The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mike Camunas

Wildcats way down in Key West

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From left: Academy at the Lakes players Liam Akins, Jonny Alvarez, Cole Syversen and Nick Cameron enjoy some fun and sun in the Florida Keys. (Courtesy of Ken Akins)

The Academy at the Lakes baseball team knows how to do Spring Break right.

During the private school’s recent vacation, coach Ken Akins took his ragtag Class 2A ball club on a weeklong, three-game trip down to the Florida Keys.

It’s a trip he started doing while at Carrollwood Day, so the players he coaches can experience an amazing trip during their high school career.

“It’s really a vacation, with baseball sprinkled in between,” Akins said. “We had a great time and this is always a highlight when we can make it happen. It’s all up to the families, so we try to make it the best family experience, too.”

The Wildcats started off the trip playing a game on March 28 vs. Coral Shores, which is in Tavnerier on Key Largo, but sadly they lost 1-0 on a walk-off double in the seventh inning. It continued on March 29 when AATL played Key West and lost 7-0.

“That team has 11 state titles,” Akins said. “We know we’re going against a powerhouse.”

The third day, March 30, the Wildcats were supposed to go on a snorkeling trip, however, the seas were too rough and the team ended up going to Key West for the team-building outing. Players and family would still be able to enjoy some fishing, paddle-boarding and other exploring, after finishing up the third game.

That game was an all-around team win on March 31, defeating Marathon 11-1 behind a five-inning, three-hit, eight-strikeout pitching performance from Nick Cameron. Vincent Verpault, Andrew Thalleen, Cole Syversen and Tanner Pelaez all drove in two RBI each.

“It was a phenomenal adventure,” Akins added. “I really like to take advantage of Spring Break and use it to get our 25 games in. We keep the family in mind with this trip, but then sprinkle in a little baseball, too.”

Published April 13, 2022

Dade City naval officer sets off for deployment

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Lt. Junior Grade Riley Roberts recently departed on her first deployment, which will involve seven months driving the USS Gunston Hall, performing repairs and in command of some of the 600 other sailors on board.

Lt. Junior Grade (LTJG) Riley Roberts is shown here, center, with other members of the Roberts family, from left, her sister, Alison; her brother, Jonathan; her mother, Tracey; and her father, Dave. (Courtesy of Tracey Roberts)

Her vessel’s whereabouts and duties are classified — even to her family — but the 25-year-old naval officer, from Dade City, is embracing all the emotions that come with her first military orders.

“I’m mostly excited, but there are some nerves and stress,” Roberts said, in a recent telephone interview. “The weight on your shoulders that you’re navigating a ship with 600 of us on it, so their lives are in my hands. It’s a little scary driving it, but I also do enjoy it.”

At Pasco High School, Roberts was a member of the JROTC, but didn’t sign up for service after graduation. Instead, she attended Florida State University and then enlisted in Officer Candidate School, where she graduated in July 2019.

She was stationed at the naval base in Norfolk, before her deployment.

While Roberts is away at sea, those back home in Dade City will be keeping her in their prayers, especially those at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Lt. Junior Grade (LTJG) Riley Roberts, who graduated from Officer Candidate School in July 2019, just began her first deployment. She will be at sea for seven months, steering the USS Gunston Hall.

She has belonged to the church since was born and has been active in myriad ways. She has served as altar server, been involved in youth group, has done ministry work and has performed in the choir.

“People at our church watched her grow up, care about her, have seen her sing in the choir,” said her mother, Tracey. “Even if they don’t know her name, they know Riley’s voice. So they’re asking about her all the time. Neighboring Catholic churches have added her to the prayer list and, of course, our parish gathered to offer a Mass for her protection.

“That means a lot to us and, of course, her,” Tracey said.

More than just prayers, Sacred Heart also added Riley to its Wall of Honor, a place where parishioners dating back to World War II are recognized for their service in the U.S. Armed Forces. Also on the wall: her father, David, and grandfather, Scott.

“My mom showed me pictures of it and I got goosebumps seeing myself up there with all the names,” Riley said. “I’m humbled to be on there when I think about all the others up there who lost their lives during bigger conflicts.”

At home in Dade City, Tracey, who works for Sacred Heart’s Early Childhood Center on the church grounds, is dealing with her own nerves, as any mother of a military officer would.

The USS Gunston Hall (Wikipedia.org.)

“It’s kind of terrifying, quite frankly,” Tracey said. “I am very proud of her, more proud than I thought I would be. I toured her ship, (have) seen what she does, driving a 600-foot warship. She’s super inspiring and has become a very tough, independent, brave person. In my mind, she’s going to be fine, but I’m still her mom — still going to worry.”

Certainly everyone at Sacred Heart will worry for Riley, especially those who she lovingly calls her “Old People Fan Club.” But she is ready to take on this seven-month challenge, even when faced with uncertainty regarding the war between Russia and Ukraine, and a potential for U.S. military involvement.

Riley says she will think of her family, and her church, in Dade City.

“I love going to that church because everyone knows who I am,” she added. “I get recognized around town, and, to be honest, I’ve struggled to find a church here in Virginia because none can compare to mine.

“I know it sounds cheesy, but I joined (the Navy) because I felt obligated to do so. I feel every able-bodied person should serve your country, so I joined and didn’t care what my job would be. If I had to scrub toilets, so be it. But, right now, there are no plans to engage (with Russia) and I hope it stays that way.”

Published April 06, 2022

Renovations making progress at Land O’ Lakes library

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The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library is fenced off now, as the facility undergoes a major renovation. It is expected to reopen this summer, though a specific date has not been announced. (Mike Camunas)

The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, at 2818 Collier Parkway, closed on Aug. 14, to enable the start of a massive renovation.

But it won’t be much longer now, before eager patrons can begin streaming through the doors of the popular library.

The reopening is expected this coming summer, though a more precise date is not yet known, according to Bob Harrison, marketing program manager for the Pasco County Library System.

Harrison said the roof has been replaced.

Other elements of the project are making progress:

  • The interior walls are in place and the finish work will begin soon
  • The mechanical systems are being finalized
  • Outdoor spaces are in the works

The library’s interior will be completely updated and modernized.

That means there will be new spaces for adults, teens and kids, meeting spaces, new technology, an expanded lobby, a renovated makerspace and a central service desk.

The renovation is being paid for through a General Obligation Bond (GO Bond) that was approved by Pasco County voters in November 2018. A GO Bond is a municipal bond secured by the issuing government’s pledge to use all available resources, including tax revenues, to repay holders of the bond.

While the renovation work continues, books and other materials can be placed on hold and picked up at other open libraries, or next door to the Land O’ Lakes Branch, at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Center, 3032 Collier Parkway.

For more information, about the county’s library system, log onto PascoLibraries.org.

Published April 06, 2022

Tampa’s Baseball Museum scores a home run

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You might — and probably will be — greeted by a rooster.

No, it’s not on a farm, but one that roams the historic streets of Ybor City, some of which are still laid in brick from nearly a century ago.

And, tucked away on those historic streets, at 2003 N. 19th St., is the Tampa Baseball Museum.

The Tampa Tarpons played at Al Lopez Field until 1988, when the area anticipated a Major League Team to be awarded to Tampa. The region wasn’t awarded a professional team, then known as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, until 1995. (Mike Camunas)

It opened in September and is inside the Al Lopez House, which was painstakingly moved from its original place in West Tampa to Ybor City.

Step inside the museum, and 135 years of Tampa baseball history and heritage greets visitors. It’s a place where 89 professional baseball players with Tampa roots are honored.

The impressive and immersive exhibit displays the rich and diverse stories dating back to long before the Tampa Bay area received a major league franchise.

Baseball and Cigars
In 1887, Ybor City was a small but crowded town with about 700 residents.

What else is there to do? Start a baseball team? Why not!

Residents would come by the hundreds to watch the team play other Florida teams. A decade later, the Cuban Cigar Industry came to Ybor City and the love of baseball bloomed.

Later in the 1910s, Spring Training would come to Tampa, with the Chicago Cubs playing on Plant Field. Six other teams would join the Cubs: the Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Washington Senators, Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees.

The Tampa Baseball Museum at the Al Lopez Home in Ybor City showcases elements and features from the rich baseball history in the Tampa Bay area, including original seats and home plate from Al Lopez Field. The field was demolished in 1989. (Mike Camunas)

Minor League teams formed shortly after this, including the Tampa Smokers in 1919 — one of the first teams of the Florida State League. That team ended in 1929, but not before it was able to sign and develop Al Lopez, its most pivotal player.

The man, the legend
Lopez, who grew up playing in the sandlots of Ybor City, made his major league debut in 1928, becoming the first Tampa native to enter the Majors.

After a career that lasted nearly 20 years, he would become a manager, doing that for nearly another 20 years. Lopez also is the first Tampa native to manage a major league team, the first to manage a team to a World Series and the first to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, which happened in 1977.

What’s baseball without a Cuban Cigar? Here are some that were part of the Havana Winter League in the 1960s.

Lopez’s 1,410 MLB managerial wins are ranked 11th all-time.

It’s why the original Al Lopez Field was named after him when it opened in 1955. It would host Spring Training games for the Cincinnati Reds and the Tampa Tarpons, the Reds Class-A minor league team at the time until it was demolished in 1989, when the Tampa Bay area began pursuing a major league expansion team.

If you visit this museum …
Take your time. There’s much more Tampa Baseball History than you’ll expect. There’s a continuous running video presentation and various timelines of the different aspect of baseball in Tampa, including Tampa Bay receiving the expansion Devil Rays, the Negro Leagues and baseball during wartime.

Be sure to check out the wall of signed balls that include older players, Hall of Famers and even current players.

And once you’re done, head out past the roosters and go get a Cuban sandwich, one to honor Mr. Lopez and his hometown.

Tampa Baseball Museum at the Al Lopez House
Where: 2003 N. 19th St., Tampa
When: Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $12 adults, $10 Military, Seniors 65+, Students 18+ (ID required), $6 children
Details: An interactive history museum on the 135-year history of baseball in Tampa
Info: Call 813-400-2353, or visit TampaBaseballMuseum.org

Published April 06, 2022

The Tampa Baseball Museum has dozens of signed baseballs from Tampa natives who grew up playing baseball in Tampa, including current Rays manager Kevin Cash, West Tampa’s Lou Piniella and Tino Martinez, and even Mets’ first baseman Pete Alonso, who played for Plant High School.
One of Ybor City’s many roosters that roam the streets outside the Tampa Baseball Museum at the Al Lopez House.
Great care was taken to move the Al Lopez House, now known as the Tampa Baseball Museum. It was situated in West Tampa but is now on 19th Street, in Ybor City.

Bounce on over, to have fun here

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Enjoy jumping around? This is the spot for you.

At Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park, at 22930 State Road 54, in Lutz, there’s plenty of trampolines and all sorts of other options for when kids, and adults, get squirrely.

Amelia Marcos hangs from cloth ropes in a foam square pit at Flying Squirrel in Lutz. (Mike Camunas)

It’s an entertainment and recreation option that occupies more than half of the former K-Mart in the Willow Bend Shopping Plaza.

“We open at 2 o’ clock when school gets out, so it’s about people always looking for stuff to do after school,” said Kevin Olivella, Flying Squirrel’s manager. “So, it can be busy then, but that’s when we have a lot of people and families like that ready to jump around.”

Flying Squirrel opened in June 2020, following some pandemic delays typical for businesses opening during that period.

Ian Samora dunks a basketball off a trampoline at Flying Squirrel in Lutz.

“I think we put together every trampoline,” Olivella said. “From every last spring,” he added, laughing.

“And, even as a trampoline park itself, we have different aspects than other trampoline parks, too,” said Brody Flanagio, fellow manager.

Besides large trampoline areas, Flying Squirrel has a handful of Top Golf simulators, Drey Cafe for food and drinks, an augmented rock wall, arcade games, American Gladiator-like games with foam battalions, and even a zip line.

“It’s a lot of fun here, even to work here, because we have some staff competitions with the kids to mix things up,” Olivella said. “Weekends are our big days because we have birthday parties and it’s crazy. Or can be.”

Flying Squirrel is not far from Main Event Wesley Chapel, at the Tampa Premium Outlets, but Olivella said that the trampoline park and Main Event are different enough to not view themselves as competitors.

Flying Squirrel, located at 22930 State Road 44, in Lutz, now occupies the former K-Mart department store in the Willow Bend Shopping Plaza and is one of the largest trampoline parks in the Tampa Bay region.

“Main Event has bowling, more video games,” Olivella said. “I like to think we’re really a trampoline park first, so not only do we have a little younger demographic, we’re more about being active, jumping around, wearing kids out. So they’re just different beasts of entertainment.”

At Flying Squirrel, booking in advance is not necessary for those who just walk in to jump and play, but it is recommended for parties and events.

Prices start at $19 an hour, but there are family passes available, which are popular with frequent visitors.

Don Hager, of Wesley Chapel, falls into that category. He has made the trek to Flying Squirrel dozens of times, accompanied by his grandson, Braddick.

“He loves it,” Hager said. “It’s definitely something for him to do and then he’s tired later on. He gets great exercise and it gets him out of the house for an hour or so. What more does he need?”

Flying Squirrel Indoor Trampoline Park
Where: 22930 State Road 54, Lutz
When: Tuesday through Thursday, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Prices start at $19 an hour; group rates available
Details: A trampoline park, a rock wall, arcade games and other recreational options
Info: Call 813-501-8488, or visit FlyingSquirrelSports.us/lutz-florida/

Published April 06, 2022

A day for dogs, and their owners, in Dade City

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Friendly pups were out in full force, from big breeds to little leapers and every furry, four-legged dog in between, at the 12th annual Dogs’ Day in Dade City.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez poses with this year’s Dog Mayor, Abby, during the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City on March 19 at Agnes Lamb Park. (Mike Camunas)

It really was a dogs’ day afternoon on March 19, at Agnes Lamb Park, just off Meridian Avenue, the city’s downtown.

“Today really is about the dogs,” Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez told the crowd of dozens of dogs accompanied by their humans. The mayor added: “But today is really about the people, too, and this great community.”

Dogs’ Day has been going on ever since Lucy Avila, along with the Dade City Youth Council, organized it with local animal-based businesses from Dade City.

With downtown businesses such as Dog-Mania & Cats, Dade City Animal Clinic and Nutrena Farmers Feed Depot, Dogs’ Day hosts a variety of activities. They include costume contests, dog parade, talent portions and even an ice-cream eating contest that pairs the dogs with the humans (who eat yogurt).

“It’s a great day for the dog and the human to come together and expose them to a fun environment,” Avila said. “This lets the dogs interact, while their owners can do some local vendor shopping that’s dog-related.”

Avila was especially proud of her own dog, Abby, a Schnauzer Terrier that became the inaugural Dog Mayor of Dade City.

Selecting a Dog Mayor is a new contest introduced this year. The person who raises the most money for the fundraiser has the honor of having his or her dog named the Dog Mayor for a year.

A dog parade was among the many fun activities during the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City, held on March 19 at Agnes Lamb Park.

“I’m glad she’s the first Dog Mayor of Dade City,” Avila said, with a laugh.

Also on hand were several dog adoption groups with available good boys and good girls to take home.

A K-9 Challenge was held, with the sheriff’s unit showing off its canine officers and their talents.

Proceeds from this year’s event benefit the city’s K-9 program, the veteran’s K-9 program and several other adoption programs, as well as the Pasco County Animal Shelter in Land O’ Lakes.

Over the years, proceeds from Dogs’ Day also has helped to support and maintain the Dade City Dog Park, which is just down the street from where the event was held.

Avila said she thinks the event represents Dade City and what the town is all about.

“We’re a very dog/pet-friendly town and we have dog stations all around town, which some of our proceeds go to (maintaining) those.”

Avila continued: “I thought today was a great turnout because every year it’s just great to see this community come together by one thing: their love of dogs and their pets.”

Sponsors for this year’s event were The New Barker, an online dog magazine; the Green Door on 8th; and Granny’s Animal Camp.

Published March 30, 2022

This ‘Starbucks’ couple, Ocean Wolf, left, and Maddie Sparks, plus Daisy, attended the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City on March 19 at Agnes Lamb Park. They won for Most Creative Costume.
Dallas enjoys a shady spot with owner Nikita Hickey during the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City on March 19 at Agnes Lamb Park.
Winter gladly takes a drink served by owner, Rick Chyzzewzki, during the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City.
Darla Belevich and Honey Bee take a little break during the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City on March 19 at Agnes Lamb Park.
Ebony and Diane Krug won Cutest Costume at the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City.
Kevin Taggerty sits on stage with Hamlet, left, and CJ, right, at the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City.
Marley looks up at its owners while sporting a comfy red hoodie during the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City.
Rebecca Workman holds Khloe, a three-month old Frenchie, at the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City on March 19 at Agnes Lamb Park. Frenchie tired early.
Robie Ward, along with Yoda and Daly, enjoys the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City on March 19 at Agnes Lamb Park.

 

 

 

Riding along the rolling hills of San Ann

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It can be a slow ride, so several of these cyclists take it easy.

But not every rider goes at a leisurely pace in the Gran Fondo Florida, the 10th annual race that started in 2012, but has been held in San Antonio since 2014.

Hundreds of cyclists from all over the country, and even internationally, competed in the 10th annual Gran Fonda Florida on the roads of San Antonio on March 20. Some raced competitively, while others cycled at a more leisurely pace. (Mike Camunas)

The race is the season-opening event for the organization’s National Series.

Arguably the “easiest” event of the Gran Fondo National Series, based on total elevation gain, the nonstop rolling hills — in the community known as San Ann to locals — also make it the hardest gran fondo within Florida. And, it rewards riders who can work well in groups.

“Yeah, we do (like the hills),” Gran Fondo founder and director Reuben Kline said. “It’s beautiful scenery, nice hills and great, warm weather. We get all the people who live up North that love to come down to this event because you just can’t beat this weather for a ride. This is a real jump into Spring.

“And when you think about the rest of the country (and the colder weather), this is the place to be.”

Samuel Navarro takes a selfie on his bike before the 10th annual Gran Fonda Florida on the roads of San Antonio on March 20.

Gran Fondo is a little different from your typical cycling competition. For starters, there were three routes available during the race in San Ann.

The Piccolo Route was the shortest at 35 miles, while the medium-length one — the aptly named Medio Route — was 55 miles. The longest route, at 94 miles, was the Gran Route.

However, in gran fondo, a rider’s overall time from start to finish does not matter. There are sections varying in length that are the timed segments. This makes the gran fondo a long-distance cycling event that focuses both on the competitive and recreational experience.

Jay Trojan, from Rhode Island, was among the field of competitors at the 10th annual Gran Fonda Florida on the roads of San Antonio on March 20.

Riders leave together at the specified start time, but then choose their own pace to either finish and have fun or focus on competing for their best time over the timed sections.

“Race sections are typically anywhere from 3 miles to 10 miles,” Kline said. “The sections added together give you your competition time but, in between, you can enjoy the scenery, socialize, catch your breath, get some water, stop to use the bathroom — so this gives riders of all abilities to come out here and have a great time, whether they’re competing or just enjoying a Sunday ride.”

The event in San Ann was the first of eight run by Gran Fondo, and it is quite popular among its riders, who travel from far and wide just to compete. Like Jay Trojan from Rhode Island.

“I’ve done this one several times, but I do it because, yeah, I like the competition,” Trojan said. “Seems like it’s bigger and bigger every year, but I like coming to Florida (to be in this race).”

Results from Gran Fondo Florida, presented by Capua Law, can qualify riders for the 2022 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships. That is scheduled on July 17, during Gran Fondo Asheville, in North Carolina.

Kline knew there would be plenty of competitive riders, especially in the first race of the season. That’s fine by him, since Kline was happy to kick off the season not only in Florida, but with a great turnout.

“We’ve got a solid mix of competitive riders and riders who just want to ride,” said Kline who founded his organization in 2012. “Riders of all abilities — we always see that. You want to be the top-notch, badass rider and get it? You can go for it and win it overall, but if you just want to accomplish it as a weekender and to do something, you can do that, too, and that’s what Gran Fondo is all about.”

Published March 30, 2022

Pasco High Grad, All-American honored

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Warner University women’s soccer and Pasco High grad Taylor Boyd was named an All-American for 2021 and was honored by the City of Zephyrhills on March 14. (Courtesy of Kevin Weiss)

Taylor Boyd already was an amazing athlete, but now she has the accolades and hardware to back it up.

Just months after earning 2021 NCCAA First-Team All-American status this past season at Warner University in Lake Wales, the City of Zephyrhills gave Boyd a proclamation from Mayor Gene Whitfield during a March 14 City Council meeting at Zephyrhills City Hall.

Boyd was a standout soccer player at Pasco High, where she also was part of the prestigious Cambridge program. After high school, Boyd went to Warner on a women’s soccer athletic scholarship, only to rack up numerous accolades, including: Sun Conference All-Academic Team in 2019, 2020, 2021; Sun Conference Honorable Mention in 2021; NCCAA Scholar-Athlete in 2021; and, NCCAA All-Tournament Team in 2020 and 2021.

Boyd also is known for giving back to her community, having volunteered at Meals on Wheels, the Pregnancy Care Center, filling and distributing sandbags through the Zephyrhills Police Department during Hurricane Irma, and packaging meals at Saint Leo University for the Feeding Children Everywhere program.

So, what’s next for Boyd? She plans to join the United States Air Force to become a pilot.

Local teams compete in Farm Bureau Classic

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Land O’ Lakes, Bishop McLaughlin, Wesley Chapel and Cypress Creek baseball teams all competed in the Farm Bureau Insurance High School Baseball Classic, the annual tournament held in Hernando County and featuring teams from Hernando and Pasco counties.

The Gators defeated Citrus and Central, but lost to tournament runner-up River Ridge in three games. The Hurricanes beat Central and Weeki Wachee, but lost to Springstead, while the Wildcats defeated Nature Coast, but lost to Cypress Creek and Hernando. The Coyotes won its first two games against Lecanto and Wesley Chapel, but lost the third game to the eventual tournament champion, Mitchell.

Warriors take third in softball tourney

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Steinbrenner High competed in and took third place decisively in the Inaugural 2022 Bay Made Fastpitch Invitational, which was hosted by Bay Made Fastpitch, a Tampa Bay-area based media site that covers high school softball in seven counties.

The Warriors won the third-place game handily with an 11-1 five-inning mercy-rule win over McKeel Academy, which came after also beating Durant and Calvary Christian.

Land O’ Lakes High also competed, but lost the four games it played against Lake Region, Sickles, Durant and Plant, respectively, with the games played at the Greco Softball Complex in Tampa.