Mike Camunas

Running up to Boston

May 2, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Tia Pettygrue has been running toward this goal for about 12 years.

The 54-year-old New Tampa resident has qualified to run in the 128th annual Boston Marathon on April 15, 2024.

“It’s the Super Bowl for runners — because it’s the only one you have to qualify for,” Pettygrue said.

Tia Pettygrue, of New Tampa, trains at EōS Fitness, a new gym in Lutz, to prepare for the 2024 Boston Marathon. She recently qualified to run in the race after years of running and attempts. The 54-year-old financial advisor and certified running coach set a personal record of three hours, 53 minutes in a marathon in Newport News, Virginia. She will be one of 30,000 participants in the 128th Boston Marathon on April 15, 2024. (Mike Camunas)

It is still a ways off, but this longtime long-distance runner’s excitement hasn’t waned since qualifying for the event while setting a personal record (three hours, 53 minutes) in her 11th marathon — the Newport News One City Marathon — on March 5 in Virginia.

“I am so excited. I’m thinking about it every day, and I was looking at when I crossed the finish line — the race photographer got the best shots, with all the emotions. I relive it every day now, and I don’t usually buy race photos!

“I’m known for doing a jump picture after my races. People couldn’t believe I was able to do it after running a hard 26.2 miles,” she said, with a laugh.

But all laughing aside, Pettygrue has finally qualified for her dream race, but only after several unsuccessful attempts. Those efforts fell short due to time, or added pressures of the situation, or occasional injuries.

That’s why she joined the new EōS Fitness gym in Lutz. It has trainers, a wide variety of equipment, and various recovery apparatuses and techniques that come in handy for avid runners.

That’s especially true for Pettygrue, who has been running since the mid-’90s.

EōS personal trainer Anya Kalnins has been working with Pettygrue to help her gain more unilateral strength.

She said Pettygrue is one of her most advanced clients.

Tia Pettygrue is overcome with joy and emotion after setting a new personal record at the Newport News One City Marathon, which qualifies her to run in the 2024 Boston Marathon. (Courtesy of Tia Pettygrue)

“She’s also very positive and always keeps her head high — even if she is a little injured, she doesn’t let it get her down,” Kainins said. “As you get older, your body does slow down, so recovery is key, but her training here is very impressive — you love to see that.”

Pettygrue will run long distance, outside, five days a week and then lift weights on another two.

As for her recovery at EōS, she calls it her “spa day.”

She’ll spend 15 minutes to 20 minutes in the hot tub, 10 minutes in the sauna, finish up in the massage chairs and then put in a little stretching.

Her work and her long journey led her to being selected for the EōS Fitness’ annual “Submit Your Fit” contest, which involves members from across the nation sharing transformational stories of how they embraced fitness to improve all aspects of their lives.

Pettygrue recalls the beginning of her journey to a more fit life.

“In 2008, on a cruise, someone I hadn’t seen in a while, said to me, ‘Tia, I didn’t even recognize you — you gained so much weight!’

”That’s what I needed to hear at the time.”

Tia Pettygrue poses with her husband, Johnny, after running the St. Pete Run Fest. Tia’s husband of 32 years is an avid long-distance runner, as well.

From there, she got back into long-distance running and signed up for the Gasparilla 15K.

Her husband of 32 years, Johnny, also is an avid runner, and he was ready to do the Gasparilla full marathon, a race that is now discontinued. He convinced PettyGrue to run with him and they have been hooked on running marathons and long races ever since. So much so, they plan trips around runs and then explore the city and area before and after the race.

In all, Pettygrue has run 158 half marathons, 11 marathons, a triathlon and an ultramarathon.

EōS Lutz fitness manager Emory Wolf-Bielawa thinks it’s awesome that Pettygrue has achieved her goal to run in the Boston Marathon.

“Just looking at her story and seeing all the highlights and photos and races she’s run, she’s come a long way,” Wolf-Bielawa said.

As Pettygrue prepares for the biggest race of her life, she will continue her work with Black Girls Run, a nonprofit aimed at getting young and adult black women out to exercise. Through the program, she has coached thousands of women as a certified running coach.

Her devotion to the sport is apparent to others.

“Honestly, I was wondering if I should go up there and support her as her coach! I’ve never been to Boston, so maybe I can make it a work trip — and to see her cross that finish line,” Kalnins said.

Now, Pettygrue is ready to cross the Boston Marathon finish line, after years of running toward it.

“It’s the runner’s Super Bowl — my Super Bowl,” she said, “and I can’t wait to run it — finally.”

Published May 03, 2023

Cheer team champs

May 2, 2023 By Mike Camunas

(Courtesy of Sunlake Academy of Math and Science Athletics)

Ravens Cheer, from Sunlake Academy of Math and Science, based in Lutz, took home the 2023 School Grand Champion title at the Spirit Championship Season Showcase Finale. The event was held at the Florida State Fairgrounds on April 23.

Basketball camp for brothers and sisters

May 2, 2023 By Mike Camunas

The Saint Leo University’s women’s basketball team hosted a basketball skills camp on April 15 for children in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Tampa Bay Program.

During the event, 20 Little youngsters, accompanied by their Bigs, were able to meet the Lions players, see the facilities, participate in drills and play in the university’s gym.

The youth players got exclusive tours from the Saint Leo players, which included stops at the locker room and the training center, as well as a tour of the campus. Part of the tour included visiting the game room, where Lions players played pool, air hockey and video games with the young visitors.

Once back at the gym, the women’s team players led the youth in three skill groups — ball handling, dribbling and passing.

Heather Hogsett-Castle, senior director of activities and training with Big Brothers Big Sisters, spearheaded the event.

She also is a 2013 Saint Leo grad and former Lions women’s basketball player.

“It was fun to share that I played there and was a great way to give back to my community,” she told The Laker/Lutz News. “I am just so thankful for the Saint Leo Women’s Basketball team hosting Big Brothers Big Sisters out at their facility to show kids opportunities for their futures.”

At the end of the camp both Saint Leo and Big Brothers Big Sisters provided each child a Nike Drawstring bag filled with goodies and a new basketball. Also, Hogsett-Castle was presented with a No. 14 framed jersey, her former number.

“This was such a humbling moment,” she added. “It was so full circle for me.”

Hogsett-Castle says Big Brothers Big Sisters Tampa Bay is always in need of volunteer mentors. Those interested can contact her at 813-440-8192 or to learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.

A novel idea on tap

April 25, 2023 By Mike Camunas

They’re pouring over these books.

At Novels on Tap — an adult book club run by Pasco County Libraries — readers are given the chance to grab a new book every month, and discuss it, while also grabbing a drink.

Novels on Tap attendees enjoy discussing the reading selection at Wicked Pour in Odessa during the monthly meetup that gives readers, 21 and over, a chance to get together and give their thoughts on the book over a few adult beverages. The book club, which is based out of the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, provides the reading material and meet-up location once a month on weekends. (Mike Camunas)

Formed out of the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, registered participants will meet once a month on the weekends after reading the selected book and passionately, and sometimes hilariously, discuss whether or not they enjoyed the book, answer discussion questions and, of course, have an adult beverage or two.

“I inherited this book club from another librarian who is no longer at our branch, but Novels on Tap was her brainchild,” said Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center librarian Danielle Davis, who runs the monthly meetups and distribution of books out of the Odessa branch. “We were looking for a fun way for adults to get together outside the library walls, because not everyone can come to the branch during the week, during hours — so, she said, ‘Why not have it at a taproom on the weekends and have a drink or two, if you like?’

“And it’s been going very well,” Davis added, “because registration has been maxed out for the most part and everyone seems to enjoy it a lot.”

Like most everything else out of any branch of Pasco County Libraries, participating in the Novels on Tap comes at no cost, as the Starkey branch will provide the books — about 15 or so hard copies. Davis says apps such as Libby and Hoopla can be used to get the e-book version for free, as well.

From left, New Port Richey residents Kelly Gorbett, Betsy Hernandez and Linda Trent look on and discuss the book they read for Novels on Tap, an adult book club organized through Pasco County Libraries and the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center in Odessa.

The only thing that costs is the drinks, which are readily available at Wicked Pour, a pour-yourself taproom in Odessa where this book club meets monthly, usually on Sunday afternoons.

“Everyone has a lot of fun at Novels on Tap,” Davis said. “It’s all about the company of people who really enjoy getting together and having a drink, or not, and really getting a chance to discuss the novel with other people.

“And we explore different genres, especially since doing that will get readers to, maybe, go outside their comfort zone (of books they would normally read).”

Davis said the club purposely does that not only to push readers to try something new, but also to encourage the discussions, which can get lively. The club also will have occasional themed months, such as a horror book in October or a young adult genre book.

In April, participants met to discuss “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett, which is a multi-generational family saga set between the 1940s to the 1990s and centers on Black, identical twin sisters. Racism was heavily discussed in the historical fiction novel.

It was a theme also heavily discussed by the participants, their adult beverages nearby.

“It does get you out of your shell of books you might never read,” Linda Trent, of New Port Richey, said. “Because I’m reading books that I would have never read if I hadn’t come to this, and that’s good because that’s what book clubs are for. … Sometimes you get a book you can’t put down, other times you get one that you don’t know if you can even get through, but that’s the point of a book club. … Then we meet and discuss it and maybe have a drink. That’s definitely the fun part.”

The drinking book club has drawn readers from all over the county, including those from the Pasco County library system. Land O’ Lakes Branch librarian Robyn Powers says she is trying to get Novels on Tap to expand to her branch, which would then have its meetings at In The Loop Brewing, also in Land O’ Lakes.

Kelly Gorbett, of New Port Richey, enjoys a beer during Novels on Tap book club at Wicked Pour in Odessa on April 16.

“I love this club and meeting up to discuss books with a drink,” Powers added. “If we get one in Land O’ Lakes, I would expect it to be very popular.”

Novels on Tap
When: May 21, 2 p.m.
Where: Wicked Pour, 12263 State Road 54, Odessa
Next book: “Legendborn” by Tracy Deonn
Details: Readers age 21 and over can join this monthly book club as they discuss the book provided by the library over a few adult beverages. The club can provide upwards of 15 of the next book being read and discussed, and might be available at the local branch. Library officials also said apps such as Libby and Hoopla can be used to get the e-book version for free.
Registration is required to attend. Masks are recommended but not required. To register or for more information, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Published April 26, 2023

Ukulele Brand’s in Land O’ Lakes reopens

April 25, 2023 By Mike Camunas

A local staple is back.

Ukulele Brand’s, the long-standing, 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 back 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.”

Fischer said it was around 8 p.m., when the accident occurred. At the time, the dining room was filled with patrons and staff was busy in the kitchen.

Repairs took three months.

Now, it’s hard to see that it ever suffered damage.

The kitchen is fully restored. There’s no evidence of the hole in the exterior wall, and that wall has been repainted its teal color. The restaurant’s signature mural remains.

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.

“It’s amazing that (the locals and regulars) are looking out for us, that Ukulele’s means something to them,” said MacKenzie Dadroga, a long-time bartender and server told The Laker/Lutz News during that February fundraiser. “We’re still here and people are still supporting us, because it’s not about the place — it’s about the people. They care about us.”

Ukulele Brand’s
Where: 4805 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: Open Tuesday thru Sunday from 11 a.m until 11 p.m.
Details: Casual “Old Florida” lakeside full-service restaurant and bar, with both indoor and outdoor seating and live music year-round.
Info: Visit UkuleleBrands.com or the restaurant’s Facebook page.

Published April 26, 2023

Creativity with chalk draws up temporary art

April 25, 2023 By Mike Camunas

No chalkboards were needed here.

Instead, these artists each used a parking spot — just a small strip of asphalt — to create works displaying their talents and creativity.

Venice resident ‘Scary’ Carrie Phillips works on her asphalt chalk work during the Chalk Art Festival on April 16 at the KRATE at the Grove in Wesley Chapel. (Mike Camunas)

At the Chalk Art Festival, on April 16 at the KRATE at the Grove in Wesley Chapel, a group of about 10 local and out-of-town artists got close to the ground to create art that festival-goers could check out and admire.

The free event also offered a chance to do some casual Sunday afternoon shopping, grab a bite to eat or enjoy a drink, and listen to live music from Phoenix 5.

“This was my first time doing chalk art,” Holiday artist Danielle Ostolaza said. “I wasn’t sure how it would come out, but I think it came out great and it ended up being a lot of fun.”

Some artists, from as far as Venice, used chalk and some washable paint to draw up some very visual artwork that even seemed like it was part of the asphalt.

Some artists shared works featuring original designs, while others created cartoon characters, such as Pokemon’s Pikachu, to entertain the children.

The Harvest Market was held at the same time, offering patrons a chance to purchase items from a variety of vendors.

Florida Penguin Productions put on the event.

For a list of its upcoming events, visit FloridaPenguinProductions.com/upcoming-events-list.

Published April 26, 2023

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.

The Chalk Art Festival also featured a Harvest Market at the Grove at Wesley Chapel. Dozens of vendors and exhibitors were there to sell goods, wares, gifts and more.

Hilary Frambes, of Ellenton, sits on the asphalt at the KRATE at the Grove to work on her chalk art drawings.

The Chalk Art Festival, held at the KRATE at the Grove in Wesley Chapel, gave about 10 artists the chance to show off their talents — and imaginations — through works of chalk art on parking spots.

Artist Hilary Frambes, of Ellenton, works diligently to share her creativity through her chalk art at the KRATE at the Grove on April 16.

Wesley Chapel artist Sienna Biagi is all smiles as she takes her time drawing her artwork on the asphalt during the Chalk Art Festival on April 16.

Adaptive sports day is a home run

April 25, 2023 By Mike Camunas

It was a hit.

From Wesley Chapel to Land O’ Lakes, the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department had itself quite the day — Adaptive Sports Day at Wesley Chapel District Park, as well as the “At Bat 4 Autism” Home Run Derby at the baseball fields at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex — with both events held on April 15.

Lauren Neal, of Ruskin, brings the basketball down court during a session of one of the four adaptive sports available at Adaptive Sports Day at Wesley Chapel District Park and Recreation Center on April 15. The event was sponsored by the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department and designed to give individuals with a physical disability the opportunity to try different adaptive sports, from basketball, tennis, pickleball and archery. In all, about a dozen athletes and residents attended and were able to enjoy the sports and facilities. (Mike Camunas)

The activities were timed to bring attention to Autism Awareness Month, which is April, as well as to highlight the department’s Pasco Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation (P.A.I.R) program, which provides active events and activities for those with disabilities.

“I think we had a great turn out!” said Scarlet Lawhorne, recreation leader at Wesley Chapel Recreation Center. “Everyone had a great time and we’re happy with how it all turned out. We’re definitely going to try to make it a yearly thing and hopefully see even more (adaptive sports athletes) come out.”

Senior Recreation Coordinator Kimberly Miller said these two events were put on specifically this month as the department’s initiative to provide more adaptive sports for the county.

“While we have (P.A.I.R activities) all year long, this was our way of doing things during April for Autism Awareness Month,” she added.

At Adaptive Sports Day, about a dozen or so youth and adult participants with disabilities were able to give four adaptive sports — tennis, pickleball, basketball and archery — a try. While pickleball and tennis — put on by volunteers from the Sarah Vande Berg Foundation and USTA Florida, respectively — were brought into the gym because of the heat, archery and basketball were kept outside, with the latter sport seeing some fierce competition. That included stellar play from Team USA Wheelchair Basketball point guard Paul Schulte, who is a two-time Paralympic medalist.

Adaptive Sports Day only cost $5 per athlete and it provided sport wheelchairs for those who might not have them.

Over in Land O’ Lakes, the “At Bat 4 Autism” Home Run Derby had a couple dozen hitters pre-register and participate, however, organizers who braved the heat at the all-day event during Little League and softball games saw a lot of walk-ups pay just $3 for seven swings to be crowned home run champion.

In all, the organizers added, the department made a few hundred dollars off the home run derby, with those proceeds going to the P.A.I.R program.

“It was a great day, with these events,” Miller said. “We love getting this kind of support from the community for (the P.A.I.R) program and our department.

Published April 26, 2023

Tyler Keats, of Sarasota, returns a tennis volley inside the gym at Wesley Chapel Recreation Center during Adaptive Sports Day on April 15.

Robyn Stawski, of Tampa, works on aiming the bow during an archery session at an event offering athletes a different way to compete.

Jacob Paul, of Clearwater, gears up to return a tennis volley inside the gym at Wesley Chapel Recreation Center during Adaptive Sports Day.

Wesley Chapel resident and veteran Jerome Knight pulls back on his bow and takes aim during one of the four adaptive sports available to try at Adaptive Sports Day at Wesley Chapel District Park on April 15.

Shelton Mobley, of Temple Terrace, left, and Bradenton resident and Team USA Wheelchair Basketball point guard Paul Schulte battle for the ball during a game on Adaptive Sports Day in Wesley Chapel.

New Port Richey resident Isabella Thurman works on a return during a game of pickleball on the day highlighting adaptive sports.

Woman’s soccer league winners crowned

April 25, 2023 By Mike Camunas

The Goal Diggers were the champions of the Wesley Chapel Woman’s Winter League, which plays its games at Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road.

The Goal Diggers defeated SONIC 2-0 for the title.

The team includes team captain Claire Owen and players Kristy Flaugher, Andrea Fiedler, Lindsay Zullo, Amber Elrom, Taylor Reiss, Shelley Cox, Ashley Chevalier, Michelle Fox and Sarah Gelinas.

The Wesley Chapel Woman’s Spring League starts on April 30 and is looking for players and teams. Those interested in submitting a team or joining as a free agent, text Colin Eke at 813-610-2278.

Warrior golf classic

April 25, 2023 By Mike Camunas

SOF Missions will host its Warrior Golf Classic on May 1 at 9 a.m., at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd. Cost is $150 per player or $600 for a team, with proceeds benefiting SOF Missions, a Tampa nonprofit 501(c)(3) founded in 2011 to combat the veteran suicide crisis. The tournament has funded 25 veterans to attend the Be Resilient Clinic, which is for military members and veterans struggling to overcome the challenges of service and combat. To register, visit WarriorGolfClassic.org. To learn more about SOF Missions, visit SOFmissions.org.

Scouting for little libraries

April 18, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Krishna Chundi is interested in engineering.

The Land O’ Lakes High School senior got a taste of it during the community service project he completed in pursuit of becoming an Eagle Scout.

Krishna Chundi, a senior at Land O’ Lakes High, built four book boxes in about a year and then worked with the Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department to have them installed in parks across the county, including this one installed at the playground at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey. The initiative was his community service project in his quest to become an Eagle Scout. (Mike Camunas)

The 18-year-old, who plans to attend the University of South Florida, spent a year building four book boxes. Then, he coordinated with the Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources department to have them strategically placed in county parks in communities where a high population of children from low-income families could benefit from his project.

The little libraries provide a place where people can borrow and exchange books.

The project cost about $800, which Chundi raised, or which was donated.

“When I was little, I really had a great interest in reading, but luckily I had a library (the Land O’ Lakes Branch) real close to me,” Chundi said. “Not everyone has a library that close. … So these (boxes), they’re in good locations to provide kids, or anyone, with books they can borrow.”

Krishna Chundi was able to stock the book boxes with donated books through a book drive at Land O’ Lakes High.

To build the boxes, Chundi said he consulted one of the best places for do-it-yourself projects, YouTube. But he couldn’t find a video that offered step-by-step instructions, so he turned to his family and scout leaders for their help in figuring out the best way to complete the build.

And he had to make adjustments as the project progressed — just like an engineer would.

“We had to improvise as we went along,” Chundi said. “The box was easy, but working on and installing and problem-solving the door was difficult because we had to make adjustments to make the doors fit better and the right way.”

He also made an ingenious move to keep the elements from damaging the books by installing a magnet latch to keep the door tightly closed.

Throughout the build, Chundi coordinated with the Lowe’s in Lutz, which donated some supplies and gave him a “Scout discount.”

He also worked closely with Pasco’s parks department.

Parks and Recreation Manager Brian Taylor said once Chundi contacted the department, it identified sites that didn’t have book boxes, which are also known as little libraries.

The parks department agreed to paint and install the boxes.

One of the four book boxes built by Land O’ Lakes scout Krishna Chundi, who then worked to have the boxes placed in county parks, such as this one in Starkey Park in New Port Richey.

“He did 99% of the work,” Taylor said. “He’s a really great, upstanding kid, and he did a really great job for just a teenager. I mean, it takes work just to achieve Eagle Scout status, but (a project like this), it promotes all the different things such as education, sharing, reusing, repurposing — and they look nice!

“He did such a great job on something that is very popular no matter where they get placed.”

Chundi’s boxes were installed at Crews Lake Wilderness Park in Spring Hill and Little Lisa Park and W.H. “Jack” Mitchell Park, both in New Port Richey. The fourth box was installed by the playground in Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, also in New Port Richey. (See accompanying box for addresses)

Also, the box at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park is near the StoryWalk® the Parks Department opened in 2022.

“It’s a perfect spot by StoryWalk,” Taylor said. “We expect kids to take a book after leaving the trail.”

Chundi agreed: “I thought that was a really good place to put that box.”

The county also provided some books, but Chundi provided most of the books that were collected through a book drive at Land O’ Lakes High.

Land O’ Lakes High senior and local Boy Scout Krishna Chundi said it took him about a year to construct four book boxes that were then put into Pasco County parks. (Courtesy of Krishna Chundi)

“When we had the book drive at our school, and they didn’t know what to do with a lot of them, so I said give them to me for the boxes,” Chundi said. “I was able to put in a variety of books, with plenty for kids and young adults, even some cooking books in there, too.”

Chundi wants to get the word out, so people can take advantage of the new little libraries.

“Advertising these book boxes is crucial,” he added, “so I’m glad to get the word out, that way (everyone) gets the most use out of the boxes and (they) make a greater impact on the community.”

Book Boxes Built by Krishna Chundi
Details: Land O’ Lakes High senior and soon-to-be Eagle Scout Krishna Chundi built four book boxes to be installed in Pasco County parks.
Locations:

Starkey Wilderness Park, 1115 Wilderness Park Road, in New Port Richey
Crews Lake Park, 16739 Crews Lake Drive, in Spring Hill
Lake Lisa Park, 7021 Maplehurst Drive, in New Port Richey
W.H. “Jack” Mitchell Park, 4025 Little Road, in New Port Richey

Published April 19, 2023