The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

A new public access is planned for Starkey Wilderness Park

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The Pasco County Commission has approved an agreement that will provide public access to J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park from the Starkey Ranch residential community, next door.

Visitors to J.B. Wilderness Park, 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd., in New Port Richey, can hike and bicycle through gorgeous Florida scenery. (File)

The park, at 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd., is owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and managed by Pasco County. People across the county visit the park for its recreational opportunities and beauty.

The action taken by the county board allows TSR CDD, the owner of the Starkey Ranch residential development next to the park, to provide recreational access to the general public at two access points.

At the access points, TSR CDD will construct gates, and provide informational signs with park hours, a map, and allowed uses.

It also will maintain liability insurance and assume all risks related to use of the access points, according to the agreement.

Also, at one of the access points, TSR CDD will construct a foot bridge crossing over the South Branch of the Anclote River.

The agreement also calls for TSR CDD to pay for engineering and construction as well as for future maintenance, repair and/or replacement of the foot bridge, subject to approval by the county and the Southwest Florida Management District.

Pasco County Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey said efforts to create these access points began a long time ago and she’s happy that people will finally be able to get access the lower portion of the park.

Published May 25, 2022

There’s more than books to check out at New River Branch Library

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Patrons at the New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, can enjoy a free visual arts display — courtesy of the Zephyrhills Art Club.

The library has partnered with the art club, and the club’s president Joann Weatherbee curates the display, according to Danielle Lee, branch manager of the New River Branch Library.

Alla Prima Donna, by artist Sally Yoder, is an 8-inch by 10-inch oil painting. (Courtesy of New River Branch Library)

This month’s exhibit features artist Sally Yoder.

That exhibition is slated to come down on May 25, but a new one, featuring the works of Joyce Owens, also of the Zephyrhills Art Club, will open on June 1.

A new artist or group of artists will be featured each month.

Even though the Yoder exhibit is expected to come down this week, Lee shared information from Facebook, regarding the artist.

“Sally Yoder is an oil, acrylic and watercolor painter whose portraits, plein air works and boldly colored, large studio pieces offer surprising interpretations of the everyday ordinary.

“Having studied mostly oil painting classical realism, Sally ‘began to wonder why I’m copying great photos. So tight, and no creativity! Through happenstance, I realized old, black and white photos lend themselves to creative interpretation. So, I asked friends to send me fun, old pics I could try to paint. The watercolor of my friend Deb is a happy result of this practice.’”

Lee also shared information about accolades Yoder has received.

Those honors include: second place for a Myakka River watercolor at Zephyrhills Art Club’s 2017 annual show; wins in several categories at the monthly Venice Art Experience; first place in oil and acrylic at the North Tampa Arts League’s 2018 annual show with a Hillsborough River scene, and honorable mention for a Rembrandt inspired self-portrait at North Tampa Arts League’s 2019 show.

Yoder co-owns the Million Souls Mine and recently added lapidary arts to her creative repertoire. For more information, visit MillionSoulsMine.com.

Published May 25, 2022

This painting, called Preening, is a 12-inch by 16-inch oil, by artist Sally Yoder.
This oil painting, called Morris Bridge Plein Air, is an 11-inch by 14-inch oil, by artist Sally Yoder.
This painting, called Elephant’s Bath Time, is a 30-inch by 30-inch oil, by Sally Yoder.

Pasco County hires new utilities director

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The Pasco County Commission has confirmed the selection of David F. Allen, as the county’s new utilities director.

Allen begins in his new role June 6.

He arrives in Pasco County with more than 30 years of experience in technical, management and leadership in local government and utility business operations, according to information in the county board’s agenda packet.

His experience includes serving for the past 15 years as an assistant city and county manager, and utilities director for the city and county of Broomfield, Colorado.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Colorado State University, and a Master of Science in water resources from the University of Southern California.

He is a licensed professional engineer in Colorado and California, and intends to apply for reciprocity in Florida.

This is a new role in the county. The position was necessitated by the increasing size of the department to address the county’s expanding needs, assistant county administrator Mike Carballa told the board, during Allen’s confirmation by the board on May 17.

Published May 25, 2022

Hillsborough tax collector collects delinquent toll payments

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Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan has partnered with the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) to provide a convenient way for customers resolve vehicle registration holds due to unpaid tolls.

To reduce red tape, the Hillsborough County Tax Collector will collect payment for the unpaid tolls along with the registration renewal transaction — streamlining the process for customers.

The arrangement allows vehicle owners to pay delinquent toll-by-plate invoices while renewing their vehicle registrations at all Hillsborough County Tax Collector locations, according to a news release.

In the past, the Tax Collector’s Office was forced to turn away customers with a hold on their registration due to unpaid tolls. Customer would have to pay the Expressway Authority first, then come back to the Tax Collector’s Office to renew their registrations.

“My top priority is to provide convenience and exceptional customer service to the taxpayers we serve,” Millan said in the release.

Her office processes close to 1.4 million motor vehicle transactions annually.

The Tax Collector’s Office provides this service at no additional cost to taxpayers.

The office also can collect unpaid tolls and clear vehicle registration holds for the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX).

Published May 25, 2022

Environmental lands committee reappointments

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Pasco County’s Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program purchases environmentally sensitive lands throughout the county, using funds provided through the taxpayer-supported Penny For Pasco program. (File)

Pasco County has an Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program, which has a volunteer committee made up of 11 members.

Five of the board members have at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree in the natural and/or environmental sciences. They make up the scientific subcommittee.

Four other members shall have expertise in at least one of the following fields: real estate, business, or finance. One member shall have expertise in governmental affairs (with an emphasis in funding sources). One member shall be a layperson with interest in the program and the committee.

No more than three members of the volunteer committee may live outside of Pasco County’s boundaries.

The Pasco County Commission on May 17 reappointed these five members to that committee:

  • A one-year reappointment of Patricia Fesmire, an environmental scientist from Tampa Bay Water
  • A two-year reappointment of Joanne Hurley, a retired Pasco County School Board member
  • A three-year reappointment of Eva Bailey, a wetlands scientist and retired professional from Cardno Entrix, with a background in ecological assessments and habitat restoration
  • A three-year reappointment of Clark Hull Jr., principal owner of Clark Hull and Associates LLC, a multi-disciplinary professional association of scientists and engineers serving private and public sector clients in various aspects of environmental permitting
  • A three-year reappointment of Dr. Chris Miller, professor of biology and ecology with specializations in tropical forests and mangrove forests with the School of Arts & Sciences at Saint Leo University.

Published May 25, 2022

Affordable Living At Club Wildwood

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Older adults in central and east Pasco County are discovering the charming manufactured home community of Club Wildwood in Hudson, which boasts affordable homes, first-class amenities and a five-minute drive to the beach.

Club Wildwood is the largest retirement community in north Pasco County, with close to 500 homes. Living in a large community means there is always someone to share things with, including swimming in the resort-style heated pool, taking your pup to the friendly dog park, enjoying crafts and potluck dinners at the clubhouse, and even fishing in a well-stocked lake. Residents are friendly, and welcome newcomers to the community’s many clubs and activities.

There are several resale homes available in Club Wildwood, very affordably priced from $48,500 to $69,900. Most resale homes in the community have been updated with the latest designs and flooring, and are a tremendous value for a single-family home in terms of cost, amenities and location.

For folks moving from Land O’ Lakes, Lutz and Wesley Chapel, living at Club Wildwood costs less than renting an apartment. The community’s monthly lot rental fee is less than $700, and includes trash, landscaping and full use of all recreation facilities.

Club Wildwood’s location on U.S. 19 gives residents quick access to major roadways, shopping and dining, and area attractions. In addition to its Olympic-size heated pool, amenities include a picnic area, shuffleboard courts, a bocce ball court and horseshoe pits. A spacious clubhouse has recently been remodeled, and boasts a fully equipped kitchen and large meeting room, small library, pool tables, fitness room and card tables.

Regular activities include bingo, karaoke, potluck dinners, coffee hours, dart tournaments, happy hours, pancake breakfasts, line dancing and bridge games. During the social distancing requirements of COVID-19, some of these activities have been suspended, but all will be back when it is safe to gather together again.

Outside of the park, many Club Wildwood residents participate in special interest clubs, including bowling and golf leagues, the Red Hat Society, and volunteering at nearby Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point.

The 290-bed hospital, which is less than 10 minutes from Club Wildwood, is the only Level II Trauma Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center in Pasco County, and its renowned Heart Institute provides comprehensive cardiac care and an open-heart surgery program.

Make Club Wildwood your next home by contacting Community Manager Sean Terris for a private tour at 866-799-6707or .

Published May 25, 2022

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Aims to Provide A Sense of Belonging

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For Mental Health Awareness Month, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is focusing on the message: “Together for Mental Health.”

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, a premier master-planned community in Pasco County, supports this message everyday by providing a welcoming community for its residents that supports the creation of meaningful relationships with their neighbors.

“Feeling accepted and welcomed by being a part of a community is where a sense of belonging begins,” says Beat Kahli, president of Avalon Park Group.

Beat Kahli, president and CEO of Avalon Park Group

“A strong social network is one of those things that may not seem important but can make a big difference when life gets hectic. When you know your neighbors, they often become friends that you can relax with and check in on you, in good and challenging times,” Kahli said.

With Avalon Park Wesley Chapel hosting routine events such as its “Movie Under the Stars,” quarterly festivals for the family (the next one is its July 4th festival), and monthly live jazz events, there are so many ways to stay in touch, face-to-face, with your neighbors.

Physical exercise also is another way to maintain good mental health, as it can provide focus, improve self-esteem, and help reduce anxiety and depression.

From taking a swim at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s community swimming pool, shooting hoops at the basketball courts, riding a bike through the trails, or playing with your dog at the community dog park, Avalon Park offers a wide range of ways to stay physically active.

Kahli’s wife, Jill, holds a Ph.D. in Psychology, so Kahli definitely understands the importance of mental health.

Kahli says he and his team continue to look for ways to improve the mental health opportunities for their community by adding programming that will create positive outlets for all needs. He recognizes that not everyone shares/responds to the same type of outlet to help with their mental health.

“This is why we are building Avalon Park to be programmed to provide outlets for all,” says Kahli. “From yoga in the park, youth sports, music and dance performances, art classes, local ministries and more, there will be something for everyone.”

One outlet that the residential community supports is local theater, which is a great way to practice expressing yourself and your emotions.

The residential community has partnered with The Wesley Chapel Theater Group, a group that provides theater for adults. Avalon Park Wesley Chapel allows the theater group to use its welcome center as its temporary home for all of the group’s meetings and rehearsals. The group’s artist director, Rodney Bueno, also is a resident of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel for the past five years.

“It’s definitely nice to bring something that I love to the community I live in,” says Bueno.

Kahli also believes giving back through community services helps with positive mental health.

“There are countless opportunities to give back and help in the community,” says Kahli. “I encourage you to look around to the local schools, nonprofits and service organizations to see where you can help the most.”

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel helps support local nonprofit and service organizations by bringing awareness to them through its monthly advertorial, Avalon Applauds, with The Laker/Lutz News. Featured nonprofits from the past include the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel, The Stano Foundation (an organization dedicated to supporting troops of all branches, both active duty and veterans), and Hope Services (a service organization that seeks to find jobs for people living with disabilities).

(If you know a nonprofit that deserves to be in the spotlight, email your suggestion to ).

Another way Avalon Park supports the message of “Together for Mental Health” is through the community-based nonprofit, ProjecThinkForward. According to its website, ProjecThinkForward is committed to promoting optimal health and wellness by changing the stigma surrounding mental health and connecting those in need with the right resources.

The nonprofit also has a podcast on Spotify called ThinkForward Podcast, where its executive director sits down with therapists to discuss various mental health conditions.

By coming together, the Avalon Park Wesley Chapel community can help all of its members feel a sense of place and belonging, and support a culture of strong mental health through the multiple resources it provides.

Published May 25, 2022

A Guide for Summer Camps in Pasco County 

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Summer break is quickly approaching and organizations throughout Pasco County are offering camps for children of all ages. Looking to enroll your child in fun interactive activities? Check out these local summer camps!

(Courtesy of Cypress Creek Middle School)

Camping at the Creek Summer Basketball Camps
Cypress Creek Middle School is offering “Camping at the Creek 2022” basketball camps, for students entering fifth grade through 10th grade. Students will receive a camp shirt, dribbling and shooting instruction, play games, perform drills, compete in scrimmages, etc. This is a great opportunity for students to learn some basketball fundamentals, make new acquaintances, and sharpen their basketball skills!

Camp times are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Camp dates are: Session I June 6-9; Session II June 13-16; Session III June 20-23. The camp cost is $75 each week. Checks can be made out to CCMS (Cypress Creek Middle School), and either brought into the school office or with campers on their first day of camp. Completed registration forms must be submitted prior to attending and may be emailed to .

Cypress Creek Middle School is at 8845 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel. Click here to access registration form

(Courtesy of Camp Idlewild)

Camp Idlewild
Camp Idlewild of Florida’s program model was developed for children ages 6 to 17 who have the following super-powers: Autism Spectrum Disorders (including Asperger’s Syndrome), Sensory Processing Disorders, Down Syndrome and Developmental Delays. The camp also offers Young Adult Camp (YAC) programs for 18 to 30 year olds, on select dates. Check out the website for more information. 

Camp Idlewild is the perfect venue for small retreats (up to 48), family reunions, birthdays, weddings, showers, and holiday parties, corporate meetings, scouting, camping (five full hookup RV sites), business expos, and much more. They offer affordable all-inclusive packages including lodging, meals, a meeting space, and many outdoor activities including waterfront activities, sports, nature exploration (hikes), and other recreational activities. Your group may be as active as you wish, or take the opportunity to relax and enjoy the peacefulness of being away from the general hustle and bustle of everyday life! Check out the Rates for Group Retreats on the website.

Camp Idlewild of Florida, Inc.
7602 Henry Drive
Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638
813-996-1226
www.campidlewildofflorida.com 

Camp Cost: $650/Day Camp; $800/Overnight
Summer Camp Dates: June 12 through August 5
Weekend Camp Cost: $300
Weekend Camp Dates: TBD 

(Courtesy of Pinot’s Palette)

Pinot’s Palette
Ages 6 to 12 can join Pinot’s Palette’s summer camp, Little Brushes, and spend their time in a fun-filled party atmosphere. Little Brushes fosters a friendly and collaborative environment while giving little artists the opportunity to have a creative outlet. During this camp, Pinot’s Palette will provide everything they would need to bring out their creative spirits. Expect your child to do crafts, paint, and create so much more.

If you’re interested in your child joining Pinot’s Pallete’s Little Brushes summer camp, call 813-428-6590, or email .

 

 

(metrocreativeconnection.com)

Fundamental Minds Education Services
Fundamental Minds Education Services, one of Tampa Bay’s best tutoring services, is offering summer classes from June 20 to July 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are three class topics to choose from: Academic, Spanish, and Coding & Art.

Academic is for K-12 and AP tutoring, Spanish is for elementary and middle school students, and coding & art is for K-12 taught by certified teachers. In-person and virtual classes are available.

Fundamental Minds understands that each student has a unique learning style and study habits, which is why its tutoring services cater to the particular needs and circumstances of each individual. The tutoring company believes in empowering students with the study skills and learning resources they need to excel academically and ignite their passion for learning.

Fundamental Minds’s teachers have a minimum three years of classroom experience and will collaborate with your child’s teacher to better understand their learning needs. Most importantly, the company believes that learning should be FUN, so every session is taught in an engaging manner, with ample opportunities for students to interact with their tutor and/or peers in their groups.

 

Fundamental Minds Education Services
26809 Tanic Drive, Suite 102
Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
813-428-6564
www.fundamentalminds.com

(Courtesy of Steinbrenner High School)

Steinbrenner High School
Come have fun with members from Steinbrenner High School girls’ and boys’ varsity soccer teams at its Youth Soccer Skills & Fundamental Camp! Learn the fundamentals of soccer with specific training on techniques and skills. Campers will be placed in groups, so all of the athletes will be challenged during each skills training and competition.

All playing abilities and positions are welcome. Beginners who are new to the sport and simply want to learn more skills also are invited to join. And, this camp is perfect for experienced players who are looking to keep their skills sharp during their off-season.

Entering ages for the camp are boys and girls 5 to 13. Players are grouped by age and ability. The camp runs from June 27 to June 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost to register is $125 and includes a T-shirt and evaluation feedback form. All campers are expected to bring a bag lunch.

All checks need to be made out to Steinbrenner Athletic Booster Club (SABC), then sent to Steinbrenner High School, Attn: Shannon Aitken. 

Steinbrenner High School
5575 W Lutz Lake Fern Rd
Tampa, FL 33558

 

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An unexpected, welcome visit

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club stopped by to visit the clients of the Lutz Senior Center, to chat and serve breakfast treats. The visit was unexpected, but the seniors enjoyed the camaraderie and hospitality from the women. From left: Beverly Schnabel, Darryln Caudill, Marsha Gibson, Pam Blumenthal, Senior Center Director, Melba Pineiro, Barbara Booth and Linda Mitchell. For more information on this community service organization or membership information, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org, or its Facebook page.

Tax holidays savings are estimated at $1.2 billion

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Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed into law House Bill 7071, which provides more than $1.2 billion in tax relief for Floridians through 10 tax holidays.

The items that will be free from taxes, for a specific period of time, include fuel, diapers, disaster supplies and tools.

In a news release from the governor’s office, DeSantis said, in part: “In Florida, we are going to support our residents and help them afford the goods that they need. Florida has been fiscally responsible, so we are in a good position to provide meaningful relief for families, right now.

Florida will have a monthlong Fuel Tax Holiday in October, as part of a package of tax holidays signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. (File)

The news release also quotes House Speaker Chris Sprowls: “The Florida House’s tax package — the largest middle-class tax relief package in the history of the state — is now the law of the land. A bill like this has never been more needed than it is right now.

“From tools to diapers to books for summer reading, this billion-dollar tax package includes something for every Floridian, and that’s what I’m most proud of.”

Senate President Wilton Simpson offered some remarks, too.

“Florida cannot independently fix or outrun all of the problems leading to the cost increases that are wreaking havoc on families, especially our most vulnerable,” Simpson said.

“However, we are working to ease the pain with broad-based sales tax relief and a monthlong gas tax holiday. This bill supports growing families, Floridians looking to prepare their homes for severe weather, and the blue collar working men and women of our state who are trying their best to get by amid record-high gas prices and inflation that many of us have not seen in our lifetime. We are increasing the length of sales tax holidays for hurricane season and back-to-school, and also creating new short-term and long-term sales tax relief on key items needed by families,” he said.

The 10 tax holidays are:

  • A three-month sales tax holiday for children’s books from May 14 through Aug. 14, providing $3.3 million in tax relief
  • A 14-day Disaster Preparedness sales tax holiday from May 28 through June 10, for supplies such as flashlights, radios, tarps, batteries and fire extinguishers, providing $25.6 million in tax relief
  • A seven-day Freedom Week from July 1 to July 7, providing a sales tax exemption for specified admissions and items related to recreational activities, providing $70.6 million in tax relief
  • A one-year sales tax holiday from July 1 through June 30, 2023, for baby and toddler clothes and shoes, providing $81.5 million in tax relief
  • A one-year sales tax holiday from July 1 through June 30, 2023, for children’s diapers, providing $38.9 million in tax relief
  • A one-year Energy Star Appliances sales tax holiday from July 1 through June 30, 2023, for washing machines, clothes dryers, water heaters, and refrigerators, providing $78.5 million in tax relief.
  • A two-year sales tax holiday from July 1 through June 30, 2024, for impact resistant windows, doors, and garage doors, providing $442.8 million in tax relief
  • A 14-day Back-to-School sales tax holiday from July 25 through Aug. 7, for clothing, shoes, backpacks and school supplies, providing $100 million in tax relief
  • A seven-day Tool Time sales tax holiday from Sept. 3 through Sept. 9, for tools and other home improvement items, providing $12.4 million in tax relief
  • A one-month Fuel Tax Holiday from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31, saving Floridians $200 million by lowering the price of gas by 25.3 cents per gallon

The permanent tax relief provided in the legislation consists of various sales tax exemptions, corporate income tax credit expansions, and ad valorem tax and exemption provisions that will generate an additional $190 million in tax savings over two years and $140 million annually after that.

For additional information about the tax holidays, visit FloridaRevenue.com/SalesTaxHolidays.

Published May 18, 2022