The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Air Conditioning Solutions —Experienced, Trustworthy and Versatile

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Todd Boudreau understands better than most that a small business can provide better expertise and customer service than a large company, because the owner can be involved in every job.

He knows this firsthand, because before starting Air Conditioning Solutions, for 10 years he and his wife, Teresa, owned a large mechanical and plumbing company with more than 30 employees in their home state of Kansas.

While that business was very successful, it grew to become larger than they wanted to manage. So the couple sold the business in 2001, and Todd went to work for a large distributor.

A few years later, the Boudreaus and their three young children moved to Land O’ Lakes for its good schools, excellent youth sports programs and the opportunity to be a part of Tampa Bay’s fast-growing economy.

Initially, Todd worked for area HVAC companies. His extensive mechanical experience was in demand, especially his knowledge of geothermal heating and cooling systems, in addition to his 30 years experience in plumbing and traditional air conditioning systems.

By 2006, Todd and Teresa were ready to be business owners once again.

“When we decided to open another business, we knew we wanted to keep it small,” said Todd. “We believe staying small keeps us closer to our customers, and allows me to do what I love best —using my mechanical skills and years of experience to help people find the best solution to their air conditioning, heating and plumbing needs.”

And, that is just what Todd, Teresa and their oldest son, Brandon, do every day from their new Land O’ Lakes location on U.S. 41, directly across from the McDonald’s at Arbor Square at Connerton.

“We purposely plan to keep the business at fewer than 10 employees, because we believe staying small is the best way to control quality, pricing and customer service,” said Todd.

While there are many air conditioning companies in the area, Air Conditioning Solutions is one of few that specialize in geothermal heating and cooling systems, which makes up about 30 percent of the company’s business. The remaining 70 percent comes from repairing and installing traditional A/C systems and plumbing jobs.

Geothermal technology is an underground system that takes advantage of the earth’s steady, 72-degree temperature to efficiently cool and maintain a building’s temperature. Thousands of feet of tubing are buried in the earth, and then water circulates through these pipes to efficiently cool and heat.

There are many advantages to geothermal cooling systems, including a savings of up to 50 percent in utility bills. A geothermal system has a life span of 30 to 40 years, compared to eight to 12 years typical for standard HVAC systems with outside compressors continually exposed to Florida’s extreme weather. Plus, heating a swimming pool is a free byproduct of geothermal air conditioning.

“I have sold around 300 geothermal systems – nearly all closed-loop systems — in the past 10 years,” said Todd. “Our customers find the return on investment is usually six to eight years after they calculate their monthly utility savings and the cost to replace a standard A/C unit every 10 years or so.”

For smaller homes, a geothermal system begins at $25,000, and for large homes on the water, the cost can top $250,000. Pricing includes building and installing the metal ductwork that Todd and Brandon custom build for every job.

Brandon, who is 25 and a graduate of Sunlake High School, recently returned from helping family in Kansas to join the family business. He has worked alongside his father since he was 14, and like his dad, is an expert at installing geothermal systems.

The Boudreau family also includes son Logan, who will be studying mechanical engineering at the University of Central Florida, and daughter Morgan, a junior at Sunlake High, who plays on the school’s softball team.

In 2012, the Boudreaus purchased the building and property owned by Miller’s Sheet Metal Shop. They expanded and renovated the building and outside areas to house all of its services, under one roof — sheet metal, air conditioning, plumbing, geothermal and spray foam insulation.

“We were told by many people to level the old building and build a new one,” said Todd. “But, with the help of many people, we were able to revitalize the Miller property and honor its long history. We feel very fortunate and thankful to own such a perfect parcel of property right here in Land O Lakes.

8021 Land O Lakes Blvd., Land O Lakes FL 34638

(813) 394-7444 (office) • (727) 687-8094 (cell)

AirConditioningSolutions.net

Certified Mechanical Contractor License # CMC1249503

Certified Plumbing Contractor License # CFC1428984

A salute to the red, white and blue

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A Memorial Day picnic was held at Grand Horizons on May 29. Everyone attending had a very good time. I spoke to Joyce Bell, and she gave me the following information.

Ed and Eileen Goldstein
(Courtesy of Adrianne Ayres)

They had over 125 residents at the picnic, which was hosted by Chris and Rich Fulton, Linda and Dave Tutin, Mim and Terry Gardner, Ron Gamache, and Ron and Joyce Bell. These people helped to make this event possible and special.

The social club provided the fried chicken from Publix, and residents brought a side dish or dessert to complement the meal.

In addition to a delicious meal, Jim Leitzke did a Memorial Day tribute, Bill Sarver played taps and Galen Parker said grace. It sounded to me like they went all-out on Memorial Day.

Joyce also mentioned that on June 6, the women at Grand Horizons had a lovely luncheon at Coyote Rojo III. This was a gathering of the Lunch Bunch ladies who meet at a restaurant once a month.

JoAnn and Ron Fisher

There were 13 ladies who attended, and that is a good number, as so many residents go elsewhere in the hot weather. The luncheon was hosted by Joyce Bell.

This was a Mexican restaurant with several dishes.

The Lunch Bunch already has next month signed up with Pat McKain as the hostess, and they plan to go to the Sunrise Eatery.

The monthly Friday Connoisseurs luncheon at BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse was on June 9, hosted by Ron and Joyce Bell.

Here, the people were treated to a great lunch with great food. There was also a huge variety of dishes.

I once went to a BJ’s (in a different location) and I had trouble choosing the dish that I wanted, as there were so many.

There was a nice attendance of 37 people. And, as mentioned by Joyce, “This is a great way to try a new restaurant.”

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published June 21, 2017

Fort De Soto Park: A recreation destination

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The Tampa Bay area has all sorts of places to escape and feel like you’re on vacation without having to drive very far or fly off somewhere.

A fisherman in Mullet Key Bayou in Fort De Soto Park is so intent on his task he doesn’t seem to know that two kayakers are sliding past him. (Karen Haymon Long)

And, when you get company from afar, there’s always someplace wonderful like Fort De Soto Park to take them. Here, all in one place, are a world-class beach, views of both the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, two fishing piers, boat launches, a historic fort, a ferry ride to Egmont Key, nature trails, kayak rentals, picnic shelters and the chance to see dolphins, manatees and more than 300 species of birds.

If you like to camp, the park – Pinellas County’s largest, with 1,136 acres – offers 238 camp sites for tents, pop-ups and RVs.

When my niece, Katie, visited recently from Georgia, we spent the day at the park soaking up sun, touring the fort and its museum, and strolling on Gulf Pier, where we saw five dolphins leaping from green, choppy water.

I had promised she’d see dolphins around the pier, attracted by thousands of tiny bait fish that always seem to be around.

A British rapid-fire rifle, built in 1890, once protected Egmont Key when it was home to Fort Dade and was later moved to Fort De Soto so more people could see it. The fort within Fort De Soto Park is open to the public.

And, there they were, cruising close to the pier and arching out of the water in pairs – perfect for a picture she sent to her mom.

All sorts of fishermen – from regulars with their wheeled carts overflowing with fishing gear to sunburned tourists – try their luck on the 1,000-foot-long pier, so it’s a good place to people watch.

A friendly fisherman, obviously a regular, helped us spot dolphins, while a younger man, who looked like a spring-breaker, hung his rod over the railing, trying hard to catch bait fish clustered under the pier. A cheering section – probably his family – rooted him on.

We saw all sorts of birds that day – seagulls soaring over the pier, pelicans in the bayou fronting the campgrounds, great blue herons and snowy egrets keeping watch at the beaches and curlews, which we call “chickens,” pecking around the camping and picnic grounds.

At the campground, we watched a man fishing in Mullet Key Bayou, water up to his thighs, oblivious to kayakers slipping silently behind him. Many sites line the bayou, with open views of water. We liked the fact that tents – which we prefer – and smaller pop-ups have their own area, separate from spots that allow RVs, which are known to run noisy generators, even at night.

Campers with dogs have yet another area – far from campers who prefer to travel without pets. The opposite was true at Jonathan Dickinson State Park on the east coast when we visited recently. Giant RVs overshadowed tiny tents and lots of campers had dogs in the campground we saw.

The Gulf Pier in Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County is a great place to fish, and to see dolphins and freighters heading out into the Gulf of Mexico. In the background is Egmont Key and its lighthouse. A ferry from the park goes out to Egmont Key.

Fort De Soto’s campsites also offer lots more shade: most are nestled among trees that provide a natural barrier between sites. Bathhouses – some recently updated – were clean on our visit. A camp store sells everything from food to camping supplies and Florida souvenirs.

And, it’s a bargain to camp there at right around $40 a night for tent or RV.

A walking, biking trail leads to the boat launch area, with 11 floating docks, where we saw kayakers heading out for a ride. The trail also goes to the beach, and to the Gulf and Bay piers, the fort, picnic areas and shelters, and to a concession/snack bar/souvenir shop next to the fort.

After checking it out, we decided to eat there, since it would have taken too much time away from the park to drive to eat lunch somewhere else. We were happily surprised to find that the food was very good – fresh and cooked right there by a short-order cook. And, the price was good, under $10, for an excellent Caesar salad with grilled chicken. We ate at picnic tables just outside the concession with mostly British tourists on holiday.

It was an easy stroll to the fort, built in the late 1800s to protect the Tampa Bay area during the Spanish-American War. We walked around the remaining fortifications and studied the two British rapid-fire rifles built in 1890 that once protected Egmont Key, when it was home to Fort Dade and later moved to Fort De Soto so more people could see them.

Many campsites at Fort DeSoto Park face Mullet Key Bayou, making them perfect for launching kayaks. Some campers head out just before sunset to watch the sun go down and the sky light up.

And, we checked out the last four 12-inch M 1890-MI mortars remaining in North America. The only others are in the Philippines. Surprisingly, very little signage – or historical information – is available at the fort. But, we later discovered a free history museum that offers all sorts of information about the fort in a building next to the Gulf Pier’s parking lot.

A park brochure online at PinellasCounty.org (select Fort De Soto Park) also features a historic walking tour of the fort with pictures and lots of good information.

It’s best to go the museum, or check out the brochure, before visiting the fort. We wish we had.

The park’s beach is among the best in the country, with powdery white sand, and on weekdays there are large areas with few people.

Fort De Soto Park – Pinellas County’s largest park – boasts one of America’s best beaches. It’s not even overcrowded on some weekdays.

The beach deserves its accolades. Stephen Leatherman, known as Dr. Beach, crowned Fort De Soto’s beach as No. 1 in the nation in 2008 and as one of America’s best in 2005. (He never picks the same beach for the top spot more than once). And, Trip Advisor, the popular online travel site, picked it as the nation’s top beach in 2009.

Two designated swim centers – East Beach and North Beach – have plenty of parking, picnic shelters, restrooms, showers and playgrounds. A dog beach area is between the Gulf and Bay piers.

On the beach, a warm breeze blew softly and white billowy clouds danced across a clear blue sky. Sea oats sprung from the sand and kids played under royal blue beach umbrellas. It was a picture postcard day in Florida.

We had one more nice surprise before heading home. We drove south along the beach, past the giant American flag near the park entrance station, and at the end of the road saw kite-boarders soaring above the water, their colorful kites against the sky with the Sunshine Skyway Bridge looming behind them.

It was windy, the perfect day to fly. And, their pleasure was ours.

TIPS FOR THE TRIP
How to get there: Fort De Soto Park is at 3500 Pinellas Bayway South in Tierra Verde. From St. Petersburg, take I-275 south, then exit 17 onto Pinellas Bayway/FL 682 west. After 3 miles, turn left onto Pinellas Bayway (FL 679). Go 6.6 miles to the park. Park entrance is $5.

For information on the park, maps, camping and picnic shelter reservations, see PinellasCounty.org/parks, and choose Fort De Soto Park. For reservations for the ferry to Egmont Key, call (727) 398-6577.

Where to eat: We liked the concession snack shop next to the fort in the park. On another visit, we enjoyed lunch close to the park at the Island Grille & Raw Bar, 210 Madonna Blvd., Tierra Verde. It has good seafood, friendly service and a signature marlin mounted over the entrance.

See IslandRawBar.com.

Fun fact: The park stretches over five keys: Mullet Key, St. Jean Key, St. Christopher Key, Madelaine Key and Bonne Fortune Key.

By Karen Haymon Long

Published June 21, 2017

A theme park without a roller coaster?

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Check out Dinosaur World

There’s something about dinosaurs that captures the human imagination. Perhaps that’s why, in a time when many theme parks beckon their guests with towering roller coasters and thrill rides, Dinosaur World reels them in with a pair of life-size Tyrannosaurus rex sculptures looming off the north shoulder of Interstate 4, near Plant City.

Visitors to Dinosaur World on the outskirts of Plant City find themselves surrounded by towering dinosaur statues as soon as they set foot in the park. There are more than 200 sculptures on the 20-acre property, according to park staff. (Susan Green)

The T-rexes don’t move or roar, and neither do the 200 or so life-size dinosaur statues inside the park. But, for thousands of dinosaur fans who visit the park each year, they certainly do enthrall.

Myrta Figueroa, of Tampa, is one of the many passing motorists who just couldn’t pass up the chance to peek behind the walls of Dinosaur World. After three years of eyeing the imposing display from the highway, she decided to take her 4-year-old grandson, Ethan Ortiz, who is already a bit of a dinosaur expert, to see the park.

As soon as the pair stepped inside on a sunny spring afternoon, they found themselves surrounded by life-size replicas of prehistoric beasts. Without even glancing at the identification signs in front of each statue, Ethan began rattling off the dinosaur names to his grandmother.

“My favorite dinosaur is the T-rex,” the preschooler declared, uttering a preference that would be echoed over and over by young visitors interviewed at Dinosaur World on the same day. For Ethan, though, it wasn’t a totally unwavering decision.

“I like the T-rex,” he said, then whirled and pointed at one dinosaur replica after another, meat- and plant-eaters alike, “and that one, and that one, and that one, and that one.”

Just as enthusiastic were Isaiah, 11, Elijah, 3, and Noah, 2, who were visiting Dinosaur World with their parents, Aracely and Bobby Chavarria of Dallas, Texas. Aracely said the family was happy to take a break from the Walt Disney World trip that had brought them to Central Florida on vacation.

The T-rex sculptures at Dinosaur World may look fearsome, but they’re actually formed from fiberglass, putty and concrete, according to park staff.

“We actually went to Disney World, and we didn’t like it that much,” she said, noting that the lines were so long at Florida’s best-known theme park that her sons were able to experience only two rides. When the family saw the giant roadside dinosaur statues between Orlando and Tampa, they decided to give Dinosaur World a try.

“They love dinosaurs,” Aracely said of her sons. “They’re having a blast.”

Dinosaur World is the brainchild of Christer Svensson and his family, who had been frequent winter visitors to the area from Sweden before developing the park. In 1997, the Svenssons bought the swampy site where Dinosaur World is located with plans to develop the dinosaur-themed attraction, according to published reports.

Prehistoric dinosaurs never traversed this spot – or any place in Florida, which was underwater when the giant reptiles roamed the earth. But, the lush acreage of ferns and palm trees once teemed with alligators, widely considered living relics of the dinosaur age. The alligators were part of a tourist attraction known as Gator Jungle that previously occupied the property.

Noah Chavarria, 2, of Dallas, Texas, poses for a photo in the mouth of a meticulously sculpted head of a Tyrannosaurus rex, the boy’s favorite dinosaur.

Gator Jungle had been closed for years, but hundreds of alligators still roamed the property until shortly before Dinosaur World opened in late 1998, said Angelica Roque, the park’s assistant manager. Over the years, she said, adjacent land purchases have brought the size of the park to 20 acres, to make room for more and more dinosaur statues crafted from fiberglass, putty and concrete.

The park features a lengthy walking path lined with replicas of dinosaurs, many accompanied by signs detailing where the species’ fossils were discovered. The park also includes a large sand pit where children can dig for fossils and another sandy expanse dubbed the “Boneyard,” where they can dig to expose the skeleton of a dinosaur buried in the sand.

In the Exploration Cave, visitors can listen to tour guides describe the painstaking methods that paleontologists use to uncover and preserve the remnants of dinosaurs that are often millions of years old. In addition, there’s a walkway called “Mammoths, Giants of the Ice Age” that includes several statues and educational information about the prehistoric elephant-like beasts that once inhabited the forests of Florida.

There’s also a museum with exhibits of authentic relics discovered by paleontologists, including oviraptor eggs, a woolly mammoth’s teeth and a triceratops toe.

And, just for fun, there’s a dinosaur-themed playground and a mock mining sluice where guests can try their luck at panning for gemstones.

Families with small children are among the biggest fans of Dinosaur World near Plant City, but the park sees its fair share of adult dinosaur lovers as well, according to park staff.

Families will also find dozens of sheltered picnic tables where they are welcome to bring food and drink from home, and enjoy eating together or just take a break from strolling through the exhibits. Dinosaur World does not offer food for sale, other than what’s available from a few vending machines.

Although toddlers, preschoolers and elementary school students make up a large segment of the Dinosaur World fan base, they’re not the only age group to find something to love about the park.

“We have a lot of little ones that come,” Roque said. “But, we also have a lot of adults. … It depends on their passion for the dinosaurs.”

About 110,000 people visited the Plant City attraction last year, she said, adding that tourists have come from Europe, Canada, South America and Australia, as well as from all over the U.S.

“A lot of them say they were commuting on I-4 and they saw the big dinosaurs,” Roque said. “They come back and check it out.”

The park’s spacious gift shop includes a tribute to the living dinosaur descendants that once inhabited the spot. In one corner, visitors can view a replica of Toyo, a former Gator Jungle resident that died at age 81.

If you go
Where: Dinosaur World, 5145 Harvey Tew Road, Plant City, FL 33565 (Exit 17, off Interstate 4)
When: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Cost: Adults, $16.95; children 3-12, $11.95; children 2 and younger, free. Tickets that include gem mining cost extra.
Information: (813) 717-9865 or DinosaurWorld.com.

By Susan Green

Published June 14, 2017

New Specialty Aquarium Store Opens in Land O’ Lakes

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Wayne Scott, co-owner of What’s In Your Tank, at the new aquarium store in Land O’ Lakes.

One of the most natural and easy ways to relax is to pull up a chair in front of an aquarium, and watch fish swim and socialize.

“There’s something incredibly soothing and peaceful about a fish tank,” said Wayne Scott, co-owner of What’s In Your Tank, a new aquarium store in Land O’ Lake that is celebrating its grand opening on Saturday, June 10 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“Research shows that keeping a fish tank helps people relax, and can even re-channel someone’s pain,” he continued. “It also has a calming affect on kids with autism and hyperactivity, and eases the anxiety and agitation often found in dementia patients.”

Wayne speaks from personal experience. A U.S. Army veteran, he was injured in Iraqi when the armored vehicle he was traveling in was blasted by a roadside bomb. He underwent two surgeries to fuse his vertebras back in place, and was medically retired in 2006 after 17 years of service.

The accident and surgeries left Wayne in constant pain, and he moved to the Tampa area to receive care at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital. After becoming dependent on prescription pain pills, Wayne began to look for alternative treatments to ease his pain.

After reading about the positive affects other vets reported after setting up aquariums, Wayne started his first marine fish tank in 2009. He soon discovered that his fish tank was emotionally soothing and helped take his mind off his pain.

“My first tank was 125 gallons – I called it my basic training tank,” said Wayne. “And soon I was on to my second tank at 225 gallons, and then a third tank at 500 gallons.”

As he immersed himself in his new hobby, Wayne met many people who helped him learn about fish and aquariums, and began assisting friends and family set up their own up aquariums.

Today, Wayne shares his knowledge with customers at What’s In Your Tank, a unique specialty store that sells both fresh and saltwater fish, aquariums and tank accessories. The store is co-owned by Susan Ingold, owner of S & R Clown Fish, a clown fish breeder and Land O’ Lakes resident who Wayne met through the Tampa Bay Reef Club.

“Susan found our location here off of Bell Lake Road, and we opened our shop in March,” said Wayne.

The store has 800 gallons of water for saltwater fish, including a live marine tank, and 400 gallons for tropical freshwater fish. “People are often stunned to walk into our store and find such a wide variety of beautiful, healthy fish,” said Wayne. “It’s unusual to find both tropical and marine fish in a specialty store like ours.”

About 70 percent of the store’s customers set up freshwater tanks because they are less expensive to set up and maintain than saltwater tanks. “However, many local families begin with tropical fish and move on to marine fish,” said Wayne.

Wayne works with every customer to guide them through setting up their tank, maintaining a healthy environment and water supply, and recommends fish best suited for a customer’s tank. The store receives new fish three days a week, which keeps its inventory large and fish healthy.

“We give lots of hands-on education — helping people who are just starting out, to advising experienced, serious hobbyists,” said Wayne.

The store’s grand opening on June 10 will include raffles, giveaways, food and refreshments. There also will be storewide sales, free beta fish (while supplies last), and T-shirts to the first 15 paying customers.

“Please stop by — I’d love to show you our fish tanks and introduce you to our fascinating hobby,” said Wayne.

What’s In Your Tank is located just east of U.S. 41 on Bell Lake Road, tucked into Bell Lake Plaza, next to Advantage Realty.

3940 Lake Padgett Dr.• Land O’Lakes

813-388-9772

Sun 12-5, Mon-Wed & Fri 11-7,• Sat 10-7, Closed Thurs

Anytime is a good time for ice cream

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As mentioned in previous stories, we have a lunch bunch for the ladies once a month. Usually, it is at a restaurant on the first Tuesday of the month, along with another outing for men that is at Hooters.

A large group of ladies enjoyed lunch at Luella Wheeling’s house. 
(Courtesy of Joyce Bell)

This month, the lunch bunch for women had a twist. The group met at Luella Wheeling’s new residence.

Luella used to live at Grand Horizons and recently moved, but her heart still belongs to her friends from her previous community.

I spoke to Joyce Bell, and she was good enough to give me a few of the details.

She told me that the lunch was served buffet-style. The buffet included beef stroganoff and Cajun grouper with broccoli, corn-on-the cob, kale greens, and a huge variety of desserts.

Jerry and Chris Buckley enjoyed every last bit of their ice cream at the get-together.

A large group of ladies joined in for this lunch, and while the meal was excellent, they also had a good time, as they then received a tour of the community. It was beautiful. Luella was very happy, rested and well.

All in all, it was a perfect event, hosted by Robbie Lockard.

Grand Horizons had an ice cream social on May 7, and the individuals that hosted this event were Ron and Joyce Bell, Rich and Chris Fulton, Mim and Terry Gardner, and Linda Tutin.

Galen Parker said the prayer, while everyone bowed their heads in silence.

After grace was said, the tables were called so they could get their ice cream.

From what Joyce Bell told me, there were several toppings, including bananas, strawberries, hot fudge, nuts, crushed Oreos, butterscotch, caramel, whipped cream, cherries, pineapple and more.

Rose Semian and Doris Sutfin (back), and Judy Hiler and Wayne Anderson attended the ice cream social.
(Courtesy of Adrianne Ayres)

Along with the ice cream, there was a raffle with a monetary prize. According to Joyce, about 95 people attended. This sounded like a fun activity, and I am sure everyone enjoyed it.

Donna and Bill Quinn hosted the lunch connoisseurs at Piccola Italia on May 12. About 48 people attended, and they definitely did not leave hungry.

We have gone to Piccola’s in the past, and they certainly have a huge variety on the menu. Each time we went, we had a different dish, and each one was delicious. Their lasagna is very good, as well as other dishes the restaurant serves.

Published May 31, 2017

A specialty shop for health & well-being

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Owner Carole Homand leads a lively discussion about herbs and their uses for medicine and pleasure during a recent educational seminar. The next class will be ‘Herbs for Digestive Health’.

Special to The Laker / Lutz News

As a certified surgical technologist, Carole Homand is well-acquainted with traditional medical practice. For 26 years, she worked as an integral member of surgical teams, advocating for the patient’s safety and comfort.

In 2012, her life changed dramatically, and she embarked on a new path. The first steps involved deep soul searching, learning about herself, and reconnecting with her roots on the family farm in north Florida.

“I took a hard look at myself, my accomplishments, and my dreams,” said Homand. “I’d come a long way from my rural upbringing, and realized I longed for that connection with the earth and nature’s healing gifts.”

She concluded she wanted to help others achieve health through herbs. She said, “I kept thinking, what did my ancestors do when someone got sick?” The answer was to turn to herbal remedies, which she says get to the root of the problem, rather than simply relieving the symptoms.

With the opening of The Herbal Kitchen in Zephyrhills, her vision became reality. The shop’s shelves overflow with organic bulk herbs, hand-blended herbal teas, essential oils and aromatherapy products, plus a line of bath and body care products, including organic baby oil and powder.

Her products are handmade in small batches right in her shop. She uses only organic fresh and dried herbs, many of which she grows herself. Others she sources from herbal specialty companies and local farms in Plant City.

“Modern medicines are derived from herbal origins,” explained Homand. “Because they’re used in their natural – rather than synthetic – form, herbal remedies have minimal side effects and are not addictive.” She offers blends to cleanse and detoxify the body, aid digestion and boost vitality.

According to Homand, the Herbal Kitchen isn’t a pharmacy or grocery store, but rather a specialty shop for health and well-being. She is offering herbal living classes and hopes to build a network of like-minded individuals who value the healing power of herbs.

The Herbal Kitchen, located at 38330 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills, is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information and upcoming event information, follow on Facebook at Facebook.com/theherbalkitchen.

Two-stepping across Tennessee

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As mentioned previously, the residents were leaving Florida to go back to their summer homes.  This includes us, as we packed up to go back to Connecticut on April 24, but with a slight detour to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville, Tennessee.

Marty and Helene Rubenstein at the Country Tonite Show.

It was pure delight seeing the different sites and attending the many shows. Each show that we saw had music and dancing, plus a little comedy thrown in.

The very first show that we saw was called the Smith Family Show, and it had segments that included hits from several performers such as the Statler Brothers, the Oak Ridge Boys, Alabama, the Gatlins, Marty Robbins, Dwight Yoakum and more. A cute part of the show was when Louis Armstrong was imitated by a performer along with Kermit the Frog.

There was a skit where Nat King Cole sang with Natalie, and the song was “Him and Her.”

The show (as all the other shows did, also) ended with a salute to the veterans thanking them for their courage and service. There was also a lovely rendition of “The Ragged Ole Flag.”

We still had a few hours before the next show so we decided to go to The Old Mill. This is one of the oldest, continually operating water-powered mills in the country.

They have craft shops, and it was fun to browse through the stores.

This site has 200 years of Tennessee tradition.

Cades Cove included an 11-mile loop that followed the course settlers forged.
(Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

We then saw the Country Tonite Show in the early afternoon, and the show brought us high-energy entertainment, including singing, dancing, comedy, gospel and so much more.

This particular show is celebrating 20 years of playing in the Smokies.

At night, we saw a magic show called “Magic Beyond Belief” with Darren Romeo. In this show, we saw spectacular illusions, majestic animals, dazzling costumes, comedy, impressions, and audience participation.

This was a one-of-a-kind experience for any age. The show was absolutely thrilling, breathtaking and very inspiring.

The next day, we took a ride to Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, which is a wilderness park and showcased frontier life.

The Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud encouraged audience participation.

Once here, we also saw waterfalls and beautiful views around every bend of the road. There were several hiking trails (we skipped those), but the scenery was breathtaking.

We then went to see a new show where Brian Hoffman did a tribute show to remembering Red Skelton. This was a one-man show that was full of comedy.

Brian performed Red’s famous characters, such as the clown and several others. He did pantomimes and one-man skits. This tribute show reminded us that Red’s clean family humor and love for the country should still have a place in today’s world.

Later that night, we went to the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud. The dinner was a four-course family style feast. It was all you can eat.

The show was excellent and had some cute moments. This was an action-packed show, where half of the audience was a Hatfield and the other half was a McCoy. So we would scream and yell when our particular family was performing.

The following day, we took a drive through Cades Cove. This is an 11-mile loop that follows many of the curves and courses that settlers forged years ago.

The Old Mill is one of the oldest, continually operating water-powered mills in the country.

We saw wildlife, including wild turkeys and deer.  And, we were able to experience the tranquil beauty of the trails, wildlife and scenery once you got out of your car at one of the many turn-offs.

We left the cove after several hours, and in the early afternoon, we went to the Smoky Mountain Opry.

Here, we saw a great variety show with more comedians, jugglers and specialty acts.

The special effects added to the show, as they were magnificent. Several of the acts involved being suspended from the ceiling in the center of the venue. Many dancers performed on the stage.

Our trip was almost at a close, but we still had one more show to see. The name of the show was “Sweet Fanny Adams,” located in Gatlinburg.

The original shows are quick-witted sensations, filled with the broadest of humor and the silliest of slapstick.

There was loads of audience participation, with lively music and top-notch performers. There was a sing-a-long and, believe me, you better be singing, as everyone was being watched.

The show was two hours and was a pure delight.

Well, as they say, all good things must come to an end — so, on April 29, we took our leave.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published May 24, 2017

The Ringling offers circus lore and more

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With the final performance of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s iconic traveling shows headed for its grand finale this week, the age-old fantasy of running off to join the circus may one day fade into the annals of pop culture history.

Replicas of sculptures by world-famous artists, including ‘David’ by Michelangelo, are sprinkled across the expansive courtyard that’s flanked by the wings of The Ringling Museum of Art.
(Susan Green)

But, there’s nothing to stop you from enjoying all manner of circus lore. You’ll find it at The Ringling in Sarasota, about 60 miles south of Tampa. Indeed, you’ll find much more than circus artifacts at this attraction. For those who enjoy art, history and an exemplary tale of rags to riches, The Ringling has it all.

The 66-acre site lures more than 400,000 visitors each year, who travel from across the United States and from other countries, too, said Alice Murphy, spokeswoman for The Ringling.

They come to see the legacy of John Ringling, one of the sibling founders of the Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Shows, who built a grand winter home and an art museum on the grounds now occupied by The Ringling complex.

The five-story, 36,000-square-foot mansion built by John and Mable Ringling in 1926 includes an 82-foot-high tower that provides a broad view of much of Sarasota. Visitors can access the tower with purchase of one of The Ringling’s add-on tour packages.

Ringling rose from humble beginnings in the Midwest and went on to help develop the largest circus in the nation after he and his brothers purchased Barnum & Bailey’s Greatest Show on Earth in the early 1900s.

Though the museums on the Sarasota property are not affiliated with today’s Ringling circus, the collections of circus memorabilia and exhibits housed there have benefited from the largess of donors ranging from former circus performers to devoted fans. As remarkable as those collections are, however, they are not the attraction’s biggest draw.

That distinction falls to the house that Ringling’s circus revenues built – the opulent waterfront mansion Cà d’Zan, said Ron McCarty, curator of the grand home.
“I think that most people enjoy history, and everyone loves the idea of wealth,” McCarty said.

“It’s the largest mansion on the west coast of Florida that’s a period building. … Cà d’Zan is a national treasure.”

Built in 1926 by Ringling and his wife, Mable, the five-story, 56-room abode was modeled after the grand palazzo-style homes of Venice, Italy, which the couple admired during trips to Europe to scout for new circus acts.

Howard Tibbals did extensive research of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus to create his exquisitely detailed replica of ‘The Greatest Show on Earth,’ including this view of the expansive midway.

The stucco and terra cotta façade — generously embellished with decorative tile, plus a marble terrace that stretches for more than 200 feet along Sarasota Bay — provides a glimpse into life for the wealthiest Americans during the Roaring ’20s.

Inside, there are gilded ceilings inset with paintings, rare antiques, fine art and an ornate crystal chandelier that once hung in the original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York. The chandelier is the focal point of an indoor courtyard where the Ringlings often entertained the celebrities of their time.

Hidden behind tapestries is a 2,289-pipe organ that stands two stories high and was custom-made for the house by the Aeolian Co.

Circus curios galore
Elsewhere on the grounds are two museums that showcase the glitter and derring-do that have long thrilled audiences under the Big Top, as well as the traveling lifestyle of performers, laborers and show executives.

John Ringling’s luxury train car is on display, as well as the colorful calliope wagon, clown cars and circus parade animal cages that ballyhooed the show’s arrival and summoned spectators when the event pulled into town.

This scale model of an early 20th century horse-drawn calliope wagon is part of the sprawling exhibit of intricately carved miniature circus figures in the Howard Tibbals Learning Center at The Ringling.

Visitors at The Ringling can see the original famous piece of artillery that shot “human cannonball” performers from the Zacchini family through the air and across the circus tent to land in a net.

Many of those echoes of yesteryear have been replicated in the lifelike miniature carvings of Howard Tibbals, who spent much of his life painstakingly creating a sprawling scale model of all aspects of the circus.

He donated his collection of more than 44,000 tiny figures to The Ringling in 2007, where it occupies 3,800 square feet of the Howard Tibbals Learning Center.

John Ringling, who died in 1936, bequeathed the estate’s mansion and art museum to the state, and that was only part of his gift to Florida’s Gulf Coast residents and tourists, McCarty said. Ringling also founded what became the Ringling College of Art and Design.

And, for 30 years, his circus held open rehearsals at a site not far from The Ringling.
“It was the biggest attraction in Florida,” said McCarty, estimating that it remained one of the most popular tourist sites in the state from the late 1920s into the 1950s. “It’s unbelievable what he [John Ringling] did for this community.”

The Ringling
Where: 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota
When: Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and until 8 p.m. on Thursdays, excluding major holidays
Cost: $25 for adults; $23 for seniors; $5 for children, 6 through 17; free for children 5 and under. (Check website for available discounts)
Parking: Free
Details: Circus artifacts, a luxurious mansion and an art museum are some of the highlights of The Ringling. Food and gifts also are available at the attraction.
Information: Call (941) 359-5700, or visit Ringling.org.

By Susan Green

Published May 17, 2017

DQ Grill & Chill In Lutz Comes to Ballantrae Village Shoppes

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Special to The Laker/Lutz News

It’s been a successful opening for DQ Grill & Chill at Ballantrae Village Shoppes in Lutz.

Franchise owners Carlos and Pam Saenz, along with their 15-year-old daughter, Madison, are thrilled to see steady traffic inside and through their drive-through lane as neighborhood families and folks just passing by order meals and ice cream treats.

The restaurant is located on the north side of State Road 54, at the entrance to the master-planned communities of Ballantrae and Bexley.

More than 50,000 vehicles travel the state road daily, and high traffic in one reason why the Saenz family chose this location for their first fast-food restaurant.

Another reason is because the family lives just down the road in the Oakstead subdivision, where Pam is a teacher at Oakstead Elementary, and Madison a student at Sun Lake High.

Carlos stepped away from a long career in the insurance industry, including stints at Aetna and Unitedhealthcare, to open his Dairy Queen. He is proud to remain on active duty with the U.S. Air Force Reserves.

When Carlos researched restaurant franchises, he zeroed in on Dairy Queen for a personal reason — it was one of his first fast-food meals in Florida after he moved here from Puerto Rico when he was in middle school.

Carlos feels many others are also nostalgic about the restaurant chain, which began in 1940 with its iconic menu of burgers, hot dogs, fries, Peanut Buster parfaits, Dilly bars and ice cream cones. Dairy Queen celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2015, and these old favorites remain.

Over the years, DQ has expanded its menu to include the incredibly popular Blizzard as well as other tantalizing dairy treats. This includes custom-decorated ice cream cakes perfect for upcoming events, such as birthdays, graduations and Mother’s and Father’s Day.

The chain also added many new food items, including chicken strip baskets and sandwiches, honey-flavored barbecue and most recently, the high profile Kansas-style pork sandwich on pretzel bread.

Through its DQ restaurant, the Saenz family supports special fund-raising events for area schools, with a portion of proceeds benefiting each school.

“We’re excited to be engaged with our neighborhood elementary, middle and high schools, and to partner overall with the Lutz/Land O’ Lakes community, where we proudly live and work,” Carlos said.

813-949-8900

17826 Aprile Drive

Lutz, FL 33559

 

Sunday through Thursday: 10:30 am – 10:00 pm

Friday and Saturday: 10:30 am – 10:30 pm