s been one in his hometown — the Lutz/Wesley Chapel/Tampa area. But now, he is more than a local celebrity. He’s a back-to-back USFL Champion for the Birmingham Stallions, guiding that team as quarterback. He’s also an MVP, after a monster season in which McGough led the Stallions to an 8-2 record, completing a league-high 67.4% of his passes for 2,104 yards, with 20 passing touchdowns and only five interceptions, plus he rushed for 403 yards and five scores. McGough also had 307 total yards and four touchdowns in Birmingham’s championship win, which got him a brand-new contract with the Green Bay Packers. While he didn’t make the roster, he is on the team’s practice squad.

“That’s why they call it glory days, right?” McGough told The Laker/Lutz News in May. “The goal was always to make it to the NFL and play at the highest level. I’m just trying to win games, like I always have either back home or here in Birmingham.”

Steinbrenner track athlete excels single handedly
Published March 8, 2023

Dani Kanas only needs one arm. She’s proved it her whole life, especially as a one-armed javelin thrower that has competed at the top levels, including abroad. The now Warriors graduate was selected as one of 30 athletes to represent Team USA in the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports (IWAS) World Games. On that world stage in November 2022, in Portugal, Kanas brought home three medals — a gold in javelin, a silver in discus and a bronze in shot put. Now, Kanas is on the University of Alabama Para Track and Field Team.

“My goal is to show others — who may have a similar story to mine, who may be in a similar situation as me — that they shouldn’t let their disability stop them,” she told The Laker/Lutz News in February. … I want them to know that this community (of adaptive athletes) exists and they shouldn’t just assume they can’t do it because they’re not able-bodied.”

Published December 27, 2023

No gift like the present

December 19, 2023 By Mike Camunas

From Land O’ Lakes to Lutz, to Wesley Chapel and over to Zephyrhills and Dade City, everyone is gearing up — and pretty much ready — for the holidays — filled with presents, family and festive fun. Here are some of our favorite Holiday Scenes from our coverage area.

Jenn Belmont, left, and her son, Joseph, ride down a ‘real snow’ slide at the Avalon Aglow event held Dec. 9 near the community’s under-construction downtown setting in Wesley Chapel. It was one of many events in the area, celebrating the upcoming holidays with festive gatherings, vendors, photo ops, rides and attractions, and more. (Mike Camunas)

Haidyn Oliver, 6, gladly hands out a cup of hot chocolate, on a warm, but festive Dec. 9 morning, as part of a fundraiser in Lake Padgett Estates in Land O’ Lakes she does annually to raise money for Toys For Tots. This season, she raised hundreds of dollars selling just hot chocolate to those who stopped for a sweet treat.

The Spear Family — back row: mom, Paola, and dad, David; front row, from left, Katalina, Pallas and Atticus (not pictured) — excitedly look at the LEGO town, assembled brick by brick by Jason Burkett, at Christmas at the Old Lutz School House on Dec. 9.

Christmas carolers, from left to right: Derek Rourc, Brittany Gonzalez, Culver Casson and James Madden, perform ‘We Wish You A Merry Christmas’ following the tree lighting ceremony outside the Pasco County Historic Courthouse during the 39th Annual Christmas Stroll in Downtown Dade City on Dec. 9.

Parker Jenkins, of Land O’ Lakes, is all smiles meeting Santa Claus (Craig McTavish) on Dec. 9 at the Old Lutz School House.

Land O’ Lakes resident Jolie Linares peruses and shops at the Holiday Market, at Tampa Premium Outlets in Lutz on Dec. 9.

The Fisher Family — from left: Randy, Finnegan, Christina and Erin — take advantage of the open streets during the 39th Annual Christmas Stroll in Downtown Dade City on Dec. 9.

Marielle Fernandez, marketing manager of Avalon Park in Wesley Chapel, is all smiles while donning a Santa hat during the Avalon Aglow event on Dec. 9.

Zachary Pickren, left, and Angelina Smith huddle together on Dec. 2, as they await the start of the Symphony of Lights, the nightly music and light display show presented hourly in the evenings at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel.

Sylvana Inocent, left, and Josuha Straiton, pose with The Grinch himself (Marty Wilt) and, of course, Cindy Lou Who (Isabelle Wilt) at the Avalon Aglow event in Wesley Chapel on Dec. 9.

Ryleigh Klimowicz might be a mean one, but she still had a great time at the 39th Annual Christmas Stroll in Downtown Dade City on Dec. 9.

Nine-year-old Sawyer Steckman, of Land O’ Lakes, truly believes in Santa, but is also enjoying the model trail room set up at the Old Lutz School House.

Brianna Rivera, 7, left, and Jade Kelly, 4, pose on Dec. 2 for a picture with Santa Claus (Paul Barlett) at the GFWC Pasco Juniors Woman’s Club’s Breakfast with Santa Charity at the Lexington Oaks Community Center.

Thiago Rojas, 5, left, and Annai Moreno, both of Land O’ Lakes, discuss just which is the right tree to pick out on Dec. 9, at the Winterland Christmas Tree lot at The Shops at Wiregrass.

Zita Tiatano, of Wesley Chapel, displays for sale her handmade, themed tiny trees and other holiday decor during the Holiday Market held on Dec. 9, at the Tampa Premium Outlets in Lutz.

Kids and those young at heart alike enjoy the ‘snow’ coming down at Symphony of Lights on Dec 2, during the nightly music and light display show done hourly in the evenings at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel.

Zephyrhills youngster Rowan Hickman, 4, becomes a little drummer boy walking through the lights display at Agnes Lamb Park during the 39th Annual Christmas Stroll in Downtown Dade City on Dec. 9.

Kiddos and those young at heart eagerly lined up to ride down a ‘real snow’ slide on Dec. 9, at Avalon Aglow.

A Sense of Place

December 19, 2023 By Mike Camunas

If you’d like an image to be considered for publication, please email it to . Please add a sentence or two, describing when and where you took the photo and what the image means to you. Be sure to include who took the photo, where he or she lives and contact information, in case we need to reach back.

**The Truth is Out There**
The Laker/Lutz News Staff Writer Mike Camunas was featured on an episode of The X-Files — er, snapped this photo of a ‘UFO’ that made its landing on a property off U.S. Highway 301 in Dade City on Nov. 18. (Mike Camunas)

**Proof in the Preserve**
Land O’ Lakes resident Charles McCarthy took this photo of the forest preserve in Concord Station behind his home in ‘Old’ Wellington in a subdivision in the Sunlake area. ‘(It) proves that Florida CAN have a colorful autumn!’ McCarthy said.

**Hay there, ya’ll**
The Laker/Lutz News Staff Writer Mike Camunas grabbed this photo of ‘unpainted’ hay bales in the field across the street from well-known local shops such as San Antonio Pottery and Al’s Pizza Shop off Curley Road on Nov. 18.

**Loopy on the Lake**
The Laker/Lutz News Staff Writer Mike Camunas took this photo of the glassy reflection on Lake Padgett from the dock area at In The Loop Brewery in Land O’ Lakes on Nov. 29.

All-Star Football Game returns with smash-play

December 19, 2023 By Mike Camunas

It was their last time to get rowdy out on the field and the players took full advantage of it.

In a trash-talking, chippy game overwhelmed with penalties, the ninth annual FCA Pasco County All-Star Football Game saw “Best of the East vs. Best of the West” senior football players take things to the extreme, as the two teams battled it out for bragging rights.

At the end of a game that was called early due to fights, the East won 31-14 over the West.

In 2022, the game featured additional nearby counties and its players.

Founded in 2015, the game was a chance for senior football players from Pasco’s 13 public schools and two private schools with 11-man football teams to showcase their final year and have a friendly match. However, this season, the game was smash-mouth from the start, with the teams combined for 245 yards worth of penalties.

The game, organized by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, had Wiregrass Ranch coach Mark Kantor leading the East Team, comprised of fellow schools Wesley Chapel, Cypress Creek, Pasco, Zephyrhills, Sunlake and Zephyrhills Christian. The West — with schools Gulf, Anclote, Mitchell, River Ridge, Bishop McLaughlin, Hudson, Fivay and Land O’ Lakes — was led by Gulf head coach Sean Eperjesi.

The game also honored all-star cheerleaders from their respective schools.

Since its inception, the East leads the series over the West 5-3.

Cypress Creek senior running back Malachi Askin, who was fourth in Pasco County in 2023 with 1,106 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, darts through the defensive line during the ninth annual FCA Pasco County All-Star Football Game on Dec. 8 at Sunlake High. The annual game pits the ‘Best of the East vs. Best of the West’ of Pasco County senior football players, giving them a chance to show off their talents in one final high school game. (Mike Camunas)

Zephyrhills senior quarterback Brendyn Colella, who was fifth in Pasco County in 2023 with 2,167 passing yards and 23 passing touchdowns, scrambles for some yards during the ninth annual FCA Pasco County All-Star Football Game on Dec. 8 at Sunlake High.

Wiregrass senior lineman Travis Brown, left, and Cypress Creek senior lineman David Kirk, right, line up before a play during the ninth annual FCA Pasco County All-Star Football Game on Dec. 8.

Cypress Creek senior defensive back Milton Garcia, who had 41 tackles and an astounding 10 interceptions in 2023, lines up for a play in the ninth annual FCA Pasco County All-Star Football Game.

Zephyrhills Christian senior wide receiver Jayden Ramos makes a catch and tries to avoid defenders in the ninth annual FCA Pasco County All-Star Football Game.

Land O’ Lakes senior defensive tackle Khris Cruz, who led the Gators with eight sacks in 2023, lines up for a play at the line of scrimmage during the ninth annual FCA Pasco County All-Star Football Game on Dec. 8 at Sunlake High.

2023 All-Star Football Rosters
East
2 – Milton Garcia, DB, Cypress Creek
5 – Zach Merriman, ATH, Sunlake
6 – Traivon Hill, DB, Wesley Chapel
8 – Jaylen Smith, WR, Zephyrhills
9 – Jakobe Campbell, DB, Zephyrhills
10 – Jack Niemann, QB, Cypress Creek
11 – Roman Sercu, DB, Cypress Creek
14 – Brendyn Colella, QB, Zephyrhills
18 – Cameron Canard, K, Cypress Creek
20 – Malachi Askin, RB, Cypress Creek
21 – Jeremiah Julmiste, RB, Wiregrass Ranch
23 – Emil Drake, DB, Wiregrass Ranch
24 – Rodney Smith, RB, Zephyrhills
25 – Angel Miles, DB, Pasco
27 – Alexavier Hairston, RB, Zephyrhills Christian
34 – Fred Maixner, LB, Zephyrhills
38 – Coy Martin, LB, Cypress Creek
44 – Kolin Murphy, LB, Sunlake
45 – Jaiden Barron, LB, Wiregrass Ranch
51 – Ricky Mingo, DL, Wesley Chapel
53 – Evan Miller, OL, Cypress Creek
54 – David Kirk, DL, Cypress Creek
55 – Brayden Larson, LB, Zephyrhills Christian
56 – Wesley Young, LB, Wesley Chapel
60 – Austin Slusher, OL, Cypress Creek
61 – D.J. Pope, DL, Pasco
62 – Khalial Buckenroth, DL, Wiregrass Ranch
63 – Bradley Kovac, OL, Sunlake
64 – Tyreese Grose, DL, Pasco
65 – Logan Lagrone, OL, Zephyrhills
70 – Jaeden Ortiz, OL, Wiregrass Ranch
73 – Travis Brown, OL/DL, Wiregrass Ranch
74 – Christian Velasquez, OL, Zephyrhills
77 – Connor Libby, OL, Wesley Chapel
80 – Shawn Smith, WR, Cypress Creek
82 – Theodore Sands, WR, Zephyrhills
83 – Jayden Ramos, WR, Zephyrhills Christian
84 – Noah Coats, TE/WR, Zephyrhills Christian
86 – Sidney Allen, TE, Pasco

West
2 – Michael Ruffin, DB, Gulf
3 – Chris Roman, WR, Gulf
5 – A.J. McFarlane, WR, Hudson
6 – Jeff Mason, LB, Land O’ Lakes
11 – Edwin Gonzales, DB, Gulf
12 – Riley Blevens, QB, Hudson
14 – David Acosta, QB, Fivay
15 – Kyle Horvath, QB, Land O’ Lakes
16 – Ah’Vaughn Hatchett, DB, Fivay
18 – Joe Franklin, DB, Hudson
19 – Sammy Hagen, K/P, Hudson
21 – Logan Shawell, RB, Hudson
22 – Josiah Pickens, DB, Gulf
23 – Damien Spencer, RB, Anclote
27 – Cody Gwinn, RB, Land O’ Lakes
28 – Jamarian Miller, RB, Fivay
38 – Idris Ofray, LB, Anclote
41 – Michael Ruffin, DB, Gulf
42 – Kaden Padilla, LB, Gulf
44 – Sam Walls, LB, River Ridge
45 – Tank Hadsell, LB, Hudson
50 – Devin Gilbertson, LB, Land O’ Lakes
52 – Tyler Jensen, LB, River Ridge
53 – Anthony Rollins, OL, Gulf
54 – Nico Mastrosimone, OL, Mitchell
55 – Narselles Lett, LB, Hudson
56 – Bryce Widman, DT, River Ridge
60 – Alex Rauschenberg, DT, Bishop Mclaughlin
61 – Javon Jones, OL, Mitchell
62 – Khris Cruz, DT, Land O’ Lakes
63 – Alexander Manos, OL/DL, Gulf
64 – Jaxson Allen, DT, Gulf
67 – K.J. Moses, DT, Land O’ Lakes
68 – Elias Williams, DT, Hudson
70 – Chris Forsell, OL, Hudson
72 – Cam Council, DT, Mitchell
73 – Nick Mowry, OL, Mitchell
74 – Ahman Cooper, DT, Mitchell
75 – Mauricio Anton, OL, Mitchell
77 – Jesse Newman, OL, Anclote
82 – Noa Paselio, WR, Gulf
83 – Sam Monfre, WR, Fivay

Published December 20, 2023