The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Light industrial development proposed for Lacoochee

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a land use change that is expected to set the stage for a light-industrial development in Lacoochee.

The land use change, approved by the county board on March 8, converted a 33-acre site from a residential designation to one that allows consideration of light-industrial uses.

The site is south of Coit Road, west of Bower Road, east of the CSX Railroad and north of Cummer Road.

The proposed One Lacoochee Center is expected to generate jobs for the Lacoochee-Trilby area.

The application was submitted through the county’s Office of Economic Growth.

There is a 0.21-acre parcel at the southwest corner of Chapman Street and the CSX Railroad, which is not included as part of this comprehensive plan amendment.

To the north of the subject side is the Pine Products Road right of way, Coit Road and the First Baptist Church of Lacoochee.

To the south is Lacoochee Elementary, Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Citrus Villas I and Cypress Villas, I and II.

To the east of the property is the Bower Road right of way and the CSX Rail Line.

To the west is the West Cypress Manor wastewater treatment facility plant, Pine Products Road right of way and the CSX Rail Line.

The applicant also has filed a companion request for a rezoning to convert the existing zoning to a light-industrial park district.

Published March 13, 2022

In Loving Memory of Jamie Sue Anderson Parsons

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Jamie Sue Anderson Parsons, 71, of Dade City, Florida, passed away on January 11, 2022.

Jamie was a lifelong resident of Dade City.  She graduated from Pasco High School in 1968.  She worked for Withlacoochee River Electric Company for 33 years as a Customer Service Representative until she retired in 2003.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Randy Parsons, a son, Jon Parsons, a daughter and son-in-law, Kelley and Scott Russell along with 4 grandchildren, Jacob Russell, Jayden Parsons, Tyler Helms, and Dylan Helms as well as a brother, William (Billy) Anderson.

She is also survived by two special cousins that were more like sisters to her, Polly Hamm and Sallie Epting as well as 2 nephews, Mike Blocker and Todd Anderson (Cindy) and one niece Bekkah Church (Jared).

She also had a special relationship with the Gibson/Russell family.   She was preceded in death by her father, James (Jake) Anderson, mother Vera Anderson, sister Lora Lee Blocker Patterson, and nephew Scott Anderson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 19, 2022 at the First Baptist Church of Dade City in the fellowship hall from 2-4 pm.

Originally Published 03/09/22

Avalon Park Applauds the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel

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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

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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

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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

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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

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(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

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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

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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

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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