The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco department wins national honors, again

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Pasco County’s Community Development Department has brought home the 2023 Audrey Nelson Community Development Achievement Award for the third straight year.

The award, which was presented by the National Community Development Association, recognized Pasco’s department for its collaboration on the Family Services Center, according to a county news release.

The Family Services Center “helps families stay together until they get back on their feet,” Pasco County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano explained in the news release.

“We’re proud of the collaborative work by our Community Development team and our local partners to make this happen,” the board chairman added.

The Family Services Center consists of two buildings – a Family Services Shelter and a Housing Resource Center. More than 30 families have been helped there since it opened in 2021, according to the release.

Homeless families are referred through the county’s partnership with the Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County.

The center helps families who are going through difficult times, by allowing families to get meals, receive case management services and keep their children in school, according to the release.

Pasco County owns the property, and the county has a 15-year lease agreement with Catholic Charities to operate the Family Services Center.

The county’s Community Development team was scheduled to receive the honor on Jan. 27 (after The Laker/Lutz News went to press), at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

The Audrey Nelson Award recognizes exemplary local projects and programs funded through the HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and other HUD Office of Community Planning and Development funding.

The county’s Community Development also received the Audrey Nelson Community Development Achievement Award in 2021 and 2022 for its collaboration on the Vincent House and Rosalie Rendu Residences Project, respectively.

Published February 01, 2023

Donations being accepted for Special Olympics of Pasco

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Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s offices are accepting charitable donations for Special Olympics of Pasco during the month of February, according to a news release from the tax collector’s office.

Special Olympics of Pasco is a sports and training program for people with intellectual disabilities, and includes training in about two dozen sports, which is provided for free to about 1,500 participants, the release says.

Funds raised last year helped the Pasco team attend the 2022 National Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando.

At the event, the Pasco County flag football team, the Dolphins, won gold.

All funds raised during this charitable giving effort will support the improvement of athletic programs for participants and will help offset costs of trips to Special Olympics games.

“Fundraisers like Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s are essential for equipment and uniforms along with training for volunteer coaches who create joy on the court and fields,” Amy Selvey, director for Pasco Special Olympics, said in the release.

“We will be able to send athletes to county, area, and summer games over the next three months and with those experiences, our athletes will grow personally. We appreciate every donation, but we also appreciate the exposure to our Pasco programs. We don’t want athletes to miss out, so public awareness is how we reach them all.  We are grateful for the partnership with Tax Collector Mike Fasano,” Selvey added.

In the release, Fasano said: “Special Olympics of Pasco has long held a special place in my heart. I’m proud that our staff and our community supports this organization that helps bring purpose to so many lives. The athletes and the volunteers who work with them are some of the kindest, most positive people I have ever met. So many of the athletes have intellectual challenges that make life difficult. To see the joy on the face of an athlete as they cross the finish line is indescribable. Special Olympics of Pasco provides a respite from the difficulties many face daily. It also provides a place to be with others who also aspire to do their very best.”

For more details regarding the charitable giving program, or services provided by the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, call Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector at 727-847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com. For more information about Special Olympics of Pasco, call Amy Selvey, Pasco Special Olympics Director at 727-492-8413, or visit SpecialOlympicsFlorida.org/westcoast.

Published February 01, 2023

Applications now being accepted for Spotlight on Talent

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Faith Phaller was named winner of the $1,000 Pasco Heritage Scholarship during last year’s Spotlight on Talent. (Courtesy of Heritage Arts Center)

Spotlight on Talent, a regional talent competition that’s celebrating its 40th year, is accepting applications for this year’s contest.

The deadline to apply is Feb. 9. Auditions have been set for Feb. 25.

The event, presented by the Heritage Arts Center Association, gives young performers a chance to show off their talents, as well as to compete for cash prizes, trophies, and a scholarship that is awarded to the most outstanding senior.

Hundreds of performers will audition in front of a panel of professional judges, who select the finalists. There are singers, dancers and instrumentalists, and competitors can enter as solo acts, as part of a group, or both. The competition also is divided by age groups.

Finalists from the audition will perform in two shows, set for March 25.

The performances typically attracts audiences numbering into the hundreds.

Over the years, the annual competition has gone on — even in the midst of COVID-19, without a stage or audience.

This year, the event is scheduled to take the stage at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, at 30651 Wells Road, in Wesley Chapel.

For more information, or to apply to compete, visit HeritageArts.org.

Published February 01, 2023

Beware of warrant scams

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The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) has seen a rise in warrant scams recently, and has issued a warning to make the public aware of this increasing crime.

Here’s how the scam works, according to PSO: A caller poses as a representative of the PSO, using an agency member’s name and demanding payment over the phone.

Often, the caller may use a victim’s personal information that can be gathered from public record searches, according to a PSO news posting.

The caller states that if victims do not pay, an arrest warrant will be issued. The caller insists for payment with gift cards, wire transfers, credit cards or through money sharing apps, the PSO alert says.

The PSO wants the public to know: These calls are not legitimate, as PSO will never discuss warrants over the phone or request payment with these methods to clear them.

Here are some tips from the PSO to help citizens protect themselves from warrant scams and other potential scams:

  • Be leery of requests for unusual payment methods, such as using gift cards to pay for government business.
  • Do not provide or verify personal information with the caller.
  • Do not feel pressure to act due to the urgency of the caller.
  • End suspicious phone calls immediately.
  • If you receive a warrant scam call, immediately report it to local law enforcement

The PSO also wants you to know that scammers:

  • Often pretend to be from an organization you know
  • Claim there’s a problem or a prize
  • Pressure you to take immediate action
  • Demand you pay in a specific way

Here are some suggestions from the PSO to help you avoid scams:

  • Block unwanted calls and text messages.
  • Don’t give personal or financial information in response to a request you didn’t expect.
  • Don’t pay someone who insists you pay with a gift car or use a money transfer service.

Published February 01, 2023

Protect yourself from ID theft: Shred sensitive documents

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You can take action during a free event to help protect yourself against identity theft.

Cars lined up to drop off sensitive documents, which were shredded at Big Shred VI. The idea is to shred the documents, to prevent identity theft. (Courtesy of the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s office)

Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles will present part two of Big Shred VI, on Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Robert Sumner Judicial Center, 38053 Live Oak Ave., in Dade City.

Those participating in Big Shred VI are allowed to bring three copy-paper size boxes or two tall kitchen trash bags filled with documents. Staples, clasps and paperclips do not need to be removed, but paper must be removed from three-ring binders, and electronics are not accepted.

The clerk and comptroller’s office already joined up with Keep Pasco Beautiful, Shred 360 and Covanta to provide the first part of the two-part event on Jan. 28 at the West Pasco Judicial Center in New Port Richey.

At the event in New Port Richey, 270 cars came through with people dropping off documents to be shredded, according to the clerk and comptroller’s office.

Each year, Big Shred is timed to be around Jan. 28, which is Data Privacy Day.

It’s no secret that identity theft is a widespread crime throughout the country.

The Federal Trade Commission reported that in 2022, there were 603,591 cases of identity theft nationwide. Florida claimed 101,367 of those cases, according to a news release from the clerk and comptroller’s office.

Published February 01, 2023

 

Carving up some impressive art work

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Von Nicholson, also known as Hoosier Carver, stands near one of his creations, which was commissioned by June Griffin. (Courtesy of June Griffin)
This angel, eagle and wolf was carved by Von Nicholson, also known as Hoosier Carver, from a large tree trunk, in Lake Bernadette. (Mike Camunas)

Lake Bernadette residents Butch and June Griffin commissioned Von Nicholson, also known as Hoosier Carver, to carve an angel, eagle and a wolf out of a large tree trunk on the side of their property at 35406 Zilla Way, in Zephyrhills. The project took Nicholson about three weeks to complete and has become the talk of the East Pasco neighborhood.

Del Webb Bexley Offers a Place to Belong

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When it comes to home ownership, there always seems to be one need that is ever-present with every move: a strong sense of community. For the 55+ buyer looking for a new home, it can be a daunting task to find somewhere that is not only beautiful and comfortable but still promises to uphold these values.

That is why Del Webb Bexley, just off Sunlake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, has made it its mission to transform the idea of “living a fulfilled lifestyle” into an all-encompassing development. Just east of the Gulf Coast beaches and northwest of Tampa, the active adult community of Del Webb Bexley offers easy access to workplaces throughout Tampa Bay and an array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including the Tampa Premium Outlets. It is conveniently close to downtown Tampa and the Tampa International Airport. This very active community has set out to become one of the most fun and engaging atmospheres for 55+ homeowners.

“It’s truly the community here that makes it special; they are people who love life and are having fun living it. Sports, dinner parties, clubs, art, you name it,” said Brittany Young, marketing director. “We do our part to ensure that residents have everything they need to live their fulfilled lives.”

To Del Webb, the community is everything. However, simple “talk” isn’t enough. Therefore, Del Webb’s expansive 19,000-square-foot amenity campus serves as a standing testament to its residents’ important lifestyle priorities.

This all-encompassing social and activity hub is the center of operations that brings the entire community together every day.

The fittingly named “Meridian” is inspired by a warm, coastal Florida theme. It offers all the joy of seaside living plus convenient access to all Tampa Bay has to offer. It is here you can meet for a game of Mahjong, enjoy a snack or watch TV while playing a game of cards. The facility itself is not yet three years old, so it’s pulled every modern resource available to be exactly what residents need in this decade.

“Your day can be as active or as relaxed as you’d like. Our homeowners have access to clubs and classes designed to meet any interest,” said Young. There are also scheduled monthly in-person and virtual events, seminars, and programs. “It’s a great way to make friends, explore new interests, or mingle with people who share the same hobby.”

Staying healthy and active is a huge priority for the Meridian’s activity schedule. Inside the campus, the Maritime Fitness Center features cardio machines, as well as free weights and weight machines. It sits right across from the Floriblanca movement studio that houses all the fitness classes that Young mentioned. Outside there are sports courts for tennis, bocce ball, and pickleball. The resort pool sits conveniently around the corner with a spa and cabanas. The expansive yoga lawn is always available with coinciding classes for residents, and the entirety of the outdoor region is interconnected by a span of scenic bike and jogging trails.

“Our residents want to keep moving and keep doing,” said Young, “They want to stay informed and keep learning. It’s why we’ve implemented our monthly events newsletter to keep everyone in the know about what is happening here.”

High-intensity activity isn’t all of the Meridian’s features. For those looking to relax, the Bellamy Arts and Crafts room offers a variety of classes for the pursuit of knowledge or hobbies. The Soleil Royal Ballroom hosts year-round events and houses demonstration kitchens for cooking clubs and classes. The amphitheater on the event lawn does the same for music performances. At the center of it lies the Crow’s Nest Bistro & Sports lounge with its selection of beer, wine, specialty meals, trivia nights, games, and Super Bowl parties. For any potential residents looking to make Del Webb their home, there is no better time than the present.

“We’re getting close to our final opportunities. Now is the time for buyers to purchase and enjoy all the benefits of a new construction home,” said Young. “This is a community of friendship, lifelong relationships, and connection. Anyone with those values will feel at home here.”

The sales office and model park, with six professionally decorated models, are open seven days a week for tours. For more information and to learn about current incentives, call 813-412-8842.

Published January 25, 2023.

Stay Tuned For These Can’t-Miss Events At Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

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At Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, a premier master-planned community in Pasco County, it’s all about community. As 2023 kicks off, here are some of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s top events – all of which
are always open and free to the public – to look forward to later this year.
Avalon Aglow

Absolutely Avalon
Absolutely Avalon is an event to celebrate everything that makes Avalon Park Wesley Chapel absolutely amazing. The event is filled with international food, music and vendors, activities for kids, community performances, and a fantastic laser light show. The event focuses on diversity and culture, which is some of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s core values. Absolutely Avalon will take place on Saturday, April 15 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.


4th of July Celebration
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel shows its patriotic colors at its annual 4th of July Celebration. There are community performances, food trucks, a bike parade, patriotic bake-off, bounce houses, and numerous exhibitors and vendors. The event always ends with a spectacular bang — an incredible fireworks show. The celebration will take place on Tuesday, July 4, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

 

Spooktacular

Spooktacular
It’s a spooky, fun-filled Halloween celebration at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s annual Spooktacular event. There’s a costume contest, a pumpkin patch, and plenty of candy for all to enjoy. Avalon Park Wesley Chapel also invites its residents to decorate their front porches as hauntingly as they can, and awards first-, second- and third-place prizes. Spooktacular will take place on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.


Avalon Aglow
Avalon Aglow allows families to celebrate the holiday season together by creating traditions and memories that they can share for a lifetime. Highlights of the event include pictures with Santa, “real” snow, train rides, and a spectacular fireworks show. Avalon Aglow will take place on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Why families choose Avalon Park
In addition to quality builders and frequent community events, families choose to live in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel because it offers so much more than just another subdivision with homes and amenities.

“We are not just developers — we are building a brand new town,” says Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for Avalon Park Group. “We’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy
life today and in the future.”

Few communities offer the recreational activities found at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, including two amenity centers with a zero-entry pool, splash pad, spa, and picnic area, as well as a new amenity center
being built in the new Westgate Village, in the northwest section of the development.
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has been welcoming families since 2012, when this community on State Road 54, a few miles east of Interstate 75, began building its first homes. Today, over 2,000 residents
enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and a convenient location with easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando.

For more information about Avalon Park, call 813-783-1515, email , or go to AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com.
Published January 25, 2023

Pasco brings home two awards from Gulf Coast summit

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Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Planner Tina Russo recently received awards at the Gulf Coast Safe Streets Summit for their work to keep the traveling public safe.

Gulf Coast Safe Streets is an organization that recognizes community leaders who go above and beyond in their commitment to improving driving, bicycling and walking safety, according to a Pasco County news release.

Starkey received the Vision Zero Hero Award for her unwavering dedication to the creation of trails and sidewalks to give walkers, runners and cyclists safe ways to get around.

Russo received the Bob the Builder Award for her devotion to bicyclist and pedestrian safety, according to the release. She’s known throughout the region for passion for keeping people safe, the release notes.

“This recognition means a lot to me,” said Starkey, in the release.

Russo noted: “Pasco County is on the move, and we’re always thinking of new ways to improve transportation.”

The summit is an educational event that brings together national speakers, public officials, technical staff, counties and community partners to highlight efforts on how to design and implement safe and equitable transportation.

Published January 25, 2023

Duke Energy is giving away free trees

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Duke Energy is celebrating Florida Arbor Day by giving away 1,200 trees to customers throughout Florida.

Florida Arbor Day is recognized on the third Friday in January, which was Jan. 20.

The company began giving out trees on Jan. 20, and will continue doing so until the supplies run out, according to a news release.

To request one, go to ArborDay.org/dukeenergy.

The one-gallon trees are shipped directly to customers’ homes with planting and care instructions. They are expected to be delivered in time for National Arbor Day on April 28.

Available tree species include the dahoon holly, sweetbay magnolia, baldcypress, crape myrtle (pink) and crape myrtle (red).

Duke Energy Florida is donating $50,000 to the Arbor Day Foundation to purchase and distribute the trees through its Energy-Saving Trees program.

The energy company gives the trees away to encourage tree planting to maximize environmental benefits and conserve energy, the release says.

Published January 25, 2023