The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Avalon Park Applauds the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel

By

Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

This nonprofit organization helps support local and international causes. The club has helped raise money for high school seniors, first responders, families in need, and even an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) park in Wesley Chapel.

The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel has committed to devoting its efforts over the next three years to raise $500,000 to build a therapeutic home at the Bridging Freedom campus for young girls who are victims of sex trafficking.

According to the club’s website, the Bridging Freedom campus is at a secure location in the Tampa area, and it has approval for a total of seven homes. Two of these homes have already been built with the support of the Lazy Days Employee Foundation and the Chuck Sykes Foundation. The club’s goal is that the Rotary House will be the third home.

“Raising money for the home is a huge project. But when the club heard about the human trafficking issue, we made it our mission,”  says Charane Groeller, current president of the Rotary club.

If you or someone you know is a roofer, electrician, plumber, landscaper, and/or general contractor, or has building materials, Groeller encourages you to reach out to the Rotary club to donate your time/services for this project.

The main way the Rotary club is able to help support organizations like Bridging Freedom is through fundraising events.

The club’s next big event is at the sixth annual Pasco Blues Fest Benefit Concert, which is happening this Saturday, March 12, from noon to 8 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. Tickets are $20 at the gate, and 100% of the profits will go to the fundraising of the therapeutic home for sex-trafficking victims.

The Rotary club meets every Wednesday at Lexington Oaks, in Wesley Chapel, at noon. Meetings usually last about an hour and a half. The club currently has 78 members.

“We are a fun and vibrant club,” says Groeller. “We have bankers, realtors, insurance agents, accountants and lawyers just to name a few. We all get along pretty well. I think it’s because we all have one mission: to help the community.”

Groeller welcomes anyone interested to join. There is an application fee and quarterly dues.

For more information, go to WCRotary.com, email , or call 813- 493-1329.

Motorists expected to encounter delays on Blanton Road

By

A resurfacing project on Blanton Road, between Parrish Grove Road to 21st Street, was set to begin on March 7 and is expected to conclude in 21 days, according to a Pasco County news release.

The county shared the information to alert motorists to be aware of the resurfacing project, which will result in single-lane closures and minor delays on the road.

The work involves resurfacing the existing road and adding new pavement markings, with the goal of creating better roadway conditions, according to the release.

Work hours will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, throughout the duration of the project, the news release says.

Motorists should expect to see message boards to direct traffic.

Asphalt Paving Systems Inc., is the contractor for this Pasco County public works project.

For a map of the project, visit bit.ly/3JRz6Vq.

Published March 09, 2022

This fair delivered heaping helpings of fun

By

Pirate Dan Man, right, also known as Daniel Jolley of Groton, Vermont, performed daily from his strolling mobile ship, at the fair. Here, he introduces 3-year-old Mayer Henry, of Dade City, as his assistant. Mayer was enjoying the fair with his dad, Jamie Floyd, of Dade City. (Fred Bellet)

From the joy that comes from hearing children laugh with delight, to the aroma of fried foods filling the air, to the spectacle of contestants gorging themselves with spaghetti — the 75th annual Pasco County Fair had myriad opportunities for people to have a good time.

A giant talking robot strolled through the fairgrounds cracking jokes.

Rides offered speed, thrills and dazzling lights.

Gospel singers and karaoke performers entertained the crowds.

And, of course, there were chances to compete in home craft categories, and at livestock shows.

For some, the trip to the fair, at 36722 State Road 52, in Dade City, was a pleasant way to spend time with family and catch up with old friends.

The theme of this year’s fair, from Feb. 21 to Feb. 27, was “Memories Made New.”

There were plenty of chances to do that — to make new memories, that is.

Published March 09, 2022

It’s lonely at the top for this Cochin breed chicken that took first place at the 75th annual Pasco County Fair. The blue ribbon for this winner went to Academy at the Farm 4-H and Progressive 4-H member, 9-year-old Aidon Oakley, of Zephyrhills.
Jesse Pinkston, a Possum Trot 4-H member, leads his steer across the arena during judging of the showmanship event. Pinkston was in the class 2 junior division.
Dade City’s Salvatore Ficchi digs in to a bowl of spaghetti during the Spaghetti Eddie’s Spaghetti-Eating Contest. Ficchi was the first to sign up for the pasta-consuming event. James Lloyd, a visitor from New Jersey, claimed first place in the race.
Lily Briscoe waits for the judging results in the junior division steer showmanship competition. The Progressive 4-H member has a shoulder to share with her steer.
A lengthy camera exposure shows part of the path of the whirling and twirling amusement ride called The Beast. Others wait their turn during a visit to the midway, at the 75th annual Pasco County Fair.
Contestants line up during the Miss Heart Pageant in the Dan Cannon Auditorium during the 75th annual Pasco County Fair.
The Ferris wheel’s lights create a beautiful pattern high above the Pasco County Fairgrounds.
Performing on the stage at the Dan Cannon Auditorium stage, from left, Roland Kesterson, Isaac Moore, Wyatt Austin and Luke Vaught make up The Inspirations, a Gospel music group. They were among the slate of entertainers at the 75th annual Pasco County Fair.
Corlyn Lloyd peeks from behind a curtain, moments before the introduction of the Miss Heart contestants. She was checking out the crowd in the Dan Cannon Auditorium.

 

Prayers for Ukraine featured at Ash Wednesday service

By

Pope Francis designated this Ash Wednesday as a day of prayer and fasting for peace in Ukraine, which Saint Leo University observed through a 5 p.m. Mass dedicated to praying for peace in Ukraine.

Students assisted with the Mass at St. Leo Abbey Church, which concluded with lighting candles and praying the “Peace Prayer of St. Francis.”

University Ministry student-leaders; Father Randall Meissen, university chaplain; and Father Anthony Ujagbo, graduate assistant, distributed blessed ashes outside of the Saint Jude Chapel clock tower at University Campus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., on March 2, according to a university news release.

Father Anthony Ujagbo makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of Vice President of Student Affairs Jen Shaw. The priest was part of a team distributing ashes on Ash Wednesday, which was March 2, at Saint Leo University. (Courtesy of Isaac Jeter/Saint Leo University)

A rollicking good time

By

(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club members’ troupe gave a ‘Sisters Act’-style performance as old-school nuns in full habits, to entertain members and guests at a recent club meeting. The troupe sang and danced to the tune, ‘I Will Follow Him.’ From left: Dee Knerr, Kay Taylor, Annette Bellingar, and Elayne Bassinger, who portrayed Mother Superior. For more information on the club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org, or its Facebook page.

Dr. Eugene Linus Kavanagh

By

A greatly loved man by many, Dr. Eugene Linus Kavanagh (age 74) passed away peacefully in his Florida home on February 19th 2022.  He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Rondzo Phillip Kavanagh and Mary Linus Kavanagh (Blake), as well as his beloved sister, Eileen Jane Kavanagh.

Eugene was born in Brooklyn, NY and grew up in Farmingdale, NY.  He attended the Main Street School and then Chaminade High School in Mineola graduating in 1964.  He then went to Fordham University where he obtained his pre-med undergraduate degree in 1968.  Eugene continued his studies at Duke University in NC before attending New York Medical college.  It was during this time he met his wife, Peggy Ann Kavanagh (Orlando).  He graduated with his medical degree in 1974 and shortly afterwards he married the love of his life at Holy Child parish in Staten Island, NY on January 10th 1976.  He spent the rest of his life loving her.

Eugene is survived by his wife, Peggy, his son, Sean Michael Kavanagh, his daughter Kristen Marie Kavanagh, his daughter-in-law Rachel Elizabeth Kavanagh (Brewer) and grandchildren, Bradyn Linus Kavanagh, Clare London Kavanagh, and Audrey Eileen Kavanagh.

Eugene practiced Urology in New York, Ohio, Texas, and Tennessee touching the lives of not only his patients but also his coworkers.  He was both a skilled physician, and an overall great guy.  His friends and colleagues will remember him fondly for his many (often irreverent) jokes, and one-of-a-kind personality.

After 31 years of practicing medicine Eugene was able to fulfill his dream of retiring inf Florida, building his dream home in sunny Land O’ Lakes with his wife.  He spent his retirement enjoying the Florida weather, playing tennis with friends whenever he could, helping his grandson with schoolwork, spending time with his granddaughters and going on family vacations as much as possible.

He will be tremendously missed, but he would want those who knew him to remember him with a smile.

A wake will be held at Hanley Funeral Home between 5 pm and 8 pm on Staten Island on Friday Feb 25th with a mass and burial the following day (Feb 26th) at Holy Child Catholic Church, also on Staten Island, NY.

In lieu of flowers, we’re asking for donations to Moffitt Cancer Center in his memory.

Published 03/02/2022

Anglers can try their luck at plenty of spots in Pasco

By

Fishing — like many recreational pursuits — requires its own special gear.

Want to catch a fish?

You’ll need a rod and reel, a net, a bait bucket.

Anglers catch tarpon, grouper, sharks, snook, redfish and other fish in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Pasco County. (Courtesy of Experience Florida’s Sports Coast)

It takes guts, too —  to hook a slimy worm, or a prickly pinfish, or to risk a $20 lure.

Then, you’ll need to head out to your playing field: The Gulf of Mexico, a river or a lake.

Mostly, though, you need luck.

Being lucky while fishing is what makes it so addicting.

You can fish alone, or with friends.

You can fish while listening to a football game, or while bird-watching.

You can fish for your dinner.

You can catch and release, and you can tell lies.

You can fish just because it’s fun.

I once saw a man wearing dress pants, and an oxford cloth shirt and tie — out fly fishing in a creek, in the middle of the day in Durango, Colorado.

I remember thinking, “I want to live in a place where I can fish on my lunch hour.”

Pasco County offers that.

It borders the Gulf of Mexico. It has rivers and lakes, and there are lots of boat ramps and piers.

Boaters have it made.

But if you don’t have a boat, you rent one from a marina, or borrow a kayak, or hire a fishing guide, or fish off a pier.

If you’re ready to cast a few lines, here are some fishing spots that are worth checking out.

The pier in Anclote Gulf Park in Holiday is 500 feet long and a favorite among anglers. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Anclote Gulf Park
Anclote Gulf Park has a 500-foot pier open free 24 hours daily and a boat ramp offering easy access to the Gulf. The 23-acre park itself is open daily, dawn to dusk, and has a playground, dog park, trails, picnic tables and restrooms. It’s at 2305 Baillies Bluff Road in Holiday.

Tarpon, goliath grouper, sharks, red snappers, snook, trout, redfish and scallops are all in Gulf waters. The 10-day bay scallop season starts the third Friday in July.

Anclote River Park
Anclote River Park, down the street at 1119 Baillies Bluff Road, also has a boat ramp, docks and fishing access to Anclote flats for inshore fishing for trout, Spanish mackerel, snook and redfish. The 30-acre park is free and open dawn to dusk.

Eagle Point Park
Eagle Point Park is another popular place to fish. It’s at 4499 Straub Memorial Drive in New Port Richey, bordering the Gulf. It has three fishing piers, a kayak launch and picnic shelters, trails and a playground. It’s open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily, except Thursdays, when it opens at 9 a.m.

Along the Pithlachascotee River
There are several places along the Pithlachascotee River, or “Cotee,” as locals call it, where anglers like to cast their lines. Here are two:

  • Port Richey Waterfront Park
    Port Richey Waterfront Park, at 8119 Old Post Road, has a kayak launch and a 200-foot fishing pier over the Cotee. The park is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and has a pavilion, playground, restrooms and a dog park.
  • The Sims Park Boat Ramp
    The Sims Park Boat Ramp into the Cotee is at 5443 Main Street in New Port Richey near downtown. It’s free and open 24 hours daily. Sims Park also has a small lake, a riverfront walk, picnic shelters and restrooms.

Withlacoochee River Park
Withlacoochee River Park, at 12449 Withlacoochee Blvd., in Dade City, has a kayak dock into the Withlacoochee River, where anglers catch largemouth bass, speckled perch, bream, chain pickerel, catfish and bluegill. Park hours are daily, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission is free.

Fishing spots at Pasco County parks
Pasco County is lake country and plenty of parks have lakes.

Here are just a few:

  • Moon Lake Park
    Children catch lots of fish off Middle Lake Park’s pier in Dade City. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

    Moon Lake Park, at 8985 Lake Drive, in New Port Richey, has a boat launch, popular with folks fishing for whopper largemouth bass. The launch is limited to small-powered-engine boats and kayaks, but that’s all you need to fish on this large lake. The park, open daily from dawn to dusk, also has a small beach, picnic tables, a playground, basketball court and picturesque trees.

  • Crews Lake Wilderness Park
    Crews Lake Wilderness Park, at 16739 Crews Lake Drive, in Spring Hill, has a fishing pier children especially like. But the lake tends to be clogged with weeds in areas, so it is not popular among serious boating anglers, says park supervisor David Jay. Jay says the lake is good for kayakers, though, and for boaters with engines that are 10-horsepower or less. The lake at 200-plus acres is one of the largest natural lakes in Pasco County, and has largemouth bass, crappies, catfish, gar and bream.
  • Middle Lake Park
    Middle Lake Park, at 18620 Townsend House Road, in Dade City, has a fishing pier over a 200-acre lake, a kayak launch and a boat ramp for boats 16 feet or smaller. The park, free and open daily from dawn to dusk, also has a picnic area.

For more advice, PascoCountyFL.net lists boat ramps and kayak launches in the county. Another site, SaltChef.com, also lists Pasco County boat ramps, fishing piers and parks.

By Karen Haymon Long

Published March 02, 2022

Welcoming Mike Camunas to The Laker/Lutz News news team

By

Mike Camunas, a native of Tampa, has joined The Laker/Lutz News news team.

He  has lived in Pasco County for nearly 40 years and during that time, he has seen the area transform from a place of sparse houses and orange groves into a bustling and thriving community.

While there aren’t many places he hasn’t visited within the area, he’s always on the lookout for something new to see or someone new to meet.

He began journalism on whim. He knew he wanted to write, but wasn’t sure how to achieve that, without his words turning into ramblings in a notebook.

Still, he took a shot.

He approached the Pasco section of The Tampa Tribune, seeking a chance to write.

He scored an assignment to do a community sports feature.

He quickly realized, however, from rewrites in those early days, that he needed more experience.

Undaunted, he plugged away — seeking out potential stories, pitching them and accepting every assignment that came his way.

Those efforts paid off.

He became a go-to freelance reporter for the Tribune in 2004, and funny enough, his first assignment was to cover a high school boys soccer game for his alma mater: Wesley Chapel High.

That story led to other assignments.

About a year later, he was recruited to cover the University of South Florida athletics as a freelancer for The St. Petersburg Times, now known as The Tampa Bay Times.

While doing that, he also was the sports editor for the USF Oracle, the university’s student newspaper,

He received a degree from USF in 2007, with a major in Mass Communications Journalism and a minor in Creative Writing.

Next, the Times hired him to be its community sports editor in Pasco and Hernando counties. In that role, he covered  everything from recreation, to youth sports, to even the local golf scene.

He made the switch back to the Tampa Tribune in 2010, becoming the Pasco Tribune sports coordinator for six years. The job involved building five sports pages a week.

At the same time, he was a correspondent for The Associated Press, covering national sporting events and professional sports teams, including the 2008 World Series here in Tampa Bay.

His other writing and reporting experiences have included completing assignments for several local magazines and in nearly every major newspaper throughout Florida.

Editor’s note: We’re happy to welcome Mike Camunas to his new role as a staff writer for our newspaper. We are confident that his experience and enthusiasm will result in interesting, important and fun stories for our readers. If you’d like to welcome Mike or reach out to him with story ideas, email him at .

Published March 02, 2022

Overpass Road has reopened

By

Overpass Road reopened last week to vehicular traffic, between Old Pasco and Boyette roads.

One lane is open in each direction, according to a Pasco County news release.

No pedestrian or bicycle traffic is allowed and there is no access to Interstate 75, from Overpass Road.

Additional lanes on Overpass Road and the ramps to and from I-75 are projected to open later this year or early 2023, the news release says.

There also will be traffic signals at Old Pasco Road, the two intersections at the I-75 ramps, and Boyette Road.

Construction continues to build sidewalks for future safe pedestrian use.

The area is posted at 30 mph for worker and public safety. Motorists also must be prepared to stop at Old Pasco and Boyette roads.

Overpass Road had been closed since February 2021 to remove the existing bridge and build replacement bridges in conjunction with the new interchange construction, the release adds.

At the time of the closure, according to a report in The Laker/Lutz News, officials from the Florida Department of Transportation, said the closure was expected to last a year, which is essentially what happened.

Although the road has reopened, work on the design-build project continues.

The new interstate interchange being built at I-75 at Overpass Road, is about 3.5 miles south of State Road 52. The new diamond interchange will include a flyover ramp for westbound Overpass Road access onto southbound I-75.

Overpass Road is being widened to four lanes between I-75 and Old Pasco Road and to six lanes between I-75 and Boyette Road.

Completion of the approximately $64 million project is scheduled for summer 2023.

Published March 02, 2022

This pitching coach brings a world of experience to the job

By

He has a World Series ring.

He played at every level in professional baseball — competing in practically every state — and once struck out his childhood hero during a major league game.

He represented his home country of Canada at the World Baseball Classic and won a championship in Japan.

Academy at the Lakes pitching coach Scott Mathieson talks to players on Academy at the Lakes baseball team. (Courtesy of Joey Johnston)

Right-handed pitcher Scott Mathieson had an enormously interesting and varied career. When he speaks from experience, people should listen.

Baseball players for Academy at the Lakes (AATL), where Mathieson has begun his second season as the volunteer pitching coach, are the beneficiaries.

Coach Ken Akins and the Wildcat players agree — Mathieson’s words are like gold.

“He has seen it all,’’ AATL sophomore right-hander Jonny Alvarez said. “He told me to bring my arm down. Now I am throwing it faster and more accurately. I didn’t have much power in my legs and he has changed that. He knows what’s wrong and what’s right. It’s making a huge difference.’’

“I have seen so many benefits,’’ AATL senior left-hander Cole Syversen said. “The velocity on my fastball has increased. He tells me how to get my (body’s) lower half involved and it just clicks immediately. The way he describes it, you know it’s the way it should be.’’

Mathieson, a former 17th-round draft choice, was with the Philadelphia Phillies’ organization for 10 years, and he pitched 15 MLB games over three seasons. Ultimately, though, his progress was derailed by three elbow surgeries. He pitched eight more seasons with the Yomiuri Giants, appearing in 300 games as a reliever and winning the 2012 Japan Championship Series.

Former professional baseball player Scott Mathieson shares his knowledge about pitching with players on Academy at the Lakes’ team. (Courtesy of Joey Johnston)

When it came time for retirement — and when his two children, Lane (9) and Brooke (6), enrolled at AATL — Mathieson asked if he could be involved with the baseball program.

The answer: A resounding yes!

“You can’t put a price tag on how Scott relates to the kids and how he helps their game,’’ Akins said. “We are really fortunate to have him. He shoots straight from the hip, no sugar-coating. He tells you how hard you need to work for success. Our guys have exploded with confidence and success by sticking to his plan.’’

Mathieson, whose fastball touched 100 mph in his prime, said he has enjoyed working with players who are so eager to learn.

“You teach them how to play, but even more, you teach them how to practice, how to make best use of their time and how to work properly,’’ Mathieson said. “Everybody’s pinnacle is different. You want to come close to your pinnacle and never have regrets. Whether that means getting into a high school game or reaching the major league level, let’s get there.

“You just want them to play to their best ability and not be satisfied with anything less than that. I got a little taste of the top level. It takes a lot of work, some luck and staying healthy. If a kid has a desire to improve and pursue his goals, it’s exciting to know I can help in those areas.’’

Scott Mathieson was with the Philadelphia Phillies’ organization for 10 years. (Courtesy of Wikipedia commons)

Mathieson, who turned 38 on Feb. 27, said his biggest MLB thrill was twice striking out Ken Griffey Jr., then with the Cincinnati Reds. When Mathieson grew up in a small town outside of Vancouver, he idolized Griffey and his early career with the Seattle Mariners.

“That was pretty cool,’’ Mathieson said. “I got to talk to him afterward and he signed a couple of baseballs for me. I was fortunate enough to strike out a few good names.’’

But the elbow injuries altered the course of his career. He has no regrets. In fact, he loves his life, particularly the part that involves taking his kids to school each morning and being intimately involved in their lives.

Mathieson also coaches with his son’s youth league team.

“I think the important things are learning the game, learning sportsmanship, making friends, being a good teammate and playing the game the right way,’’ Mathieson said. “Making a (physical) error doesn’t matter to me. As long as you’re paying attention, being disciplined and giving your best effort, it’s fine. It’s a game. It’s supposed to be fun.

“When I grew up in our small town, after our baseball games, the parents did the barbecue, the kids played Frisbee on the field, and everybody was friends. That’s the kind of attitude and environment we should have with our kids in baseball. It’s meant to be fun. I know I’m having a lot of fun, and if the kids can learn the game and have fun, that’s all I can ask.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published March 02, 2022