The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Michael Murillo

Final fundraisers keep Lutz Guv’na hopefuls busy

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The race for Lutz Guv’na is wrapping up, but the candidates aren’t ready to pack it in.

All three hopefuls are prepping for last-minute fundraising, with some big events in the final days of the race. All the money goes to Lutz organizations, and the candidate who raises the most earns the ceremonial title. So they’re pulling out all the stops to grab as much cash as possible.

The cash grab for the Lutz Guv'na race was already in full swing at the debate back in May. Now, the three candidates are ramping up the fundraising as the July Fourth deadline looms. (MIchael Murillo/Staff Photo)
The cash grab for the Lutz Guv’na race was already in full swing at the debate back in May. Now, the three candidates are ramping up the fundraising as the July Fourth deadline looms.
(MIchael Murillo/Staff Photo)

According to two-time former Guv’na Suzin Carr, that’s a good strategy to have in the last days of the race.

“The final push is huge, ” Carr said. “It ain’t over until it’s over.”

That motto came to fruition last year, when the race was decided by less than $20 out of around $9,600 raised. In the end, Dr. Cindy Perkins won the Guv’na sash by the thinnest of margins. And on July 4, she’ll hand it over to whichever of the three candidates pushes themselves over the top.

The bulk of the money is actually due the day before, July 3, at 2 p.m. After that deadline, the candidates can raise up to 10 percent more of their total between then and the Lutz Parade on July 4.

Even that final window gets utilized by the best candidates. Carr recalls raising money at the parade itself, doing whatever she could to add a few dollars to her total. When her races were finishing up, she was selling items at clearance prices and hitting up whoever was nearby for whatever they could spare.

“I was calling all of my constituents in my neighborhood and just begging,” Carr said.

By acting like she had nothing to lose, Carr earned herself a couple of big wins. She raised more than $6,000 in 2009, and more than $8,000 in 2013, making her the only two-time winner in Guv’na history.

Now she’s watching a new group vie for the title, and she’s come away impressed. All three are doing a good job of getting in the public eye and driving home the dollars, she said. In fact, Carr admitted she’d be a bit nervous if she had to face their fundraising skills.

Whoever wins the race, it’s not like the others will be considered losers. They’re all contributing to much-needed funds for local groups, and they’ll all have a say in where the money goes. Win or lose, each candidate gets to direct 10 percent of their total to whatever group they choose. A committee will disperse the remaining funds, and around 20 different organizations usually benefit from the annual event.

Here are the last major fundraisers for each of the three candidates:

On June 24, Cheryl Lynn Ayres will bring her campaign to Elsa’s Mexican Restaurant, 18450 U.S. 41., in Lutz. Starting at 4 p.m., the restaurant will donate 10 percent of the sales from anyone who states they’re supporting her Guv’na campaign. Ayres herself will be there after 5 p.m., with games and prize drawings. She’s also auctioning off prime parade-viewing space (complete with air conditioning and bathroom facilities) for the parade on July 4. Details for the auction can be found on her Facebook page (Cheryl Lynn Schmolke Ayres).

KarenSue Molis and her fellow Lutz Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club members are having an indoor flea market on June 27 at the Lutz Community Center, 101 First Ave., NW, from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. She promises to beat the heat with rock-bottom prices inside the center.

Jennifer Rankin has been auctioning items on her Facebook page (Jennifer Silence Rankin) and will host a “Shootin’ For Guv’na” clay pigeon tournament on June 27 at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, 10514 Ehren Cutoff in Land O’ Lakes. Both spectators and participants are welcome, with prizes for the winners. The event begins at 9 a.m.

Those fundraisers could mean the difference between winning and losing. But each candidate is hoping for good things, and Carr expects another nail-biter when the winner is announced on July 4.

“I will be surprised if this is not extremely close this year. These three candidates have really put themselves out there,” Carr said.

Published June 24, 2015

Real swings on computer courses

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When Jeff Sproat was offered a chance to play a golf simulator a few years ago, he wasn’t interested. He was a real golfer who played real courses. What interest could he have in a simulation of the game he loved?

Then, he tried it.

“I ended up spending about three hours in there. I got hooked,” Sproat recalled.

Golfer's Grail owner Jeff Sproat works in Tampa, but he can take on a driving range, or even Augusta, anytime he wants. Golfers have 66 options on the simulators, plus putt-putt courses and other games. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Golfer’s Grail owner Jeff Sproat works in Tampa, but he can take on a driving range, or even Augusta, anytime he wants. Golfers have 66 options on the simulators, plus putt-putt courses and other games.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

Years later, it’s become more than his hobby. It’s his business.

Sproat is the owner of Golfer’s Grail Indoor Golf & Tap, 10019 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Suite 100, in Tampa.

With four simulators, he’s spent the past couple of years encouraging people who are skeptical of the concept, like he was, to give it a try.

There are many aspects of the indoor golfing simulation that mirror the outside game, Sproat said.

Customers bring their own golf clubs and use them for different shots, just like they would on any course. They use real balls. They swing as hard as they would outside. And they can play just about any game you’d find at a golf club or tournament, including driving contests, closest-to-the-pin competitions and even target golf games. And the game is scored the same way, too.

Still, there are important differences, he said.

Golfers are competing on simulations of real courses and some imagined ones — 66 in all, not counting five putt-putt courses and a program that lets players smash windows for fun.

When they hit the ball, it actually makes contact with a screen onto which the course is projected. While they’re playing, LED sensors track the club swing, and audible sensors track the ball. That data provides an estimate of the accuracy and power of the shot, and the results are displayed by showing the ball either landing in a preferred spot, or somewhere else that reveals flaws in the previous swing.

The simulator is accurate enough to make golfers better at the real game, said Sproat, who plays with a single-digit handicap. Since practice is what improves technique, the simulator allows players to get in extra rounds.

Golfer’s Grail isn’t designed to replace anyone’s outside golfing experience. It’s supposed to supplement those rounds and allow players to get in the practice time they might not get otherwise.

“Every golfer wants to be better. They know that they can be better,” Sproat said. “For the avid golfer, it’s more golf.”

It’s actually more golf with a few enhancements. If a player wants a mulligan, or just to replay a hole over and over, it can be done with a couple of buttons on the console. A round of golf that takes four or five hours outside can be done in less than an hour inside. There’s no dress code, they sell beer and wine a few steps from where players swing, and food can be delivered from neighboring restaurants.

And while you might only spend time with the people in your foursome during your round outside, everyone can be part of a gallery of sorts inside, socializing and watching all the participants.

“In here you can play at whatever pace you’re comfortable,” Sproat said. “The clubhouse and the golf course are together.”

The golf courses draw a lot of attention from customers, Sproat said.

The owner himself got in some real golf at Northdale last week, then took a few swings at the challenging 12th hole at the Augusta National Golf Club (home of the Masters Golf Tournament) on the simulator that afternoon.

It’s a day of golf that couldn’t be accomplished in real life, but pretty simple to manage with a program that stays loyal to the courses they’re modeled after.

Sproat has played a little from every course on the simulator, and said they’re accurate to the real-life counterparts he’s tried out in real life.

The most popular ones are Augusta, TPC Sawgrass in Ponta Vedra Beach and the Pebble Beach Golf Links in California.

And while the players aren’t actually at those locations, they won’t get any closer to the courses without airfare, time off from work and a hard-to-get tee time.

“It is the next best thing, because you actually are hitting the ball. You’re playing the shots. When it’s uphill, you have to hit it harder; when it’s downhill, you have to account for that,” Sproat said.

While regular golfers are a big part of his customer base, he particularly enjoys bringing the game to new people.

Sproat has been hitting the links for nearly 50 years, but he knows that many people who try out the simulators don’t play at all. Fathers with younger children can spend time trying out courses together, and disabled players can do things that wouldn’t be practical on a real course.

Golfer’s Grail works with veterans groups, and that sometimes includes amputees being able to get in a round or two.

Expanding the game to those who might not get to enjoy it otherwise is a big plus for a guy who’s been playing since he was 8 years old.

“I love it. That’s probably the best feeling you can have,” Sproat said.

An hour of golf at Golfer’s Grail costs between $27 and $37, depending on the time and day. That cost is split among all players.

The venue is available for individuals, groups and charity tournaments. For more information, call (813) 969-2100 or visit GolfersGrail.net.

Published June 24, 2015

GAITHER BASKETBALL CAMPS THROUGH JUNE

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Gaither High School basketball camps will continue to run throughout the month of June at the school’s campus, 16200 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. The camps are for girls and boys grades two through eight and will run Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The final camp begins June 29. The cost is $100 for one week. For information, contact basketball coach Dwayne Olinger at (813) 975-7340, ext. 563, or .

GOLF TOURNEY AUG. 29 BENEFITS HOSPICE

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Wells Fargo Advisors of Trinity will host its second annual golf tournament on Aug. 29 at Cypress Run Golf Club, 2669 St. Andrews Blvd., in Tarpon Springs. The event benefits Gulfside Hospice. The cost is $125 per golfer ($500 per foursome) and includes lunch, dinner and auction. There also will be prizes and contests. Sponsorships are available and begin at $150. Registration and check-in begins at 12:30 p.m., and the shotgun start begins at 2 p.m. For information and to preregister, call Erin Labbe at (800) 561-4883, or visit FirstGiving.com/GulfsideHospice/Golf.

On The Cheap Fun on Father’s Day

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Mother’s Day is such a special event, we almost forget about that other day the following month. But Father’s Day is just as important, and a great holiday for people who like to do things on the cheap. After all, who was better at pinching pennies when you were growing up than dear old dad?

So, if you can celebrate Father’s Day and save some money at the same, you’ll earn his admiration and respect. You’ll be a chip off the old block. And we’ve found a few bargains this weekend you both might enjoy.

At Dinosaur World, you and dad will come face to face with some prehistoric parents. (Courtesy of Dinosaur World)
At Dinosaur World, you and dad will come face to face with some prehistoric parents.
(Courtesy of Dinosaur World)

First things first: if you read last month’s Mother’s Day article (and you really missed out if you didn’t), you read about a bunch of great places to take mom at a big discount. Lowry Park Zoo, the Museum of Science & Industry, and the Florida Aquarium all had specials where mom got in free with a paid admission. And the deal was good for Saturday and Sunday, so you could spread things across the weekend.

Well, good news: The same deal applies for Father’s Day, too. Pay for an admission, and dad get gets in free this weekend. So whether he likes safari animals, marine life or science and technology, you have dad covered. And you save a lot of money, too. All of those tickets cost more than $20 per person. So if you visit all three, you’ll save around $70 and get a weekend full of fun memories.

That could be a full column right there, but we already covered those places last month. So how about a couple more we didn’t mention earlier that also have specials running for Father’s Day?

For the Jurassic dad
Does dad like dinosaurs? If so, Dinosaur World, 5145 Harvey Tew Road in Plant City, might be the perfect Father’s Day destination.

Think of Dinosaur World as Jurassic Park without all the mayhem and chaos of live dinosaurs attacking the patrons. Instead, there are around 20 acres filled with hundreds of life-size dinosaur models in a garden setting. They’re very detailed, and many of them tower over you, giving visitors an idea of what it would be like to come face to face with a Brontosaurus, Velociraptor or Tyrannosaurus Rex.

If that isn’t cool enough, they have motion-activated animatronic dinosaurs inside (like a Stegosaurus and Pterodactyl), as well as a museum with real dino fossils. There’s even a Florida Fossil section with a display of fossils native to our state.

It’s all definitely entertaining, but education is a big deal at Dinosaur World. With interactive shows and paleontologists on hand to answer questions, there’s a lot see and learn. And if you go on Father’s Day, dad gets in absolutely free, when accompanying someone with a paid admission ($16.95 for adults, $11.95 for children ages 3 to12).

For the museum dad
Suppose dad likes history, but doesn’t want to go back to the Mesozoic era. How about the Henry B. Plant Museum, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., in Tampa? The national historic landmark was a state-of-the-art hotel in the late 1800s, and while most of it is now the campus of the University of Tampa, a section has been preserved and restored as a museum. Each room is a piece of elegant history, with Moorish Revival (I think that means really fancy) architecture, and some original furnishings. And the self-guided audio tour gives you information and cultural perspective to what you’re seeing. If you want to experience the height of luxury around 125 years ago (it is still pretty luxurious), this is a great place to bring dad on Father’s Day. He gets in free, when accompanying someone with a paid admission ($10 for adults, $5 for children ages 4 to 12).

Remember, these two places are in addition to what we mentioned for Mother’s Day. All you have to do is pick what dad would like most, get ready for a fun weekend and receive endless praise for being so wise with your money. Happy Father’s Day.

For more information about Dinosaur World, call (813) 717-9865 or visit DinosaurWorld.com. For more information about the Henry B. Plant Museum, call (813) 254-1891 or visit PlantMuseum.com.

Published June 17, 2015

Rankin hopes a lifetime in Lutz means a Guv’na win

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Jennifer Rankin was supposed to be a Lutz Guv’na candidate in 2014, but something came up.

It was her daughter, Abigail.

“I wanted to do it last year, and I got pregnant. She was born in August,” Rankin explained. “In July, I would have been eight months pregnant at the Fourth of July parade.” Since she would have spent her entire campaign in the latter stages of pregnancy, Rankin decided to wait a year before running for the ceremonial title, awarded to the candidate who raises the most money for local organizations. The current campaign runs through the Fourth of July, and the winner is announced at the annual festivities in Lutz.

Jennifer Rankin is looking to mow down the competition in the race for Lutz Guv'na. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Jennifer Rankin is looking to mow down the competition in the race for Lutz Guv’na.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

Following her pregnancy, she spent 10 days in an intensive care unit with life-threatening hemorrhaging. Now that baby and mother are both healthy, and the Lutz Guv’na race has returned, Rankin is going for the winner’s sash with guns blazing. Literally.

One of her big campaign events is a clay pigeon tournament on June 27 at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, 10514 Ehren Cutoff in Land O’ Lakes. The cost is $130 per person, or $480 per team of four, with prizes for the top teams and shooters.

Rankin is hoping to have 10 teams in place when the tournament starts. If that seems ambitious, that’s the kind of person she is. But she also knows her supporters well, and chose an event she thought would be popular with them.

As a Lutz native who grew up in the family business, Al’s Lawn Care at 18905 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Rankin has a good feel for the area and its residents. She attended Lutz Elementary, and it was in those formative years she decided to be a Lutz Guv’na, even if she didn’t know exactly how it worked. At the time, she thought it was an actual political race instead of a fundraiser.

Now that she knows it’s all about the money, she’s even more determined to be a part of it.

“I think it’s the coolest thing,” Rankin said.

Unfortunately, not everybody knows about the Guv’na’s race. Even longtime residents don’t always understand her latest project, and she has to explain the race and where the money goes.

“It just surprises me how many people live here that don’t know anything about it,” she said.

Most people who run into Rankin learn about it, mostly because she’s always asking them for money. If she wins the title, she’ll direct a portion of the funds to the organization of her choice, and she’s already made that executive decision: The Steinbrenner High School cheer team. Her youngest stepdaughter, Kori, was a member, and Rankin saw how hard the team works with little fanfare.

And they’re working hard for her campaign as well. The team is helping out with her fundraisers, including the clay pigeon tournament.

Rankin is having fun with her candidacy so far. So much fun, in fact, that she said she’ll run again if she doesn’t win. But she’s doing everything she can to make her first campaign a winner, and with the support of husband Adrian, stepdaughters Kori and Klarissa — and Abigail, of course — she’s pulling out all the stops to take the title. That includes making sure everyone knows she’s running, and asking them to dig deep for the cause. And considering where the money goes, she’s not ashamed to have her hand out right up through the holiday weekend.

“I don’t mind asking anybody for any money, because I know it’s going back to where I live,” Rankin said. “Knowing that it’s just going right here, it’s some way, somehow going to better Lutz.”

For more information about Rankin’s events, call Al’s Lawn Care at (813) 949-1384, or visit Rankin’s Facebook page by searching for “Jennifer Silence Rankin” at Facebook.com.

Published June 17, 2015

YMCA’s adaptive programs make strides with swimmers

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When Land O’ Lakes resident Kass Pilczuk came to the New Tampa Family YMCA 11 years ago, she was a swim coach.

Now she’s the adaptive coordinator, creating and maintaining programs for adults and youth with developmental or physical disabilities.

It’s grown a lot over the years, especially considering where the program was when she first arrived.

Kass Pilczuk, left, and her daughter Kathy look at the board commemorating the New Tampa Family YMCA's adaptive program. When Pilczuk first came to the facility as a swim coach 11 years ago, the program didn't exist. Now, she runs it. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Kass Pilczuk, left, and her daughter Kathy look at the board commemorating the New Tampa Family YMCA’s adaptive program. When Pilczuk first came to the facility as a swim coach 11 years ago, the program didn’t exist. Now, she runs it.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

“There was nothing,” Pilczuk recalled. “There was a group coming over that would use the pool once in a while, but the Y itself had nothing at all.”

Today, the YMCA’s adaptive programs serve more than 40 people.

The facility has adaptive programs in swimming, art, basketball and volleyball. It also has a group that participates in area walks and runs (they call them “rolls” if the participant is in a wheelchair).

The main program is close to Pilczuk’s heart: Swimming. With both beginner and advanced classes, the swimming program has given people of all ages new confidence in the water.

On May 3, the YMCA hosted its Fourth Annual Adaptive Swim Meet at its pool, 16221 Compton Drive. The meet included swimmers from an Orlando special-needs program and from the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation department.

Pilczuk would like to get more YMCA facilities involved in future events.

The swimming classes give the participants a lot more than lessons on good form, according to Pilczuk.

“It’s something they can succeed at. They may not have the best technique, but they can have fun, and they can feel good about themselves,” she said.

Pilczuk speaks from experience, and not just as the YMCA’s adaptive coordinator, or as a swim coach. Her daughter, Kathy, is developmentally delayed and has been swimming for decades. She participated in the adaptive meet, including making flip turns when she swam freestyle.

Even though she’s one of the more advanced swimmers, Kathy enjoys being a part of the program.

“You have fun and do all the different strokes,” she said.

Some members become very skilled at those strokes. A couple of swimmers went on to swim for both the YMCA’s swim team and their high school’s team, Pilczuk said. That kind of acceptance is important, especially to individuals who don’t assimilate as often as they’d like in school.

Most of the adaptive program swimmers don’t get that far, but they still reach milestones in the pool.

Many had never been swimming before, and Pilczuk recalls one participant who had never owned a bathing suit before joining. But they learn new skills, improve over time, socialize and support each other.

The adaptive activities have helped hundreds of participants over the years, but increasing the size of the program is a constant challenge. Some families might have transportation issues, and the fact that participants must be facility members might discourage some from joining.

That’s disappointing to Pilczuk, because the YMCA offers scholarships for those with financial hardships, and it has a reputation for not turning people away due to inability to pay, she said.

The adaptive program is free with a YMCA membership.

While swimming will always be important to Pilczuk (her son, Bill, was a five-time national champion and took gold at the 1998 World Championships), she also wants to keep building the adaptive program out of the water.

A drama program would be a great addition, she said, but would depend on finding the right teacher.

They’ve added a wellness program for adults, including participating in cardio and yoga classes, which is a separate activity a few days each month and is not included with YMCA membership.

Pilczuk continues to work toward building a stronger, more diverse program.

The most rewarding part of her job, she said, is “seeing the look on their faces when they accomplish something. They’re just so proud of themselves and happy.”

For more information about the adaptive programs at New Tampa Family YMCA, call Pilczuk at (813) 866-9622, or email .

Published June 17, 2015

GAITHER BASKETBALL CAMPS THROUGHOUT JUNE

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Gaither High School basketball camps will continue to run throughout the month of June at the school’s campus, 16200 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. The camps are for girls and boys grades two through eight and will run Monday through Thursday of each week from 8:30 a.m. to noon, beginning on June 22 and June 29. The cost is $100 for one week, and $90 for each additional week. For information, contact basketball coach Dwayne Olinger at (813) 975-7340, ext. 563, or .

VOLLEYBALL CAMPS IN JULY

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No Name Volleyball will host its fifth annual summer volleyball camp July 20 through July 23 at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, 13651 Hays Road in Spring Hill. The camp is available for children ages 10 through 14 and runs each day from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The cost is $175 per player. There will also be a free camp on July 24 for all children ages 12 and under from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For information, visit nonamevbc.com or email .

TENNIS CAMPS THIS SUMMER

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Sports Group International will host a series of tennis summer camps at Lake Padgett Estates, 4533 Savanah Way in Land O’ Lakes, starting June 29 and running through August. The morning sessions will run from 10:15 a.m. to noon, and the afternoon sessions will run from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $140 per week for either session or $280 per week for both. For information and to register, call (813) 638-6306 or (703) 624-6770, or email ">.