The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco County building leader wins top state honor

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The Building Officials Association of Florida has selected Esther Oluyemi as its 2023 Building Official of the Year, according to a county news release.

Oluyemi is the county’s building official, in the county’s Building Construction Services department.

She was nominated for the award by the county’s building construction services team for her continuous efforts to keep Pasco County a safe place to live, work and play, according to the release.

The award is bestowed by the Building Officials Association of Florida (BOAF) to someone whose contributions to the code enforcement profession, and the building industry, as a whole, is considered to be commendable, the news release adds.

“I’m humbled and deeply honored to accept this award,” Oluyemi said, in the release. “I take pride in my work and strive to make sure everyone in Pasco is safe and healthy.”

“The role of the building official is integral to the health and safety of our residents and visitors,” Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa, said in the release. “We commend Esther for her efforts in leading the way for Pasco County.”

Oluyemi received the award on June 12 at the BOAF’s conference in Orlando.

Published on June 28, 2023.

There’s a local connection to that familiar ‘Publix’ name

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You might call it a twist of fate — for all of the parties involved.

The late Lakeland developer John E. Melton, who has descendants living in Trilby; the once-heralded Publix Theatre Corporation; and George Jenkins, founder of Publix supermarket, all have a connection to the widely known supermarket’s chain name.

Publix now has 1,300 locations, operating in seven states, with 225,000 employees.

The first store with the name “Publix” opened in Winter Haven on Sept. 6, 1930. (Courtesy of Publix Corporation)

Of course, Publix also has cooking schools, corporate offices, grocery distribution centers and manufacturing facilities. 

It is the largest employee-owned company in the United States. 

But have you ever heard how Publix got its name?

Melton’s Machinery Museum was established in 2002. It represents: ‘Investing in the future, by preserving the past.’ (FILE)

John E. Melton, who was a prominent Lakeland businessman, had developments including Cleveland Heights and the 18-hole golf course and country club adjoining Lakeland.   

He was the first to plan a multipurpose building anchored by a grand movie palace in Polk County, according to a published history of the Polk Theatre, in Lakeland.

At the time, about 15,000 people lived in Lakeland, which was a predominantly rural community.

It turns out that the timing of John E. Melton’s project wasn’t great.

Florida’s economic bubble burst around 1926 and the developer sold his unfinished building to Publix Theatres Corporation in 1928.

Publix Theatres was the movie group that at one point operated 19 opulent theaters in Florida, according to a report in The Palm Beach Post.

Many of the Publix Theaters ended up closing their doors at a time when borrowing money became nearly impossible.

John E. Melton had experienced the same kind of problems.

The name that had been used by the theater company that purchased his theater ended up being the name that Publix supermarkets would adopt.

Hannah Herring, a media relations manager for Publix told The Laker/Lutz News:

“Mr. (George) Jenkins had an admiration for the name of Publix.”

In a speech on file as a “Florida Memory” at the state library in Tallahassee, and later published as The Publix Story, Jenkins himself explains, “…I liked the sound of the name so I just took it for my store.”

Much of the history of Publix is preserved at its Lakeland headquarters, in Jenkins’ old office, which has been  preserved from the 1970s. His original Rolodex is there, as are his eyeglasses. There are receipts from the first transactions after Publix installed ATMs in 1982. There are copies of the first prescriptions written when pharmacies were added to the Publix stores in 1986.

Perhaps the largest historic exhibit there  is the 4,200-pound safe that belonged to Jenkins’ grandfather, dating back to 1873.

There are also Publix shopping carts, from the 1940s.

The Polk Theatre, built in 1928 by John E. Melton, has a Renaissance-era Mediterranean-themed décor. The two-level auditorium has 1,400 seats. Some of the theater-developer’s descendants live in Trilby. (Courtesy of Doug Sanders)

While Publix supermarket would go on to create a sizable presence in the grocery industry, the Melton family has a legacy of its own.

John E. Melton’s son, “Jack” Melton III  moved to Trilby, in northeast Pasco, to grow watermelons.

He and his four sons and his daughter created a ranch and farm operation that expanded to include a cow/calf operation, working quarter-horses, citrus crops and seed harvesting.

The family continued to assemble acreage through the years, growing their enterprise to 1,500 acres. 

Steve Melton, the grandson of John E. Melton, created his own kind of attraction:  Melton’s Machinery Museum, a free museum featuring antique agricultural tools and equipment. 

With its array of diverse artifacts, the agriculture museum aims to keep alive the history of the agrarian way of life.

The museum is open by appointment only. To schedule one, email Steve Melton at

Doug Sanders has a penchant for unearthing interesting stories about local history. His sleuthing skills have been developed through his experiences in newspaper and government work. If you have an idea for a future history column, contact Doug at .

Published on June 28, 2023.

It’s summertime, and the grilling is easy

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If you’re getting ready to fire up your grill for some summertime meals, you might also want to get ready to make yourself some marinades and rubs, too.

Avoid cross-contamination if you plan on using a marinade on ready-to-eat food by either boiling it before reusing, or simply setting some aside prior to marinating. (Courtesy of Pixabay.com)

Whether you’re craving something that’s a little bit sweet, or a little bit salty, or a little bit spicy — chances are there’s a rub or marinade that can address that desire.

Marinade is typically used to tenderize and add flavor to meat, seafood, vegetables and fruits.

Be sure to marinate meat and seafood separate from fruits and vegetables.

The word marinade comes from the French word, mariner, which means to “pickle in brine.”

Marinade is the liquid used for soaking the foods, and marinate refers to the actual process of soaking the foods.

There are three components to a marinade: acid, flavoring (herbs and spices) and oil.  

The most common acids are citrus, tomato juices, and vinegars.  

The acid enhances flavors and breaks down the cells of the food, allowing the herbs, spices, and oil to permeate into the food.

The oil moistens the food.

Marinades can tenderize tougher cuts of meat and can add flavor — allowing consumers to stretch food dollars while enjoying meat that can be as flavorful as more expensive cuts of meat.

Some pointers for marinating foods:

  • Always be sure to marinate your foods in the refrigerator.
  • Tenderizing times vary based on the sizes and cut of the meat (dense meat such as beef, pork or venison can be marinated for up to 24 hours; chicken can be marinated for 2 to 24 hours; seafood, vegetables and fruits need to be marinated from 15 minutes to 60 minutes).
  • When food is already tender and you’re just adding flavor, you can marinate it from 15 minutes to 2 hours.
  • Do not marinate at room temperature, instead, increase the marinating time in the refrigerator to accomplish the same level of tenderness.
  • The general rule of thumb is to use ½ cup of marinade per pound of meat.
  • Be sure to marinate your meats, seafood or vegetables in a plastic or glass container or a resealable plastic bag.

Of special note, do not use metal containers to marinate your foods.

The acid can react to the metal and cause toxic metal poisoning or cause the flavor to be off.

What’s rub, here?
Rubs, either wet or dry, also add flavor — but they won’t tenderize food.

Rubs are a blend of herbs, peppers, spices or seasonings that coat the meat’s surface.  

Dry rubs have mixtures of several dry herbs and spices and can be salty, savory, herbal, spicy or sweet.  

Rubs do not have to be applied in advance, but like marinades they can have an increased effect over time.

It’s up to you. You can apply a rub immediately before cooking, or several hours earlier — refrigerating your food until cooking time.

For food with a dry rub, do not wrap the food in plastic wrap, as that would trap moisture. Instead, use an airtight container in the fridge.

Wet rubs form a paste using some form of a wet ingredient, such as oil, vinegar, beer or other moist ingredients, such as mustard or yogurt.  

A web rub is essentially the same thing as a dry rub — with a liquid base.

If you want the dry ingredients to better adhere to the food, use a wet rub.  

Be careful when using a sweet-flavored rub because the sugar can easily burn instead of forming that caramelization you want.  

For this reason, use low and slow cooking methods for a sweet rub, as sugar can burn above 350 degrees F.  

Remember this, too, for the sugars in a wet ingredient like honey or alcohol.  

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Marinade Rub Recipes
Courtesy of beefitswhatsfordinner.com:

Simple Southwest Marinade
Ingredients
1/2 cup Italian dressing
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 Tablespoon honey
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Place beef steak(s) and marinade in a food-safe plastic bag; turn steak(s) to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 15 minutes to 2 hours, if steak is tender; 6 hours or overnight for less tender steaks. Turn occasionally.

Chili-Cilantro Marinade
Ingredients
⅔ cup prepared Italian dressing
2 Tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
1 Tablespoon chili powder

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Place beef steaks and marinade in a food-safe plastic bag; turn steaks to coat. Close bag securely and marinate tender steaks in refrigerator for 15 minutes to 2 hours; marinate for 6 hours or overnight for less tender steaks. Turn occasionally.

Smoky Paprika Rub
Ingredients
2 Tablespoons smoked or Spanish paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl; press evenly onto beef steaks.

Espresso Rub
Ingredients
2 Tablespoons finely ground espresso coffee beans or finely ground regular ground coffee
1 Tablespoon garlic pepper
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ancho chili powder or regular chili powder

Directions
Combine rub ingredients in a small bowl; press generously onto beef steaks.

Published June 21, 2023

Avalon Applauds

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Since its founding, American Legion Post 108 of Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel has been a vital part of the community — for veterans, of course, and also for the families of veterans, students and community members of all stripes who have benefited from services the Post provides. This is why Avalon Park Wesley Chapel would like to applaud the excellent work American Legion Post 108 is doing in support of our community.

Post 108 was founded in 1937 and covers northern Hillsborough County, an area of 270 square miles. It has 250 members — known as Legionnaires — all of whom are veterans coming from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. 

We spoke with Commander Randy Holeyfield who explained that Post 108 is the local outpost for the national American Legion. Formed in 1919, the American Legion is our country’s premiere veterans organization. It routinely advocate for veterans and their families, and lobbying efforts have been instrumental in the establishment of key resources and benefits for them, including the G.I. Bill and the Veterans Administration.

The local post supports a number of the Legion’s national programs, including JROTC in schools and the Stanley Johnson Nursing/Health Science Scholarship and the Boys State Scholarship. 

Post 108 also is engaged in a number of local service projects. This year, the post has been working to revitalize Lutz Cemetery, which had become run down. 

“It’s just something we wanted to do. When we told the cemetery association — literally, the treasurer almost cried,” Holeyfield shared. “They didn’t have the money to do anything, and for us to come in there to do this project — they’ve been praying for someone to help them.”

The Post has a number of events on the horizon open to the public. On Sept. 2, starting at 10 a.m., it will host a Post 108 Picnic at East Lake Park. Its second annual Golf Tournament, to be held at Plantation Palms Golf Club, will be Oct. 27 starting at 8 a.m. Closing out the year will be a Christmas Party on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m., at Lake Pagett Estates Clubhouse, where all veterans from the community are invited. And early next year, there will be another picnic celebrating the American Legion birthday — mark your calendars for March 16, 2024 at 11 a.m., at East Lake Park.

Holeyfield tells us that being a “homeless post” is hard — they have no permanent building to call home and host events. But Post 108 hasn’t let that get in the way of its commitment to supporting veterans and service to the community. 

To learn more about American Legion Post 108, visit AmericanLegionPost108.org.

Published June 14, 2023

Hillsborough County’s parks and recreation get national attention

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Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation is one of four finalists across the country for the quality of its parks and recreational facilities and programming. (File)

Hillsborough County’s Parks & Recreation has been named one of the top parks and recreation programs in the country, according to a county news release.

The program is one of four national finalists in the Class 1 Category for the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence.

This is the second consecutive year that the program has been singled out for its excellence, by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration.

Class 1 includes the nation’s largest parks and recreation departments, serving populations of more than 400,000.

Only one department will receive the highest award, the Grand Plaque, which will be awarded in September.

Here are some key facts about Hillsborough’s parks and recreation department and its programming:

  • It offers offers more than 1,700 partnered, athletic programs that have 503,000 visits annually.
  • It manages 167 parks, 223 sports fields, 118 playgrounds, 54 recreation centers, 47 athletic complexes, 10 dog parks, six cemeteries, and five splash pads.
  • It is estimated that these facilities result in nearly $50 million in increased property values.
  • Its $9 million Athletic Turf Initiative aims to ensure high-quality playing conditions for 40,000 youth athletes and a $3.5 million Americans with Disabilities Transition Plan assists in removing physical barriers.
  • Lucy Dell Community Pond, once an overgrown, littered water basin dividing two neighborhoods, has been transformed by installing a boardwalk, fitness station and walking trail, creating an urban oasis.
  • A $10 million investment turned a decommissioned wastewater treatment plant into a destination park, which attracts more than 603,000 visits a year.
  • A former landfill site has been converted into the county’s first drone racing park.
  • Hillsborough County Adaptive Sports (HCAS) is the only team representing a government agency in the USA Wheelchair Football League (USAWFL).
  • Hillsborough County Adaptive Sports hosted the USAWFL tournament at the Tampa Convention Center in August 2022.
  • A Wellness Access Pass was created to promote healthy lifestyles. For $10.75 per month, participants receive access to county-owned fitness centers and open gyms.
  • Move Hillsborough activities served more than 78,000 people in 2022.
  • The annual Hillsborough County Hiking Spree encourages residents to “Take a hike!’’ and highlights 22 trails that encompass everything from paved neighborhood trails to primitive treks.

Founded in 1965, the Gold Medal awards program honors park and recreation agencies in the United States and military installations worldwide that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and community engagement. Applicants are placed into six classes, with five based on population and one class for Armed Forces installations. The award is given by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association.

Published June 14, 2023

Local partnership yields regional award

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A collaboration between the Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service and Pasco Economic Development Council’s SMARTstart Entrepreneurship Program has received an award in the 29th annual Future of the Region Awards.

Here’s a look at some of the commercial equipment used at the incubator kitchen, which operates at the Stallings Building, also known as The One Stop Shop, in Dade City. The kitchen resulted from a partnership between The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences-Pasco County Extension, Pasco Economic Development Council’s SMARTstart Entrepreneur Program and Pasco County. (File)

The honor recognizes the partnership for creating an incubator kitchen at the One Stop Shop in Dade City, according to a Pasco County news release.

“It’s an absolute honor to receive this award,” Dr. Whitney Elmore, director of Pasco Extension, said in the release. “Our goal for the kitchen is to help local businesses launch, grow and contribute to our economy.”

The incubator kitchen uses commercial kitchen equipment donated by Welbilt Inc.

Since the kitchen began operation in 2019, it has attracted 17 incubator members, who are now operating successful locations or catering businesses throughout the area, according to the release.

“It has been extremely fulfilling to provide guidance and support to the incubator members and watch as this partnership helped launch 45 new, food-related businesses right here in Pasco County,” Dan Mitchell, SMARTstart program director, said in the release.

To learn more about the Incubator Kitchen, visit MyPas.co/IncubatorKitchen.

The Future of the Region Awards recognize programs and projects that exemplify regionalism and also recognize outstanding achievements and contributions benefiting the Tampa Bay community.

To learn more about the regional awards, visit TBRPC.org/for/.

Published June 14, 2023

Tampa temporarily changes water disinfection process

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The Tampa Water Department is temporarily using a different water disinfection process, which will continue until July 3.

The switch began on June 12 and is part of the city’s routine maintenance to preserve drinking water quality, according to a city news release.

Customers may experience a change in their drinking water’s smell, color, and taste during this time, the release says.

The department is temporarily using chlorine instead of chloramine — which is a mix of ammonia and chlorine—  to disinfect its drinking water.

This is a routine and temporary adjustment to help prevent bacteria from developing in water mains and service lines, according to the city.

Customers who are sensitive to chlorine can take several steps to minimize the effects of the change, the release says.

Those options include:

  • Running the tap for a few minutes before using the water
  • Filling a pitcher of water and letting it sit for several hours to allow any residual chlorine to evaporate
  • Considering the installation of a carbon filter on kitchen/bathroom faucets or shower heads or replacing existing filters with new ones

This routine change was delayed due to seasonal drought conditions. The Hillsborough River Reservoir is now back to normal levels thanks to recent rains.

For more information, contact the City of Tampa Utilities Department at 813-274-8811, or visit Tampa.gov/ChlorineDisinfection.

Published June 14, 2023

Music, dancing and camaraderie

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Hope Services hosted ‘Dance Your Dream,’ a free prom-attire dance party to celebrate people living with disabilities, on May 20, at the Wesley Chapel District Complex.
More than 200 people ages 15 and older delighted in an evening of music, dancing, refreshments, raffles, a silent auction, and Chick-fil-A for everyone.

Danica Bray walks the red carpet. (Courtesy of Toyita Rivera, Hope Services)
Madison Boatright and her mother, Lisa Boatright
More than 200 people hit the dance floor at the ‘Dance Your Dream’ event.

Hugh Embry finishes $2-million renovation, reopens to public

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Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, reopened to the public on May 30, after a two-year hiatus, for renovations.

Patrons were eager to begin using the updated library, which encountered some delays during its upgrade due to COVID and supply issues.

Hugh Embry Library in Dade City reopened its doors on May 30, following a $2-million renovation that included a complete overhaul and remodel of the branch. (Courtesy of Pasco County Libraries)

The library now features new furnishings, lighting, computer, printers and even faster broadband.

It was cleared of its contents in early to mid-2021, to set the stage for the $2 million renovation.

It was the first time the branch had been renovated since 1991, when it was expanded under a $10 million bond referendum that Pasco County voters passed in 1986 to improve public library services and build new parks countywide.

Founded in 1904, the Hugh Embry Library is the oldest in Pasco County. Its namesake, the then 25-year-old Embry, had exhausted books he could borrow from friends. He raised $50 to start a library and called it the Shakespeare Club. He chose books and ran the library out of his family home until his death from tuberculosis in 1907.

The Pasco Library Association was established to manage the library, and aided by The Dade City Woman’s Club. In 1927, the woman’s club began loaning books to the general population for free, out of a room in the Herbert Massey Building. Within a month of its opening, the library had attracted 440 registered borrowers.

For years, the library was unincorporated, though it continued to grow. It wasn’t until 1952 that Dade City gave property across the street from City Hall for a library building, and in 1953, the City took over responsibility for the library.

It would take another 10 years before the library finally moved to its current location.

After the Pasco County Library Cooperative was founded in 1980, it began operating and maintaining the Hugh Embry Branch under a no-cost lease. In 1988, the Dade City Commission sold the library to Pasco County for $150,000.

Additionally, Pasco County Libraries is reaching out to the public to complete its 2023 Customer Satisfaction Survey. The survey can be taken at any Pasco County branch or online at bit.ly/423cTMH until July 22.

Published June 07, 2022

Construction to reroute U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes

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(Mike Camunas)

The northbound U.S. 41 left turn lane to Sunterra Drive, in Land O’ Lakes, will close for reconstruction work beginning around 7 a.m. on June 5. Northbound U.S. 41 access to Sunterra Drive is expected to be closed approximately into the last week of June.

Access to Sunterra Drive will continue to be available from southbound U.S. 41, while northbound drivers can access Sunterra Drive by taking a U-turn onto southbound U.S. 41 at the Ensemble Boulevard intersection or by continuing north and turning left onto Asbel Drive to access the Tierra Del Sol and Asbel communities.

For information on this construction, visit https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/257/256324-2-52-01.

Published June 07, 2023