The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mike Camunas

Atlas shrugs off competition, becomes Lutz Guv’na

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Talk about your power couple.

Raising nearly $12,000, Atlas Cortecero became the 2022 Lutz Guv’na after the town’s annual Independence Day Parade.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Lutz Train Depot, in front of the Lutz Branch Library, near the corner of Lutz Lake Fern Road and U.S. 41.

Cortecero follows in the steps of his wife, Michele Northrup, the 2007 Guv’na. She’s now assuming the title of First Woman of Lutz.

Atlas Cortecero holds up the big key and wears the sash for becoming the 2022 Lutz Guv’na after raising nearly $12,000 in donations. (Courtesy of Lutz Guv’na Committee)

“We are the first married couple to both hold the office of Guv’na,” said Northrup, also known as The Saucy Queen because of her local hot sauce business. “(Campaigning for Atlas) was so much fun, but we noticed that everyone wanted to pitch in, whether it be small or large. Everyone wanted to give to the community. It was so heartwarming to see Lutz come together.”

Cortecero, who was born and raised in São Paulo/Brazil, added: “You have no idea how much fun (running for Guv’na) was. The parade was so much fun, being able to march in front of the General Lee we rented and just wave the American flag.

“It was a beautiful parade and a beautiful welcome to becoming Guv’na,” said Cortecero, who claimed the title by a narrow margin.

He raised $11,919.11. David Penzer, another candidate, brought in $11,024 and Stacee Campbell, the third candidate, hauled in $2,135.96.

The grand total of $25,079.07 will support local charities and other nonprofit organizations.

“The goal of Guv’na for all these years is to bring people together,” Cortecero said. “I think the main thing is to get the money to the people of Lutz, for it to stay in the community and help this community,” he said.

Cortecero’s total is believed to be the third most raised in the history of the Guv’na race, just behind 2004 Guv’na, the late Dean Rivett, who raised $12,452.

The most ever raised? Nearly $17,000 by none other than the current First Lady of Lutz, Northrup.

The race, which started in 1991, is sponsored by the Lutz Civic Association and raises several thousand dollars for about 20 Lutz nonprofit beneficiaries.

Prior to 1991, the race was sponsored by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s club. Candidates earmark 10% of what he or she raises to the Lutz charitable organization of his or her choice.

One of Cortecero’s campaign promises was to use proceeds raised for renovations to the Old Lutz School House.

He intends to keep that promise.

“The door, you look at it — almost all of (the school house) — is in disrepair,” he said. “Of all the charities, the one that needs it the most is the schoolhouse.”

Penzer plans to donate his 10% to the GFWC, while Campbell is giving her 10% to Lutz Softball.

Guv’na Committee members said candidates hit the campaign trail hard this year, certainly looking to make up for the lack of fundraising when COVID shut down those events, as well as the parade.

Because of the hiatus, Amy Lancaster, the 2019 Guv’na, held on to the honorary title for more than two years.

“I think that everyone is just ready to get back to it — it’s part of the community; it’s tradition,” Guv’na Committee’s Stephanie Ensor, who won the title in 2010, told The Laker/Lutz News in May. “It means a lot to a lot of people, and to the candidates, who do it to raise money for charities, nonprofits and the community.”

Cortecero hosted several fundraising events at local businesses such as Chicago’s Best Burgers, Station House BBQ and Auzalu’s Artisan Market & Pottery Studio. He also sold nearly 50 “Atlas For Guv’na” shirts, as well as discount cards that can be used at several Lutz businesses. Cortecero also auctioned off several items throughout the campaign, including a puppy that was donated to him from Lutz breeder, Brooklyn’s Boxer, and quickly raised $500.

Campbell, owner of Lutz Scoops, gave away free ice cream with any Guv’na donation, sold Lutz merchandise and also held donation events at Station House BBQ and Chicago’s Best Burgers.

Penzer, a real estate agent, wrestling announcer and longtime resident of Heritage Harbor neighborhood, held several events, including a bingo night, a putting contest and cornhole tournament, and live music fundraisers at Double Bogey’s Tavern and Grill.

In the end, though, it was Cortecero who celebrated by donning the Lutz Guv’na sash.

“You know, it’s funny. When someone wins (the Super Bowl), they say, ‘I’m going to Disney World!’” Northrup said. “When we found out he won, I was like, ‘You know where you really need to go because they were such a big supporter.’”

“I’m going to Station House BBQ,” he said.

Published July 13, 2022

This story was revised on July 13, 2022.

Always so controlling

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These racers are always, even remotely, in control.

Lake Park in Lutz has always had an R/C, or remote control, race car track. It’s a little slice of clay dirt tucked toward the back of the park, providing an outlet for R/C enthusiasts to get outside and do a little racing.

Racers expertly maneuver their cars on the R/C race track at Lake Park in Lutz. (Mike Camunas)

“I would say it’s video game people — definitely hobby enthusiasts,” said Ryan Eckert, a Lutz resident who has been R/C car racing at Lake Park since 1997 and runs monthly weekend races at the track.

“Instead of playing video games, you’re out for a couple of hours, having a little fun and it’s kind of, techy, but it’s not a toy,” he said.

He continued: “Back in the day, you couldn’t buy R/C cars just anywhere like you can now. You can get an R/C car at Pep Boys, actually. It had to be specialty stores, but now that you can buy them anywhere, it’s a much easier hobby to get into.”

Lake Park R/C hosts races once a month except for during the summer because of the rain; however, the race track is open and available for use whenever Lake Park is open. Anyone can use the track at any time, but Eckert and the group maintain it when they can. It’s a dedication to a hobby, and sport, that starts at a young age.

Kurt Stephan, left, and Mitch Zeck, right, examine an R/C car following a race at Lake Park in Lutz.

“I think what got me into it was I wanted to race real cars, but my family couldn’t afford it,” Eckert said. “For sure, it is a lot safer to race remote control cars than real cars.

“Everyone has a blast, I think,” he added, “or I hope they do. I’ve always enjoyed this hobby and I’d like to see more kids, fathers and sons, and even novice drivers come out. All you need is a personal transponder to race.”

That personal transponder hooks into the car and allows Eckert to track lap times, provide stats and, of course, announce the winner. At the races, there are meets for both electric and nitro, or gas-powered, R/Cs. The latter requires actual pit stops to be fueled, which the length of the race also factors in.

Lake Park R/C already sees its fair share of families camp out for the day and make it an outing. Tampa resident Michael Abrahams does this with his son, Nixon, who just got an R/C kit for his birthday after showing an interest in racing.

A remote-controlled car makes a big jump on a hill obstacle at the R/C race track at Lake Park in Lutz.

“He’s into a lot of engineering, so he gets to work on the car, tinker with it and get his hands dirty,” Abrahams said. “It’s a great experience for him and he’s even learning a little something. … But the father/son bonding aspect? For sure. I’ll take that every weekend.”

Odessa resident, 13-year-old driver and the aptly named Ember Dirt, grew up around the R/C track, being “dragged” there by her father. So eventually, she wanted to get her hands on a controller.

“Since my dad has always done it, I wanted to get into it as well — it’s fun,” she said. “It’s not just out here playing with toys. It takes practice and some strategy. My friends think that it’s just toys, but I try to get them to come down and see it’s more than that — I bet they will one day.”

Even if R/C racing is more than toys, it is, indeed, still fun for the drivers.

And that’s all Eckert wants, too.

“I think some people can be a little scared to race — hesitant about those who are too competitive,” he said. “I wish that wasn’t the case because I think people want to come out, race and just have fun. Yes, it’s a race, but it shouldn’t scare people away. I want it to be fun — that’s the whole thing about R/C racing.”

Lake Park R/C
Where: 17314 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Lutz
Details: The organization hosts races monthly, except during the rainy summer months. Most races are on the weekends, but the R/C track at Lake Park is available for visitors, as long as the park is open.
Info: Visit Lake Park R/C on Facebook.

Published July 13, 2022

The aptly named Ember Dirt, 13, of Odessa, expertly works her R/C race car around the track at Lake Park in Lutz.
Racers expertly maneuver their cars on the R/C race track at Lake Park in Lutz.
The R/C race track at Lake Park in Lutz is available for anyone to use at any time the park is open, but is primarily used and maintained by Lake Park R/C, which hosts monthly races on the weekends.
R/C car ‘crashes’ are just as common as their life-sized counterparts and that’s why several helpers will man the track, to straighten out the cars and put them back on track to race.
A remote-controlled car makes a big jump on a hill obstacle at the R/C race track at Lake Park in Lutz.
Ashton Offutt, left, and Mateo Amaya, both of Lutz, work on their remote-control race cars in the ‘garage,’ or tent situated near a pickup truck and table, during a weekend race at Lake Park in Lutz.

Freedom baseball coach departs

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(Mike Camunas)

Following the team’s most successive season in school history, Freedom High School baseball coach Tripp Merrell has stepped down from the Patriots to accept the same position at Wesley Chapel.

Merrell, who had been the coach at Freedom for four seasons, departs after leading the Patriots to a program-best record 17-9, finishing as the Class 5A-District 6 runner-up. Freedom reached the regional tournament for just the third time in program history, and saw the season end with a 12-2 loss to River Ridge. Merrell was 36-43 in his Patriots tenure.

Merrell, who lives in Wesley Chapel, said being close to home and family factored into his decision to switch programs. He takes over for Brett Baudendistel, who stepped down at the end of the 2022 school year as coach and athletic director.

The Wildcats were 12-10 this season.

At Freedom, assistant coach Dane Moore, a 2010 graduate of the school, will take over Merrell’s old post. Moore has been with the team for the previous three seasons.

Merrell handpicked Moore as his replacement, to maintain consistency with the program’s goals and coaching style.

One vet and a truck

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Despite losing his leg, Zephyrhills veteran Ken Fabiani is still very active.

And he can move all kinds of furniture, too.

“I can do anything (anyone with two legs can do),” the former Navy sailor and Vietnam veteran said. “I play golf every Sunday. I putz around in my yard and I do move a lot of furniture.”

Zephyrhills veteran Ken Fabiani goes through donated furniture at Value Store It Self Storage in Wesley Chapel with volunteer Dave Greene, as they will then take any furnishings or household items to a veteran located in the Pasco County or Tampa area. (Mike Camunas)

For the past three years, Fabiani, through Zephyrhills Elks Lodge #2731, has been collecting furniture and household items for veterans, who are set up with housing, however, don’t have any furnishings. Fabiani, the Veterans Committee chairperson and past exalted ruler of the Elks Lodge, then loads up furniture and other items on a truck and/or a trailer, and delivers them himself.

At first, he made a delivery maybe once a week. Now, with the help of about a dozen volunteers that are either his neighbors or other members of the Elks Lodge, Fabiani could have up to five deliveries a week.

“Honestly, (I started doing this) because I was bored,” Fabiani said. “Once I got back on my feet after the amputation (because a rod in my reconstructed leg got infected), I needed something to do.

“The need is out there, but the donations are right there with it,” he added. “I’ll get two or three calls while taking out a donation and they’re like when can you be here, and I can’t give them an answer because I’m all over the place. … (Veterans) need everything, when they get a place. It’s just four walls, a ceiling and floor.”

When Fabiani started out, he gave his name and number to Domiciliary Rehab Clinic for Veterans, which then made sure his contact info also was at Tampa Bay Crossroads, New Beginnings and Hog Bash, all of which help veterans get back on their feet and with housing. Several communities, especially those in Pasco County, know how to get ahold of Fabiani, if they’re looking to help a veteran.

“We’ve gone to Scotland Yards, Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club, all over Zephyrhills and Dade City, and Pasco County and Tampa area,” he said. “The word just keeps spreading.”

Fabiani served in the Vietnam War and was in the Navy for eight years. In fact, he was on the infamous aircraft carrier, the USS Forrestal, which had an unusual number of fires, including the 1967 fire in which 134 sailors died and 161 more were injured. Fabiani considers himself lucky to survive that, as well as when he left the Navy, he didn’t need quite as much help as other veterans sometimes do.

Zephyrhills veteran Ken Fabiani takes a call while going through donated furniture he has collected from all over Pasco County and the Tampa area. He then will transport to a fellow veteran that has housing, but no furnishing or household items. Fabiani started doing this charity work because ‘he was bored,’ but also to look out for his fellow veterans, some of whom have nothing once they are discharged from the VA.

Alexis Key, an Army veteran, who served four years including a tour in Afghanistan contacted Fabiani after her caseworker gave her his number and, without hassle, her housing through Tampa Crossroads was furnished.

“Sometimes, donations can be shabby,” Key added. “However, I was thoroughly surprised at the quality, but also how he didn’t flake on me. All I had to do was call him up, have a simple conversation of what I needed, and he brought it over.

“(I got) two 2 dressers, pots and pans, a nutribullet, shower curtains, household items and a really, really nice Bible. … He is such a nice man and so kind — it’s just inspiring to see him looking out for us veterans.”

One of his volunteers agrees.

“This is a great and easy way to help veterans,” his neighbor, Dave Greene, said. “So far, he hasn’t been able to keep the supply up with the demand. You often wonder where it all comes from, but then he gets like three phone calls when we’re out taking furniture to another veteran.

“The demand is there, so you kind of wish there was another Ken.”

There’s no slowing down Fabiani, certainly not if there’s a veteran looking from anything to furniture to a microwave to even toiletries. As he sorts through the items at a nearly full, but also donated 10×20 storage unit at Value Store It Self Storage in Wesley Chapel, Fabiani knows nothing will stop him from helping veterans get furniture.

“Maybe a little rain, but, no, we’ll still go out and pick up or deliver furniture. It’s Florida, it’s going to rain, but these vets need the furniture. It’s really unbelievable to really see people in need — as long as they’re veterans, we’ll gladly help them.”

Donate furniture for veterans
If you’re a veteran or know of a veteran who needs furniture, or would like to help Ken Fabiani’s cause by donating furniture, he can be reached at 813-469-8093.

Published July 06, 2022

Zephyrhills planning for, looking toward 2035

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Zephyrhills — the city and its officials — are turning to the citizens for help.

The East Pasco County city — also known as the county’s largest municipality — is spending the rest of 2022 to plan through 2035. The city will take a look at its comprehensive plan and make various updates on what it intends to do to make improvements over time.

However, a significant part of the planning effort is to bring people together from all parts of the city to talk about issues and needs that should be addressed, as well as new ways to help Zephyrhills be an even better place to live, work and play.

That’s why the city set up three “Community Conversations” aimed at collecting ideas from residents, business owners, workers, and other community stakeholders for use in creating a citywide vision for 2035.

The final “Community Conversation” will be July 7 at 6 p.m., at the Zephyrhills Train Depot Museum. Townsfolk are encouraged to attend not only to learn more about the city from a statistical and analytical point of view, but also to suggest ideas of what they’d like to see from Zephyrhills in the next decade-plus.

City Planning representatives will be on hand to take suggestions, but also to explain exactly what goes into a city’s comprehensive plan.

Zephyrhills also will engage its citizens through an online hub, where they can take a survey that will help answer two central questions of comprehensive planning: “What does our community’s best future look like?” and “How will we achieve that vision of the future?”

The citywide vision will be described in words and illustrations, to paint a picture of the community’s desired future. This ‘picture’ will become the foundation for setting goals and policies for the new comprehensive plan: PlanZepyrhills 2035.

Zephyrhills Community Conversation Session 3
When: July 7, 6 p.m.
Where: Zephyrhills Train Depot Museum, 39110 South Ave.
Details: Join representatives from the City of Zephyrhills in a conversation focused on the PlanZephyrhills 2035 and to help plan for the city’s next phase.
To participate in the PlanZephyrhills 2035 Comprehensive Plan Survey, visit Plan2035.zhills.city.

Published July 06, 2022

Zephyrhills is ranked among top RV destinations

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It’s no secret that Zephyrhills has been known as a ‘Snowbird Haven’ for decades.

It’s a place where northerners routinely flock, to escape the winter chill.

Happy Days RV Park is home to several RV sites and plugs, year-round, as the resort features several amenities and is well-located in between vacation destinations, such as the Disney parks and the Gulf beaches. (Mike Camunas)

So perhaps it’s only logical it would become home to lots of RV parks. There are 19 to be exact, within the city limits.

But it appears that the city is becoming a more popular place, in general, for RV enthusiasts.

StorageCafe.com has ranked Zephyrhills as the fourth-best RV destination nation, based on the number of campsites and their amenities; the local cost of living; the proximity to other attractions, and, of course, the year-round warm weather.

City officials were happy to hear about the survey results.

“Well, while this is a bit of news to me, it is always good to rank high in great places to visit, so we’re definitely happy and excited about that,” said Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe.

“Does this mean the secret is out?” Poe said, with a laugh. “We’re not marketing (Zephyrhills) as a great place to RV, but my thought is, we’re a retirement community — Snowbird Haven — and we’ve always been that.”

Certainly, Zephyrhills always has been a retirement or winter-home destination. However, now there’s a trend of younger retirees and even travelers who are purchasing RVs, and using RV resorts and parks in Zephyrhills.

Part of that stems from the city’s convenient location: It’s a quick trip to destinations such as the Disney attractions and the Gulf beaches.

“Just look at us (Zephyrhills) on a map,” Poe said. “You can be in Orlando and Disney in an hour. You can be in Downtown Tampa in an hour. Wesley Chapel is nearby, too, and then, of course, the beaches.”

Majestic Oaks RV Resort is one of Zephyrhills’ larger RV resorts within city limits, and has sites and plugs available year-round.

Plus, he said, “in Zephyrhills, it’s a smaller-paced, hometown feel, which I think many people like coming to, to stay for a while.”

According to the RV Industry Association, projected 2022 RV shipments range between 578,800 and 603,300 units — slightly more than the 600,240 vehicles shipped last year.

The numbers in 2021 were up 39% from the previous year. And, from 2001 to 2021, RV ownership increased by more than 62%.

More than 11.2 million households now own RVs, with the average age of owners being 55. However, 22% of RV owners are in the 18 to 34 age range.

“I would have to say this is certainly a welcomed surprise, even if, as a town, we’ll have to revisit it (from a marketing standpoint) and be more open to it,” City Planning Director Todd Vande Berg said. “If I had to guess (on why Zephyrhills is ranked so high), it would be the affordability of RV parks. Because I think that’s the demographic that comes into play, of what people can afford. Certainly the weather and the small town feel with close proximity to beaches and a bigger city help.”

Poe added: “And not really trying to sound selfish here, but, obviously, those RVing typically have disposable income at their fingertips, so why not come spend it in Zephyrhills?”

RVs sit parked at RV Optimum Zephyrhills, the lone RV dealer in a town that has become an increasingly popular destination for RV travel, vacationing and living.

There is definite appeal to Zephyrhills, as it is a small yet still basically rural town that offers affordable sites for RVs.

Lisa Carletti, a master-certified RV inspector who has been an avid RV enthusiast since 2016, said the primary force behind Zephyrhills’ popularity is clear.

“I would say it’s the space, said Carletti, who owns MyRVResource.com and MyRvInspection.com, both which perform independent inspections of RVs, similar to the kind done when you purchase a home.

“We live part-time in a fifth wheel (RV) in Dover and the appeal there is the same: usually more space in the parks. I can fit my RV, a large shed and three vehicles — you’re never going to find a place like that over in Tampa. All those lots are too tight.”

Carletti has inspected hundreds of RVs and been to numerous parks. She said Zephyrhills’ location will rank high on any list.

“And, of course, it’s going to be less expensive in Zephyrhills than in Tampa, Orlando or the beach areas,” she added.

So, while they may not have been deliberately trying to entice RV users, the town has much to offer.

Besides being close to numerous attractions, Zephyrhills also has nice golf courses, and nearby hiking and kayaking at the Hillsborough River.

“There are so many activities at our fingertips and then we’re not as expensive to stay as other places,” Poe said.

“I think people are really starting to see that,” he said.

Zephyrhills has 19 RV resorts or campsites within the city limits. Of those, 80% have pools and nearly all have extended stay rates that are beneficial to RV enthusiasts. Zephyrhills also has a large RV dealership, Optimum RV Zephyrhills, at 3334 Paul Buchman Highway. To inquire about an RV inspection with MyRVResource.com, email Lisa Carletti at .

Published July 06, 2022

A jumping doggone good time

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These dogs aren’t sitting on the dock.

Nope.

Rusty, a 5-year-old chocolate Labrador, jumps and reaches for the air to retrieve apparatus at the pool at Courteous Canine, a dog training and boarding facility in Lutz. Rusty is the No. 2-ranked Labrador in the United States, according to statistics from North American Diving Dogs, the sanctioning body over the sport of dock diving. (Mike Camunas)

They’re running down it and jumping right off — with no hesitation.

After a huge splash, most dogs are back up on the dock before the water has even settled.

“Some dogs love it; I think most dogs love it,” said Diving Dog Instructor Joe Souza. “We get little old ladies with chihuahuas that jump, to Great Danes that jump, to everything in between.

“To be honest, there are worse ways to spend your day than with dogs at the pool.”

Dog dock jumping at Courteous Canine, a dog training and boarding facility in Lutz, is quite popular. Any dog, of any size, can come and learn to dock dive.

The diving can be just for fun or for competitions governed and sanctioned by North American Diving Dogs (NADD).

Three-year-old black lab Rylee runs up the ramp at the pool at Courteous Canine, in Lutz, so he can jump back in the pool as soon as possible.

In fact, the NADD limits the number of dock diving facilities, so they can be no closer than within 100 miles of each other.

“Some people train here, some people show up for competitions and some people just bring their dogs so they can jump off the dock,” said Souza, who has four dogs that dock jump. “When it comes to (my dog) Rusty, if he had to choose between breathing, eating and dock diving, he’s choosing dock diving.”

Rusty, a 5-year-old chocolate Labrador, is actually nationally ranked as the No. 2 Labrador at dock diving, according to NADD.

His personal best jump is 30 feet. The world record is 36 feet, 11 inches, and held by a whippet.

Courteous Canine Diving Dog Instructor Joe Souza sends Rusty high into the air after a toy, at the facility’s pool in Lutz.

Souza says dogs are usually competing against themselves, in that they’re just trying to get a personal best in each level. Levels are determined by length. Novice is up to 10 feet, while the top jumpers are in the premiere level, which is 28 feet or longer.

Courteous Canine also hosts competitions.

Souza says the facility has dogs, and owners, who take those very seriously. They’ll compete throughout the year, including at nationals, which is held in St. Louis.

Ashley Gandees, of Wesley Chapel, is an owner who does everything for her Great Danes. Her 2-year-old, Dazzle, competes in several types of competitions, and Gandees didn’t hesitate when she found the dock jumping facility a few miles away.

“She was jumping off the dock by the second lesson with Joe,” Gandees recalls. “I never thought she would be so good at it. She’s holding her own at competitions, getting up to about 20 feet. Really it was just something else I wanted the dogs to be able to do and be more well-rounded dogs.

“She definitely loves doing it.”

Courteous Canine
Where: 3414 Melissa Country Way, Lutz
Details: A dog training and boarding facility that also specializes in swimming and dog dock jumping lessons. The dock jumping sport and competitions are under the sanctioning body North American Diving Dogs (NADD).
Info: Visit CourteousCanine.com, or call 813-949-1465. For more information on NADD, visit NorthAmericaDivingDogs.com.

Published July 06, 2022

Chip, a black Labrador, waits, somewhat patiently, to be let back into the diving area at the pool, at Courteous Canine.
River, left, and Rusty, right, tug over a floating toy in the pool at Courteous Canine, in Lutz.
Dazzle, a 1-year-old Great Dane, leaps after a toy at Courteous Canine, in Lutz. Her owner, Ashley Gandees, of Wesley Chapel, brings Dazzle to weekly dock jumping sessions and has entered her in competitions, as well. (Courtesy of Joe Souza)
Rusty gladly returns his floating toy, so he can once again jump off the dock into the pool at Courteous Canine and retrieve it.

No rest for the wicket

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Like many recreational sport leagues, they just needed a place to play.

Unlike many recreational sport leagues, the demand unexpectedly bowled its way right onto the pitch.

The Tampa Falcons pick up a hit in a match against Tampa Shaheen during a weekend match at their pitch, located at Wesley Chapel District Park. The two teams are part of the Tampa Premier League, a cricket organization that hosts several matches and series throughout the year. (Mike Camunas)

“I was playing American College Cricket with USF’s (the University of South Florida’s cricket) Club Team, and we won two championships,” Wesley Chapel resident Nagesh Nayak said.

“When I graduated from USF, there was nowhere I could still play. When I was looking for a place to play, I drove by the empty land on Wesley Chapel District Park and proposed (playing there) to the county — (Parks and Recreation Manager) Brian Taylor and (Pasco County Commissioner) Mike Moore — and they said if you want to play, go ahead.

“So we built a pitch, and then (cricket), all of sudden, was in high demand. People kept coming out and it just kept spreading, so more people wanted in.

“It was like a gradual cult,” he said.

Back in 2016, after Nayak built the pitch at the district park, he started Tampa Premier League, which has cricket teams mostly locally, including places such as Wesley Chapel, Tampa and several near USF, but also as far as St. Petersburg.

Tampa Avengers bowler Gaurav Samant goes sideways with his delivery over the pitch to the St. Pete Shields during a cricket match at Wesley Chapel District Park.

Initially, there were eight teams.

But demand was so high, more teams were added. The league now has 21 teams.

“I don’t always remember names, but I remember faces,” Nayak said. “I think that everyone remembers everyone else out here. So, they just keep telling more and more people about where they can play cricket.

“Free agents are a big thing with us (at this league), especially someone moving to the area, who might not know anymore,” he said. “So, through the Facebook page and social media and messaging, we help get him on a team in the right area or one that might need him.”

Tampa Premier League founder and manager Nagesh Nayak

Nayak says about 80% of the league is USF students, however, there are several teams that come from varying workplaces that have formed a team. For instance, one team is made up of Citibank employees; another, of pediatricians and doctors from New Tampa.

The league hosts six games to 10 games per weekend, and each team is guaranteed per season, or series.

Each series can have a different champion, such as Nayak’s team, the Wesley Chapel Legends, which won the Titan Cup V T20 series in November. Another team — the Tampa Avengers — is looking to defend its Tampa Bay Summer 2021 Super 16 Bash by winning this summer’s Wesley Chapel Summer Blazing 16 series.

The Avengers are off to a good start, defeating the St. Pete Shields on June 18 at the district park.

Cricket is the main sport for India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, said Gaurav Samant, an Avengers all-arounder. He bowls (pitches), bats and plays the field.

“Each of those (countries) has some guys out here because it’s something we all share the love of to play. It’s incredible that so many of us love cricket this much.

“And also still great competition.”

Samant is a great bowler, but admits that “everyone wants to bat — everyone.”

“Bowling — people do it, but batting is what everyone looks at — (it’s) where you can entertain the audience,” he said.

Through all the entertainment, the real reason is obvious why all these players brave the heat and play matches throughout the year.

“This is for the love of the game,” Avengers’ coach Balaramraju Kalidindi said. “This is like a hangout for us. It’s pretty serious, but we still enjoy the game. It’s fun hanging out with friends.

“Cricket is one thing that brings us together.”

Tampa Premier League
Info: A cricket league that plays its games at Wesley Chapel District Park on the weekends. The league has varying series all year long and teams are consistently being added. To learn more about the league, visit tampa-cricket.com/TampaCricket.

The Basics of Cricket
During normal cricket play, 13 players and two umpires are on the field. Two of the players are batters and the rest are 11 members of the fielding team. The other nine players in the batting team are off the field in the pavilion.

The bowler, or pitcher, intends to hit the wicket (a set of three wooden stumps and two bails) at the end of the pitch — a 22-yard center part of the field — with the ball or, at least, to prevent the striker, or batter, from scoring runs. The striker, by using his bat, looks to defend his wicket and, if possible, hit the ball away from the pitch in order to score runs. Once the ball is put into play, the striker and the other batter, or non-striker, attempt to score runs by swapping places on the pitch. The fielding team then tries to prevent run scoring by “dismissing” the batters, so they are “out” and are said to have “lost their wicket.”

Means of dismissal include being bowled, when the bowled ball hits the stumps and dislodges the bails, and by the fielding side either catching a hit ball before it touches the ground, or hitting a wicket with the ball before a batter can cross the crease line in front of the wicket to complete a run.

Published July 06, 2022

Tampa Avengers fine leg fielder Saurav Sharma makes a catch of a cricket ball during a match at Wesley Chapel District Park, securing an out.
St. Pete Shields’ Mohammad Raz connects with his cricket bat during a match hosted by Tampa Premier League at Wesley Chapel District Park.
Tampa Avengers bowler Aneel Mohammad delivers a ball over the pitch during a match at Wesley Chapel District Park.

 

Cypress Creek brings home first state title

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It took less than five years for Cypress Creek High to win its first state title.

Andje Costa, who has since graduated and is headed to the University of South Florida, captured the Class 2A 101-pound weight snatch state title in weightlifting in February, giving the Coyotes its first state title, in any sport, in school history.

Cypress Creek graduate Andje Costa brought home Cypress Creek High’s first-ever state title in school history when she won the Class 2A 101-class snatch title in February. (Courtesy of Tico Hernandez)

“They worked hard over (last) summer and even asked me if they could be like other programs — River Ridge, Sunlake — and get in their early, work out more to prepare for this past season,” said girls weightlifting coach Tico Hernandez, who is also became the school’s athletic director in April. “We’ve got a great group of girls and had six of them qualify for states.”

Costa nabbed gold at Port St. Joe High by doing a snatch lift of 105 pounds, just 5 pounds more than the second-place finisher. And she did it on her final attempt.

Teammate Sienna Silvest, in the 110-pound class, finished tied for third in the traditional weightlifting competition, finishing with 250 pounds total.

“We’ll be just as good next year, too,” added Hernandez.

Cypress Creek High School opened its doors in 2017 and has had its fair share of success in athletics, despite spring sports missing out in 2020 due to COVID closures.

Hernandez believes the school’s coaches are dedicated to developing teams that are competitive with Pasco schools that have a longer history.

“I definitely think that the coaches, not just for our sport, but all sports, feel like they’re playing catchup with Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass and even Sunlake,” he said. “Which is great because that’s a lot of commitment to our athletes and getting them ready to compete at the highest level. And I think our coaches are doing a great job for our kids to be able to do that.”

Lutz parade back with a bang

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The excitement is palpable — like waiting for a firework to illuminate the night sky.

The annual Lutz Fourth of July Celebration and Parade is back on. Following a two-year COVID pandemic hiatus, the little town in northern Hillsborough County is ready to celebrate independence, and its citizens, once again.

“We sure hope everyone is excited for it to be back,” said Jennifer Rankin, this year’s parade organizer. “Because everyone (behind the scenes), who are helping and putting it together — that’s all I see, and they’re super excited for it. I also see everyone posting on Facebook or online about their excitement, so we just hope — for all the people involved and who have spent so much time and work to put it together — that everyone is just as excited as we are for it to be back.”
Back in 2020, with the pandemic raging, businesses closed, and severe mask and six-foot rules in effect, organizers deemed it too risky to host the event that’s been going on for more than 75 years. Last year, too many of these hurdles still remained.

The annual Lutz Fourth of July Parade, seen here in 2018, has been on a two-year hiatus due to COVID-related concerns. However, this year’s edition is back on and ready to feature more than 40 floats from local businesses and organizations, the 5K race, the cake contest and the return of the Guv’na announcement. (File)

Now, the parade, the 5K and mile fun run, the cake contest and, of course, the Guv’na Race all are back in full force.

This year’s parade, Rankin said, should feature more than 40 floats. She even expects several new floats, as a popular Fourth of July parade in Brandon was canceled and many from that might join the Lutz parade.

“I know that we’ll get at least seven more floats because I’m one of them that still needs to sign up,” Rankin said with a laugh and referring to her business, Al’s Lawn Care Products and Services.

Rankin herself is most excited for the cake contest to return, as she says the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Women’s Club takes all the cakes and auctions them off to help fund the parade and the nonprofits.

“A lot of people meander off and don’t see the cakes because of the parade,” she added, “but that’s my favorite part of the whole day!”

The parade also will include widely known local organizations, such as the Little Women of Lutz, the Lutz Civic Association, Boy Scout Troop 12 and the North Tampa Lutz Cadet Squadron. Local businesses, churches, law enforcement agencies, schools, military organizations, politicians and more also will be in attendance, several of them with floats coming down Lutz Lake Fern Road and ending at the Lutz Junction Train Depot, in front of Lutz Branch Library.

The annual Lutz Fourth of July Parade ends here at the Lutz Junction Train Depot, at the corner of Lutz Lake Fern Road and U.S. 41. It’s here that the newest Lutz Guv’na will be announced from candidates Atlas Cortecero, David Penzer and Stacee Campbell. (Mike Camunas)

Also back are the candidates for the honorary Lutz Guv’na, one of whom will be replacing current Guv’na Amy Lancaster, who has held “office” for two years now.

Candidates Atlas Cortecero, David Penzer and Stacee Campbell have been hitting the campaign trail hard, looking to raise the most money and earn that coveted Guv’na sash.

“All the candidates have done more events so far than I have ever seen done in past years,” said Rankin, who was the 2015 Guv’na. “I think they are so excited to be around people, to do stuff, and each one of them is having a crazy amount of events and a crazy amount of people turning up for them.

“As a former Guv, I would get down in the dumps if not many people came to one of my fundraisers, but the turnouts (to theirs) have been incredible.”

Rankin said adding the parade back into the mix not only has helped the Guv’na race, but goes back to benefiting those who really matter: local nonprofits and charities.

Which is why she also feels the parade could be one of the best ever.

“You don’t realize how much it hurts (the nonprofits and charities) by not having (the parade and the Guv’na Race) the past two years,” she said. “Because some really need it, like the Old Schoolhouse, which needs new windows and gates, and termite treatment. Or the Civil Air Patrol or the Girl and Boy Scouts. This year all of them could receive more (contributions) than ever, and it’s all because everything that makes Lutz Lutz, is finally back.”

Annual Lutz Fourth of July Parade
Where: Corner of Lutz Lake Fern Road and U.S. 41
When: July 4, with festivities starting at 7:15 a.m., the 5K starting at 8 a.m., and the parade at 10 a.m.
Details: A parade featuring floats, antique cars, fire trucks, sheriff’s patrol cars, local organizations, a cake contest and announcement of the 2022 Lutz Guv’na.
Info: Visit tinyurl.com/ywjx2da4.

Other events

Starkey Market’s Annual Fourth of July Extravaganza
Where: 3460 Starkey Blvd., New Port Richey
When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Details: A family friendly evening of fun, food, fireworks, music. Bring your own chairs and blankets to enjoy a space in the huge open field. Children ages 6 and younger get free admission, and limited tickets are available.
Cost: $10-$25
Info/tickets: Visit tinyurl.com/bdh9vjs7.

Seventh Annual Zephyrhills Summerfest: An Independence Day Celebration
Where: Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave.
When: July 2, noon to 9:30 p.m.
Details: A daylong festival featuring food and drink vendors, local merchants, and fireworks at dark.
Info: Call 727-674-1464.

Fourth of July Celebration at Avalon Park
Where: 33613 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel
When: July 4, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Details: Patriotic bake-off, bike parade, bounce houses, food trucks, community performances, vendors and more, before fireworks at 9 p.m.
Info: Visit AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com, or call 813-783-1515.

Fourth of July Bash!
Where: Plantation Palms, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: July 2, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Details: Live music, and food and drink specials, at the neighborhood clubhouse and restaurant, Mulligan’s. Prizes for most patriotic dressed.
Info: Visit Facebook.com/PPgolfclub.

Published June 29, 2022