The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Be sure to understand insurance, before storm hits

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The Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters provides these pointers to help homeowners to be ready, in case a major storm hits.

If storm damage does occur, you need a firm understanding of your current insurance policy and what steps are necessary to file a claim, the organization says, in a news release.

It recommends that homeowners:

  • Know what their policy covers and doesn’t cover. Not all policies are the same. Be sure you are aware of any restrictions in your policy.
  • Make sure your deductible isn’t too high. That’s the out-of-pocket expense you will have to absorb if you have a loss.
  • Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
  • Be sure you purchase flood insurance before a major storm threatens. Be aware that flood insurance doesn’t go into effect for 30 days.
  • Review the “duties after loss” section of your policy. Failure to follow these provisions could result in a nonpayment of a legitimate claim.
  • Check the “exclusions” portion of your windstorm policy. Many insurance companies have added new exclusions to coverage, which could affect your protection.
  • Make a visual record of your home and possessions. Use a digital camera, smartphone or video recorder to document the condition of your home and belongings before any damage occurs.
  • Prepare a detailed list of your personal property. This will help you document your claim after a loss. Gather your receipts for large items, such as major appliances, furniture and appliances. Make copies to include with your property inventory.
  • Create a disaster supply kit that includes copies of your insurance policies, family medical information, deeds, wills and so on. Place the originals in a safe place, and keep a digital copy in the cloud for easy reference.

If your property sustains damage, be sure to hire only licensed, trained public insurance adjusters rather than roofers, contractors or restoration consultants to represent you in filing a claim.

To learn more about public adjusters, visit GetReadyFlorida.com.

Published September 29, 2021

HVAC upgrade approved for jail

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The Pasco County Commission has approved spending an amount not-to-exceed $238,936 to design and build a heating, air conditioning and ventilation upgrade at the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center.

The medical isolation rooms at the detention center are not meeting the current standards to be considered negative pressure isolation rooms for medial quarantine. This project would replace an air-conditioning unit that is over 20 years old and will install additional venting to meet the required parameters for these rooms to meet current isolation room standards, according to backup materials for the county board’s Sept. 15 meeting.

Updating the system would allow the Detention Center to isolate inmates for COVID-19 purposes.

Published September 29, 2021

Young photographer wins contest

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The San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union’s (SACFCU) Claim Your Youth (CYY) Photo Contest drew teen entries at credit unions in several states that partner with the Claim Your Youth Culture Club for its youngest members. The selected winning photo was submitted by Jacob Valdes, who received a CYY certificate, selfie stick, sunglasses and SACFCU swag.

(Courtesy of San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union)
Jacob’s winning photo

 

What is a hockey game without a fight?

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(Fred Bellet)

Referees break up a fight, but not before Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Cameron MacDonald, of Nova Scotia, Canada, gets the brunt of a glove in the face by Carolina prospect Seth Jarvis, No. 24, of Winnipeg, Canada. See the full story and more photos in the sports story below.

A treat for local first responders

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club delivered a total of 12 gift baskets filled with snacks, treats and fruit to eight local first responder stations in Land O’ Lakes and Lutz, in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The club has long supported the fire and EMT first responders in the community and wanted to show their deep appreciation for the dedication and difficult work of our local heroes. Dee Knerr stops by Station 22 in Connerton to deliver a basket to the station’s captain and two firefighters. ** Please note that it is the policy of the fire departments not to release individual names of their firefighter/EMT staff.

The Double Branch Name Runs Deep In Wesley Chapel

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Brewer Bob Hunt (left) and co-owner Ryan Clarke at DBAA in Wesley Chapel.

The roots of Double Branch Artisanal Ale (DBAA) run deep in the history of Wesley Chapel, beginning with its name.

Double Branch, named after twin creeks that once flowed through the area, preceded what we now know as Wesley Chapel. It wasn’t until the postal service was established inside a Methodist chapel in the Wesley district, that the name Double Branch was lost.

But thanks to this local brewery, this historical name is no longer forgotten. “We wanted a name that calls back to our community,” said co-owner Ryan Clarke.

During prohibition, the Wesley Chapel area was a refuge for moonshiners. Nowadays, these brewers of old would be impressed with the lineup of 29 taps that DBAA offers. Guests can try entry-level craft beers, as well as drinks on the more experimental side, all of which are rotated throughout the year and handcrafted on site. This keeps things fresh, and allows guests to come back for another love-at-first-sip experience.

“We see what space needs to be filled on our list and we fill it. It’s what we have fun doing,” said Clarke, who has dreamed of owning a bar since he was very young.

DBAA is the only brewery in Tampa Bay to use dedicated laagering tanks, which provide the necessary space and temperature for their pilsners and other lagers. A crowd favorite, the “Grove Gold” pilsner, is named after Grove owner Mark Gold, and is crafted in these one-of-a kind tanks. The pilsner calls back to the essence of our area once again, with notes of citrus.

DBAA also bottles and distributes its beers farther into the community and throughout Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

Outside of what’s brewing in the back, the family friendly brewery offers just as much excitement in the dining room. There’s ample room for entertainment with sports TV and arcade games, complete with a dedicated scratch kitchen. A diverse, high-end menu is not your run-of-the-mill bar food — everything from the smoked brisket to sauces are homemade, boasts co-owner Travis Glenn.

“I grew to enjoy craft beer and I loved the environment, and now we are here. We’re welcoming, we’re open, we have a lot of options, and we really do have something for everyone,” said Clarke.

With strong ties to the community, DBAA is dedicated to giving back by supporting local charities throughout the month with day-long events. The brewhouse also celebrates with its guests holidays and special events, including its upcoming Oktoberfest from Sept. 17 through Oct. 3.

813-492-8800 • 5956 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

Published on 9/22/21

Hillsborough seeks public input on redistricting

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Hillsborough County is seeking public input in the redistricting process.

Redistricting is the constitutionally mandated redrawing of local, state and federal political boundaries every 10 years following the federal Census, to account for changes in population during the previous decade.

While the final map is decided by vote of the Hillsborough County Commission, Hillsborough County welcomes residents’ comments throughout the process, according to a county news release.

The open house scheduled in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area has already been held.

To participate virtually, until 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 25, visit HCFLGov.net/HCEngage.

Published September 22, 2021

Supervisor of Elections Office not visiting voters

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The Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Office has become aware that individuals have begun and will continue to go to registered voters’ homes seeking information from voters.

Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley has issued a statement announcing that his office is not involved in those efforts.

“Our office has been made aware that individuals have begun and will continue to go to registered voters’ homes throughout Pasco County to inquire and verify information for voters at that particular address and possibly inquiring if those person(s) voted in the 2020 General Election,” the release says.

“Pasco County voters need to be aware that these individuals are not affiliated with the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Office. These activities are also occurring in other Florida Counties and we have received information from another Supervisor of Elections Office that an individual went to a voter’s home and misrepresented themselves as being with that county and/or the Supervisor of Elections Office,” the release adds.

“Additionally, in spite of lobbying by Florida’s Supervisor of Elections, voter’s personal information from their voter file (e.g. name, address, phone number, email address, designated political party, which elections you voted in) is public record,” the release continues.

“Voters often contact my office with concerns about their personal information being publicly available. Voters shouldn’t have to choose between protecting their personal information with exercising their constitutional right to vote,” Corley says in the release.

Third-party groups have a legal right to voter information, but Corley wants the public to know that his staff will not come to your house to ask about your voting history.

Through the release, Corley makes this request: “If an individual indicates they are with ‘Pasco County’ or the ‘Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Office,’ please contact us at 800-851-8754.”

Published September 22, 2021

World Rhino Day is Sept. 22

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ZooTampa celebrates World Rhino Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the plight of the world’s five remaining rhinoceros species. ZooTampa is home to six Southern white rhinos —Ongava, Kidogo, Kipenzi, Fujo, Alake and Ahadi — and three greater one-horned rhinos (also known as the Indian rhino) — Johnny, Jamie and Gronk. A group of rhinos is called a ‘crash.’  For more about all the animals living at the zoo, visit ZooTampa.org.

Shown here is an adult Southern white rhino with a calf. (Courtesy of ZooTampa)
Shown here is a baby Indian rhino with its mother.

Never Forget

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club turned out in force to commemorate this most solemn and poignant 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on our country. The women formed a long queue of wavers to remind those in the heavy traffic and passers-by along U.S. 41 in Lutz to “Never forget”. The women received hearty responses from car horns, 18-wheeler airhorn blasts, and even the sheriff’s motorcycle sirens in support. Every year since the first anniversary in 2002, club members have been a visible presence, to remind the community that we are all in this together.