The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The circus comes to town — with dazzling sights and sounds

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The Loomis Circus came to town, delighting hundreds of young and old spectators alike, under the big tent at the Grove at Wesley Chapel.

After all, it’s not a common sight to see an aerialist performing stunts high up in the air, or watch a unicorn — decked out in colorful lights — galloping around.

There were Polynesian ponies, too.

And, of course there were jugglers, a ringmaster, and clowns.

What would a circus be without them?

The circus made a three-day stop at the shopping, dining and entertainment complex, west of Interstate 75, north State Road 54.

Ringmaster Justin Loomis introduces jugglers and performers doing great feats at Loomis Circus, a three-day event that drew hundreds of spectators. (Fred Bellet)
Three-year old, Faith Kirstein, of Wesley Chapel, discovers a bouquet of balloons in front of the World Champion Karate Center’s booth, at the Grove. The center’s master instructor, Hyun, made balloon animals for awaiting kids. Faith was there with her mom, Lucy Martinez, and dad, Tommy Kingkiner.
A Unicorn makes a spectacular entrance — galloping around the center ring, decked out in colorful flashing lights.
Mexican aerialist Gloria Castillo performs stunts high above the crowd during the first night of the special event at the Grove at Wesley Chapel, off Oakley Boulevard and State Road 54.
Four-year-old Arden Beimfohr, left, 4-year-old Abel Rhule and 3-year-old Tristan Beimfohr pay rapt attention as performers delight the crowd at the Loomis Circus. Abel’s 3-year-old sister, Aria, was nearby with their moms.

Home, sweet home — and, it’s mortgage-free

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U.S. Army veteran Shanique Wright and her family recently moved into their mortgage-free home in Dade City, thanks to Wells Fargo and Operation Homefront.

Wright joined the Army National Guard in 2008, and was deployed to two different locations in Iraq between 2009 and 2010, according to a news release.

Shanique Wright and her husband, Eugene Hicks III, and their son, Eugene Hicks IV, stand near their new Dade City home. Wright is a veteran of the U.S. Army and recently moved into a mortgage-free home, thanks to Wells Fargo and Operation Homefront. (Courtesy of Operation Homefront)

She moved to Tampa in 2012 to be a caretaker for her grandmother and was medically discharged in 2014.

The veteran had been living with her husband, Eugene Hicks III, and their 5-year-old son, Eugene Hicks IV, in a small duplex, but were unable to purchase their own home.

They moved into their new home on Jan. 21. Now, they live near the Veterans Administration hospital where Eugene works and Shanique receives treatments. They also live close to outdoor recreational opportunities for their son.

Through Operation Homefront’s Permanent Homes for Veterans program, formerly known as Homes on the Homefront, Wright will work with an Operation Homefront financial counselor and a caseworker to build savings, reduce debt and to grow relationships in the community. Once she and her family successfully complete the program, they will receive the deed to the home.

To date, Operation Homefront has worked with like-minded partners, such as Wells Fargo, to provide more than 600 military families with mortgage-free homes, worth a total of $90 million in home equity.

Since 2012, Wells Fargo has donated more than 140 homes to Operation Homefront, and more than 400 homes to nonprofit organizations, valued at over $60 million, for veterans and Gold Star families across the 50 states.

Published February 10, 2021

Pasco redevelopment loan program

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Pasco County is stepping forward to help businesses that are economically affected by COVID-19.

The primary focus will be on COVID-19-required renovations in order to protect employees and customers, according to the Pasco County website. By creating a safer environment, businesses can instill trust and confidence among employees and customers who interact with your facilities.

Here are the details:

  • Loan Amounts: The maximum loan amount is determined by the project, not to exceed $120,000. For every $60,000 funded, the borrower must create or save one full-time job.
  • Loan Term: The loan term will be based on the borrower’s ability to repay, generally 60 months.
  • Promissory Note: Prior to receiving program funding, approved loan recipients must execute a Promissory Note with Pasco County.

Eligible funding uses:

  • Alterations or modifications that follow the State of Florida guidelines, CDC Safety Measures or GBAC Star Accreditation requirements
  • Repairs and modifications of existing facilities that are capital in nature
  • Provide accommodations for vulnerable populations
  • Improve blighted properties to ensure customers feel safe to support a resilient local economy
  • Create new or retain full-time employment opportunities for low- and moderate-income eligible areas negatively affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic

Registered businesses, nonprofit organizations and property owners with locations in Pasco County are eligible for the loans.

Eligible businesses cannot have a delinquent debt to the county, and must be current on all permits, licenses, fees and taxes.

For each loan, borrowers must make capital improvements to the property, which may include bringing site improvements up to existing code.

To find out more about application requirements, email Troy Jackson, program manager, at , or call him at 727-815-7092, ext. 2350.

Published February 10, 2021

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