Special to The Laker/Lutz News

It’s All About Community at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

December 28, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

“One of the most important parts of building a town is supporting the community it is comprised of,” says Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing and community relations for Avalon Park Group.

Here are just some of the ways Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has supported its community this year:

Championing The Local Arts

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is collaborating with The Wesley Chapel Theater Group, a new group that is banding together to create a local community theater for Wesley Chapel residents.

“It is our pleasure to support local, grass-roots organizations that build up the arts, especially when it provides opportunities to meet and build relationships with neighbors,” says Beat Kahli, president and CEO of Avalon Park Group.

One of those neighbors — and a resident of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel for the past five years— is Rodney Bueno, artistic director for The Wesley Chapel Theater Group.

Bueno says he’s extremely grateful to Avalon Park Wesley Chapel for allowing his group to use the welcome center for its meeting and rehearsal space.

“It’s definitely nice to bring something that I love to the community I live in. I hope to do that for a long time because I plan on living here for a long time,” says Bueno.

For more information on The Wesley Chapel Theater Group, email .

Giving Back To The Troops
To give back this holiday season, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel partnered with The Stano Foundation, a nonprofit in Wesley Chapel dedicated to supporting troops of all branches, both active duty and veterans.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s entire team recently helped to make 100 care packages for the troops.

“We are always looking for ways to give back to our community, and we love every time we get to collaborate with The Stano Foundation,” says Marielle Fernandez, marketing and events coordinator at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

“Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is not only an amazing community, but one that loves to give back to so many. We are so grateful for their partnership, as we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without their support,” says Paula Stano, founder of The Stano Foundation.

For more information on The Stano Foundation, visit Stano.org.

Partnership With The Pasco Fine Arts Council
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel began its partnership with the Pasco Fine Arts Council and its East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery back in 2019.

The residential community offered its 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 brings great opportunities to expand the arts to not only our community, but the entire east side of the county,” says Lerret.

The vision the leaders at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel have for the arts in their master-planned community meshes perfectly with that of the Pasco Fine Arts Council.

“We want to have art classes and workshops for our community, and a place to share artwork created by students and adults,” says Beat Kahli, president and CEO of Avalon Park Group. “As it turns out, the Fine Arts Council has been providing these types of programs for years, and all they needed was a place in East Pasco to bring their programs and exhibits to our residents in Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, San Antonio and Dade City.”

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

Published December 29, 2021

Bella Home Market Makes Top 100 Retailer List

December 28, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Bella Home Market in Lutz has always been known for its unique gifts and home décor finds; however, this month the retailer is being recognized for its dedication to the Dixie Belle brand.

For three years now, Bella Home Market has been named a Top 100 Retailer for its sales of the popular mineral paint, Dixie Belle. The achievement is not limited to local retailers, but out of all 2,400 sellers worldwide.

The VOC (volatile organic compound)-free paint gets delivered to Bella Home Market straight from the factory in Port Richey. It has the ability to adhere to a variety of surfaces, and comes in many colors that are perfect for creative projects. From wood furniture refurbishment, to more complex undertakings such as painting glass and metal, Dixie Belle proves reliable.

As an elite retailer of Dixie Belle, Bella Home Market carries every product line Dixie Belle offers, including its silk line of paint, which is a primer, paint and sealer all in one.

Lou Malerba, owner of Bella Home Market, hosts classes in-store to help guests learn the technique for working with the paint properly. The class includes access to its entire selection of colors and all of the materials are included in the price. Veterans of the product may even pick up new creative revelations with tools that may not have been at their disposal before.

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

Published December 29, 2021

New bell times await students

December 28, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco County Schools wants to remind students and parents of the changes that are being put in place for when students return after Winter Break.

New bell times begin on Jan. 4; if you are unsure of the new time for your student, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us.

Bus passes are now available in myStudent. The district sent an email notifying parents of the updated bus information. If the email was not received, call the bus garage in your area.

The bus garage phone numbers are as follows:

West Compound: 727-774-0400

Northwest Compound: 727-774-0540

Central Compound: 813-794-0520

East Compound: 352-524-0560

Southeast Compound: 813-794-0500

Temporary delays can be expected. These delays will be reduced, as everyone adjusts to the new schedule.

Pasco County Schools will have safety precautions in place, just as it did during the first week of school.

Published December 29, 2021

Having a good time throughout the region

December 28, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

People found lots of ways to entertain themselves and entertain each other throughout 2021. The Laker/Lutz News captured a lot of those moments and we’re sharing a sampling of those good times.

Mexican aerialist Gloria Castillo performs stunts high above the crowd during the first night of The Loomis Circus, which set up its big tent in February at the Grove at Wesley Chapel, off State Road 54 and Oakley Boulevard. (File)

Cody, an 8-year-old Yorkie, was dressed as a tarantula by Orkin Man Scott Smith, of Clermont, for a dog costume contest. The pair turned out with other dogs and their owners to Dogs Day in Dade City, in March.

The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village drew quite a crowd for its 32nd annual Farm Festival and Quilt Show. Here, feisty ‘Louie’ and ‘Bud’ get jumpy at the start of the draft horse event, as a team member for Jason Abrell, of Russell Springs, Kentucky, gains control of the work horses competing in the Southern Draft Horse Association’s Draft Horse Pull. (File)

Eighty-six-year-old Frank Gude is Mr. Kumquat. The St. Joe man has been around kumquat trees since he was a kid and can tell you anything you want to know about the tiny citrus fruit. He was among those joining in at Dade City’s Kumquat Festival. The event was delayed until March this year because of concerns about COVID-19. (File)

It’s not every day a Little League celebrates its 50th anniversary, but the Land O’ Lakes Little League turned a half-century old this year and celebrated with special opening day festivities. Show here, winding up the first pitch of the season for girls’ softball is Jacklynn Neel. (File)

Four-year-old Lincoln Hollingsworth, decked out in his skeleton costume, carried the scarecrow that he and his parents, Scott and Lindsey Hollingsworth, made at the Scarecrow Festival at Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road. Lincoln’s 1-year-old sister, Nora, helped, too. Hundreds of kids and adults used old clothing and their imagination to create scarecrows during the October event. (File)

Four-year-old Aiden Trader patiently waits for a cup of lemonade, as his mom, Sabrienna Weldon, and friend Raymond Bouffier get beverages. They came to the Scarecrow Festival at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village from Inverness, to have some fun in the sun. (File)

Ten-year-old Corbin Stringer, of Tampa, sports his special ‘Olympics’ sunglasses during the Special Olympics Showcase, at Achievers Day School in Lutz. About 30 athletes took part in the event and they clearly relished their moment in the sun — demonstrating their skills in jumping, balancing, running and kicking the ball at the Feb. 26 event. (File)

Pasco Sheriff’s Office starts community news website

December 28, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office has launched a community news website, news.PascoSheriff.com. The website allows citizens to access news directly from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, according to a news release.

In addition to its social media platforms, the Sheriff’s Office will share breaking news on the website.

The website features PSO community alerts, investigations, missing people and upcoming events, the release from the Sheriff’s Office says.

Citizens can sign up for news updates sent directly to their email.

Periodically, Pasco Sheriff’s News will send email newsletters highlighting recent PSO features. When urgent community alerts arise, breaking news notification emails also will come straight to the subscribers’ inbox.

Published December 29, 2021

The show will go on – in one way, or another

December 28, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Agnes Hernandez, 2021 winner of the $1,000 Pasco Heritage Scholarship, receives the prize from Heritage Arts Center Association President Joe Hill. Hernandez performed a piano piece by Rachmaninoff. (Courtesy of Heritage Arts)

The 39th “Spotlight on Talent Competition” will be held — the only question is how organizers will stage the contest.

The talent competition— presented by the Heritage Arts Center — has long been a showcase for aspiring singers, dancers and other performers to demonstrate their abilities. At the same time, they are competing against others and entertaining audiences.

Organizers realize that because of the pandemic, many may be wondering if the talent contest will happen this year.

“We want talented students and families to know that producers are committed to see that happen,” Barbara Friedman, publicity chair and producer for Heritage Arts, said in a news release.

Participants from kindergarten through 12th grade vie for over $4,000 in trophies, ribbons and cash prizes, according to the Heritage Arts news release.

All types and styles of performing talents are accepted, both as solos and in groups.

Panels of paid, professional judges select finalists/winners in several age categories and also choose the winner of the $1,000 scholarship that goes to a senior high school student in Pasco County.

In addition to a chance for prizes, performers have the opportunity to show off their abilities and to experience the sense of satisfaction that comes from performing well under the pressure of a competition.

A decision will be made on Jan. 1 on whether the events will be held, as usual, before audiences on Feb. 19 and March 12, or if a Plan B COVID event will take place during a single day of competition on March 12, with safety protocols in place and no audience.

Deadline for entering is Thurs., Feb. 3, 2022. Applications available online at heritagearts.org.

Those with questions can contact Friedman at , or call 352-567-1720, and more information at heritagearts.org .

Organizers also are seeking community sponsors to support the competition.

Published December 29, 2021

A driving force to help feed the hungry

December 28, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The activities committee at Morningside RV Estates in Dade City recently hosted its annual food drive for the local St. Vincent de Paul Society pantry. Volunteers picked up a total of 194 bags of food from the residents of Morningside and then delivered the donations to St. Vincent’s, where the food was sorted. Mike and Theresa Hosmer started this bi-annual event in 2012. Since then, 3,497 bags of nonperishable food items have been donated to the pantry. From left: Dave Swinson, Lucky Kosto, Wayne Chase, Karen Violette, Ted Trzebiatowski, Don Handel, Ron Suski, Ann O’Brien, Gary Crandlemire, Lynn Swinson, Dave Gwinner, Gene Schmersal, Bill Dupras, Dick Friday, Bill Schulte and Shirley Majeskie.

Let Your Pet Make a Mess! TPS Handles the Rest!

December 28, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

There are some jobs that most people really just don’t want to do. That’s where Tampa Poop & Scoop (TPS) enters. No mess will ever be left behind by your pets, again.

Bathroom messes, to be precise.

Tampa Poop & Scoop ushers in a new era of pet/owner freedom. Now we can let our fluffy friends relieve as they please, without the hassle of wondering “when” or “where” the backyard business has taken place. It’s the true definition of out of sight, out of mind.

“We take care of the No. 2 so you can spend more time with your No. 1,” said owner Josey David.

It’s professional work, but David will be the first to admit it’s certainly not glamorous. For him, that’s OK. The less time owners have to spend picking up after their pets, the more time they can spend loving them.

“I wanted to find an industry that so many turn away from, come in as a young mind, and bring a new perspective to the idea of what good service can be,” said David.

TPS offers an all-inclusive pet waste cleanup. It will show up, clean up and head out leaving nothing behind for you to worry about. It also will keep you updated along the way, which saves you time to go about your day. If the yard needs to be cleaned by tonight in your rush to prepare for company, TPS is on it.

“My mindset is: I don’t make customers wait around for an estimate,” said David. “I’ll be out there the next day, or even the same day, if need be.”

A Wesley Chapel native, David currently studies within the entrepreneur track at the University of Tampa. He has one more semester until he graduates and already is making a name for himself within the Tampa area as a motivated, young business professional.

His love of animals and desire to keep them happy bore the necessity to create TPS. That, paired with his long-term effort of using his business as a vessel to donate to local animal rescue efforts, being the very best answer to our pet’s nature call made sense.

Moving forward, he looks forward to the day when he can give back to entities such as the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.

“It comes down to keeping animals healthy and happy,” said David. “If I can do that, while giving back to animals that need help in our community, then I’ve provided the service I want to give.”

For more information on rates and scheduling visit TampaPoopAndScoop.com.

Published December 29, 2021

Little Free Libraries coming to Lacoochee, Tommytown

December 21, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Hugh Embry Library has been awarded two Little Free Libraries (LFLs) through the Little Free Library’s Impact Program for November 2021, according to a Pasco County news release.

The program provides free Little Free Library book exchange stands to communities with members who face economic and social barriers, and find it difficult to reach the library.

Hugh Embry Library is closed for renovations, so the stands will provide books for people who are not able to travel to other libraries.

The stands will be set up in Lacoochee and Tommytown.

“The Little Free Libraries have been a special project of the Friends of Hugh Embry Library for years, already funding five LFLs,” Librarian Angelo Liranzo, said in the release. “Library team members are working with the Friends to reach our community partners in both winning communities as we await the soon-to-arrive LFLs.”

Friends of the Hugh Embry Library and library staff dedicated themselves to researching and applying for the grant opportunity to obtain the LFLs.

For more information about Pasco County Libraries, including the library catalog, E-content, programs, events and links to all Pasco County Library branches, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Published December 22, 2021

Colorful lights and traditions help to celebrate the season

December 21, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Crowds gathered to watch the Symphony in Lights at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, and motorists spied outdoor decorations at the Old Lutz School on U.S. 41, in Lutz.

Folks also headed to celebrations such as Christmas parades, visits with Santa, or to Dade City’s annual Christmas Stroll and its traditional “Church Street Christmas.”

Still others have simply loaded up the kids — and kids of all ages — to drive around neighborhoods to check out homes dressed up in holiday style.

Whatever way you are observing your holidays, The Laker/Lutz News extends warm wishes to you for an enjoyable season, and the best of life throughout the New Year.