The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Zephyrhills Skatepark comes alive during ‘Grind for Life’

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Competitors came from as close as a neighborhood nearby to as far away as Hawaii — and from a wide array of places in between — for the Grind for Life Series, a national competition hosted on March 19 at the Zephyrhills Skatepark, 39096 Alston Ave.

Thirteen-year-old Zion Effs makes a jump, as he prepares for the Grind for Life skateboard series on March 19, at the Zephyrhills Skatepark. Effs traveled from Miami to test his skills. The event featured 156 competitors, in various divisions and age classes, demonstrating their abilities in the daylong event. (Fred Bellet)

There were 156 competitors, of all ages and skill levels, including 20 first-time skaters and 17 women, according to statistics provided by the City of Zephyrhills.

Contestants included 10-year-old Samantha Livaditis, of Chicago, who dazzled the judges with a ‘front side air trick.’ She traveled to the competition with her dad, Steve Livaditis.

Twenty-year-old Jesse Yates didn’t travel far at all. He lives in Zephyrhills and was the only Pasco County resident to compete in the tournament.

Anthony Ferraro, of Spring Lake, New Jersey, is a relative newcomer to skateboarding — starting just two years ago. Blind since birth, Ferraro and other competitors with disabilities approach the sport differently. Before the competition began, he and other competitors with sight disabilities familiarized themselves with the placement of jumps, ramps, walls and rails, and distance. Ferraro took fourth place in the men’s adaptive division.

He showed off his skills in a street division jump, flipping his skateboard beneath his feet.

He said he took up the pursuit when the Zephyrhills Skatepark was completed in 2015.

Anthony Ferraro of Spring Lake, New Jersey, competed, too.

He’s a relative newcomer to skateboarding, starting just two years ago.

Blind since birth, Ferraro and other competitors with disabilities approach the sport differently.

Prior to the competition’s start, he and other competitors with sight disabilities familiarized themselves with the placement of jumps, ramps, walls and rails, and distance.

Ferraro placed fourth in the men’s adaptive division.

The Grind for Life Series benefits the Grind for Life organization, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that assists cancer patients with travel expenses, according to a news release from the City of Zephyrhills.

The skateboarding competition was founded in 2003, by lifelong skateboarder Mike Rogers, after his second battle with sarcoma cancer. He beat cancer once as a preteen, and again 25 years later. Rogers beat the odds and is a competitive skateboarder again.

The City of Zephyrhills has been a host for a Grind for Life Series leg for several years, with the city’s public works crew members providing cleanup assistance during the course of the event.

The competition includes a men’s and women’s bowl, and street division, as well as an adaptive skateboarding division, for athletes with disabilities.

Registration was $35.

Published April 06, 2022

Ten-year-old R.J. Serkland first hopped on a skateboard when he was 2 years old. He recently competed in his second Grind for Life Series. Here, he performs a trick called ‘the slob-plant.’
Kelly Ferraro caught it all on camera, after her husband, Anthony, left, of Spring Lake, New Jersey, took to the course. Even though he has been blind since birth, Anthony began skateboarding two years ago. He placed fourth in his division.
Zephyrhills’ own Jesse Yates, 20, shows his skills in a street division jump, flipping his skateboard beneath his feet. Yates said he began skating when the Zephyrhills Skatepark was completed in 2015. The park is near his house, motivating him to take up skateboarding.
Seven-year-old Coco Waldo, of Fernandina Beach, competed for the first time at the Grind for Life Series. Her mom, Britni Waldo, said her daughter has been skating for just two years.
With a watchful eye, 9-year-old Nicholas Delacruz, of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, checks out the street course, as he waits his turn for the Street Men’s 9 and under division. At right, a hopeful 12-year-old Taylor Burnett, of Orlando, holds her board close while waiting for her turn to show the judges her skills.

Enjoy Jazz Under the Starz at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

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In 2020, COVID-19 created a very difficult time for a lot of business owners like Arlene Brooks, who owns and operates Coffee Speaks n Tea Talks in New Tampa.

Her business closed for a period of time during the pandemic, but eventually was reopened. This was when Brooks realized that she needed to come up with a way to get people back into her parking lot.

“My goal with Jazz Under the Starz was to bring what was inside the coffee shop to the parking lot and create a safe, soulful environment for people to enjoy music and feel like a community again,” said Brooks.

Local artists who play the sax, clarinet, keys, violin and steel drum all came out and played from the heart.

Like most great events, Jazz Under the Starz is defined by those humble beginnings. During the pandemic, social distancing was at the forefront of Brooks’ priorities. Musicians would entertain using the instruments of their choosing to crowds of guests outside of her coffee shop and tea house.

What no one ever could have predicted was the sheer popularity of the event. Now, Brooks is looking toward the future, and helping to deliver the joy that Jazz music brings, to as many people in the community as possible.

With so much growth, Brooks yearned for a permanent home for Jazz Under the Starz. She turned to her local leaders at the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce for assistance. President and CEO Hope Kennedy was instrumental in making the connection Brooks needed to fulfill her future aspirations of a jazz clubhouse.

As it would turn out, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel was a perfect fit.

“It was an instantaneous connection and partnership,” said Brooks.

“We are not just developers — we are building a new town,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for Avalon Park Group. “We’re so much more than just another planned community – we’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy life today and in the future.”

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, located on State Road 54 about 3 miles east of Interstate 75, began building its first homes in 2012. Today, 1,000 homes have been completed or are underway, and residents enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando.

When Avalon Park reaches its final development, it will offer places to shop and work in its downtown hub. The hub will be connected to its residential neighborhoods by tree-lined streets, walkways and bike paths, making for a picturesque and comfortable community. What better way to introduce the diverse community to new options of artistic entertainment than with the celebration of jazz music and a new jazz clubhouse?

“I want it to be a place where people can come and join together to celebrate the music. Everybody loves music and it helps you forget about the hardships of life,” said Brooks.

Recently, Jazz Under the Starz began their second season at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel that included not only jazz music, but different food trucks, and live artists who were painting at the same time as the concert and selling their work to guests.

“At our most recent concert, we had over 240 people attend,” said Brooks. “The band that played was great and everyone really enjoyed the event.”

Jazz Under the Starz is held every third Saturday of the month with a different band performing at each concert. Eventually, Brooks plans on having jazz musicians from a national level play for the community.

“These types of concerts and events really aren’t going on anywhere else in New Tampa/Wesley Chapel,” said Brooks. “My goal is to push the arts and celebrate all types of creativity as a community.”

The next Jazz Under the Starz concert will be held on April 16, at 33501 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, which is located behind Pinecrest Academy on Avalon Park property.

“You can purchase your tickets now on our website,” said Brooks. “Children under 12 are free, and pets are allowed as long as they aren’t aggressive and owners are cleaning up after their furry friends.”

Visitors also can bring their own lawn chairs and coolers to the concert.

For more information about the concert events, visit JazzUnderTheStarz.com.

Published March 30, 2022

Act Now and Take Advantage of Current Pricing at Cornerstone Pros

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If you’re looking to update your air conditioning and/or water heater, and considering adding a home generator, Cornerstone Pros recommends you act now before more price increases are passed on from manufacturers to local dealers.

Like manufacturing companies everywhere, plants that make mechanical systems for homes are faced with parts and labor shortages, which are resulting in higher prices on everything from air conditioning units, refrigerants, hot water heaters, home generators, and parts and material for all trades.

Dana Spears, president and owner of Cornerstone Pros in Land O’ Lakes, says price increases like these are out of her control. Cornerstone has done its best to keep its prices as low as possible and is continuing to try to make its services affordable for homeowners.

“Unfortunately, the current manufacturing environment is seeing pricing fluctuate daily, making it difficult to forecast 100% of future repair and replacement costs. We already have received numerous price increases this year, and are being told more will be coming in the next two quarters, anywhere from 8% to 15%.”

Because of this, Spears strongly recommends homeowners stop putting off these home improvements, especially for new air conditioning systems.

“You can buy now, and pay low monthly payments with deferred interest for up to 18 months,” says Spears.

Cornerstone Pros always recommends regular maintenance and planning ahead when it comes to taking care of your home. This will save you money, and allow you to budget for future repairs. Spears suggests joining the Cornerstone Protection Plan, which covers two AC tune-ups a year, annual plumbing and electrical inspections, and discounted services, for one low monthly payment of $9.95.

“A preventative maintenance checkup can help prevent an emergency from happening at your home because it allows a technician to catch a problem prior to the system failing on that hot summer day,” said Spears. “We’re currently offering an AC System Maintenance Checkup at a special rate of $39.95 and this will allow new customers to try our five-star rated services.”

The only thing worse than having your AC go out on the hottest day of the year or your water heater breaking in the evening is not being able to get it repaired right away. Cornerstone wants to make this process as easy as possible for its customers. The company offers many ways to schedule through online chat, online booking, texting, or a call to the office.

Spears added that if you are in need of any of their services, reach out to schedule a certified Cornerstone service technician who will come to your home in a fully stocked truck ready to evaluate your home needs, and provide up-front pricing for any repairs needed. Cornerstone also offers free no-obligation written estimates for replacement of your current AC system, water heater, electrical panel or generator.

Check out the 10,000-plus online 5 star reviews and try it for yourself and see “The Cornerstone Difference,” exceeding expectations from beginning to the end.

Call 813-990-0561 anytime. For more information, visit the website at CornerstonePros.com.

Published March 30, 2022

‘No one does what we do,’ at Finishing Touches

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Finishing Touches, located at the Tampa Premium Outlets, has taken lighting planning and design into the digital age.

“We fully embrace online shopping; our entire store is designed around it. The only fault to online shopping is you can’t see the product in person. That’s where we come in,” said owner Bill Richards.

Whereas most lighting showrooms are vast and overwhelming, Finishing Touches only displays what’s necessary. Each example is perfectly placed to give visitors a better idea of the online options regarding, size, color and style.

And it all starts at the in-store, Interactive Online Design Center.

“Our program is designed specifically for the lighting industry,” said Richards. “With this tool, we can customize a plan that falls within your budget and order it right to the store.”

At Finishing Touches, you get the tactile experience of seeing the product in person, while still having your favorite pick from the expansive stock that online shopping offers. Bill’s wife, Terry Richards, has been in the lighting industry for over 40 years. At Finishing Touches, she offers her design expertise for free, and helps every customer find what they want at a great price. What further sets Finishing Touches apart is the guaranteed customer service. By having in-store hosts instead of solely purchasing online, there’s always a place to come back to for help.

“We price match, too; if you find it cheaper somewhere else online, we’ve got you covered,” said Richards.

To find a lighting setup that fits your room perfectly, Finishing Touches is situated across from Saks Fifth Ave and Kate Spade, at the Tampa Premium Outlets.

Published March 30, 2022

Lighthouse Books shines on, in Dade City

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Step inside Lighthouse Books in downtown Dade City, and you might feel like you’ve entered an oversized time capsule – but one that encases memorabilia from far more than a single moment in history.

Shelves and tables inside the store display eclectic collections of books, periodicals, how-to manuals, and even vintage brochures that document humanity’s literary musings through the ages.

In a sense, Lighthouse Books is the quintessential used-book store, though most of its hand-me-downs are anything but mass-produced reprints.

Lighthouse Books founder Michael Slicker sits at his desk surrounded by scores of vintage books waiting to be cataloged into the store’s inventory. (Courtesy of Susan Green)

Proprietor Michael Slicker reflects on that, as he handles a 1478 edition of “Commentaries on Juvenal’s Satires,” one of the oldest and rarest artifacts available for purchase at the store.

“It was used back when Columbus got here,” he quips.

Slicker is an antiquarian bookseller, one of only about 450 members of the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America. Born in St. Petersburg, he founded his store there in 1977 and chose the name, in part, for its original location overlooking the water.

In 2019, after being twice cramped by encroaching development, he relocated Lighthouse Books to Dade City, where his daughter, Sarah Smith, had already put down roots. Together, father and daughter run the business, which includes appraisals, purchases and sales of thousands of yesteryear’s treasures.

Specialties include books chronicling Florida and Caribbean history, as well as many works related to military histories. But Lighthouse offers collectible books, maps, and print materials from all over the world and just about every time period.

“We have a niche. We don’t have to compete with all the paperback sellers,” Slicker says.

He doesn’t count online booksellers such as Amazon as competitors, either, even though most of Lighthouse’s sales these days are made online through the company’s website.

Mainstream booksellers generally don’t handle books published before the 1970s because they don’t have ISBN numbers, Slicker explains. Without those unique identifiers, book vendors can’t easily enter books into a computerized inventory system.

At Lighthouse, each of the thousands of vintage materials that enter the store’s inventory must be cataloged by hand – a task that falls mostly to Smith.

Sarah Smith displays a vintage marketing brochure for Appleton Manufacturing Co., which crafted windmills and farm implements in the early to mid-1900s.

“It’s definitely something we work on constantly,” she says.

Judging books by their covers
Slicker’s expertise as an antiquarian book appraiser has been sought by universities, private collectors and estate sellers. And when it comes to antique book valuations, the old adage against judging a book by its cover doesn’t apply. Slicker notes that a book’s artwork and binding materials play a significant role in valuations, and they tell tales about the people of yesteryear, just as the written words do.

For example, take the 1854 volume titled “The Poetical Works of Thomas Gray.” As Slicker bends the Moroccan leather binding slightly and thumbs across the pages’ gilded edges, a portrait of the author against a churchyard backdrop appears. It’s a hidden flourish known as a fore-edge painting that sets the scene for the poet’s best-known poem, “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard,” before the first page is turned.

Or take the American decorative binding trends of the early 20th century. Lighthouse is home to quite a few examples of books with elaborate artwork gracing the covers, usually the handiwork of women.

Grace Smith, 9, daughter of Sarah Smith and granddaughter of Michael Slicker, finds plenty to ways to while away the time in the kids’ section at Lighthouse Books.

“Since women were kind of shut out of all the fine arts, they did these decorative bindings,” Slicker says.

Slicker’s appraisal talents have put him in touch with the past in a way that few people ever experience. For example, one of his assignments was to appraise a log book that the famous pilot Amelia Earhart carried with her on one of her transatlantic flights. To him, the entries read like letters to her parents in the event she didn’t return.

“You have to picture that she’s writing in her log as she’s soloing across the Atlantic,” Slicker says. “And she writes that there’s an 8-foot wave and her right engine is going out.”

As much as he loves books, Slicker doesn’t collect them himself. It’s not a good idea for an antiquarian bookseller to compete with his customers, he explains.

“I tell people I got into the business because of the books, but I stayed because of the people,” Slicker says. “It’s a joy when an enthusiastic person comes in and says, ‘Oh, I’ve been looking for this for a long time.’”

Tina Ross, of Dade City, is just such a customer. Recently, she came to Lighthouse Books looking for a specialty craft book.

“I’m like in heaven here,” she said. “I like bookstores, but they have all the new titles everywhere — nothing juicy.”

A perfect fit
Margaret Angell, a 20-year downtown business owner who chairs the Dade City Merchants Association, says Lighthouse Books is a welcome addition to a historic commercial district that draws visitors to its antique stores, specialty shops and restaurants.

“We’re delighted to have them,” she says. “They bring a whole new element to our downtown with their historic books and maps.”

Slicker and Smith say they’ve been happy with the move.

“I think it’s definitely a more leisurely pace than we experienced in St. Petersburg,” Smith says. “People come and spend the day, and they’re glad to be out and about. … I think it’s easier to be kind when they’re less stressed.”

Lighthouse Books in Dade City advertises collectible ‘books, maps, prints and ephemera,’ the latter being vintage advertisements, magazines, brochures, and other ‘throwaway’ literature of the past.

If you go
Lighthouse Books, ABAA
Where: 14046 Fifth St., Dade City
Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday
Contact: 727-822-3278 or
Info: OldFloridaBookstore.com

Calling old book lovers
What: 39th Annual Florida Antiquarian Book Fair
When: April 1 to April 3
Where: The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N., St Petersburg
Cost: Admission $10 for the entire event
Info: FloridaAntiquarianBookFair.com

By Susan Green

Published March 30, 2022

Sister Miriam Cosgrove celebrates 60th Jubilee

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The Benedictine Sisters of Florida celebrated the 60th Jubilee of Sister Miriam Cosgrove, O.S.B., on March 23 at Holy Name Monastery, according to a news release from the monastery.

Born in Detroit, Sister Miriam made her first visit to St. Leo when she was in eighth grade, to attend the ordination into the priesthood of her oldest brother, Mark.

Sister Miriam Cosgrove, O.S.B. (Courtesy of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida)

After completing high school, she moved to Florida in 1960 to join the Benedictine Sisters of Florida. She made her profession of first vows in March 1962.

She taught for 20 years in Florida schools staffed by Benedictine Sisters.

She worked in Pasco County Public Schools as an elementary guidance counselor for 23 years and volunteered with patients in hospice care for 17 years.

She also volunteered as a Guardian ad Litem for at-risk children.

She has instructed adults in Catholicism.

Her artistic abilities include calligraphy, photography and note cards.

She also trained in aquaponics and learned the art of fish farming as a sustainable food source. She currently is the coordinator of the aquaponics program at Holy Name Monastery.

The morning ceremony began with Liturgy of the Hours and continued with the Jubilee Mass, celebrated by Father Anthony Ujagbo.

In her remarks, Sister Roberta Bailey, O.S.B., Prioress, addressed Sister Miriam, saying: “Your dedication has been a blessing to us and to the wider community. You have shared gifts that only you can give the world – blessings others could only receive through you. May this occasion be a source of joy and continued blessings.”

A social with family, friends and refreshments followed the Mass.

Published March 30, 2022

A forgotten hero, with a locally known name

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A huge explosion occurred on Feb. 21, 1922, killing 34 soldiers.

The disaster garnered bold headlines, across the globe, for weeks.

But on the centennial anniversary of that tragedy, not a peep was heard.

The heavily traveled Dale Mabry Highway, which cuts through Hillsborough County and crosses into Pasco County is named after Capt. Dale Mabry, who was considered a hero when he died in during the Feb. 21, 1922 explosion of the Roma. (Courtesy of floridamemory.com)

So, here’s a look back in history of the fateful day the dirigible Roma, an army airship carrying 45 souls, crashed in Virginia.

It was the largest airship disaster at the time. Its 11 cells of hydrogen — holding a million cubic feet of highly inflammable gas — erupted after the ship hit high voltage lines.

Eleven airmen survived. Some jumped, when it was clear that the ship was crashing.

Those killed in the crash were burned beyond recognition.

Only the captain was identifiable because he was still gripping the controls steering the ship.

He never left his post in his desperate attempt to save lives.

The historical marker near the site in Norfolk, Virginia,  of this barely remembered disaster, took 98 years to erect. Even the inscription on it says prophetically, “In later years, the story of Roma was largely forgotten.”

This happened 15 years before the more famous Hindenburg disaster, which was caught on film and killed the same number of people.

Books and movies were made about the Hindenburg.

The Roma is forgotten.

But for folks in the Tampa Bay area, the ship’s heroic captain is remembered, and everyone knows his name.

There’s a legacy left behind by him that cuts through the heart of Tampa — in the form of a heavily traveled highway.

The captain’s name?  Dale Mabry.

The day after the disaster, the Tampa Morning Tribune headline screamed, “34 PERISH WITH DIRIGIBLE ROMA.”

This smaller headline was accompanied by a photograph of the captain: “Capt. Dale Mabry of Tampa, a victim.”

Mabry had lived in Tampa before enlisting in the U.S. Army during World War I, and he had family here.

His father, a prominent attorney, had served as Florida’s Lt. Governor, and then later on the Florida Supreme Court, at the turn of the century.

The first mate of the Roma also was a son of a man of prominence — Walter Reed. Dale Mabry had served as best man at the younger Walter Reed’s wedding.

Reed’s father conquered yellow fever and Washington D.C.’s most famous hospital was named after him.

The junior Reed survived the Roma disaster and went on to serve as a general in World War II.

In the years after the Roma tragedy, a road was built to connect MacDill Air Force Base with Drew Field, since both airfields were being used by the military (Drew Field later became Tampa International Airport). The road between the airfields was named after Capt. Dale Mabry.

Here is the headline from the Feb. 22, 1922 issue of the Tampa Morning Tribune, recounting the explosion of the Roma, which claimed the lives of 34 and captured headlines across the globe, at the time. (Courtesy of Tampapix.com)

In decades to come, the road was lengthened through rural cow pastures and orange groves extending from one end of Hillsborough County into neighboring Pasco County.

Aerial photos from the 1950s show Dale Mabry’s northern route bisecting uninhabited pastures.

Today, the pastures and groves have disappeared.

Over the years, millions have used this road that connects the world’s most strategic military operations — Central Command — to thousands of businesses along its route. Dale Mabry Highway is a busy commercial corridor, flanked on both sides by businesses, restaurants, car dealerships and other types of development.

Raymond James Stadium is on one side of the road and George M. Steinbrenner Field is on the other.

It is one of the region’s busiest arteries, named in honor of a man who heroically perished a century ago, hands firmly at the wheel.

Travelers on the road today may not realize it, but as they grip the wheels of their vehicles, they replicate the final posture of Capt. Mabry who perished, while trying to limit casualties from the exploding aircraft.

The story of the ill-fated Roma and her crew has been largely forgotten over time.

But one name remains widely known locally, and now, a century later, his courage on that terrible day, is worth remembering.

By Charlie Reese

Published March 30, 2022

Chasco Fiesta celebrates 100 years

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When the Chasco Fiesta began in 1922, it was headed by Postmaster Gerben DeVries as a way to raise money for the local library, according to a resolution of congratulations adopted on March 22 by the Pasco County Commission.

Kurt Conover appeared on behalf of the Chasco Fiesta celebration, at the March 22 Pasco County Commission meeting, to receive a resolution of congratulations honoring the event’s 100th anniversary. From left: Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, County Commissioner Ron Oakley, County Commissioner Mike Moore, Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey, Kurt Conover, Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick and Commissioner Jack Mariano. This year’s festivities began on March 25 and runs through April 3. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

DeVries was inspired by the Native Americans in the area and the nearby Pithlachascotee River, the source of the names for King Pithla and Queen Chasco, two central characters of the festival, the resolution says.

The resolution credits the sponsors and more than 700 volunteers as the driving forces behind Chasco Fiesta.

They “work tirelessly to create a fun and memorable experience for every attendee, including a steering committee that oversees the year-round planning and organization of the Chasco Fiesta,” the resolution says.

Kurt Conover, accepted the resolution, on behalf of Chasco Fiesta.

“We are very excited. We anticipate record crowds,” Conover said. “We’re expecting over 200,000 people to be participating,” he said.

This year’s festival began on March 25 and runs through April 3.

After the resolution was read, Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey said: “I cannot believe the 100-year date, that it’s the oldest fiesta celebration in the state. That’s amazing. Very cool.”

Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick, who sponsored the resolution, said, “I want to say thank you to all of the volunteers who help make this possible. I’ve been attending this for 33 years, since I’ve been here.

“From watching the parade and watching the boat parade every year. It’s been a very exciting event. I want to encourage everyone to come out,” Fitzpatrick said.

Chasco Fiesta is a 501(C)4 organization, and in 2019 benefited 20 not-for-profit organizations in the local community and surrounding areas.

This year’s festival began on March 25 and runs through April 3. For a look at the festival’s remaining schedule, visit the events calendar at ChascoFiesta.com.

Published March 30, 2022

Tampa announces ‘Spring it Forward’ initiative

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The City of Tampa’s Solid Waste Department is launching the “Spring It Forward” Initiative, designed to help reduce extra waste and its environmental impact during the spring-cleaning season, according to a city news release.

The City of Tampa’s McKay Bay Waste Facility experiences an increase in tonnage each March.

Specifically, there was a 22% increase in waste generated in March 2021, the release says.

To help reduce waste, at the beginning of spring, residents are encouraged to repurpose and donate their unwanted items rather than disposing of them when spring cleaning their homes.

By using the Tampa Trash and Recycling App or on the recycling website, it is possible to search the Waste Sort to find out whether a material can be reused or donated to consignment or local thrift shops.

Taking your items to a local thrift or consignment shop can extend the life span of resources used to create items, the release notes.

“Springing your unwanted, good and working-condition items forward can help those in need,” said Larry Washington, the city’s solid waste director.

“Springing It Forward also helps local charities and nonprofit agencies collect gently used items. We’re excited to help connect families with these resources,” Washington added, in the release.

Residents can download the mobile app, Tampa Trash and Recycling, for Apple or Android devices. The app also can be found on the city website Tampa.gov/Recycle for convenient calendar and waste items search.

Published March 30, 2022

Congratulations to the winners of our Spill The Ink Poetry Contest!

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Popular Choice Winner: Sophia Sullivan

Sophia Sullivan

“Live” 

Don’t you dare be so immobilized by fear that you
forget to sing.

Neglect not your happiness at the expense of
another’s opinion – you cannot afford such a thing.

Our finite residence on this earth will destroy you,
should you not choose to dance.

You are poor of time. The hour hand is resting on
your heart and the minute hand on your mind,
ticking, ticking, ticking – be not in a trance.

So please, I beseech you from my spot in the sky,
do not delay.

Will you just be present, or will you live to face the
Day?

Laura Manson

Publisher’s Choice Winner: Laura Manson

“And They Danced”

they danced through early morning
into the hot passion of noon
into cool sleep of evening
into a spring of birth
a summer of laughter
an autumn of betrayal
a winter of stillness

and they danced
thru rains that flooded the pasture
thru winds that bent the trees
through lightning that blinded the moment
through thunder that muted memories

and they danced
around war
around peace
around broken promises
around broken faith
around redemption

and they danced
sometimes slow and heavy
sometimes fast and afraid
sometimes strong and invincible
sometimes withered and hopeless

and they danced
when youth disappeared
when old age tripled gravity
when time became a noose
and the music faded

and they danced
and they danced

The Laker/Lutz News wants to thank the sponsors who generously donated prizes for our winners: Tangerine Hill, Vintage Chix, San Antonio Pottery, A Cup of Organic