The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

New Town, New Homes, New Life

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If you’ve been driving by Connerton recently, Central Pasco’s “New Town,” and you were wondering what sounds you were hearing, it’s not just the honking of the sandhill cranes – you will hear hammers pounding, saws buzzing, powertools whirring and contractor
trucks driving in and out, as the New Town awakens to a fresh economy. Connerton’s developer, Hayman Woods, a Dallas-based development company, promised to bring this community back to life after the housing bust, and they are keeping their promise.

connerton10152013Since their grand reopening in May of this year, almost 40 homes are under contract with four outstanding builders, Taylor Morrison, Ryland, M/I Homes and Homes by WestBay. These builders offer innovative floor plans from 1,481 to over 6,300 sq. ft. with prices from the low $100s to over $700,000.

The residents are excited to see all of the activity. Connerton was given the New Town designation by the State of Florida and Pasco County. To be designated as a “New Town,” a community must include certain uses. In addition to residential home building, a New Town offers education, recreation, retail and commercial development.

When they say, “timing is everything,” the phrase certainly applied to the opening of Connerton during the real estate boom, and the slowdown during the bust. However, Connerton is now well-positioned for the economic recovery because its amenities, parks, trails and an $8 million dollar clubhouse are already in place.

The 10,000 sq. ft. clubhouse offers a state-of-the-art fitness center, super pool with a unique aquatic playground and children’s wading pool. A café, meeting rooms for resident and community use, plus tennis and basketball courts are all available as part of the Connerton lifestyle.

The annual Labor Day ice cream social was recently coordinated by Amy Gallogly, the onsite activities director, and her staff. She keeps residents busy with holiday parties, nature walks, scavenger hunts, wine tasting events, and is always willing to listen to other suggestions. In addition to the clubhouse, an extensive trail and boardwalk system runs throughout the community, and will eventually connect all of the villages. These trails and walkways help to promote a more sociable, pedestrian culture.

Connerton Elementary School opened in 2010, providing students with updated technology, such as rolling laptops filled with new MacBooks and interactivè whiteboards for classroom use. Connerton Elementary is an “A” rated school, along with Pineview Middle and Land O’ Lakes High School, which Connerton residents attend.

The staff leadership is provided by Principal Aimee Boltze and Assistant Principal Claudia Steinacker. Together they uphold the school’s mission to provide a nurturing environment for both students and teachers. The school also provides learning opportunities for 55 intellectually disabled students in five self-contained classrooms.

These students are also integrated into the traditional classroom environment, helping to provide disability awareness for all grade levels. If you have an opportunity to visit the school, you will be welcomed by a friendly staff who will be happy to provide you with a tour of this state-of the-art education center.

The “New Town” of Connerton is back on its feet with a wonderful lifestyle to offer its residents. So, if you haven’t been there lately, stop by, visit the clubhouse, walk the trails, and be sure to visit the new models. It could be your new home!

Connerton is located in Land O’Lakes, approximately 7 miles north of the intersection of SR 54 & US 41.

For more information, call (813) 996-5800, or visit www.Connerton.com.

This story was written by the advertising department.

These pediatricians provide personalized care

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When your child is sick, you don’t want to wade through automated prompts, voice mail menus or negotiate with an answering service. You want a live person to help answer your concerns and a physician’s office, who knows you by name, not medical record number.

Dr. Yanina Abaunza-Fiallos, left and Dr. Luisa Gomez McElroy are board certified pediatricians practicing at Dr. Nina's Pediatrics in Lutz.
Dr. Yanina Abaunza-Fiallos, left and Dr. Luisa Gomez McElroy are board certified pediatricians practicing at Dr. Nina’s Pediatrics in Lutz.

Being mothers themselves, the staff at Dr. Nina’s Pediatrics places great emphasis on answering family concerns. These physicians founded their practice around the premise of patient-centered care and accessibility. Patients are always able to reach the staff quickly and easily during office hours and they strive to personally answer phone calls after hours.

Dr. Yanina Abaunza-Fiallos has been practicing in the Tampa area for 17 years, and opened her own practice in Lutz in November 2003. Dr. Luisa Gomez McElroy has been practicing in the Tampa area for 15 years, joining Dr. Nina in May 2012. Both doctors are board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.

“We’re a small practice,” says Dr. Nina. “There are only two doctors. This allows us to get to know our patients well.”

“We love our patients and their families,” says Dr. Luisa. “We don’t just provide a diagnosis and move on. Dr. Nina and Dr. Luisa always take the time to answer questions and educate their patients and their parents.

Dr. Nina and Dr. Luisa pay close attention to each child’s development and provide parents with tools to recognize development issues early on. Topics such as nutrition and growth are discussed during wellness visits to identify any issues or concerns before they become a problem. They give parents ample opportunity to ask questions to optimize the child’s path to wellness.

“We follow recommended check-up schedules and place a strong emphasis on prevention and vaccinations, says Dr. Luisa.” We firmly believe vaccinations are a part of keeping our children healthy. Our recommendations are based on the American Academy of Pediatric guidelines.

Both doctors have many patients in their practice that they cared for from the day they were born, with many continuing to see them into their 20s. As their former patients become parents themselves, they are returning to bring their own children. Doctors and nurses also trust their children’s care to Dr. Nina and Dr. Luisa which is very heartwarming for them and their staff.

“We’re not just for babies,” says Dr. Nina. “We also provide vaccinations for college, and perform high school and college physical examinations. We deliver 24-hour emergency service and can normally accommodate same-day appointments.”

Dr. Nina and Dr. Luisa are affiliated with three area hospitals: Florida Hospital Tampa, St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital North, where they are available to provide newborn care. Free prenatal consultations are also offered so that parents can get to know their baby’s doctor prior to delivery.

As a student, Dr. Nina was initially interested in teaching children with special needs. Because of this early exposure to children with medical disabilities, she changed career paths to medicine in order to further impact their outcome. Pediatrics was definitely the right path for Dr. Nina and it is a passion that is ignited every time she comes to work.

Dr. Luisa decided on a career in pediatrics during medical school. She developed a passion for caring for children. She feels pediatrics has one of the greatest impacts on patients’ lives, as she can educate and teach prevention starting in early life.

Dr. Nina and Dr. Luisa are currently accepting new patients at Dr. Nina’s Pediatrics, and welcome the opportunity to be a part of your child’s life. Accessibility, quality and personalized care are just a few of the core values of Dr. Nina’s Pediatrics.

Dr. Nina’s Pediatrics is located at 18572 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz. They can be reached at (813) 964-1800, or online at www.DoctorNina.com.

– Mike Matthew

This story was written by the advertising department.

Public is invited to peace-building program

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A peace-building program, sponsored by Saint Leo University and some other organizations, will be offered at two locations on Sept. 30.

The event will feature Rabbi Ron Kronish, director of the Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel, and Qadi (Judge) Iyad Zahalka, head of the Muslim Sharia Court in Jerusalem. They will discuss “The Other Peace Process–Interreligious Dialogue in the Service of Peace.”

The speakers will share their thinking on grassroots efforts at peace building. The event will be hosted by Saint Leo’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies.

The program will be presented twice. The first session is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., in the Student Community Center, Greenfelder-Denlinger, 33701 State Road 52 in Saint Leo, four miles east of Interstate 75.

An evening session is scheduled from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Congregation Beth Am, 2030 W. Fletcher Ave. in Tampa.

The event is free and open to the public, but space is limited so admission will be first-come, first-serve.

Besides Saint Leo, other sponsors of the event are Congregation Beth Am, University Ministry and West Central Florida Pathology Associates/Harvey Feld M.D.

For more information and to register, contact Abraham Peck, executive director of

Saint Leo University’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies, at (352) 588-7298 or .

Shihan Stephen Del Castillo Empowers Kids With Martial Arts

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Shihan Stephen J. Del Castillo opened his first martial arts academy in Wesley Chapel in October 2000. It was a small place, but one with big dreams.

kravmaga10152013
Shihan Stephen J. Del Castillo with his student Melissa.

He dreamed of creating a place that would touch lives one blackbelt at a time and improve people, families and society. Thirteen years and hundreds of students later, Shihan Steve is achieving these goals.

Shihan Steve (Shihan title denotes the status of Master Instructor) has more than 30 years of martial arts experience. He also has a master’s degree, many awards and accolades from his military, civic service and martial arts career. Plus, the August 2013 issue of Success Magazine published a story about Shihan Steve and his school.

But these impressive credentials and personal accomplishments are not what makes Shihan Steve the most proud. Rather, it is the quality of blackbelts his school is producing and the contributions those students make to the community.

“Most of my blackbelts are ‘A’ students,” Shihan Steve says. “But many of them didn’t start that way.”

Shihan Steve asserts that the focus, discipline, courtesy and respect instilled through his program results in students performing far better in school.

“It all starts with development of one’s self-esteem,” he says. “We develop champions from the inside out.”

Shihan Steve has empowered hundreds of kids through his program that uses a system of positive reinforcement and gentle correction.

Especially at the beginning of a student’s training, Shihan Steve says the most important step is to develop a student’s confidence and trust in him or herself and the instructor.

Shihan Steve calls this program Krav Maga Martial Arts. It is one of the most practical self-protection systems available and can be used by people of any age to teach martial arts and improve a student’s spirit and character.

In addition to making sure that every student in every class has fun, Shihan Steve sees that students get a great workout and learn something new. His program and its process results in students growing from wherever they are to where they want to be.

There have been many changes in the 13 years since Shihan Steve opened his first academy. Many martial arts schools have come and gone. Things at his school have changed too — including the school’s name, its colors, logos, uniforms and staff.

“My curriculum also has evolved, ” Shihan Steve says. “But I am very proud that the one thing that has never changed is my vision and mission.

“Thomas Jefferson said, ‘In matters of style, swim with the current but in matters of principle, stand like a rock.’ Our martial arts school, or “dojo” as we call it, has honored this rule. I wrote a vision and mission statement 13 years ago that is still the bedrock of what we do today. Our name has evolved, and our style has been enhanced with the integration of other styles, but our mission and our principles remain the same.”

Shihan Steve is offering free seminars all throughout this back-to-school season, including his Back to School Success seminar and Bully Proof workshops. He also offers free two-week trial memberships to all community youth, as well as teens and adults.

To learn more about Shihan Steve’s school, mission, seminars and programs, please visit www.tampakravmaga.com.

This story was written by the advertising department.

Quality Dental Care is a Family Affair

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If you’re looking for a dentist who can handle all of your family’s dental needs, then look no further than Hawley Dental Associates of Land O’ Lakes. The husband and wife team of Robin and Debbie Hawley has been providing quality family care to central Pasco residents for more than 25 years.

Robin and Debbie Hawley, a husband and wife dental team, have practiced dentistry in Lutz/Land O’Lakes for more than 25 years.
Robin and Debbie Hawley, a husband and wife dental team, have practiced dentistry in Lutz/Land O’Lakes for more than 25 years.

Robin and Debbie met while teaching at a children’s residential summer camp on Catalina Island, Calif. They fell in love and started dental school together two weeks after they were married. They graduated in 1987 at the top of their class from one of the best dental schools in the country, the University of Southern California School of Dentistry.

After graduating, the couple did a one-year internship at the Hillsborough County Dental Research Clinic. Their love of water sports and the abundant lakes and waterways of Florida made it an easy decision for them to settle down and raise a family here in Florida.

Robin and Debbie opened their practice in Land O’Lakes in 1991 as Hawley Dental and are currently accepting new patients. “We are prepared to handle all of your family’s dental needs, regardless of age,” says Debbie.

Hawley Dental’s technologically advanced office uses digital x-rays to limit patients’ exposure to x-rays and to better communicate with patients and their insurance companies. The practice also uses painless lasers for cavity detection and an intra-oral video camera allows clients to see exactly what is going on in their mouth.

“This is so much better than trying to show a patient something inside of their mouth with a mirror,” says Debbie.

Robin and Debbie stay up-to-date on all of the latest dental techniques, equipment and methods. They are a preferred provider for Invisalign, a modern alternative to metal braces for adults and teens. “We were certified for Invisalign back in 2004,” said Robin. “Being a preferred provider is a mark of distinction.”

Hawley Dental concentrates on personalized care and its staff strives to get to know patients as people. “Because of our personal treatment, there are many families who have been coming to see us for their dental care for over 20 years from all over the state of Florida,” said Debbie.

Robin and Debbie have two daughters, ages 17 and 19. The family spends many weekends water skiing and participating in other sports. The Hawleys are actively involved in the community helping local sports teams and sponsoring events with the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce. Debbie served a term as the honorary mayor of Land O’Lakes through the chamber.

Hawley Dental Associates provides all types of dentistry and are prepared to handle any dental treatment or emergency quickly and as comfortably as possible.

Robin and Debbie Hawley, a husband and wife dental team, have practiced dentistry in Lutz/Land O’Lakes for more than 25 years.

Visit Hawley Dental Associates at 21752 State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes/Lutz. Call (813) 948-BITE (2483), or visit www.HawleyDental.com.

– Mike Matthew

This story was written by the advertising department.

Swiftmud promotes Beltran to executive director

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Robert Beltran has been promoted to executive director of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, more commonly known as Swiftmud.

Beltran replaces Blake Guillory, who will take on the executive director role at the South Florida Water Management District.

Robert Beltran
Robert Beltran

“The board is confident in Robert’s abilities to lead this organization as we continue to focus on our core mission of managing water and related natural resources throughout our 16-county region,” said Carlos Beruff, Swiftmud’s governing board chairman, in a statement.

Beltran moves up from the assistant executive director position, which he has held since March 2012. There he oversaw several divisions including regulation, resource management, operations, maintenance and construction. Beltran also led the solutions team for the Central Florida Water Initiative, a multi-jurisdictional effort to ensure an adequate water supply in a five-county region.

Beltran is a professional engineer with nearly two decades of experience in helping clients design and permit services for their water and wastewater needs. He has worked throughout Florida helping municipalities and private companies on water-related initiatives including stormwater, wastewater, reclaimed water, drinking water and alternative water supply projects.

Beltran holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in environmental engineering from Tulane University in New Orleans. He is a member of various professional associations, and is a past president of the Florida Engineering Society’s Ridge chapter.

Wesley Chapel seminar to promote women’s health

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Women who want to hear a lecture on heart health, watch a cooking demonstration or get a bit of pampering can get those things and more at the Women’s Health & Wellness Day at Saddlebrook Resort Tampa, off SR 54 in Wesley Chapel.

The free half-day seminar, sponsored by Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, will be on Sept. 21 from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.

The seminar will feature six breakout sessions, giving women a chance to hear from some of the area’s most respected physicians discussing heart health, breast cancer risk factors, pregnancy, healthy aging and other wellness topics.

Women who are pregnant or are thinking of having a baby can talk with a lactation consultant.

The event will also feature a women’s health panel, with experts fielding questions about primary health care, internal medicine, geriatric medicine, obstetrics and gynecology.

There will also be a cooking demonstration and free screenings for blood pressure, blood glucose, BMI and others. There will be pampering opportunities, too, and giveaways.

The event will feature a women’s health panel, answering questions about primary health care, internal medicine, geriatric medicine, obstetrics and gynecology.

Send questions in advance to .

Space for the seminar is limited and reservations are required.

To register, call (813) 929-5432.

Dogsledding in Florida? It’s a pastime with some bite

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“Hike, Hike!” Peggy Wright loudly calls out to the group of dogs in front of her, spurring them to start running.

At her command, the dogs bolt, pulling a two-wheeled sled that she’s standing on. As they move, each time she approaches a bend on the paved trail outlining the placid lake, Wright yells “Gee!” to direct the dogs right, or “Ha!” to send them to the left.

Boisterous, 6-year-old Kyra howls and barks as she sprints along with the rest of the pack, burning pent-up energy and thriving in the company of other huskies, malamutes, Akitas, and other sled dog breeds.

Peggy Wright, foreground, leashes her two huskies, Minka on the left and Bear on the right, prepping them for a sled run in Freedom Lake Park. Behind them, Matt Aamold is with his female husky mix, Bianca. (Photo courtesy of Peggy Wright)
Peggy Wright, foreground, leashes her two huskies, Minka on the left and Bear on the right, prepping them for a sled run in Freedom Lake Park. Behind them, Matt Aamold is with his female husky mix, Bianca. (Photo courtesy of Peggy Wright)

This isn’t the harsh snows of the Arctic Circle. Instead, it’s Freedom Lake Park on a brisk Sunday afternoon in Florida, filled with plenty of trees, calm waters and grassy pastures.

Kyra is one of three Siberian huskies belonging to Carol Robinson, a massage therapist from Lutz, who is a member of the Sandy Paws Dog Sled Club in Pinellas Park.

“These dogs are strong and fast,” said Robinson, who joined the club in 2011 and regularly attends its monthly meetings. “It’s a little difficult sometimes to contain them because they get so excited, (but) they’re working as a team.”

Robinson and some of the other dog owners flank the pack, running about a mile with them around the lake. Without the owners at their side, the pack can run up to 20 miles an hour with a 150-pound sled and two people on it.

“Halt!” Wright booms. The command causes the dogs to come to a complete stop after their first lap. Before taking their second or even third cycle on the trail, the dogs and their owners take a break to mingle, rest and drink lots of water.

Wright started the dog sled club about four years ago with four of her friends. All five had Siberian huskies. Northern dogs like these huskies are naturally very active, and they can be destructive if they’re not strenuously engaged.

“By having this group, we’re able to teach people how to keep their dogs out of trouble,” Wright said. “When dogs are disciplined and correctly exercised, they are much happier and healthier.”

Wright and her friends wanted to open the club to everyone with Siberian huskies and similar breeds, so they created a website and used social networking sites like Meetup and Facebook. The club went from five to more than 170 members from all over the Tampa Bay area.

The sledding get-togethers happen monthly, except during the summer when it’s too hot for the dogs to run. Wright said the gatherings generally draw about 30 to 50 members at a time. The club gives her a chance to meet with other dog owners, while the dogs themselves play with each other.

“When we’re all together in a group, we can share stories or ideas,” Robinson said. “What’s the best brush to get that undercoat out? What food are you using to keep their coat?”

Robinson also likes to spread the word about pet adoptions because of her involvement with a dog rescue center.

“Sometimes we bring some of our dogs there and say if anyone’s looking to adopt, we have this one or that one,” she said. “We’ve had some successful adoptions through just networking.”

While Robinson greets and talks with the other owners, Kyra, with her pale blue eyes and soft thick black-and-white fur, joins in with her fellow dogs. Before they get ready to pull a sled, the dogs socialize by howling, sniffing and jumping on each other.

But because of their high energy levels, their owners keep them leashed.

Siberian huskies like Kyra were initially bred in the Arctic climates of northeastern Asia — mainly to serve as transportation for nomadic tribes, which didn’t have horses, donkeys and camels to rely on.

“For the original tribes, they would load up the sled with all their personal belongings,” Robinson said. “They were putting their housing, their tents, their blankets — everything went on these sleds. It was the dog’s job to pull it to the next location.”

Huskies have built-in stamina, lots of energy and strong stocky bodies. They were bred to run long distances in cold weather, and they also love to be around other dogs and people.

The dog sled club outings serve as an outlet for all their natural inclinations.

The club’s next outing is Sept. 22 at Freedom Lake Park, 9990 46th St. in Pinellas Park, for the group’s first real sledding event since last May.

For more information on the group, visit sandypawssleddogclub.com.

 

By Marie Abramov

Their hearts beat to the sound of the drum

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David Robinson, owner of All Pro Percussion, has been playing drums since he was 12. He played in middle school, high school, marching bands and garage bands all the way through college. Then he got married, got a job and settled into a more ordinary life.

Bill Mink, left, manager of All Pro Percussion, and David Robinson, owner, each have more than 25 years experience playing drums and selling percussion instruments.
Bill Mink, left, manager of All Pro Percussion, and David Robinson, owner, each have more than 25 years experience playing drums and selling percussion instruments.

The call of the drum inspired David 10 years later to open All Pro Percussion in 2007 to follow his passion for playing, teaching and selling quality percussion instruments.

David recently moved All Pro Percussion, which sells only quality percussion instruments, to Lutz on State Road 54 in the Canoe Commons Shopping Center.

“These are drums that will last a lifetime,” said David. “Many of our manufacturers are family owned and managed American companies. Two of our manufacturers have been making drums for over 100 years and one of our cymbal manufacturers has been in business more than 300 years!”

All Pro Percussion sells acoustic drum sets, snare drums, hand drums, African djembe drums, Congo drums, cajon drums and electronic drums. Hand drums have become especially popular in recent years.

“Electronic drums are a great choice for apartments or when you want to play late at night without disturbing the family or the neighbors,” said David. “Attach a set of headphones and you’re the only one who’ll hear the music.”

One can also attach an iPod to play along with your favorite recordings. “Electronic drums can be programmed to give you the specific acoustic sound you’re looking for,” said David.

Private lessons are conducted using side-by-side electronic drum sets. Instructor Kevin Dennis teaches by example, playing the lesson on one set of drums while the student plays on the other. He emphasizes the importance of learning the fundamentals and reading music.

“We’ve found this to be an excellent way to teach because we control the volume,” said David. “We can give the student instructions while they’re playing. They wouldn’t be able to hear the teacher if they were playing on acoustic drums.”

Children have the dexterity to play drums by the age of 8. A number of students are active in middle school and high school bands and want some extra help. The staff at All Pro Percussion takes great pride in teaching their students to play their best.

“We have students who are in their 50s and 60s, both men and women,” says David. “Some always wanted to play drums but never did, and now find they have the time. For others, it’s a hobby and some of our students have even gone on to become professional drummers.”

Playing drums does not require a large investment to get started.

“All you need is a set of sticks and a practice pad. It begins with learning hand techniques. With practice, a student can be playing rhythms in about a month,” explains David.

He prefers to wait until a student is sure drums is something they enjoy and want to pursue before making the investment in a drum set. When students are ready to purchase their own drums, David wants them to have the right equipment.

“We know our equipment and take pride in knowing our customers, too,” said David. “We also have excellent relationships with our manufacturers, which allows us to get new products sooner and stay on top of special orders.”

Customers do business directly with David or Bill Mink. Bill is the manager at All Pro Percussion and has 25 years of experience selling and servicing a wide variety of percussion drum instruments.

All Pro Percussion also offers drum clinics, master classes, and workshops with well-known professional drummers. These classes are well-attended and are open to the public.

All Pro Percussion is located at 23908 State Road 54, Suite 102, in Lutz. They can be reached at (813) 388-2970, or visit them online at www.AllProPercussion.com.

– Mike Matthew

This story was written by the advertising department.

Romeo to match golf talents with PGA Champions

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Terese Romeo combines above-average athletic ability with strong perseverance and character to get eye-popping results on the golf course. And that hard work is paying off as she’s set to take part in the Nature Valley First Tee Open in Pebble Beach next month.

The open, Sept. 27-29, will give Romeo a chance to pair up with members of the PGA Champions Tour, who serve as mentors.

“I had to apply for a spot,” said Romeo, a member of The First Tee of Tampa Bay, a golf group designed to provide affordable and accessible golf to children from moderate socio-economic backgrounds.

Terese Romeo tees off during a practice round at Rogers Park, part of The First Tee of Tampa Bay. Romeo, who participates in the group designed to provide affordable and accessible golf to children, will take part in a Champions Tour event in Pebble Creek in September. (Photo courtesy of the Tampa YMCA)
Terese Romeo tees off during a practice round at Rogers Park, part of The First Tee of Tampa Bay. Romeo, who participates in the group designed to provide affordable and accessible golf to children, will take part in a Champions Tour event in Pebble Creek in September. (Photo courtesy of the Tampa YMCA)

Romeo is one of 81 participants selected from First Tee chapters from around the country, and was the only girl asked to apply from the Tampa Bay chapter.

“You have to write essays, and have volunteers hours, along with golf,” she said.

The 16-year-old Freedom High School junior from Tampa Palms has already accomplished quite a bit, both on and off the links. Just last year, she won the Class 2A-District 10 golf championship as well as a regional title en route to an 11th-place finish at states — all after recovering from surgery.

“Terese had surgery and came back with a cast,” Freedom girls golf coach Rich Simard said. “She had to play four matches to qualify for district, and I had her go out and play. She used her left hand and swung with one hand. I’ve never seen anything like that all the years I’ve been around golf.”

The team played off the red tees, which are typically placed behind the white tees for championship tourneys.

Romeo has battled with injuries in the past. She hurt her wrist competing in gymnastics a couple years back, forcing her to miss her entire freshman golf season. Now, after two surgeries, Romeo is poised to have her best-ever high school season on the links.

“Now everything is great,” she said. “I hit the ball really straight and put the ball in places where I need to place it.”

Romeo competes in American Junior Golf Association tournaments, and is a longtime member of The First Tee of Tampa Bay, a program of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA.

“I’ve known Terese since she first started with us when she was eight or nine years old,” First Tee golf coach Jeff Leonard said. “She’s such a competitor. Her putting and chipping comes naturally, and her swing is consistent. She can drive the ball 230 yards.”

Leonard is also impressed with Romeo’s work off the links, amassing at least 400 volunteer hours, mostly as a park camp counselor for younger kids.

“The First Tee has been really good for her,” Leonard said. “It gives her a place to channel her energy.”

And now it will give her a chance to play with a PGA legend at Pebble Creek where the competition will be tough, but there will be a lot to learn as well.

“I’d like to play with Tom Watson or Hale Irwin,” Romeo said. “I met Hale during a senior tour tournament here in Tampa. I was in the gallery during the pro-am event and his amateur walked over to me and asked me to hit his golf ball.”

It was a par-3 hold, and Romeo had to hit it on the green.

“Hale came over and talked with me, and walked with me down the fairway,” Romeo said. “I’ve seen him a couple of times since, and he remembered me. He’s a nice guy.”

“It was a par-3 hole and I hit it on the green. Hale came over and talked with me and walked with me down the fairway. I’ve seen him a couple of times since and he remembered me. He’s a nice guy.”

The 5-foot, 93-pound Romeo works hard at refining her game when she isn’t competing against opponents.

“I practice almost every day,” said Romero, who scored a hole-in-one when she was 13. “I’ll play four, nine or 18 holes. I need to practice more.”

Romeo’s plans for the future include playing golf in college — just to start.

“I want to become a teaching pro out of college,” she said. “Then maybe try to make the LPGA tour.”

And if anyone can accomplish that, it’s Romeo, her Freedom coach added.

“Terese has a great attitude for the game of golf,” Simard said. “I think if she continues to progress like she has progressed, she could be one of the top high school players in the country.”