Mike Camunas

‘Pet Detective’ on the case at PCAS

September 19, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Carey King-Agin is Pasco County’s Ace Ventura.

She doesn’t have large hair, colorful shirts or act like Jim Carrey, but she can bring a smile to a pet owner’s face.

She’s Pasco County Animal Services’ first-ever pet reunification specialist. Thanks to a $35,000 grant from Petco Love, King-Agin is able to scour, and post, on lost and found pet websites and social media pages looking for owners searching for lost pets, or asking the community to help locate pets’ families. These efforts are needed when a pet has not been microchipped or the contact information is outdated.

Pasco County Animal Services Pet Reunification Specialist Carey King-Agin plays with Cesar, an 8-year-old shepherd mix at PCAS’s shelter, 19640 Dogpatch Lane, Land O’ Lakes. King-Agin was recently brought on to specifically help reunite strays with their owners. (Mike Camunas)

PCAS took in more than 3,200 stray dogs and cats in 2022, so this is a position that’s not only warranted — it’s desired by the agency.

“We find that when someone finds a dog or cat on the street, 80% of that time they live near that area, but everyone’s thought is to bring it to the shelter, if they can’t house it or do the search themselves,” King-Agin said.

“We always scan first (for a microchip), and that’s the golden ticket to go home, but less than 25% of pets are microchipped. So now, we’re going to put in the leg work and get pets reunited with their families,” she added.

According to PCAS and King-Agin, the agency’s return-to-home rates are only 33% for dogs and 17% for cats. These numbers are the reason PCAS Assistant Director Spencer Conover reached out to the county to create the position, however, was turned down, as the county receives numerous requests from its varying entities.

However, a Petco Love grant allowed King-Agin to set up shop at the facility in Land O’ Lakes to do her diligent detective work.

“I go immediately to social media and there are a ton of groups out there, and things like NextDoor, Ring and multiple Facebook lost and found groups,” King-Agin said.

“I go to see if the dog or cat is listed on this page,” she continued. “If not, I keep digging. When they’re brought in and put in the system, we enter the crossroads they were found, so I then go to Google Maps and pull up that intersection and see what subdivisions and neighborhoods are nearby. Many have their own Facebook groups, so I see if they have something posted on their social media.

Carey King-Agin, the pet reunification specialist for Pasco County Animal Services, will scour lost and found pet websites and social media to help reunite strays brought into the shelter with worried owners who are searching for them. The reunification specialist position was made possible through a $35,000 grant from Petco Love. King-Agin will look to boost the 33% return-to-home rate for dogs and 17% rate for cats in the county.

“The truth is, one out of three pets go missing in their lifetime, so this is something I’m very passionate about — getting that pet back where they belong.”

King-Agin puts in the extra effort if the social media avenue is a dead end.

She contacts local vets and emails them pictures. She reaches out to well-known local dog sitters, as well as local dog groomers, knowing that a groomed dog is someone’s well-cared-for pet.

In just the short time King-Agin has been on lost-pet cases, she has returned home 10 pets as of Sept. 11. However, in just the second weekend of September alone, 13 more strays were brought in.

The PCAS also will use the new position to help educate the community about what to do if they happen to rescue a stray.

The first 48 hours are crucial in the reuniting process, whether a pet is brought to the shelter, or the finder tries to locate the owner, King-Agin said. She encourages the finder, when possible, to hold onto the pet, in case the owner is out looking for the pet or posting about the pet on social media.

“It’s like they lost a baby or child because it’s a family member,” Conover said. “Getting them home, that’s the most important part, and it’s amazing to see it and be able to provide that to Pasco County now.

“There are no packs of wild dogs running around the county, so all of these dogs belong to someone,” he added. “But to have someone dedicated to going the extra mile, dedicated to having someone get the dogs home, it’s part of the proactive work we want to be a part of.”

And as a four-time dog owner, King-Agin is passionate about her new position.

She knows how she would feel if one of her pets went missing.

“I have total OCD about their whereabouts all the time, so I know I would be a frantic mess if my pet went missing,” she said. “So to be able to do this, and reunite an owner with a pet with a family, it’s so rewarding. It can be amazing and emotional.

“I really do feel like a pet detective.”

Pasco County Animal Services
Where: 19640 Dogpatch Lane, Land O’ Lakes
When: Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 5:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 6:30 p.m.
For more information on services provided by PCAS, visit PascoCountyFl.net/175/Pets-and-Animals

Published September 20, 2023

Dayspring Academy breaks ground on Angeline Campus

September 19, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Here they grow again.

Dayspring Academy, with its five other locations in Port Richey, once again is expanding — this time coming to Central Pasco. The charter school broke ground on Sept. 14 on its PreK-5 Angeline Campus in northern Land O’ Lakes.

Dayspring Academy Angeline Campus Principal Diana Greenier could not contain her excitement seeing the dozens who came out to the official groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 14. (Mike Camunas)

The school will be operating in a partnership with Pasco County Schools and with the newly opened Angeline Academy of Innovation.

“It really is ‘Here We Grow Again’ because that’s always our goal and then we always ask, ‘Where is our next project or school?’” Angeline Campus Principal Diana Greenier said, following the groundbreaking ceremony. “We are just making sure that any child, no matter what their background is, they have that opportunity to have an education. We’re not better or worse than any other school, but we have the niche — we have the arts infused with character infused with the content and maybe it’s not for everybody, but it is for those people that want a different opportunity that some other school can’t provide.

“It’s not a competition. We’re not out to be better — we’re just out to provide another option, a different niche and something a little bit different.”

For 24 years, Dayspring Academy has been an A-rated institution providing education through a fusion of arts and technology. It focuses on providing students with a holistic education with essential academic knowledge through creativity, critical thinking and digital literacy.

Now, they have partnered with Pasco Schools to provide a tuition-free charter school, at 9371 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. It will be situated on 20 acres of land in front of the Tierra Del Sol community, as the property is under construction for the athletic fields to Angeline Academy of Innovation.

Dayspring Academy board members and officials, and Pasco County Schools representatives and construction representatives lift up the official groundbreaking dirt on Sept. 14 for the charter school’s Angeline Campus, which will be located at 9371 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., next to Angeline Academy of Innovation’s athletic fields. The PreK-5 school was made possible through $25 million in financial backing from Pasco County Schools impact fees and will open August 2024.

Dayspring Academy CEO John Legg told The Laker/Lutz News the new campus would not have been possible without the $25 million that Pasco County Schools is using from the impact fees it collects from new residential development.

Dayspring Academy will own the Angeline Campus and the 50,000-square-foot building, which will include a full-kitchen cafeteria that can also double as a black box theater, or a performance space with black walls and a flat floor.

Greenier added the charter school also will have full access to the athletics fields.

“We’re so excited about the athletic fields because we’ve never had a field or a gym or anything that even resembled that,” Greenier said. “We’ve never even had a little area for the PE teacher to go inside, and, as hokey as that sounds, it’s true. “It’s the little things like that people don’t realize that give our kids those little extra things that we never had.

“I even think that the district underestimated the gift that they have given us,” she added. “We’re a Pasco County charter public school. To get the financial backing from the district, to hear we believe in you guys — it’s the biggest compliment and opportunity to get something like this that we wouldn’t be able to do without the district and their faith in us.”

Greenier, who has been with Dayspring Academy as an employee and the parent of a former student for 20 years, said it has been a goal for the institution to expand out of the Port Richey area for a while, aiming for a campus in the East and Central Pasco areas.

She added many of Dayspring’s buildings have been donated or procured through funding. And as a longtime Dayspring employee, she’s not only honored to be the new principal, but overjoyed to see the Angeline Campus from the ground floor up.

Dayspring Academy will be adding a new PreK-5 school in Land O’ Lakes. It already has five campuses.

“When we saw the (building) forms there (on the property in Land O’ Lakes), once that hit us, it was the real deal,” Greenier said. “This real particular moment (at the groundbreaking), to see kids who have been through our schools and employees come back after leaving, that’s crazy — it made me emotional to see them, to see the commitment to Dayspring and it’s a big deal to see something Mr. and Mrs. Legg started way back — and it’s here to stay.

“To be able to take our program and be able to expand it to so many people in Pasco County, that has been a huge goal for us to finally see come to life.”

DaySpring Academy Angeline Campus
Where: 9371 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: Opening August 2024; enrollment begins Feb. 1, 2024
Details: A learning institution dedicated to high-quality education through a fusion of arts and technology in a collaborative environment to prepare students for high school, college and the workforce. Dayspring Academy has five other locations located in Port Richey.
For more information, visit Dayspring.academy/angeline.

Published September 20, 2023

Suzanne Legg, CEO of Dayspring Academy, speaks to dozens in attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Angeline Campus, coming soon to Land O’ Lakes.

Decorative cookies featuring the Dayspring Academy Angeline Campus logo were provided to those attending the groundbreaking festivities.

Construction is underway for the Dayspring Academy Angeline Campus, as well as athletic fields that will be shared between the charter school and Angeline Academy of Innovation.

A rocket blast on the bay

September 19, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Be prepared to get blasted — with speed and sprays of water.

That’s what you can expect on board Bay Rocket — one of the newest attractions at the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa.

Bay Rocket, based out of the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa outside the Tampa Convention Center, offers a nearly hour-long adrenaline-filled jet boat ride in a 2,800-horsepower speedboat that takes passengers in thrilling 180-degree spins, turns and bow dips on Hillsborough Bay. Setting sail on the weekends, Bay Rocket’s crew also cranks up music while cruising, and provides whimsical narration, fun interactive games and a dance party on the slow ride back into dock. (Mike Camunas)

The 2,800-horsepower speedboat, outfitted with dozens of passenger seats, docks outside the Tampa Convention Center. It takes passengers who dare to board it on an adrenaline-filled ride out onto Hillsborough Bay.

But like many of the boat rides through Channelside around Davis and Harbor islands, a ride on Bay Rocket is more than meets the eye.

Yeah, the boat looks super cool, but it’s also a fun, easy-to-do experience right in the heart of Tampa. It’s for thrill junkies, for families and couples, and even those who are just killing some time before dinner or waiting for the sunset.

It’s a rocket-blasted experience, and ride, that’s totally worth the trip.

Water warning
Captain Shane Lance has plenty of experience driving speed boats and other passenger water taxis. So, he gets to do a job that many would love — driving a vessel with the kind of power many have never experienced.

“It’s not everyday you can hop on a boat this size and go that fast, unless you find the right ride,” Lance said. “People come here looking for a good time, and, probably, don’t mind getting wet, as well.

“Almost everyone is definitely looking for something they’ve never done before.”

Bay Rocket passengers board outside the Tampa Convention Center on the Riverwalk for a nearly hour-long adrenaline-filled jet boat thrill ride in Hillsborough Bay in the 2,800-horsepower speedboat.

Those lining up on the Riverwalk along The Sail Plaza to board the (Tampa Bay) pirate-themed boat will experience an nearly hour-long ride filled with 180-degree spins, turns and bow dips in Hillsborough Bay.

Lance says the boat does about 30 knots (35 mph), adding, “which doesn’t sound very fast, but on a boat it is or can be.”

“We’re going to do zig-zags,” he added. “Then we’re going to do about five spins and two dips. I think everyone loves the dips.”

The dips entail taking the bow of the boat and “just slam it into the water.”

“And those in certain, and most rows, depending on the wind, will get wet,” Lance added with a sly smile.

Indeed, the spray of water goes high and wide, lightly or thoroughly drenching passengers that are desperately hanging onto their seats — and their phones recording the action.

Passengers do wear seatbelts and will be treated to views — as well as some historical notes of the Seddon Channel between Harbor and Davis islands — with a slow taxi out to and back from Hillsborough Bay.

Amira Ali, left, and Carlos Puchades, right, take a thrill-filled ride on Bay Rocket speedboat on Hillsborough Bay.

“(People) definitely come to ride for the thrills, the views and, even as it’s hot,” Lance said. “They’re like, ‘Let’s get on there and get a little wet, cool off a little with some breeze and have some fun.’

“It’s something new and different and there will be entertainment.”

Rocket-ing the boat
Now, it’s time for a dance off.

That entertainment Captain Lance mentioned goes beyond just a history lesson.

Bay Rocket will crank up the tunes, for a dance party, that every passenger can enjoy from the comfort of their seats.

The boat’s first mate will, enthusiastically, lead the dancing, as pop music blasting from the speakers will make every passenger groove, even just a little bit.

“People really do seem to love that part,” Lance added. “This is going to be a fun ride, no matter what.”

In the span of an hour, passengers will be tossed and turned, to their delight, on Hillsborough Bay.

Passengers aboard Bay Rocket, a 2,800-horsepower speedboat, might get wet from 180-degree spins, turns and bow dips during a nearly hour-long thrill ride.

They will then be brought back to the many other attractions at Riverwalk, such as Cycleboats, The Sail Plaza or Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park.

Rocket Bay — one of the newest many attractions at the widely popular Riverwalk — is meant for anyone age 5 or older — who wants to enjoy a thrilling experience on the water.

Just be prepared for that water to be blasted on you.

Bay Rocket
Where: 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa (in front of the Tampa Bay Convention Center)
When: Fridays through Sundays, six daily rides starting at noon
Cost: Adults – $34.95, Children (ages 5 to 12) – $29.95. Groups of 15-plus passengers must call in advance.
Details: Blast off on a nearly hour-long adrenaline-filled jet boat ride in Bay Rocket’s 2,800-horsepower speedboat that takes passengers in thrilling 180-degree spins, turns and bow dips. The crew will crank up music while cruising, and provide whimsical narration, fun interactive games and a dance party on the slow ride back into dock.
For more information or to book online, visit BayRocketTampa.com, or call 813-223-7999.

Published September 20, 2023

Carlos Puchades holds on tight during an evening run of Bay Rocket, a 2,800-horsepower speedboat that takes passengers out on Hillsborough Bay.

First Mate Rebeca Ibarra leads the lively dance party aboard Bay Rocket, the 2,800-horsepower speedboat that takes passengers for rides with 180-degree spins, turns and bow dips in Hillsborough Bay.

Bay Rocket docks itself at the Tampa Riverwalk and can load up dozens of passengers to take on a nearly hour-long adrenaline-filled jet boat thrill ride in Hillsborough Bay, full of 180-degree spins, turns and bow dips.

Passengers on Bay Rocket, a 2,800-horsepower speedboat docked outside the Tampa Convention Center, await a nearly hour-long adrenaline-filled jet boat ride in Hillsborough Bay.

The Bay Rocket thrill boat takes off from the docks at the Riverwalk outside the Tampa Convention Center and offers riders an adrenaline-filled jet boat ride for about an hour. (Courtesy of Bay Rocket)

Wildcats on course for a great season

September 19, 2023 By Mike Camunas

If there’s one thing the Wildcats are trying to avoid, it’s a sophomore slump.

With four of the team’s top five golfers being sophomores, it would be beneficial to the whole team for them to all play well and reach for their lofty goals.

They want to lower their scores, grab some medals and, of course, earn a berth in the Class 2A state tournament in November in Howey-in-the-Hills.

Sophomore Tien Do transferred to the Wildcats from New York and will immediately add to the team’s young core of players, most of whom are sophomores. (Mike Camunas)

“We are a young, up-and-coming team, and they’re looking great,” coach Josh Raskopf said. “The top five are four sophomores and one senior, so we’re very young, which isn’t bad at all, since all five can shoot in the 70s.

“And the top five can change, too,” he added. “Which, as they say, is a good problem to have, since if one guy is having a bad day, the others can pick him up. “What we’re hoping for is good days from each guy and, hopefully, a trip to states,” he said.

Leading the pack of Wildcats, for now, is Tien Do, a transfer from New York. However, the team returns No. 2, Jacob Doonan, who shot an 83 at districts and an 87 at regionals in 2022.

Then, rounding out the sophomores are Carter Boynton and Camden Battey. And then there’s the lone senior of the bunch: Michael Hale, who shot a field-best 75 at the 2A-9 district tournament and a 78 at the regional tournament, narrowly missing a trip to states.

“Even more than how they play on the course, it’s about how great young men they are,” Raskopf said. “We had another young man from another team and he was the only guy on his team — just picked up clubs a couple days prior to the match and wanted to play.

“We’ve all been there, starting golf, and it’s great to see such a great group of guys, but then they can also play well, so that seems like a bonus.”

Wesley Chapel boys golfers, sophomore Jacob Doonan, left, and sophomore Tien Do lead a young Wildcats squad that has aspirations for a deep postseason run in Class 2A this season.

Indeed, it’s a tight team that very much welcomed Do into the fold. But with the other three sophomores, they have been classmates and junior golf partners for years.

“I’ve known and played with these guys on our team since, I don’t know, second or third grade,” Doonan said. “It helps that we know each other’s strengths, but that we can also rely on one another and it helps, or we help each other, on the course and range. I think we’re all pretty tight.”

Do agrees.

“All of us, out of the five, just four of us are sophomores, but we’re always at the same club — Hunter’s Green — practicing and always pushing each other,” he said. “We’re putting in the work in each match, each practice, trying to build a solid foundation off the group of guys we have, who are really good, in my opinion.

“It’s definitely a good problem to have where the top five guys can match each other, and we rely a lot on team chemistry. Hopefully we make it to states and win.”

Sophomore Jacob Doonan looks to improve on his 2022 season, in which he shot an 83 at districts and an 87 at regionals.

The Wildcats, ranked 22nd in Class 2A, will have their work cut out for them, for sure. Do, for example, is learning firsthand how many great golfers are just in Wesley Chapel.

“I’ve definitely seen that since coming here,” he added. “I’ve played with a lot of great players, but there are plenty here (in Wesley Chapel).”

For starters, nearby rival Cypress Creek is in the same district and coming off back-to-back state tournament appearances, finishing 13th in 2022 and sixth in 2021. In fact, the Wildcats already have a loss this season to the Coyotes, being edged by just two strokes.

“It’s going to take hard effort and not giving up,” Doonan said. “It’ll be a lot of practice and effort, but that’s every team, and I think we’re willing to put that in so we can all go further than we’ve been before.

“We know it’s a tough district, but we’ll have our chances, I think.”

At the end of the day, and a round of golf, the Wildcats know where they stand — and want to go. It’s the state tournament, which they feel is a very realistic goal.

“It’s going to take — to make it states — everyone firing on all cylinders especially at the end of the season,” Raskopf said. “We’re going to need a couple of guys making sure we’re the ones firing on all cylinders, so getting their head in the game and making sure we’re prepared for full matches, once the postseason starts.

“If we have a good day, I think we come out over (district opponents) because we feel like we’re always in the hunt, in any round.”

Class 2A-District 9 Boys Golf
Teams
Brooksville Central
Cypress Creek
Fivay
Gulf
Hernando
Hudson
Nature Coast
Pasco
River Ridge
Springstead
Weeki Wachee
Wesley Chapel
Zephyrhills

District tournament details
Host: Springstead
Where: Hernando Oaks Golf Club, 5230 Delacroix Drive, Brooksville
When: Oct. 23, 9 a.m.

Published September 20, 2023

Adaptive Sports Fair coming

September 19, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, 3021 Sports Coast Way, Wesley Chapel, will host an Adaptive and Inclusive Sports Fair on Oct. 8 from noon to 4 p.m., providing an exclusive look at sports programs in Pasco County available for youth and adults. There will be stations on sports including tumbling and trampoline, rhythmic gymnastics, basketball, swimming, esports, archery, soccer and tennis. Cost to attend is free. For more information, call 833-372-9467.

Golf tournament

September 19, 2023 By Mike Camunas

The Tampa Housing Authority will host its 15th annual golf tournament on Oct. 20 at 8 a.m., at Saddlebrook Resort, 5700 Saddlebrook Way, Wesley Chapel. Cost is $320 per golfer or $1,200 for a foursome. Tampa Housing Authority (THA) offers comprehensive programs and services to educate, elevate and empower youth while engaging with parents and families. To register or for more information, visit https://portal.thafl.com/tournaments/golf/register.aspx, email , or call 813-341-9101.

After 90 years, Lutz Scouts still trooping along

September 12, 2023 By Mike Camunas

They’ve been prepared for this for 90 years.

Scouts, and their leaders, of Boy Scout Troop 12 are celebrating the pack’s 90th anniversary in 2023, as the youth-based organization took time to reflect on its impact on the Lutz community.

From left: Boy Scout Troop 12 members, Life Scout Gabe Luria, Life Scout Grayson Tibbett, Second Class Scout Nate Miller and Second Class Scout Gavin Miller look over a project at the troop’s Scout Hut, 205 Second Ave. S.E., in Lutz. The four young men are part of Troop 12’s nearly two dozen members. The troop, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary, has had its hand in countless community service projects. (Mike Camunas)

With 24 scouts of varying ranks, about a dozen adult leaders and an absolutely impressive list of Eagles Scouts through the years, Troop 12 has been developing boys into men, then into leaders, for nine decades.

“There’s two sides to it, really,” Gabe Luria, assistant senior patrol leader and life Scout, said. “On the one side, you hope to live up to it all, but also not wreck the history by letting this place burn down or something. On the other side, you realize, wow, this is my troop and look at what they’ve all done.

“It’s kind of insane they’ve done so much and been around so long.”

Troop 12, even with its history, is different from many other troops for several reasons.

For starters, according to former Scoutmaster and Troop Historian Paul Evans, the troop has had an uninterrupted charter since it was formed in 1933. Sometimes, troops can dissolve or merge with another troop — Troop 12 did just this as recently as two years ago with Troop 21 out of St. Mary’s Church in nearby Lake Magdalene.

Additionally, Troop 12 also doesn’t have to rely on a church or school to hold its meetings, as it’s not dependent for a meeting place. It has its own Troop Hut, or building, located at 205 Second Ave., S.E., in Lutz.

It’s a medium-sized meeting hall where the scouts come together to work on their projects, trips and initiatives. It also houses not only their equipment, but a plethora of history and scout memorabilia.

Troop 12 in Lutz established its charter in 1933 and has produced dozens of Eagle Scouts. Many have become established community leaders and business people, and some have children who have been members of the troop.

“No one has the history we have,” second-year Scoutmaster Doug Tibbett said. “Since we don’t have to rely on churches or other places for facilities to meet at, it allows us to do a little bit more by having our own property.

“When (my son, Grayson, and I) came in, we didn’t really know everyone,” Tibbett added, “but became quite comfortable with everyone quickly. Eventually, you are sending your son off on a trip or camping with people that you want to rely on. Everyone’s vetted and on the up and up, and because of it, we get great leadership.

“As a parent, I’m not worried about my son or the boys because we have quality leaders.”

Leaders, as it turns out, that actually lead.

Troop 12 is self-run by the young men, which gives the scouts a chance to really step into leadership roles.

“I like that we’re youth-run,” Luria said. “We practice leadership in a practical manner, so we have to lead, but we get to lead in a way that we learn from it.

“And that way, becoming an Eagle Scout isn’t just about putting it on your resume. It’s about being able to show that we can actually lead the Troop.”

Troop 12 Scout Masters, from left, Bill Weber, Josh Luria and Paul Evans, discuss some upcoming projects. They also reminisce about the 90-year-old troop’s storied history.

Troop 12 had its first Eagle Scout when Ralph Combs earned the honor in 1939. Not long after that was their second Eagle Scout, Sydney Evans, who would go on to serve in World War II, only to return to Troop 12 and become a Scoutmaster.

According to Tibbett, Troop 12 members generally become Eagle Scouts around 16 years old, about two years before they age out of scouting.

“We try to get them to Eagle before the fumes kick in: car fumes and perfumes,” Tibbett said. “They get cars and girlfriends, so sometimes they branch out their lives, which is fine, but we like to see them mentor, too. We don’t want them to Eagle and disappear, and they usually don’t. With all the Eagles on the board (in the hut), some have become leaders in the community.”

Troop 12, in Lutz, lowers the American flag during a ceremony, and to protect it from an approaching storm on Aug. 28.

“It’s an organization that you don’t realize what you get out of it until later,” Evans added. “I think that’s why many end up coming back, even if not to lead, but to see the troop, talk to the scouts, see how we’re doing.

“They’re always a part of Troop 12.”

Also always a part of Troop 12 is its impact on the community, specifically from its service to its many institutions — which include the countless Eagle Projects that dot the small unincorporated town.

Tibbett, Evans, Luria and the rest of the Troop can’t help but see the projects, from work done at Carolyn Meeker Dog Park, a butterfly garden, aviaries, retired flag boxes at multiple locations, and work done at Lutz Library and Cemetery.

The bottom line is be prepared for many more Eagle Projects in Lutz coming from Troop 12.

“You can’t look around Lutz without seeing one, and, of course, we always look at places close to us (for projects), from the K-8 School to the Old Schoolhouse,” Tibbett said. “Those projects, they’re great, because they’re a part of Lutz and always will be.”

“To walk around Lutz and see all the previous Eagle Scout projects, that’s really cool,” Luria added. “In fact, we went to a campsite somewhere in Georgia and (a project) said, ‘Eagle Scout Project Troop 12’ and that’s insane since it was hundreds of miles from Lutz.

“One day, some kid is going to do the same thing to my project and that’s going to be pretty cool, too.”

Published September 13, 2023

State Road 54 widening in Wesley Chapel now open

September 12, 2023 By Mike Camunas

A long-in-the-making road project in Wesley Chapel is now partially open.

State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, just east of Curly Road headed toward Zephyrhills, has now opened its new lanes following its widening project that began in November 2017.

Starting at Curly Road and ending at Morris Bridge Road and Eiland Boulevard, there are now four lanes on the road, and then there are six lanes once State Road 54 hits Meadow Pointe Boulevard.

State Road 54 reverts back to two lanes, heading east and west, as construction work continues to finish the lanes and intersection at Morris Bridge and Eiland.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), in preparation for Hurricane Idalia impacts, removed barrels in the construction zone from east of Curley and to the east of Morris Bridge/Eiland to assist in hurricane evacuation and eliminate potential projectiles.

According to FDOT’s projects website, all thru-lanes are open. Dual-turn lanes are still operating in a single-lane turn configuration. Drivers are urged to use caution driving this area as it remains a construction zone.

As construction resumed after the storm, some barrels will be replaced, but lanes are expected to be open except for temporary lane closures in work areas for paving, striping and various work items.

The progress of the road has been of interest to thousands of people who move through the area.

This section of State Road 54 passes by several schools, including Creative School World – Wesley Chapel, Pinecrest Academy and New River Elementary, as well as churches (Calvary Baptist and Trinity Church), the New River Library and communities such as Hamilton Park, Chapel Crossings and Avalon Park.

Published September 13, 2023

Devouring cannolis — an offer they couldn’t refuse

September 12, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Contestants were shoving in sweets at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market’s first Cannoli Eating Contest on Aug. 27. They were vying for prizes such as Tampa Lightning Bay and Busch Gardens tickets, and gift cards to the family-owned Italian market in Wesley Chapel, as dozens of onlookers and friends and family watched. Dan DeMarco won after eating six cannolis in his round.

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

Allen Sciloi, left, and Eric Shavez, both of Wesley Chapel, try to devour as many cannolis as they can at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market first-ever Cannoli Eating Contest in Wesley Chapel on Aug. 27.

Land O’ Lakes resident Christa Boyle eats a cannoli as fast as she can during Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market first-ever Cannoli Eating Contest in Wesley Chapel on Aug. 27.

Ken Boyle, of Land O’ Lakes, downs a cannoli at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market in Wesley Chapel during its inaugural cannoli eating contest on Aug. 27. Boyle would come in third and take home prizes like gift cards to the market and a spa.

Wesley Chapel resident Chris Baron scarfs down cannolis at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market first-ever Cannoli Eating Contest in Wesley Chapel on Aug. 27.

Andrea Coleman, of Wesley Chapel, can’t figure out how to eat more cannolis during an eating contest on Aug. 27.

Wesley Chapel resident Richard Colhauer attacks a cannoli at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market.

New Tampa resident Alan Hadaway takes a big bite of a cannoli at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market in Wesley Chapel.

Wesley Chapel resident John Walsh tries to keep down a cannoli.

Liam Tighe, of Lutz, bites into a cannoli on Aug. 27 at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market’s cannoli eating contest in Wesley Chapel.

Spring Hill resident Vinny Albanese, center, can’t keep in a laugh trying to eat a cannoli and neither can Daniela Matinez, of Wesley Chapel, left, during an eating contest at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market.

Up to 25 contestants tried to outdo one another eating the most cannolis on Aug. 27 at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market in Wesley Chapel.

Multi-use trail at Withlacoochee River Park now smoother

September 12, 2023 By Mike Camunas

A 1.7-mile trail in Withlacoochee River Park, 12449 Withlacoochee Blvd., Dade City, was recently improved due to deterioration of the preexisting trail and damage that was caused by tree roots. Park visitors now will be able to stroll or bicycle along a smoother path. (Mike Camunas)

Visitors to Withlacoochee River Park, 12449 Withlacoochee Blvd., in Dade City, will now be able to enjoy a smoother walk or bike ride in a portion of the park.

The Pasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department recently completed paving a section of a trail that meanders through the park.

About a mile of the paving project has been completed and the rest of the 1.7-mile project is expected to be done next year.

The project cost $47,050 for the one-mile section, and the remaining section will cost $47,800.

The trail was deteriorating because of damage from a pre-existing trail and tree roots.

The improved trail will offer a better experience for park visitors.

Withlacoochee River Park is 406 acres of forested park with a river, kayaking and boarding, trails, fishing, wildlife, RV parking and observation tower.

The park also holds several events annually, such as the Bay Area Renaissance Festival for several weeks in the spring.

Published September 13, 2023