The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Cold weather, bonfire and street party

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On Dec. 19, about 55 to 60 people gathered at the cul-de-sac for a party organized by Al and Sandy Lindke. Everyone who attended had a great time on a very brisk day. The people that joined in on the festivities were dressed in sweaters, coats, mufflers and/or sweatshirts. Some people came in shorts. They all sat around a bonfire that was set up. There were three tables of food and several dishes, including a dessert table filled with loads of goodies.

A table of goodies drew some hungry folk. (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)
A table of goodies drew some hungry folk.
(Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

There also was a collection of nonperishable foods or gift cards to a supermarket, which was was presented to the First United Methodist Church of Zephyrhills. The church serves 80 families a month.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published December 30, 2015

‘Twas the week before Christmas

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It was not really the week before Christmas; it just felt like it.
More lights by the armful were springing up on eaves and plantings each evening. The favorite this year seems to be the light showers in the trees and on trailers thrown up by a little plugged in canister. Is this the end for light strings and shaky ladders? We’ll wait and see.

RVs, thought to be inanimate, miraculously sprouted all sorts of garlands, bows, banners and, of course, winking, blinking and no, not nodding, lighting displays. They transformed themselves into a friendlier version of those road huggers, happily filling their lots with Christmas cheer. It always amazes that this magic month changes not only the attitude of people of goodwill, but also the day-to-day objects in our Florida snowbirds’ lives. Hooray, for happier days.

The park’s first craft sale was deemed a huge success. (Courtesy of Ian Marwick)
The park’s first craft sale was deemed a huge success.
(Courtesy of Ian Marwick)

Speaking of Happy Days, this has been an exciting week starting at the monthly Monday morning business meeting/coffee hour. Free coffee and Hole In One donuts always bring out the crowd. Being the first this year, it was a little longer than usual with old and new business filling the agenda, but we all survived. Whoopee, the best part was reviewing the upcoming weekend activities — our first annual Christmas craft sale was coming Saturday morning and would be open to the public, and the arrival that evening of both Santa and the park Christmas party.

As a new adventure, the craft sale was deemed a success. No parking problems occurred, no fender benders (with only one close call), and no complaints about Happy Days hospitality. It also was a commercial success for our crafters and the hot dog crew of chef Boy R Roger, Roger and Helen Yerdon, Toni Fisher, and Ian and Bridget Marwick. Next year, our experiences will build a larger venue for crafters. Thanks to all our new friends in Zephyrhills that stopped in and supported us. Hip, Hip, Hooray!

Santa and Mrs. Claus (Dennis and Paula Cosmo) and Bill Wellivere, center, at the Christmas party. (Courtesy of Debbie Lee)
Santa and Mrs. Claus (Dennis and Paula Cosmo) and Bill Wellivere, center, at the Christmas party.
(Courtesy of Debbie Lee)

What can be said about the annual Christmas party? It again was a huge success not only for the Christmas message, the tomfoolery and the food, but another chance to socialize. Our emcee for the night, Bill Wellivere, had things mostly under control. Brenda Knaack read the story of Christmas to lead the evening off on the right track. Santa and Mrs. Claus suffered on this sweltering night, but made a visit anyway, in a red convertible? Rudolph got lost. However, as most party nights, it quickly slipped away with the presentation of “The Night Before Christmas” by two former presidents, Linda Jenkins and Phil Knaack. The old adage that politicians sometimes make better comedians than administrators was proven by these two. Modesty restricts, but if you were there you know, and if you were not, you should have been.

Oh well, that was the end of the week before the week before Christmas. Is that caroling in the distance? Hey, the official week before is now starting. Wait up, we are coming.

By Ian Marwick (the happy scribe)

Published December 23, 2015

Rich Wilson visits Grand Horizons

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A crowd of 156 people entered a beautifully decorated community center at Grand Horizons on Dec. 11 to see a great show. The decorations were ornaments and miniature Christmas trees set up along the stage. Before Rich Wilson came out to perform, we had a special treat — Santa and Mrs. Claus coming through the center and shaking hands with many people. Afterward, they posed with several couples, while Terry took their pictures.

Rich Wilson entertained a crowd with Christmas songs, Elvis songs, a tribute to veterans, and more. (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)
Rich Wilson entertained a crowd with Christmas songs, Elvis songs, a tribute to veterans, and more.
(Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

Rich looked great wearing a three-piece tux and a white dress shirt. He sang many songs that were interspersed with holiday melodies. He sang such songs as “For Once in My Life,” “Goody, Goody,” “Close To You” and much more. He also treated us to several Elvis tunes such as “Don’t be Cruel,” “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” and others, and he included some shaking and loads of rhythm.

The show consisted of many Christmas tunes such as “Walking in a Winter Wonderland,” “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Blue Christmas” and so many more. At one point in the show, Rich sang “New York, New York.” That was a Frank Sinatra song, plus he had a few dance steps thrown in. He also performed a wonderful rendition of “I’m Walking,” which was a hit for Fats Domino.

There was audience participation when Rich performed the song “Sh Boom (Life Could be a Dream),” along with clapping from the audience, and swaying back and forth. A lovely performance of “Blue Velvet,” which was a big hit for Bobby Vinton, was also presented to us.

Rich called up a person from the audience by the name of Dick Dee, who performs in the Country Breeze Band at the New River Church, to sing the song, “A White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation.” This was a big hit for Marty Robbins, and the two of them did a great job.

At this time in the show, a tribute was made to all the vets, and each group of the services was recognized. It was an honor to be in their presence.

Rich also did a very cute rendition of “Rindercella” that Archie Campbell made famous. A fantastic job was done, and the audience was laughing from the very beginning.

At the end of the show, after Rich sang other Christmas songs such as “The First Noel” and a few others, Terry Gardner did a reading. It was a great evening and one we will well remember.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published December 23, 2015

 

Holiday gift ideas for your favorite gardener

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With the holiday shopping season almost over, you may be trying to figure out just what to give to your favorite gardener.

A few tools are on my list of essentials.

To start, my absolute favorite garden tool is a scuffle hoe. These implements are very familiar to farmers.

The work of gardening can be made easier with the proper tools, so if there’s a gardener on your gift list, a tool might be just the thing to help him or her to have happier times in the garden. (Courtesy of Nicole Pinson)
The work of gardening can be made easier with the proper tools, so if there’s a gardener on your gift list, a tool might be just the thing to help him or her to have happier times in the garden.
(Courtesy of Nicole Pinson)

A scuffle hoe is a special type of hoe with a square-shaped blade. These hoes help you edge landscape beds and remove small weed seedlings, simply by pushing the blade back and forth over an area. It’s easier on your back, and is a very powerful tool to keep beds and borders weed free.

My second favorite tool is my wide, metal trowel.

An avid weeder, I enjoy seeing progress as I move through the garden and dig out weeds. Nearly every gardener has reached down to pull out a weed, and become disgruntled when the top of the weed snaps off, only to leave the pernicious root behind. Having a trowel handy prevents this from happening, and enables you to dig a few inches into the soil, and pop out the weed quickly and effectively.

And, when you’re weeding, you may want a kneeler. Kneelers are foam pads that you rest your knees on. I have a few kneelers, but a large piece of cardboard always works in a pinch.

Last year, my husband bought me a great pair of gloves for Christmas. The gloves are Black and Decker gauntlet gloves, and they snap at the wrist so you have the option to wear them either as regular gloves for protecting your hands, or as gauntlet gloves to protect your hands, wrists and arms. These tough gloves extend all the way up to your elbow. They have proved invaluable to me when pruning my bougainvillea each year. Whereas, before I was a human pincushion, I am now more like Edward Scissorhands, and beautiful bougainvilleas result.

No matter what size your yard, a wheelbarrow can be a big help.

Wheelbarrows can move plants, mulch, bags of soil, compost and debris. They store nicely against sheds and walls.

A watering tin and gardening gloves at a home garden.
A watering tin and gardening gloves at a home garden.

Another favorite tool is a hand-held pruning saw. These small, lightweight saws are capable of cutting through branches too thick for pruners. My pruning saw is used every year to cut back yellow cassia.

Since I am away from home a lot, I have become a big fan of a simple, bell-shaped glass cloche and saucer for seed starting. The glass cloche covers peat pots or small containers of soil and seeds. Recently, I harvested basil seeds from spent flowerheads. I sprinkled the seeds on soil in a small plastic pot, and placed the pot on the saucer under the glass cloche. Located in bright, indirect light (on a patio table under a live oak tree), the basil seeds quickly germinated. The glass cloche provided constant humidity for the seeds. Fast forward a few months, and there are several new basil plants to plant or share. With nearly no effort, the seeds started because the cloche acted as a terrarium. You can find a cloche at arts and crafts stores, or repurpose other glass containers.

Last but not least, another favorite garden tool is a green, rectangular floral frog. Floral frogs come in many different sizes and shapes. They are used on their own, or placed in larger containers.

Floral frogs are made of metal pins or squares. You place flower stems in the pins or squares, and they hold the stems upright. I’ve created many informal bouquets in my office, gathering flowers and leaves from the Extension teaching and demonstrations gardens, and placing them in my simple, green frog.

Other best picks for gardeners: hand scrub, solar globe lights, wind chimes, birdhouses, and watering cans.

Almost every year, my husband and friends get me something related to gardening.

When I look at my garden, these gifts remind me all year of my loved ones who gave them to me. Happy holidays!

For additional information, call (813) 744-5519, ext. 54145.

By Nicole Pinson
Nicole Pinson is an Urban Horticulture Agent in Hillsborough County.

Published December 23, 2015

Kris Keppel honored at Flapjack run

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The annual Flapjack 5k and 1-mile Fun Run on Dec. 13 honored the memory of Kris Keppel, a popular cross-country coach who died earlier this year after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Keppel, who previously directed the race, was described by those who knew him as being a role model who helped to shape the Land O’ Lakes community, not only by running and encouraging people to stay active, but also by staying in touch with God and always helping others. Keppel was known to be a hardworking and caring coach that wanted the best for his runners and his family.

Hundreds of runners turned out to honor the memory of Kris Keppel, the Land O’ Lakes cross-country coach who passed away earlier this year. (Taylor Zack/Photo)
Hundreds of runners turned out to honor the memory of Kris Keppel, the Land O’ Lakes cross-country coach who passed away earlier this year.
(Taylor Zack/Photo)

“He taught spirit and values, and really cared about people; he was very strong with the Lord,” said Silky Sullivan, a long-time friend of Keppel. “He had an outstanding personality and just loved people. It’s hard to lose a person like him. People like him don’t come around that often.”

Keppel first picked up the hobby of running when he moved down from the North to Florida and became a student of the sport. For the last 22 years, he developed running into something that can keep a community close through a common theme of fitness and family.

“He originally started running as a hobby,” said Meredith Keppel, the late cross-country coach’s daughter. “It was a personal thing that then turned into a professional thing as he became more and more involved with the sport. He believed that every individual could make this sport their own and become a better person with the amount of effort they put into it.”

Hundreds of people came out to the race.

“It’s pretty awesome to see a community come out and support not only my dad, but a love for running, family and togetherness,” Meredith said. “My mom and my sister feel honored that the Land O’ Lakes community is supporting us. My dad would feel very proud and privileged that he has people that continue to come out. I recognize faces of people from 10 to 15 years ago that still come out every year. That continued loyalty, not only to the race, but the Land O’ Lakes community, is pretty awesome.”

Kris used the race to promote fitness to those who were very young and to develop runners who would go on to run track or cross-country. It was just as important to him that it be a family-friendly event that would keep the community up on their feet and active.

“My dad wanted daughters to be able to run with their fathers, and sons to be able to run with their mothers,” Meredith said. “He created a love of life, and it’s cool that it has become a tradition.”

This year, Heidi Pickering, Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce board member, was in charge and reinstated a lot of the same features into this year’s race as Kris had in the past.

“I’m a runner, so I wanted to give a runner’s aspect of how the race is supposed to go, and hopefully mimic a lot of what coach Keppel did and keep his dream alive,” Pickering said. “Essentially, what Kris did for the community was to get the kids active and involved so they start to become part of the community so we can grow together.”

By Taylor Zack

Published December 23, 2015

 

 

 

From Mentor to Fabulous Partners

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IMG_1629(1)
Martha Henry and Kaitlin Babb are owners of Fabulous Hair Designs in Wesley Chapel

Martha Henry never dreamed that Kaitlin Babb, a 10-year-old neighbor and playmate of her daughters, would one day be her business partner.

“When I was growing up in Land O’ Lakes, we did hair all the time at Martha’s house,” Kaitlin recalls fondly. “I’ll never forget the day she made me a blonde in her kitchen.”

As Martha styled and colored the hair of friends and family in her Lake Padgett home, Kaitlin patiently watched whatever Martha did, learning enough by the time she was 12 to begin doing hair for her friends.

Martha’s early mentoring had a lasting impact. After graduating from Land O’ Lakes High, Kaitlin attended Paul Mitchell The School in Tampa, graduating from the 10-month course in 2011.

Meanwhile, Martha’s career was taking off at The Salon at ULTA Wesley Chapel, located in The Grove shopping center. Martha joined Ulta when the salon opened in 2006, and was soon one of its top stylists.

During her eight years at Ulta, Martha followed Kaitlin’s progress as she graduated from high school and cosmetology school, and began working as a hair stylist. Two years later, with Martha’s encouragement and recommendation, Kaitlin was hired at The Salon at Ulta.

“It was a bit like working alongside my daughter, since I’ve known Kaitlin most of her life,” said Martha, “I was very proud of what a good stylist she had become.”

Last January, Martha decided to open her own salon — Fabulous Hair Designs. She chose an office suite a few miles south of Ulta off Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, in a complex behind Dunkin Donuts on the north edge of the Seven Oaks community.

In August, Kaitlin joined her childhood teacher, and they brought together the talents, strengths and experiences of two generations.

“I’ve been doing hair for 30 years and bring a lot of experience to our team,” said Martha. “Kaitlin brings the exuberance of youth, and the knowledge and training in the most up-to-date trends and techniques that she learned at Paul Mitchell.”

Martha is a Redken Certified Colorist, one of only 3,000 in the world. Both women are Redken Certified Stylists. Redken bestows these prestigious recognitions after extensive, ongoing education and testing.

Martha and Kaitlin are full-service stylists who offer clients expert haircuts, color and highlights, color techniques such as Sombre’ and Balayage, and special treatments such as Keratin and perms.

 

“It’s the stylist — not the salon — who creates the look that makes you feel great,” said Martha. “Kaitlin and I have the training and experience to give you the same trendy cuts and color techniques found at bigger salons.”

In addition to great prices, Fabulous Hair Designs Inc. offers extended hours daily, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Martha and Kaitlin are also available 24/7 for hair emergencies.

Martha: (813) 928-2939 • Kaitlin: (813)476-1558

3854 Flat Iron Loop, Suite 104 • Wesley Chapel, FL

Behind Dunkin Donuts on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard

7 days a week • 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Hair emergencies 24/7

Green thumbs keep resort looking splendid

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We have been so blessed to have retired landscapers, Andy and Diane Schmied from Portland, Oregon, in our resort for the past three years. Just entering Rainbow Village, you see their talented work on display — through the flowers and shrubs that they have planted and nourished all over the resort. They have installed a timed irrigation system that helps to keep the plants watered.

They are such a blessing!

Diane and Andy Schmied in front of their home in Rainbow Village. (Photos courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)
Diane and Andy Schmied in front of their home in Rainbow Village.
(Photos courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)

Diane has been a landscaper since she was 3 years old. Her dad had an acre of land that had a quarter-acre in fruit trees, a quarter-acre in a garden, and half-acre with their house and landscaping around it. She graduated from Oregon State University. She had a landscape design and maintenance business until she had some health problems with her feet and had to quit her business.

Meanwhile, Andy was in the Navy for four years, and also the United States Army for 18 years. He retired from the U.S. service and did some schooling for landscaping. He worked for Klaber Landscaping. While doing some landscaping work where Diane volunteered, they were introduced and eventually married.

The Schmieds will place some of this shrubbery around the park.
The Schmieds will place some of this shrubbery around the park.

After a period of time, Andy decided to retire and buy a trailer, and they traveled to Texas and stayed for nine months. The winters were too cold for Diane, and they decided to head to Florida. They traveled around Florida, until they arrived at Rainbow Village and made their home here.

Andy needs his knees replaced before they head off to Port Charlotte and buy a boat, so they can go fishing. Meanwhile, we are enjoying their beautiful landscaping of our resort. A big thank you to Andy and Diane!

By Sandra Gilbert-Abel

Published December 16, 2015

Rainbow Village readies itself for Christmas

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Rainbow Village’s first yard sale of our new season was a big success. It was one way of getting out to meet your neighbors. Thanks to great planning from our security, the traffic flowed great through our resort. Everyone was greeted as they entered, and directed to where the goods were being sold. We look forward to our next yard sale.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus surprised two young helpers, Alaina and Daina, with gifts. The girls’ mother, Wendy Bako-Wagner, joined in. (Photos courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)
Mr. and Mrs. Claus surprised two young helpers, Alaina and Daina, with gifts. The girls’ mother, Wendy Bako-Wagner, joined in.
(Photos courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)

Several of our ladies have taken up “Painting with a Twist” and have painted some nice paintings. They have two hours to compete their project, and claim they have so much fun they want to go back, and do some more painting.

Doug Jones, Harry and Judy Hersey, and Fred Darrow prepared Thanksgiving dinner. They did a great job of cooking the turkeys, preparing the dressing and making the gravy.

Each table of 12 residents prepared a dish to complete the turkey, dressing and gravy meal at their table.

The tables were beautifully decorated with fall flowers and decorations. It was a great time to be thankful for all our blessings!

Ladies from Rainbow Village took a ‘Painting with a Twist’ class and show off their artwork. Front row, from left, are Carolyn Laub, Jeannie Liggett and Sandy Fitzpatrick. Back row, from left, are Nancy Newton, Linda Bower and Sue Flynn.
Ladies from Rainbow Village took a ‘Painting with a Twist’ class and show off their artwork. Front row, from left, are Carolyn Laub, Jeannie Liggett and Sandy Fitzpatrick. Back row, from left, are Nancy Newton, Linda Bower and Sue Flynn.

Our manager, Sue Flynn, had two young girls, Alaina and Daina, Glenna Simpco’s granddaughters, decorate the placemats and fill the little cups with assorted candies to put at each place setting. They did a wonderful job decorating the table. We completed the day with delicious desserts, then home to relax and count more blessings.

At our ice cream social, the two young girls, Alaina and Daina, were given the pleasure of turning on the Christmas tree lights.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus arrived and surprised the girls with presents.

The residents at Rainbow just love when there are young people around. It ignites memories of their children and grandchildren.

The girls were full of smiles and giggles with Santa.

Carol Baker directed traffic at the recent park-wide yard sale at Rainbow Village.
Carol Baker directed traffic at the recent park-wide yard sale at Rainbow Village.

It is starting to look like Christmas at Rainbow Village, residents are decorating their homes and some of the upcoming Christmas events will be happening in the next couple of weeks.

We are looking forward to strolling up and down the lanes to see the decorations.

By Sandra Gilbert-Abel

Published December 9, 2015

Happy Ho Ho Days

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Do you hear that? The faint, jingle, jingle in the distance?

Can it be?

The calendar clearly says December, but not that week.

The Thanksgiving holiday is behind us, and all the stores and malls strained the senses with repetitive carols, flashing lights on trees, Christmas shoppers, and a sense of urgency.

Bridget Marwick, Lana Hanes and Paula Cosmo bring the Happy Days’ tree to life. (Photos courtesy of Ian Marwick)
Bridget Marwick, Lana Hanes and Paula Cosmo bring the Happy Days’ tree to life.
(Photos courtesy of Ian Marwick)

But, a quiet calm has settled in the park the past weeks.

Still, there is that jingling.

There is a hum as everyone begins to add color to their unit — the red of flowers and berries, the greens of pine and fir, and the rainbow colors of lights on the eaves and windows.

Even the odd ugly sweater sporting winter themes is showing up on our evening walkers. Yes, maybe we should hear that faint jingle.

Thanksgiving capped the November festivities as usual in our rec hall. Our stalwart, Toni Fisher, who always seems to be anyplace where volunteering is needed, again did a fantastic job with her crew. Decorating, preparation, cooking, carving and cleanup was shared by Eleanor Rajewski, Linda Jenkins, Joann Bowers, June Blackman, Fran Boetcher, Carmen, and Rick Carrey and Bill.               .

The only complaint was they ran out of mashed potatoes, “again.” Bill Wellivere suggested everyone next year bring two potatoes, unmashed, in their pocket just in case.

Our first “Christmas Sale” of crafts and other items, which is open to the public, will be at the rec hall off Allen Road, on Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also on that evening, our annual “Christmas Party,” with Santa sneaking out on Mrs. Claus for a little Christmas cheer, will help our residents do the same.

Nature celebrates Christmas at the home of Carol Chapman in the form of a vibrant poinsettia bush.
Nature celebrates Christmas at the home of Carol Chapman in the form of a vibrant poinsettia bush.

In the past, some hilarious moments and gifts kept the party rolling. Expect the same this year, especially if you are lucky enough to pull a great gift out of the anonymous gift bag or maybe even more amusing, if you’re unlucky.

Neighborhood parties spring up, open houses, smiling faces and warm greetings fill the air. The annual “Carol Sing” always brings this warm feeling to our residents while they roam the park on the evening of Dec. 19. This ad hoc choir always consists of members of the Happy Days church choir, sundry amateur divas, sing-in-the-shower tenors, and yes, even frog-throated amateurs.

This almost brings us to the special week — Christmas week. We will all be preparing in our own way as this draws near. May the joy of the coming weeks fill you with the love of family and friends.

And, of course, may the batteries on all your iPads and phones hold their charge!

by Ian Marwick (the happy scribe)

Published December 9, 2015

 

 

 

Russian politics played a role in San Antonio train depot

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The history of a train depot building in San Antonio is rooted in political uncertainty in Russia roughly 135 years ago.

On Feb. 17, 1880, a second assassination attempt on Emperor Alexander II occurred in the imperial dining room of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Terrorists blew up the dining room, killing or maiming 67 people – but the emperor wasn’t present during the attempt on his life.

The Orange Belt No. 203 was the primary locomotive that was used for the tourist line between San Antonio and Blanton in 1976. It was built in 1925 for the Washington & Lincolnton railroad that ran out of Lincolnton, Georgia. When it had mechanical problems, the railroad was able to lease Orange Belt No. 11. (Courtesy Jack Bejna/railroadpictures.net)
The Orange Belt No. 203 was the primary locomotive that was used for the tourist line between San Antonio and Blanton in 1976. It was built in 1925 for the Washington & Lincolnton railroad that ran out of Lincolnton, Georgia. When it had mechanical problems, the railroad was able to lease Orange Belt No. 11.
(Courtesy Jack Bejna/railroadpictures.net)

The previous year, nitroglycerine was used in a failed effort to destroy Alexander II’s train. And, there was the unsuccessful mission to blow up the Kamenny Bridge in St. Petersburg as the tsar was passing over it.

These events, and the political uncertainty that followed them, prompted Piotr Alexandrovitch Dementieff, a Russian nobleman, to flee to Florida as a Russian exile.

Dementieff, who later shortened his name to Peter A. Demens, would go on to become a co-founder of St. Petersburg, Florida.

And, the city would become home to the southern terminus for one of the longest narrow gauge railroads in the United States at the time of its completion in 1888.

The decision to locate a railway line in St. Petersburg was made during the same time that Henry B. Plant was opening up a rail line near Port Tampa, which had a depth of 5 feet.

St. Petersburg, by comparison, had a harbor with a depth of 18 feet, enabling it to import and export more cargo.

With dozens of railroads competing in Florida, Demens saw an advantage in running a railroad north from St. Petersburg to transport the area’s abundant long-leaf yellow pine and its citrus.

Known as the Orange Belt Railway, the mainline was 152 miles long.

It was the first to cross central Pasco County diagonally — through Trilby, San Antonio, Ehren, Drexel and Odessa.

The Orange Belt Railway also played a role in the development of other towns along its route including Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Clearwater and Largo.

San Antonio’s historic depot is the last one remaining on the Orange Belt Railway. The railway crossed Pasco County for 80 years, connecting northern markets in the St. Johns River area with St. Petersburg. The depot was completely restored in 1996 with a $15,600 preservation grant from the state, plus a $25,000 contribution from Pasco County and countless hours of volunteer help. The depot currently serves as railroad museum, a community building and a voting precinct location. (Doug Sanders/Photo)
San Antonio’s historic depot is the last one remaining on the Orange Belt Railway. The railway crossed Pasco County for 80 years, connecting northern markets in the St. Johns River area with St. Petersburg. The depot was completely restored in 1996 with a $15,600 preservation grant from the state, plus a $25,000 contribution from Pasco County and countless hours of volunteer help. The depot currently serves as railroad museum, a community building and a voting precinct location.
(Doug Sanders/Photo)

As a narrow gauge (3 feet) railway company, Demens had arranged for some incredible financing — which left him in debt with angry capitalists in Philadelphia.

“At one time, his creditors chained his locomotives to the tracks,” writes Glen Dill for The Suncoast News in August 1988. “At another time, his unpaid track-laying crew stormed after him on a hand car, planning to lynch him.”

The Orange Belt faced many hardships in its early years due to debt run up during various phases of construction.

Frigid temperatures during the Great Freeze of 1894-1895 killed many citrus groves in Florida.

The freeze also ended Demens’ ownership of the Orange Belt.

Within weeks, he sold the Orange Belt Railway to railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant.

Plant converted most of the railway to standard gauge (4 feet 8 1⁄2 inches), which made it more profitable.

In 1902, the Plant system became part of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. Passengers would later ride on that railroad in luxury Pullman railcars with sleeper berths during Florida’s land boom in the 1920s.

As cars, buses and planes took more passengers, the Atlantic Coast Line discontinued its train service in 1970.

The depot in San Antonio was left abandoned and forgotten until 1976, when a group of Tampa residents organized under the name of Robert Most and Associates. They took passengers on a round-trip railroad excursion, typically a 90-minute trip, from San Antonio to Blanton on weekends and holidays.

The last ride took place on Feb. 21, 1978.

Sections of the Orange Belt rail line are now part of the Pinellas Trail in Pinellas County, the South Lake Minneola Scenic Trail in Lake County and the West Orange Trail in Orange County.

The depot in San Antonio is a reminder of the vibrant role that railroads played during the early days of Florida’s development.

The historic depot is the last one remaining on the Orange Belt Railway, which crossed Pasco County for 80 years, connecting northern markets in the St. Johns River area with St. Petersburg.

The depot was completely restored in 1996 with a $15,600 preservation grant from the state, plus a $25,000 contribution from Pasco County and countless hours of volunteer help.

With a history that had its roots in politics, the San Antonio depot also has a connection to political life today.

Besides serving as a railroad museum and community building, it’s a voting precinct, too.

Peter Demens won a coin toss, according to a local legend, and named St. Petersburg, Florida, after his hometown in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Demens was selected as a Great Floridian in 2000 by the Florida Department of State and the Florida League of Cities.

By Doug Sanders

Doug Sanders has a penchant for unearthing interesting stories about local history. His sleuthing skills have been developed through his experiences in newspaper and government work. If you have an idea for a future history column, contact Doug at .

Published December 9, 2015