Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Mattamy Home’s Fabulous Spring Sales Event

February 27, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

With two new townhome communities opening in Lutz and Citrus Park, Mattamy Homes is offering families special savings on new, quick move-in townhomes for a limited time only, including paying closing costs. A variety of three- and four-bedroom townhomes are available for move in this spring, at Avea Pointe in Lutz and Lakeview at Citrus Park.

New Models in Citrus Park
Mattamy Homes been selling in Lakeview at Citrus Park in August, and already has sold more than 30 townhomes. And now, with the opening of three new, professionally decorated models, Mattamy expects sales to move even faster in this gated community off Ehrlich Road and the Veterans Expressway.

Townhomes by Mattamy Homes offer spacious floor plans and two-car garages.

“Lakeview at Citrus Park is one of the prettiest and most convenient locations in the north Tampa area,” said Kathleen Dec, marketing manager for Mattamy Homes. “Our homeowners love being so close to Westfield Citrus Park Mall, and value their easy access to the Veterans and downtown Tampa.”

New models are beautifully decorated and furnished, and feel just as spacious and private as single-family homes. The Marianna (1,667 sq. ft.) and Ormond (1,888 sq. ft.) have 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and single garages. The Venice (2,574 sq. ft.) has 4 bedrooms, including one downstairs, 3 baths and a double garage. Prices begin in the mid $200s.

The community, which will have 124 townhomes when completed, overlooks Gant Lake at the end of Tom Fuller Road. Residents have access to the lake for fishing, kayaking and paddle-boarding from its community pier. Other amenities include a children’s playground.

Avea Pointe In Lutz
Avea Pointe is Mattamy Homes’ newest townhome neighborhood in Lutz, located off Van Dyke Road on Lakeshore Drive, and directly across from Lakeshore Preserve —a Mattamy townhome community that sold out in less than 18 months.

“The demand for our townhomes in Lakeshore Preserve was so incredible that we’re very happy to be offering families more townhomes in the same great location,” said Dec.

Avea Pointe’s first residents will be moving into their new homes this spring. The community’s amenities will be ready this fall, and include a resort-style pool, cabana and sun deck. At completion, Avea Pointe will have 224 homes.

This gated community offers three spacious floor plans designed to live like single-family homes, incorporating large open kitchens, optimized living spaces, covered lanais and 2-car garages.

Avea Pointe offers very distinctive plans— the Santa Rosa at 1,913 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, with an owner’s suite on the first level; the Sebring at 2,230 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths; and the Venice at 2,574 square feet with 4 bedrooms (including a first-floor bedroom) and 3 baths. Base prices are from the low $300s.

“We offer some of the most spacious townhome floor plans in the area,” said Dec. “Their unique designs meet the needs of first-time homebuyers, families with children and empty-nesters.”

In-Demand Location
Mattamy’s Lutz communities are just minutes from St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, and are convenient to shopping, dining and entertainment in Carrollwood, Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel. Located within two miles of the Veterans Expressway makes them an easy commute to Tampa, the airport and area beaches.

“This desirable location is one of the main reasons our homes at Lakeshore Preserve and Avea Pointe are selling so quickly,” said Dec. “Excellent schools are another reason — parents want their children to attend the area’s best schools.”

Children at Lakeshore Preserve and Avea Pointe attend Steinbrenner High, Martinez Middle and Schwarzkopf Elementary, all less than three miles away on Lutz Lake Fern Road. Also close-by is the Sunlake Academy of Math and Science charter school.

Visit MattamyHomes.com, or call (813) 580-7303, to learn more about these communities, the Spring Sales Event, or to schedule a VIP appointment.

Published February 27, 2019

58 Years of Experience at Shell’s Feed & Garden Supply

February 27, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

In a time when many families are exploring sustainability and growing their own food, a family operation like Shell’s Feed & Garden Supply is just the kind of store they need to answer their questions and guide them.

“Whether it’s backyard chickens or growing vegetables, our employees are an amazing resource for families who have limited experience in gardening or raising chickens,” said Greg Shell, whose family has owned Tampa’s oldest feed store since 1961.

Store Manager Dax Gonzalez, left, and Owner Greg Shell have worked together for over 10 years.

“Most of our employees have worked here for many years, and have an incredible amount of experience to share with customers,” said Shell. “Our customers come from as far away as Brooksville and Sarasota, not only because of the quality plants and products we carry, but also to seek advice from our staff.”

Shell’s Feed got its start when Greg’s father, Charles, was 21 years old and just out of the Army. It was 1961, and Charles was looking for something to do when a feed store came up for sale at Nebraska Avenue and Busch Boulevard in Tampa.

Charles bought the store and changed its name to Shell’s Feed.

“It was a good fit for my dad, since my grandfather sold Purina products for many years, and dad was familiar with the feed business. Plus, our family’s farm was in Lutz, and the store was close to our home,” said Shell.

Charles began updating the store, and in 1965 married Betty Tamargo, whose family owned a dairy farm off Casey Road in what is now Carrollwood.

Back then, Tampa Bay was still very rural, and Shell’s Feed took care of farmers and ranchers in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Polk counties.

“Dad started selling to Busch Gardens when it was just a two-man operation in the 1960s, and also serviced Hillsborough and Pinellas County Animal Services,” said Shell.

The city grew up around the feed store, and when Busch Boulevard was widened in 1967, the store moved four blocks north to its current location on Nebraska Avenue.

Shell’s first job at the store was picking up trash in the parking lot when he was 8 years old for 25 cents a day. As he got older, he began stocking shelves after school, and eventually became a manager at age 20.

Shell left the family business for eight years in 1999 to open a pet store in Lutz. By 2007, his parents wanted to be less hands-on at the feed store, and he returned to the family business.

Stop by at Shell’s Nebraska Avenue location and step back in time to an old fashioned feed and garden store with affordable prices and superb customer service.

Gardening and Pets
“When I came back, I spent the first six months as a regular employee, helping customers and asking what they liked about the store, and what they wanted to see,” said Shell. “This was when I learned our customers were very interested in gardening, and wanted more offerings in pet foods and supplies, so we expanded in both areas.”

“We carry pet food that is equal in quality to the brand names, but without the high prices,” said Shell. “We also sell a wide assortment of bulk treats, so you don’t have to buy a whole bag, like you do at most stores.”

Shell said many pets today have allergies, and most are food related. “We have hypo-allergenic dog foods that work great and won’t break the bank,” he said.

Gardening is also a big part of Shell’s business.

“Our vegetable plants are grown by a local grower, and are healthier than those sold in big box stores,” said Shell. “Our staff can answer questions on gardening from start to finish. We make sure you choose the right plants to grow at the right time of the year.”

Saturday Classes
Since many customers are inexperienced gardeners, and many want to learn how to raise chickens in their backyard, Shell’s offers Saturday classes for its customers.

Its next class is March 9, and the topic is growing and harvesting Earthbox gardens, which are ideal for suburban patios and urban balconies. The class is from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Registration and information for all classes and events are at www.shellsfeed.com/store-classes-events/.

Shell’s also hosts free Saturday Seed Swaps once a month from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., for most of the year. The next two Swaps are March 23 and April 20.

“Our Seed Swaps are a great way to swap seeds, cuttings and seedlings for something new. Plus, it’s a great way to meet people who also love to garden,” said Shell.

Through the years, chicken feed has always been Shell’s top seller, although much of today’s feed now goes to families with backyard chickens.

“Chickens are very easy to take care of. A family of four can keep three hens and have all the fresh eggs their family needs,” said Shell.

Shell’s Feed & Garden Supply is still the old-fashioned, down-home shop Greg’s parents started, but with products and services suburban families want today, including online ordering and shipping.

“We invite you to bring the kids and visit our store for an old fashion experience that the whole family will enjoy,” said Shell.

Published February 27, 2019

Civil War history comes to life at Pioneer Florida Museum & Village

February 27, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Civil War buffs had a chance to see history come to life at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village over the weekend.

Confederate Soldiers fire during a Civil War battle re-enactment at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village in Dade City. (Fred Bellet)

Re-enactors also had a chance to take part in battles and skirmishes on the museum grounds.

The sounds of soldiers shouting commands and the smoke from firing guns filled the air.

Little ones shielded their ears to avoid the loud sounds of the guns.

Besides seeing the soldiers in action, visitors could tour confederate and union camps, see re-enactors in character and get a glimpse of Civil War life.

They also could see traditional period demonstrations and a ladies fashion show feature clothing from that period. There was live music, too.

Six-year-old Gregory Jacobsen holds his ears during the booming sounds coming from the 12-pound Mountain Howitzers. This was the young boy’s first experience of seeing a Civil War re-enactment. He was there with his dad, Benjamin Jacobsen, of Tampa.

Portraying a Confederate courier, Chuck Sheridan, of Sanford, delivers a message to Gen. Harding.

The trio, 7 lbs of Bacon, entertained the crowd by playing music of the 1800s.

The Union soldiers defeated the Confederate soldiers on one day of the two-day event, and the Confederate soldier defeated the Union soldiers on the other day.

From the audience area, Samantha Johnston, of Seffner, portrays a Southern Belle. She was applauding the efforts of the 5th Florida Company B, at the end of the Civil War re-enactment event.

Locals invited to get involved with Lutz Fourth of July

February 27, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

A planning committee preparing for the Lutz 4th of July Parade will have its first meeting on March 12 at 7 p.m.

The community is encouraged to attend and to offer fresh ideas for the annual holiday event, which has been a Lutz tradition for years.

The meeting will take place at the Old Lutz School at 18819 U.S. 41.

Future meeting dates will be announced during that initial assembly.

The Independence Day celebration will be hosted by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club. It will include a parade, which begins on Lutz Lake Fern Road.

For additional information, contact Jennifer Rankin at (813) 240-5492 or at .

Check out the action at Betmar darts league

February 27, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Members in the Betmar Acres’ darts league know how to compete and have fun. The mobile home community is for residents age 55 and older. Betmar has dozens of fun activities, social events and clubs for their residents.

Fred Leger, a resident of Betmar Acres and 13-year member of Betmar’s dart league, practices ahead of the evening’s darts contest. (Christine Holtzman)

Ruth Kilsdonk, right, celebrates with other members of Betmar Acres’ darts league players as her name and score are announced over the loud speaker. Any player that scores more than 100 gets a special mention. Kilsdonk scored a 104. Her teammate, Betty Jedra, is on her left.

Betmar Acres resident Harry Taylor intently watches as his opponent takes his turn. A league member since 1996, Taylor explained that if the player scored a ‘double two,’ the other team would win.

Taking the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Connerton

February 27, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

This isn’t the first time that Connerton’s adventurous residents have jumped into chilly water at the Land O’ Lakes community swimming pool. The annual Polar Bear Plunge debuted in 2011 and attracts an assortment of brave souls every year. Those who took part were offered free hot cocoa to warm themselves up.

On the count of three, the participants of Connerton’s annual Polar Bear Plunge jump into the brisk 72-degree pool water on Feb. 16. (Christine Holtzman)

Eleven-year-old Emersyn Stroka, of Land O’ Lakes, enjoys a cup of hot cocoa after taking part in the Polar Bear Plunge on Feb. 16 at Connerton. The hot cocoa was the best part, she said.

The Ringger family, of Land O’ Lakes, with family friend 9-year-old Oliver Lopez in front, boldly stand under a large mechanical bucket that dumps gallons of water in a matter of seconds. From left, the Ringgers are Kent, who is the father, holding 5-year-old Beckett; 9-year-old Hans; 12-year-old Corbin; and, 11-year-old Indee.

Doesn’t get much better than a quilt show and tacos

February 22, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Tom Carter, left, and Marty Rubensteinn (Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

On Feb. 8, we had our monthly lunch connoisseurs at Shells Restaurant hosted by Bill and Karen Donlon. There were 31 residents in attendance, and the menu had a good variety of dishes. There were mainly fish platters or dinners, but other dishes as well.

We weren’t rushed, and the waitresses were very nice and tried to help if anyone had questions. There was much conversation and everyone got along. It made for a nice afternoon with good company.

The following day, Feb. 9, several women who are members of the quilting club were at the community center, along with several helpers. They presented a quilt show and what a delight it was.

There were quilts all around the community center and some were really eye-catching and had so much detail.

The quilters were Margaret Castonguay, Joyce Billig, Naomi Sisk, Denise Hauser, Pat Otto, Pat Mengel, LuAnne Taylor and Jeanice Dalman. The quilters meet every week at the community center and create beautiful quilts, and these were displayed all over in the community center.

They also had some helpers, including Joyce Bell and Rachel Gamache.

This quilt by Denise Hauser won first place at the Florida State Fair.

There were well over 150 quilts, plus handbags, runners and more. Upon entering the community center, there were several quilts outside on display.

Everything was done to perfection and there were two lap-size quilts that were prizes for the raffle. Coffee and cookies were served at this festive show.

Several days later, on Feb. 13, a Taco Bowl dinner was held at the community center, with 110 people in attendance. This was hosted by Margaret and Andy Castonguay. They have had Taco Bowl dinners for the last several years, and each year they get better and better.

Once again, they had several volunteers and each had a specific job and, therefore, it ran smoothly. The helpers were Joyce and Ron Bell, along with Ron and Rachel Gamache, Fred and Pat Mengel, Linda Rogers and, of course, Margaret and Andy Castonguay.

The taco dinner consisted of meat, diced tomatoes, cheese, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, olives and onions. All of the toppings were placed on a table, so you could add them according to your taste. The tortilla shells were handmade and deep fried by Margaret and, from what I heard, they were simply delicious.

Two days later, on Feb. 15, we had our second karaoke night. It started out with Gary Wilcox singing a Conway Twitty song entitled “It’s Only Make Believe.” He did a splendid job of it, and he made it interesting by giving a little history of the song and the singer.

He sang several more songs, including “Amarillo By Morning” and, if you closed your eyes, you could visualize George Strait.

Paul Williams sang a few songs, such as “Blueberry Hill,” “Abilene” and several others. His deep voice and antics added to the songs.

Chuck Reams also got up to perform several hits, including “As Good as I Once Was” by Toby Keith. Chuck really got into it as the time progressed. His antics were fabulous and had many a person (in the audience) singing back up. He also sang a hit song by Randy Travis entitled “He Walked on Water.” and he did one marvelous job.

A great number of songs were done by Jim Leitzke, such as “Good Hearted Woman” by Waylon Jennings,” “Okie from Muskogee” by Merle Haggard, and several by Marty Robbins like “El Paso.” Jim also looked directly at the audience and he sang like a pro.

During some songs, we had dancers like the Rockettes. We also had audience participation on the song “Family Tradition.” There were other songs like “Trashy Women” by Confederate Railroad, and even a little trivia thrown in.

We ended the evening with “God Bless the USA,” and we all went home after a lovely two hours. The next karaoke will be on March 22.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Quilt by Luanne Taylor and her husband, Doug.

Star burst with vibrant colors by Pat Otto.

Parks Ford Unveils New Dealership Building

February 20, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

There’s been a lot of speculation about what is going on at Parks Ford in Wesley Chapel, with its main building behind a curtain of construction since last summer, and large modular buildings put in place next door.

“We’ve gutted our old building and are completely rebuilding all major customer touch points, so that we can better accommodate our customers and employees,” said Ron Parks at his dealership on State Road 54, located just east of I-75.

When Parks Ford unveils its new building later this spring, it will feature a larger showroom to display its broad line of vehicles, an expanded and fully covered customer delivery center, and much larger service write-up and customer waiting areas.

“The design of our new building is very progressive, and will enhance the comfort and convenience of our customers and staff,” said Parks.

To limit the inconvenience created by such a major project, Parks Ford put in place modular buildings before construction began last July.

“We had the modular buildings ready to go before we started to make sure our customers and staff would not be inconvenienced by the construction,” said Parks.

This major expansion is just one example of Parks’ commitment to the Wesley Chapel community, his customers and staff. His dealership employs over 100 people, most of whom are long-time employees that live locally and are involved in area schools, youth groups, churches and service groups.

“The culture here is very employee-focused. We know that happy employees provide the best customer service, and I’m very proud that many of our people have worked here for many years,” said Parks.

Heading up the operations team at Parks Ford is Vice President Terry Mullane, who has worked with the Parks family for 25 years and is a partner in the business.

“Terry is the driving force behind our culture at Parks Ford — the person who leads our ship and keeps us on track,” said Parks.

Mullane oversees employee development programs to educate and grow his people so they can flourish in their jobs. This includes employee outreach programs, and hosting team building events, such as bowling parties and family picnics.

“Our employees are the focal point of our operation and paramount to our success,” said Parks. “We empower our people to make decisions, so they can do what’s necessary to accommodate our customers.”

Community Responsibility
Parks takes ‘community’ very seriously, and has a full-time employee whose primary responsibility is community relations. Jennifer Cofini has served in this role for the past eight years, and heads up Parks Ford’s involvement in community organizations and events.

Cofini is the past chairperson of North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, and has been on the chamber’s board for the last six years. She also is involved in Rotary International.

“We are very proud of our partnership with Wesley Chapel High School’s Automotive Academy, which train students for well-paying technical jobs,” said Cofini. “Ellis Adams, our service manager, is on the school’s advisory council, and we’ve hired several academy graduates.”

Parks Ford hosts several Drive 4 UR Community events for area schools and service groups, including Sunlake, Wiregrass and Wesley Chapel high schools, and Double Branch Elementary.

Other organizations the dealership supports are March of Dimes, Helping Hands Food Pantry, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, OneBlood, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

“We give back to the local community because our customers are primarily from Pasco and north Hillsborough counties,” said Parks. “We give back because the community supports us!”

Dealership History
Ron Parks’ father, Jack Parks, spent his entire career in the automotive industry. He opened his first dealership in 1975 in Tampa — a Lincoln Mercury dealership on Florida Avenue, which the family still owns today.

In 1978, Ron joined his father in the family business after careers in banking and real estate. In 1984, they opened their first dealership in Pasco County — Heritage Ford in Zephyrhills, which was seven miles east on State Road 54. In 1999, the Parks moved Heritage Ford to their 15-acre site in Wesley Chapel, and renamed the business Parks Ford.

The Parks wanted to be closer to I-75 so their location would be more convenient for customers. Plus, they believed that central Pasco area was about to explode with new homes and businesses.

“We were the first automobile dealership to recognize the potential in Wesley Chapel and central Pasco,” said Parks. “We are proud to have been the very first dealership in the community, and proud to still be here today under the same family ownership.”

In 2013, Parks expanded again in Wesley Chapel when he opened a Fiat and Alfa Romeo dealership next door to his Ford operation.

In addition to Parks Ford, the Parks family owns Parks Lincoln of Tampa at 10505 N. Florida Ave., and Stadium Toyota at 5088 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Tampa.

“We have a courteous and committed sales staff, as well as professional, expert service technicians, all with many years of experience satisfying our customers’ needs,” said Parks. “They are the reason we give the best service possible to every customer. Please stop by and find out how we can help you with your automotive needs!”

Published February 20, 2019

Glimpse Florida’s ancient past at the Green Swamp

February 20, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Living on Florida’s densely populated coast, it’s almost impossible to believe that a 37,350-acre wilderness exists just an hour or so inland.

Giant, old oaks line the main hiking trail in the Green Swamp West Tract, just 5 miles from downtown Dade City. (Karen Haymon Long)

Known as the West Tract of the 110,000-acre Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve, this environmentally protected land offers glimpses of what Florida used to look like, and, hopefully, will look like way into the future.

This important natural treasure is a vital recharge area for the Florida Aquifer and contains the headwaters of four Florida rivers – the Hillsborough, Withlacoochee, Peace and a fraction of the Ocklawaha. It reaches into not only Pasco, but Polk, Lake, Sumter and Hernando counties.

Just 5 miles from downtown Dade City, the swamp’s West Tract offers 65 miles of trails for hikers, bikers and horseback riders.

On our recent visit on a Monday, we walked a half-hour from the parking lot on an unpaved service road just to get to the hiking trailhead that leads into the woods. This stretch, a section of the Florida National Scenic Trail, winds through dense woods overshadowed by giant old oaks, soaring slash and longleaf pines and mature magnolias.

The Green Swamp West Tract is open to hikers, campers, bikers and horseback riders who want to escape into the wilderness.

I’ve hiked all over the country, in many state and national parks, and have never seen so many ancient oaks in one place. For the next hour, we were alone in the peaceful woods, often with ponds and grassy waters on both sides of us.

The Green Swamp is known for its wildlife – white-tailed deer, hogs, bobcats, turtles, turkeys, raccoons, gray squirrels, alligators and all sorts of wading birds, but on our visit, we saw just birds – little blue herons, white ibis, a great blue heron and osprey. We did see evidence of hogs in one stretch of trail, where they had foraged in the muck.

Part of the trail we took is a section of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, and, on just about the whole length of our hike, we heard a chorus of birds calling back and forth.

The trail was easy to follow — thanks to orange paint slashes on trees along the way — so we never got lost. Twice, we had to climb over or walk around huge trees that had fallen across our path.

While I called the trail “wild,” my husband described it as “primitive,’’ but we both liked it that way.

The Green Swamp’s West Tract has picnic tables where visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch on the edge of the vast wilderness. The tract has no concessions, so come prepared.

We saw cypress domes ghosting from water.

Vast swaths of brown grasses swayed in the breeze.

We watched for snakes in clumps of brilliant green saw palmettos, and admired stately cabbage palms, Florida’s state tree.

And, just around every turn, we saw ponds or pools of water, some of it green, but some tea colored, too.

The Green Swamp is technically not a swamp, but “a mosaic of several different ecosystems,” according to the story anthology, “Rivers of the Green Swamp.”

One of Florida’s two largest wetlands – along with the Everglades – the Green Swamp is managed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Much of it is considered an environmentally sensitive habitat, and visitors are urged to stay on designated trails.

A map available at the tract entrance and online left much to be desired, with some roads bisecting the trail not marked or named and no trail lengths. We figured since the Florida Legislature long ago designated the Green Swamp “an area of critical state concern,” the state may not want hordes hiking in the area, so purposely makes maps vague.

Orange paint slashes on tree trunks lead the way through the main hiking trail in the Green Swamp’s West Tract. The trail is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail.

If that’s true, that’s fine with us. The fewer hikers the better to enjoy the solace of a good, long walk.

By chance, the trail we took was dry the day we went and closed to hog hunters. Dates when it is opened for hunting are posted at the main gate next to the parking lot and on SWFWMD’s website. (See Tips for the Trip).

We had read online that trails are sometimes too boggy to take, and, in the summertime, mosquitoes can be lethal. So we chose a dry, cool day to walk, and we were glad we did.

It was amazing how few people we saw – just one other hiker, two men on bikes, one with a dog on a leash, and a few men in pickup trucks driving on the service roads. We didn’t see anyone on horses. They are not rented out there, but horse owners are welcomed to bring them in if they stay on designated trails and carry proof of their horses’ current negative Coggins test.

The West Tract also has equestrian and primitive campsites, with pit and portable toilets, picnic tables and grills. Free permits are required, and campers are given the front gate lock combination so they can drive their gear into the campgrounds. There are no concession stands, so visitors should go prepared.

We don’t know if we would go back to camp there, but we’d like to return, maybe next time with our bikes.

Even now, I think of the quiet, of the watery beauty, and of those magnificent oaks — some older than our own state of Florida.

This map of the Green Swamp’s West Tract is more detailed than the ones online or available at the tract’s entrance. This one is posted near the tract picnic area.

Tips for the Trip
The Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve West Tract is at 13347 Ranch Road (off the U.S. 98 Bypass) about 5 miles from downtown Dade City, in East Pasco County.

Admission is free and trails are open daily, except when hunting is permitted. Before going, be sure to check on those hunting dates at tinyurl.com/y6m2wtsa.
Hours are sunrise to sunset. Maps are on the above website and at the tract entrance.
Picnic tables, portable toilets and campsites are also in the West Tract. Kayakers and boaters can put into a stretch of the Withlacoochee River, just down the road from the West Tract entrance.
For tract details, see tinyurl.com/y6m2wtsa, or call (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470.
Another place to visit the Green Swamp is Colt Creek State Park, at 16000 State Road 471 in Lakeland. For details, see FloridaStateParks.org.

For details on campgrounds, call 1-800-423-1476 (toll-free, Florida only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470, or email .

By Karen Haymon Long

February 20, 2019

Learning the skills and strategies involved in an ancient Chinese game

February 20, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

If you want to learn how to play Mah Jongg (also known as Mahjong), there are weekly games for both beginners and intermediate players at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway. There is no cost to play and the library provides all the game materials. For more information, call (813) 929-1214.