The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco Parks plans modified 2021 summer camp program

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Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR) is planning to host a modified 2021 Summer Day Camp program due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release.

Registration is online only and Pasco County residents can register for the full seven-week program on April 10 at 10 a.m., and for the full and partial programs on April 12 at 10 a.m.

Non-Pasco County residents and county residents can register for any remaining Summer Day Camp spaces beginning April 17 at 10 a.m.

The county’s 2021 summer day camp will be held Monday through Friday, June 14 to July 30, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The program is for children ages 5 to 13, generally, and for children ages 7 to 13 at the Jay B. Starkey Nature Center.

Space is limited. Register online at bit.ly/PascoCreateAccount.

The county will be using best practices to protect campers and team members.

  • Children’s temperatures taken daily before being accepted into camp
  • Sign in/check-out at your vehicle
  • Reduced camper-to-staff ratios/group intermingling to promote social distancing
  • Increased sanitizing of facilities and equipment
  • Face coverings required for staff and campers

For seamless enrollment, be sure to create or update your online account ahead of registration by visiting bit.ly/PascoCreateAccount.

For more information, including a list of locations, camp capacities, costs and financial assistance, visit bit.ly/PascoSummerCamp or call 813-929-1229.

Published April 07, 2021

Pasco health department seeks community help

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The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County is reaching out to physicians and pharmacists to help provide COVID-19 vaccine to eligible Florida residents.

“As more COVID-19 vaccine becomes available and more people become eligible to receive it, more people will want to book appointments as quickly as possible,” Mike Napier, the county’s health officer, said in a news release.

“It’s just a matter of time before everyone who wants a shot can get one, and we need to work with our community doctors and pharmacists to make that happen,” Napier said.

To become a Vaccine for Adult (VFA) provider, physicians and pharmacists need to sign up for the Florida SHOTS program at FLShotsUsers.com. Those that are already a Florida SHOTS provider can log into their account and visit the COVID-19 enrollment page.

Pasco County continues to make progress in its efforts.

The county also is asking pediatricians to plan ahead for the time when vaccinations will be available to children.

For additional information, call the COVID-19 Vaccine Enrollment Desk at (833) 701-1397, or email .

For information about vaccine storage, handling and administration, visit CDC.gov/vaccines/covid-19/hcp/faq.html.

Published April 7, 2021

The show went on, despite pandemic challenges

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There were times when it wasn’t certain if the 38th annual Spotlight on Talent would take place at all, but the producers of the annual showcase pushed ahead, to make it happen — despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indeed, as a news release puts it: “Expecting maybe half of the usual number of applicants, Heritage Arts Center Association was astounded to find that 150 talented young people weren’t going to let a virus stop them from polishing and sharing their impressive talents with professional judges.”

The performers did that, “even though their parents had to watch via a zoom setup, and the usual audiences of hundreds of community friends were not allowed this year,” the release adds.

Agnes Hernandez was the Pasco Heritage Scholarship Winner, at the 38th annual Spotlight on Talent competition. (Courtesy of Heritage Center for the Arts)

As a result, the arts organization gave the performers a way to show off their talents, and awarded nearly $6,000 in cash prizes, trophies and ribbons.

This all happened after the Pasco County School Board canceled all performances in its facilities, including the 900-seat Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel High, where the event is normally held. The center has all of the  top-of-the-line technology necessary for this scale of production, according to the news release.

Instead, performers showed off their talents at the fellowship hall of Dade City’s Methodist Church.

The organization followed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols, to keep everyone safe, the release says.

“That meant: No audience; no personal microphones; taking hundreds of temperatures; the necessity of 150 waivers signed,” the release notes. It also required moving in a grand piano; wiping down chairs between contestant categories; registering and lining up 150 contestants outside; trying to find covered outdoor space because of the rain, and so on, the release adds.

All of the hurdles were cleared, the release continues: “Nothing could stop the Spotlight team.”

“This team of superheroes were all volunteers – the 15-member board of directors and five producers,” the release says.

Some of those going the extra mile included Barbara Friedman, Laurel Weightman, Michelle Twitmyer, Michael Roberts, Ava Larkin and Lauretta Brown.

Additional support came from about 40 corporate and community sponsors, who donated toward the awards and production costs.

For more information about the annual talent showcase, visit HeritageArts.org.

Spotlight on Talent 2021 winners

Solo Category 1
First place: Amber Luu, Piano
Second place: Annabelle DePolis, musical theater
Third place: Chloe Adams, acrobatic dance
Fourth place: Kennedy Kring, acrobatic dance

Solo Category 2
First place: Linley Bishop, lyrical dance
Second place: Tavin Groomes, dramatic monologue
Third place: Kendall Hill, musical theater
Fourth place: Nikki Lang, piano

Solo Category 3
First place: Abigail Wallace, contemporary dance
Second place: Sofia Acosta, musical theater
Third place: Maelee Scaglione, contemporary dance
Fourth place: Salvador Hernandez, classical guitar

Solo Category 4
First place: Kasey Lang, piano
Second place: Samuel Wu, piano
Third place: Larkin Mainwaring, musical theater
Fourth place: Dylan Pham, piano

Solo Category 5
First place: Katherine Hines, pop vocal
Second place: Ezekiel Richards, jazz dance
Third place: Harley White, musical theater
Fourth place: Kennedy Engasser, spoken word

Solo Category 6
First place: Agnes Hernandez, piano
Second place: Faith Phaller, ballet dance
Third place: Julianna Cova, pop vocal
Fourth place: Rhett Ricardo, musical theater

Group Category 1
First place: Showstoppers, musical theater
Second place: Star Company Apprentices, jazz dance
Third place: Little Stars, Broadway dance

Group Category 2
First place: Star Company, ballet dance
Second place: Showbros and Showstoppers, musical theater
Third place: Broadway Players

Pasco Heritage Scholarship Winner
Agnes Hernandez, piano

Published April 7, 2021

New sheriff’s substation at the Grove

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The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office has set up a new substation at the Grove in Wesley Chapel.

Patrol deputies now will work out of this substation and desk officers will join them once lobbies reopen, according to a sheriff’s office newsletter.

The sheriff’s office lobbies remain closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Previously, patrol and desk officers worked out of a substation at The Shops at Wiregrass. That location now will be used as an office for the sheriff’s community relations deputies, the newsletter says.

Anyone needing assistance from the sheriff’s office can call 727-847-8102, option 7, to report a crime or speak with a desk officer.

Published April 07, 2021

Strong Women and Their Accomplishments Are Worth Celebrating

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March is National Women’s History Month. As a female-owned business, this celebration hits home for customers and employees of Cornerstone Pros in Land O’ Lakes.

From the minute Cornerstone was launched 15 years ago, Cornerstone’s owner, Dana Spears, did whatever it took to bring dependable HVAC service to the Tampa Bay area.

But, it wasn’t always an easy task. As a mom who also juggled a part-time job, she had to overcome obstacles and break through barriers to build her company from the ground up to become the successful business she has today.

Dana’s story represents what National Women’s History Month is truly all about. Of course, being a female-owned business isn’t the only thing special about Cornerstone. The company sets the bar high when it comes to home care and comfort, and always gives customers the specialized service they need.

Here’s more about what makes Cornerstone Pros different than others.

Home Service Experts
In need of an HVAC tech, electrician or plumber? Cornerstone offers the full spectrum of home services to turn your home into a true safe haven. Why does this matter to you? Because hiring a home service provider that has multiple services leads to three major benefits.

  1. Convenience: Hiring Cornerstone Pros eliminates the stress and hassle of dealing with multiple companies to address your home service needs. Rather than having to juggle scheduling appointments with different contractors, you’ll enjoy the convenience of working with one company.
  2. A friendly face: Serving the Tampa Bay community for over a decade, you may have either hired us before or know someone who has. This means, rather than hiring a stranger, you’re hiring a familiar face and a company with a proven reputation for dependability.
  3. Quality service and fair prices: Cornerstone also makes service affordable and easier on your budget. Affordability never comes at the expense of quality. From exclusive coupons and discounts, to flexible financing options, it delivers dependable, high-quality craftsmanship that is affordable and easy to pay for, over time.

Licensed, Certified and Affordable
The only way to protect your budget and secure your family’s safety is by hiring a professional company that is certified to handle your HVAC, plumbing and electrical problems. Cornerstone does the screening and training for you, ensuring that every technician who enters your home is licensed and certified in HVAC, plumbing or electrical before they are added to the team. With Cornerstone, you can take comfort in knowing you’ve hired the most qualified person for the job.

And, when it comes to pricing, Cornerstone does things a little differently. Rather than charging by the hour, it charges by the job. This means your initial quote is your final cost—no exceptions. This firm-pricing plan allows its technicians to ignore the clock and focus on delivering the quality work you deserve.

Cornerstone even offers a maintenance plan starting at $9.95 that covers routine maintenance for your AC, plumbing and electrical items, as well as discounts on repairs and service visits.

Above all else, the best part about Cornerstone is that its team cares about your home comfort, budget and safety. Whether you’re in need of emergency plumbing or A/C repair, or you’re considering a tankless hot water heater, call 813-949-4445.

Published March 31, 2021

Absolutely Avalon Celebrates Spring with FREE Family Fun Activities

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Of the many things that sets Avalon Park Wesley Chapel apart from other planned developments is its long history of organizing special events for area residents to enjoy.

In just a few weeks, the community is hosting Absolutely Avalon on Saturday, April 17 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This fun, safe event has family friendly activities, including local musicians, a rock climbing wall, stilt walkers, inflatable obstacle course and bumper boats, and a laser light show beginning at dusk. Parking is on River Glen Boulevard within the Avalon Park community. No preregistration is needed.

For art lovers, the Pasco Fine Arts Council continues its art exhibit featuring watercolor artist Peter Watrous through April 23, inside the Welcome Center at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. A reception was held last week to meet the artist and showcase his works. Several of Watrous’ works that are still on display can be viewed at PascoArts.org/peter-watrous-gallery, along with the prices.

The Watrous exhibit is one of many shows hosted by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, in conjunction with the Pasco Fine Arts Council.  This arts partnership began in 2019, with Avalon Park Wesley Chapel offering its Welcome Center as a new gallery for residents on the east side of Pasco County. The Avalon Park Group also is planning to build a permanent Arts Center in its new downtown.

Why Families Choose Avalon Park
In addition to its many community events and art shows, families choose to live in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel because it offers so much more than just another subdivision with homes and amenities.

“We are not just developers— we are building a brand new town,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for the Avalon Park Group. “We’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy life today and in the future.”

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has been welcoming families since 2012, when this community on State Road 54, about three miles east of Interstate 75, began building its first homes. Today, 1,000 homes have been completed or are underway, and residents enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and a convenient location with easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando.

Homebuyers can choose from several models from Avex Homes, and will soon have more floor plans available from DR Horton. Single-family and townhomes are currently for sale, and apartments and senior housing are planned for future phases. Homes range in price from the mid $200s to over $400s.

“Our builders offer homes for everyone, from teachers to physicians to empty-nesters wanting the convenience of the no-fuss, townhome lifestyle,” said Lerret.

New K-6 Charter School
Few planned communities can boast of a tuition-free charter school at their main entrance. But, this bragging right goes to Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, which is proud to welcome Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel.

The school opened its doors this fall to more than 600 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Students are immersed in new technologies, including robotics, and work in fully functioning STEM labs — something most schools do not offer. The school will be adding seventh and eighth grades in coming years.

Downtown Avalon Park
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will offer places to shop and work in its downtown hub that will be connected to its residential neighborhoods by tree-lined streets, walkways and bike paths.

“We are building a traditional downtown, with stores located inside of our community on the boulevard road leading to our residences, parks and schools,” said Lerret.

The first phase of downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will include 130,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space and apartments built above the storefronts.

“We’re 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 Lerret.

Construction on the first phase is expected to begin later this year, at the same time that the expansion of State Road 54 is completed. Eventually, Avalon Park’s downtown will have more than 560,000 square feet of retail, and 120,000 square feet of office space. At build out, this 1,650-acre master-planned community will have about 4,400 single and multi-family homes, and be home to 10,000 residents.

Absolutely Avalon
Sat., April 17
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
5060 River Glen Blvd.
Wesley Chapel FL 33545

Peter Watrous Exhibition
Through April 23
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., M-F
Free admission
East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery
Avalon Park Welcome Center
33613 State Road 54

For more information about Avalon Park and its events, call 813-783-1515, or email . Information is also available at AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com, and its Facebook page at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Published March 31, 2021

Affordable Living At Club Wildwood

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Older adults in central and east Pasco County are discovering the charming manufactured home community of Club Wildwood in Hudson, which boasts affordable homes, first-class amenities and a five-minute drive to the beach.

Club Wildwood is the largest retirement community in north Pasco County, with close to 500 homes. Living in a large community means there is always someone to share things with, including swimming in the resort-style heated pool, taking your pup to the friendly dog park, enjoying crafts and potluck dinners at the clubhouse, and even fishing in a well-stocked lake. Residents are friendly, and welcome newcomers to the community’s many clubs and activities.

Currently, three resale homes are available in Club Wildwood, very affordably priced from $32,000 to $52,000. Most resale homes in the community have been updated with the latest designs and flooring, and are a tremendous value for a single-family home in terms of cost, amenities and location.

For folks moving from Land O’ Lakes, Lutz and Wesley Chapel, living at Club Wildwood costs less than renting an apartment. The community’s monthly lot rental fee is less than $650, and includes trash, landscaping and full use of all recreation facilities.

Club Wildwood’s location on U.S. 19 gives residents quick access to major roadways, shopping and dining, and area attractions. In addition to its Olympic-size heated pool, amenities include a picnic area, shuffleboard courts, a bocce ball court and horseshoe pits. A spacious clubhouse has recently been remodeled, and boasts a fully equipped kitchen and large meeting room, small library, pool tables, fitness room and card tables.

Regular activities include bingo, karaoke, potluck dinners, coffee hours, dart tournaments, happy hours, pancake breakfasts, line dancing and bridge games. During the social distancing requirements of COVID-19, some of these activities have been suspended, but all will be back when it is safe to gather together again.

Outside of the park, many Club Wildwood residents participate in special interest clubs, including bowling and golf leagues, the Red Hat Society, and volunteering at nearby Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point.

The 290-bed hospital, which is less than 10 minutes from Club Wildwood, is the only Level II Trauma Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center in Pasco County, and its renowned Heart Institute provides comprehensive cardiac care and an open-heart surgery program.

Make Club Wildwood your next home by contacting Community Manager Sean Terris for a private tour at 866-799-6707or .

Published March 31, 2021

Pasco County Good Friday closings

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Pasco County’s offices will be closed on April 2, in observance of Good Friday, and government offices will reopen on April 5.

The county’s parks, recreation and natural resources’ offices, recreation complexes and community centers will be closed on Friday, April 2, but the parks and beaches will stay open to the public from dawn to dusk, according to a Pasco County news release.

Pasco County Public Transportation will operate all fixed routes and paratransit on April 2, but the administrative offices will be closed to walk-in customers. However, the phone lines will be open.

All Pasco County Libraries will be closed on April 2 and will resume regular business hours on  April 3.

The Pasco County Animal Services Administration Office, Adoption Center, Intake/Reclaim Shelter and Field Services will be closed on April 2.  An animal control officer will be available for emergencies only. The Adoption Center & Intake/Reclaim Shelter will resume regular business hours on April 3.

The Pasco County Resource Recovery Facility, West Pasco Class III, and the East Pasco Transfer Station will be closed to the public on April 2, but will be open to Pasco County licensed commercial haulers.

Published March 31, 2021

The Easter Bunny, jelly beans and huge bubbles — oh my!

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One-year-old Emma Dewey delights at the sight of bubbles while on her father, Garrett Dewey’s shoulders. (Fred Bellet)

Event-goers to the Jelly Bean Fling at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, in Dade City, had the chance to visit the Easter Bunny, grab a bite to eat, make an Easter bonnet, search for eggs and take in a bubble show, among other things. For a more detailed look at the festivities during the March 20 event, see the full story.

Jelly Bean Fling offers festivities, photos and fun

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Noah Yates, 3, is sitting high on his grandfather Todd Clow’s shoulders, as Clow is submerged under a cluster of suds released by Blaise Ryndes, the bubble magician. (Fred Bellet)

Hundreds turned out to the Jelly Bean Fling at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village to take advantage of festivities that included free family photos, an Easter egg hunt, a petting zoo, live entertainment, games and crafts.

Event-goers could make Easter bonnets, too, enjoy a bite to eat, purchase items from vendors and check out the model train room.

And, there were bubbles — showers and showers of bubbles —during the Sphere’s Bubble Magic Show.

Four-month-old Gabriel Martinez isn’t quite sure about sitting on the Easter Bunny’s lap while his mom, Amanda Bower, of New Port Richey, waits her turn for the baby to be photographed by museum photographer, Laura Barthle.
From left: Damien Stippich, Morgan Stippich, Daniel Stippich, mom Heather Stippich, and Malayna Stippich, all of Spring Hill, check out the food and other items available during the Jelly Bean Fling.
Blaise Ryndes, of Land O’ Lakes, right, waves a huge bubble net over the crowd of children and adults waiting for the bubbles to pour over them during the Sphere’s Bubble Magic Show during the Jelly Bean Fling.
As museum photographer, Laura Barthle tries to get a picture, Caydence Leasure, 2, gets a little uneasy in the arms of the Easter Bunny at the Jelly Bean Fling at the Pioneer Florida Museum. His mom, Tisha Leasure, of Hudson, said: ‘He was better with Santa.’ Caydence was there with his sister Makenna Leasure, 7.
Nine-year-old Jawaun Washington, of Dade City, lowered his mask to munch on a hot dog at the Jelly Bean Fling.
Children and adults were showered with bubbles, at the Jelly Bean Fling.
Ty Seifert, of St. Petersburg, seems to be having as much fun as family friend 4-year old, Cami Brown, of St. Petersburg. They were enjoying the Sphere’s Bubble Magic Show during the Jelly Bean Fling.