The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Seeking first day of school photos

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The first day of school, because of COVID-19, will be anything but routine for the 2020-2021 school year.

Some students will be attending classes virtually, while others will be strapping on masks, and heading to school campuses.

It’s become a tradition for us to share First Day of School photos with our readers, and we would love to share yours.

The photos can be taken in your home, on your front porch before or after school, near the school, at the bus stop, or at another location you prefer.

We don’t care if your child is heading to kindergarten, or heading off to college.

We welcome group shots of siblings, but please identify each child in the photo, from left to right.

When submitting your photo, please tell us your child’s name and age, what community you live in, what school the student attends (or if the child is homeschooled) and the grade of the student. Also, please provide contact information, in case we have questions.

We’d like to publish our First Day of School photo collection on Sept. 9, so please submit your photos by Sept. 2. Send them to .

Published August 19, 2020

Sienna Gizelbach couldn’t wait to meet some new friends at Bexley Elementary School. The girl’s family had just moved to the area from Virginia last year, and her mom, Verena Gizelbach, said they received a warm reception from the school. (Courtesy of Verena Gizelbach)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silas posed on his first day of second grade last year, while his older brother, Evan, was getting ready for his first day of fourth grade. The Carozza boys were at their home in Heritage Harbor in Lutz. (Courtesy of Lisa Carozza)

Avoid dangers posed by online predators

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Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren has issued a video aimed at helping parents to protect their children from online predators.

“Summer camps are limited. Parents are stretched thin. It’s a perfect storm for predators,”  Warren said, in a news release.

During the pandemic, Warren’s office already has seen “disturbing attempts by online predators to exploit children,” the release says. “Prosecutors worry this summer may be even worse because of a lack of child care, combined with parents stretched thin by work and stress.”

Warren has released a Secure Summer Video.

In that video, he shares three key tips:

  • Talk about it: Make sure your child knows that the online world has people who may try to take advantage of them. Explain how they may be approached, and that strangers sometimes pretend to be a kid their age. That dialogue will help your kids understand that they should come to you if someone tries to exploit them or bully them online.
  • Review what they’re sharing: Know their social media and messenger passwords, and log in from time to time to see what they’re sending and receiving. Make sure they’re using strong privacy settings on services like Instagram, Facebook, Twitch and Discord.
  • Use parental controls: Many devices and apps let you choose what your child can access, and for how long. Set up those controls and use them.

Darmaris Allen, immediate past president of the Hillsborough County PTA, said “it’s so important to talk with your kids before they ever face a dangerous situation online.”

The child advocate continued: “Can it be tough to have conversations about this? Absolutely. But, as parents, our No. 1 job is to keep our children safe—even if it means having some awkward conversations or learning a little more about the technology they’re using.”

Last year, the national CyberTipline received more than 150,000 reports from the public relating to children across America being taken advantage of online.

Warren takes this issue seriously: “Children are already becoming victims during the pandemic. Predators are capitalizing on how much unsupervised time kids are spending online.”

Published August 12, 2020

Not your typical vacation shots

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Land O’ Lakes photographer Lillian Cucuzza often shares her photographs of local wildlife with readers of The Laker/Lutz News (In fact, we’re publishing one today in our B section). These shots were taken, however, during her vacation out West this summer. This photo of the Neowise Comet, was taken on July 15, when the comet was closest to  earth — still about 70 million miles away, the photographer said.

(Lillian Cucuzza)

Narcotic-Free Oral Surgery Practice

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Patients feel at ease and know they are in caring hands when they meet Dr. Andrés E. Guerra-Andrade, physician and owner of Oral Surgery and Implant Specialists/Facial Cosmetics of Lutz.

As a highly trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Guerra has made a significant difference for the many patients he’s treated in the past decade.

Oral Surgery and Implant Specialists/Facial Cosmetics of Lutz prides itself on providing the highest quality of care for its patients. One way it achieves this is by being a narcotic-free practice, which Dr. Guerra is extremely proud of.

Dr. Andrés E. Guerra-Andrade

“We have a huge problem in the U.S. with addictions caused by narcotic prescriptions,” says Dr. Guerra. “Choosing to become a narcotic-free practice has made me the happiest oral surgeon in the town.”

Dr. Guerra is a native of Caracas, Venezuela, and attended the School of Dentistry at the University of Venezuela, where he received his doctorate degree. He completed his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery degree and his Master’s in Dental Sciences at the University of Puerto Rico’s Medical Science Campus.

It was never his plan move to the United States, but ultimately Dr. Guerra and his family both decided it would be best for his career.

“There’s a lot of political and social issues happening in Venezuela. It’s not easy being away, but at least now I can financially help my family back home,” says Dr. Guerra.

In the summer of 2019, Dr. Guerra took over Oral Surgery and Implant Specialists/Facial Cosmetics of Lutz with his wife Denisse, a pediatric dentist who works alongside him.

“Being able to have my own practice is the biggest career achievement I’ve had in my life,” says Dr. Guerra.

Oral Surgery and Implant Specialists/Facial Cosmetics of Lutz offers a wide range of services, such as wisdom teeth removal, extractions, implants, diagnosis of oral cancer, eyelid surgery, facelifts and so much more.

The practice also offers noninvasive facial cosmetic surgeries, such as Botox, fillers, microneedling, and skin-tightening procedures.

“As we get older, our facial volume goes down,” explains Dr. Guerra, “We lose fat and our collagen becomes weak. These procedures help the patient decrease the speed of aging and improves their self-esteem.”

Dr. Guerra is particularly excited about TempSure Envi, which is a nonsurgical skin-tightening treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to firm up loose skin on the face and body. The heat from the radiofrequency triggers the body’s natural reaction to produce new collagen, thus leaving the patient with a tighter, more youthful glow to their skin.

To schedule a free consultation with Dr. Guerra, go to OralSurgeryAndImplantSpecialists.com, or call (813) 609-4486.

By Kelli Carmack

Published August 05, 2020

Pastor is ‘Birthday King’ for a day

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Members of St. John Missionary Baptist Church recently helped to celebrate the Rev. Harold Thomas’ 85th birthday, and his 37th year of leading the church.

In the midst of COVID-19, the church couldn’t host the gathering it wanted, so it adapted to the times, according to Bermice Thomas, the pastor’s wife, who provided information about the event.

Pastor Harold Thomas celebrates his birthday, seated next to his wife, Bermice Thomas. (Courtesy of Bermice Thomas)

Church members outfitted Thomas with a “Birthday King” robe and crown, and had a surprise luncheon — adhering to COVID-19 social distancing.

Festivities included a parade of law enforcement officers from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and the Dade City Police Department — complete with lights and sirens, the pastor’s wife reported.

Pastor Thomas has “humbly served” at the church, located at 14549 Eighth St., in Dade City, his wife said, via email.

She thanked ANA’s Devine Events for providing beautiful decorations for the church’s dining area.

She said the pastor’s birthday was on July 21, but members decided it would be more of a surprise if they had the party on July 19 — the same day as church service.

Festivities included a parade by members of the Dade City Police Department and Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, complete with lights and sirens. The law enforcement officers couldn’t stay for the party, but they posed with the pastor for a photo. From left: Pasco Sheriff’s Lt. J. R. Law, Dade City Police officer Jose Felix, Pastor Harold Thomas, Dade City Police officer Devon Greenwald and Dade City Police Sgt. Rob Tungate.

Those attending the morning service were invited to share in the lunch.

The luncheon foods came from Olive Garden and Wingstop.

Bermice Thomas said her husband rode with her to Wesley Chapel to pick up the chicken wings — one of his favorite foods.

His wife said she drove slowly deliberately, to ensure they arrived at the church close to the arranged time of the law enforcement parade.

The pastor became somewhat suspicious when she got of the car quickly, to go into the church.

“The cars were waiting to proceed at 1 p.m. sharp starting at the corner of Sumner Avenue and 10th Street,” she reported. “As the sirens got closer, Rev. Thomas, as well as everyone, came out to the covered sidewalk to see what was going on and why the sirens were so close.

“When the officers turned into the church parking lot with all the bells and whistles, my husband asked what was going on.

“The officers got out of their vehicles and those gathered began singing Happy Birthday, and each officer came up to congratulate him on 85 years,” Bermice Thomas’ email says.

Even though the officers could not stay to enjoy lunch, the pastor’s wife said, “I’d like to thank Chief Walters and the Dade City Police department for sharing in this wonderful blessing.”

She also appreciated the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office for being there.

Pastor Thomas was moved to tears by the touching tribute, her email says.

Published August 05, 2020

The church hall was decorated for a party, celebrated with COVID-19 social distancing.
Rev. Harold Thomas dons a cape and crown, as he celebrates his 85th birthday.

Symbolic funeral procession

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Members of Citizens Against Discrimination and Social Injustice, the Pasco County chapter of Black Lives Matter, and the Pasco Young Revolutionaries organized a peaceful ‘funeral procession’ protest on a rainy July 18 afternoon on Beardsley Drive near Meadow Point Boulevard, in Wesley Chapel. A procession was held, instead of a march or rally, because of concerns about COVID-19.The simulated funeral procession included a hearse, provided by Wilson Funeral Home , located in Tampa. The protest was meant to draw attention to black lives lost to police actions taken across the United States. The procession headed north along Bruce B. Downs Boulevard to State Road 54 and concluded at Walmart, at 28500 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel.

Maya King, left, and Christina Boneta, both of New Port Richey, display a sign representing Black Lives Matter. The women are affiliated with the Pasco County chapter. (Randy Underhill)
Marlowe Jones, of New Port Richey, president of Pasco Young Revolutionaries, organized the peaceful protest, in concert with the Pasco County chapter of Black Lives Matter and Citizens Against Discrimination and Social Injustice.
Diane Scott, of Wesley Chapel, an advocate of Black Lives Matter, places a sign on her vehicle, while preparing to take part in the procession.
A protest parade, intended to simulate a funeral procession, made its way down Beardsley Drive in Wesley Chapel, on a rainy afternoon on July 18. Those taking part included members of Black Lives Matter of Pasco County, Pasco Young Revolutionaries and Citizens Against Discrimination and Social Injustice.

The Laker/Lutz News scores four awards

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The Laker/Lutz News received four awards in the Florida Press Association’s 2020 Weekly Newspaper Contest, announced in a virtual awards ceremony on July 31.

Christine Holtzman won second place for photo series in one issue. The judges wrote: ‘The exuberance of an 86-year-old woman before and after her first-ever skydiving experience jumps off the page at readers in this photo package. We get to see her joking with friends before the jump. We get to see her falling from the sky with her purple and pink (tandem) parachute. We get to see her walking across the field with raised arms linked to fellow jumpers. If you were having a bad day when you saw all of that, it most certainly would have raised your spirits.’

Holtzman also won second place for sports photo and third place for a story entry in the Outdoor and Recreation category.

The Laker/Lutz News competed in the contest’s largest circulation category (13,000 and above).  This year’s competition received more than 1,400 entries — the most in five years. Twenty judges from across the nation picked the winners.

Matt Mistretta, the newspaper’s art director, received third place in the best headline category for his headline, “Clear the shelters, a howling success.”

The judges wrote: “Any animal lover will appreciate the headline and what it tells the reader.”

These photos helped to illustrate the story, ‘86-year-old scratches skydiving off her bucket list,’ detailing Gerry Austin’s experiences. In a purple and pink parachute, Gerry Austin soars through the clouds with her tandem instructor, Paul Wolfe. (Christine Holtzman)
After their first skydiving adventure together, the trio hold hands in celebration, as they walk back to the staging area. From left: Alvin Davis, Gerry Austin and Betsy Strickland.
Gerry Austin jokes around with a group of her supporters in the waiting area of Sky Dive City.

Keep Your Family Cool and Safe

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Your family is likely spending more time than ever at home these days, and it may be smart to update you’re A/C system and install a home generator.

The outdoor unit of the Daikin Fit is half the size of a traditional condenser, which allows more space for outdoor living.

“The only thing worse than having you’re A/C go out on the hottest day of the year, is it going out during a hurricane, and not coming back on when your power is restored,” said Dana Spears, president and owner of Cornerstone Pros in Land O’ Lakes. “It is always best to plan ahead before an emergency strikes.”

Many families decide to upgrade their A/C system because their existing unit is unreliable, or costs too much to maintain, Spears explains.

A new A/C system that Cornerstone Pros offers exclusively in this area is the Daikin Fit series.  Available only since February, it features exceptionally cool comfort, a small footprint and high energy efficiency ratings.

“The Daikin Fit has many advantages that families value,” said Spears. “Here are the top three that our customers rave about.”

• Half The Size — The outdoor unit is half the size of a traditional condenser, which makes it perfect for pool and patio areas.

• Exceptionally Quiet — It is quiet great for sleeping because you don’t hear a compressor kicking on and off during the night.

• Energy Efficient — It has an energy efficiency rating of 16 SEER that lowers your power bill.

The Daikin Fit series also has the tech conveniences people want, including Wi-Fi connectivity and thermostat controls that are accessible from a phone, pad and laptop. Plus, Cornerstone offers great financing terms and rebates, and works with local utility companies to qualify customers for additional rebates. Finally, the Daikin Fit has one of the best warranties in the industry, with a 12-year parts and labor warranty included in the price of the unit.

Home Generators
Many families install a home generator to keep their family comfortable and safe in case the power goes out during a summer storm or hurricane.

“Families of all sizes and incomes are installing home generators, especially when a family member has medical issues that require treatments needing power,” said Miguel Silva, plumbing manager for Cornerstone Pros.

Cornerstone installs Generac generators, the country’s largest manufacturer of backup generators, which automatically activate when there is a power outage.

Generac generators run on natural gas or liquid propane, and automatically activate when there is a power outage.

“Choosing the right size generator for your home is just as important as the quality of the generator. Our technicians do a full load calculation on every home we quote, and specify a generator that best meets a family’s needs and budget,” said Silva.

Cornerstone Pros offers permanent and portable generators, and has low-interest financing available to make monthly payments affordable.

“We want to encourage everyone who wants to protect their family’s health, comfort and safety to give us call,” said Silva. “We do everything possible to make a generator fit their budget.”

Modern generators are compact, quiet and able to power some or all of a home’s electrical appliances. A generator prevents almost all of the problems associated with power loss, including spoiled food, extreme temperatures, sickening mold, and no running water if a home is on a well.

For homes with natural gas, Cornerstone Pros technicians do the plumbing that ties the generator directly into the home’s natural gas line, so the homeowner never has to worry about filling a gas tank. Homes without natural gas require a propane tank, which Cornerstone Pros connects to during its installation.

“Generators provide protection 24/7, whether you’re home or away, and turn themselves off when utility power returns, so there is no need to monitor the unit during an outage,” said Silva. “Plus, most models today offer Wi-Fi connectivity, so no matter where you are, you can monitor the status of your power and generator’s operations from a smartphone, tablet or computer.”

Cornerstone Pros offers 24-hour heating and cooling assistance. Its phones are answered 24/7, and technicians are available weekends and holidays. Call (813) 990-0561 anytime, day or night.  For more information, visit the website at CornerstonePros.com.

Published July 29, 2020

Abstract Artist Cindi Vinci Exhibits at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

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If you’re looking for something free to do that is interesting, artistic and safe in these days of social distancing, stop by and see the latest artist show at the Welcome Center at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

‘Brain Games’

Artist Cindi Sherman Vinci is exhibiting over 20 paintings of her colorful, graphically intriguing paintings at the show sponsored by the Pasco Fine Arts Council and hosted by the developer of this master-planned community on State Road 54, located about three miles east of I-75.

Vinci paintings ask the question, “Do artists create reality as they see it, or does reality show the artist what to create?”

“As far back as I can remember, I have always interpreted the world in an abstract manner — I knew nothing I saw and heard was all there was to the story,” Vinci writes on her website. “For me, the world is a jumble of thoughts and ideas that run amok.”

She goes on to explain that her art reflects her idea of life and all of its jumbled aspects.

“My work reflects what I feel about life and all the changes that have occurred in my life. All my pieces tell my story,” she writes.

Vinci has been fascinated with abstract art since she was 6 years old. Born in 1953 in a stereotypical Italian family, her father also was an artist and taught her as a child. Vinci later studied interior and architectural design at Parsons School of Design in New York City, and also studied studio art and art history at State University of New York in Purchase, New York.

Vinci’s show, which runs through Aug.22, is the result of a partnership that Avalon Park Wesley Chapel began with the Pasco Fine Arts Council over a year ago.

‘Railroad’

“Our goal was to bring art and cultural events, exhibits and educational classes to East Pasco County,” explains Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of the Avalon Park Group. “In our first year, this partnership has led to the discovery of local artists, introduced art workshops to the community and given member artists the opportunity to feature their work in a new venue. We couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome!”

“One of the main goals of this partnership was to introduce people to local artists with monthly exhibits and demonstrations,” said Lerret. “This partnership has allowed us to expand the arts not only to our residents, but also to the entire east side of the county.”

“It has been an overwhelming positive experience as well for the Pasco Fine Arts Council to expand its presence in East Pasco, thanks to the vision and generosity of the Avalon Park Group,” said Jo Baughman, director of the Council.

For Baughman, who has been involved in the Pasco Fine Arts Council for over 20 years, the invitation from Avalon Park West to work together accomplishes a long-held dream.

“This partnership has been a tremendous asset to the artist community and our patrons, and has greatly expanded our ability to bring arts to all of Pasco County,” said Baughman.

It is the vision of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel for its planned downtown to be the cultural and event center of East Pasco County. The downtown’s first phase will include a dedicated Arts Gallery that will become the permanent East Pasco home for the Pasco Fine Arts Council.

Artist Cindi Vinci
Gallery Show
Through Aug. 22
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday – Saturday

Reception
“Something Different”
Friday, Aug. 21, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Free – Refreshments Served

East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery
Avalon Park Information Center
33613 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

Free Fall Workshops
Explore your artistic side at these upcoming seminars hosted by the Pasco Fine Arts Council. Classes are limited to just eight students, and Zoom participation also is welcome.

Beginning Drawing
With Shawn Dell Joyce
Great for beginners and teens
Aug. 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Must sign up by Aug. 17
Avalon Park Amenity Center

Getting Started Powerfully
with Polymer Clay
With Ann Larsen
Great for beginners and teens
Sept. 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Must sign up by Sept. 3
Land O’ Lakes location provided at registration

Textures and Mixed Media
With Patricia Garrow
Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Must sign up by Sept. 14
Avalon Park Amenity Center

Published July 29, 2020

Avex Homes Introduces New Model Home At Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

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A beautiful new model home by Avex Homes is welcoming buyers at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, one of the most in-demand, master-planned developments in this high profile central Pasco community.

The new Clayton model, which has been open for less than a month, is one of the builder’s most popular plans because its spacious floor plan is perfect for families of all kinds.

“This is my favorite floor plan because they were brilliant in how they did the layout — it’s very open, but at the same time, everything is very nicely tucked away, which makes it feel much larger than its 2,000 square feet,” said Carlie Meadows, a sales associate for Avex Homes.

The Clayton is Avex Homes’ new model home in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. This three bedroom, two-and-a-half bath home begins at $270,000, and is a tremendous value for a new home in Wesley Chapel.

Meadows explains that every home built by Avex Home comes standard with granite countertops, 42-inch kitchen cabinets and ceiling heights of 9 feet, 4 inches on both the first and second floors.

The home opens into its dining room, which shows off the open floor plan that flows into the great room and kitchen. The master bedroom suite is on the first floor — a very popular feature that is attractive to families with children, and empty-nesters. A huge walk-in closet is located through the master bath.

“I love having the walk-in closet in the back of the bathroom, because when you’re getting ready in the morning, you don’t want to wake up your spouse,” said Meadows.

The two additional bedrooms upstairs are quite large, at 14.4 feet by 11.2 feet, and each has a large walk-in closet. A full bath is located between the two bedrooms.

The new sales center also is close to new townhomes being sold by Avex Homes. Several townhomes have already been sold, and five inventory townhomes are available, including the Bellevue model home.

The maintenance-free townhomes all feature two-car garages in the rear, with alley access. Three floor plans are available, ranging from 1,608 square feet to 1,834 square feet, with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. Each townhome has a front porch, covered lanai or private breezeway that connects to the garage.

The townhome lifestyle is especially popular with young families buying their first home, and empty-nesters wanting to downsize. Townhomes begin in the low $230s.

“Our townhomes are beautifully designed with upscale custom finishes, and are a tremendous value for the Wesley Chapel area,” said Cheryl Gonzalez, sales representative for Avex Homes.

For families wanting to select their single-family floor plan, finishes and colors, Avex offers eight plans in its traditional single-family home options, ranging from 1,585 square feet to 2,856 square feet, built as one- or two-story homes. Each home features a classic design with rich architectural detail and a traditional focus on the front porch. Homes start in the mid-$200s and are available on a variety of lots, including conservation and water views.

If building from scratch, Avex allows its homebuyers to upgrade home finishes to their individual lifestyle and design preferences — from moving electrical outlets, to upgrading cabinets and flooring, to choosing colors that best show off their individual taste.

Amenities and Downtown
Few communities offer the recreational activities found at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, thoughtfully created for residents of all ages. New in 2019 was an expansive second amenity center with a zero-entry pool, splash pad, spa and picnic area. Avalon Park families also enjoy a wide array of other amenities, including another swimming pool, tot lot, basketball courts, pocket parks with mini-libraries, dog park, and trails and walkways that will interconnect with its planned downtown.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel soon will offer residents places to shop and work when its downtown center is completed. Infrastructure construction has begun on the first phase, which will include two office buildings, two mixed-use retail/residential buildings and a community park.

“We will be 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 Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of the Avalon Park Group.

In addition to shops and markets, the community’s downtown area will have over 500,000 square feet of commercial space.

“We are not just developers— we are building a brand new town with family events all year-long,” said Lerret. “We’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy life today, and in the future.”

Already, 1,500 people call Avalon Park Wesley Chapel home, and over 750 homes have been sold since it opened in 2012. The community will continue to grow over the next several years and, at build out, will be home to 10,000 residents residing in 4,400 single and multifamily homes.

Published July 29, 2020