The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Laker/Lutz News wins seven Florida Press Club awards

By

The Laker/Lutz News received seven honors during a virtual awards event held by the Florida Press Club to announce winners in its annual Excellence in Journalism Competition.

The Florida Press Club has been honoring the best in Florida journalism for nearly 70 years. Competition categories range from layout to photography to writing.

This year’s honors — for work published between June 1, 2020 and May 31, 2021, were announced on Jan. 22.

Here are The Laker/Lutz News’ results in the contest:

Writing, Education News, Class C
B.C. Manion, first place
B.C. Manion, second place
B.C. Manion, third place

Writing, Government News, Class C
B.C. Manion, first place

Writing, Light Features, Class C
B.C. Manion, first place

Writing, Sports Features, Class C
Kevin Weiss,  second place

Writing, Travel and Tourism, Class C
Kevin Weiss, second place

Weiss recently left the newspaper to accept a role as public information officer for the City of Zephyrhills.

Published February 02, 2022

Girls’ lacrosse continues rapid growth in Pasco area

By

Less than a decade ago when someone in the Pasco County area mentioned girls’ lacrosse, the reactions varied: Many didn’t know it existed in the area, and some weren’t even 100% sure what it was.

Suffice it to say, lacrosse has come a long way. That’s especially true when it comes to girls’ lacrosse.

Now, each local high school boasts a varsity lacrosse team. And, there’s a travel team based out of Pasco, too.

It has been a slow process.

High schools in the Pasco area started by adopting lacrosse as a club sport more than a decade ago.

Last season’s Titan’s squad from top left: coach Miri Perez, Olivia Dusch, Maddy Coker (goalie), Isabella Butler, Alessia Lloyd, Bridgette Currin, Chloe Norman, Miranda Garcia and coach Craig Havemann. Bottom left: Paige Peters, Bethany Bonds, Kennedy Young, Hailey Allen, Eva Risinger, Jerianne Morris, Luna Khatib, Mackenzine Smith and Presley Sartori. (Courtesy of Jessica Norman)

In those days, they searched long and hard to find opposing teams.

Back then, most schedules included just a few games each season and there weren’t any playoffs.

But for the past five years, it has been a school-sanctioned varsity sport. Each school now plays  full district schedules, beginning in mid-February.

The teams play 12 games to 15 games a season. They have a chance to  compete in playoffs, and, then, of course, go for a state title.

The Tampa Titans — the only girls’ lacrosse travel team in Pasco — provides a chance for girls to play the sport year-round.

Some of those players aspire to play at the collegiate level, and some receive offers to do just that.

In addition to the Titans, there’s a team called Titans Carolina, which is for girls who are new to the sport or who are at an intermediate skill level and hope to move up to play for the Titans.

Both the Titans and Titans Carolina are led by experienced coaches from Wiregrass Ranch, Land O’ Lakes, Cypress Creek and Wesley Chapel high schools.

The league also offers clinics during the year for those interested in learning the game or who want to remain active, during their high school team’s off-season.

In case you’re one of those people who is unfamiliar with the sport, lacrosse is a game where opposing teams try to get a small rubber ball into their opponent’s goal. Instead of kicking or throwing the ball with their hands or feet, they use long sticks with a net-like basket, which they use to pick up, carry, throw, catch and shoot the ball.

The Titans lacrosse program is now limited to girls who are in currently in seventh grade up to those entering senior year. But later this year, the organization plans to begin allowing girls as young as age 5 to play.

Jessica Norman, vice president of operations for the Titans, has witnessed the benefits of girls playing lacrosse beyond their school team’s schedule.

Her daughter, Chloe, gave up volleyball and track as a freshman at Land O’ Lakes to concentrate on playing lacrosse. She plays for the Gators and the Titans.

She decided to focus exclusively on lacrosse after noticing interest in the sport beginning to grow.

The senior midfielder’s dedication has resulted in a scholarship to play at the University of Montevallo (Division II) in Alabama in the fall.

Jessica Norman is enthused about opportunities to play lacrosse is being expanded for younger players.

“The biggest benefit will be learning and playing the sport together from a young age,” she said. “When a team plays together from a young age, it can be a force to be reckoned with for many years to follow,” she said. That, she added, “helps build a very strong team as well as many lifelong friendships.”

Alix Baldini coaches Chloe Norman for the Land O’ Lakes girls’ lacrosse team and the Titans.

Baldini knows how beneficial it can be for the girls to essentially play lacrosse year-round.

It gives them more chances to build their skills and to gain exposure, which can be beneficial if they are interested in competing at the college level, she said.

“Lacrosse has grown tremendously within the last decade, especially in areas where most had never heard of the sport unless they were from up north along the east coast,” said the sixth-year coach. “High school lacrosse continues to be one of the top sports played by girls due to its versatility of movements from sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball and hockey, as well as its genuine fun and action-packed atmosphere.”

As the league allows more players, the sport will gain greater exposure and is likely to grow, Baldini said.

“Getting kids into the sport at a young age makes it easier to grow and advance compared to those — who, like me — just started playing when they are introduced to the sport in high school,” she said.

Tampa Titans Tryouts
What: Tryouts for the summer season of the Tampa Titans
When: March 6 and March 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, at the fields
Who: Tryouts open to players currently in seventh grade to 11th grade
Info: Email , or visit https://tampatitanslacrosse.sportngin.com/

By Justin Dargahi

Published February 02, 2022

These little libraries are popular

By

(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club donates hundreds of books for the community over the course of every year, to two Little Free Libraries and other outlets that the club supports. Recently, the Nye Park little library was damaged beyond repair, and a gentleman from a Lutz woodworkers group promptly stepped forward and handcrafted and installed a colorful box (shown here) filled with club-provided reading material for local children and adults. Faith Sincich regularly restocks the two boxes and has said that they are well-used by readers.

A ‘sweet’ gesture for seniors

By

(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club assembled hundreds of Valentine’s Day cards and treats for homebound seniors, to be delivered by Meals on Wheels along with the client’s meals. Each packet contains a Valentine with a handwritten message and a chocolate heart confection, to help raise the seniors’ spirits and bring them cheer. From left: Helen Fornino, Dorrien Zilavetz, Lois Cohen, Judie McHenry, Aniko Solomonson and Sandi Giddens.

There’s No Planned Community Like Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

By

When families are looking for a new place to call home, they have several master-planned communities to choose from in Pasco County. But, there’s none quite like Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

“We are not just developers — we are building a brand 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.

Homes in the residential community range in price from the mid $200s to over $400s.

“Our builders offer homes for everyone, from teachers to physicians to empty-nesters wanting the convenience of the no-fuss, townhome lifestyle,” said Lerret.

Downtown Avalon Park
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will offer places to shop and work in its downtown hub that will be connected to its residential neighborhoods by tree-lined streets, walkways and bike paths.

“We are building a traditional downtown, with stores located inside of our community on the boulevard road leading to our residences, parks and schools,” said Lerret. “We are creating a town that spreads out from the town center connecting to individual neighborhoods — very much like the footprints of small towns found across America.”

The first phase of downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will include 130,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space and apartments built above the storefronts.

“We’re building beautiful, multi-story buildings with commercial space designed for businesses our residents want close to home — restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars and entertainment, hair and nail salons, as well as activities like dance, gymnastic and karate studios,” said Lerret.

Eventually, Avalon Park’s downtown will have more than 560,000 square feet of retail, and 120,000 square feet of office space. At build out, this 1,650-acre master-planned community will have about 4,400 single and multi-family homes, and be home to 10,000 residents.

D.R. Horton Is Now Pre-Selling in Westgate
D.R. Horton is now pre-selling homes in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, in its all-new community — Westgate at Avalon Park.

There are 14 single-family floor plans to choose from that include from 3 to 5 bedrooms, 2 to 3 bathrooms, and range from 1,504 to 3,561 square feet. New townhomes are expected to come soon.

Initial sales will be conducted through D.R. Horton’s online sales team, and then move to the company’s sales staff working inside its model homes. Their model home will be open and staffed seven days a week.

D.R Horton home features include open-concept floor plans, granite kitchen countertops, a stainless-steel appliance package, and are equipped with Home is Connected, D.R. Horton’s Smart Home system.

Westgate Village encompasses 285 acres in the back of Avalon, about a mile from its entrance on State Road 54, which offers residents a quiet, suburban setting. It will embrace its own set of amenities, including a resort-style pool; open-air clubhouse with an outdoor kitchen, playground, open sports field, and picnic area with pavilions.

For more information, visit DRHorton.com, or call 866-475-3347.

A Celebration Planned to Remember
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel would like the public to know about a special event being hosted at the Pasco Fine Arts Council, located at its center at 4145 Fairford Drive, Port Richey, FL 34632, on Feb. 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

The event will be a celebration of life for Jo Baughman, longtime director of the Pasco Fine Arts Council, who passed away in September 2020.

It will feature 50 or so of her paintings, a live auction, music, wine, etc., and all of the profits will go to the center.

“We all miss Jo so much, and we wanted to do something special for her,” says Annie Harris, a friend of Baughman. “She put all her heart and soul into the council.”

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel began its partnership with the arts council back in 2019.

It was just a year earlier that Avalon Park’s executive team met with Baughman to offer their Welcome Center as a new gallery on the east side of the county. The developer also committed to building a permanent arts center in its downtown in coming years.

“This partnership is bringing great opportunities to expand the arts to not only our community, but the entire east side of the county,” says Lerret.

The loss of Baughman — who was 75 when she died on Sept. 18 after a short battle with lung cancer — was especially emotional for Lerret, who worked closely with Baughman to set up the location of the East Pasco Fine Arts Council at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

“Jo’s desire to share that passion with others was an inspiration. We are blessed to have known Jo and to absorb her knowledge of the finer things,” said Lerret.

For more information about the Pasco Fine Arts Council, visit PascoArts.org.

Movie Under the Stars

For this month’s “Movie Under the Stars” event, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will be playing “The Little Mermaid.” The feature film will play on Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. Be sure to bring chairs and blankets, and be prepared for lots of family fun!
Avalon Applauds
Know an individual or nonprofit that goes above and beyond in the Wesley Chapel and/or Zephyrhills community?
Please include the full name, contact information and a summary as to why the person organization deserves to be recognized.
Spotlighted individuals/nonprofits receive a $50 gift card to a local business.
Published January 26, 2022

Simple Ways to Make Valentine’s Day Special

By

Handmade gifts always seem to be bundled with extra love, knowing that someone put time and effort into making it.

For Valentine’s Day, Bella Home Market in Lutz is featuring handmade products by local sellers that you can’t find in the Valentine’s Day aisle at big box stores.

Toffee To Go is making a return after its popularity during Christmas time. The treats come packed in a box and bow, ready to be delivered to your special someone. Jade’s Soap Shop also will be making an appearance. The Dunedin-based business specializes in aesthetic soaps of all unique patterns with a blend of specialized scents. Tres Monkey Skin Care will feature its products at Bella Home, for men and women. This includes hygiene products, soap scrubs and bath creams, many of which would make a great gift basket also paired with Jade’s Soap Shop.

“It’s spectacular we can feature so many local sellers during the holidays,” said owner Lou Malerba. “These thoughtful gifts are perfect for anyone on Valentine’s Day that likes gifts with meaning.”

Throughout the year, Bella Home Market is known for its upscale décor and memorable merchandise. They’re the only elite retailer of the popular DIY paint, Dixie Belle, that is locally based. Nowhere else in Lutz can you find every line of Dixie Belle product. The store offers all-inclusive classes throughout the year that teaches the Dixie Belle painting techniques, and sends you home with a decor item you’ve created.

For online orders and Dixie Belle class signups, visit BellaHomeMarket.com.

Published January 26, 20222

Glaring Home Improvements Aren’t Going Anywhere. Your Tax Refund Can Help.

By

Tax refund season is here, and it’s understandable to consider lavishly spending your money on a vacation to the beach or a weeklong mountain getaway.

However, those necessary home improvements will still be there when you get back. It’s a much wiser and more beneficial decision to your family to use the money to update your home’s mechanical systems.

“With inflation rising and the cost of goods increasing at a rapid rate, a wise investment would be to take your tax return and invest the money back into your home’s mechanical systems, prior to additional price increase and to avoid any future shortages,” said Miguel Silva of Cornerstone Pros Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical in Land O’ Lakes

Silva explained that if your home was built in the past 12-20 years, it is likely overdue for a new A/C system, water heater and possible electrical panel.

A tax refund could cover the cost of converting to a tankless hot water heater, replacing your electrical panel or upgrading your outdated electrical panels to better fit today’s energy demand. Plus, it can be a significant down payment toward a new A/C system.

“Many people wait until their A/C system completely fails, or end up spending too much money on repairs trying to keep it going,” said Silva.

He explained that replacing your home’s mechanical systems typically pays for themselves within a few years. Replacing your aged A/C system with a high-efficiency air conditioner can lower your energy bills significantly when it gets hot.

“If you take care of these home improvement projects now before our busy summer months, we’ll get your job done within a day or two, and are offering some great coupons to reduce your cost,” Silva added.

Cornerstone Pros was founded in 2006 in Land O’ Lakes and has been serving our local community for over 15 years. Over the years, it has built a strong, long-term relationship with the community that is evident by its customer ratings.

“Every morning, we are stocked and prepared to address any customer dilemma that might arise,” said Silva. “Please call us today to get a quote for your home improvement project, so you’re ready to go when your tax refund comes in. We look forward to serving you and having you be one of our satisfied customers.”

Tax Refund Specials & 18 months No Interest Financing

$200 OFF Energy savings Bundle
Upgrade to a high efficiency A/C and tankless water heater at the same and receive a free nest

$50 OFF
Tankless Water Heater Installed

$50 OFF
LED Lighting Upgrade

$75 OFF Generator

Published January 26, 2022

UPS becomes final occupant in spec building project

By

The Asturia Corporate Center, a speculative building project supported by Penny for Pasco funding, has reached full occupancy, according to a Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., news release.

UPS has become the final tenant in the 235,000-square-foot building that is now filled to  capacity, with a mix of occupants, representing various target industry sectors.

Taxpayer funds, generated through Penny for Pasco revenues, have supported this speculative building project, which is now 100% occupied by a mix of tenants, bringing new job opportunities to Pasco County. Voter-approved Penny for Pasco revenues are designated for a variety of uses, including economic development, public safety vehicles and equipment, conservation of land and natural resources, transportation infrastructure, and enhancements to school facilities. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.)

Building speculative space is a risky business considering the costs of developing infrastructure, the Pasco EDC release points out.

“Early in the current development cycle, the Penny for Pasco, a Pasco taxpayer approved $0.01 sales tax, helped bridge capital gaps with loans to developers willing to build speculative space,” the release adds.

The goal of bringing new office and industrial space to market to attract new and expanding industries has proved successful, the release continues.

“In 2018, Pasco County Commissioners approved a 10-year, $7 million Penny for Pasco loan to HP Asturia, LLC (Harrod Development) to build Asturia Corporate Center, a $26 million, 235,000-square-foot speculative “Flex-Industrial” project to meet the demands of Pasco’s rapidly growing industrial sectors.

“Many companies don’t have years to search for a location and build out an entire facility, and that’s why these speculative projects are so important,” Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC president/CEO, explained in the release.

“I can’t emphasize enough the importance of having a local government who truly understands the support our business community needs. Now Pasco is experiencing sustained growth and market demand attracting speculative development that would not be possible without the Penny for Pasco.”

Asturia Corporate Center’s tenant mix includes UPS, Lowe’s, Stratford Care and Belmar— bringing 286 new jobs to Pasco, when all the tenant improvements are completed, the release says.

It is expected to create up to 400 total jobs created over the life of the leases, the release adds.

The news release also points out that once fully completed, the project is expected to bring close to $35 million, annually, in positive economic impact to Pasco’s Gross County Product over the next 10 years. Those figures are based on estimates from Pasco County’s Office of Economic Growth, according to the release.

The county board chairwoman also weighed in.

“The success of the Asturia Corporate Center is a perfect example of Pasco’s Master Planned Unit Development (MPUD) strategy.

“We encourage developers to design business parks into their residential developments, and when we work together, great companies with high paying jobs want to move to Pasco,” Pasco County Commission Chairman Kathryn Starkey, said in the release.

Penny for Pasco has twice been approved by Pasco voters. It is a tax, paid at the rate of 1 cent per each dollar per sale, up to a sales amount of $5,000, according to the Pasco County website.

The funds are designated for economic development, public safety vehicles and equipment, conservation of land and natural resources, transportation infrastructure improvements, and enhancements to educational facilities.

The first Penny for Pasco Local Government Infrastructure Surtax was passed by Pasco County voters on March 9, 2004 and was in effect from Jan. 1, 2005 through Dec. 31, 2014, and collected more than $320,000,000.

On Nov. 6, 2012, voters approved the continuation of Penny for Pasco for 10 additional years, garnering support from 70% of the county’s voters. Under that vote, the county began collecting Penny for Pasco revenues in January 2015 and will continue collecting them through  Dec. 31, 2024.

Proceeds from the second round of Penny for Pasco are expected to exceed $700,000,000, the website says.

Published January 26, 2022

Zephyrhills seeks input on resiliency, economics

By

The City of Zephyrhills is hosting a public workshop to gather community input and to discuss the creation of an Economic Development and Resiliency Plan, according to a city news release.

The meeting is set for Jan. 27 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the City Hall Council Chambers, 5335 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills.

The city will be engaging the public to identity existing assets, and conduct an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats — to create an economic development and resiliency plan, the news release says.

The new plan is intended to provide city staff and elected officials with a concise vision for the future. It will establish goals and implementation strategies to strengthen the city’s market position and its ability to withstand economic stresses, the release adds.

The document ultimately will be a guide for future plan and policy decisions. The exercise will be facilitated by Kimley-Horn.

Published January 26, 2022

An unmistakable image

By

This great blue heron was sitting in the pond at Steve Vinik’s home in Lexington Oaks, in Wesley Chapel, squawking at something. After gazing fixedly for some minutes and then swiveling its head when Vinik tapped at the window, the heron suddenly lifted off across the pond.