The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Save money, get back behind the wheel

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If you have a suspended license over unpaid court fees, costs and penalties, you may want to take advantage of Operation Green Light, a program offered by the Pasco County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller’s office.

You may be able to save yourself money and get back on the road by taking advantage of Operation Green Light. The program runs from March 3 through March 6. (File)

The in-person, telephone and online program will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 3 through March 5, at the East Pasco and West Pasco judicial centers. The program is online only and by telephone on March 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The website is PascoClerk.com. The telephone numbers are 727-847-8031 or 352-521-4542 (option 2).

“This is an important moment for drivers who have seen their licenses suspended over unpaid court obligations,” Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, said in a news release. “So much of our modern lives depends on having reliable transportation, and for most of us, that means being able to drive.

“During Operation Green Light, penalties, interest, and collections fees that have been piling up can, in many cases, be waived. For those who can’t pay their obligations in total, we offer payment plans that allow driving privileges to be restored, too,” she added.

Any time leading up to and during the event, access is available to a special Operation Green Light web page, at PascoClerk.com/856/Operation-Green-Light.

Those with licenses suspended over failure to pay child support, DUI, failure to complete a driver’s course ordered by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), traffic-related felony, or deemed by FLHSMV as a habitual traffic offender may not be eligible to participate.

Drivers wanting to get a grasp on the financial obligations pending against their license may check their status at Services.flhsmv.gov/DLCheck/.

Published March 03, 2021

 

Looking for adventure, they found it at the fair

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The COVID-19 pandemic continues — but the 74th annual Pasco County Fair found a way to work around it — offering rides, midway games, food, fun and entertainment. There were also plenty of social distancing signs and hand sanitizer stations, and masks were required inside of the buildings. See more about the fair and more photos in full story.

Eight-year-old Vashaun Smith, center, tosses rings at the ‘Ring-a-Bottle’ game, while family members cheer for him. The Dade City family was spending the day at the Pasco County Fair on Feb. 20. From left in back: Za’keyia Obanner, 16; Breshae Obanner, 15; and Anthony Lane, 13. From left in front: Ashley Washington, 8; Vashaun Smith, 8; Jeremiah Harris, 9; Rashawn Washington, 6; and Jawaun Washington, 9. (Christine Holtzman)

Pasco County Fair lives up to its billing

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The theme for the 74th annual Pasco County Fair was “The Adventure Continues” — and, based on the sounds of laughter and the abundance of smiles seen across the fairgrounds, the event lived up to its name.

Evin Martinez, of St. Leo, left, holds a large plush cow over his shoulders, as he jokes with his best friend, Dominic Shaefer, of New Port Richey. The two were waiting for Martinez’s girlfriend, Hannah Haddad, of Dade City, who was placing an order of funnel cakes and cotton candy for the group. Martinez won the oversized doll for Haddad. (Christine Holtzman)

This year — in the time of COVID-19 — special safety precautions were taken.

There were signs all over the place, asking fair-goers to observe social distancing. Hand sanitizer stations were plentiful, and masks were required inside fair buildings.

The fair, which ran from Feb. 15 through Feb. 21, was held at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City.

Thrill-seekers of all ages — who wanted to get their pulse racing — had lots of choices.

Mike Vazquez, of Tampa, sits for his portion of the caricature drawing that he commissioned from Orlando artist Haley Likes. His son, Carmelo, and nephews Truth and Terrance O’Neal, already sat for their portraits. Vazquez said he wanted the drawing to capture the priceless time he was having with family members at the fair.

This year’s rides that were not for the faint of heart included: ‘Vertigo,’ a spinning swing ride that soared to heights of nearly 90 feet; ‘Rock Star,’ an exhilarating 360-degree spinning ride that lifts riders to nearly 60 feet; and the ‘Zipper,’ a classic ride in which riders are seated in caged carts that are flipped upside down – and spun all around – as they travel along an oblong, rotating frame.

Seven-year-old Makenzie Gaarder, of Wesley Chapel, reacts with surprise, as magician Brad Matchett, of Richmond, Virginia, shows her ‘Houdini,’ the live bunny that was made to appear inside a wooden box. This was just one of many tricks the magician had up his sleeve, during his interactive agriculture-themed magic show, Agricadabra.

There was a daily entertainment lineup, too, including acts that were new to the fair this year, such as the agriculture-themed, audience-interactive magic show from Richmond, Virginia, called, ‘Agricadabra;’ the aerial and ground stunt circus acts of the ‘Victoria Circus;’ the musical entertainment of Leon Jacobs Jr.; and, ‘The Wagsters,’ a magic and illusion show from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Of course, there also were daily agricultural shows, competitions and exhibits.

A championship rodeo, sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), was held on Feb. 19 and Feb. 20.

The Orbiter is seen in motion at the Pasco County Fair. This thrill ride lifts and spins riders, as they sit in cars, attached to the Orbiter’s arms.

There also were various special events, including a Miss Heart of Florida pageant, a Pasco Showcase of Talent Show, and a Karaoke contest – where top winners were awarded cash prizes.

And, the aroma of fair foods filled the air — enticing patrons to stop to enjoy such treats as funnel cakes, deep-fried Oreos, hot dogs and cotton candy.

Those feeling lucky could step right up and try to win a prize for their favorite guy or gal, or maybe even for themselves. They could shoot hoops, play fishing games, toss rings on bottles, or play other games in the hopes of taking home a fair souvenir.

Perhaps the best prize of all, though, were the memories they made by spending some time at the 74th annual Pasco County Fair.

By Christine Holtzman

Published March 03, 2021

Nine-year-old Levi Blake, of Dade City, rides the mechanical bull – a first for him – at the Pasco County Fair. After being bucked off the machine, he jokingly told 9-year-old Kasen Howard, his best friend, ‘I’m a cowboy, baby.’
Five-year-old Brayden Wright, of Dade City, tries to maintain balance as he climbs a ladder at the ‘Crazy Ladder’ game at the Pasco County Fair midway. He almost reached the end before the ladder flipped, causing him to fall onto the inflatable mat below.
Fourteen-year-old Cody Adams Jr., of Dade City, flashes the peace sign, as he rides the swing ride ‘Vertigo’ with his 10-year-old brother, Justin Young. Adams said that he likes the hand symbol, and does it all the time. Their mother, Jessica Young, waited on the ground while her sons rode the popular thrill ride, which rises nearly 90 feet in the air, and spins riders seated in swings.
Thirteen-year-old Colby Stewart, left, finds hilarity while seated on the thrill ride ‘Axis’ next to a giant plush panda, and his friend, 13-year-old Salena Briggs. The teens are sixth-graders at Raymond B. Stewart Middle School in Zephyrhills.

Pasco Planning Commission seeks three volunteers

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Pasco County is seeking three volunteers to join the Pasco Planning Commission.

Ideal candidates will represent diverse knowledge and expertise in the areas of engineering, planning, real estate, surveying, property management, architecture, construction and other related fields, according to a news release.

Planning Commission members review and make recommendations to the Pasco County Commission on proposed amendments to the county’s comprehensive plan, rezoning requests, conditional use permit requests, development orders, development agreements, operating permits and other development applications.

Planning commissioners also conduct hearings and issue final determinations on all variances, alternative standards, certain appeals and special exception applications.

Planning commissioners generally meet twice a month, on Thursday afternoons at 1:30 p.m. The meetings alternate between New Port Richey and Dade City.

The Pasco County Commission approves planning commission appointments.

For more information about Pasco Planning and Development, visit bit.ly/2hMXfkD.

The deadline for applications is March 10.

To submit an application online, go to bit.ly/2G3IqUH.

Published March 03, 2021

It’s strawberry (shortcake) season again

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It’s that time of year when strawberries take front and center — at U-Pick farms, grocery stores, farmers markets and in the garden.

The fruit is easy to find here, because of where we live — we’re just a short drive away from Plant City — the winter strawberry capital of the world.

Have you come across the white strawberry yet? University of Florida researchers are test-marketing a new variety that is expected to be available widely in 2022. (Courtesy of UF/IFAS Communications)

The popularity of strawberries in our area may have made you curious about how the berries got their name.

Blueberries and blackberries have obvious names.

So, where did the name strawberry come from?

There are a few theories.

One theory is based on the fact that on the surface it appears that pieces of straw were lodged into them.

Another thought is that that name came from the role that straw plays when they are stored — to keep them from bruising, or when they are covered with straw during winter.

A third explanation is that vendors would string them through the stem of straw for sale at markets.

But, naysayers shoot down those theories, insisting that the word “strawberry” was in use long before strawberries were harvested and sold at markets.

Indeed, strawberries are featured in literature and artwork dating back several centuries. Ancient Romans used them for medicinal purposes, and the fruit was a symbol for Venus, the Goddess of Love — because of its heart shape and red color.

So, here’s another potential explanation: The plant’s runners lay in various directions in strawberry fields, making the strawberries look like they are “strewn” over the ground, according to Farmer’s Almanac. So, the word strawberry resulted from the mingling of the words strewn and berry.

Regardless of where it gets its name, it is a misnomer because botanically, a strawberry isn’t even technically a berry. A berry has its seeds on the inside, not on the outside.

In fact, it’s considered an aggregate fruit — but doesn’t ‘berry’ just sound better?

We will probably never know with complete certainty the origins of the name, but we do know that, like any fruit, strawberries provide health benefits.

They provide Vitamin C, potassium, fiber, antioxidants and folate.

Their popularity has grown over the years, from per capita consumption of 3 pounds in the 1970s to 6 pounds a year now, according to University of Vermont Extension.

Strawberries rank No. 5, in terms of the amount of the fruit consumed, by weight, in the United States. The top four are bananas, apples, oranges and grapes.

And, while most of us think of strawberries as a red fruit there is a new variety of the fruit that’s actually white.

The white strawberries that exist in nature are not as flavorful like the ones bred for consumption.

University of Florida researchers have helped to develop a new variety of white strawberries.

White strawberries have been popular in Japan for many years, and the seeds from Japan were used in the breeding process of the new U.S. variety.

The U.S. variety of the white strawberry is being test-marketed now, and is expected to be available in U.S. markets by 2022.

This new variety doesn’t have a name yet, but is likely to be named pineberry because it has a pineapple aroma, and is less acidic and sweeter than red ones.

Be sure to give it a try when it becomes available.

I was lucky to sample some while at a meeting at the UF Gulf Coast Research and Education Center this time last year; I’m looking forward to when it becomes readily available next year.

In the meantime, we will still enjoy the red strawberries — and continue the debate the origins of its name.

By Shari Bresin

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry topping
Wash and hull 1 quart of ripe berries.
Slice berries and add 1/3 cup sugar. Stir.
The berries will form a syrup, as you prepare the biscuits.

Biscuits
Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 3 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ½ cup shortening
  • 2/3 cup milk

Directions
Combine dry ingredients.
Cut in shortening with a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles small peas.
Add milk.
Drop biscuits onto an ungreased baking sheet.
Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes to 12 minutes.

Whipped cream

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 Tablespoon confectioner’s sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla

Whip ingredients to stiff peaks

To assemble shortcake
Split biscuits lengthwise.
Top with strawberry topping.
Add whipped cream (either made from scratch or a purchased topping).

Published March 03, 2021

It’s Always Members First At San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union

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Patricia Sarne, president and chief executive officer

By Kelli Carmack

The Laker/Lutz News

“Your Future. Our Community. Together.”

This is the motto of San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union (SACFCU), the oldest chartered financial institution in Pasco County.

The credit union has served its members in the eastern half of Pasco County for over 65 years. Patricia Sarne, president and chief executive officer, attributes its longtime success to its unwavering philosophy of putting the members first.

“We offer all the same products and services as the bank around the corner, but what stands us apart is how we deliver those products to the member,” says Sarne.

The most important mission at SACFCU is to make sure its members and community are succeeding. That’s why the credit union routinely hosts prize giveaways for its members, and donates to many local nonprofits, including The Thomas Promise and Daystar Hope Center.

“We’re not mandated to give back to the community, but we do because it’s the right thing to do,” says Sarne. “When our members and community succeed, we succeed.”

Another way SACFCU gave back to the community was through approving 229 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans through the COVID relief program.

The credit union loaned over $7 million to local businesses. Sarne remembers that their first PPP loan went to a local restaurant. Within 24 hours of receiving the loan, the restaurant owner called the credit union to tell us that he told his entire staff that they could come back to work because of SACFCU.

“That’s the impact we strive for,” says Sarne.

SACFCU’s positive impact on the community has not gone unnoticed. They were awarded the 2020 Chamber Member of the Year by The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

Sarne joined SACFCU in 1994 as a teller, and worked her way up to president last June. In her new role, her main focus is to increase the credit union’s imprint in the area —and they’re doing just that.

The credit union is currently building an 11,000-square-foot Operation Center at its San Antonio location.

“We want our back-office support staff under one roof,” says Sarne. “And, this facility will help us attract talented individuals to our team by providing additional job opportunities and advancement.”

SACFCU is currently offering a 4.99% APR on credit card balance transfers for the life of the balance. There is no transfer or transaction fees with this offer.

“If you have a credit card with a higher interest rate, let us help you,” says Sarne, “Just by taking advantage of this balance transfer, we are able to save you money. Our goal here is to get you in a better financial position.”

San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union has locations in San Antonio, Dade City, Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel. To bank with SACFCU as a Member/Owner, you must live, work, worship or attend school in Eastern Pasco or Hernando Counties. For more information, go to https://www.sacfcu.org or call 352-588-2732.

Published 3/3/21

 

 

Avalon Applauds… Norah Catlin

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CONGRATULATIONS to Norah Catlin, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Catlin, a senior at Wiregrass Ranch High School, picked up the sport of golf at the young age of 4, and has racked up quite the impressive resume of achievements since then.

(File)

She has been named the Greater Tampa Junior Golf Association’s player of the year, has won countless junior tournaments, qualified for the Drive, Chip and Putt Championships at the Masters — all of this was before her freshman year of high school.

When Catlin showed up for Wiregrass Ranch High School girls golf tryouts in 2017, it wasn’t long before coach Jeremy Calzone realized a special talent had entered the program.

“She’s definitely by far the best (player) we’ve had,” Calzone said.

Catlin is a three-time Sunshine Athletic Conference Player of the Year and four-time state qualifier.

This year, Catlin finished 30th at the Florida High School Athletic Association State tournament at Mission Inn in Lake County. Last year she tied for 17th.

Catlin hopes her accomplishments inspire her younger teammates and the next generation of female golfers: “Honestly, I really hope somebody sees what I’ve done and wants to beat it, because that’s how you get better.”

One of the top students in her senior class with a 4.5 GPA who takes a heavy dose of Advanced Placement (AP) and dual-enrollment classes, Catlin aspires to study political science in college and attend law school. She also is passionate about environmental issues, recently completing an online environmental justice fellowship amid the pandemic. Studying abroad in Russia and becoming fluent in the language are some other goals of hers.

Whatever Catlin winds up doing, Catlin’s high school coach is sure she’ll find success.

“She’s just a great, all-around person,” Calzone said.

In either case, golf will still be a lifelong hobby for Catlin, whether she’s playing competitively or not.

“It’s definitely going to be in my life, probably for the rest of my life,” Catlin said.

Published February 17, 2021

Little Free Library opens

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(Courtesy of North Tampa Bay Chamber)

The North Tampa Bay Chamber hosted a socially distanced grand opening and ribbon-cutting for a Little Free Library Wesley Chapel at The Shops at Wiregrass on Feb. 19. The event included a book signing, balloon twisting, gifts, music and more. The Little Free Library is a nonprofit that builds community, inspires readers, and expands book access for everyone, through a global network of volunteer-led little libraries. Guests were asked to bring a book and take a book from the new installation. The library is sponsored by The Wiregrass Ranch Foundation.

 

There’s No Planned Community Like Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

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When families are looking for a new place to call home, they have several master-planned communities to choose from in Pasco County. But, there’s none quite like Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

“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 so much more than just another planned community – we’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy life today and in the future.”

Artist rendering of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

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 plan 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 over 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.

All Pinecrest schools have an emphasis on high-quality instruction. Technology is an essential component of the new school, and laptops are provided for every student in grades two through six, as are iPads for first-graders and kindergartners.

New River Library Reopening Soon
Pasco County Libraries will soon reopen its New River branch, which is located at the west entrance of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

The library is being completely renovated, including expanding both the size of its building and outdoor areas. The county also is upgrading the library’s technology capabilities, and when it reopens, it will be a showpiece for all of Pasco County.

Visitors will love the library’s modern new look, covered walkway entry, much faster Internet speeds, expanded youth areas, and a makerspace that opens into a shaded classroom for outdoor activities.

Pasco Fine Arts Council Partnership
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has a unique partnership with the Pasco Fine Arts Council, including hosting the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery in the community’s Welcome Center. 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 developer also committed to building a permanent Arts Center in its downtown in coming years.

Before COVID restrictions, there were bi-monthly art shows exhibiting the works of local artists, and several workshops for beginning and experienced artists. These shows and workshops will resume in March with an exhibit by Peter Watrous. A reception is planned for March 26.

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. “We are creating a town that spreads out from the town center connecting to individual neighborhoods — very much like the footprints of small towns found across America.”

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.

Published February 24, 2021

Tampa Cash Buyers: The Hassle-Free Way To Sell Your Home

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Tampa Cash Buyers specializes in being a master of flexibility. The real estate firm provides an option for sellers who want to avoid repairs, closing costs and other fees associated with a traditional property transaction.

Tampa Cash Buyers purchases homes in “As Is” condition. “You don’t have to worry about making repairs, passing inspections or appraisals,” explains Jeff Nemeth, owner of Tampa Cash Buyers.

“We also provide a great deal of flexibility throughout the process that most traditional transactions cannot provide. We will close whenever the seller is ready to close; we work on the seller’s schedule. The seller also avoids the concern of having to show their home over and over to get it sold,” says Nemeth.

Tampa Cash Buyers also does not require that the homeowner leave an empty house. “If the seller has items they just don’t want anymore, no problem, we will remove those items from the house for them,” says Nemeth.

All offers are made after a walk-through of the home and doing their own market analysis. “It doesn’t make sense to receive an offer from someone who has never seen your property,” says Nemeth.

“And, if you do get an online offer, please read their fine print for repair allowances, closing costs, sales commissions, and service fees, which can vary between 8% to 13%.”

Tampa Cash Buyers never charges sales commissions, service or repair fees and pays all the sellers closing costs. They can provide ‘certainty’ to their transactions and have helped over 500 Florida homeowners sell their home quickly at a fair price, and are eager to help you, too.

Call 813-548-5299, or visit TampaCashBuyers.com.