Mike Camunas

Cruising on the Chassahowitzka

August 24, 2022 By Mike Camunas

Let’s just get right to it: We’re going to call this spot by its nickname because not even the locals call it by its full name.

It’s The Chaz. That’s short for the Chassahowitzka River, or “pumpkin hanging place.”

The Chassahowitzka River Campground and Boat Launch, at 8600 W. Miss Maggie Drive, in Homosassa, is a popular destination for weekend warriors and daily adventuring boaters. (Mike Camunas)

This spring-fed, 6-mile river starts near the Citrus/Hernando County Line, and then along with its tributaries, it runs out into the Gulf of Mexico.

The head spring is named after the river, but it’s also fed by the Seven Sisters Springs.

This crystal-clear waterway is scenic, mostly remote and a gorgeous little slice of Florida nature. It is simply perfect for even hardcore outdoorsy types.

There’s wildlife, from herons to otters. There’s plenty of fish. There are eagles. And, of course there are manatees seeking warmer waters during the “winter.”

It’s a place where visitors can boat, kayak, paddleboard, canoe, swim, fish, explore and, yes, even swing in a few spots.

The Chaz has just about a little bit for all, in a perfectly Floridian way.

Spring ahead with Seven Sisters

The Chaz’s main spring that feeds the river is the Chassahowitzka Spring, visible from the campground dock.

The Chassahowitzka River is fed by its head spring, the Chassahowitzka Spring, and also features Seven Sisters Springs that feeds the 6-mile river that eventually leads out to the Gulf of Mexico. (Mike Camunas)

There is a campground and boat dock with ample parking, so you can disembark small vessels, from kayaks to pontoons.

The western half of the river is known for tidal creeks, oyster bars, Mangrove-populated keys and, of course, vast saltmarsh.

The eastern 3 miles around the river is state-owned wilderness and the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge.

The entire river is very shallow, about 1 foot to 4 feet deep.

There are cabins dotted along the outer portion of the river that are privately owned, just before “Buzzard Bay.”

Dog Island is a recreation area with a restroom and dock located off the main channel, just before John’s Island and the Gulf.

If you’re just out for a leisurely paddle, you probably won’t stray far from Seven Sisters Springs, which can be found by going right when casting off at the boat dock.

Seven Sisters is a popular hangout spot. Just about anyone can get out and walk and/or wade in the year-round 72-degree water. These spring heads can be found easily and have small caves that can be searched through diving. Please be careful, though.

Below the surface is beautiful at Seven Sisters, but please bring a mask. I always do.

Step on this crack

If you enjoy exploring, like me, then grab your paddle because do I have something to show you.

Not too far and just around the bend from the boat launch is one of the first tributaries on The Chaz. This is Baird Creek. You can’t miss it because it opens up at Blue Spring, and then it narrows basically to a shallow creek you must paddle for about one-fourth mile, maybe less.

This is the entrance to The Crack on The Chaz, which can be paddled to, but then one must dock their kayak, canoe or paddleboard and wade through ankle-deep water to access the hidden spring and lagoon. (Mike Camunas)

Toward the end, you’ll have to get out because the creek will become ankle- deep; dock your vessel and walk maybe 100 yards to find “The Crack” on The Chaz.

It’s a deep, turquoise spring that looks like a paradise lagoon, secluded by lush palms and other trees.

Locals have tied a rope swing up one of the trees, but you also can wade in the crack, sit in the shallow water and just enjoy the scenic seclusion. (Of course, how secluded it is will depend on just how many others are there to take advantage of the rope swing.)

Spend the day

Whether you’re an experienced explorer, a novice adventurer or a laid-back boater, The Chaz can give you a day’s worth of things to do.

My advice is to take your time and enjoy the activities allowed there, such as swimming or fishing.

Make the most of your full-day vessel rental because as the sun sets in the west over The Chaz, the golden hour is just as gorgeous as it is at noon.

Learn how to say the full name of this place, which yields such true Florida beauty — it will make you feel good and is sure to impress Chassahowitzka River natives, too.

The Chassahowitzka River, or The Chaz

Where: Chassahowitzka River Campground and Boat Launch, 8600 W. Miss Maggie Drive, Homosassa

When: Boat rentals are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but the boat launch is available from dawn until dusk.

Cost: Parking is $5; parking with a trailer is $7. Watercraft rentals start at $30 for the day.

Details: A spring-fed, 6-mile river that features hidden lagoons, boating, rentals, swimming and more in southwestern Citrus County.

Info: Call 352-382-2200, or visit ChassahowitzkaFlorida.com.

Published on May 25, 2022.

Revised May 27, 2022

Help to protect the Chassahowitzka River

When The Laker/Lutz News initially published “Cruising on the Chassahowitzka,” the intention was to encourage readers to visit the river and enjoy its beauty.
It turns out that some of the activities described in the story are the same kinds of activities which the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFMD), along with its state and local partners, have set out to discourage through a public education campaign.
The water management district circulated a news release in March urging the public to help protect the river, by avoiding any activities which pose a threat.
The Laker/Lutz News did not publish information from that March news release because “The “Chaz,” as its commonly known, is outside the newspaper’s coverage area.
However, after this Worth The Trip story published, the water management district reached out to us to alert us to potential threats to the river from some activities.
In the spirit of trying to ensure that visitors now, and, in the future, can enjoy this slice of Florida’s natural beauty, we are sharing the tips that were shared with us.
When visiting the Chassahowitzka River:
• Stay in the vessel when possible.
• If you have to leave the vessel, tie off in shallow waters.
• Avoid docking on riverbanks.
• Don’t trample vegetation or kick up silt.
• Avoid climbing on banks.
• Don’t climb trees or use rope swings.
• Don’t throw out litter or leave anything behind.
• Trim boat motors to prevent propeller scarring.
To learn more about protecting the Chassahowitzka River, visit WaterMatters.org/ProtectChass.

Hoopsters seek to elevate their skills

August 23, 2022 By Mike Camunas

Colin Bolinger was coaching travel ball, but not the traditional way.

As coach of Chapel Rip City, which are AAU basketball teams, for the past eight years, Bolinger rented out gyms and spaces to practice.

When COVID hit, it was more difficult to rent out those gyms, mainly because they were at local schools.

At Hoops Heaven, Evan Butler gets set to shoot during a basketball training class. (Mike Camunas)

“Finally, it just came down to a desperate need to get a place for the kids, so I opened this place in October,” said the former Indiana State shooting guard.

He was referring to Hoops Heaven, an indoor training facility for basketball players of all skill levels.

Bolinger runs five teams — elementary boys, middle school boys and girls, JV boys and varsity boys — with Chapel Rip City.

Hoops Heaven has now become a place to identify players looking to not only take their game to the next level, but to also join those teams.

“Having the youth development league really gives us a way to identify kids here that want to join AAU, so that allows us just to lead them into it,” he said.

Jaylin Gordon, an athlete at Hoops Heaven (an indoor basketball training facility in Zephyrhills), concentrates on his dribbling skills during an evening class.

The facility, he said, provides an opportunity to find youths who have a keen interest in basketball.

“There is nothing like this around our area, nothing like that out here in Zephyrhills, and I’ve seen the huge growth in Wesley Chapel and just knew that there would be kids coming to me for basketball,” Bolinger added.

Being a native of Indiana, Bolinger has basketball in his blood. He was a graduate assistant coach at Indiana State, the storied program where basketball legend Larry Bird played. Bolinger also played for the last Sycamore team to make the NCAA Tournament in 2011.

And as a coach, Bolinger doesn’t focus primarily on winning. Of course, that’s the desire of all players and coaches, but his main interest is working with players to help them develop the skills to succeed on the court, no matter where they compete.

“I want these players to learn how to play the game from a complex level,” he said. “I definitely know that I approach (teaching) differently than a lot of coaches — I give the kids a lot of stuff, but I’m trying to make it where they can be successful under any coach.

Colin Bolinger teaches basketball skills to aspiring players at Hoops Heaven, a training facility in Zephyrhills.

“Some coaches are focused on getting them to win right this moment, and that’s not what we do here, which I know takes some getting used to on the players’ part.”

Once they buy into the philosophy, however, players are embracing Bolinger’s style, and then succeed in improving their skills.

“They teach you how to work on your handling a lot and they have a lot of great drills,” said Joe Brunfeld, who has been training at Hoops Heaven for six months now.

“I think they try to work you pretty hard, but in a smart way. More so where it’s helpful for your whole game and not just one certain part of it. I think my game has improved from being here,” the teenager said.

The players’ parents are seeing the results, too.

“She’s picking up good habits and fundamentals, and it’s something she loves to do,” said Delano Howson, whose daughter, Kayden, trains at Hoops Heaven. “Before she got here, she knew how to shoot and stuff, but is now putting it all together — like dribbling with both hands and making proper layups. The improvement has been (like) night and day.

“And,” Howson added, “having this right here in Zephyrhills, where she can meet some kids, too, is absolutely the best.”

In the end, Bolinger is trying to coach his players the best way he knows how.

“I try to give them the baseline so they can go to any program, any team, any coach and know what to do,” he said. “It’s a lot different than just working on layups. That’s important, but it’s also a little higher concept, so it doesn’t just look like a bunch of crowded kids running down the court.”

Hoops Heaven
Details: An indoor basketball training facility that teaches players of all skills the fundamentals, and offers camps, as well as parties.
Where: 40417 Chancey Road, Zephyrhills
Info: Visit TheHoopsHeaven.com, call 812-841-6042, or email .

Published August 24, 2022

Young basketball player Niko Figueroa works on his passing skills during a drill at Hoops Heaven.

Miley Sommers shoots a three-pointer during a skills class at Hoops Heaven in Zephyrhills.

Kayden Howson takes a long-range shot at Hoops Heaven in Zephyrhills.

Young basketball player Major Simmons is focused on developing his budding basketball skills at Hoops Heaven, an indoor basketball training facility in Zephyrhills.

Fabrizio Lacicco practices his dribbling skills at Hoops Heaven, in Zephyrhills.

Ellis Johnson passes the ball during a skills class at Hoops Heaven, an indoor basketball training facility in Zephyrhills.

Schools get turf fields

August 23, 2022 By Mike Camunas

Gaither High School field and stadium (Mike Camunas)

This offseason, turf fields were installed at several Hillsborough County high schools, including Freedom and Gaither. Other schools, such as Steinbrenner and Wharton already had turf fields.

In total, 15 of the 28 public schools in Hillsborough have artificial turf fields, while over the next few years, all schools will have the turf installed, according to the county. The schools also received other upgrades. Video scoreboards were added to every public school football field and to every high school and middle school gym.

Over in Pasco, Athletic Director Matt Wicks said the county plans “to start rolling out some (turf fields) if the ‘Penny for Pasco’ referendum is passed in November.”

Dade City Museum unveils new website, logo

August 16, 2022 By Mike Camunas

The Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum has unveiled its redesigned website and logo.

Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum, at 14206 U.S. 98 Bypass in Dade City, is housed in the old Atlantic Coastline Train Depot, which was preserved and reopened as a tourist destination in 2008. (Mike Camunas)

The museum is dedicated to preserving history, offering education, and promoting public interest and awareness regarding Dade City.

Located at 14206 U.S. 98 Bypass, the museum is housed in a former Atlantic Coastline Train Depot. The depot has been preserved and was reopened as a tourist destination in 2008.

In July 1994, it became the first site in Pasco County to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places, as the tracks that run closest to the depot were the first to reach Dade City in 1887.

Through efforts from the city and local residents, the depot was transformed into the Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum in 2018, where it now houses artifacts, photographs, documents and records of historic places and longtime residents of Dade City.

The museum consists of a main exhibition space, a model train room and a Community Archive and Reading Room. It is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit.

The museum is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and offers tours and periodical events, such as Monuments by Moonlight: a 90-minute walking tour through nearby Dade City Cemetery. The museum also is available for event rental.

Local screen printing and embroidery business, FloriCoastal Print in Dade City, designed the museum’s new logo.

For more information or to support the museum through donations, visit DadeCityHeritageMuseum.org.

Published August 17, 2022

They be jammin’ to gymnastics

August 16, 2022 By Mike Camunas

It tumbled right into Zephyrhills’s airport district.

JAMM Gymnastics is a new training facility — next to the Municipal Airport — and it’s already establishing itself as a place to enhance tumbling and other gymnastics skills.

Elaina Safft Guadawama, 9, works on a split tumble at JAMM Gymnastics in Zephyrhills. (Mike Camunas)

“We’ve been well-received by the community, especially since the demand for gymnastics has been pretty high in Zephyrhills for a while now,” said owner Steve Paul, who also coaches at the gym. “We’re focusing on recreational gymnastics, so a lot of tumbling classes, but they’re also able to work on the bars and beams and rings, too.”

Instructor Katelyn Napoleone helps Tayla-Anne Taylor, 12, execute a flip during a tumbling class at JAMM Gymnastics.

Paul and his wife, Gabby Quattlebaum, are co-owners of the center. It opened its doors on June 13.

The center offers tumbling classes, camps and space to host birthday parties.

The co-owners are both active coaches for the classes.

The East Pasco Invaders, a cheerleading squad for children ages 5 to 18, also has made its home at JAMM.

Paul and Quattlebaum have credentials, plus knowledge.

They have helped develop three Olympic trial members, an NCAA All-Around Champion, 12 NCAA All Americans, three World Team members, four USA Team members and 30 college scholarship recipients.

Payton Larkin, 8, works on keeping good form during bounces on a trampoline at JAMM Gymnastics, a new training facility and center at 5048 Airport Road, in Zephyrhills.

“I’ve been around or coaching gymnastics for about 30 years,” Paul said. “My wife used to be a gymnast, and we have the tools and the skills that we know will make them better cheerleaders, which is why we are now the home of the Pasco Invaders.”

Paul adds it’s not just aspiring gymnasts and cheerleaders that are looking to be coached.

Lillianan Salas, 7, works on her form and dismount on the trampoline during a tumbling class at JAMM Gymnastics in Zephyrhills.

Athletes from various sports see the value of gymnastics training, he said.

“What they learn in gymnastics will help them in just about any other sport they play,” Paul said.

“We can help kids develop through some gymnastic skills and become better football, basketball, soccer, baseball players — any sport — and help them run faster, jump higher.

“That’s where we really come in and want to help,” he said.

While JAMM has hosted open houses, and summer and back-to-school camps, it has seen its fair share of new athletes join the ranks. While tumbling and cheerleading are a big draw for now, locals are enjoying the affordability and laid-back atmosphere of a gym still very apt at improving skills.

JAMM Gymnastics instructor Gabby Quattlebaum, who owns the center with her husband, Steve Paul, speaks with a student during a recent class.

“My daughter is a cheerleader and her shortcomings were in tumbling scenarios,” Zephyrhills resident Teddy Taylor said. “This place allows her to expand her talents, work on the things she needs and become a better cheerleader.

“(It’s a) little bit more (of) nextdoor neighbor,” he added. “They don’t seem to be out to just make the big dollars — it’s about the girls, the athletes here, and whatever they can do to make them better as athletes and people.

“It’s all about fun, and that they’re having fun.”

Teddy’s daughter, 12-year-old Tayla-Anne, is definitely having fun.

“I wanted to take gymnastics so I could learn to do different things and so I could advance with my tumbling for cheerleading,” the Pasco Invaders cheerleader said. “I like this place a lot. It’s pretty fun, and I’ve learned a lot, especially during a gymnastics camp I took. I learned how to do stuff on the bar and the beams, so it’s been great to have a place I come to a lot, to learn even more tumbling.”

Next on the agenda for JAMM is to partner with after-school programs. By doing that, children can take gymnastics as an extracurricular activity in the afternoons.

It will be more than mere tumbling, Paul said.

“We do want to provide recreational after-school programs,” he said. “Because we’ll teach them tumbling and gymnastics, but also help them learn to set goals, and have a positive, can-do attitude. All while learning gymnastics.”

JAMM Gymnastics
Where: 5048 Airport Road, Zephyrhills
Details: A gymnastics training facility that offers lessons, classes, camps and birthday parties.
Info: Visit JammGymnastics.com, or call 813-602-8960.

Published August 17, 2022

Basketball Summer Champs

August 16, 2022 By Mike Camunas

The Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex recently crowned its 8-year-old to 10-year-old and 11-year-old to 13-year-old Summer Youth Basketball League Champions on Aug. 1. The Legacy are the champions in the ages 8 to 10 division; the Knicks are the champions in the ages 11 to 13 division.

The complex will host a Winter League season, with registration beginning the last week in November. For more information, call 813-929-1220, or visit PascoCountyfl.net/252/Parks-Recreation-and-Natural-Resources.

(Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex)

Helping monarchs is even more important now

August 9, 2022 By Mike Camunas

News of the addition of the monarch butterflies to the “endangered” species list has caught the attention of the Dade City Garden Club.

The garden club is the group that spearheaded efforts that led to Dade City being declared a Monarch City USA in 2019.

The club’s work resulted in the East Pasco town to be declared one of 17 cities across Florida to bear that designation.

So, with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s addition of monarch butterflies to its “endangered” species list, it underscored the importance of protecting the winged creatures, according to Joan Hepscher, co-chair of the Dade City Garden Club’s Birds, Bees & Butterflies committee, and chair of the Monarch Butterfly Festival.

Polly Touchton Park, 13620 Seventh St.., Dade City, is decorated with artwork depicting monarch butterflies and will host the Monarch Butterfly Festival, on Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Mike Camunas)

This is the first time Union for the Conservation of Nature has included the migrating monarch butterfly on its “red list” of threatened species, categorizing it as “endangered,” — just two steps from extinction.

The conservation group has estimated that the population of monarch butterflies in North America has declined nearly 72% over 10 years.

And the conservation group’s recent designation “was a real kick in the pants for us,” Hepscher said.

“Our mission has always been to get out the message, but now it will be getting it out to the individual person — you can see people really care because people were really upset about it and saying, ‘Oh, no! Can you believe it? What can I do?’” she added. “We, as a group, use the monarch as the poster child to make people aware of all the things we are doing to nature, and the butterfly is a good mirror to how our nature is doing. So it’s about not only helping the monarch, but also our whole environment and getting the message out to take better care of our world.”

Now, helping monarchs with their migration has become key to their survival.

“Homeowners can have plants to support these magnificent animals,” said Dr. Whitney Elmore, director of Pasco County Extension, a partnership between Pasco County and the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Planting milkweed is the best way to help because milkweed is the only plant monarch caterpillars eat, and it’s where the adult butterflies lay their eggs. Without this plant, the species simply could not exist.

Milkweed is low maintenance, Elmore said. But she cautioned it’s important to purchase the plants from reputable nurseries, to be sure they are free of pesticides.

The horticulture expert also noted that monarchs need “rest areas,” because they undertake the longest migration of any insect species known to science.

“Just like drivers, they need a place to stop and rest. If there are large areas or no stations around, they are going to be stressed,” she said.

Unfortunately, urban development and environmental depletion have hindered the migration. Fortunately, adding the resting places is not complicated, she added.

“Rocks and twigs — a place to sit and rest, even provide fresh water with a low dish on the ground and a stone in there to rest. Or habitats for them to roost, like Spanish moss — just providing a diversity of things in your garden can help attract them and move along in migration.”

Hepscher agrees, adding that while there are “plenty of milkweed tips on social media,” the monarchs really need “weigh stations” for their migration.

“They just need a place to stop and refresh and have nectar, a place to lay their eggs,” Hepscher said.

“Small pockets around town and county will give them what they need to survive. Pocket gardens will help because they don’t need 20 acres,” she said.

Elmore encourages citizens to contact the local Extension Office for additional information about how to help monarchs and other species.

“We have all the info on how to attract pollinators,” Elmore added. “A 72% decline in monarch population, which is bad, is from losing the plants and habitats they need. But there are 17 cities in Florida that are monarch cities, and the garden club works very hard at (its efforts).”

Hepscher vows the garden club is committed to continuing its efforts.

“We are going to really try to get more gardens right in the city — just little spots they can use and get some other organizations to help us with the awareness,” she added. “The festival will really be making the point that anyone can make a difference. It is scary news, but the reality is that if we stop and do our part, we can really help them — and we can help them today.”

Third annual Monarch Butterfly Festival
When: Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Polly Touchton Park, 13620 Seventh St., Dade City
Details: Local vendors will be on hand, as will the Dade City Garden Club to promote awareness of the city’s efforts to maintain the survival of the monarch butterflies.
Info: Visit DadeCityGardenClub.com, and click on “Monarch Project,” or visit the Pasco County Extension’s website at SFYL.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco/.

Published August 10, 2022

Newberger shares name, legacy with Lutz

August 9, 2022 By Mike Camunas

Just like the road that bears his family’s name, Carl Newberger’s life cut a path through Lutz.

Born to one of the original Lutz Pioneer families, Carl and his brother, Calvin, were the community’s first set of twins.

Newberger attended Lutz Elementary and later served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War. He played an instrumental role in the building of Tims Memorial Church in Lutz, where he served as a deacon.

He died on July 4 at the age of 94.

Newberger embedded himself in community life, said his daughter, Tina Hevel.

“He was always constantly busy doing something. He was never the type of guy to just sit around, and I think that’s pretty evident with his involvement in the Lutz community,” she said.

He was active in the local Boy Scouts, serving as a troop leader for years. He enjoyed bowling, taking part in The Odd Couples at Royal Lanes. He played softball, too.

He was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting and fishing for most of his life. He competed in shooting tournaments and was a member of the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary.

His name comes up several times in the local history book, “Sawmills, Citrus, Critters and Crackers: Life in Early Lutz,” by Elizabeth Riegler MacManus and Susan MacManus.

He and his brother, Calvin, were part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony when the former Vernon Road, a sand trail, was paved in the 1930s and turned into what is now known as Lutz Lake Fern Road. The twin boys rode in a Model T flatbed truck, holding little American flags at the ceremony, the local history book recounts.

The book also shares the story about Newberger attempting, but ultimately failing, to rescue a 7-year-old boy who drowned near First United Methodist Church of Lutz.

After being involved in Lutz for decades, Newberger retired from a 30-year career with Anheuser-Busch and moved to Webster, Wisconsin, in 1993.

Carl Newberger and his brother, Calvin, seen here as infants with his family in 1927, were the first set of twins born in Lutz. (Courtesy of ‘Sawmills, Citrus, Critters and Crackers: Life in Early Lutz’/Susan MacManus)

Although he has passed on, the name Newberger will live on in Lutz, thanks to the road that has existed since the late 1800s.

Originally, it was a dirt trail that led to the residence of Wolfgang and Mary Newberger, Carl’s great grandparents.

Briefly it was renamed Feinsinger Road, after other early settlers of the area. But it reverted back to Newberger Road to honor longtime lawman and former Tampa Chief of Police Fred Newberger.

“We’re very proud of that road,” Hevel added.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony for Newberger is scheduled on Aug. 13 at 11 a.m., at Lutz Community Church, 601 Sunset Lane, in Lutz, the same one he helped to build back when it was Tims Memorial.

His family expects several members of the community to be there, and possibly they will share stories.

It won’t be a depressing affair, his daughter said.

“We’re going to have an uplifting ceremony. Because that’s who he was. He had funny stories, so it’s not going to be all depressing and what not. We’re going to celebrate my dad’s life, much of it that was here in Lutz.”

She added: “My cousin, Barry (Newberger), who was Calvin’s son, will have even more stories to tell at the ceremony. That’s just who Carl, and Calvin, were — always involved in something.”

Carl is survived by his wife, Suzanne; his daughter, Tina Hevel and Robert Hardy; his granddaughter, Jessica Vickery and Jason Vickery; great-granddaughter, Bella Vickery; and his first wife, Phyllis Newberger, and his stepson, Pete Okins.

His survivors also include several nieces and nephews in Lutz and Land O’ Lakes.

Carl Newberger Celebration of Life
When: Aug. 13, 11 a.m.
Where: Lutz Community Church, 601 Sunset Lane

Published August 10, 2022

Who needs to go to Africa, to go on a safari?

August 9, 2022 By Mike Camunas

If you crane your neck just enough, you might see a giraffe in Dade City.

Or, you could just take an actual safari on the grasslands at Giraffe Ranch.

Sarah Doychak, of Connecticut, feeds a happy giraffe at Giraffe Ranch in Dade City. Visitors to the park can take a reservation-only tour, which is an information-filled safari that goes out onto African-similar open grasslands on a specially designed four-wheel-drive vehicle. (Mike Camunas)

For 20 years now, wife-and-husband owners Elena Sheppa and Lex Salisbury have run a hands-on, working game farm and wildlife preserve tucked away off U.S. 301, offering tours, animal interactions and, of course, ecological information.

“What we’re trying to do here is have a working classroom,” said Sheppa, who provides informative tours. “We want to show people animals, get them close, but also keep it safe for the animals. … If you’re lucky enough to go on safari in Africa and you get a good guide, they’ll talk about anything — local plant life, astronomy, fauna, plant life — and there’s just so much (out) here.

“Every tour is different and it changes all the time (depending on the season), so what we offer is really dynamic.”

Tyeast Harris, of Illinois, has a good laugh while feeding a hungry giraffe during a safari tour at Giraffe Ranch in Dade City.

Giraffe Ranch offers five kinds of safaris, all with a very talkative guide. There is the drive-thru option, where visitors (up to seven) stay in the car and an FM radio station provides real-time commentary. There also are tours that can be taken on camel-back, by Segway or by walking with a llama.

The most comprehensive tour is offered in a customized four-wheel-drive tour vehicle, which provides a comfortable ride and safety, as well as terrific up-close views of all the animals. This tour offers a giraffe feeding session that is a must for any lover of the longnecks.

“We love animals as a family, but my daughter really likes giraffes, so this was just a no-brainer,” said Donna Doychak, who was visiting the attraction from Connecticut with her family. “It was a lot of fun and something different. It was just an amazing and very informative tour.”

For some, it’s a way to get an African safari without traveling across the Atlantic.

Visitors to Giraffe Ranch in Dade City ride in a modified four-wheel safari vehicle while seeing various animals. The tour includes a giraffe-feeding session.

“I want to go see giraffes in Africa, but I thought this might be the next best thing (laughs), and I loved it,” said Tyeast Harris, who took the safari for her birthday while visiting from Illinois. “The close encounter (with the giraffes) was just incredible because I love exotic animals. Full recommend for the tour!”

Safaris and tours can be customized, almost a la carte. Giraffe Ranch also offers encounters with a rhino, as well as cheetahs. Visitors also can purchase feedings of otters and ring-tailed lemurs.

“Those feedings are quite popular, but (the animals), especially the otters, do beg quite a bit,” Sheppa said with a smile.

Claire Doychak, of Connecticut, feeds a giraffe during a recent visit to Giraffe Ranch in Dade City.

While Giraffe Ranch is considered a tourist attraction, Sheppa says that locally, the drive-thru safari has become quite popular. It’s an affordable, easy activity, one that, like many things, was created during early COVID times.

“And I think some people like staying in their vehicle, too,” Sheppa added.

Giraffe Ranch is by reservation only, as it does not allow walk-ups or spontaneous visitors. But, then again, it’s like an African safari — only in Dade City.

“We just wanted to get people to come and see animals, and learn more about them,” Sheppa said. “You will see our ongoing conservation efforts with endangered species, including some that are extinct in the wild. And you’re going to leave here having learned something. That, and the animals, has always been important to us.”

Giraffe Ranch
Where: 38650 Mickler Road, Dade City
When: While Giraffe Ranch is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., reservations are required to visit the park or take a tour.
Cost: Custom vehicle tours ($119); camel, Segway and llama treks ($239) can be booked online and run at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., daily. Drive-thru safaris ($150) occur hourly from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and must be booked online. Tours are two hours to three hours long.
Reservations: Visit GiraffeRanch.com.
Info: Email .

Published August 10, 2022

Giraffe Ranch owner Elena Sheppa gives a little pat and talks to Kahlie, a very large rhino on loan to the park.

Giraffe Ranch has a whole herd, or dazzle, of zebras on the grounds, including these two young ones.

It wouldn’t be an animal habitat in Florida without a gator exhibit.

Giraffe Ranch has a pen full of dozens of ring-tailed lemurs that are friendly and eager for visitors to take part in a feeding session.

Giraffe Ranch owner Elena Sheppa holds a dormant ostrich egg, while telling visitors about the ecological facts involving such eggs and the birds that lay them.

National ice skating showcase comes to Wesley Chapel

August 9, 2022 By Mike Camunas

It was figure skating’s time in the spotlight.

Literally.

AdventHealth Center Ice — known widely for its hockey teams and tournaments — hosted an entirely different kind of event, when more than 500 performers laced up their skates for the U.S. Figure Skating 2022 National Showcase.

Megan Siemp, of the Ice House Skating Academy in Michigan, performs her Junior Character Performance Showcase during the U.S. Figure Skating 2022 National Showcase at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel. More than 500 performers came to the weeklong competition, and put on varying showcases with costumes and musical numbers. (Mike Camunas)

The competition ran from Aug. 1 to Aug. 6.

The performers donned impressive costumes and used various props to perform to memorable songs, to demonstrate their impressive skills.

“We do have a lot of hockey events, so it was really nice for figure skating to take over the rink for a whole week,” said Jenna Dispenza, who, with her husband, Vinny, are the skating directors at Center Ice. “Hockey is great — Go Lightning! — but it’s nice for figure skating to get its turn here to shine.

“And it’s pretty incredible,” she added. “(The showcase) is the biggest national-type of competition U.S. Figure Skating hosts. Plus, the elite level of the theatrical side is just a huge bonus, because it’s comparable to Broadway (shows).

Traverse City (Michigan) Figure Skating Club’s Anna Rossiter goes full ‘greased lightning’ for her Junior Character Performance Showcase.

“Once the showcases get going, it’s really ‘Lights, camera, action!’”

Skaters flooded the common areas and halls of Center Ice, wearing elaborate costumes and makeup. They worked with props to come up with theatrical performance showcases, fusing figure skating with artistic creativity.

Showcase events were open to single skaters, duets, small ensembles and production numbers.

Skaters performed in the categories such as Emotional Performance, Choreographic Artistry, Lyrical Pop, Character Performance, Comedic Impressions and Interpretive.

Remington Bennett, of the Ice House Skating Academy in Michigan, was one of more than 500 performers at the recent U.S. Figure Skating 2022 National Showcase, at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel.

“The incredible entertainment this event, its skaters are bringing is so different in our sport where it’s not just the technical part,” Dispenza said. “It’s not just jumps and spins — it’s the costumes, the props, the music, the theatrical side of skating, some of which you don’t typically see.”

Dispenza said the community came out in large numbers, not just to see the showcases, but also to volunteer.

“A lot of people really wanted to see a different side of skating,” Dispenza added.

“And they weren’t disappointed. They saw some incredible showcases.”

The Dispenzas also coach Champion’s Edge, the figure skating club at Center Ice. The club was well represented in the National Showcase, with the skaters performing their own showcases, as well as a team performance.

Figure skater performers from Michigan, Paige Bartholomew, left, and Lexi Lafata, help each other apply makeup for their performances at the U.S. Figure Skating 2022 National Showcase, at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel.

The team — featuring eight girls, ages 11 to 16 — offered their take on Florida by transforming themselves into “The Beach Girls” for the performance on Aug. 6.

“It’s incredible to get a big group of skaters like that working toward one big showcase,” Dispenza said. “We have local skaters who want to get out there and just take complete advantage of this opportunity to put on a showcase here.”

Jessica Romonosky, a 14-year-old Land O’ Lakes resident with Champion’s Edge, was proud of the way Center Ice hosted the event.

“This is the biggest thing to ever happen (to figure skating) at the rink,” Romonosky said. “It’s really great to see how our rink is being fully represented with such a huge event. It’s so awesome to be a part of this entire showcase.”

Fellow Land O’ Lakes resident Mackenzie Toews, 11, said she wasn’t used to so many additional figure skaters beyond her Champion’s Edge club.

“But it was so cool and awesome to see everyone’s different routine and what they ended up doing for a performance,” she added.

That was the whole point: figure skaters had a whole week to spotlight their talents.

Just like Olivia Bosley, a 13-year-old Dade City resident, who performed her showcase to ‘When I Am Older,’ a song sung by Olaf (Josh Gad) in ‘Frozen 2.’

“I’m really proud of my work, considering it’s at a national showcase,” Bosley said. The event, she said, “is pretty exciting because you get to see what everyone else comes up with and puts together in different categories. I think we’re all excited to perform, but we’re also very excited to watch other performances, too.”

Published August 10, 2022