The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mike Camunas

A few ‘sticking’ points, in the art of self-defense

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This is definitely one way to stick it to the opposition.

Kali Filipino Stick Fighting. This martial arts form is gaining popularity, as it becomes more and more prevalent in media — from movies and TV shows.

Noah Hioario works with a stick and a rubber knife instrument during a Kali Filipino Stick Fighting class at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex. This beautiful, but deadly, art form instills awareness of self-defense, and of its Filipino heritage and culture. (Mike Camunas)

At the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex, Grandmaster James Berdal is teaching this form of self-defense that came to the mainstream during the 1970s, taking its place next to other major martial arts.

“From Day One, a stick, or two, will be in your hand,” said Berdal, who was trained in stick fighting by Supreme Grandmaster Floro Villabrille and Grandmaster Ben Largusa. “Unlike other systems, the weapons training is not until after a certain level. With the use of the sticks, the hands develop and become ambidextrous with (all the) drilling.

Kali Filipino Stick Fighting students learn techniques and moves through smooth rhythm and flow, which leads to self-defense that can be used with other martial arts forms.

“The main purpose, for me, is to perpetuate this very beautiful and deadly art form, and its cultures, and to instill awareness of self-defense to my students.”

Berdal, originally from the Philippines, teaches the Kali form, which is what he learned from Villabrille-Largusa teachings. It emphasizes weapon-based fighting with sticks, knives, bladed weapons and various improvised weapons, as well as “open hand” techniques without weapons. The method can be used in any fighting system, defensively or offensively, through the use of angles and zone concepts by rhythm and flow.

“Why stick fighting?” Berdal asks. “It gives individuals a well-rounded application of weapons and a strong base core to multiple weapons with simplicity.”

Kali Filipino Stick Fighting Grandmaster James Berdal runs this self-defense class at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex, teaching students a method that one can adapt to any fighting system, especially with rhythm and flow.

Students of the twice-weekly class work with long sticks that resemble bamboo poles, but they also work with actual deadly weapons.

For the most part though, and for safety reasons, participants — who must be 13 or older — will use a rubber-knife weapon with their stick to practice moves and flow.

“In a nutshell,” Berdal adds, “it’s a cultural art that is just now getting recognized — no one knew it was a part of the Philippines. Most everyone thought it was part taekwondo or judo or just karate.

Kyle Lacanlale works his sticks in defense doing drills with a partner, during a Kali Filipino Stick Fighting class at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex.

“Stick fighting is coming out and it’s in demand. It’s in the movies, it’s on TV, and now it’s requested by many stunt operators and military-combat training advisors.”

Kali Filipino Stick Fighting is very controlled. While the students do pick up weapons very quickly, they are taught discipline, which is evidenced by Berdal’s use of a drum to instruct and coordinate precise moves, both with weapons and empty hands.

Those who take stick fighting classes are surprised by its good, low-impact workout and that it teaches how to use weapons in a controlled manner.

“I thought it was just like, you know, swinging sticks, especially after listening to them talk about it,” said student Marley Galan. “But then I actually tried it, and I’ve been really enjoying it. … At first, it was really hard, and they just taught me the basics. Even to this day, I still get a whole bunch of stuff wrong, but I’ve seen progress.

“For me, I like the idea of learning a new skill, and this skill seems like it’s pretty useful, and I know it’s a good way to keep active.”

As for Berdal, it is important to teach the culture behind Kali Filipino Stick Fighting. That’s definitely what one might call, a “sticking” point, for him.

In his classes, he shares stories about his teachers to honor their legacy and to teach the Kali system to the community.

“The movements can be like a dance,” Berdal added. “This is a very controlled, very slow martial art that’s not as aggressive as some others. There’s balance that comes with the movements, but then also the points of finesse and accuracy. Very Ying to the Yang.”

Kali Filipino Stick Fighting Classes
Where: Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex, 7727 Boyette Road
When: Mondays and Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $60 per month
Details: Learn the finer points of Kali Filipino Stick Fighting from Grandmaster James Berdal. This class includes weapons and is for participants ages 13 and older. Register online at secure.rec1.com/fl/pasco-county-fl.
Info: Call 813-345-3145.

Published July 27, 2022

instructing his students when to move, teaching them balance and coordination both with empty-hand moves and with a variety of weapons.
Marley Galan works on form with his sticks during a Kali Filipino Stick Fighting class at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex.
Kali Filipino Stick Fighting student Imaini Thompson works on a pose with form during a class at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex.
Domarchiné Thompson, a student of Kali Filipino Stick Fighting, practices moves during a class at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex.

Local ballplayers taken in 2022 MLB Draft

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These local players were selected in the 2022 Major League Baseball Draft, which ran from July 17 to July 19:

  • Tayden Hall, Steinbrenner: The former Warriors catcher and son of former Tampa Bay Rays catcher, Toby Hall, was selected in the ninth round with the 282nd pick by the Milwaukee Brewers out of the State College of Florida.
  • Tim Elko, Hillsborough (Lutz native): After helping lead Ole Miss to its first-ever NCAA College World Series Championship, the first baseman was selected in the 10th round with the 311st pick by the Chicago White Sox.
  • Zach Showalter, Wesley Chapel: Although committed to pitch for the University of South Florida, this righty was taken in the 11th round with the 317th pick by the Baltimore Orioles.
  • Jared Beck, Saint Leo University: A 7-foot southpaw who racked up 141 strikeouts in his Lions career, he was taken in the 13th round with the 377th pick by the Orioles.
  • Julian Bosnic, Berkeley Prep (Lutz native): This left-handed pitcher playing for South Carolina was taken in the 14th round with the 410th pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
  • Evan Crest, Wharton: Although committed to pitch for Jacksonville University, this righty was taken in the 17th round with the 502nd pick by the Miami Marlins.
Tayden Hall
Tim Elko
Jared Beck

Former local player shines

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Dustin Harris

Dustin Harris, a former Land O’ Lakes High baseball player, was featured in the 2022 MLB All-Star Futures Game. The game features the top minor league players from all the teams, in a seven-inning game to showcase their talents.

Harris, who is an infielder for the Frisco RoughRiders, the Double A affiliate for the Texas Rangers, went 2-for-3 with an RBI, a run scored and a stolen base during the game played on July 17.

Harris, a 2017 Land O’ Lakes High grad, was drafted by the Oakland A’s in 2019 in the 11th round with the 344th pick. As a senior with the Gators, he batted .473 with 44 hits, 20 RBI and 29 runs scored before enrolling at nearby St. Petersburg College. He was traded to the Rangers organization in 2020.

Wildcats softball coach announced

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Blake Crews

Wharton High announced that it has hired former Stetson catcher Blake Crews to coach its softball team. Crews, a four-year starter for the Hatters from 2017 to 2020, ranks second in school history with 40 runners caught stealing and ninth in infield percentage. (.984). She also drove in 30 RBI as an Atlantic Sun All-Freshman Team selection in 2017. Crews takes over a Wildcats program that has won just 19 games in the past three seasons.

July fishing tournament

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(Courtesy of John Medvid)

South Pasco Bassmasters (SPB) held its monthly tournament in July, this time fishing at Eagle Lake in Polk County. Chip Whalen, left, and Steven Simmons won the tournament by catching 12.32 pounds of bass, including a tournament-best bass of 4.52 pounds. Whalen and Simmons used assorted plastic baits around docks, Peppergrass and Brush Piles to catch their fish. SPB’s next tournament is on Lake Marion on Aug. 20. For more information about the club, visit SouthPascoBassmasters.com.

Upgrades to Simons Road to start

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Zephyrhills Public Works plans to begin Phase II of the Simons Road project on July 25, with expected completion of the construction within about 240 calendar days, according to Shane LeBlanc, public works director for the city.

Aerial map view of the Simons Road Project, showing the new intersection that will be created at Fort King Road. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills Public Works)

The Phase II project includes a new road section, box culverts, and gravity walls. The project also includes sidewalks and turn lanes on Fort King Road.

When the work is finished, Simons Road will connect to both Eiland Boulevard and Fort King Road, offering motorists an additional route to State Roads 54 and 56 and Interstate 75.

Connecting Simons Road to Fort King Road — essentially creating a new intersection — consists of about 800 feet of pavement and costs about $2.2 million.

The project includes the installation of a traffic signal at Eiland Boulevard and Simons Road, which the city said is greatly needed because of increased traffic in the area.

Use of Simons Road has increased dramatically because of the opening of the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis and Wellness Center, and Abbott Square (a Lennar Homes development behind the tennis center).

The community is expected to add about 700 residential units of single-family houses, townhouses and apartments.

BRW Contracting Inc. constructed Phase I and also is constructing Phase II. The contractor’s familiarity with the previous project is expected to be beneficial in the construction of the second phase of the project.

Published June 20, 2022

Zephyrhills pursues a rebranding effort

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The Zephyrhills City Council voted July 11 to hire a marketing firm to pursue the city’s rebranding efforts.

Council members also approved a contract aimed at revitalizing Hercules Park.

A rendering of Hercules Park improvement project includes amenities such as a BMX track, a Frisbee disc golf course, a nearly 1-acre open playfield, and a 1.42-acre playground and picnic/shelter area. The estimated cost has been set at $4.2 million. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)  

The city came to an agreement with The Northstar Group, a marketing group, to help rebrand and reimagine the image of Zephyrhills.

The city also has signed a contract with a construction management company that will oversee the Hercules Park renovation project.

That project includes renovating the park and adding several new amenities.

Both efforts, which have been spearheaded by City Manager Billy Poe, received unanimous support by council members.

The city has been using “City of Pure Water” as its slogan, but Poe has advocated rebranding the city by choosing a new slogan, as well as a new logo for the town.

By rebranding, the city manager said he hopes to broaden the city’s appeal to a wider range of new residents, to boost its current population of 18,000. He also hopes the effort will help promote economic development, encourage civic engagement and boost tourism.

The rebranding project is expected to take about 34 weeks to complete. It will include market research, brand strategy, creative development, and action and implementation.

The City and Northstar also plan to reach out to citizens for their input.

This effort is separate from PlanZephyrhills 2035, which focuses on the city’s long-range comprehensive plan.

The rebranding project is expected to cost about $68,000.

The city awarded the Hercules Park construction management contract to the Tampa-based Wharton-Smith Construction Group.

Renovation plans have been drawn up for the new park on the land adjacent to Woodland Elementary. The estimated cost of the project is $4.2 million, and includes amenities such as a BMX track, a Frisbee disc golf course, a nearly 1-acre open playfield and a 1.42-acre playground and picnic/shelter area.

No timetable yet has been set for the groundbreaking, beginning of construction or completion of the Hercules Park project.

Published June 20, 2022

Hooked on a feeling

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The name will give you pause.

The Happy Hookers are, however, not what you think. In fact, they have hearts of gold as a “sewing circle” that meets weekly to crochet and knit blankets, quilts, and even beanies for newborns, all for charity.

Sue Sullivan, of the Highlands Happy Hookers, works on a blanket that will be donated through charity to either a veteran or to the Meals on Wheels program. The Happy Hookers is a group that gets together weekly and makes blankets, quilts and more for those in need. (Mike Camunas)

“It’s definitely people not putting it together that we’re ladies who are crocheting,” group manager Sue Sullivan said. “We’re ‘hookers,’ because of our crochet hooks.

“It’s definitely memorable, so they sure don’t forget us!”

Who could forget the Happy Hookers?

The group from the Highlands at Scotland Yards in Dade City has been doing this for more than 15 years. Not only is it a noble, charitable act, there’s no one that doesn’t chuckle at the name.

“A lot of people find that … humorous,” Judy Besley, a founding member of the Happy Hookers, said with a sly smile. “We had about 20 people at one time and, yes, some people have died and others have moved. Even with COVID, we couldn’t meet, but we kept crocheting at home, and came back ready with a bunch of blankets and more. We just got into the habit of doing this, every week, because we like to talk. We will also crochet at home, but it’s so nice to be able to do it with some people and just have a conversation.

Lynda Chynoweth crochets a little newborn beanie from some yarn, for the Highlands Happy Hookers.

“We’ve had that name since we started — we’ve always been hookers.”

Besley says the group formed when since-passed Highlands resident Josephine Basil wanted to teach crochet in the community. Several residents already knew how, so the original members decided they’d like to continue to crochet and knit as charity work.

“As hookers,” Sullivan said, “our kids and grandkids already have enough scarves, blankets and beanies they could need or possibly want, so we stopped giving them to our families. We (make stuff) for anyone in general, but we like to make blankets for the veterans, beanies for the babies — we just want to do charity work.”

The Highlands Happy Hookers is a group that meets weekly to crochet, knit, sew and, of course, socialize, all while making blankets for veterans and the needy, as well as beanies for newborns.

The Happy Hookers make a lot of blankets that are then given to Meals on Wheels, or to veterans with the help of Zephyrhills Elks Lodge #2731 that donates a lot of yarn to the group. Sullivan also is an Elk, and on Jan. 24, the Hookers presented 45 blankets to the veterans at Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home in Land O’ Lakes.

The women also make beanies for newborns and give them to Paula’s Project, a charitable Facebook group that collects and donates beanies to St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital in Tampa.

Nearly all the supplies, especially the yarn, is donated to the Hookers. Not only does the Elks Lodge give them a lot, but so does the community. The Hookers also hold fundraisers and raffles to raise money to buy supplies.

“Sometimes,” Sullivan added, “we’ll come in here on a Wednesday and just find a great big bag of yarn someone left. … It’s great to have this in the community, and together we do some charity work and also have some fun.”

Hands of a Happy Hooker hook some yarn, while creating a colorful newborn beanie.

The members do have fun, as evidenced by the chatter and laughter during a morning sewing session. Sullivan likens it to sewing groups that meet at local libraries, with those participants doing so “because then there’s someone to talk to.”

“That’s just like us,” she added. “We just happen to be here in Scotland Yards.”

Which is not to say The Happy Hookers aren’t welcoming or limited to just Scotland Yards’ residents. In fact, not only have there been “hookers” from other communities, these Hookers welcome anyone — no matter their experience, or even if they can’t crochet, knit or sew.

“There are some people who don’t even crochet,” Besley said. “Whether they can’t because they don’t know how or have a medical issue like arthritis, but they’re just here for the chit chat. We’re happy for anyone to come by, either to crochet or visit.”

Sullivan adds the group can even teach those willing, and wanting to be, a hooker.

“Come on down — everyone is welcome!” she said. “We actually taught one lady how to knit, and she’s really good now, too. We’re not going to turn anyone away. This isn’t a club. There’s no dues, there’s no requirement or forms — it’s just us, knitting and talking (laughs).

“We’re just a group of ladies that call themselves hookers.”

Highlands Happy Hookers
Anyone can join the Happy Hookers — it’s not only for residents of the Highlands at Scotland Yards. No experience is necessary either. Nor is sewing in general, as the members welcome those looking for some companionship, as well. To join the group or donate yarn, email Sue Sullivan at .

Published June 20, 2022

Edith Minch, right, looks on with a smile as Judy Besely wraps up some yarn, during a meeting of the Highlands Happy Hookers.
Hands of a Happy Hooker sew a fun dinosaur onto a newborn beanie that will be donated to St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital in Tampa.
Carolyn Fuller, right, with her great granddaughter, Madison, work together to help create newborn beanies that eventually will be donated to St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital in Tampa.

 

From Lutz to Ole Miss, Tim Elko becomes a legend

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A statue will be erected for Tim Elko.

That’s the rumor as big as the legend is of this Lutz native.

“That would be really cool, but I think they could build one for a lot of guys — our pitchers, Coach (Mike) B(ianco), a lot of deserving people,” Elko said.

Ole Miss baseball captain and Lutz native, Tim Elko, holds up the NCAA National Championship trophy on June 26 at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. The Rebels defeated Oklahoma in two games. Elko homered in the first game. (Courtesy of Josh McCoy, Ole Miss Athletics)

“Heck, there could be a statue of all of us holding the trophy!”

The trophy that Elko, and his Ole Miss Baseball teammates, would be holding is the one they brought back to Oxford, Mississippi, after winning the 2022 College World Series (CWS).

Playing in their first CWS Finals, this is the Rebels’ first title in program history.

On June 26, the Rebels defeated Oklahoma at Charles Schwab Field Omaha, etching the Rebels, and Elko, in the history books.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Elko, who hit a homer in the first of two CWS games the Rebels played. “You just couldn’t ask for a cooler final season. Some people counted us out, but the rest is history. This was just a great team that never gave up and believed in our abilities. Really, a dream come true.”

Becoming a national champion caps off an amazing collegiate career for Elko, who arrived in Oxford in 2017, after graduating through Hillsborough High School’s International Baccalaureate Program.

He played sparingly, as a freshman.

He played in 32 games as a sophomore in 2019. He had two homers and nine RBI.

Heading into his junior year, he was poised for a breakout. Instead, COVID broke out, shuttering the 2020 season.

Ole Miss baseball captain and Lutz native Tim Elko carries the NCAA National Championship trophy through a throng of celebratory Rebels fans after the team won the College World Series on June 26.

He returned in 2021, technically as a senior, and put in a remarkable season: a .325 average, 16 homers and 55 RBI that helped lead the Rebels to a Super Regional appearance.

The legendary part of that 2021 season? Elko played most of it on a torn ACL.

Adding to his folklore status, Elko made the decision to return for a fifth season (a special exemption because of COVID) since having knee surgery following his best season ended any draft hopes that year.

His fifth season added to the legend: He batted .300, with 24 homers and 75 RBI.

Plus, a national championship.

“I’m sure (scouts) were afraid of my knee, so it just really didn’t work out that way,” Elko said. “But I made the decision through prayer and just decided that God was calling me to come back.

“Now, I see why.”

As a four-year starter for Hillsborough, Elko batted .394 with 93 RBI, 71 runs and 115 hits. And from the start, it was obvious Elko was going places.

As a senior at Hillsborough High in 2017, Tim Elko batted .400, with 21 RBI and two homers. During his four years as a starter, Elko drove in 93 RBI for the Terriers. (Courtesy of Jarrett Guthrie)

“Just from Day One, there was something special about him,” said Bryan Burgess, who was one of his coaches at Hillsborough. “He just stood out with everything he did. Tim didn’t get caught up with what should be cool. He worried about grades and the team, and doing what was right.

“It’s not every day that someone shows up and changes (a high school) program, but he did. Now, he’s at Oxford living the dream, and it’s been great to ride it with him this year.”

Growing up playing at Lutz Little League, it’s surprising that Elko didn’t change the Gaither baseball team, the school in his zone.

But Elko took school seriously, choosing Hillsborough’s IB program, and then completing his master’s in sports analytics and bachelor’s degree in exercise science at Ole Miss.

“When Tim went to Hillsborough, I was pissed!” Gaither baseball coach Nelson North said, with a laugh. “He was very good at Hillsborough. You don’t walk him, but don’t give him anything either because he was a very dangerous hitter in high school.”

Despite always coaching against him, North has followed Elko’s college career closely; North also is a former Rebels ballplayer.

“When he left (Hillsborough County), I was glad,” North said, sarcastically.

But he said he was thrilled Elko was heading to Oxford.

“That’s one of those SEC towns, where they love their college teams. I’m glad he got to experience that because the fans there are absolutely amazing.

“Of course, there is no ill will. I’m a very big fan of Tim Elko,” North added. “Not just because he went to Ole Miss, but because he’s a Hillsborough County boy doing it in the SEC. I’m so thrilled at how well he did and I watched every minute of the Rebels in the postseason. I was cheering him on the whole way.”

Now that the season is over and Elko is a champion, he awaits to see if professional baseball is his future.

He will remain in Oxford as the Major League Baseball draft runs through July 19, but he expects to come back to his hometown eventually.

As a national champion.

“I think I’ll be back in the Fall, but it’ll probably be a minute,” Elko said. “Heck, if they let me bring the trophy down there, I will. I think there’s a lot of people in Lutz who would like to see it.”

Published June 20, 2022

What a community wants

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The City of Zephyrhills is looking at the future by turning toward the past.

The largest town in Pasco County — with a population of nearly 18,000 — is working on a major update to its Comprehensive Plan through 2035, and is asking for suggestions and feedback from new arrivals and long-time residents.

During this process, the city and its planners will collect ideas from residents, business owners, workers and community stakeholders to help create a citywide vision for 2035.

The city typically updates its plan every 10 years, but given the population boom, Zephyrhills opted to plan for the next 12 years.

The population has more than doubled since 1990, from 8,200 to more than 17,200. It is expected to reach nearly 23,000 by 2035.

The planning project is being called PlanZepyrhills2035.

“(The Comprehensive Plan) sets the tone, the goals, the objectives and policies for basically all of the rest of the city,” said Audrey McGuire, Zephyrhills’ historic preservation specialist and community planner. “That’s because a comprehensive plan impacts land use and development and infrastructure, as well.”

The comprehensive plan is a document that spans a long period of time. It aims to protect valued places and promote economic prosperity.

It is carried out over time through city zoning, land development regulations and infrastructure budgeting.

The city wants to engage its residents and stakeholders in shaping the plan’s direction.

“It’s very important because it gives us an idea of what the community wants and how they want Zephyrhills to grow,” McGuire said. “Because it’s not just what we want as planners. It’s what (the citizens) see that can be issues or needs or things that are great in the community they want to preserve.”

The city has already reached out to the townspeople in the form of three Community Conversation Meetings. At those, McGuire and a representative from Brana Consulting — a firm helping the city organize the plan and its publications — took extensive notes from those who attended.

The city also has posted a three-question survey online that citizens have the rest of the year to complete. The survey seeks to help answer two central questions: “What does our community’s best future look like?” and “How will we achieve that vision of the future?“

“We are planning additional workshops later this year — with public works and the City Council, are a couple — so there will be several more community meetings (about the plan) coming up,” McGuire added.

The Clock Plaza is located on Main Street, in the heart of Historic Downtown Zephyrhills, and the centerpiece to nearby local shops and businesses. (Mike Camunas)

At the second Community Conversation on June 25, several citizens expressed their “concern” that no matter how the comprehensive plan develops, they want Zephyrhills to “maintain” and “protect the small-town feel.”

“That’s the biggest thing we keep hearing,” McGuire said. “That, and improving our parks.”

City Manager Billy Poe has already addressed Hercules Park, which the city took over in 2018.

A renovation plan has been drawn up and city officials announced on June 11 that a construction contract has been awarded to Tampa-based Wharton-Smith Construction Group.

The estimated cost of the project is $4.2 million and includes amenities such as a BMX track, a frisbee disc golf course, a nearly 1-acre open playfield, and a 1.42-acre playground and picnic/shelter area.

“I think keeping that small-town feel is very important because we shouldn’t be extending into Wesley Chapel or vice versa,” Zephyrhills resident Christa Remington told city officials at the June 25 meeting. “It would be nice if there were more walking or biking destinations in town, and more places to go out to — parks and programs, places for kids to play.”

Another item that came up involves a desire to revitalize the historic Zephyrhills Home Theater on Main Street.

The City Council, however, voted on Oct. 25 to deny an appraisal of the downtown building.

Another suggestion by citizens involves the desire for a Zephyrhills community pool.

“This is the first time we heard (a request for a community pool) specifically at these meetings, but not the first time we’ve heard it from the community,” McGuire said.

Ironically, Zephyrhills did have a pool in the city limits: Hercules Aquatic Center. However, that was operated by Pasco County and was closed in 2009, due to budget constraints.

Despite several attempts to keep it open, it was shuttered for good and fell into disrepair.

The former aquatic center site is now owned by the city and is part of the  Hercules Park renovation project.

Still, in light of additions to the city in recent years, such as the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Center, citizens would like a place to cool off.

“This is Zephyrhills, the ‘City of Pure Water.’ Right?” longtime Zephyrhills resident Tim Allen asked at the June 25 community meeting. “How do we not have a community pool?”

To complete the PlanZephyrhills2035 Comprehensive Plan Survey, visit Plan2035.zhills.city.

Published July 13, 2022