The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mike Camunas

Local cheer teams place nationally

By

(Courtesy of Lutz Chiefs)

Cheerleading squads from the Lutz Chiefs, which are based out of the Oscar Cooler Sports Complex on Lutz Lake Fern Road, competed in the 2023 National Cheer & Dance Championships from Dec. 2 to Dec. 9 in Orlando, with some of the squads carrying home hardware.

The Pee Wee Onyx, pictured, finished in second place, bringing home the highest prize for the cheer organization, which cheers on its football teams during the season.

Additionally, Tiny Mite Force and Varsity Pearl squads both finished in third place, while Tiny Mite Store and Pee Wee Chrome competed, but did not place.

This is the largest number of teams Lutz Chiefs has sent to nationals in recent years. In 2021, it sent two teams to nationals, but neither placed. In 2022, it sent two teams to nationals, with one winning second place.

Commemorating a centennial of helping children

By

For 100 years, it’s been all about the children.

The Kiwanis Club of Dade City is celebrating its centennial anniversary, as a service organization dedicated to helping children in need in the community. The club does everything from providing school supplies and clothing, to supplying food and gifts around the holiday season. It even provides the club’s trademark donation —  eyeglasses  — to those who need them, but can’t afford them.

Members and administrators of the Kiwanis Club of Dade City, including current president Kristie Dimarakis, third from the left, are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the local nonprofit organization. Throughout its history, it has helped thousands of local children by providing clothing, toys, school supplies and other items. The Dade City chapter is one of 15 in the Nature Coast area, as one of the oldest, and has had some notable presidents over the years, such as Florida’s 13th Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson. It has raised more than a quarter million dollars and shaped Dade City during a century of operation. (Courtesy of Kirstie Dimarakis)

While its membership may be lower than desired or even as high as some of its fellow 14 sister chapters in the Nature Coast branch, the Dade City club strives to help every child that needs assistance it can — making sure they provide needed supplies and attention.

“Everything is for the children — we don’t do anything unless it’s for kids,” said longtime member and former Kiwanis Dade City president Mike Moorman. “That’s the whole point of Kiwanis: to help them grow and become adults. The K in the name should stand for kids because that’s what we do.

“And, honestly,” he added, “and this is just how I feel, but I know a lot of members do, too, but no kid should be deprived of getting something for Christmas.

“That should be our motto.”

The Kiwanis Club of Dade City was founded in 1923, with the first president being Alfred Francis “Frank” Price, whose name is now honored at Price Park on Meridian Avenue. The group has been significant in Dade City history, according to author and historian Madonna Wise.

It has been “involved in everything. The new highway through town, recruiting an early extension agent, building of roads, benevolent projects of all types and aspects of the culture, and even entertainment of the town,” according to Wise.

The Kiwanis Club of Dade City has been around 100 years, and in that time, they have collected an unfathomable amount of school supplies, clothing and more for families and children in need.

Over its century-long existence, the Dade City club and its members have focused on helping the community’s children.

“Because we only give back to kids, we don’t get involved in anything political or anything else,” Moorman said. “We just worry about the kids, so all money raised goes to the kids. We don’t take anything from the group and we pay for all our other stuff out of our own pockets.”

Moorman figures the Kiwanis Club has helped every school in Dade City, and partners closely with Pasco High, as well. But their big push throughout the years has always been the club’s free eyeglasses program. 

Partnering with local optometrist Dr. Bradley Smurr, the group — which now works in collaboration with Pasco County on this project — raises money to get children eye exams and possible glasses, if they can’t afford it. 

Club president Kristie Dimarakis says one of its members, Mike Carr, was a recipient of glasses as a kid, and now is passionate to keep this program alive.

“Since most members are Dade City natives or lifelong residents, it sometimes comes full circle,” Dimarakis added. “Especially, like (Mike Carr) where Kiwanis impacted his life. I think you see a lot of that — if it impacted their lives, now they want to give back.”

“Oh, it’s so rewarding or we wouldn’t be here,” said another former president John Swyers.

“We don’t meet the kids, we’re just told what they need or how we can help them,” he added. “From 1923 to now, 100 years later, that’s been a lot of money and clothing, gifts and eyeglasses. I’m not sure it is even quantifiable just how much we’ve collected and raised in 100 years, but it’s a lot and it’s been just for the kids.”

Kiwanis Club of Dade City of Dade City has raised thousands of dollars over the years to support many charities, including Habitat for Humanity.

Moving forward after the 100th anniversary celebration, Dimarakis is focused on increasing membership and keeping it steady.

“My grandfather was a president of Kiwanis club in Georgia, and had more than 100 members,” she said. “We always want more people to join and help out and keep this club going for another 100 years!”

“It does take a lot of dedication,” added Penny Morrill, another former president. “It takes a lot of passion, but then you don’t even realize how long you’ve been with Kiwanis. I was surprised when it was our 75th anniversary!”

Dimarakis and company know it can be tough to be part of Kiwanis, as the club meets Tuesdays at noon, making it tough for those who work to make meetings. Additionally, Morrill pointed out many companies no longer sponsor (i.e., pay the membership fees) employees to be in Kiwanis.

“That used to be a big selling point, a big point of pride,” she added, “but really, everyone here wants to help kids in this area. Many don’t realize the kids in Dade City are very poverty-stricken. Kiwanis is a great way to help them, if you can.”

Despite some membership hardships, this Kiwanis club has had some notable members, many of whom are now senior members — in that they support the club, but are not active participants.

Longtime members of the Kiwanis Club of Dade City are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the local nonprofit organization that works diligently to raise monies, clothing, school supplies and more to provide for children in need.

Those of notoriety include Price; Roy Hardy, who got the trail nearby named after him; and former Mayor W. Glenn Lester, who also has a park named after him. There’s also Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning and Florida’s 13th Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson, both of whom were former club presidents.

Dimarakis welcomes any new member, either to expand or bring some youth to the club. Either way, expect this Kiwanis club to continue helping kids for another 100 years.

“I’m focused on the celebration right now, but after that, it’s about what’s next for the club,” she said. “Do we get more members? Do we get younger? What do we plan for projects? What are we going to do next year for the kids? … We probably need to go younger to stay alive, but that’s also not going to stop Kiwanis from helping the kids and families in (the Dade City) area.”

Dade City Kiwanis Club
Details: The Kiwanis Club of Dade City is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The service organization is dedicated to serving children through scholarships, school supplies, clothing and even eyeglasses for those that can’t afford them. Several former presidents and members of the club have been honored by Dade City, including Alfred Francis “Frank” Price, Roy Hardy and Wilton Simpson. The club is always actively looking for new members. Its 100th anniversary celebration is set for Jan. 18 at the Garden Club in Dade City.
Info: Visit the group’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/KiwanisDadeCity/, or email .

Published December 13, 2023

Members of Kiwanis Club of Dade City have been giving back to the community for 100 years through cookouts and school supplies, clothing and other essentials for children.
The city named Hardy Trail after Roy Hardy, a president of the Kiwanis Club of Dade City in the early 1970s.
Kiwanis Club of Dade City’s first president was Alfred Francis ‘Frank’ Price, as the club was founded 100 years ago in 1923. The city named Price Park, at 37415 Magnolia Ave., in his honor. He died in 1961. (Courtesy of Madonna Wise)

Holiday lights aim to generate joy, generosity

By

Putting up holiday decorations can be a chore.

But doing it with neighbors, with friends who live on your street — well, it can bring a small community together. That’s just what it’s done in the Wilderness Lake Preserve neighborhood.

Residents of Blue Spring Drive, a road in the Wilderness Lake Preserve community in Land O’ Lakes, had an idea: How about joining together to create a ‘Dazzling Light Display’ but at the same time, seek to give back to those who are really in need during this holiday season? (Mike Camunas)

Residents at about two dozen homes have combined their talents to create a Dazzling Light Display at Blue Spring Drive, a residential street in the Land O’ Lakes community. Their handiwork features lighted decor on most of the homes, as well as strung lights from tree to tree.

One organizer, Dominic Dominguez, said initially the intent was just to have a festive display, but they opted to do more. He and residents are inviting anyone to come see the lights and, on Thursdays through Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., if they are willing, to bring some canned foods to donate.

No donations are required, but those opting to bring them can drop them off into a bin under a street light in the middle of the display. All donations will then be taken to Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church’s food pantry in Land O’ Lakes.

“It all kind of came from an idea at the Halloween (street) party,” Dominguez said. “We just basically yelled to each other across the street and said what if we all did our decorations together. And then we decided to add the food drive because we know it’s been a rough year for a lot of families.

“If we can keep a couple of families from going hungry, it’ll be worth it, so that’s really the motivation behind it.”

Local neighbors and residents are welcomed, and encouraged, to come out and see the Dazzling Light Display on Blue Spring Drive. Homeowners on the residential street in the Wilderness Lake Preserve community in Land O’ Lakes collaborated to create a festive display, which they hope will attract visitors – and they hope the visitors are willing to donate canned goods for a nearby food pantry.

This is the first time the residents have combined for a street-long display, as well as working to get any kind of donations. Decorating has taken a couple of weeks, as residents worked on their homes and on stringing lights across the street by using ladders or climbing trees to hang the decorations.

“No one was using any lifts, so I think, from the climbing (up ladders and trees), we’re really feeling (sore) now,” Dominguez said, with a laugh.

Dominguez and the residents figured having a light display was a great way to bring the neighborhood and the nearby communities together for the holiday season. But they put the display together just to be festive and went in with zero expectations on the amount of cans they might collect.

Their hope is the display inspires visitors to give back.

“This ZIP code (here in Land O’ Lakes) has more than 10,000 people, so it’s always growing,” Dominguez said. “We just want anyone to enjoy the lights and, if you can bring food, please do — we would love it, but we have no expectations.

“And if we get no cans, well, at least we tried, and anyone or everyone can take some leisure time and enjoy the lights this season.”

Dazzling Light Display at Blue Spring Drive
Where: Blue Spring Drive, a residential road in the Wilderness Lake Preserve community in Land O’ Lakes
Details: A couple dozen houses and its residents worked together, on a lark, to create a festive light display on their short road. Most of the houses are decorated, plus there are lighted strings across the street. The Blue Spring Drive group hopes that locals will come to see the display and will donate canned goods, which will be collected and delivered to the food pantry at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes. While the light display can be seen any evening, a bin will be out in the middle of the display, underneath a street light, on Thursdays through Sundays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., throughout the month of December.

Published December 13, 2023

Breakfast with the jolly man himself

By

The GFWC Pasco Juniors Woman’s Club’s Breakfast with Santa charity event recently took place at the Lexington Oaks Community Center. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit annually hosts this fundraising event to purchase holiday presents for community youths, and to donate funds to the Sean Bartell Memorial Foundation. The foundation is named for a Wesley Chapel High student who passed away on Christmas Day 2014 from complications of Stevens Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. GFWC Juniors vice president Suzette Torres said the event raised about $600, thanks to food and coffee donations from Waffle House, Burger King, Keke’s Breakfast Cafe, Starbucks and Wawa. For more information on either charity, visit their Facebook pages.

Wesley Chapel infant Nikolas Scardino can’t believe his eyes as he meets Santa Claus (Paul Bartell) on Dec. 2, during GFWC Pasco Juniors Woman’s Club’s Breakfast with Santa charity event at Lexington Oaks Community Center. (Mike Camunas)
Six-year-olds Kiarah Edwards, left, and Aliana Hernandez, both of Wesley Chapel, play a knock down the Grinch game at the Breakfast with Santa charity event.
Wesley Chapel kiddo Joey Fonck, 5, gets ready to devour a pancake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GFWC Pasco Juniors Woman’s Club member Janine Marquardt serves up a plate of food during the group’s Breakfast with Santa charity event on Dec. 2.
Wesley Chapel sisters Giulietta Fantuz, 5, left, and Amielia Fantuz, 4, play a sandbag toss holiday game on Dec. 2, at the GFWC Pasco Juniors Woman’s Club’s Breakfast with Santa charity event.
About a hundred people turned out on Dec. 2 to get a warm meal during GFWC Pasco Juniors Woman’s Club’s Breakfast with Santa charity event, at Lexington Oaks Community Center in Wesley Chapel.

Flagging down the football competition

By

It’s a pirate’s flag football life for them.

Hundreds of local girls — as young as kindergarteners and as old as high schoolers — are bringing their talents to the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex. The competitors are showing the area that flag football is not only a growing sport, but popular enough to expand.

Max Ludey, 13, right, tries to sprint past Alexa Zummo, 13, during a Friday night game in the Pirate Bay Flag Football League, at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex. The league has games on Fridays and Sundays, with a new season for the spring beginning in February. The league is part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Flag Football Network. (Mike Camunas)

They are part of the Pirate Bay Flag Football League that has been operating out of Land O’ Lakes since 2018, but now is also part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Flag Football Network. The league also has partnered with the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department.

The organization has grown so much from its humble beginnings that it now has two coinciding seasons with various age groups. It even has teams that travel nationally to compete.

“When it started, there were just 16 girls,” one of the organizers Justin Spiegel said. “Now, we have 20-plus teams on both days.”

League founder Bobby Fox set out to create a league through i9 Sports, but that organization didn’t think he’d be able to get enough players. Now, more than five years later, Pirate Bay actually had to start a boys branch of the league because it became so popular.

It was only recently that Pirate Bay — its name since nearly the beginning — joined the Bucs Network, which was able to get help with some cost offsets, such as uniforms and equipment that carry the Bucs logos.

Nine-year-old flag footballer Parisa Jenner, center, heads through a couple defenders, including Veronica Gambino, 12, right, during a Pirate Bay Flag Football game on Dec. 1, at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex.

“(Being partnered with the Bucs) gives us more visibility, too,” Spiegel said. “We were also able to go down and practice in the training facility (in West Tampa), which was great. Even on opening day, the cheerleaders came out and took pictures with everyone, so the Bucs have been so supportive and great.”

In the league, there are games played Fridays, in which registration is handled by the Pasco Parks Department, and features four age divisions, including middle and high school teams, which play 7v7 on full fields.

On Sundays, there are seven age divisions, starting at age 4 and maxing out at 17, but all those teams play 5v5.

The next season begins in February and registration is underway.

Cora Hernandez, 10, takes the snap and drops back to pass during a Dec. 1 flag football game.

The league’s popularity — with its ability to attract players from as far as Westchase and Riverview — has Spiegel, Fox and company wondering what it will take for Pasco County Schools and its Athletic Department to implement girls flag football teams at the middle and high schools, just like its Hillsborough County Schools counterparts do at schools such as Wharton and Steinbrenner high schools.

The league, with backing from the Bucs, is working on getting a program in Pasco schools, but Spiegel and the rest don’t know what’s holding that up.

But these representatives do know, and have plenty of proof, that it would be a welcome addition to the Pasco schools.

“My daughter just went into ninth grade and there’s nothing for her. We’ve really been pushing 7v7 at the middle and high levels, we just don’t know why it doesn’t keep happening,” Spiegel said. “The rumor is it’s a financial thing, but the Bucs said they would kick in the backing to fund it, so we just don’t know why from the other side.

Faith Dizon takes a stance at the line of scrimmage and prepares to run a play during practice before a flag football game at Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex.

“But, I can tell you, the girls want that. I know my daughter does, because I’m sure every high school in Pasco would be able to or even want to be able to field a varsity girls flag football team. I guess we always think, if Hillsborough (County) can, why can’t Pasco (County)?”

Pirate Bay Flag Football
Where: Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway
Cost: $139 per player
Details: The league will begin its two spring seasons March 3, with a mandatory Player Combine on Feb. 18. Registration deadline is Feb. 9. There is a Friday night league that plays games from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and a Sunday morning/afternoon league that plays games from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All players registered will be drafted. The league, on Sundays, has seven different age divisions, while on Fridays, it has four different age divisions. Note: the Friday night league is through the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resource Department and that registration information can be found on Pirate Bay’s web site.
For more information or to register, visit PirateBayFlag.com.

Published December 13, 2023

Alinah Remmer, 7, gears up at the line of scrimmage to run a practice play as part of the Pirate Bay Flag Football League.
Scarlett Gonzalez, 9, drops back to pass to one of her teammates.
Coach Erin Campbell, right, gives out the play to his team during a Pirate Bay Flag Football League game.

Finally, Hercules Park breaks ground in Zephyrhills

By

In about a year or so, City of Zephyrhills residents and visitors will be able to jump right into a brand new park.

On Nov. 28, after more than five years of planning and budgeting, Pasco County’s largest municipality saw city officials break ground on Hercules Park — a 12-acre, $5.4-million park project coming to the corner of County Road 54 and Gall Boulevard, adjacent to Zephyrhills High and Woodland Elementary schools.

City of Zephyrhills officials and Kimley Horn representatives dig in for the ceremonial groundbreaking of Hercules Park — a 12-acre, $5.4-million project scheduled to begin construction in January 2024. The new park, which will be adjacent to Zephyrhills High and Woodland Elementary schools at County Road 54 and Gall Boulevard, marks the city’s first newly built park in more than 40 years. It will have a splash pad, trails, restrooms and other amenities. The tentative completion date is late 2024 or early 2025. (Mike Camunas)

Designed to be a hub for community engagement, recreation and natural beauty, Hercules Park will feature a splash pad, playground and restrooms, sheltered picnic area, open playfield, 54 spaces of parking, a .75 perimeter walking trail and 5.3 acres of area with trails for hiking and biking. Construction is slated to begin January 2024, with a tentative completion date set for late 2024 or early 2025.

However, getting to the groundbreaking was a years-long process, with many hurdles city officials had to jump right over again and again.

“The (city) council had the desire, from the very beginning, to get it done, and the staff kept pushing to get the funding, so once we got the funding, it was set,” City Manager Billy Poe said.

Penny for Pasco revenues are being used to pay for the Hercules Park construction.

Talks of creating a new park and refurbishing the land began in 2017, shortly before Zephyrhills took control of the land in June 2018. Before that, Pasco County operated Hercules Aquatic Center, but that closed in 2009 because of budget constraints.

Once the city had the land, it began putting together a budget for the project, as well as designs, which went through many phases over the years. In late 2022, city officials, along with park designers Kimley-Horn, sat down and came up with designs that would honor the history of the land upon which the park will be built.

City of Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe speaks to a crowd during the groundbreaking ceremony for Hercules Park, the new 12-acre project coming to the city at County Road 54 and Gall Boulevard.

These design choices were made to honor the Hercules Powder Company, which previously owned 80 acres of land and established Camp No. 39 on this land in 1946. The site featured between 60 and 70 company-built, prefabricated homes rented to employees for $4 per room per month. Once the largest employer in Zephyrhills, with 150 people on its payroll at any time, the company also featured a commissary and baseball team.

Additionally, over that time, the city took into consideration feedback from the community and its residents, many of which were looking for a public pool. The splash pad was the workaround solution and added to the designs, especially since the splash pad at nearby Zephyr Park is already a popular attraction.

“We’re trying to have water aspects in everything we do in the city, we’re still the city of pure water, even if it’s not our motto anymore,” Poe said with a laugh, referring to the city’s newly-adopted slogan, ‘Jump Right In.’

“But,” he continued, “we want people to jump right into our parks, as a place for families to spend time together, a place people want to visit, and we felt it was important to incorporate the history into the design.

“For a while, during the process, I was little scared, in just making sure, as a city, we were doing it justice, from the history to giving the residents something to be proud of and that they wanted. I think it turned out really well.”

Lori Hillman, clerk of the City of Zephyrhills, signs a board marking the occasion of the groundbreaking ceremony for Hercules Park on Nov. 28.

Hercules Park is just the first part of a much larger parks’ project in Zephyrhills.

Poe said the city plans to evaluate all of its parks and recreational sites “to determine where and if there are deficiencies and how we can improve our parks.”

The parks and recreation department in Zephyrhills includes the YMCA, the municipal golf course and Zephyr Park.

Zephyr Park was the focus of community uproar in April, after an old rendering of renovations to Zephyr Park was prematurely shared on social media. That sent the town into a tizzy — because it came as a surprise to its 18,000-plus residents.

It also raised concerns among residents about losing the sense of history   associated with the 34-acre park on Fifth Avenue that features Alice Hall Community Center, five lighted tennis courts, handball, fishing, picnic pavilions with picnic tables, barbecue grills, horseshoe pits, playground equipment, and a 5/8 of a mile lakeside fitness path and trees dating back to the Civil War era.

The city held a town hall, reassuring residents no definitive upgrade plans have been set or even discussed for Zephyr Park. Many residents raised concerns about the removal of the Veterans Memorial at the park, though Poe and other city officials also reassured town residents that it would not be removed or relocated.

Now, with another hurdle cleared, and a groundbreaking complete, Poe and fellow city officials are ready to jump right into construction and present Hercules park to its more than 18,000 residents.

“If it takes us to spring (2025 to finish the park), it’s not going to hurt my feelings,” Poe said. “Because then, maybe, when we have the ribbon-cutting, the kids can actually go in the water at the splash pad.

“I think we’re all very excited to see it completed about a year from now.”

Published December 06, 2023

The master plan for Hercules Park, a 12-acre park project that is being built by the City of Zephyrhills shows where various amenities will be situated in the park, located at County Road 54 and Gall Boulevard. The $5.4 million project is tentatively scheduled for completion in late 2024 or early 2025. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

This artist rendering depicts what the restroom at the new Hercules Park will look like.

Tree-mendous start to the holiday season

By

Saint Leo University’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony took place on campus in St. Leo on Nov. 30. Hundreds turned out to see the university kick off the holiday season with the lighting. There were vendors, crafts for children, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, refreshments and caroling, as dignitaries such as University President Ed Dadez and town of St. Leo Mayor Vincent ‘Mike’ D’Ambrosio and Father Lucius Amarillis spoke to the crowd.

Saint Leo University students sing Christmas Carols during the private school’s annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. (Mike Camunas)
Rebecca Morales is all smiles holding a lighted candle during the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on Saint Leo’s Campus in East Pasco. The event attracted hundreds who enjoyed a festive celebration filled with songs, prayers and more.
Saint Leo staff member Jenna Humphries, aka Mrs. Claus, wowed the audience at the university’s annual tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 30.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saint Leo University’s cheer squad performed during the college’s annual tree lighting on Nov. 30.
Saint Leo University’s annual Christmas Tree ceremony featured the lighting of a giant tree, as well as a Christmas Village with vendors, crafts for children, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, refreshments and caroling.
Those attending Saint Leo University’s annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony held lighted candles.

Lighting the way to celebrate Christmas

By

The annual Celebration of Lights, at the Grand Concourse in Shady Hills, is back.

On weekends through Dec. 23, local Christmas and holiday enthusiasts can visit the annual Celebration of Lights, which is at Safety Town in Shady Hills. The venue features dancing lights and wide-ranging holiday décor. Patrons can ride the Grand Concourse Holiday Train after the mile-long drive-thru of light displays, see the miniature town decorated, and visit with local gift and food vendors. (Mike Camunas)

Visitors can hop in their cars and drive through a mile-long light display on weekends through Dec. 23, and the display also will continue for a few days after Dec. 25.

But there’s more.

Holiday enthusiasts can then park and walk, or take the Polar Express — er, the Grand Concourse Holiday Train to Safety Town, to see the miniature displays of Pasco County landmarks all lit up with dancing light displays.

Beyond the lights and train rides, local gift and food vendors also will be there to give visitors a chance to do some shopping and grab a bite.

The Grinch and Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick — aka Santa Claus — will be there, too, available for pictures.

Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted on the grounds.

The Celebration of Lights opened in late 2014, and this nonprofit fundraising event is produced by The Concourse in partnership with Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources, West Pasco Sertoma, The Grand Concourse Railroad Inc. club and Friends of Dave Parris.

Parris, founder of the celebration, passed away from cancer in 2014.

Celebration of Lights & Grand Concourse Holiday Train
Where: 11919 Alric Pottberg Road, in Shady Hills
When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays thru Dec. 23, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $25 per car; $3 per train rider
Details: See the 2023 Celebration of Lights at The Concourse by boarding the Christmas Train for a festive ride (or walk the trail) to Safety Town to walk through the enchanted miniature town of lights. Gift and food vendors also will be on location, after visitors enjoy a mile-long car ride to see dancing light displays. Bonus nights are Dec. 26 through Dec. 30. Event nights are weather permitting.
Info: Visit CelebrationOfLightsFl.org.

Published December 06, 2023

Safety Town displays Pasco County landmarks, all lit up for the holidays during the Celebration of Lights, on weekends through Dec. 23.
Take a ride on the Grand Concourse Holiday Train to enjoy the Celebration of Lights in Safety Town.
Visitors by the carload can travel through the mile-long trail of dancing lights and other displays at the Celebration of Lights, at 11919 Alric Pottberg Road, in Shady Hills, on weekends through Dec. 23.

 

No place like home

By

Shannon Aitken shrugs off her accolades.

While her awards and accomplishments decorate her office at Steinbrenner High, that’s still a lot of shrugging by the Warriors girls soccer coach.

“A lot of people even say, you should (talk about your soccer accomplishments) more, but I don’t know — I don’t like the attention,” Aitken said. “I played because I loved playing. … All the stuff up in my office, it was just sitting in a box in the garage, so after like three years of white walls, I figured I put it up (laughs).”

It’s only then that her players realize just how big a deal Aitken was, and still is, to the local soccer scene.

Arguably one of the most decorated student athletes ever at Land O’ Lakes High, Shannon Aitken is now in her ninth season as Steinbrenner High’s girls soccer coach. While playing for the Gators, she was integral to the Gators girls soccer team as the goalkeeper and winning the Class 2A state championship in 2003. After setting the Pasco County record for saves (551) and shutouts (70), Aitken went on to play for the University of Tampa and become the Spartans most decorated goalkeeper in program history, being named National Player of the Year as keeper for the Division II National Championship Team in 2007. (Mike Camunas)

She’s a state champion. A national champion and player of the year. A record holder and a hall of famer.

“All of her awards she put up, so when you walk into her office, you’re like, ‘Oh, OK!’” junior forward Aaliyah Pitts said.

“I personally didn’t know until I saw the national championship banner and there’s her face!” added senior defender Maddie Green. “She’s been a great coach, especially for me because she used to be a goalkeeper. She’s been able to help me with my position and help me grow into a leader on the team.

“I wouldn’t be in the place that I am if it wasn’t for her.”

The same goes for Aitken.

All on her own
When Aitken was just 15 years old, she moved out due to family issues, knowing it would be best for her future.

She bounced around friends’ homes until a teacher finally let her move in until she graduated from Land O’ Lakes High in 2004, as arguably one of the most decorated Gator athletes ever. Aitken was a three-sport athlete, but it was soccer that brought her fame and glory. 

A four-year starting goalkeeper, she was integral for the Gators winning the Class 2A state championship in 2003 — a team inducted into the Land O’ Lakes Hall of Fame in 2016. She won every award, including Sunshine Athletic Conference Player of the Year and was named to the Class 5A All-State team as a senior. She had the Pasco County record for saves (551) and shutouts (70) during her high school career.

She would then move on to the University of Tampa (UT) and become the Spartans most decorated goalkeeper in program history. In 2007, she was named National Player of the Year as keeper for the Division II National Championship Team. After 59 wins and 197 saves in college, she was inducted into UT’s and the Sunshine State Conference Hall of Fame in 2014 and 2018, respectively. In October, Aitken was inducted into Land O’ Lakes’ Hall of Fame, as well.

At Steinbrenner, Aitken is 106-34-8 in the midst of her ninth season with the Warriors, but it was a long road getting there, starting out by being a substitute at Pine View Middle in Land O’ Lakes — also Aitken’s alma mater.

“After the (Land O’ Lakes) Hall of Fame (ceremony), someone asked me, ‘Why are you still a high school coach?’” Aitken said. “I was just thinking about it and I want to help girls with whatever they need help with. I want to help the girls on my team, helping them the way I needed help when I was in high school. 

“I love high school soccer,” she added. “There’s something about putting together 20 girls and getting them to bond and figuring out which puzzle pieces can play with each other the best.”

As Steinbrenner’s coach, she’s respected and not because of all her accolades.

“She’s always going to be there for us,” Pitts said. “Even if we have a bad game, she’s not going to put us down in any way and having a supportive coach is a big thing. She’s the best.”

And being the best, she learned from the best.

Living legends
Aitken is a Hall of Famer who played for a Hall of Famer.

Land O’ Lakes’ longtime coach Vicky King also is in the school’s hall of fame, being Aitken’s high school coach and now friendly rival in nearby schools. And while scheduling a yearly game between Steinbrenner and Land O’ Lakes is difficult because of the conflicting county athletic rules, the coaches try to get in a preseason match, if possible.

“When we do play each other,” King, in her 37th season, said, “I like to introduce Shannon to our current team because the girls don’t know a lot of history, but we enjoy it — it’s always a friendly match.

“I wouldn’t say surprised (Aitken became a coach), it’s not something that I saw coming,” King added. “Sometimes players don’t want anything to do coaching, but she implements things she learned a long time ago, like giving back to the team or community.

“She has put that into her coaching philosophy and that makes you proud.”

Aitken admits she never saw herself as a coach, certainly not when she was playing. In fact, she was in nursing school while tending goal on her way to a national championship. However, the day of the title game, she opted to miss her sixth clinical, knowing she would either have to restart nursing school or pick a different career path.

Aitken has no regrets about her decision.

“Playing, and winning, a national championship is great — it’s awesome and the best thing you ever want to win, no matter the division,” she said. “I wouldn’t trade UT for anything else in the world.”

Adding to the accolades
If there’s one accolade Aitken won’t be shrugging off, it’s another state title, this time as coach.

While Steinbrenner girls soccer already has a state championship — Class 4A in 2011 — Aitken wants another banner for the Warriors, however, this time it would be in 8A, the highest classification in the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association).

It’s why she’s turned down collegiate assistant coach jobs. Aitken’s time at Steinbrenner is not done, nor is her job. 

Not until she gets one more accolade.

“You walk around the halls at school and no one knows you because you play club (soccer) — they know you because you’re always on the news or the morning announcements,” Aitken said. “I love being at Steinbrenner and working with the girls, being able to check in on them. That’s what I want, but sometimes you want the next step, too.

“I think about going somewhere else, but it’s hard to leave. I’ve spent nine years here building this program, and sure, Vicky has me beat by a ton, but I’m trying to catch up to her. I want to catch up to her — our state championship!”

Published December 06, 2023

Sunlake girls XC brings home state trophy

By

The Sunlake High Girls Cross Country Team nearly completed a perfect postseason, being crowned District and Regional Champs, while finishing as the Class 4A state runner-up at the championship run on Nov. 17 at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee.

(Courtesy of Sunlake High Athletics)

In a 5,000-meter run (3.1 miles) featuring 230 runners, Sunlake was led by the team’s top finisher, senior Abigail Williams, who ran a 19:11 for a 14th-place finish. Freshman Katelin Wilcox finished 21st (19:19), freshman Leah Foster finished 32nd (19:47), sophomore Kailyn Ford finished 59th (20:16), freshman Kaitlyn Zabrocki finished 80th (20:41), freshman Isabella Lundberg finished 129th (21:31) and sophomore Meghan Ballard finished 202nd (23:48).

The Wiregrass Ranch girls team also competed at the Class 4A Championships, finishing 15th, led by freshman Natalia Gaona-Zelaya, who finished 10th (19:00) and junior Ava Schmitt, who finished 13th (19:10).

Steinbrenner’s girls team came in 22nd, led by Blake Peifer, who finished 82nd (20:43).

On the boys side of Class 4A, Steinbrenner finished seventh, Sunlake finished 14th and Land O’ Lakes finished 19th.

The Warriors were led by senior Nicholas Pugh, who finished 23rd (16:06), the Seahawks were led by junior Cade Culpepper, who finished 31st (16:10) and the Gators were led by senior Caden Sessions, who finished 65th (16:40).

In Class 3A, Zephyrhills freshman Lydia Vincent finished 14th (19:11), while teammate, senior William Poe, finished 10th.

Additionally, both Cypress Creek’s boys and girls teams competed in the 3A championship. On the girls side, the team finished 32nd, while the boys finished ninth, led by freshman Skylar Manatt, who finished 15th (16:04) and senior Dylan Powell, who finished 21st (16:20).