The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Grand opening festivities offered countless fun options

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Kids competed at Hula-Hooping, checked out the new gymnasium, played some outdoor hockey and had a chance to enjoy other activities, at the grand opening celebration of the Wesley Chapel District Park Recreation Center, at 7727 Boyette Road.

Seven-year-old Reagan Peal, of Land O’ Lakes, concentrates on keeping her Hula-Hoop spinning during one of many games and events at the grand opening of the new facility. She was with her 10-year-old sister, Kendal, and her mom, Samantha. (Fred Bellet)

The atmosphere was festive — from the archway of balloons that greeting those arriving at the rec center, to the free cupcakes doled out to those wanting one.

The celebration also included inflatables, games, music, ball hockey clinics and food trucks.

Children had a chance to play and adults could find out about the various programs that will be offered in the new center.

The new 17,800-square-foot gymnasium and activity rooms have been added to the 144-acre park, making it the largest indoor/outdoor county park in Pasco County.

Many classes will be offered there, including ballet and jazz, boxing, chair yoga and cheerleading, according to the district park’s Facebook page.

Youth ball hockey players honed their skills in a rink outside the new recreational center.

According to previously published reports in The Laker/Lutz News, Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore has long advocated for an indoor recreation center to be built at the district park.

He knows how hot it gets at the park: He coached flag football, baseball and soccer there for years, when his three children were younger.

This is a look at the exterior of the new Wesley Chapel District Park Recreation Center, at 7727 Boyette Road. Grand opening festivities drew hundreds. This was one of those times when the cliché, ‘and a good time was had by all’ appeared to ring true.

As designed, the center can accommodate basketball, volleyball, pickleball, summer day camp, toddler activities and community events.

The new facility features a gymnasium with a regulation-size basketball court that can be converted into two smaller courts, two volleyball courts or four pickleball courts.

There are restrooms and showers, too.

Multipurpose areas will accommodate a range of activities for groups, such as the Rotary Club, community associations, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts.

The district park already is packed with outdoor sports activities, including several athletic fields for youth and adults, a lighted soccer field, basketball and tennis courts, and picnic tables and grills for barbecues.

It also is home to the county’s only universal playground — designed specifically to enable all children — regardless of their physical capabilities — to be able to enjoy time at the park.

Note: Those wishing to participate in the district park’s programs must purchase a yearly membership for $10 per person, which applies to everyone over age 13. All memberships must be purchased at the district park’s front desk. Membership sales began on Oct. 4. For more information, call 813-345-3145.

Published October 06, 2021

Eight-year-old Saraya Mercado, of Wesley Chapel, takes a shot during the ball hockey clinic.
Five-year-old Eliel Leibovici munches on a cupcake at the grand opening of the Wesley Chapel District Park Recreation Center. The child was there with mom, Cynthia Leibovici, and grandmother, Lila Manzana, both of Wesley Chapel.
An inflatable dinosaur looms in the background, as Phyllis Olsen, of Tampa uses an umbrella to shield herself from the hot morning sun. She was waiting for her granddaughter, 9-year-old Claire Olsen, who will be taking part in the youth soccer program at the park.
What’s a party without balloons? Stephanie Salimbene, of Wesley Chapel, enters under an archway of balloons in the new recreation center, pushing her 2-year-old son, Lorenzo, in the stroller and holding her 3-year-old son Andrew’s hand. Salimbene said they are frequent visitors to the park.
The writing literally was on the wall, as visitors to the new recreational facility search informational leaflets to find out about the diverse programing offered at the center.
Wideline Joseph of Zephyrhills decorates cupcakes with sprinkles. Sponsor Hope Services made it possible for cupcakes to be offered to each visitor at the new recreation center building.
University of South Florida National Champion cheerleaders Bri Wilson, left and Jason Brooks, right, of Tampa, show off their championship rings. They will be among the instructors for cheerleading classes, which begin Oct. 6.
While a little too young to join cheerleading classes, 1-year-old Jaylen Jean-Francoise, of Wesley Chapel, will have a lot of fun watching his 9-year-old sister, Aaliyah, right take cheerleading classes at the new recreation center. Their 6-year-old brother, Justin, was checking out other classes offered, along with their mom, Brandi Jean-Francoise, of Wesley Chapel.

 

Groups sending mailings to Pasco voters

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Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley has announced that The Voter Participation Center (VPC) and the Center for Voter Information (CIV) were expected to begin sending voter registration application mailings to Pasco County voters last week.

In a news release, Corley said that in the past these mailings have confused and angered Pasco voters who received them for family members who are deceased, persons no longer residing or whom never resided in their household or the state of Florida, and even for their pets and underage children.

The mailings also often arouse suspicion from already-registered voters who believe their registration has in some way been compromised, according to Corley’s release.

“After many years of lobbying by myself and my fellow supervisors, the legislature passed a bill, which was signed by Governor DeSantis that allowed Florida to join the multi-state compact known as the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC),” Corley said, in the release.

“This allow us to compare the voter rolls with many other states to ensure the integrity of our voter rolls. Also, it allows the State of Florida to identify Eligible But Unregistered (EBU) persons, and last September over 2.2 million Floridians were notified with information on how to register to vote. This historic initiative makes the VPC/CVI mailings even less necessary.”

Corley continued: “Unfortunately, our experience has been that VPC & CVI tactics further erode voter confidence at a time when the security of our elections is in the forefront.”

Corley went to explain that the organizations sending out the mailing are in no way affiliated with his office.

He also assured Pasco voters that there are reliable tools in place for Pasco citizens to register to vote, update their voter registration, and to check their voter registration status.

To register to vote or update your voter registration address using the online voter registration form at https://registertovoteflorida.gov/en/Registration/Index.

To check your voter registration status, go to https://registration.elections.myflorida.com/CheckVoterStatus

Or, call 800-851-8754 for assistance.

For grievances regarding the mailing, contact the VPC, using the information provided on the mailing, the news release advises.

Published October 06, 2021

Pasco County renews landscaping agreement

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a one-year renewal of a landscaping agreement with NDL LLC, doing business as Natural Designs Landscaping, for ongoing landscape maintenance services.

The agreement, which was approved as part of the county board’s consent agenda, is for $7,239,588 for fiscal year 2022, bringing the new cumulative total to $28,801,521 for a four-year period ending Sept. 30, 2022.

The board’s consent agenda consists of items that receive no board or public comment and are approved with a single vote.

The board approved a one-year renewal period, which expires on Sept. 30, 2022. The current agreement allows up to one more additional year.

The estimated amount of work required by each department is:

  • Facilities Management: $495,000
  • Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources: $125,970
  • Public Works: $5.5 million
  • Utilities Operations and Maintenance: $893,000
  • Pasco County Public Transportation: $6,468
  • Libraries: $122,000
  • Fire Rescue: $97,120

Published October 06, 2021

‘Serving up’ a special blessing

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(Courtesy of Steve Vinik)

Some people will bless a turkey at their Thanksgiving table, but Mother Adrienne Hymes of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church blessed ‘Tina Turkey,’ along with some assorted dogs, birds and a bunny at the church’s annual Blessing of the Animals, on Oct. 2 at the Four Leaf CrossFit in Wesley Chapel. Tina Turkey was escorted by Paige Cline.

Waiting on mama

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Jia Wang is a regular reader of the Lutz News and submitted this photo he snapped in his front yard garden where he and his wife planted roses and bushes, such as bougainvillea. Wang was doing some trimming in the family’s yard when he heard birds ‘screaming,’ and discovered four baby birds nesting inside the bushes. The mother bird was watching Wang nervously from the roof of the house, as he carefully took a photo. The baby birds grew fast and left their nest about a week after Wang’s sighting.

Take Advantage of Current Pricing and Save Money On Mechanical Systems For Your Home

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If you are planning to replace your HVAC system or water heater, or you’re considering adding a home generator or water softener, Cornerstone Pros recommends you act now — before more price increases are passed on from manufacturers to local AC, electrical and plumbing companies.

“We just got notice of our fourth price increase of the year — an 8% jump coming Nov. 1, and we’re sure there will be another one at the first of the year,” said Dana Spears, president and owner of Cornerstone Pros in Land O’ Lakes. “We are advising homeowners to call and schedule an appointment now, so we can get your order processed and scheduled before another rate increase.”

To help homeowners budget for these expenses, Cornerstone offers deferred-interest loans for up to 18 months. “You will save a lot of money if you have these home improvements done now, before the upcoming price increases,” said Spears.

Like manufacturing companies everywhere, plants that make home mechanical equipment are faced with parts and labor shortages, which are resulting in higher prices on most everything, including air conditioning units, refrigerants, electrical panels, hot water heaters (traditional and tankless), home generators, and parts and material for all trades.

“We’re asking people to understand that these price increases are out of our control,” said Spears. “We are doing the best we can to hold our expenses, but price increases from our manufacturers have been so significant that they impact prices for our services.”

Cornerstone Pros always recommends regular maintenance and planning ahead when it comes to taking care of your home. This will save you money, and allow you to budget for future repairs.

The only thing worse than having you’re AC go out during the holidays when you have a houseful of guests, is not being able to get it repaired right away.

“We can help to prevent an emergency from happening at your home if you schedule a preventative maintenance checkup, which will allow us to catch a problem prior to the system failing on that hot summer day,” said Spears. “This is very affordable — we’re currently offering an AC System Maintenance Program that begins at just $9.95 a month for up to two AC units.”

For homes needing a replacement system, one of the most popular AC systems Cornerstone Pros offers is the Daikin Fit series, which is so quiet that it can be installed outside a bedroom window and not be heard inside.

“Our AC equipment product line has the best warranties in the industry, with a 12-year parts and labor warranty available for purchase. We also offer great financing terms and rebates, and work with local utility companies to qualify customers for additional rebates,” said Spears.

Generators and Surge Protectors
Cornerstone Pros offers permanent and portable home generators, and has deferred-interest financing. It installs Generac generators, the country’s largest manufacturer of backup generators, that run on natural gas or liquid propane, and automatically activate when there is a power outage.

“Choosing the right size generator 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 Miguel Silva, plumbing manager for Cornerstone Pros.

The company also installs whole-home surge protection devices, which can prevent a power surge from damaging appliances and essential electronics if lightning strikes your home or nearby.

Cornerstone Pros is one of the area’s largest and most established trade contractors offering air conditioning, plumbing and electrical services. It is proud to employ over 95 local, qualified people who provide prompt service and exceptional customer service seven days a week.

Cornerstone Pros phones are answered 24/7, and technicians are available weekends and holidays. Call 813-990-0561 anytime. For more information, visit the website at CornerstonePros.com.

Published September 29, 2021

Stage Your Home And Sell For 20% More

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If you’re looking to sell your home, one of the easiest and most affordable things you can do is hire a professional to stage your home before taking listing photos and opening your door to prospective buyers.

Jennifer Schumacher

“Everyone likes to look at pictures, and seeing photos of your home staged beautifully grabs a buyer’s attention when looking on Zillow, Realtor.com and other on-line listing services,” said Jennifer Schumacher, owner of Sunshine Staging in New Port Richey. “If you want your home to be selected as a favorite, you better make sure your photos give an outstanding first impression.”

Research shows that homes that are staged sell faster, and typically for 20% more than homes not staged.

“People are always surprised at the tremendous return on investment staging brings,” said Schumacher, adding that both vacant or occupied homes can be staged, and the cost for a typical 2,000 square foot home is less than $2,000 for a three-month period.

“While most clients ask us to stage their master bedroom, living and dining rooms and baths, we can also do just one room or an entire house,” said Schumacher. “We are very flexible and have our own trailer to bring in furniture, accessories and artwork. Our goal is to stage a home so a potential buyer can easily imagine their family living there.”

Schumacher worked in the home staging business for 10 years before opening Sunshine Staging three years ago. You can meet her and learn more about home staging at a breakfast tour she is hosting on Oct. 8. Please see the ad below for information.

Published September 29, 2021

Shade, Stencil and Stain at Bella Home Market

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Bella Home Market in Lutz, which will soon be celebrating its second anniversary, has become known as a one-stop shop for making your home sweet home, even sweeter.

The locally owned specialty shop offers a unique selection of indoor décor and gifts in a range of styles. Around every corner there’s a one-of-a-kind, eye-catching find, from farmhouse and chic, to industrial and modern. Owner Lou Malerba also creates space in his store that features homemade goods, such as organic soaps and wall art, created by local artisans.

Bella Home Market is proud to be the only store in Lutz designated as an Elite retailer of Dixie Belle Craft Paints. Malerba and his associates offer monthly classes to demonstrate the paint’s incredible versatility, which can be used to paint furniture, jewelry, glass and canvas. Shoppers at Bella Home leave with a great new find, and also new skills to create their own treasures.

Bella Home Market also lets you browse its merchandise from home on its website and Facebook page. For anyone looking to enhance their DIY skills with Dixie Belle Paint, or browse home accents, visit BellaHomeMarket.com, or call 813-345-8038. The store is located in Tropical Village Plaza across from Walmart on U.S. 41, at 1532 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Published September 29, 2021

Infinite HD Offers Low Pricing on Tile and Vinyl Plank Flooring

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If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s flooring to the latest in design and technology, you’ll want to call Infinite HD in Odessa to get some of the lowest pricing in Tampa Bay.

The company’s warehouse special runs through October, and includes tile beginning at just $1 a square foot in porcelain, ceramic, black herringbone and porcelain wood tiles. And, for those wanting in-demand luxury vinyl plank, Infinite HD pricing begins at just $2.99 a square foot.

All flooring material is in stock, at the company’s 60,000 square foot local warehouse, with quantities large enough for one room or the whole house. A variety of colors and sizes are available.

“We are a family owned company that provides full service from warehouse to installation with a one-year guarantee, and also sell to customers who pay cash and carry,” said Rob Howard, owner of Infinite HD.

Howard has over 35 years of experience in the home repair and installation industry. Together with his two business partners, his son, Jarred Howard, and longtime colleague, David Rodriguez, the trio offers top-notch customer service and expertise.

It’s this experience that brings many local homeowners to Infinite HD. Howard focuses on estimates and customer relations, Jarred Howard handles purchases and acquisitions, and Rodriguez oversees all installations. Plus, Howard’s daughter, Janann, creates all the cabinet designs and drawings.

About a year ago, Infinite HD moved its office to Odessa to be more convenient to its customer base in Hillsborough and Pasco counties, and to accommodate the company’s growth.

Bathroom and kitchen updates are in demand, with many clients choosing luxury vinyl plank or moisture-proof laminate.

“The moisture-proof laminate looks and feels like wood, but is more durable and can handle water much better,” says Howard. “Luxury vinyl plank is much more dense, harder and almost impossible to scratch.”

Home shows, such as “Fixer Upper,” often inspire people to do their own home repairs, but Rodriguez stresses the importance of hiring a licensed professional for most home repair needs.

“We have a saying in the business — ‘Cheap labor isn’t skilled, and skilled labor isn’t cheap,’” said Rodriguez. “It truly matters who you hire.”

One of Howard’s favorite parts of the job is helping clients bring their vision to life, especially folks who have lived in the same house for many years.

“They just want a change, and it’s nice giving them something new and different,” says Howard, “We enjoy doing remodel work and fixing up homes for the next stage of our customers’ lives.”

Infinite HD continues to operate as a family business, which Rob is reminded of every time he steps into the office, because his grandchildren helped install its floor, and both his son and daughter work for him.

For more information, or to book a free home estimate with Infinite HD, call 813-309-5211.

Published September 29, 2021

Pine View Middle’s SRO wins top state honors

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Corporal Elissa Elders, from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, said she was shocked upon learning she had been selected the 2021 School Resource Officer of the Year from a pool of 900 officers in the state of Florida.

Elissa Elders, Florida’s School Resource Officer of the Year is shown here with Edward Upthegrove, program administrator for the Florida Crime Prevention Training Institute. The FCPTI is part of the Bureau of Criminal Justice Programs in the Office of the Attorney General. (Courtesy of Pasco County Sheriff’s Office)

“Out of all those people, I’m the one who is selected?’’ Elders said. “I’m just doing my job, but so are all the amazing people I work with. I am honored and I am humbled. Next to marrying my husband, it’s the biggest honor in my life.

“But I still can’t get over it. Me? Why me?’’

When examining Elders’ eight-year body of work at Pine View Middle School in Land O’ Lakes and hearing from the students, administrators and parents, another question quickly emerges.

Why did it take so long for Elders to be recognized?

Cpl. Elissa Elders, who serves at Pine View Middle School in Land O’ Lakes, is the 2021 School Resource Officer of the Year for Florida. She received the distinction during the opening of the annual convention for the Florida Association of School Resource Officers. (Courtesy of Pasco County Sheriff’s Office)

“She really cares about the kids,’’ Pine View principal Jennifer Warren said. “She’s extremely relatable and they feel very comfortable in receiving her messages. She’s a huge part of our school and we’re all very excited to see this type of recognition.’’

Elders doesn’t seek recognition, though. Her rewards are seeing kids learn and develop.

“This isn’t a job, it’s her calling,’’ said retired law enforcement officer Bill Elders, Elissa’s husband of 14 years. “Whether something turns out to be frustrating or a great success, she has a tremendous way of separating the two, always keeping it in perspective, and never letting it take away from her purpose of helping the kids.

“I’ve listened to her cry when she sees kids hurting. I’ve listened to her laugh when they do outstanding things. She gets excited. She empathizes. She doesn’t punch a clock. It never stops. This is her life and her heart is completely in it.’’

Elders, who enlisted in the Army before a medical discharge, originally thought she wanted to become an arson investigator with the fire department. But after attending the police academy, she found her niche as Pine View’s SRO.

“My principal (Warren) is such a proactive person and she always encourages me to grow and train,’’ Elders said. “I appreciate working with such a strong leader, who has helped me process things and mature as a deputy.

“I wear many hats. I’m your friend, your counselor, your teacher, your go-to for advice. If you need something sewn for an outfit or a class project, I can do that. I’m here to help and I work for them, which makes them my boss. Whatever they need, I’m here. I want to take care of any needs or worries, so the families can concentrate on raising a good productive member of society.’’

School Resource Officer Cpl. Elissa Elders played the role of Keystone Cop in Pine View Middle’s production of ‘Annie.’ That’s just one example of how she gets involved with kids. (Courtesy of Pine View Middle School)

Elders’ biggest tool: Creativity
During the school’s “Pink Out Against Bullying,’’ she wore a large pink bow in her hair and pink socks.

She’s known to pop into classrooms and actively participate.

She had a role in the school’s production of “Annie Junior,’’ playing a Keystone Cop (of course). But nothing was handed to her. Elders auditioned for the role like any student.

On St. Patrick’s Day, she makes a pot of gold with prizes. At Christmas, she uses clues for a “Corporal Elders on a Shelf’’ contest with large candy bars going to the winners.

Playing the role of a seahorse, in ‘The Little Mermaid,’ Cpl. Elissa Elders demonstrates her willingness to do what it takes to connect with kids. (Courtesy of Pine View Middle School)

She has a “Walking Dead Fan Club,’’ so students and parents can converse and argue about the popular television series, while using that common interest to promote fellowship and togetherness. She also has started other clubs, such as Girls on the Run and the Craft Club.

She likes to poke fun at herself. At a dance class, she displayed some cop-themed exercises, such as running after freshly baked donuts. She carries a donut-shaped water bottle in the car line. She has passed out donuts to reward students who wear their seat belts.

“Cops and donuts — classic joke, right?’’ Elders said with a laugh.

All of Elders’ out-of-the-box ideas have the same goal.

“We do have days at school where kids make poor choices,’’ Elders said. “But I want to be as involved as I can be, whether it’s doing a play, being at a basketball game, helping in the classroom, anything to share what I can and have a positive impact on students.

“When you are involved in their lives, when you can show them the right way to do it, they will be less likely to do something wrong that could result in criminal charges.’’

There are tangible signs of Elders’ state award, such as the designation on her parking spot at Pine View Middle School (“Florida SRO of the Year Parking Only’’).

Sometimes, though, Elders doesn’t see the complete results until years later. But that’s when she realizes the full impact.

“I have seen it where she runs into a former student at a restaurant or a ballgame and they are so appreciative over something she once said or did for them,’’ Bill Elders said. “She puts her heart and soul into helping kids and it’s rewarding to see them on a good road in their lives.’’

She appreciates the community’s support.

“I have gotten so many notes and messages from people congratulating me,’’ Elders said. “Some of them don’t even have a kid at our school. They are saying how proud they are. It means a lot. These kinds of well wishes really show that people are aware and how much they care about the kids, too. That’s really the mission, getting kids on the right road.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published September 29, 2021