The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mike Camunas

Go ahead, cave in for this adventure

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What if I told you that you could go spelunking nearby?

Well, you can, sort of.

Plus, you won’t even need a helmet flashlight or fancy repel gear.

Found within the Citrus Tract area of the Withlacoochee State Forest in Lecanto, Dames Caves is a hidden gem that’s become a popular site — considering there aren’t many caves in Florida. This cave, the biggest and most colorful, is aptly named Vandal Cave. (Mike Camunas)

With the Dames Caves complex in south Lecanto, there are 37 discovered caves, several of which are safe and wide open to explore. You can take selfies in them and climb back out of one of the more gorgeous holes in the ground this state has to offer.

Dames Caves is located on the Citrus Tract area of the Withlacoochee State Forest. It is somewhat popular, but also has some natural-rock formation that is a must-see for any avid hiker or adventurer.

Besides, it won’t take you all day, or be as dangerous as deep-cave diving, such as in other states, or Florida’s springs and underwater caves.

With its shaded areas, several steep climbs for entries and exits, and picturesque views, it is definitely Worth The Trip.

Watch your step
First and foremost, Dames Caves, while in a state forest, is not maintained or monitored by the parks service. Are there a few guard rails? Yes, however, unofficial markers — a few spray-painted rocks and tree trunks — guide the way. There are foregone warning signs, so enter at your own risk.

The entrance to Vandal Cave is somewhat hidden, and guarded, but clearly is marked by unfortunate graffiti.

Yet, the risk is never that great. You will need to be surefooted and most likely be wearing boots.

The semi-steep climb down into Vandal Cave — the largest and most colorful cave of the bunch — requires some maneuvering.

Once down there, take in all the graffiti, then realize where the cave got its name. There’s not a bright color to be missed.

The nature of this cave is still a sight to behold — so be sure to gaze up.

It is a good 30 feet to 40 feet deep, has some alcoves and the landscape is dominated by karst landforms.

This is a view of Vandal Cave, is at it appears from the bottom, looking up.

Geologically, the caves are among the oldest in Florida.

If you happen to go when it’s not raining or even after a shower, listen closely and you just might hear the underground rivers flowing beneath you.

Exit Vandal Cave and feel free to explore, at your own risk, other nearby caves such as Danger Cave, Peace Sign Cave and Sick Bat Cave, all of which are aptly named, though Bruce Wayne might not approve of the last one.

In Search of Dames
Getting to the Dames Caves system is not hard, however, it is not an exact location. There is no sign or parking lot, but most GPS apps will be able to take you to the “Unofficial Parking Lot,” which is on County Road 491, about 12 miles south of State Road 44. The entrance near the gate has several yellow posts almost directly across the street from West Lone Court.

Looking down into Vandal Cave, it’s obvious to see where it got its name … and popularity.

Once there, it is less than a half-mile to reach the biggest grouping of the caves. Peace Cave is about another quarter-mile from Vandal Cave, but can easily be found thanks to a big spray-painted peace sign. Groovy, baby.

Recommendation: Use the AllTrails app available for free download to your smartphone. Not only does it have thousands of trails, their locations and informative data, it works as a GPS tracker and can help you find your way.

Loop it, Lizzie
If you can’t spend all day exploring these caves (which you probably can’t), then definitely walk past them just a little further until you find the Lizzie Heart Sink Loop trail. It’s a nearly 4-mile, moderately-challenging trail, tucked under a tree canopy for plenty of shade and even includes some slight elevation.

Toward the bottom of the loop will be water runoff, or sink, but depending on the time of the year, it could be dry and it lets you cut the loop. Another recommendation, stay on the trail and enjoy the lush vegetation and some wildflower surprises. It’s worth the nearly 90 minutes it takes to complete it.

Besides, if you’re lucky, you might have it all to yourself for a nice serene and peaceful hike, while other adventurers are still spelunking in the caves.

Dames Caves and the Lizzie Heart Sink Loop
Where: 10701 S. Lecanto Highway (Note: this is an unofficial parking lot)
Details: Dames Caves is a set of 37 discovered caves in the Citrus Tract area of the Withlacoochee State Forest in Lecanto. There are several to climb into, including Vandal Cave and Peace Cave. These caves are situated on the Lizzie Heart Sink Loop, a nearly 4-mile trail that’s considered a moderately challenging route, takes an average of about 90 minutes to complete, and is a popular trail for hiking, biking and even a little motocross. The trail is open year-round and leashed dogs are welcome.
Cost: There is no charge to visit Dames Caves.

Published September 07, 2022

Taskforce focused on homelessness in Zephyrhills

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They are taking care of their own.

Over the past year, local organizations, churches, charities and citizens, have formed The Hub Taskforce. It’s a coalition of like-minded individuals, either representing a place in Zephyrhills or Dade City or just themselves, that comes together monthly to discuss initiatives and how to get more resources to the homeless community.

“This is a group effort — a community effort,” Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer said. “When we started over a year ago, we just started meeting to talk about resources and where we wanted to go as a group. It has snowballed into something much more.”

The Hub Taskforce, made up of community representatives from the city, churches, businesses, charities and citizens, meets at Genesis Community Center in Zephyrhills, and discusses initiatives and resources to help the town’s homeless people. (Mike Camunas)

At first, the taskforce was small and it reached out to the Pasco County Coalition for the Homeless. However, Brewer says it was evident that that group was “stretched pretty thin” and the community, at large, was looking for ways to make an immediate impact on their streets.

“We’ve learned over the years that you can’t rush away homelessness,” Brewer said, “and we wanted a humanitarian approach to it.”

Brewer admits, especially in the meetings, that his officers will be the first line in meeting with homeless people. Which is why he wanted to address the issue in a way that doesn’t involve escalation or even incarnation.

So, the taskforce sets about finding ways to help the homeless, by either getting them the resources they need at the moment, such as a food bank or a shelter.

Backpacks, full of useful supplies for the homeless, were packed and donated by Mechell Alline, a local entrepreneur and life coach.

“We want to get them out of the situation, that way they’re not just sitting in jail,” Brewer added.

Over time, more and more organizations, charities and businesses have joined or attended the meetings. The August meeting was well-attended, and joining the Zephyrhills Police Department (ZPD) was the Zephyrhills Women’s Club, Meals on Wheels Zephyrhills, Pasadena Food Pantry in Dade City, United Methodist Women of Zephyrhills, Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church Food and Baby Pantries, Premier Community HealthCare, First Presbyterian Church of Zephyrhills, Pasco County Schools Students In Transition (SIT) Program, Healing Hearts Cafe, Palm Medical Center for Seniors, and Samaritan Project in Zephyrhills.

The roundtable discussions will present new or recurring issues and those attending will offer solutions. The goal is to find resources and ways to help the homeless, with potential options to improve their lives.

“There are new people every single month, and it’s about what they can offer us, what we can offer them,” Brewer said. “Someone has an issue, everyone jumps on top of it to help. That’s the goal.”

Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer addresses attendees of The Hub Taskforce during its monthly meeting at the Genesis Community Center.

Others are going a step further. Mechell Alline, a local entrepreneur, life coach and aneurysm survivor, has been putting together helpful backpacks that include supplies like snacks and water, but also resource materials that could lead the homeless person to charities and organizations that might help their specific need.

Members of the taskforce will take a backpack and hand it out to a homeless person. Alline made 12 backpacks at the most recent meeting, paying for them out of her own pocket.

“My intention (with the backpacks) was to make people feel like they are human beings by providing some comfort — it was something I really wanted to do,” she said. “It feels good to be a part of something that’s working toward helping the people in the community who really need it.”

Other members of the taskforce are looking for ways to involve the city more. For the police department, “it’s typical for law enforcement to be thrust into this because we’re the ones making contact with them,” Brewer says, adding “unfortunately we don’t have all the resources available to us.”

“As the officers are coming in contact with them, we want to be able to say, ‘I know who you can call’ and it doesn’t matter if they need clothing or food or shelter or even a backpack.”

However, the taskforce is hoping to get more city representatives to the meetings, as a way to get their feedback and suggestions on solutions.

“I would like to see a little more involvement from the city, especially if we’re addressing this as a city issue and not just a police one,” said Becky Finley, who represents St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Food and Baby Pantries.

In the end, the taskforce sees homelessness as a community, a city and a citizen issue. One that should be solved by their own in the community.

“This is a great group of individuals with the same goal in mind and that’s to help people,” Brewer said. “I didn’t realize the impact these individuals can and will make, until I started meeting with them. They are entrenched in the community, and really care about what happens here.

“They are Zephyrhills people trying to take care of Zephyrhills people.”

The Hub Taskforce
When: Every third Wednesday of the month, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Genesis Community Center, 38112 15th Ave., Zephyrhills
Details: A monthly roundtable of Zephyrhills community, local organizations and citizen representatives that meet to discuss initiatives to help the homeless and poor, and to share other resources to contribute to the city-wide effort. Anyone from the community is welcome to attend.
Info: Call Beth Aker at 813-782-7859.

Published September 07, 2022

Senior softballers in a league of their own

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When the league formed a decade ago, 10 players showed up.

“We just played rag-tag ball, a little scrimmaging,” said Lutz resident Charlie Bell, one of the 10 original players in the North Tampa Senior Softball League (NTBSS).

“Before long, we grew to 20 (players), then had two teams. By the end of that first year, we had 40 players.

John Smith connects for a hit while Walt Bruschi looks on during batting practice of the North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League. The league is celebrating its 10th anniversary, with games played on Fridays at Heritage Park in Land O’ Lakes. The league has seven teams and more than 100 participants, including players, umpires and scorekeepers. (Mike Camunas)

“Everyone knew someone who wanted to play.”

Now, as the NTBSS kicks off its 10-year-anniversary season on Sept. 9, there are more than 100 people involved, including players, umpires and scorekeepers. Seven teams will play through the playoffs and a championship in May.

“It was an adventure (10 years ago) because many of us were coming back to the game we hadn’t played in many, many years,” said Lutz resident Fred Eckstein, another one of the original 10.

“We blew up back then and even sometimes now, where we get a new influx of players. But the play is good, the camaraderie is good — it’s a real diverse group, too, given everyone’s backgrounds and where they are from, originally.

A dozen or so of the 100 players of the North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League await selection for their practice lineup at Heritage Park in Land O’ Lakes.

“It’s really just fun to hang out with all (the players).”

The league’s formation is credited to Walt Bockmiller, who is remembered fondly by original members, as well as honored on league shirts.

Bockmiller died in 2018, after years of running the league and being very active in the Land O’ Lakes and Lutz communities.

It was this publication in which he ran the ad that produced the original 10 players.

“They come and get a smile,” Bockmiller told The Laker/Lutz News in 2016. “They make errors, they hit and they have excitement. They do good, they do bad, but they all have fun.”

Current league commissioner Walt Bruschi didn’t know Bockmiller, but says his competitive spirit and love for the game is still apparent on the field at Heritage Park.

David Meadows, of San Antonio, fields a play at second and looks to make a throw to first during North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League practice.

“I didn’t know him, but from everything they told me about Walt, he loved the game,” Bruschi said. “One thing they don’t say about him, but which you can see here on the field even to this day, is that between the (base) lines, Walt was so competitive.”

Bell added: “It’s really all about what’s in the logo, which my son-in-law helped design. ‘Friendship. Fun. Fitness. Sportsmanship.’ This is what it was set up for and, before you knew it, it just became a whole community.”

This community forged friendships beyond the diamond. Players would, and still do, get together to do other activities, such as fishing, bowling or golf.

As competitive as the league can be, the play has been finely tuned so games are enjoyable. The league has a board that has worked hard to come up with rules and bylaws, which are mandated to keep the game fair and fun.

As John Espsito, of New Tampa, waits on deck, he tries to keep his head cool, while practicing with the North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League.

For example, players 75 and over can’t be thrown out at first base if they put a hit into the outfield, while courtesy runners are available for any players who struggle with baserunning.

“With some of these guys,” Bruschi said, “the mind will tell you that you can still do it, but the body might say, ‘No, you can’t.’ But we stick with it. Everyone out here is supporting and not getting down on someone just because they struggle.”

Also, Bruschi said, like a community, players’ support even extends to new players that show up and might not know anyone.

“I didn’t know anyone, but they said they’d put me on a team and then everyone hovered around me,” Bruschi said. “They asked, ‘Do you need a bat? Do you need a glove?’ Here’s one. I’ve got you covered.’ Everyone is so supportive, everyone supports the new guys. Always have and always will.”

The league holds a draft, that way no “super team” can be formed and dominate play. The league also accepts players throughout the season, and it is looking for more women to join.

For now, and this season, the league, and its players, looks to keep the competitiveness tradition alive, in a way to make Bockmiller proud.

“Everyone in this league is a class guy,” Bruschi said. “They’re dentists, doctors, lawyers, firemen — but you never know it. Because the guys out here are just the most unassuming, most humble guys ever. They’re out here just to have fun, not to bring their egos on the field.

“It’s a blessing, every day, that we’re out here — a blessing.”

North Tampa Bay Senior Softball
When: Games are played Friday mornings through May; practices are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings.
Where: Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Cost: $40 for the season
Details: The league is open to women over 50 and men over 60. The league has its own rules and adheres to the Senior Softball-USA (SSUSA) national rules of play.
Sponsors: ARC Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, AMI Recycling, Payne Environmental, Culinary Packaging, Limberg Ministries, HOJO Softball Inc., RIPA and Associates, Humana.
Interested players should contact Walt Bruschi at 330-701-0646 or , or Denny Kato at 727-215-5345 or . Info: NTBSS.net

Published September 07, 2022

North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League Commissioner Walt Bruschi is somewhat animated, as he chooses players for either hitting or fielding during a practice at Heritage Park in Land O’ Lakes.
Roger Smith, of Land O’ Lakes, connects with a pitch during batting practice with the North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League at Heritage Park in Land O’ Lakes.
Gil Morales, of Land O’ Lakes, starts a double play during a North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League practice at Heritage Park in Land O’ Lakes.
Joe DePompa, of Trinity, connects with a pitch as part of hitting practice of the North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League.

Local athletes named scholarship finalists

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Positive Coaching Alliance – Tampa Bay, the local chapter of the national nonprofit Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), has named 49 local high school student-athletes from the senior class of 2023 as finalists for its Triple-Impact Competitor® Scholarship Awards.

Finalists were selected based on their applications, which included short essay responses and selected references noting how applicants strive to improve and develop themselves, their teammates and their sport. Scholarship finalists will receive multiple opportunities to meet and connect with each other through various events supported by the Tampa Bay Rays and the Tampa Bay Lightning. During the scholarship program, PCA’s mentors provide guidance and advice on how to be an effective leader during the applicant’s senior year of high school and how to use what they’ve learned from sports to make the transition to college.

The finalists from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area are: Hannah Beatty, Land O’ Lakes; Myah Cendan, Pasco; Chloe Danielson, Wesley Chapel; Rebekah Miller, Sunlake; Aidyn Rosochowicz, Land O’ Lakes; Morgaen Stewart, Wiregrass Ranch; Grace Vaughn, Bishop McLaughlin.

Up to 25 winners will be selected this fall as recipients of the scholarship, with each receiving $2,000 for college expenses.

To learn more about the PCA, visit PositiveCoach.org.

Football coach sets record

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On Aug. 26, the Gaither football team hosted nearby rival, Steinbrenner, to kick off the 2022 season. With a thrilling, comeback win by the Cowboys (1-0), their coach, Kirk Karsen, became the winningest coach in program history. Karsen took over the program in 2017 and has amassed a 43-16 record entering his sixth season at the helm. In the game vs. the Warriors, Gaither was led by sophomore quarterback Jayce Nixon, who went 24-for-34 passing for 355 yards and four touchdowns. Steinbrenner saw its star running back, senior Kirby Vorhees, rush for 176 yards and two scores.

These girls just want to have fun — with their dads

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Wesley Chapel resident Anthony Delavilla is all smiles dancing with his young daughter, Antonella, at the first-ever Father-Daughter Dance , at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex, on Aug. 19. (Mike Camunas)

Fathers were dressed up and their daughters were, too, for an adorable date night in Wesley Chapel.

The couples came from across Pasco County on Aug. 19, for the first-ever Father-Daughter Dance at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex, 7727 Boyette Road.

Little girls donned party dresses — and some even wore tiaras — as they danced across the gym floor with their dads.

Gelled lights, smoke machines, a disco ball and music set the stage for fun and touching moments at the dance.

The couples showed off high-energy moves to songs including “YMCA” and “The Electric Slide,” and then things slowed down for “Dance with my Father.”

There were light refreshments and some raffle contests, too.

Organizers were pleased with the turnout — of nearly 100 attendees — for the event that had a “Rolling Out The Red Carpet” theme.

They also hope to make the Father-Daughter Dance an annual tradition.

Published August 31, 2022

Gelled lights help to create a special effect, as fathers and daughters from across Pasco County enjoy moving to the music at the inaugural Father-Daughter Dance, at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex on Aug. 19. Here, couples show off their dance moves to the song, ‘YMCA.’
New Port Richey residents Stephen Jackson and his daughter, Danielle, seem to be having a great ‘date’ night at the Father-Daughter Dance on Aug. 19, at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex.
Madeline Wardle enthusiastically dances to ‘YMCA’ at the Father-Daughter Dance on Aug. 19, at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex. Madeline was there with her father, David, and nearly 100 others. Dads and daughters danced the night away and enjoyed some light refreshments.
Briella Dimaculangan, of Odessa, enjoys some popcorn that her dad, Von, gave to her during the Father-Daughter Dance.
Rod Amador holds his daughter, Chloe, close during a slow dance on Aug. 19 at the Father-Daughter Dance.
Todd and Katelyn Hensley, of Wesley Chapel, enjoy a touching moment during the playing of ‘Dance With My Father.’
Kevin McIntire, of Wesley Chapel, has a fun dance with his daughter, Rilynn.
Malia Londono, of Wesley Chapel, wearing a frothy yellow outfit, looks up to her dad, Jaime, at the Father-Daughter Dance.
Zephyrhills resident Chris King and his daughter, Olivia, move to the song, ‘Dance With My Father.’

 

 

Who says play time is just for kids?

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A spot of tea turned into a cup of coffee. And a tearoom has turned into a cafe.

Parents of younger children and infants gather around and converse, while other children enjoy toys and making friends during Playdate Café, at First United Methodist Church of Lutz. (Mike Camunas)

That’s because Heather Kirk’s vision of the Pushchair Club — the kid-friendly time for parents to get out and meet other parents while their children play — has become the Playdate Café at First United Methodist Church of Lutz.

“Pushchair — that’s what they call a stroller in England, and that club was everywhere,” said Kirk, who is British and is married to Chris, the church pastor.

“So when I came to Florida and had younger kids, I was like, where can you go that isn’t a boiling park or pouring rain, where it’s not a day care — it’s about parents getting to know other parents while the children play and have fun.”

Toddler Bryant McKinney rides a Spider-Man airplane during Playdate Café, at First United Methodist Church of Lutz. The 2 ½-hour playtime gives children, and their parents, an informal venue offering opportunities to meet new friends and have fun.

Playdate Café, which began its second year on Aug. 17, is slightly different from Pushchair Club. It’s held in the morning and serves coffee and snacks, instead of being in the afternoon and with tea.

“It has more of a coffee-shop atmosphere,” Heather added. “Plus, they tend to nap in the afternoon.”

For 2 ½-hours, kids can run around, play with and climb on toys, and enjoy meeting other children, while parents have the chance to chat with parents.

Playdate Café is open every Wednesday during the Hillsborough County school year. It is free and open to anyone in the community, not just members of the church, , which is located at 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, in Lutz.

“If fact, we don’t know any of these parents or kids,” said Janell Lockhart, the church’s director of children and family. “Even right now, I think I’ve only seen two of our kids here. This is for the community — the parents looking to have something to do indoors with their children.”

Lutz grandma Barbie Pleus holds up her granddaughter, Aurora Brooks, with a smile, during Playdate Café, at First United Methodist Church of Lutz.

“This is our gift to the community where we felt there was a need,” Heather added. “There is no obligation to be a part of the church or even have the same faith. We want it available to anyone who wants to come as a way to meet people and have something to do outside the house.”

Bonnie Quintana watches with a smile as her granddaughter, Justice Gomillion, rides down a fun slide, during Playdate Café, a kid-friendly environment held every Wednesday at First United Methodist Church of Lutz.

Heather said when the weekly outing first started, there were just four children, but by Christmastime last year, it grew to 50. That was helped by Facebook groups and word of mouth.

“Oh, and us ‘accosting’ moms at Target to give them an invite and let them know about it,” Heather said with a laugh.

Playdate Café also does some themed weeks, such as a Mother’s Day photo op or a Halloween event where kids can get candy. Additionally, Pastor Chris has added Story Time in the Book Nook to read short stories to kids.

Parents seem to be glad to have this option, as the Playdate Café is well-attended,  with new parents and kids arriving each week.

“This was our first time and not our last time we’ll be coming,” said Lutz mother Stephanie Meyer, who brought her twin girls to the church. “I found out about it from my Tampa Bay Twin Mom group, and it’s just amazing, especially meeting parents that know what you’re going through and have something in common with.

“And then hearing from the pastor’s wife, who is from the UK, tell us how there are hundreds of these over there — that’s amazing, and this is amazing because we need more of these!”

Playdate Café
When: Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., following the Hillsborough County school year calendar
Where: First United Methodist Church of Lutz, 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz
Details: A kid-friendly playtime environment with toys and more for preschoolers. There’s a story time and refreshments, and volunteers are on hand to help with kids, so parents and grandparents can have a chance to relax. Parents and children are not required to be church members.
Info: Call 813-949-1751, or visit FantasticFirst.org.

Published August 31, 2022

Voters turn out to weigh in on decisions

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We caught up with a few voters around The Laker/Lutz News coverage area on Primary Election Day on Aug. 23, who shared their thoughts on voting and the election. We also talked to some candidates and some supporters, to hear what they had to say.

Thinks local elections are important
James Wolfe, a 45-year-old Pasco County Sheriff’s deputy, took the time to cast his ballot on Primary Day. The Zephyrhills man had this to say: “I have five children, and they’re all in school. This (election) is predominantly local, and school boards are important, and, of course, the new tax was an important issue, too. I think it’s important, too, because — they get overlooked by the national elections and coverage, so people need to realize that it starts here.”

He supported the millage for school district salaries.

A first-time voter
Eighteen-year-old Jacob Smith, a student at Pasco-Hernando State College, was a first-time voter.

“I think it’s important to add to our democracy, especially through voting,” the Zephyrhills resident said. “To me, at least, that’s what you’re supposed to do as an American. … I feel that the local elections, like these, and then the one for governor are important — obviously (voting for) the president is important, but the states are the ones who determine what happens to us directly. As someone who has lived in Zephyrhills his whole life, that’s important to me.”

Al Hernandez was vying for votes in the race for District 1 on the Pasco County School Board. He was outside the polling place at the Land O’ Lakes Recreational Complex, off Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes. (B.C.Manion)

Showing support for teachers
Fifty-nine-year-old Penny Hopkins, of Wesley Chapel, is a former school district employee. She definitely wanted to make her voice known.

“I normally vote, especially in the local elections because they impact the community a little more when it comes election time. I guess voting on school board members is pretty important to me, especially since I used to work for the school system. Certainly, I was for school teachers getting much-needed raises.”

Local elections have biggest impact
Joshua Starsheil, of Wesley Chapel, said it’s important to be involved.

“Voting in the local elections is the one that most affects our lives, so I definitely want to get out to vote in them,” said the 33-year-old, stay-at-home dad.

“I’m definitely paying attention to the school board races, and taking a lot into those votes, because I have a couple of kids at home.”

Staying connected to her community
Gretchen Lasasso, a 70-year-old Wesley Chapel resident, said she likes to keep a pulse on what’s happening.

“I just like staying involved with who’s running and what’s happening, because it’s an election like this that is the most important to our community we live in,” the retiree said. “But all elections are very important. … I think (local elections) are getting more important than ever have been in the past, which is good, and which is why I get out to vote in them.”

She opposed the school millage increase.

“Well, it seems like so much money already goes to the schools, yet they don’t seem to get any better,” she said.

Representatives of Pasco Professional Firefighters Local 4420 of the International Association of Firefighters lined up along Collier Parkway, calling attention to Primary Election Day on Aug. 23. (B.C. Manion)

He’s a regular, when it comes to voting
Forty-five-old Danny Blunke, of Lutz, said he began voting a few years ago and now does so, routinely.

“Someone once told me, ‘You know, you really don’t have a voice to say (anything) unless you vote.’ So now I’m trying to learn more about voting and the issues,” the general contractor said.

“School boards are kind of important because the schools always are important and so are the kids, but also the judges and the commissioners, too … the more I vote, the more I realize that it’s elections like these that are important.”

He wants to be on the Pasco School Board
Al Hernandez, candidate for the District 1 school board seat, was at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation complex, soliciting votes. He was the top vote-getter in that contest, but didn’t secure the 50% plus 1 needed to win the election, so now faces James Washington, who came in second. They will face off on Nov. 8.

She wants to finish the job she’s started
Cynthia Armstrong, the incumbent school board member in District 3, was at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex seeking support for another term.

“I’ve really enjoyed being on the school board. I believe I’ve made a difference in the students’ lives. We’ve got some good initiatives going on that I want to see to fruition. So, I’m really hoping I get a chance to do so.”

It turns out she will. Armstrong received 58.88% of the vote securing another four-year term.

Mike Moore, of Gilchrist County, came to Pasco County to demonstrate his support for his son Patrick’s quest to become a Pasco County judge. Patrick won his election. (B.C. Manion)

Campaigning for their favorite candidates
Firefighters lined up along Collier Parkway reminding motorists it was election day. The representatives of Pasco Professional Firefighters Local 4420 of the International Association of Firefighters, endorsed a slate of candidates, including judges, state lawmakers, the governor, and candidates for Pasco County Commission. Representatives from the group have appeared repeatedly before the Pasco county board seeking more fire stations and personnel to reduce emergency response times. A number of initiatives are underway, but emergency responders have complained it has taken the county too long to address Pasco’s burgeoning growth.

Standing in the hot sun to support his son
There is a Mike Moore who sits on the Pasco County Commission, but it’s not this Mike Moore. This Mike Moore, from Gilchrist County, is the father of Patrick Moore, who was running to become a Pasco County judge.

And, he did.

His dad came to Pasco early enough to help solicit voters during Early Voting and also helped to put up signs at precincts around the county.

On Primary Day, he was holding a sign seeking support from voters.

He said the traffic had been pretty steady on Aug. 23 and there’d been a good stream of voters on the previous Saturday, during early voting.

Many of the voters he spoke with didn’t seem to have a strong preference.

“I talked to quite a few people who said they didn’t know anybody on the ballot, that they just come and pick.”

One guy told him: “I’m picking people whose signs I recognize.”

Compiled by Mike Camunas and B.C. Manion

Published August 31, 2022

Lisa Moretti, of Dade City, was dancing away on Primary Election Day away, in support of Christie Zimmer and Shannon Wittwer, and in hopes to ‘Slow The Growth.’ Moretti was stationed on Fifth Avenue in Zephyrhills, just out front of Precinct 06, in Alice Hall Community Center. (Mike Camunas)
Nancy Hazelwood, of Dade City, waves at passing cars and in support of Christie Zimmer and Shannon Wittwer, and in hopes to ‘Slow The Growth.’ Hazelwood was holding signs on Fifth Avenue, just outside Precinct 06 in Zephyrhills. (Mike Camunas)
Several local voters enter Precinct 06, in Alice Hall Community Center on Fifth Avenue in Zephyrhills. (Mike Camunas)

A monster accomplishment

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Angie Ng didn’t see the creature.

First, she’s not sure the legendary monster of the Loch Ness exists. And secondly, the water in the Scotland loch is pitch black.

Angie Ng, a 52-year-old mother and nurse practitioner from Wesley Chapel, recently was part of a four-person team that swam the Loch Ness in Scotland and set the relay record with a time of 11 hours, 29 minutes and 27 seconds. (Mike Camunas)

“People say that it doesn’t exist because it’s a tourist trap,” the 52-year-old mother and nurse practitioner said, with a sly smile. . So … I didn’t see it — it’s not there (laughs), … but also the water is very deep and it’s very dark. So I didn’t get (how dark it was) until I swam in it. It was just black, so maybe it was hiding under the water, but I didn’t want to think of that (laughs).

“To me,” she added, “I always figured Nessie is friendly because there’s so many toys and fun things of it, so never really a ‘RAWR’ kind of monster, but a friendly one, so I guess that helped (laughs).”

From left: Ryan Leung, Angie Ng, Eliza Chang and CK Mak celebrate becoming the first Hong Kong relay team to complete the Loch Ness swim. The team also set a new record of 11 hours, 29 minutes and 27 seconds, besting a record set by a Czechoslovakian team set in 2019 by 9 minutes. (Courtesy of Angie Ng)

Ng partnered with friends Ryan Leung, Eliza Chang and CK Mak, and on July 27, they dove into the frigid Loch Ness waters to complete a 23-mile relay swim. Not only did they complete the bucket-list feat, but did so in record time. The foursome, all of whom hail from Hong Kong, finished in 11 hours, 29 minutes and 27 seconds, besting a record set by a Czechoslovakian team set in 2019 by 9 minutes.

Ng hangs her swimming cap on the record, which was certified by both the British Long Distance Swimming Association and Marathon Swimmers Federation, and is another impressive accomplishment for the longtime swimmer.

Ng also swam across Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong in 2016, marking the second time she accomplished that feat. She also did it as a 9-year-old and finished seventh, however, that swim was not held for decades due to water pollution.

“Why did I do it?” Ng asked. “There is really only one reason and that reason is … because it’s there! Because, really, why not? Yeah, it seems dangerous or a big goal, but it’s taking a calculated risk — because it’s not like I was going to do it without any preparation.”

Wesley Chapel resident Angie Ng took a fun selfie after finding the Loch Ness Monster, or Nessie — a tiny stuffed animal she got while on her trip to Scotland. (Courtesy of Angie Ng)

Preparation included hours upon hours swimming laps at the pool at the Seven Oaks Clubhouse, starting all the way back in January. However, there was one thing Ng wasn’t prepared for. The airlines lost her luggage, which she would not have for the entirety of her three weeks in the United Kingdom.

“As adventurous as it can be, you try to plan for everything, but from the start, everything could go wrong,” Ng said. “As soon as I get there, I didn’t have my prescription goggles, I didn’t have my swimsuit, I didn’t have anything. … I had to go into town and look and look for a new swimsuit. … And in the shop there was a mannequin with a swimsuit and it fit perfectly — it’s the only one left and it’s bright orange, so (it’s) perfect for open-water swim, but that’s what I had to do within the first hour after I land.”

Angie Ng swims across the Loch Ness in Scotland, during one of her legs of the relay. (Courtesy of Angie Ng)

So as Ng battled the cold 50-degree water, while not thinking if Nessie was watching from below, she thought about what the accomplishment meant.

“Lesson learned: Even when nothing goes according to your plan, try to go with the flow and just see what surprises life will bring you,” she said. “Never underestimate your potential. A working mother can be very determined and powerful, too.”

Now back stateside and still getting in her laps, Ng shows no signs of slowing down. Already there have been discussions on her next challenge: swimming the English Channel, which, “I think that for open-water swimmers, that swimming that is the ultimate goal,” she said.

Because even at her age, Ng is a creature of habit.

“At age 50, it almost feel like the beginning, because it doesn’t matter the age,” she added, “I still want to be adventurous, and whether you’re 17 or 70, I think you’re still looking for something. You know when it’s something that you know it’s not a piece of cake, but you want to finish it — that’s what this was for me. I always want to finish the next challenge.”

Published August 31, 2022

Bassmasters tournament winners

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(Courtesy of John Medvid)

Tim Troutt, left, and Derek Boswell won the South Pasco Bassmasters monthly tournament for August. On Aug. 20, Troutt and Boswell teamed up on Lake Marion in Polk County and reeled in a total weight of 17.60 pounds using topwater, swimbaits and flipping creature baits in two to four feet of water in assorted vegetation. The club’s next tournament will be on Sept. 17, on the Lake Harris Chain in Lake County.