The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mike Camunas

PHSC baseball player drafted

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Chay Yeager (Courtesy of PHSC)
Aiden Corn

The Toronto Blue Jays selected Chay Yeager, a two-way player for the Pasco-Hernando State College Bobcats, in the 12th round of the MLB Draft on June 11.

This season, Yeager pitched 69.1 innings with 102 strikeouts for a 13.24 K/9 during 15 appearances and a 3.76 ERA. At the plate, he batted .258/.343/.440 (batting avg., on-base percentage, slugging percentage).

Additionally, teammate Aiden Corn, a freshman outfielder, was selected to the 2023 NJCAA Division II All-American baseball team. In 2023, Corn batted .422 with 86 hits, 54 RBI, seven homers and scored 49 runs.

Committee seeks to preserve — and make — history

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Anything this old needs some help — not only to be preserved, but also to persevere.

That’s where the Dade City Historic Cemetery Preservation Committee comes in.

Dade City Cemetery, 38151 Martin Luther King Blvd., has several distinctive architectural features including mausoleums, decorative structures and monuments to territorial women and military veterans, dating back to the 1920s and ’30s. The oldest burial dates back to 1884. The Dade City Historic Cemetery Preservation Committee, based out of the Dade City Heritage & Cultural Museum, is working to have the cemetery listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. (Mike Camunas)

The group, formed five years ago, works to beautify, preserve and maintain the city’s historic cemeteries. It seeks to raise awareness, respect and appreciation for them, as well.

The committee routinely works with city staff and the Dade City Commission to implement projects that include much-needed improvements to the cemeteries. Currently, the committee’s board and volunteers are focused on getting the Dade City Cemetery, at 38151 Martin Luther King Blvd., listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

“It’s a process,” said Joy Lynn, committee board member and founder of Dade City Heritage & Cultural Museum. “I update the commission on that when I can, but then they ask us what they could do for us, and I mentioned we could use seating in the cemetery. It’s difficult for some folks to be on their feet for 90-minute tours.”

The committee provides Monuments By Moonlight Tours, which is a fundraiser that allows the committee to do work and restoration to the cemeteries.

When the committee was formed, most of the city-owned cemeteries were in disarray, so the funds they raised allowed fences and headstones to be mended and cleaned, fallen trees to be cleared, the addition of things like seating and better markers. And, of course, there’s the crusade to get the Dade City Cemetery on the National Registry.

For a property to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, it must meet at least one of four criteria — an event of historic importance must have happened there; a person of significant importance must have had an impact on the place; design or construction of the place must have great artistic and/historical importance; or there is potential historical information that can be found at the site.

Dade City Historic Cemetery Preservation Committee board member Joy Lynn stands near the sign that tells the history at Dade City Cemetery. Its first burial dates back to 1884.

Each nomination contains a narrative section that provides a detailed physical description of the property and justifies why it is significant historically with regard either to local, state, or national history.

The Dade City Cemetery dates back to the start of the city, with its first burial being in 1884. People laid to rest there include soldiers who fought in the U.S. Civil War and many of Dade City’s founders.

“When we came in five years ago, (the cemetery) was a disaster,” Lynn said. “You couldn’t see (markers and headstones), fences were broken, trees were all on the ground and the company hired to mow it wasn’t mowing like you should in a cemetery. No one was keeping care of the cemeteries, so I can only sing praises for how the city has helped and worked with us to improve them.”

The tours have become quite popular with local residents and out-of-towners alike coming to hear stories about the cemetery’s history, and possible hauntings.

Joy Lynn, Dade City Historic Cemetery Preservation Committee board member and founder of the Dade City Heritage & Cultural Museum, gives Monuments by Moonlight Cemetery Tours at Dade City Cemetery. The tours attract locals and out-of-towners.

“Normally, entering a cemetery entices individuals to think of death, a topic that is taboo or unpopular in most cases,” Lynn said of the tours. “However there is more than meets the eye in these eerie but intriguing places: Art, architecture, symbolism, science, nature, gardening, remembrance, and of course, a curiosity about whether it’s haunted.

“The purpose of this tour is to raise awareness of Dade City’s historic cemetery landmarks,” Lynn added. “Some people just want the history, a lot of people want the haunted aspect, some want both, and we have had sightings. 

“I honestly think, though, if someone were out here and to see something, they’d run right out of the cemetery (laughs).”

Lynn noted that several Dade City Police Officers have claimed to have seen something on the grounds and that some city workers “just refuse to come out here after dark.”

But beyond the intrinsic value of the tours, there’s also a financial benefit.

Lynn — assisted by Museum Director Jayde Archbold and Museum President Charlotte Lewis — provided a tour for 13 people in May, raising nearly $400 to support the committee’s causes.

Lynn also hosted Haunted Happy Hour, which was a paranormal-inspired walking tour that went to Locke Inn. That’s the site of the former 1892 Pasco County jail that was restored into an AirBNB.

Lynn is committed to Dade City history and sharing its stories.

There are reports of paranormal activity all over Dade City, she said, citing locations such as the cemetery, the jail, the former Keefer Building as examples.

“There’s a lot of activity,” she added, “and Dade City always wants to keep it kind of quiet, but anything we can do to preserve and restore our cemeteries, well, it’s helpful.”

Dade City Historic Cemetery Preservation Committee
Details: The Dade City Historic Cemetery Preservation Committee is organized under the nonprofit organization of the Dade City Heritage & Cultural Museum Inc.; the committee of volunteers is dedicated to the beautification, historic preservation, maintenance, education, appreciation, and respect of Dade City Historic cemeteries.
The committee is working with Dade City’s Commission to implement significant projects currently in the historic Dade City Cemetery and to have this cemetery listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
To learn more, visit DadeCityHeritageMuseum.org/cemetery-committee.

Published July 19, 2023

Dade City Cemetery, 38151 Martin Luther King Blvd., features several burials from the late 1800s. The Dade City Historic Cemetery Preservation Committee is working to have the cemetery added to the National Registry of Historic Places.

 

Mayor Monson moves in

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Her new title was coined years before she was elected, but has always had a nice ring to it.

“It’s Mayor Melonie or Mayor Monson,” Melonie Bahr Monson said, with a laugh. “My friend came up with that well before I was running, but was like, ‘Nooooo — we have to save it!’ … I guess I’m glad we did!”

That turned out to be a good call since Monson became the city’s new mayor, after tallying a whopping 59% of the vote in the April municipal elections. She assumed the role after Gene Whitfield stepped away after three terms as mayor.

Newly elected Zephyrhills Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson became the city’s 21st mayor in April after receiving 59% of the vote, defeating two other candidates. Before becoming mayor, Monson spent eight years as the CEO of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce. She’s seen here in front of her new home at City Hall in downtown Zephyrhills. Monson is the second female mayor in the city’s history. (Mike Camunas)

Monson, the city’s 21st mayor,  is just the second female mayor in the town’s history.

“It’s exciting because, in my whole lifetime, there’s never been a female mayor in Zephyrhills!” the 62-year-old said. “That was exciting when I was campaigning because I heard there was excitement — ‘Let’s have a female mayor!’

“I also didn’t want to run on that platform because I felt my experience and expertise was much more than just being a woman.”

Hometown hero
Monson came to Zephyrhills in 1969 when her family established Bahr’s Mobile Home Park.

She went to Zephyrhills Middle (now Raymond B. Stewart Middle) and was in the graduating class of 1979 from Zephyrhills High. She was named American Legion Student of the Year when she was in eighth grade, and played softball and golf in high school.

“My mother (Edna Bahr, 86) was very adamant that girls are going to be able to do anything boys can do,” Monson said.

Monson became a cosmetologist when she was 17 years old and did that for 33 years. She owned and operated her own business for 25 years. She moved from Zephyrhills to California, where she raised her children and ran her business.

But she came back to Pasco County’s largest city about 12 years ago. She knew it would be the place where she, and her husband of 29 years, Dennis, would retire.

“I thought I would just retire and play with grandbabies,” she said. “Nope. That’s not me.”

She worked as the town’s assistant city clerk, then joined The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, where she eventually became CEO, a role she held for eight years before stepping down in late 2022.

“I thought I’d just do it for fun, but I ended up running the show for eight years, so that was a little unexpected,” Monson said.

It was eight years well spent.

Monson calls running the chamber “one of the most political non-political jobs you can have” because of all the relationships she built, as well as being an ambassador to the city. That includes promoting the city, and its businesses, and trying to attract new businesses.

“There’s hardly anyone who doesn’t know Melonie,” new chamber CEO Vicki Wiggins said. “She loves to talk to people and has such a welcoming personality that you can’t help but like her. The chamber is the way it is because of that personality. She is the best ambassador for this city.”

Wiggins also knows Monson relished her chamber role.

“You’re the voice of the business community. You’re the voice of a lot of people, so you’re at everything and involved in everything, from festivals to meetings — everything,” she said. “You’re out there talking to everyone.

Melonie Monson’s campaign to become mayor included taking part in Zephyrhills’ Founder’s Day celebration in March. She considers herself to be an ambassador for the city and she intends to promote the town to both residents and visitors. (Mike Camunas)

“It was like everyone already knew me — or felt like they did.”

Which would come in handy running for mayor.

Running on familiarity
While it may be cliche, Monson feels she has hit the ground running as mayor.

That may be because she had thought about running for mayor for some time. When Whitfield announced on Dec. 16 he would not seek reelection, it ended up being the “perfect storm” for Monson to enter the race.

“I said for years, when the mayor retired, that I was going to run, and the kids thought it was a joke, but the hubby knew I was serious,” Monson said. “Everyone already saw me as the ambassador to the city and so it was a natural fit.

“If the citizens wanted someone with experience who was ready to rock and roll, “then I knew they’d vote for me,” she said. If they wanted someone different than that, they wouldn’t.

“One thing Mayor Whitfield told me is you can’t solve every problem — but you can listen to the people and direct them in the right way and really learn a lot of what people really need and want.”

Not only will Monson listen to her citizens and residents, she also listens to her fellow government officials, especially the City Council members.

“I think it’s important to have an ambassador like Melonie,’” City Manager Billy Poe said. “As we go through these changes and address various issues, someone like Melonie brings a level of trust to the community at-large. To have an additional leader who understands the issues and can go out and communicate the city’s direction for the community and our solutions, I think that’s extremely beneficial.”

Monson agrees.

Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson was sworn into office in April as Zephyrhills’ 21st mayor in town history.
(Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

“One of the biggest reasons I ran for mayor and not city council was the influence I knew I would have with my work behind-the-scenes — to talk things out,” she said. “I don’t get a vote, but when I’m at City Council meetings, I bring up points, and they still want to hear what I have to say because I’m the voice of the citizens.”

Children are the future
Monson already has initiatives in mind for her term as mayor.

“I’m passionate about the youth,” she said.

She recognizes Zephyrhills — the city, its downtown — has changed since she was out riding her bike down to places such as the movie theaters or the bowling alley.

It’s important, she said, for the city to have a place for the city’s children and teens.

“I want to get a civic center for our kids, if it’s the last thing I do in my term or terms,” Monson said. “We need a new place — something for kids to keep them off the streets and teach them how to be adults. I talked to (State) Sen. (Danny) Burgess about it and he was like, ‘Go for it!’”

Monson has an optimistic outlook.

“I’m excited about what the future holds, but I also don’t know how anyone could do this without any experience,” she said. “I’m grateful for my experience at the chamber because of the relationships I built and, now, I feel I’m making a positive impact for the citizens.

“I’m approachable — I’m going to interact with people, and sit down and talk with them. That’s why they elected me, and I really stepped into a great job — if you even want to call it a job.”

Published July 19, 2023

Zephyrhills preps for a plethora of new sidewalks

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The City of Zephyrhills announced it began its massive sidewalk construction project on June 19 that spans approximately 10,500 linear feet, in areas surrounding West Zephyrhills Elementary School.

This project aims to increase walkability and safety for schoolchildren, residents and visitors. It is scheduled for completion by June 19, 2024.

The City of Zephyrhills is spending $1 million to improve sidewalks across the town, including areas near West Zephyrhills Elementary, such as on Ninth Avenue, between First Street and Sixth Street. (Mike Camunas)

During construction, there may be times when resident driveway access will be affected. The contractor, BRW Contracting Inc., will seek to work with residents to provide as much advance notice as possible in these circumstances.

Construction-related noise and some minor traffic disruption with temporary lane/right of way closures is anticipated.

Construction work and streets to be impacted include:

  • Ninth Avenue from First Street to Sixth Street
  • 10th Avenue from First Street to Sixth Street
  • 11th Avenue from First Street to Sixth Street
  • 13th Avenue from First Street to Sixth Street
  • 14th Avenue from 37733 14th Ave. to Sixth Street
  • 15th Avenue from 37742 15th Ave. to 14th Avenue
  • Third Street from Ninth Avenue to 10th Avenue
  • Fifth Street from Ninth Avenue to 14th Avenue
  • Sixth Street from Ninth Avenue to 16th Street
A map of the City of Zephyrhills shows streets that will be affected during the sidewalk construction project in red. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe told The Laker/Lutz News in January that this sidewalk project was intended to “connect any missing links” so residents can get around town without crossing streets or have neighborhoods connecting to the schools via sidewalks.

The city earmarked $1 million of the 2022-2023 fiscal budget — $100 million, which is a 33% increase from the previous year — specifically to address this sidewalk project.

The sidewalks come in at the right time and coincide with several road work projects, such as extensions of Dairy Road and Kossick Road, and improvements to the intersection at County Road 54 and 12th Street, next to Zephyrhills High.

Published July 19, 2023

Boy, this band rocks

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Social media has been screaming their names.

It’s all because of a short video on TikTok — and the band’s rocking out.

Here’s how it went down.

From left, members of rock band Screaming Metal Deathtrap: Parker Schmidt, lead singer and bassist; Carlos Santos, drummer; Axton Binkley, guitarist; and, Matas Meskys, guitarist. This Lutz-based boy band out of Bach To Rock music school has garnered quite the following thanks to a viral Tik Tok video of them performing a cover of a Disturbed song, as well as covering other bands, such as Metallica. One video, only a minute long, has more than 2 million views, while Metallica even commented on another video on the social media platform. (Mike Camunas)

Screaming Metal Deathtrap — a quartet of 10- to-12-year-olds — was taking part in the Bach To Rock Battle of the Bands on June 11 at The Orpheum — a concert venue off Nebraska Avenue. The band, based at Bach To Rock Lutz, won its division with their original song, ‘This is not a drill.’

Screaming Metal Deathtrap is made up of Parker Schmidt (bassist, lead singer), Matas Meskys (guitarist), Axton Binkley (guitarist) and Carlos Santos (drummer).

They formed a band because of their talents and their love for “heavier” rock music.

Matas’ dad is big on filming the band and posting it on social media. He did nothing different than before — filmed and posted the band’s award-winning performance, but he also posted another short video.

“I found out about this video like everyone else and it had already generated 60,000 views by the time I saw it,” said Rick Schmidt, Parker’s dad and owner of B2R. “Someone sent it to me and was like, ‘What’s going on?’ I don’t know!”

The video is only a minute and a half long and it’s only an intro of the band playing the cover to ‘Down with the sickness’ by head-banging rock band, Disturbed.

Its distinct sound was played perfectly by the youngsters — and then blew up with hundreds of thousands of views in just hours.

Screaming Metal Deathtrap lead singer Parker Schmidt belts away during a recording session at the Lutz-based music school, Bach To Rock.

“We weren’t expecting to blow up like that and (it be) the most popular of the Tik Toks (we have),” Parker said. “Even before this one blew up, maybe we had 4,000 views and then all of them had so many views, but even then it wasn’t like the (Disturbed) one.

“Suddenly, it was like, ‘Oh, it has 2.5 million views — whoa.’” 

“It’s crazy, but I always tried to do YouTube and I was never successful,” Axton added. “It’s definitely crazy that, like out of nowhere, the band just blew up.

“It’s been pretty and exciting, especially checking it and seeing that it has so many views and then checking it again not even after a while and it has even more views.”

Screaming Metal Deathtrap guitarist Axton Binkley shreds during a session at Bach To Rock, in Lutz.

It had 2.5 million views in less than a week.

Since Screaming Metal Deathtrap won the Battle of the Bands on June 11, they qualified to play in the nationwide B2R Battle of the Bands, which was held, virtually, on July 2. 

Screaming Metal Deathtrap took home the top prize in the Elementary School Division — and that viral Tik Tok had more than 4 million views just a couple days before.

“It was so surprising, but it was really cool, too,” Carlos said. “Really, we had just been showing it to friends, so for it to have that many views was just crazy.

“I think we were just all trying to play like we do and never expected it to be so popular on Tik Tok.”

Matas was stunned.

“Like, holy crap, look how many views it has!” he exclaimed. “Then, we’d check it again and be like, ‘Whoa, so many more views!’ We really couldn’t believe it every time we looked at it on Tik Tok!”

Drummer for Screaming Metal Deathtrap, Carlos Santos, works a beat at Bach To Rock, in Lutz.

Neither could Rick Schmidt, who also used to promote bands such as Creed and Sister Hazel and even worked for local radio station, 98 Rock.

“You used to hit up stations (or use) word of mouth (to get a band’s music out there), but it is a lot of social media now,” Rick said. “It can generate a lot of views and get a lot of people excited about the band or musicians.

“And for them, it was just the intro — not even the whole song, but people are on there and like, ‘Oh my God — these kids rock!’ because Tik Tok is the new word of mouth.

“And they do rock! Parker just wanted a band to play heavier rock, but Axton is great, Matas is great, Carlos is a great drummer — we had to get them together!”

Parker says he hopes to write more songs, but for now they have their single, as well as playing covers of the likes of Rage Against The Machine and Metallic.

The latter band even commented on a Tik Tok video of them covering a popular Metallica song.

That made the band members scream even louder.

Screaming Metal Deathtrap guitarist Matas Meskys rocks out during a recording session at Bach To Rock, in Lutz.

“I’ve had a really good time playing with these guys, and it was very interesting at first because we didn’t really know each other,” Parker said. “We all liked playing and all liked the same songs, but we weren’t together very long — but then we clicked and now we just like rocking.”

“I love playing and rocking with these guys,” Axton added. “It’s a lot of fun.”

“Now we’re kind of famous,” Matas chimed in with a laugh.

“Just from playing a song,” concluded Carlos. “That’s pretty rock.”

Screaming Metal Deathtrap
Comprised of Parker Schmidt, lead singer and bassist; Carlos Santos, drummer; Axton Binkley, guitarist; and, Matas Meskys guitarist, Screaming Metal Deathtrap is a Lutz-based rock band that was formed and practices out of Bach To Rock, a music school in Lutz. The band has recently gained viral popularity thanks to Tik Tok videos that show band members shredding and performing covers of popular rock songs, such as classic hits from Metallica and Disturbed. One video, in particular, has more than 4 millions views, while another event garnered a comment and like from the band Metallic itself.
To view videos of the band, visit www.tiktok.com/@bearmusic529. To see their Battle of the Bands Performance in Ybor City, visit YouTube.com/watch?v=Un46grMIDqw.
For more information about Bach To Rock Lutz, visit BachToRock.com/lutz.

Published July 19, 2023

Updated July 19, 2023

Staying youthful, active — and all that jazz

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She never has a cheat day.

LaVerne Pace, who lives in Lutz, is easily the town’s most-active 100-year-old.

She can be found at the Jazzercise off Lutz Lake Fern Road up to five times a week, dancing away — or as much as she possibly can — during the high-energy exercise sessions.

Despite her age and varying operations over the years, she credits these classes to her excellent health, a desire to stay active and, of course, to developing dozens of friendships.

LaVerne Pace, a 100-year-old Lutz resident, works out up to five times a week at the Jazzercise studio in Lutz, as a way to stay active and healthy. The centenarian has been trying to stay active as much as she can, but also uses Jazzercise as a social outing and has dozens of friends, all of whom helped her ring in her 100th birthday on July 3 with a packed workout session. (Mike Camunas)

“I believe in keeping moving,” Pace said. “I march (in place) as much as I can and can’t (move my) arms and legs at the same time, but as long as I keep both moving when I can, then I know it’s a good workout.

“I just keep going (to class and in life),” she added. “All my friends are gone, but now these are my new friends! I attribute Jazzercise to reaching 100. I really do.”

Originally from Salida, Colorado, Pace moved to Miami at age 5. She grew up and attended school in Miami, visited the Everglades, occasionally, and became a junior high math teacher for 20 years.

She and her husband lived in Miami until 1989, before moving to Lutz. Her husband passed in 2001, after nearly 55 years of marriage.

But nothing — including having both her hips and a knee replaced and gallbladder removed — slowed her down.

She went to a Curves studio for years until it closed, took a few years off exercising and then took up Jazzercise in 2012. In doing so, she made dozens of friends, including more than 50 who showed up to her birthday workout class on July 3.

LaVerne Pace, who is 100 years old, can be found at Jazzercise up to five times a week. Besides helping her to stay fit, the Lutz resident uses Jazzercise as a social outing.

“I don’t have the words to explain how she motivates other people,” said Colleen Pedersen, co-owner of the Lutz Jazzercise. “To see anyone complain about an ache or pain, but then they turn and look at her — they say, ‘Well, if she can do it, I can!’

“She attributes coming (to Jazzercise) five times a week to her longevity and her health — she’s healthy as a horse!” Pedersen added. “She does what she can, and that’s more than people half her age that don’t exercise like her — they’re on oxygen tanks or have diabetes and because they’ve been sedentary for so long, they can’t do what LaVerne does.

“She’s always been moving and she still can move at her age.”

Despite being in great shape, there are some things that Pace cannot do on her own. She uses the aid of a walker, but also the aid of Jazzercise friends, who drive her to the classes.

“We’re Team Daisy!” said Pace’s daughter, Carolyn Sterger, who also works out at Jazzercise. “Like (the movie), ‘Driving Ms. Daisy.’ So we’re her tribe here. That’s why there were 65 or more people at Stonewater Grill (in Land O’ Lakes) for her birthday (lunch).

“When she goes to her physical, the doctor is like, ‘Can you raise your hands above your head?’ and she’s doing this (waving her arms like in class) and the doctor is like, ‘I’ve got people half your age who can’t do that right there!’

“Jazzercise has definitely helped her all these years,” Sterger added.

There might be another reason this great-grandmother has plenty of friends at Jazzercise. She’s also known as the “Boozy Baker.” Even though she doesn’t drink, she’ll make cakes with alcohol and give them to her friends at Jazzercise.

“Everyone does love those cakes,” Pace said. “Maybe that’s why I have so many friends!”

“No,” Pederson added. “This is her family, these are her friends, now, because she’ll tell you all her friends are dead — but they’re really here at Jazzercise. She’s like a grandma to my 12-year-old daughter.

“And it’s her upbeat personality. Who knows how much longer she has, but she doesn’t look 100 because when most people think of a 100-year-old, they don’t think of LaVerne.

“With her longevity, it makes you want to experience life the same way she has.”

Sterger agrees.

“I have more (surgical) hardware than she does and something is going to break on me — so, not sure I’ll make it to 100, but maybe genetics will help!” Sterger said. “She definitely keeps me going!”

According to Boston University centenarian statistics, only .27% of the 330 million U.S. population reaches age 100. That makes Pace a rarity — one who reached her goal to have 150 Jazzercise classes this year before her birthday.

Because she never took a day off.

“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 said. “I really never thought I’d reach 100 and I don’t know anyone else who has!”

Jazzercise
Where: 19012 First St., S.W., in Lutz
When: Open seven days a week for morning and afternoon sessions
Details: With locations all over the country, Jazzercise uses high-energy dance cardio, such as Cardio or Power Sculpt, to help participants get in shape.
For more information on the Lutz location, call 813-406-4707, or visit Jazzercise.com.

Published July 19, 2023

Senior softball league celebrates champs, readies for new season

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The North Tampa Bay Senior Softball league (NTBSS) celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2022 by experiencing record participation numbers and crowning new champions.

(Courtesy of OP Parrish)

The team sponsored by RIPA Associates out of Tampa defeated AMI Recycling 10-9 to take home the 2022-2023 North Tampa Bay Senior League Slowpitch Championship earlier this year.

RIPA is led by managers/players Wayne Spencer and Gene Castillo, and includes Angel Delgado, Paul Wells, Howard Honigbaum, Bernie Desrosiers, Carlos Pinnace, Brian Jared, Nick Cozzo, Ed Madeo, Dave Leto, Dave Perez, Joe Ricardo and John Esposito rounding out the roster.

The league has teams sponsored by local businesses such as Humana, Payne Environmental, Culinary Packaging, HOJO Softball Inc., E.M. Consultants, J. Emerson LLC, Gary Lemberg Ministries, and A&R Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Inc.

NTBSS is a league that offers outdoor activity for senior men and women, with a concentration on sisterhood, brotherhood, sportsmanship, fitness and competition. The league practices during the summer months twice a week at the fields at Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

New players (men over age 60 and women over 50) are invited to try out for the 2023-2024 season starting in September. A draft of players for team participation will be held last week of August.

For more information, contact League Commissioner Walt Bruschi at or 330-701-0646, or League Secretary Denny Kato at or 727-215-5345. 

Interested parties also can visit NTBSS.net for more league information.

Local ballplayer drafted

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Dakota Harris

Former Land O’ Lakes High baseball player Dakota Harris (2020) was drafted in the 11th round of the Major League Baseball Amatuer Draft on July 11 by the St. Louis Cardinals.

Harris just finished his first season at Oklahoma State University after transferring in from Polk State and batted .328 with seven homers, 12 doubles and 48 RBI in 46 games. At Polk State, Harris was National Junior College Athletic Association co-Defensive Player of the Year and earned a Rawlings Junior College Gold Glove thanks to a .973 fielding percentage, committing just four errors in 150 chances and assisting on 28 double plays.

All about the Red, White & Lutz

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The floats were patriotic and as hot as the sun.

Nearly 50 entries, along with hundreds of Lutz residents and locals, made their way up Lutz Lake Fern Road for the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade. The much-anticipated event — held on the sweltering morning of the Fourth of July — brought together the best of the unincorporated community of more than 28,000 to celebrate the country’s birthday.

Parade-goers out at the grandstand, near the library, jump and cheer as beads and trinkets are tossed from floats. (Mike Camunas)

The parade route, which stretched more than a mile, started near the Oscar Cooler Sports Complex and finished in front of the Lutz Branch Library and historic Lutz Train Depot.

Local organizers also held a 5K and Mile Fun Run in the early morning, a cake-decorating contest and, after the parade, announced the winner of this year’s Lutz Guv’na campaign.

Annabelle Depolis, a young local singer, belted out the National Anthem to kick off the parade, which was led by grand marshal 2022 Guv’na Atlas Cortecero.

Katelyn Easterwood, and Missy, walk along First Ave. N.W., on the tail end of the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade on a sweltering Fourth of July morning.

Hundreds lined the street as floats from the likes of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, Boy and Girl Scout troops, North Tampa-Lutz Civil Air Patrol Squadron, Lutz Chiefs Cheer Squad, and local politicians, leaders and businesses owners all tossed out patriotic beads and other trinkets.

Other floats included Lutz All Star Baseball, Lutz Scoops passing out ice cream, the Tampa Rough Riders, Hillsborough County Commissioner Pat Hagen, Learning Gate Community School and the Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes.

In the 5K, the top Lutz finisher was 17-year-old Ethan Russ (16:52), who finished in sixth place, barely edging out 17-year-old Dylan Powell, of Land O’ Lakes (16:55).

All three Lutz Guv’na candidates also had entries in the parade, with eventual Guv’na winner Jerome Smalls bringing his company, SoccerGemz, and several athletes to walk in the parade.

It’s an event he looks forward to every year.

“The turnout, every year, is always amazing,” Smalls said. “It is one of the best parades, really, in the area. We learned to not  throw all beads and goodies away so fast, because you then still have a mile to go!

“(The parade is) always phenomenal, and we love being a part of it and coming out to see it every year, no matter how hot it is, and it’s always hot!”

Lutz Independence Parade Trophy Winners
Best Vehicle: Charley Musselman
Bicycle Entry: West Coast Elite
Commercial Entry: Pinch-A-Penny
Largest Turnout Participation: Lutz Chiefs Cheer
Most Patriotic: Boy Scout Pack 37
Themed Entry (RED, WHITE & Lutz): Lutz Volunteer Fire Department
Walking Unit: Civil Air Patrol
Youth Entry: Learning Gate Community School
Judge’s Favorite: The Barn at Stark Farms
Grand Marshal’s Choice: First Baptist of Lutz

Published July 12, 2023

Ten-year-old Sophia Joiner was one of hundreds of Lutz residents and locals that attended the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade on the morning of the Fourth of July.
The very vocal Lutz Chiefs Cheer squad filled their float to capacity and encouraged the crowd of hundreds to cheer along with them near the Lutz Branch Library, during the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade.
The annual Lutz Independence Day Parade and its nearly 50 floats and entries came up Lutz Lake Fern Road toward U.S. 41 and finished in front of Lutz Branch Library and the historic Lutz Train Depot. Hundreds along the parade route clamored for beads and trinkets being tossed from the floats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club wave from their float during the annual parade.
Justin Gaertner, a veteran who lives in Lutz, holds his son, Landry, during the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade.
Members of Cub Scout Pack 339, based out of First Baptist of Lutz, wave to the crowd in front of Lutz Branch Library.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Four-year-old Lutz resident Charlotte Sherwood enjoys a freezer pop while being pulled in a wagon in the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade on Lutz Lake Fern Road.
From back to front: Hayes White, Brantley White and Cayson Schmidt wait eagerly for floats in the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade to come toward them down Lutz Lake Fern Road.
Old Suzie, the first fire engine of the Lutz Volunteer Fire Department and privately owned by Dr. Earl Smith, makes its way down Lutz Lake Fern Road during the parade.

No small feat, as new Lutz Guv’na crowned

By

Jerome Smalls wasn’t about to be a two-time loser.

“Once was enough,” said Smalls, who was unsuccessful in his 2014 bid for the Lutz Guv’na title.

Newly ‘elected’ 2023 Lutz Guv’na Jerome Smalls accepts his coveted Guv’na sash, which he received following the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade. His swearing-in ceremony was held at the historic Lutz Train Depot at the corner of Lutz Lake Fern and U.S 41. The annual campaign each year raises money for local charities and nonprofit organizations. Smalls won by raising the most money, among the three Guv’na candidates. (Mike Camunas)

This time, he brought in the most cash and was crowned the 2023 Lutz Guv’na following the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade. Smalls was one of three candidates vying for the title in a yearly competition that involves raising money for various local charities and nonprofit organizations.

The winner receives the coveted Guv’na sash, a red-and-white Cat-in-the-Hat hat and a key to the unincorporated community of more than 28,000 people.

After raising more than $4,300, Smalls topped fellow candidates Shanon Monahan ($4,000 plus) and Tim Davis ($3,000 plus) and, humbly, accepted the passing of the torch from 2022 Guv’na Atlas Cortecero.

The candidates combined to raise more than $11,000, which will be divvied out to nonprofits, such as the Old Lutz School House, GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, Boy and Girl Scout Troops, churches, schools, sports teams and other organizations in Lutz.

“This is just so crazy, really, but it’s not only being up at the podium (after winning),” Smalls said. “There’s the parade and seeing all the families that we know through our program (SoccerGemz), to see (the kids) that came through and grow up and at the parade, supporting us and all the candidates.

“It’s crazy to have all that support, especially when starting a business in Lutz.”

Smalls moved to Tampa in 2005 and opened SoccerGemz in 2012. It’s an introductory soccer program which teaches the basic skills and fundamentals of soccer for children 18 months to 8 years old in the Lutz community.

An avid sports fan, Smalls was aided by his two daughters — Ivoryele, 14, and Anora, 9 — at the Guv’na debate on May 13. He also is a very active member with Lutz First Baptist.

Smalls is no stranger to being the Guv’na, since he ultimately came up short when running in 2014. This time, though, he was more savvy with his campaign.

He got the backing of some “political” heavy hitters from Lutz: the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club.

“The women in green shirts — I call them the WIGS,” Smalls said with a laugh. “They supported me and worked with me, because in 2014, I was just like, ‘Hey, I’m running for Guv’na! That’s cool!’ This time, I went out and got that organization because those women do so, so much for Lutz and all the organizations here.”

Whoever is crowned Guv’na earmarks 10% of the proceeds to a Lutz charitable organization of his or her choice, and Smalls said his will go to the Woman’s Club. He added he also will help other nonprofits, such as the Old Lutz School House and also plans on donating to the Lutz Branch Library — since he is a frequent patron.

“I’m an avid reader and I come here a lot,” Small said, pointing to the library from the nearby Lutz Train Depot. “I want to help out the place I go to a lot.”

Smalls held several fundraising events since May 13, from bingo events at Black Sheep American Pub, to other luncheons and dinners and fun events. Many people he knew through SoccerGemz also donated to his cause, as he could “panhandle” in the parade, in a final push to cash in for the sash.

But now that he has said sash, he plans to make due on a big campaign “promise” he made while “mudslinging” his other candidates.

And this promise is a real winner.

“I promised that I became Guv’na — which I now have after running two times — I promised to build a brand new stadium in the middle of (U.S.) 41 — for the (Tampa Bay) Rays!

“I will bring the Rays to Lutz!” he said, jokingly.

Past Lutz Guv’nas
2023 – Jerome Smalls
2022 – Atlas Cortecero
2019 – Amy Lancaster
2018 – Domenic Difante
2017 – Kori Rankin
2016 – Greg Gilbert
2015 – Jennifer Rankin
2014 – Dr. Cindy Perkins
2013 – Suzin Carr
2012 – Karen D’Amico
2011 – Kevin White
2010 – Stephanie Ensor
2009 – Suzin Carr
2008 – Teri Burgess
2007 – Michele Northrup
2006 – Edwina Kraemer
2005 – Liz Iaconetti
2004 – Dean Rivett
2003 – Joni Cagle
2002 – Brett Montegny
2001 – Helen Kinyon
2000 – Vince Arcuri
1999 – Danny Neeley
1998 – Sandy Ruberg
1997 – Earl Smith
1996 – Ben Nevel
1995 – Kay Dahman
1994 – Lorraine Dabney
1993 – Leslie Dennison
1992 – Betty Neeley
1991 – Jo Van Bebber

Published July 12, 2023