The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Gas prices continue to drop as summer wears on

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A fear that the crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 would push up gas prices didn’t come to pass, and in fact Florida and other states continue to see the amount people pay at the pump falling.

Gasoline prices in Florida on Sunday was at $3.46, down nearly a nickel from a week ago, according to a new report from AAA. That marks the 30th straight day of price declines for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline, keeping pace with declines in both Georgia and Tennessee.

“Oil prices briefly rose following the crash of (Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17), but gas prices didn’t skip a beat last week,” said Mark Jenkins, AAA’s spokesman, in a release. “Motorists continue to enjoy discounts at the pump, and that’s likely to continue this week.”

The price of oil fell more than a dollar, settling in at $102.09 a barrel, Jenkins said. Oil is trading lower as gasoline supplies reach a four-month high, and outpaces demand.

Gasoline nationwide averaged $3.53 on Sunday, down 5 cents from the week before, and 15 cents from June. The story was similar in Florida, where a gallon of gas is down 17 cents from a month ago, and 15 cents from a year ago.

Locally, gas prices late Sunday ranged between $3.26 and $3.49 in Land O’ Lakes, $3.41 and $3.50 in Zephyrhills, $3.25 and $3.49 in Wesley Chapel, and $3.29 and $3.49 in Lutz, according to GasBuddy.com.

 

Adopt a pet for free on Saturday

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It was originally intended just for students, but the Pasco County Animal Shelter is expanding its free adoption event at the Land O’ Lakes facility on July 26.

“We hope our efforts to allow free adoptions for everybody on Saturday will relieve overcrowding,” said animal services manager Mike Shumate, in a release. “So anyone who wants to bring a pet to a loving home can adopt for free for one day only.”

All adoption fees will be waived Saturday for animals that have been spayed or neutered, microchipped, and brought up-to-date on their vaccines.

The adoption center is located at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes. It’s opening Saturday from noon to 4:30 p.m., and at the same times on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. On Thursdays, it’s open from noon to 6:30 p.m.

For information, visit PascoCountyFl.net/PAS, or call (813) 929-1212.

Florida Hospital contributes $2M to MOSI theater

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It’s been a while since the Imax theater at the Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa had an overhaul. But with a $2 million check from Florida Hospital’s West Florida Region, visitors are expecting a “transformational” experience.

The investment, which was announced Friday at the Fowler Avenue museum, will allow MOSI to transform the Imax Dome Theatre from film to a state-of-the-art digital 3-D projection system.

With it, the name of the theater will change to the Florida Hospital Imax Dome Theatre, and will be one of the first science centers in the nation to convert its dome theater from film to digital.

“By moving to a digital 3-D format, we will be able to offer more movies that will attract additional and new visitors to MOSI, which is an important revenue source that will help with the long-term sustainability of the museum,” said Molly Demeulenaere, MOSI’s vice president of growth, in a release.

Both MOSI and Florida Hospital have created a program called “Florida Hospital Presents Live SX,” producing an interactive experience where Florida Hospital surgeons will perform routine surgeries that will be broadcast live in MOSI’s Coleman Science Works Theater for middle school, high school and college students. The program is designed to create interest in students, and help guide them toward healthcare careers.

“As a museum of science and industry, MOSI has the potential to be a model of new technology and innovation, and we believe this is the perfect investment in a highly valued community asset,” said Mike Schultz, president and chief executive of Florida Hospital’s west region, in a release. “Our hospitals use technology and innovation every day to elevate healthcare in the communities that we serve, and we are committed to giving back to the Tampa Bay community. Our goal is to work together with MOSI so we can ultimately help inspire the next generation of healthcare providers.”

The Imax dome image is 10 times larger than a conventional 35mm frame, and three times larger than a standard 70mm frame.

“We are so excited to be partnering with Florida Hospital to continue bringing amazing Imax experiences to the Tampa Bay community,” said Wit Ostrenko, MOSI’s president and chief executive, in a release.

The new partnership will focus on creating new programs, enhancing existing science education, and advancing public interest, knowledge and understanding of science, industry and technology. Florida Hospital officials say it will provide life-changing experiences for families, and support young men and women considering careers in the fields of medicine.

Florida Hospital West Florida Region, part of Adventist Health System, is a 1,257-bed hospital system composed of nine hospitals, including Florida Hospital at Connerton Long Term Acute Care, Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, and Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel.

MOSI is the largest science center in the Southeast with 400,000 square feet of exhibits. For more information on the museum, visit MOSI.org.

Visit Florida provides financial boost to Pigz in Z’Hills

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The annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest is getting a big financial boost after Visit Florida announced it would provide a $2,500 advertising matching grant to the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

“The purpose of these grants is to help nonprofit entities and local governments stretch their tourism and marketing dollars in an effort to expand cultural, heritage, rural and nature tourism activities in Florida,” said Will Seccombe, president and chief executive of Visit Florida, in a release.

Pigz in Z’Hills is slated for Jan. 17 at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. Since its inception, it has raised tens of thousands of dollars for local your and education programs, and community services of the chamber. The airport venue offers opportunities for visitors to fly in from anywhere in the state, and event-goers from surrounding counties are attracted to the aviation and history attractions, as well as food and music, the chamber said.

The event was moved to the airport in 2014 to help accommodate growth and expansion, and attracted more than 6,000 people to that year’s event, with some flying in from places like Boca Raton, Jacksonville and Miami

Junior Woman’s Club hosting unique bingo fundraiser

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Local woman’s club groups always have found interesting ways to raise money for projects in the past, but the GFWC Pasco Junior Woman’s Club may have discovered the most fascinating way yet.

The organization is readying for its summer fundraiser as part of “Drag Queen Bingo” night at Hamburger Mary’s in Ybor City on July 29. The restaurant chain is popular for its bingo games, designed to be humorous but effective in raising money, led by cross-dressing entertainers that attract a diverse group of players.

Check-in for bingo begins at 7 p.m., with the games kicking off at 7:30. Games are $10 for 10 games, with prizes provided by the club.

Proceeds benefit charities in the central Pasco County and Lutz communities, including Sunrise of Pasco, a local domestic violence shelter.

Hamburger Mary’s is located at 1600 E. Seventh Ave., in Ybor City, on the second floor of Centro Ybor. It offers a full restaurant menu and bar, but does have limited seating on bingo nights. Because of that, the Junior Woman’s Club is recommending reservations, which can be made by calling (813) 241-6279.

Saint Leo University named a great place to work

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Saint Leo University might be a good place to go to school, but now it’s being recognized as a great place to work.

A new survey from The Chronicle of Higher Education is honoring the St. Leo institution in 10 categories including collaboration and governance, compensation and benefits, senior leadership confidence, facilities, job satisfaction, and respect and appreciation.

The seventh annual report on the academic workplace is based on a survey of more than 43,500 employees at 278 colleges and universities. Less than a third of those institutions achieved any recognition at all, with Saint Leo ranked kong those with 10,000 or more students.

By rating highly in 10 out of 12 categories, Saint Leo also was named a 2014 Honor Roll Institution — a designation achieved by only 42 schools surveyed. This is the second year in a row that Saint Leo has earned that distinction.

“It is a recognition we do not take for granted,” said university president Arthur P. Kirk Jr., in a release. “As we commemorate our 125th anniversary, we continue to strive to provide a welcoming and respectful university community that values the needs and contributions of every individual.”

The survey results are based on a two-part assessment process, which includes an institutional audit, as well as a survey administered to faculty, administrators and professional support staff.

A step back in time in an Amish county

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That is exactly what it is like being in Shipshewana, Indiana, the third largest Amish county in the United States.

The horse and buggy was a familiar site in Shipshewana, Indiana. (Courtesy of Rae Rice)
The horse and buggy was a familiar site in Shipshewana, Indiana.
(Courtesy of Rae Rice)

It’s a step back in time with the sound of the horses and buggies trotting down the road. The beautiful Amish flower and vegetable gardens, the outstanding Amish craftsmanship, bike paths, home cooking, the largest flea market in the area, watching the baby Clydesdale ponies romp and play, and just the peacefulness of being here, is beyond words.

Ernie and I are working as camp hosts here at the Shipshewana South Park Campground for the entire summer. Duties are not bad with mowing, plumbing, some electrical work, greeting campers, helping them park their rigs, and answering questions like where to go and what to do.

We work 24 hours a week in return for full hookup of our motorhome. It’s such a pleasure meeting people from all over the United States.

Shipshewana is famous for the huge flea market, the cleanliness of the area, and that wonderful Amish food. At nighttime when laying in bed, you can hear the clip clop of the horse and buggy trotting down the road.

There are two big event centers that host all kinds of musicals and celebrities such as singers like The Oak Ridge Boys, Lee Greenwood, Crystal Gayle, The Texas Tenors, Sawyer Brown, and many others. Entertainment goes through Dec. 31.

The flea market is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Wednesday also is a huge auction day at the flea market.

A couple of things that made us smile were an Amish buggy pulling a boat down the road, the tiny ponies, and the little Amish children learning how to steer the buggy getting them ready for school next fall. Another beautiful sight is watching the farmers in the fields with the team of horses plowing and planting for the season.

While Ernie has been hard at work, I planted a garden. There is watermelon, cantaloupe, yellow and green onions, lettuce, cabbage, green beans, tomatoes, radishes, zucchini, eggplant, and some flowers. I’ve found out already that the rabbits like the lettuce, too, so I guess I will have to share it with them.

There are three other camp hosts here in the park, and we share the responsibility of keeping the park in top shape.

By Rae Rice

Published July 23, 2014

 

‘Pretty Little Liars’ star visiting The Shops

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Keegan Allen, one of the stars of the ABC Family television series “Pretty Little Liars,” will make an appearance at The Shops at Wiregrass on Aug. 2 as part of the shopping center’s Back-to-School Bash.

Allen, who plays Toby on the show, will be available between noon and 3 p.m., where some lucky fans will have a chance to get his autograph and a back-to-school style guide.

“The Shops at Wiregrass is thrilled to bring Keegan Allen to Wesley Chapel for a meet-and-greet with his local fans,” said Debbie Detweiler, marketing director at The Shops, in a release. “Our team enjoys ‘Pretty Little Liars” fashion-forward attitude for teens and young adults, and many of our shops carry styles and even brands featured on the show.”

The event also will include live performances from D.J. Milez and Kira Taylor.

Allen has been nominated for two Teen Choice Awards for his role on the ABC Family show, winning in 2013.

The Shops at Wiregrass is located at 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel. For more information on the event, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com.

Medicare patients have SHINE options available

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Open enrollment is coming soon for those using Medicare services, and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas Inc., is taking the opportunity to shed light on the Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders, or SHINE, program.

The enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, and the aging agency is offering specially trained volunteers to help Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers, to understand their health care options. They will offer free, unbiased and confidential information and counseling concerning Medicare, officials said.

The SHINE program encourages beneficiaries to review their benefits and evaluate their health care options each year. Acting quickly can assure a smooth transition into the 2015 benefit year.

To receive help from SHINE, appointments can be scheduled at designated SHINE counseling sites, at enrollment events in local communities, or by phone at (800) 963-5337. More information can be found online at FloridaShine.org

In Print: A look at the future, present and past

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Fans of the “Back to the Future” trilogy know that by next year, we’ve been promised flying cars, self-drying clothes, instant pizza, and a 1980s-themed cafe.

OK, chances are, 2015 will bring none of that. But a retired Land O’ Lakes man is going one step better — a do-it-yourself all-electric car.

When Edward Monfort wants to recharge his car, the power source is plugged into the receptacle below his license plate. (Photo by B.C. Manion)
When Edward Monfort wants to recharge his car, the power source is plugged into the receptacle below his license plate. (Photo by B.C. Manion)

After six months of restoration, and then 18 months converting the original engine into an electric one, Steve Azzoli now has a car he already has driven nearly 6,000 miles without using a single drop of gasoline.

Azzoli invested about $23,000 in making his Saturn more environmentally friendly, but it’s still better than the cost of a Chevrolet Volt, and gets better mileage per charge — 120 miles — than a Nissan Leaf, he told reporter B.C. Manion.

While it might seem like a hobby for Azzoli, he does hope that it’s the start of a much larger trend, where people will give up fossil fuels for cleaner energy.

“There’s a demand for the product,” said Steve Messerschmidt, who works with two vehicle companies in St. Petersburg. “Municipalities, as time goes on, they’re going to demand that the carbon footprint go down. This business, in general, is really in its infancy.”

To learn more about what Azzoli and a few others did to make their cars more eco-friendly, check out this week’s print edition of The Laker/Lutz News, or read our free e-edition online by clicking here.

Not everyone can have an electric car just yet, and flying cars are probably still deep in the future. So many who choose to live in Pasco County or north Tampa, and wish to commute to work downtown, look for options, like the bus.

Yet, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit might be making some big changes to its once-popular Route 51X, including the possibility of shutting down two Pasco-area park-and-rides.

“Yes, we are considering closing both, but not until a suitable replacement is found,” HART spokeswoman Sandra Morrison told reporter Michael Hinman. “We are trying to find sites closer to Bruce B. Downs” Boulevard.

But the HART board could also look at changing Route 51X completely, including taking out the express route itself. The idea is  to open up localized bus service in New Tampa, something the area has never had. Part of the reason is because of lower ridership.

However, one rider blames that decline not on lower demand, but on the condition of the service.

“If this is your only mode of transportation into town, then you don’t have a choice,” said Beth Derby, who lives on Heather Sound Drive. “But you know a lot of us do, and if it comes between taking a bus that risks my job because I can’t make it on time to work, then I’ll drive. I’m not going to lose my job because HART can’t get its act together.”

For more on this story, check out the print edition of this week’s The Laker. Or read our free e-edition by clicking here.

Finally, do you remember the fun times you used to have at the Flapjack Festival? It was an annual must-attend event in Land O’ Lakes that tried and failed at a new location in Dade City a few years back.

The festival, which of course featured pancakes, returned — kind of — in the form of Swamp Fest, but just without the flapjacks.

One resident, however, thinks it’s time for the Flapjack Festival to return.

“If somebody came down there and took the Gasparilla parade away from Tampa and say they were going to move it to New Orleans, people would say ‘what’g going on there?'” Mark Ballard told reporter Michael Murillo.

Bringing the Flapjack Festival back is not the easiest of propositions, and Ballard has yet to assemble a group of people to try. But he hopes upcoming renovations at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, where the festival was held for so many years, might help encourage others to support its return as well.

What are the chances of it coming back? Read all about it in the full story found in this week’s print edition of The Laker. Or read our online e-edition for free right here.

All of these stories and more can be found in this week’s The Laker/Lutz News, available in newsstands throughout east and central Pasco County as well as northern Hillsborough County. Find out what has your community talking this week by getting your local news straight from the only source you need.

If The Laker/Lutz News is not coming to your door, call us to see where you can get your copy at (813) 909-2800, or read our free e-edition by clicking here.