The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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

The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., lives on

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Saint Leo University students, faculty and staff took part in a variety of volunteer activities, both on campus and off, to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in the university’s annual MLK Day of Service, according to a university news release.

Geossica Madden, a freshman from Jamaica, volunteered to clean the Greek Life benches at Saint Leo University. This is her first semester on campus and she was eager to get involved. (Courtesy of Christine Lear/Saint Leo University)

With masks firmly in place and social distancing enforced, Saint Leo University volunteers went to work off campus on Jan. 18, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco in Dade City, and Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppe in Zephyrhills. On Jan. 19, volunteers participated in a virtual “read-in” for students at St. Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio.

On campus, students, faculty and staff had multiple opportunities to engage in charitable and beautification efforts.

Those efforts included making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, putting together meals, and distributing them in Clearwater for Someone Cares Tampa Bay. Volunteers worked at Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppe and Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco, and performed cleaning and beautification tasks on campus.

King’s birthday is honored each year with a national holiday. The slain civil rights leader was known for inspiring others to be of service. He once described the importance of service this way: “Everybody can be great … because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

Published January 27, 2021

Maria Sanchez, Liz Castro and Karen Garcia work together to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to help feed others.
Brian Boehm, a junior cybersecurity major, pitches in to do some weeding in a median in a Saint Leo University parking lot.
Regina Plummer, of Saint Leo University’s Learning Design Department, shows her ‘plarn’ project – which involves crocheting with plastic bags to make mats for the homeless.

This tiny, tangy fruit tastes great in pie

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You may not know a lot about kumquats, but in these parts, the tiny citrus fruit is so popular, it even has an annual festival dedicated to it.

This year, the festivities, which usually happen in downtown Dade City at the end of January, have been postponed until March 27.

You don’t have to eat your kumquat pie in one or two sittings. The pie will keep in the refrigerator for three or four days and can be kept in the freezer for several weeks. (Courtesy of Shari Bresin)

Event organizers made the move in an abundance of caution, to keep people safe during this time of COVID-19.

That doesn’t mean you have to wait to learn more about the circular-shaped fruit, or wait for the popular pie that is sold at the festival each year. You can make your own kumquat pie.

So, here are a few facts about this tiny fruit called the kumquat.

The fruit is small and much like grapes, you can eat a handful in a single sitting.

Kumquats are native to China, where the name means “golden orange.”

In the United States, the Nagami variety is the most common, and the fruit is primarily grown in Florida,  Louisiana, Alabama and California, according to Farmers Almanac.

They are a healthy choice.

Like all citrus, kumquats are high in vitamin C. They contain several B vitamins and they contain minerals, including calcium, magnesium and zinc. In five kumquats, there’s about 6.5 grams of fiber.

They also have antioxidants — which are important for healthy aging, and to help prevent cancer.

Be sure to eat the peels, which are edible, because that’s where you’ll find the antioxidants and the fruit’s anti-inflammatory properties.

The kumquat is the only citrus fruit with an edible peel.

And, the peel tastes sweet, while the seeds and juice taste sour.

If you don’t like the sweet-and-sour combination, you can separate the peel from the pulp.

You might have heard that it tastes best if you gently roll the fruit between your fingers before eating the fruit, to release the essential oils.

Kumquats also are high in water content, making them hydrating and refreshing.

Between the water and fiber, they are quite filling while also low in calories — just 71 calories in a serving of five kumquats.

They’re a great go-to snack to have around the home or in your office, if you’re trying to lose or maintain weight.

Additionally, preliminary research on mice has shown that they help prevent weight gain, and helped lower fasting blood sugar, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides, and reduced the growth of fat cells.

Plant compounds from kumquats also are being used to study obesity in mice.

In a study where mice were given a high-fat diet, they gained more weight after eight weeks than the mice given a high-fat diet in addition to the kumquat extract.

Of course, further research on this is needed to see the impacts on humans.

Kumquats can be refrigerated for up to two weeks, or left at room temperature for a few days.

Besides being healthy, they’re versatile.

They can be used in sauces for meat dishes, can be added to stuffing, can be baked into breads, and of course, can be used to make a kumquat pie, which is usually a staple at the Kumquat Festival.

If you can’t find them at the store, you can go to KumquatGrowers.com (based in Dade City), and they can ship some to you during the season (November through March).

You can also order jams, jellies, sauces, salad dressings, salsas and butter, all made with kumquat.

If you don’t want to wait until this year’s kumquat festival, you can make your own pie.

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.

Kumquat Pie (Recipe courtesy of TheSpruceEats.com)

Ingredients

  • 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2/3 cup pureed kumquats (wash, cut in half, and remove seeds to puree)
  • 8-ounce container whipped topping, defrosted
  • 9-inch pre-baked pie shell or graham cracker crust

Directions

Combine sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice in a large bowl, and beat on medium speed until it starts to thicken, approximately 2 minutes to 3 minutes.

Add kumquat puree and beat on low speed until combined, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as necessary.

Fold in whipped topping and pour mixture into prepared crust.

Refrigerate pie overnight, or for at least 2 hours, before serving.

Published January 27, 2021

Couple saves baby raccoons

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(Courtesy of Owl’s Nest Facebook page)

It’s ‘raining’ raccoons here at Owl’s Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife in Odessa. These five babies found themselves in the care of Owl’s Nest after some Good Samaritans rescued them from the eves of their home. The adult, female mother raccoon had unfortunately been hit by a car. The couple that found the babies gave them names: Rudy, Alayna, Darina, Lyla and Mari.

Sporting a bit of Spring

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club celebrated National Hat Day on Jan. 15. The women sported a favorite or fun chapeau, choosing a variety of jaunty, floral, big brims and sporty hats to help to elevate their moods and bring a bit of cheer during the COVID-19 pandemic. The club has not been able to resume in-person meetings.

 

NAMI/Pasco addresses growing need for its services

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NAMI/Pasco County — part of the grassroots National Alliance on Mental Illness — is a 33-year-old organization that provides free advocacy, education, support and outreach for individuals with mental health conditions.

In the last year, it has named its first full-time executive director, Debbie Proulx.

And, the organization’s growth has been at warp speed.

It aims to reach all those who need help — a lofty ambition, for sure.

NAMI/Pasco is supported solely by private donations or grants.

Debbie Proulx is executive director of NAMI/Pasco County, part of the grassroots National Alliance on Mental Illness. (Courtesy of Debbie Proulx)

It hosts fundraisers.

It has a vision for a NAMI building, where meetings could be held and real-time aid could be provided.

Since Proulx’s arrival, the organization went from having one group meeting per week to having meetings every day of the week.

In 2019, 20 people participated in group meetings. Last year, there were 360.

“And that doesn’t count the emails, the texts, the referrals, the phone calls that we get,’’ said Proulx (whose name rhymes with “true’’). “We are marketing our services. We’re putting out a lot of educational materials, but we’re still not able to help everyone. The need in our area is so great. But we are growing, and we will be able to help more and more.’’

Proulx said NAMI/Pasco is constantly seeking to partner with community organizations, such as churches and youth groups, while finding community members to participate. Its board of directors includes community members from hospitals and civic organizations. Trained volunteers are certified to administer the various programs.

“We are trying to fill in the gaps,’’ Proulx said. “COVID-19 has had a major impact, obviously. We have Zoom programs, but some of the senior citizens don’t have technology, or they are afraid of it. “We have one in-person meeting to help cover that.

“We really want to make sure that people who aren’t being helped know of our service. Sometimes, people don’t have insurance. Sometimes, there’s a wait list of up to six months to see a therapist. “Even though we don’t provide actual therapy, we’re a great placeholder with our programs and support groups until someone can get to see a therapist.

“When we get calls, we refer them to a therapist, giving them three names at random. But, we understand the wait can be very long. In our support groups, you can find like-minded people going through the same thing. Our group members are so open and welcoming. People have told us, ‘This is like a family I’ve chosen.’ ”

What kind of assistance is provided by NAMI/Pasco?
One group member, wishing to be identified by the initials M.M., said the help has been immeasurable.

“NAMI/Pasco literally saved my life,’’ M.M. wrote in an email.

M.M. wrote about being taken in by the group and finding a quick fit.

“(Proulx) welcomed me and treated me like a family member,’’ M.M. wrote. “I have never felt more like I belonged in my life. … Now we have so many groups on Zoom (and) they are the highlight of my day. For many of us, they are the only reason we get out of bed on most days during COVID. I think that many of us would have a deep slide if not for these groups.

“I honestly can’t say enough good things about them. … They deeply care (and) that can’t be faked.’’

Proulx said she is heartened by the feedback.

“People come to us, get into a group the same day and in a week’s time, they’re a completely different person,’’ Proulx said. “They have hope again. It doesn’t mean they no longer need to be in therapy. It means that they’re safe until they’re able to get together (with a therapist). I’ve had people say, ‘I was thinking of suicide. But after coming here, that’s no longer a thought.’ So obviously, that makes you feel like we’re making a difference.

“My personal goal is to have a building where we can do drop-ins, where we can be immediately available for crisis. We can’t get that done right now — and COVID doesn’t help — but it’s in our future. But, what we are doing now is providing as many different programs as we possibly can.’’

NAMI/Pasco County can be reached by email at  or , or by phone at 727-994-9623.

NAMI/Pasco County offerings:

  • Zoom support groups for those with any mental health condition — Mondays, 3 p.m.; Wednesdays and Fridays, 6 p.m.
  • In-person walk and talk, Veterans Memorial in Hudson — Tuesdays, 8 a.m.
  • In-person support and friendship, Veterans Memorial in Hudson — Tuesdays, 9 a.m.
  • Zoom support groups for those with a loved one who has a mental health condition — first and third Thursday of every month, 6 p.m.
  • Zoom chat for everyone — Sundays, 6 p.m.
  • Zoom Peer-to-Peer — Free, eight-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions who want to better understand themselves and their recovery, Saturdays beginning in February, 10 a.m. to noon (registration required).
  • Zoom Family to Family — Free, eight-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. Saturdays beginning in February, 1 to 3 p.m. (registration required).
  • Basics on Demand — Free, six-session online education for parents, caregivers and other family members who provide care for youth age 22 or younger who are experiencing mental health symptoms (registration required, start any time).

By Joey Johnston

Published January 20, 2021

Don’t forget: This year’s Kumquat Festival is set for March 27

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In the years before COVID-19, both locals and visitors alike could look forward to the end of January for a chance to enjoy the annual Kumquat Festival in downtown Dade City.

But, concerns about keeping people safe have prompted organizers to postpone the 24th annual Kumquat Festival from its traditional last Saturday in January, to a March 27 date, instead.

Whether it’s kumquat marmalade, kumquat salsa or kumquat wine, you will likely be able to find it in downtown Dade City, during the community’s annual Kumquat Festival. (File)

“We felt it prudent to exercise extreme caution and move the date of the festival to ensure the health and safety of our attendees, our vendors, and the hundreds of people it takes to make this annual signature event a success,” John Moors, executive director of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, said in a news release.

Moors said there will be some other changes to this year’s festival, as well.

For instance, there won’t be shuttle services to remote parking lots, according to the release.

As in previous years, however, historic downtown Dade City will be transformed into an open-air marketplace featuring local businesses, hundreds of specialty vendors and dozens of partner sponsors, the release notes.

The event also will feature the ever-popular Classic Car Show, Moors added.

The festival, which is attended by tens of thousands of visitors, showcases Dade City’s friendly, authentic, Old Florida feel, the chamber executive said.

The March 27 festival will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Published January 20, 2021