The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Hillcrest RV Resort Is Family Owned

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Hillcrest RV Resort is a great place for fun and sun. This pet-friendly Zephyrhills community has so much to offer, including amiable staff, a close-knit community and plenty of amenities.

Amenities include a heated pool and whirlpool; lighted shuffleboard courts; regulation horseshoe pits; laundry facilities; Wi-Fi throughout the park; lighted, wide-paved streets; extra-large lots (35′ x 65′); and, 30- and 50-amp services.

Hillcrest joined Parrish Properties LLC, a family owned business, about 15 years ago and continually makes improvements to the park. It offers one of the best living experiences at very affordable prices in the Zephyrhills area.

Hillcrest welcomes residents age 55 and older from all over the U.S. and Canada who share a sense of community and develop lifelong friendships.

There are many social activities to participate in, with something for everyone at Hillcrest. Residents enjoy live entertainment, themed dinners, relaxing poolside with friends, bingo, festive dances and so much more! There also are nearby places to fish and golf, as well as great restaurants and places to shop.

If you’re looking for a new home away from home, Hillcrest invites you to visit, or call 813-782-1947, to learn more about its properties for sale and other opportunities.

Published August 25, 2021

Infinite HD Brings the Experience to Home Remodeling 

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When it comes to home repairs and installations, experience is a must.

That’s why many locals go to Infinite HD, a full-service home repair and installation company based in Odessa.

Rob Howard, owner of Infinite HD, 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 to all their clients.

Howard focuses on giving estimates and handling customer relations, while 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, as well as to keep up with the company’s growth.

“We’re definitely keeping busy,” Howard says, “We’re doing a lot of repairs right now for people wanting to sell their home.”

Bathroom and kitchen updates also are a hot commodity right now for Infinite HD. A lot of Howard’s clients are gravitating towards either his 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.”

Typically, it takes Howard and his team up to three weeks to finish a remodel/repair job.

A huge factor that sets Infinite HD apart from its competition is its large inventory of home improvement products.

“There’s a huge shortage in home repair/installation inventory, especially in flooring,” says Howard. “The shortage is worse now than it’s ever been, and we expect it to go on until next year.”

Thankfully, Howard’s son was ahead of the game and, before the shortfall, ordered 60,000 square feet of inventory between ceramic tile, wood and vinyl plank. This is roughly enough for 4 to 5 months of work for the company.

“We actually have more inventory than we can hold,” says Howard.

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.”

Infinite HD has seen its share of cases where people try to do their own home repairs, or hire unqualified people, and end up having Infinite HD finish the job.

“Those clients end up spending more money, time and stress by trying to do it on their own,” said Rodriguez.

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

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

Howard has been happily married for 35 years, and had been a Hillsborough County resident his entire life, until he and his wife moved to Pasco County two years ago, because of all the expected growth in the area.

Infinite HD currently has eight employees, but Howard is looking to add more contractors to the team. All he asks is that they are hardworking, have excellent customer service skills, and ideally have five-plus years of experience.

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

Published August 25, 2021

The Air You Breathe Circulates Four Times an Hour Through Your Home’s AC System

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Floridians spend 90% of their time indoors, and the air we breathe in our homes circulates through our AC systems an average of four times an hour.

“That’s why it’s so important to keep your AC unit clean, and free of dust and debris, because if your unit is dirty, your air will be dirty,” explains Gary Beurmann, air conditioning manager at Cornerstone Pros in Land O’ Lakes.

A typical home contains hundreds of pollutants, from invisible particulates to pet dander, dust, and indoor air allergens. This air pollution can be filtered out to help keep your family healthy by eliminating most flu viruses, bacteria and microbial growth.

“There are three steps to achieving optimum indoor air quality – superior filtration, high output UV lights and an oxidizer,” explains Beurmann. “While the most thorough solution is to incorporate all three steps, if you can only afford to do one, your air quality will be greatly improved. I tell customers installing one of the steps is better than none.”

Indoor air quality is especially important for people who have multiple pets, suffer from asthma, allergies and other respiratory conditions, and those who are sensitive to chemicals who live in new construction homes or recently remodeled buildings that give off strong VOC.

Cornerstone’s technicians are trained to assess the air quality in your home and recommend cost-effective solutions. “If you are having trouble breathing indoors, become sick when you spend time indoors, or have a weak immune system, our technicians will recommend the best air purification system for your home and budget,” said Beurmann.

In 2020 when the coronavirus first hit, Cornerstone’s inventory was depleted as homeowners installed air quality filtration systems to help keep their families safe.

“We learned from that the demand and need for these systems are critical in these times, and have invested in inventory to make sure we can help every family and business that calls wanting a quality air quality system,” said Beurmann.

Scrubbers and Filters
The first step for most homeowners is to install air scrubbers and filters that work with their existing AC system to eliminate odors, particulates and bacteria. An added plus is that while your home’s air quality improves, so does your AC system’s efficiency and lifespan.

Cornerstone uses Smart AirSpace Technology to trap and eliminate harmful airborne contaminants. This system installs quickly and easily into the existing filter tracks in an AC system, and its Air Ranger Cleaners use electronic polarized technology that traps 97% of most particles.

This system uses HEPA filtration and ultraviolet light to control the following:

– Dirt and dust inside your AC system, which in addition to spewing particulates in the air, also reduces your unit’s efficiency by as much as 50%.

– Eliminate allergens that cause allergic reactions and asthmatic attacks

– Deactivates organisms such as germs, microbial growth, spores, bacteria and flu viruses

– Eliminates noxious odors created by cooking, pets, smoke, solvents, carpets and vinyl coverings (VOC chemicals)

– Stops toxins created by pressed-wood products and other materials

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor pollution levels can be two to five times higher than outdoor pollution levels. Unknown by most people, the EPA ranks indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health.

“There is so much research that proves the benefits of clean indoor air,” said Beurmann. “Cornerstone Pros is proud to offer solutions to keep air pollutants out of your home’s air.”

UV Light Systems
For more than 100 years, scientists have known that certain light frequencies disrupt the DNA of microorganisms and prevent their reproductive cycle. Today, UV light disinfection is widely used in hospitals, laboratories, food service companies and other settings requiring sanitized surfaces and equipment.

To improve your indoor air quality, the Cornerstone team installs the Clean Air Defense’s UV light system. This air purification system destroys airborne contaminants as they pass through a UV filtration system where airborne microbes are repeatedly exposed to sterilizing UV rays.

“High output UV air purification kills germs and flu and cold viruses, eliminates odors, reduces chemical vapors, and removes dust and pet dander. It also reduces indoor contaminants like dust mites, pollen and microbial growth,” explains Beurmann.

Cornerstone Pros has a large inventory of air filtration systems and there is no wait if you want to improve your home’s indoor air quality now. Homeowners can start improving air quality for less than $2.32 day, or less than going out for your favorite cup of coffee, and you will be gaining clean air in your home.  Cornerstone also has 12-months no interest financing available WAC.

Cornerstone Pros is committed to their customers’ health and safety. Call today to schedule an appointment with one of its technicians who specialize in indoor air quality, and receive $50 off an air quality product.

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 August 25, 2021

Shade, Stencil and Stain at Bella Home Market

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Bella Home Market is approaching its second anniversary in Lutz. So far, it has shown the community it’s 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. From farmhouse and chic, to industrial and modern, around every corner there’s a one-of-a-kind, eye-catching find. Owner Lou Malerba also creates space in his store to feature homemade goods, like organic soaps and wall art, from local creators.

What sets Bella Home Market apart even further is that it is the only store in the Lutz area to be considered an Elite retailer of Dixie Belle Craft Paints. Malerba and his associates offer monthly classes to showcase the paint’s versatility, such as painting furniture, jewelry, glass and canvas. Guests to his store not only can leave with a great new find, but the skills to create one of their own.

As of last year, Bella Home Market now lets you browse from home. For anyone looking to enhance their DIY skills with Dixie Belle Paint or browse home accents, visit BellaHomeMarket.com, or call 813-345-8038.

Located at the Tropical Village Plaza, 1532 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Lutz 33549

Published August 25, 2021

Set Your Closing Date With Opendoor

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Many homeowners would love to move up to a new home in one of Pasco’s beautiful master-planned communities. Unfortunately, many are delaying building their dream because they worry that their current home will sell quickly, and they will need to move and rent until their new home is ready.

Opendoor solves this problem by letting people stay in their existing home until their new construction home is ready, with coordinated closings, explains Suzanne Dresser, the homebuilder partnership manager for Opendoor in the Greater Tampa Bay Area.

“When Opendoor purchases your home, you choose your closing date,” says Dresser. “This allows you to take advantage of high resale home prices, and apply the equity in your existing home toward the purchase of your family’s next home.”

“Putting your home-to-sell under contract with Opendoor, a cash buyer, removes the home-to-sell contingency, which makes a buyer’s offer more attractive and more likely to be accepted,” Dresser explains.

In addition to closing on your timetable, Opendoor is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to sell your home.

“Selling your home through Opendoor is hassle-free, with no showings or household repairs to worry about,” explains Dresser. “It’s fast and easy to find out what your home is worth by answering a few easy questions on our website.”

Opendoor makes a competitive offer based on what similar homes have sold for in a neighborhood, and then pays the seller cash for their home, ensuring there are no surprises at closing. For those whose circumstances change, they can cancel their Opendoor contract at any time and walk away without penalty.

Opendoor charges a flat service fee that is typically lower than industry average. This fee enables Opendoor to give sellers a stress-free sale so they can move ahead and buy their next home based on their needs and time frame.

“Opendoor is a new way to sell and buy homes that offers convenience, certainty and simplicity,” said Dresser. “Opendoor lets you know your home’s value early in the buying process. This makes the homebuying process less stressful and more fun.” Get your free offer now at Opendoor.com/lakerlutz.

Suzanne Dresser
Homebuilder Partnership Manager
GREATER TAMPA BAY AREA | SARASOTA | LAKELAND
813-666-3523

Published August 25, 2021

ICI Homes Introduces New Model in Lake Jovita

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ICI Homes — one of Florida’s best-known and prestigious homebuilders — has opened its newest model in Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club, a beautiful master-planned community with rolling hills and large homesites, off State Road 52 in Dade City.

The Egret Model is a one-story home that features 3,137 square feet of living area with three bedrooms, three baths and a two-car garage. As one walks into the model, they are greeted by a large dining room on one side and a flex room on the other. The giant gathering room is the heart of this home and includes a luxurious gourmet kitchen with a breakfast nook.

The master suite features plenty of privacy, as well as large walk-in closets and a spacious bath. Two guest bedrooms and bath are on the other side of the home, and provide plenty of space for children and guests. A functional utility/laundry room is located nearby the two-car garage, and for buyers with a need for additional storage space, a three-car garage is optional.

“I don’t think there’s a better homesite in the area,” says Greg Jones, Tampa division manager for ICI Homes. “I think what separates us in the market with this model is the 12-foot ceilings. They are absolutely stunning.”

ICI Homes has lots in three Lake Jovita neighborhoods: Parkside, Meadows and The Bluffs. Its semi-custom homes range from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet, with pricing starting in the high $300s. Homesites in The Bluffs, which is located at some of the highest elevation in Florida, are suitable for floor plans up to 10,000 square feet, with many buyers building their forever home.

“All of our neighborhoods in Lake Jovita have homesites that back up to the golf course, conservation area or lakes and ponds,” said Jones. “It is almost unheard of today for a master-planned community to offer homes for less than $400s on such large lots with privacy and pristine views.”

And, because Lake Jovita began building over 20 years ago, today there are no CDD fees, saving buyers thousands of dollars a year in additional taxes. The only community expense is a $900 annual fee from the Homeowners Association.

In addition to Lake Jovita’s enviable homesites, families are drawn to the community because of its easy access to I-75, and all the shopping, dining and entertainment in nearby Wesley Chapel and Dade City.

“The State Road 52 exit that leads to Lake Jovita is just 10 miles north of Wesley Chapel,” said Jones. “It’s literally just a 20-minute drive into the heart of Wesley Chapel, plus we’re just five minutes to the east of downtown Dade City and all of its old-fashioned charm.”

To schedule a VIP appointment to see the new Egret model, call 855-215-2054, or email Jones at . The Lake Jovita Sales Center is located at 12330 Lake Jovita Blvd., Dade City, FL 33526. 

Persimmon Park and Asturia
ICI Homes continues to build in Persimmon Park, located in Wesley Chapel in the Wiregrass Ranch community. All homes in this community have open floor plans with front porches, and garages and alleys at the back of the home. The community will have 150 homes, with prices beginning in the high $200s. Its amenity center includes a unique, T-shaped luxury pool with cabanas and grilling area.

Asturia is situated on 500 pristine acres in Odessa on the north side of State Road 54, just five minutes from the Suncoast Parkway. The community offers residents a kid-friendly, family oriented lifestyle surrounded by miles of multi-use trails, interspersed with dog parks and pocket parks. Its distinctive, 5,800-square-foot Amenity Center includes a fully equipped fitness center, covered outdoor living rooms, a luxurious resort-style swimming pool and expansive lawn areas for recreation.

Model homes in Asturia and Persimmon Park are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday. The Persimmon Park model is at 3793 Lajuana Blvd., Wesley Chapel, and the Asturia model is at 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa.

Customization
ICI Homes excels in its customization services. Whether a buyer wants to move a wall, add a room, or choose a specific style of doors, ICI Homes can accommodate customers, so they can create their dream home. The company does this by showcasing all of its different models, which come in all shapes and sizes.

“It helps people understand, whether we are selling a home in the $300s or for $1.5 million, the customization we offer and the things we can do at every level,” says Jones. “The process, service and quality are going to be the same, regardless the cost of the home.”

Inventory
Inventory for ICI Homes goes pretty quickly, Jones says. Due to demand, Jones says they limit the amount of homesites they release each month.

“We do this so we can provide excellent customer service to our existing customers who are building homes, and to give realistic time frames to new customers,” says Jones.

For families needing a home now, ICI Homes does sell its showcase model homes.

“You won’t get to pick your options and customize it, but the home will be ready now, and it will be a beautiful home,” says Jones.

Published August 25, 2021

Caddy The Cat Is Back With A Second Book By Local Author and Speech Pathologist!

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Land O’ Lakes resident Anne Higgins is the author of the children’s book, “Princess Caddy Finds a Home.” The book tells an endearing story of a real-life cat that came to Higgins’ yard and would not leave, while teaching important concepts for young children and helping them develop vocabulary and comprehension skills.

Released in 2018, the Princess Caddy book has been such a success that Higgins has written a follow up book, “Princess Caddy Takes a Vacation,” which will be available to readers next spring.

In addition to the new book, Higgins also is introducing an adorable plush toy of Caddy the Cat, which will be sold individually and also packaged with her books.

Higgins is a speech pathologist who has helped thousands of children develop their speech and language skills. She previously supervised 35 speech pathologists in the Plano Independent School District, in Texas, where she also published an articulation kit for severe speech disorders that was in publication for 20 years.

After moving to Land O’ Lakes a few years back, Higgins continued to work with children with speech disabilities, and it was here that Princess Caddy entered her life.

“This is a true story about a little kitty that basically came to my yard and didn’t leave. I was telling my little 3- and 4-year-olds about the kitty and found out they were more excited about what Caddy would do every day, than what Miss Anne would do,” said Higgins. “They could care less what I did in the morning, but they wanted to know everything that Caddy did in the morning.”

So Higgins decided to write a book about the adventures of her cat that would both entertain young readers, and help them develop vocabulary and comprehension skills. The hardcover book is filled with colorful illustrations, and appeals to a broad audience of children.

The response to the first Princess Caddy book has been amazing.

“I found integrating Princess Caddy into my therapy to be probably one of the best methods I’ve ever come up with,” Higgins said.

The books use stories about Caddy and her interaction with other animals to help teach basic concepts and help them to develop their vocabulary. Higgins established an index for adults to explain basic concepts that are important for 3- to 5-year-olds, and also lists the vocabulary words presented in the book, which children learn through repetition. Each book contains more than 100 vocabulary words, ranging from simple to complex. Higgins also added a section of questions to help children with their comprehension.

“After you read this to the child, you can ask them some questions, and see if they were listening and understanding,” she said.

Higgins received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas, in Austin, and her master’s degree from the University of Texas Dallas branch.

Laster, she moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where she worked with 3- and 4-year-old children with hearing impairments. At the same time, Higgins worked on speech and language skills with students with autism and who were severely developmentally delayed.

The original Princess Caddy book is available through Amazon.com and BarnesAndNoble.com.

Published August 25, 2021

Worth The Trip

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Phonographs, flowers, antique Fords
If you’re looking for a family friendly place to spend a day, or want to show out-of-town guests a side of Florida away from amusement parks, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates are worth a trip.

One of the cars on display in a garage at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers. (File)

On 20 acres along the Caloosahatchee River, you’ll find Thomas Edison’s and Henry Ford’s winter homes, botanical gardens, the Edison Botanic Research Lab, and the Edison Ford Museum. You can meander on your own, take self-guided audio tours or join historian-led tours.

In the botanic laboratory, you can imagine Edison, Ford, and Harvey Firestone of Firestone tire fame discussing the need to find a new source of rubber in case foreign rubber became scarce. The trio was so concerned, they formed the Edison Botanic Research Corporation in 1927 and headquartered it on the property.

Under Edison’s leadership, researchers sought a source of rubber that could be grown and produced quickly in the United States. In the long run, they found that Goldenrod was the most suitable. The banyan tree was among more than 17,000 plant samples they tested. One of those trees, planted on the property in 1927, may be one of the largest banyan trees in the continental United States.

The Edison Ford Museum chronicles the lives of Edison, Ford and their families at their winter homes; has displays on Edison’s electric lighting and phonograph inventions, among other breakthroughs; and showcases vintage Ford cars.

For those drawn more to nature, the grounds feature orchids, bougainvillea and other flowering plants, as well as towering bamboos and palms. Moonlight Garden, designed in 1928 by renowned landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman, features fragrant white flowers and a small pool, intended to reflect moonlight.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Where: 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers
When: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Cost: adults, $25; ages 13-19, $20; ages 6-12, $15; 5 and under, free. Free parking.
Info: 239-334-7419; EdisonFordWinterEstates.org.

By B.C. Manion

This is an updated and condensed version of a story that was originally published by The Laker/Lutz News on April 29, 2015.

Take a step into Florida’s past at the Gamble Mansion
History and architecture buffs, or just anybody looking for a free outing, might consider making the trek to Gamble Plantation Historic State Park.

The park boasts Gamble Mansion, the oldest building in Manatee County and the only remaining plantation house in South Florida. It’s on 17 acres once part of a thriving sugar plantation owned by Maj. Robert Gamble Jr., who arrived from Tallahassee in 1843.

He was attracted by the area’s mild climate, rich soil and easy access to the Manatee River, but especially by free land, offered by Congress to encourage frontier settlement.

Gamble Mansion in Ellenton is the only remaining antebellum plantation house in South Florida. The park is open to visitors every day. Tours of the mansion are offered Thursdays through Mondays. (File)

In just two years, his plantation was among a dozen cultivating sugarcane and producing molasses for the New Orleans’ market.

He eventually owned 3,500 acres, including about 1,500 acres producing sugar, limes, lemons, olives, oranges, corn and beans. By 1855, he owned 155 slaves who farmed, cleared fields, cooked and cut wood for fuel at the sugar works.

Although a bachelor, Gamble lived in the 10-room, two-story brick and tabby stone mansion, with thick walls and 18 columns supporting the roof and upper verandas.

But by 1856, hurt by crop losses and declining sugar prices, he sold his estate for $190,000 (nearly $6 million today) and moved back to Tallahassee.

The mansion’s story was far from over. After the Confederacy’s surrender at Appomattox, the Rebel’s Secretary of State, Judah P. Benjamin, fled Union troops and headed south. According to the park’s website, “it is thought that” he took refuge in the Gamble mansion until he escaped to England.

Park manager Kevin Kiser said the mansion has weathered hurricanes, once stored manure, and was in shambles when the Judah P. Benjamin Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy bought the property in 1925, revived it and deeded it to the state. Today, it is furnished with pieces typical of plantations from the 1840s to 1860s.

Besides its interesting history, the park offers a pleasant respite, with picnic areas, benches and moss-draped trees.

Gamble Plantation Historic State Park
Where: 3708 U.S. Highway 301, Ellenton
When: 365 days a year; 8 a.m. to sundown
Cost: Free parking and admission to the grounds; mansion tours are $6 for adults, ages 13 and up; $4 for ages 6 to 12; and free for those under age 6.
COVID-19 updated: The plantation mansion and visitor center have reopened. Tours of the mansion are offered on Thursdays through Mondays, at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. (Be aware, it can get very hot in the mansion in the afternoon, so morning tours are recommended, particularly during the summer.) Masks are optional; social distancing is requested.
Info: 941-723-4536; FloridaStateParks.org

By B.C. Manion

This is an updated and edited version of a story originally published in The Laker/Lutz News on March 20, 2014.

Explore underwater delights at Mote Marine
Of all the wonders at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, kids seem to love watching sharks the most. River otters, baby gators, manatees and sea turtles draw crowds, too.

But the Shark Zone’s 135,000-gallon habitat is the superstar here. Behind the scenes, scientists are researching why sharks and stingrays rarely get cancer, which could lead to new human cancer treatments.

Sharks are the stars at Mote Aquarium. (File)

That’s one of the beauties of Mote – it’s a marine laboratory and an aquarium open daily to the public. It’s a big place, divided into two areas across the street from each other, so plan plenty of time, and go on a weekday if you can.

At the Marine Mammal Center across the street from the main aquarium, trainers feed lettuce to manatees at noon daily. It’s fun to watch the cow-like creatures float around munching while we humans photograph them.

A few steps away, sea turtles wade in stone habitats. They were all injured in the wild and brought to Mote for rehabilitation. Around the corner, river otters frolic in a glass-enclosed habitat, swimming underwater for a while, then slithering onto rocks.

In the “Teeth Beneath” exhibit, alligators, caimans (kin to gators), turtles and crocodiles stare back at guests. Upstairs, tanks hold cobalt-blue spotted jellyfish and snook, while displays detail Mote’s coral reef restoration and conservation projects. Behind the scenes, not accessible to the public, are sea turtle, dolphin and whale hospitals.

In the main aquarium, visitors learn about Florida’s coastal and freshwater habitats by looking at displays of living coral, diamondback terrapin, clownfish, lobsters, moon jellyfish and seahorses.

Mote has plans for a $130-million aquarium that broke ground last November on 5 acres south of University Parkway off Interstate 75 in Sarasota. A fundraising effort is underway for the 110,000-square-foot Mote Science Education Aquarium.

The new aquarium will attract visitors to learn about marine life, while current facilities will give Mote more space for research labs.

Until then, visitors can enjoy otters, manatees, turtles and the ever-prowling sharks at Mote’s longtime aquarium.

Mote Marine Laboratories & Aquarium
Where: 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota
When: Open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily
Cost: Adults, $24; ages 3 to 12, $18; under 3, free. Tickets must be bought online at Tickets.mote.org. Parking is free.
Info: 941-388-4441, ext. 416; Mote.org

By Karen Haymon-Long 

This is an updated and edited version of a story originally published in The Laker/Lutz News on May 2, 2018.

Published August 25, 2021

County honors Saddblebrook Eagle Scout

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From left: Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore stands near Eagle Scout Martin Levins II, the scout’s father, Martin J. Levins and the scout’s mother, Janet C. Levins. The Eagle Scout earned his rank some time ago, but the family wanted to come to the board room to receive the resolution and they were delayed in doing so because of COVID-19 restrictions. Moore submitted the resolution on the scout’s behalf. (Courtesy of Andy Taylor, Pasco County)

Martin Levins II was honored by the Pasco County Commission on Aug. 10, for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

For his Eagle Scout Service Project, Levins recycled used tennis balls to provide material for low-impact tennis courts for people with disabilities, according to a resolution approved by the county board.

Through his project, more than 40,000 tennis balls were collected and sent to the recycling company called RecycleBalls.

That was enough tennis balls to provide the surface for four low-impact tennis courts, the resolution says.

The project began in July 2019, and with the help of fellow Troop members, school members, friends and family, the 169-hour project was completed in September 2019, the county document adds.

Levins began his scouting days in Natick, Massachusetts. He launched Troop 200 at Saddlebrook Preparatory School, in Wesley Chapel, when he moved there in 2017.

Over the years, he earned 39 merit badges, 13 scouting awards, and the Bronze, Gold and Silver Eagle Palms, after achieving his Eagle.

He also has camped 66 nights, logged 95 miles of hiking and provided 151 hours of service, as well as assisting with his fellow Scouts’ Eagle projects.

Levins is the son of Martin J. Levins and Janet C. Levins, and attends Saddlebrook Preparatory School.

He completed his Eagle Scout requirements in 2019, but didn’t appear before the county board until recently, because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Published August 25, 2021

Protecting fire rescue personnel from active shooters

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Five fire rescue departments across Tampa Bay have acquired ballistic vests and helmets to protect personnel during an active shooter rescue, according to a Hillsborough County news release.

Rescue departments in Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties, and with the City of Tampa and Plant City have acquired nearly 700 ballistic vest and helmet kits for protection, the release says. They’re to be used during active shooter/hostile event response (ASHER) threats, as prescribed by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 3000.

The equipment was provided through a federal Urban Area Security Initiative (USAI) grant, the release adds.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue took the lead in writing the grant application and drafting training and protocol measures for use of the kits. Tampa Fire Rescue, Pasco County Fire Rescue, Hernando County Fire Rescue, and Plant City Fire Rescue all participated in the grant process, the release says.

Each department now has ballistic vests and helmet kits for each apparatus that would respond in an active shooter scenario. The kits will protect more than 2,500 fire rescue personnel in the Tampa Bay region.

Each ballistic vest kit includes an adjustable vest, two armored steel plates that fit into the vest, and a protective Kevlar helmet. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue is providing training for each department on the proper use of the kits.

The ballistic vest kit protocol calls for them to be used only in an ASHER threat. Rescue personnel would only enter an ASHER site to care for the wounded after law enforcement has secured the scene. The kits would provide an additional level of protection in a life-threatening situation.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue applied for the grant to procure the vests and helmets, to ensure that all agencies in the region potentially responding to an ASHER threat would have access to the same protection, according to the release.

Published August 25, 2021