The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Having fun in downtown Zephyrhills

By

The seventh annual Paulie Palooza drew hundreds to Fifth Avenue in Downtown Zephyrhills for food, music and fun on Feb. 23 The event, held at Main Street Zephyrhills, featured live music throughout the day, food trucks, vendors, face painters, auctions and drawings for prizes donated by local businesses. Proceeds from the event benefit Gulfside Hospice and help support patient care and bereavement services for Pasco County residents.

Cork Welsh, of Zephyrhills, right, dances with his wife of 39 years, Kelly, to the live music of the band, Backwaters Own. The couple came to the festival with friends. (Christine Holtzman)
A row of 1960s Mini’s line a section of Fifth Avenue in downtown Zephyrhills during the seventh annual Paulie Palooza festival. Dion Jardine, of D.J. Mini Parts of Wesley Chapel, organizes area meet-ups for enthusiasts of these classic cars.
Donning a cowboy hat and a smile, 10-year-old Logan Farmer, of Zephyrhills, waits for his mother, Amanda Clayton, as she parks the car. The mother and son had been in the convenience store when they saw the Paulie Palooza festival in progress and decided to check it out.
Six-year-old Peyton Thomas, of Zephyrhills, left, and her 5-year-old sister, Braelee, watch their aunt, Autumn Kimura of Tampa, as she packages freshly made kettle corn into a bag for a customer. Kimura and her step-father own Monkey Business Concessions.

 

Just in Time for St. Patrick’s Day

By

A brief history of corned beef and cabbage:

Eating corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day seems to go hand-in-hand with this day — almost as naturally as shamrocks and wearing green.

Many restaurants feature the meal as a menu special, which is sometimes so popular that it sells out.

Carrots and potatoes often accompany corned beef and cabbage, a dish often served on St. Patrick’s Day. (Courtesy of Sheri Bresin)

But, how did this tradition start, and is this truly an Irish dish?

There is a lot of history to it, but I will keep it concise.

If anything, the vegetables in the meal are more authentic to Ireland than the meat.

The cabbage is grown in many varieties in Ireland and is available almost year-round. Additionally, you will find carrots and potatoes in a corned beef and cabbage dish, which have also been Irish staples. They have grown well there, because of the soil and climate, for centuries.

But, cooking the corned beef and cabbage dish as a way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is more of an Irish-American tradition. Meaning, if you travel to Ireland on March 17, don’t expect to see this meal being served (Just like you wouldn’t see General Tso’s chicken on a menu in China).

According to the Smithsonian Magazine, pork was (and still is) the main animal product consumed in Ireland hundreds of years ago, as beef was more expensive and out of reach for most. Also, cattle were used solely for milk and to help with farming, and would only be eaten if a cow was too old to work or produce milk.

When the Irish immigrated to America starting in the late 1700s, though, they could enjoy beef, where it was more affordable and accessible.

In fact, the Jewish delis in New York City introduced them to corned beef.

The saltiness of the corned beef paired well with the plain flavors of the cabbage, carrots and potatoes they were so familiar with back home.

If you have any leftovers from your corned beef and cabbage, you make want to make some Reuben sandwiches.

And, with St. Patrick’s Day being a religious holiday in Ireland, the Irish immigrants celebrated this day to recognize their heritage with a meal that connected their new homeland to their old one.

So, you might be wondering: Why do we call it corned beef?

The corned beef comes from brisket, which is a tougher cut of meat from the front of the cow. To make it tender, it is cured (preserved) with large grain pieces of salt, or “corns of salt.”

So there are a few fun facts for you. It’s not quite the Irish cuisine most of us assume, but something that started right here in the United States, and with a completely different immigrant population playing a role, no less.

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 

Recipes
This is a recipe that my (Irish-American) father-in-law makes using the slow cooker:

Ingredients

1 large onion, chopped

4-5 pounds of corned beef brisket

12 oz. can of dark beer

1 Tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon of thyme

Seasoning packet (optional/usually included with the brisket)

4-5 carrots, halved and cut in ¾-inch slices, rinsed

½  large head of green cabbage, cut into wedges, rinsed

2.5 pounds of whole red potatoes (or any preferred type of potato), rinsed

Directions
Put chopped onions on the bottom of the crockpot

Place the corned beef brisket fat-side up

Mix the beer, brown sugar and thyme, and add to crockpot

Add seasoning mix (optional)

Cook on low for 8 hours

About 10-15 minutes before the meat is done, take 1 cup of the juice from the slow

cooker to boil the cabbage and carrots in until soft (about half an hour)

Boil the potatoes until soft

Let meat cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing (veggies may still be boiling as the meat

cools)

Feeds six people

Have leftovers?  Great. Don’t throw it out just yet (unless it’s been in the fridge for 4 days). Use the extra meat to make a Reuben sandwich. This classic sandwich has many variations, but here is one simple way to make it:

Ingredients for one Reuben sandwich
2 slices marble rye bread (or another type you prefer)

2 Tablespoons Thousand Island dressing or Russian dressing (Russian dressing is typically spicier)

2 slices of Swiss cheese

2 Tablespoons of sauerkraut from the bag or can (but canned tends to be too salty for some)

1/3 pound corned beef, thinly sliced if preferred

1-2 teaspoons cooking oil (enough to coat the pan)

Directions
Spread the dressing on each slice of the rye bread

Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each slice of bread

Add the sauerkraut on top of each slice of cheese

Add beef on one bread slice and then stack slices together to form sandwich

Coat pan with oil

Cook on one side until golden brown, then flip to other side until golden brown

Put lid on to help the cheese melt

Published March 06, 2019

Pasco County Fair delivers food, music and thrills

By

The Pasco County Fair has always prided itself on its focus on family fun, in a safe environment, and this year’s fair fulfilled that mission.

The Ferris wheel, one of the most popular amusement rides, was positioned in the center of the fair to give riders a 360-degree view of all the activity below. (Fred Bellet)

It featured a parade through downtown Dade City, with the theme of “Thrills, Squeals and Ferris Wheels.”

There were the usual fair favorites, too: Food, music, rides, competitions and shows.

Hungry fair-goers could choose tasty offerings such as gyros, French fries, corn dogs, roasted corn and, of course, cotton candy, candy apples, elephant ears, funnel cakes, cinnamon roll, and much, much more.

There were gospel and bluegrass concerts, roving entertainers, racing pigs and other shows.

Art was on display, and kids showed off their prize heifers, bulls, rabbits and other animals.

There were lots of rides on the Midway, too.

The fair, put on by the Pasco County Fair Association, has played an important role in community life in Dade City for decades, and has attracted people from far and wide to enjoy its offerings.

It carried on that tradition, again, in 2019.

Published March 06, 2019

With her parents close-by, 6-year-old Layla Huffmier, of New Port Richey, sneaks up on Pasco County Fair Ambassadors Marion Panek, left, and Wayne Panek, of Spring Hill. The youngster was waiting for her parents Nathan and Julie Huffmier to decide which exhibit they were going to check out first. As ambassadors, the Paneks provided information to fair-goers from their booth near the main entrance.
Hungry fair-goers treated themselves to pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, corn dogs, egg rolls, cotton candy, candied apples and more at the Pasco County Fair food court.
Six-year-old Lily Bolton, of San Antonio, has her sights on the fair’s amusement midway on opening day. But first, a quick stop at the food court for some French fries with her cousin, Kiki Sears.
Ernest Lee, also known as ‘The Chicken Man,’ brought his brand of art to the fair. He worked on a number of acrylic paintings in the exhibit hall and painted requests he received from fair-goers.

 

One-year-old Brayden Doyle snoozed through the line, while his mom, Tori Doyle, of Riverview, and cousin, Robin Wilks, of Zephyrhills, navigated his stroller through the main gate during the opening of the Pasco County Fair.

 

 

 

Storyteller entertains children at Lutz Community Center

By

Professional storyteller and puppeteer Katie Adams had children spellbound, as she told them a story about Anansi, a mischievous spider at the Lutz Community Center, 98 First Ave., N.W.

After the show, storyteller and puppeteer Katie Adams, of Katie Adams’ Make Believe Theater in Tampa, shows the children in the audience how they will be able to make their own spider puppet at home with supplies she provided. The event was made possible by funding to the Lutz Branch Library from the Tampa-Hillsborough County Children’s Library Foundation. (Christine Holtzman)
Anansi the spider hangs from his web on the great Baobab tree while talking to a pair of birds during a performance by professional storyteller and puppeteer Katie Adams at the Lutz Community Center. The show, on Feb. 25, which included puppets, came from a collection of three African tales about a mischievous spider.
Two-year-old Carolina Mellor, of Wesley Chapel, giggles with her mother, Alissa Rodriguez, after the Katie Adams’ Make Believe Theater performance of ‘The Red and Green Hat.’

Hundreds compete at Pasco Special Olympics Summer Games

By

Athletes from 18 Pasco County schools converged on the campus of Wesley Chapel High School, 3651 Wells Road, to compete at the Pasco County Special Olympics Summer Games on Feb 22. Events included walks, runs, races, bocce ball, cycling, soccer, and softball and tennis ball throws.

The Thomas E. Weightman Middle School Special Olympics team walks around the track at Wesley Chapel High School during the opening ceremony of the Pasco County Special Olympics on Feb. 22. (Christine Holtzman)
Fourteen-year-old Jake Blocher, an eighth-grader at Dr. John Long Middle School, gets a high-five from Lucy Domenech, of Wesley Chapel, as he competes in a cycling heat. Domenech and her daughter, Melissa Aldajuste, left, were at the games to support Aldajuste’s daughter, Mikayla, who was competing in another event. Grady Beagle, the adaptive physical education coach at John Long Middle, is on the right.
Six-year-old Jayshawn Harris, left, and 6-year-old Michael Rodriguez bond over a cloud of bubbles from a bubble-making machine. Harris is in first grade at New River Elementary, and Rodriguez is in first grade at Sand Pine Elementary.

Quilt show winner

By

(Courtesy of Becky Busdeker)

Leisure Days RV Resort wants to thank everyone who attended the Leisure Days Quilt Show on Feb. 22. Larry Sproessig was the winner of the beautiful quilt made by the Leisure Day Quilters. From left: Shelly Shaw, Larry Sproessig and Helen Renaud.

An Irish night at Grand Horizons

By

On Feb. 16, approximately 90 people (residents and guests) met in our community center to see a show put on by Cahal Dunne, “Ireland’s Happy Man.” This was one terrific show that included many types of music and several songs.

Before each song was performed, Cahal told a small story of how it came about. Some were touching stories that really got to you, while others were cute and snappy.

Cahal Dunne plays the flute during one of his Irish songs. (Marty Rubenstein)

He started off with a country Irish tart and song, complete with a dance step.

The first song that he performed on his white piano was entitled “Mary, Did You Know?“ He did a beautiful job on this song, complete with little antics of expression.

During the evening, he did several more, including a country song by George Strait called “I Just Want to Dance with You,” and this included some audience participation while he played it on the piano.

He then told us a story, which was quite touching, about a “special” student named Sara. As he told the story, chills ran up and down my body. Everyone was quiet, as they listened to the story. He then proceeded to sing the song called “An Angel for Sara.” In the song he related precisely what he told the audience in the story about a teacher stating that Sara was “special.”

One of the cute and funny songs was entitled “On the Internet,” which was priceless the way it was presented. By this I mean he had expressions that spoke volumes. Everyone in the audience had quite a chuckle.

Cahal Dunne using a baster to enhance a song.

When he first started the show, he was wearing a lovely jacket with blue and, then he changed to a green jacket. He proceeded to sing “The Galway Girl,” originally by Steve Earle. He not only played the piano but also the flute and, once again, with intermittently good antics. This was a lovely song, and the audience definitely showed their appreciation.

There was one really cute moment where he sang “The Pheasant Plucker” with no music, but the song had us in stitches.

Also performed was “Danny Boy,” while he played on the piano and sang the song. It was a fantastic performance.

“A Daisy A Day” was a beautiful love song and was performed on the piano. At this point, he changed into another jacket, which looked like a Liberace jacket with all sparkles.

He performed the “MIA” song that definitely brought a tear to many an eye. As with the other songs, before he sang, he told a story that touched our hearts. A cute moment was when he sang and played, “When You Wish Upon a Star,” and also used a baster when humming.

Cahal Dunne belting out a song.

Another moment stood out when he sang “The Menopause Song.” This was simply adorable, and in the song “hot flashes” was mentioned along with the pulling of blankets plus the initials for Punish my Spouse. Yes, this was supposedly the worst song, but the best of humor.

He also performed, on the piano, a tribute to the Eagles, including “Desperado” and “Heartache Tonight.”

Once again, he changed jackets and wore a Scottish jacket to perform a cute and clever song called “The Scotsman.” This was performed with no music, but clapping from the audience.

A few more songs and then another jacket went on his back, and this was a black jeweled one. He performed “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” “Run Around Sue” and “ In the Still of The Night.”

The last one performed was to “Shooby-doo’s”  by the audience in the appropriate spaces.  The audience went wild and loved the entire performance.

He put on one last jacket — a patriotic jacket, and sang the song called “The Journey,” which was a song of life.

Also, he had a drawing and one lucky person got their choice of either a CD or a book.

Everyone went home in a great mood after the show.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Bexley Is Showcase Community At This Weekend’s Parade of Homes

By

It is estimated that homebuyers visit 10 homes before they find “The One.” Potential buyers will have a chance to walk through dozens of model homes at the annual Tampa Bay Parade of Homes, which is being held the first two weekends in March.

This year, Bexley by Newland Communities will play a prominent role as the featured Showcase Community. Seven models representing three of Bexley’s award-winning builders will be on display during this popular two-weekend event.

“We’re honored to be this year’s Showcase Community, and to have the opportunity to show potential homebuyers what the Bexley lifestyle has to offer,” said Pam Parisi, vice president of marketing for Newland Communities, developer of Bexley.

The Bexley Club is a popular meeting place for residents and the surrounding community.

The Parade of Homes is an exceptional time to see the floor plans, interior designs and architecture of model homes, which are also judged by a panel of industry experts.

Featured homes in Bexley will include models from popular builders Cardel Homes, David Weekley Homes and Homes by WestBay.

Parade visitors can tour Cardel Homes’ Henley and Savannah models. The two-story, four-bedroom Henley provides more than 3,900 square-feet of living space, while the four-bedroom Savannah floor plan features three baths and more than 3,300 square feet of living space in a single-story design. Both models have three-car garages and have been newly decorated.

David Weekley’s Stonebrook model is a two-story home with four bedrooms, 3.5 baths and a rear entry two-car garage. This popular builder’s newly designed Tangelo floor plan features four bedrooms and 3.5 baths in a single-story home with just over 3,000 square feet.

The Sandpiper and Cypress models from Homes by WestBay offer stately four-bedroom and two to 2.5-bathroom floor plans. The one-story Sandpiper provides just over 2,000 square feet and a two-car garage, while the Cypress is a two-story floor plan with more than 2,700 square feet.

As one of Pasco County’s premier master-planned communities, homeowners at Bexley have access to a wide range of amenities and activities.

The central hub of the community is The Bexley Club. This lakeside clubhouse is a popular meeting place for residents and the surrounding community. Many come in to enjoy great food at the Twisted Sprocket Café, which serves breakfast, gourmet lunches, desserts, smoothies, wine, craft beer and coffee drinks.

Next door to the clubhouse, Suncoast Trailside Bicycles sells a variety of bikes, including mountain and electric bikes, gear and clothing. The shop also offers repairs. If you’re looking to cycle around the community or hit the Bexley BMX pump track, you’ll find everything you need at this one-stop shop.

In addition to two resort-style pools and a fitness center, residents also enjoy miles of multi-surface Avid™ trails, ideal for walking, biking, jogging and strollers. Fit Stations located along the trails add fun and variety to workouts.

Want to know what it’s like to live at Bexley? Sign up for the “Resident for a Day” program, which lets prospective homebuyers utilize many of the community’s amenities to get a true feel for what it’s like to live there.

“We love giving people an opportunity to experience life in Bexley firsthand. The Resident for a Day program gives prospective buyers an opportunity to enjoy the amenities, talk with residents, and see for themselves why so many families have chosen to make Bexley their home,” said Parisi.

Bexley’s Parade of Home models are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Friday and Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., on Sunday. A guide to the models is available onsite at The Bexley Club, or download a copy at TampaBayParadeOfHomes.com.

For more information, visit BexleyFlorida.com, or call (813) 425-7555.

93 Models To Tour In This Year’s Parade Of Homes

By

The 2019 Tampa Bay Parade of Homes, hosted by the Tampa Bay Builders Association (TBBA), takes place over the next two weekends — March 1 to March 3 and March 8 to March 10. This is one of the largest Parades in Florida, with 93 model homes representing 40 builders at locations throughout Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.

The Parade of Homes is a hands-on way to see the latest in floor plans, interior designs and architecture styles of the area’s most prominent builders and developers. There is no cost or appointment needed to tour Parade homes.

Included in today’s Laker/Lutz News is a 12-page Parade of Homes Guidebook, which gives detailed maps pinpointing the location of each Parade home. In Pasco and south Hernando counties, there are 40 homes to tour, and in north Hillsborough County, 12 homes.

You can create a self-guided map of homes you want to tour at the Parade’s website, TampaBayParadeOfHomes.com. You can also view individual model homes online by builder, as well as entries from custom builders and remodelers.

A great place to start your tour is in Land O’ Lakes at the Parade’s showcase community of Bexley, a master-planned development by Newland Communities, located on State Road 54 and the Suncoast Parkway.

Seven models representing three of Bexley’s award-winning builders are on display during the Parade, with entries from Cardel Homes, David Weekley Homes and Homes by WestBay.

“It is a great time to buy a new home in Tampa Bay with a wide range of price points, including very affordable options, Cheryl McCormick Brown, chairperson of the 2019 Parade of Homes.

“The variety of plans, locations and price points that our 93 entries represent is truly indicative of the spectrum of buyers moving into this market every day. There truly is something for everyone at every life stage,” she said.

Parade of Homes models are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday.

During the Parade, home entries are judged by an expert panel of building industry professionals from across the country, who consider site plan, curb appeal, design, materials, outdoor living spaces, architectural detailing and workmanship.

In addition to Bexley, other sponsors of the 2019 Tampa Bay Parade of Homes are MidFlorida Credit Union, TECO Peoples Gas, and Opendoor.

The TBBA has more than 800 members from the local building industry, including builders, developers, suppliers, subcontractors, lending institutions, architectural and engineering firms, as well as other related businesses. The organization promotes professionalism and continuing education within the tri-county building and development industry.

For further information, call (813) 571-TBBA, or visit TBBA.net.

Published February 27, 2019

Choose The Best Cardel Homes Community For You

By

Cardel Homes is one of few builders to offer buyers communities of all sizes and price points — from move-up developments like Bexley with its many active living amenities, to those like the Enclave at Lake Padgett and Oakwood Reserve with acre lots, pristine privacy and luxury custom features.

Here is a quick look at communities where Cardel Homes is building that are attracting buyers from Pasco and north Hillsborough counties.

The Enclave At Lake Padgett
There are only a handful of lots remaining on Lake Padgett, which is why Cardel Homes is so excited to be building homes in the Enclave At Lake Padgett.

This secluded, gated community of just 18 homes is conveniently located off U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes, just two miles north of State Road 54.

All homesites back up to a natural lagoon that flows into Lake Padgett, and all lots can be permitted for docks that are large enough for fishing, waterski and pontoon boats.

“It’s almost unheard of to find new home construction on Lake Padgett,” said Brian Phillips, vice president of sales and marketing at Cardel Homes. “We have eight large homesites remaining — all very private and perfect for families wanting a waterfront home with no CDD fees.”

Cardel Homes is offering three one-story plans at the Enclave, all with tile roofs and brick paver driveways as standard features. The Henley, Wesley and Savannah plans range from 3,000 to 3,308 square feet, and offer four bedrooms, three or four baths and three-car garages.

If your family is looking for a new home now, the St. Lucia model home is ready for a quick move-in. This stunning home is 3,336 square feet with 12-foot ceilings, white cabinetry, quartz countertops, wood-plank tile and tray ceilings in the foyer, bonus room and master bedroom.

The four-bedroom, three-bath home is on a wooded lot with a large front porch and covered lanai. An oversized dock is perfect to dock a boat and enjoy the natural backyard setting.

“Living in the Enclave is the best of both worlds — all the recreation that Lake Padgett offers in a private oasis setting, and the convenience of Land O’ Lakes’ central location and top-rated schools,” said Phillips.

Oakwood Reserve
If you’re looking for a new home in Hillsborough County that’s close to USF, Oakwood Reserve may be the perfect community for you.

Only five lots remain in this exclusive community of 1-acre homesites on Clement Road  — a quiet, rural street tucked between Hannah Road and Livingston Avenue. Oakwood Reserve is just 25 minutes to downtown Tampa, and minutes from Moffitt Cancer Center, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and AdventHealth Tampa.

This rural community has lots ranging from 1 to 1.55 acres with magnificent mature trees. Two homesites have already been sold, and an inventory home is under construction and will be ready in May.

“Our first two buyers are young professionals who love the location and wanted a small community with no CDD or HOA fees,” said Phillips.

Homes in Oakwood Reserve begin at $447,90, and range from 2,507 to 3,393 square feet. All have four to five bedrooms, three to four baths and three-car garages.

Bexley
Cardel is being showcased in this year’s Parade of Homes over the next two weekends with two model homes in Bexley — a master-planned community being developed by Newland Homes along the State Road 54 corridor in Land O’ Lakes.

Parade visitors will be touring the Henley and Savannah models. The two-story, four-bedroom Henley provides more than 3,900 square feet of living space, while the four-bedroom Savannah floor plan features three baths and more than 3,300 square feet of living space in a single-story design. Both models have three-car garages and have been newly decorated.

Cardel Homes has been building in Bexley since the community opened in 2016, and recently expanded into Phase 2A, with beautiful lots and floor plans beginning in the upper $300s. Two quick inventory homes are available in this new phase, as well as the St. Lucia model home in Bexley’s first phase.

Bexley is known for its pools, parks and trail system designed for active family living. It encompasses 1,200 acres of preserved wilderness and 13 miles of breathtaking trails that connect to the renowned Suncoast Trail.

Sandhill Ridge
Located across the street from FishHawk Ranch in south Hillsborough County is Sandhill Ridge — one of Cardel Homes’ newest communities.

This private, gated community of just 33 Cardel homes is selling quickly because of the affordability of its large family homes and its A-rated schools. Prices begin in the high $200s for homes that range from 2,010 and 3,132 square feet.

“We have already sold nine homes in Sandhill Ridge, and anticipate that this community will sell out quickly,” said Phillips. “The land is beautiful, with a canopy of oak and pine trees, and people want to live in a quiet community like this with no CDD fees.”

Cardel Homes’ models are open Mondays through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. Visit CardelHomes.com/Tampa, or call (860) 501-4429.

Bexley, Enclave at Lake Padgett, Oakwood Reserve
Sales Center: 4081 Epic Cove, Land O Lakes, FL 34638
(813) 510-4429

Sandhill Ridge
Sales Center: 11409 Tanner Ridge Place, Riverview, FL 33569
(813) 571-7171

Published February 27, 2019