The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco county named top workplace

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Pasco County Government has earned a 2021 Top Workplaces USA award, according to a Pasco County news release.

Energage announced the winning organizations during a virtual event on Jan. 27.

“We are thrilled to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in the country,” Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles said, in the release.

“Pasco County Government is committed to focusing on our people and the customers we serve, and this recognition solidifies our growing reputation as a progressive and innovative high-performing organization,” Biles added.

Top Workplaces USA offers national recognition for large organizations with more than 150 employees. More than 1,100 organizations from across the country participated in the Top Workplaces USA survey.  Winners are chosen based solely on employee feedback, gathered through an Energage employee engagement survey. Results are calculated by comparing the survey’s research-based statements, including 15 Culture Drivers that are proven to predict high performance against industry benchmarks.

Published February 10, 2021

From one friend to another

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(Courtesy of Pasco County Animal Services)

Pasco County Animal Services’ (PCAS) buddy Dane stopped by with a special gift for the shelter’s furry friends. Dane and his grandfather, Gary, started saving their change in a coin jar, and after a year, they had collected $150! Dane wanted the money to go to an animal shelter, so he and his family chose PCAS. Friends of Animal Services Inc., will put this money to good use for the dogs and cats. Thank you, Dane and family, for your awesome donation!

Pastor celebrates 40 years of service at Land O’ Lakes church

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When David Peterson marked his 40-year anniversary as pastor at First Baptist Church of Land O’Lakes, it was a celebration, indeed.

The tight-knit congregation presented the pastor’s wife, Denise, with 40 roses.

The couple also received an all-expenses-paid trip to anywhere in the world — and they are planning to visit New Zealand.

David Peterson, pastor at First Baptist Church of Land O’ Lakes for 40 years, has been married to his wife, Denise, for 38 years. (Courtesy of First Baptist Church of Land O’ Lakes)

It was a time of happiness and renewal.

For the longtime church members, it was a reflection to the time when Peterson arrived.

He was not long out of bible college, already a well-known quantity because he grew up in the church. He was unanimously approved and the previous pastor left abruptly.

“But, if you could’ve heard my first sermon, I don’t think you would’ve predicted I’d be sitting here 40 years later,’’ said Peterson, 67. “I don’t know if anybody would’ve thought I’d made it. I was not an effective speaker. I stuttered and stammered.’’

“That’s absolutely true,’’ said Linda Galster, a church member for more than a half-century. “I think he might have been terrified. A lot of pauses. A lot of words like ‘but’ or ‘and’ … but we have seen him blossom. He has grown into someone who delivers a great message. We absolutely love him.’’

At Hillsborough Community College, Peterson took an English class that required an oral book report.

“l’ll read the book, but I’m not getting up there in front of the class,’’ Peterson told the teacher.

His hands got all clammy. He’d break out in a sweat. He simply wasn’t going to do it.’’

“Then you won’t pass this class,’’ the teacher said.

Peterson shrugged, and he failed the class.

When he felt the call and told his family about his desire to become a pastor, his mother cried because she was overwhelmed by the honor. His brother laughed because he couldn’t visualize an effective presentation from the pulpit.

“I’m living proof that whatever God calls you to do, He’ll give you the grace and strength to do it,’’ Peterson said. “Experience is the greatest teacher. Along the way, I earned three degrees (including doctor of theology from Bob Jones University) and always took courses in public speaking. I tried to improve myself.

“I tried to figure it up. Between Sunday services, morning service, Wednesday nights, Sunday school, weddings and funerals, I have probably spoken an average of five times a week for 40 years. That’s 10,000 occasions of speaking publicly. God has given me the ability to do that.’’

The delivery has improved exponentially.

The message has remained consistent.

Peterson, an introvert, fancies himself as a teacher. He teaches the Bible. That’s his textbook, his playbook, his everything.

“Before I came to the church, I felt like I was reading the Bible in a dark room with a flashlight on,’’ said Susie Perez, a church member for 23 years and a teacher at Land O’ Lakes Christian School on the church grounds. “I couldn’t see the whole picture. When I started listening to his teachings, I felt like somebody turned on the light. I could see the whole Bible at once. He explained things so clearly.’’

“He just seems to know what to say every Sunday,’’ said Paul Little, a church member for 43 years. “It seems like every time he preaches a sermon, he’s talking to me and it’s specifically what I need to hear. Sometimes, I wonder what the other people are there for. But I think they’re probably thinking the same thing. He’s very consistent.’’

Consistent enough to last for 40 years (and longer) when statistics indicate that the average Baptist pastor stays at one church for approximately six years.

“In bible college, I was told to never make a major decision in a crisis or when you’re down or depressed,’’ said Peterson, who has no specific plans for retirement but speculated it could occur within five years. “We went through hard times, very emotional times. There were times I wanted to quit. But I wasn’t going to do that. God led me here. I’m going to stick it out until God moves me. And he never did.’’

“He’s a very approachable man whose whole personality is about being calm and humble,’’ Peterson’s wife said. “That has helped when there’s a problem. There are times when I would’ve said, ‘Let’s go!’ But, when it’s bad, he doesn’t run away. Even when there’s extreme turmoil, when you think it isn’t worth it anymore, when everyone is mad at you, he stays the course. He’s amazing that way.’’

In off-hours, Peterson said he keeps plenty busy with the couple’s five grandchildren. Their son, Stephen, is an attorney with the Cincinnati-based Christian Law Association, and their daughter, Sarah, is a music teacher at the church school.

Peterson also enjoys tinkering with his street rod, a 1932 Ford Roadster with a V-8 engine, that he takes to car shows.

Mostly, though, each day revolves around his congregation, his Bible teachings, helping with spiritual needs and assuring the financial health of the church campus.

“I think people appreciate that he’s a very clear teacher of the word of God,’’ said Peterson’s wife, who added that their 38-year marriage has been about using one partner’s strength to complement the other’s weakness.

“He takes the cookies from the upper shelf and puts them on the bottom shelf so all can partake. He doesn’t teach his opinion or tell all these stories. If you want to learn the Bible, this is where you can come.

“And I think people appreciate who he is. He’s kind. He’s not this bossy, authoritative, domineering person. He has a way of doing things, and it has served him well.’’

For 40 years — and longer.

By Joey Johnston

Published February 03, 2021

Boy Scouts conduct food drive

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Members of the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council of Boy Scouts of America are participating in a national Scouting for Food program to benefit local food banks, according to a news release.

The drive began Jan. 23, when Scouts left empty bags in neighborhoods in the nine counties of the council. They will return to collect the filled bags by Feb. 7.

An instruction sheet inside the bag includes the pickup dates, Christopher Perry, the council’s Scouting for Food chairman, said in the release.

The Scouts will deliver the food to designed food banks, as well as a few unit-sponsoring organizations.

In Hillsborough County, food will go to Abe Brown Ministries, Community Food Bank, Santa Maria Mission and other locations.

The COVID-19 virus crisis has resulted in job losses and increased needs for food distribution, Perry said.

“Families are struggling and the food banks are struggling; they are receiving less in donations,” Perry said, adding the organizers have chosen mainly smaller local pantries to support.

In 2020, the council donated almost 35,000 pounds of canned foods and nonperishable items, collected by more than 110 units in the council, according to Perry, who hopes to exceed that number this year.

“It’s a little different this year as Scouts can pick up on any day that is convenient for their unit instead of one specific collection day, as in the past,”  Perry said.

Masks are to be worn and social distancing practiced for both the bag distribution and the food collection.

Published February 03, 2021

A Cup of Organic: The Coffee That Gives Back

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Doug Torres

By Kelli Carmack

When you pick up a bag of A Cup of Organic’s premium organic coffee, one of the first things you’ll see is oil on the coffee beans.

“This is a telltale indicator that our coffee is fresh,” says Doug Torres, owner of A Cup of Organic. “If there isn’t oil on your coffee beans, or a layer of oil on top of your cup of coffee, that means your coffee isn’t fresh, it’s old.”

Along with being fresh, A Cup of Organic’s coffee is also certified organic. The three major benefits to drinking organic coffee are that there is no acidity, no bitterness, and no aftertaste.

Torres outsources his coffee from Honduras, where many members of his family live. In fact, the coffee is from Torres’ brother, Juan Torres, and his sister-in-law’s coffee fields, which are overseen by Juan’s father-in-law.

“We pride ourselves on being family owned,” says Torres. “They pick, roast, grind and package our coffee all in Honduras in a week’s time, and then ship it to me.”

Reflecting on the decade that A Cup of Organic has been in business, the first thing that comes to Torres’ mind is freedom.

“I don’t consider this my job — this is my lifestyle,” says Torres, “It’s such a blessing to spend more time with my family, and also have my family involved in this business.”

Before owning A Cup of Organic, Torres worked in corporate America for 20 years. Driving home from work one day and contemplating on his future, he prayed to God for guidance.

“God gave me an answer — to sell coffee, but with a vision of giving back,” says Torres.

On his first day of business in 2009, Torres set up a tent and generator on State Road 54, near where Mercedes Benz of Wesley Chapel is today. He made handwritten signs to put all over 54 saying “free samples of organic coffee,” and worked from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

He had told himself, “God, if just one person stops today, I’ll continue to do this.” And then, at 11 a.m., as he was packing up, one person stopped by.

The next day, Torres said, “God, if you give me two people today, I’ll continue to do this.” Torres ended up getting two people that day.

“And, from that point on, I didn’t question God anymore and kept moving forward,” says Torres. And he kept his promise to God to give back.

Torres has donated enough money to help build The City of Hope Orphanage in Honduras, which serves as a sanctuary for abused and neglected children. Torres also routinely hosts shoe drives, and gives the shoes to the needy in Honduras.

A Cup of Organic’s newest location is in Land O’ Lakes in the Connerton community. Other locations are in Wesley Chapel, San Antonio, Lutz and Tampa. For more information, visit ACupOfOrganic.com.

20421 Rose Cottage Way, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34637 • 813-546-6659

Published 1/27/21

Who Installs Your Home’s Mechanical Systems Is More Important Than The Manufacturer

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Homeowners often put more emphasis on which manufacturer they believe makes the best air conditioning unit, generator or hot water heater, instead of focusing on which company they hire to install and warranty the unit.

“Manufacturers essentially use the same components, which are put together on the same assembly lines,” explains Dana Spears, president and owner of Cornerstone Pros in Land O’ Lakes. “And, because there has been a lot of consolidation among manufacturers, many products are virtually identical, and differ only in the name they market under.”

Since there is little differentiation among brands, and because all manufacturers must meet the same industry standards and energy efficiency requirements, the most important factor for a homeowner to consider is what company they hire to specify and install their new home mechanical system.

“The technician’s knowledge and expertise, the service warranty provided, and the longevity and reputation of the installing company are critical to a unit’s success after it is installed in the home,” said Spears.

While an A/C unit, water heater and generator are technically home appliances, it’s important for people to understand that replacing these systems is not like replacing a refrigerator.

“With a refrigerator, all you need to do is plug the new one into the wall outlet. But, an A/C system, for example, must be ordered with specifications particular to your home, and then properly integrated into your home’s mechanical systems by certified technicians who know what they are doing.

“A homeowner can buy the most expensive product available, but it will not operate properly without the correct installation, or operate effectively for the number of years that it should,” said Spears.

Spears recommends choosing an established A/C, electrical and plumbing company that is locally owned, and has a reputation for great customer service and standing behind its work.

“You want to be sure the installing company will be in business to help you with service and warranty issues for years to come,” said Spears.

Transfer Switches and Generators
It is always best to be prepared by planning ahead before an emergency strikes. Spears explains there are two solutions to making sure your home has power in case of a power outage – a whole-home generator or a transfer switch to a portable generator.

“Built-in generators are the best way to maintain power to your entire home. However, because of the cost and the delay in permitting, many families install transfer switches to power their refrigerator, lighting in key rooms and even a small bedroom A/C unit, which is often needed by someone with medical conditions,” said Spears.

A transfer switch eliminates extension cords winding through a house, and can be installed very quickly. There is also a significant difference in cost. At Cornerstone Pros, a transfer switch typically costs between $1,200 and $2,500, while a whole-house generator begins at $9,000 (pricing depends on a home’s square footage).

For families wanting whole-home generators, Cornerstone installs Generac generators, the country’s largest manufacturer of backup generators that automatically activate when there is a power outage.

“Choosing the right size generator for your home is just as important as the quality of the generator and the installation. Our technicians do a full load calculation on every home we quote, and specify a generator that best meets a family’s needs and budget,” said Spears.

Cornerstone Pros offers 0% financing to qualified buyers to make monthly payments affordable for generators, A/C systems and trutankless hot water heaters.

“We want to encourage everyone who wants to protect their family’s health, comfort and safety to plan ahead and to give us call to help identify what they can do to make the home safe and comfortable,” said Spears. “We do everything possible to make a home’s mechanical systems meet their budget with our payment plans.”

Cornerstone Pros answers its phones 24/7, and technicians are available weekends and holidays. Call (813) 990-0561 anytime, day or night.  For more information, visit the website at CornerstonePros.com.

It’s time to get your home’s system in shape for 2021. Take advantage of our winter specials!

Published January 27, 2021

Is history repeating itself?

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I think 2020 will be a game-changer and COVID-19 will be remembered as a turning point that has served as an engine of innovation.

Under lockdown, e-commerce as a share of American retail sales increased as much in eight weeks as it had in the previous five years. As people stayed home, almost overnight businesses began to run from spare rooms and kitchen tables, an experiment that would otherwise have taken years to unfold, if ever.

While this disruption is in its infancy, COVID-19 is proof that change is possible even in conservative industries like energy, education or health care.

Beat Kahli, president and CEO, Avalon Park Group

The year 2020 was not only a turning point for Avalon Park Group, it has been one of our most active years ever.

Ask any of my seven senior vice presidents (we are working a combined 80 years together), and they all will tell you 2020 has been our busiest year ever.

And, it is just the beginning.

While we should always proceed with caution, I encourage us to take the turn into health and prosperity this year. I am hopeful the vaccine will succeed, and I am optimistic for a great 2021 and beyond.

Learning From History
I personally think that if one believes that the world is turning differently in these times and that we can’t learn from history, they are making a mistake.

Is it still relevant today what caused the downfall of the Roman empire, or can we identify something for today’s society when we analyze what factors led to the French revolution?

Winston Churchill warned the House of Commons not to think in the short term and to not just pay attention to headlines when he said, “Those who are not able to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.”

While that was 70 years ago, I think it fits the current social media age well.

This philosophy goes back even further, as Churchill borrowed his quote from the Spanish philosopher George Santayana, who writes in his book, “The Life of Reason,” that “Somebody who is not remembering his past is condemned to repeat it and paying a high price.”

This analysis is often used to analyze war activities. An example is the various wars of the different armies against Russia.

Sweden learned in the 17th century how difficult it is to win against Russia, how hard the winter is. A century later, Napoleon made the same mistake. And, in the second World War, history repeated itself when Germany lost almost 1 million troops by trying to take Moscow during the winter.

Often we are told that history is not so important anymore because the world is different than it was 100 years ago. But, even while new trends are developing, they can often be found rooted in the past because human nature has not changed.

We often think that this time things will be different, and while events from the past will not be repeated exactly, similarities between the past and present will always exist.

For myself, I believe in post-COVID-19, we will experience a new iteration of the Roaring 20s.

A hundred years ago, just ahead of the Roaring Twenties, was World War I. Additionally, 1918 to 2020, the Spanish Flu was infecting about one-third of the world’s population. After those horrific years, people around the globe were hungry to live.

The spirit of the Roaring Twenties was marked by a general feeling of novelty associated with modernity and a break with tradition. Everything seemed possible through modern technology, such as cars, movies and radio.

By the middle of decade, prosperity was widespread, with the second half of the decade known as the Golden Twenties. I think 2020 will be a similar game-changer and that COVID-19 will be remembered as its turning point.

And with those optimistic thoughts, my staff and I wish you a happy and health New Year!

By Beat Khali
President and CEO, Avalon Park Group

Published January 27, 2021

Art Lovers Invited To Join East Pasco Arts Committee

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Do you love art and also love your community? Do you live in Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, San Antonio, Zephyrhills or Dade City?

Then we have an opportunity for you to make a significant contribution to your community, and influence art appreciation and education in east Pasco County.

‘Under Repair’ is one of more than 20 of Lionel Sanchez’s painting that were on display at an exhibition that Sanchez called,”My World Through Watercolor.” The show was co-hosted by the Pasco Fine Arts Council ,and was one of many art shows the Council sponsored in 2020 at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel for East Pasco residents.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is spearheading a new East Pasco Artists Committee to support arts and culture in east Pasco. This group will work under the auspices of the Pasco Fine Arts Council, which in 2019 established the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery inside the Welcome Center at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

To learn more about this opportunity, an organizational meeting is being held Feb. 4 at 10 a.m., at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. This is a hybrid meeting with attendance in person or via Zoom. For more information, please call 813-364-4918, or email Stephanie Lerret at  .

“We are looking for anyone and everyone who want to help with art programming and education for arts and culture in east Pasco County,” said Lerret, senior vice president of marketing and community relations for the Avalon Park Group.

The Avalon Park Group is committed to building a permanent location for the East Pasco Fine Art Gallery in its new downtown that is currently under development. Until then, it will continue to share its Welcome Center with the Pasco Fine Arts Council for its East Pasco gallery.

Since the gallery opened in the summer of 2019, there have been bi-monthly art shows exhibiting the works of local artists, as well as several workshops for beginning and experienced artists. When the pandemic changed how people could meet, the Council organized virtual art shows and workshops.

The Pasco Arts Council Inc., was established in 1978 as the local arts agency for Pasco County to encourage community involvement in the arts, provide art education to the community, and to be a leader in stimulating art and cultural entities throughout Pasco County.

From this Council sprung the Pasco Fine Arts Center, where artwork by local and renowned artists has been exhibited, and a full schedule of year-round art instructions (including visual and fine crafts), workshops, demonstrations and programs for children are provided.

For more information about the Pasco Fine Arts Council, go to PascoArts.org.

Published January 27, 2021

Live, Learn Work and Play In 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.

Artist rendering of downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

“We are not just developers— we are building a brand new town,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing and community relations 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.”

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has been welcoming families since 2012, when this community on State Road 54, east of I-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 floor plans from the community’s builder, Avex Homes, and will soon have more floor plan options available from DR Horton. Single family and townhomes are currently available, 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 all demographics — from young families buying their first home, to folks looking to move up to a new home in an upscale community, to empty-nesters wanting the convenience of the no-fuss, townhome lifestyle,” said Lerret. “Avalon is just like a real town — we have homes priced for everyone, from teachers to physicians.”

In additional to several amenity centers, recreational amenities will include a Regional Park with soccer, football and baseball fields that is being planned in conjunction with Pasco County Parks & Recreation

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel also 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.

And, unlike most subdivisions, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s commercial area is not strip centers facing the busy road at the community’s entrance.

“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.

The first phase is expected to open later this year, at the same time that the expansion of State Road 54 is completed. About 4.5 miles of State Road 54 is being widened from two lanes to four lanes from east of Curley Road to east of Morris Bridge Road. A sidewalk is being built on the north side of the roadway with a 10-foot-wide multi-use path on the south side.

Downtown Avalon will continue to be built over the next several years. Eventually, there will be more than 560,000 square feet of retail, and 120,000 square feet of office space, in its bustling, pedestrian-friendly downtown. At build out, this 1,650-acre master-planned community will have about 4,400 single and multi-family homes, and become home to 10,000 residents.

Published January 27, 2021

Tampa prepares for Super Bowl

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For Will Weatherford, co-chairman of Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl LV Host Committee, this has been familiar territory.

With the NFL’s big game headed to Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 7, it seems like Weatherford has spent a lifetime preparing for this moment.

Will Weatherford is co-chairman of Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl LV Host Committee. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will become the first team in NFL history to play the Super Bowl at its home stadium, when the Bucs take on the Kansas City Chiefs. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Host Committee)

After all, he’s primarily a football guy.

The effort has required an intricate game plan — with plenty of adjustments. Preparation has been paramount. It has demanded toughness, resilience and loyalty. In the end, a winning formula will be assured by teamwork.

“We have a gritty culture in our area,’’ Weatherford said. “We have faced lots and lots of challenges. But, we are very excited that our area will stage the best possible Super Bowl, a historic Super Bowl, and it’s going to provide a real lift for our entire nation.’’

Weatherford, 41, is part of a luminous Pasco County family, one with six football-playing brothers, all who competed at Land O’Lakes High School before heading off to various levels of college football.

Weatherford, a linebacker, played at Jacksonville University. He entered politics as a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2006-2014, serving as House Speaker during his final term. He then founded Weatherford Capital, a private equity firm, with his brothers, Sam and Drew.

“But, my heart for public service didn’t go away,’’ Weatherford said. “I always tried to find ways to serve. What way can you have a bigger impact on the community than showcasing your city during the Super Bowl? I have watched what past Super Bowls have done for our community and now I am thrilled to be part of this process.’’

Weatherford was recruited to the position by Rob Higgins, the Host Committee president/CEO who also is executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. Weatherford’s fellow co-chairman is Pro Football Hall of Famer and legendary former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Derrick Brooks.

“I was a linebacker in high school and college, and Derrick was my hero,’’ Weatherford said. “I was in middle school, he was at Florida State and he was my hero, and that continued to the NFL. To co-chair something significant with a childhood hero, I don’t have the words to describe what that means.

“Yes, he’s a Hall of Famer, but he’s a better person. The legacy he’s leaving in this community goes way beyond football. He’s always on point. His actions is where his leadership comes from. He leads a life of excellence in all things.’’

Brooks returned the compliment.

“We are very fortunate to be working with Will on this Super Bowl,’’ Brooks said. “He brings so much to the table. He’s so knowledgeable and he’s great at building relationships. Being part of this with him has really been a great experience.’’

The experience, of course, has been much different than what Weatherford and Brooks could have anticipated.

It’s the Pandemic Super Bowl.

COVID-19 has changed almost everything — from the lead-up activities to the events (some will disappear, some will go virtual) to the game itself (only a small percentage of fans is expected inside the stadium).

But, for television viewers in 180 countries, it’s still the Super Bowl. It’s still Tampa Bay’s vistas and attractions being front and center for an event that has become an unofficial American holiday.

The virus will severely limit the economic impact and hotel occupancy. But, the area will receive a huge boost from the $2 million “Forever 55’’ social legacy initiative ($1 million in corporate donations was matched by the NFL). It focused on local programs to aid the stated pillars of early childhood education, food insecurity, families, health and wellness, sustainability and systemic justice.

“Florida has been hit exceedingly hard by the virus and economic factors, but we’ve always found a way to rise up,’’ Weatherford said. “I don’t think this will be any different. Hopefully, people will visit us and see how much the Tampa Bay area has changed since our last Super Bowl.

“None of this happens without businesses and the community and the public sector getting on board. We’ve had five Super Bowls, absolutely amazing (only Miami, New Orleans and Los Angeles have had more). The NFL knows when they come to Tampa Bay that we’re going to give it our all and put on a great show. Of course, there have been challenges. But, I’m confident that when it’s all done, we’re going to look back and be very proud of what our community has done. I’m so happy to be part of it.’’

Super Bowl Experience Presented by Lowe’s
NFL’s interactive football theme park will return to Tampa for Super Bowl LV from Jan. 29 through Jan. 31, and from Feb. 2 through Feb. 6, along the Tampa Riverwalk.

The Super Bowl Experience will offer fans the opportunity to virtually meet-and-greet with current NFL players and Legends, participate in games, and shop merchandise from the NFL Shop presented by Visa.

The Experience also will feature photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, a 40-yard dash and vertical jump against NFL players on LED screens, and a Super Bowl rings display showcasing all 54 Super Bowl rings.

Fans can attend the Super Bowl Experience Presented by Lowe’s free, every day.

To attend, fans must register for the NFL OnePass app and book a session time. Fans also should bring their favorite face covering and prepare to maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance from others.

To reserve your session time, download the NFL OnePass app at NFL.com/OnePass. If the session date/time that you are looking for is not available, there will be a standby queue available for walk-up fans at Julian B. Lane, but fans will still need OnePass to access.

There is limited capacity to the Super Bowl Experience, so entry is not guaranteed.

For fans without a smartphone, Technology Managers will be at the exterior of Julian B. Lane to assist.

Hours of Operation:
​Jan. 29: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Jan. 30: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Jan. 31: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Feb. 3: 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Feb. 4: 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Feb. 5: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Feb. 6: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Additional information about health guidance and prohibited security items can be found at NFL.com.
Source: nfl.com

‘No Drone Zone’ during Super Bowl LV
Raymond James Stadium in Tampa is a “No Drone Zone” for Super Bowl LV on Feb. 7, and drones also are prohibited around the Tampa Riverwalk for the NFL Super Bowl Experience during the days leading up to the event.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced it will establish a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) on game day that will prohibit drones within a 30-nautical-mile radius of the stadium up to 18,000 feet in altitude. The TFR will be in place from 5:30 p.m. to 11:59 p.m., EST.

Drones also are prohibited for 1 nautical mile around Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. until the TFR for the game takes effect.

The FAA will restrict drone flights for roughly 2 nautical miles around Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park up to an altitude of 2,000 feet from Jan. 29 to Feb. 6, during event hours.

Pilots and drone operators who enter the TFRs without permission could face civil penalties that exceed $30,000 and potential criminal prosecution for flying drones in the TFR.

Detailed information for general aviation and drone pilots is available on the FAA’s Super Bowl LV web page.

Drone pilots should check the FAA’s B4UFly app to determine when and where they may fly.

By Joey Johnston

Published January 27, 2021