The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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.”

The Cameo Story: Over-The-Top Salon Services and Superb Customer Care

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In the seven years that Olav and Lori Malm have owned Cameo Salon and Spa, it has become one of the most personable and best- known hair salons in central Pasco and north Hillsborough counties.

Olav and Lori Malm, owners of Cameo Salon & Spa.
Olav and Lori Malm, owners of Cameo Salon & Spa.

Cameo attracts hundreds of new clients every month to its full-service salon located in the heart of Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel. Women and men of all ages come for its trendy as well as traditional hairstyles, stunning colors and highlights, head-to-toe spa services and genuine customer service.

“I love my customers and treat every one of them like family,” said Olav. “There is nothing more important to Lori and me than our clients’ complete satisfaction. We want every guest leaving feeling pampered and more beautiful than when they walked in the door.”

Cameo Salon and Spa opened under different ownership in 1999, and Lori joined the salon two years later. When the owners decided to sell in 2006, it was a natural progression for Lori, who had been doing hair in Lutz since 1984, to buy the business.

Joining Lori was her husband, Olav, who left the medical field to become the salon’s business manager. Together the couple has developed a talented and dedicated team of hair and spa specialists who are just as committed as the Malms to customer service and staying on top of the latest in hair fashion, color treatments and spa services.

Olav greets customers with his trademark cheek-to-cheek kisses. An outgoing man who combines a unique teddy-bear style with European suave, Olav’s large stature and smooth bald head is hard to miss in a salon full of customers from teens to seniors.

“Olav knows how to make every woman feel welcome and beautiful,” said Diane, a local business owner and long-time client and friend of Olav. “His staff is always prepared, creative and respectful of my time.”

Most of Cameo’s employees have worked at the salon for several years because they value its customer appreciation, relaxing atmosphere and commitment to learning the latest trends.

“It feels like family here — we’re very personable,” said Mike Gold, a stylist at Cameo for the last seven years. “In addition to our great atmosphere, we’re an Elite Redken Salon, which means we use and sell the best haircare products available in the industry.”

Working alongside Mike is Ashlee Baker, a stylist at Cameo for more than five years.

“I love our atmosphere — people feel at home here,” Ashlee said. “Plus we have a lot of continuing education and are always going to hair shows to keep us at the top of our game.”

Lori personally trained Mike and Ashlee and most of the other stylists at Cameo, whom she holds to the highest professional standards.

“We put a tremendous amount of time into training, both here at the salon and at industry trade shows and schools. We’ve been to shows in Orlando, Miami, New York, Chicago, and Las Vegas to give our stylists the best training possible,” said Lori.

Before making their first cut, Cameo stylists spend time talking with their guest about his or her desires, expectations and lifestyle.

“It’s all about the consultation,” said Lori. “Spending 15 minutes up-front with a guest makes all the difference in the world to achieve the style and look a client is looking for that also fits with how they live their life, including time restraints and job restrictions.”

Located on Collier Parkway, two blocks south of State Road 54, Cameo Salon & Spa is convenient to women and men living and working in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and New Tampa.

“Some people think we only cater to affluent customers, and that can’t be farther from the truth,” said Olav. “We have stylists at all levels of experience and our prices are very competitive.”

For example, Cameo is currently offering a color and cut special for just $65 — less than what many of the national chains charge that employ stylists with little experience or training.

In addition to hair, Cameo offers manicures, acrylic gel nails and pedicures by its highly trained technicians. Certified massage therapists offer a full array of massages in luxurious rooms. And licensed, medical aestheticians skin care consultants offer waxing, facials and microdermabrasion.

Completing its full line of services is Jane Iredale makeup, a professional line used by movie stars and recommended by plastic surgeons and dermatologists. The salon also sells Redken, Pureology and other professional hair care products.

“Cameo is a salon that belongs to our guests,” said Olav. “Their health, beauty and comfort are our only concerns. Please give us a call or stop by for an experience you will find nowhere else.”

Visit Cameo Salon and Spa at 1817 Collier Parkway in Lutz, or by calling (813) 948-7411.

This story was written by the advertising department.

Saint Leo names new women’s golf coach

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Tommy Baker has been named the new women’s golf coach for Saint Leo University.

Baker, a graduate of the University of North Carolina, makes his way to Saint Leo after serving as the head men’s and women’s golf coach at Coker College in Hartsville, S.C.

Tommy Baker
Tommy Baker

“I am extremely honored and excited to be joining the Saint Leo family,” Baker said. “I am very excited about the future of Saint Leo women’s golf. The program has established itself as a regional power, and I feel they are on the verge of bursting onto the national scene.”

Under Baker’s tutelage at Coker, the women’s golf program was transformed into a regional competitor. During the 2012-13 season alone, the Cobras had three top-5 finishes, and they completed eight of nine events in the top 15. In addition to the women’s success, Baker guided his men’s program to 12 total tournament victories. The men’s team also captured the 2012 Conference Carolinas Championship.

“We are excited to add Tommy Baker to our staff and the leadership he brings to our women’s program,” said Athletic Director Francis X. Reidy. “His accomplishments at his previous positions on and off the golf course are a great fit for our athletic mission and university values.”

In his five years with the Cobras, Baker helped to produce more than 70 Conference Carolinas Presidential Honor Roll recipients, 32 All-Tournament Team selections, 17 All-Conference Team selections, 11 team tournament victories and 10 individual medalist honors.

In addition, he led six Golf Coaches Association of America All-Region Selections, two GCAA All-Freshman Team selections, one Conference Carolinas Player of the Year, one Conference Carolinas Freshman of the Year, and one Ping First Team All-America selection.

Along with numerous awards, Baker’s teams spent 29 consecutive weeks ranked in the Golf World/Nike Coaches’ Poll in 2012-13. He also led the Cobras to six NCAA Regional Appearances and one NCAA National Championship appearance. In 2012, his women’s golf team also won the Conference Carolinas Team Sportsmanship Award. Adding to his resume, Baker was named the Conference Carolinas Coach of the year in 2009.

Prior to his success with the Cobras, Baker was an assistant men’s and women’s golf coach at his alma mater, UNC Pembroke, for two years.

As a member of the UNC Pembroke golf team from 2002-06, Baker was a four-time letterman, as well as a four-time Peach Belt Conference Honor Roll Selection. He received a bachelor’s of science with honors in exercise in sport science, as well as his masters in sports administration.

The Fayetteville, N.C. native will serve Saint Leo as the fourth head women’s golf coach since the program’s inception in 2002.

The Laker welcomes news editor

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Michael Hinman has joined The Laker and Lutz News as news editor, ready to share stories for and about the great residents of the area, ensuring that everyone gets a voice.

“I’ve known Michael for many years and have always respected his journalistic ethics and enthusiasm,” said Publisher Diane Kortus. “It is great to finally have Michael on our team and look forward to his contributions, which I expect will make The Laker an even better paper than it is today.”

Hinman started his journalism career 20 years ago in northwestern Pennsylvania where he was a sports correspondent for a local weekly, and also broadcast news on a radio station there. He later moved to upstate New York where he worked as a sports editor for the Steuben Courier-Advocate and the weekend editor for the Hornell Evening Tribune.

Hinman moved to Florida in 1996, where he became editor of the Zephyrhills News, and later a deputy editor for the now-defunct Zephyrhills Sun. In 1999, he joined The Tampa Tribune’s Sunbelt Newspaper division, starting as a reporter with its papers in Northwest Hillsborough County, and later becoming editor of the Temple Terrace News.

In 2005, he took a different route in his journalism career and became a staff writer with the Tampa Bay Business Journal, where he covered seven counties and some of the area’s biggest commercial stories. His ongoing coverage of the failed Trump Tower Tampa project in downtown Tampa earned him the Society of Professional Journalists’ top prize for business journalism in 2008. The Florida Press Association, the Florida Press Club and Community Papers of Florida also have recognized Hinman’s work over the years.

Hinman welcomes story ideas and suggestions for topics you would like to see in The Laker/Lutz News. Please reach out to Hinman at (813) 909-2800, or email him at .

 

Roy Hooker — State Farm Agent For 23 Years

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When not busy as State Farm agents, Roy Hooker III, left, and his father, Roy IV, share a passion for biking.
When not busy as State Farm agents, Roy Hooker III, left, and his father, Roy IV, share a passion for biking.

Q. Describe your business and your typical customer.
State Farm’s mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. We are people who make it our business to be like a good neighbor; who built a premier company by selling and keeping promises through our marketing partnership; who bring diverse talents and experiences to our work of serving the State Farm customer.

Our success is built on a foundation of shared values — quality service and relationships, mutual trust, integrity and financial strength. Our vision for the future is to be the customer’s first and best choice in the products and services we provide. We will continue to be the leader in the insurance industry and we will become a leader in the financial services arena. Our customers’ needs determine our path. Our values guide us.

Q. Why did you started your business?
As a second generation State Farm agent, I knew as a young man that I wanted to follow in my Dad’s footsteps.  He began his career with State Farm in 1970, climbing the corporate ladder to upper management and now as a State Farm Agent in Westchase.  Being a Good Neighbor is part of my DNA.  I love it.

Q.) What are three things that set your business apart?
1.) High-touch personal customer service.
2.) Long-term staff members that know our customers personally.
3.) Community minded local office.  We love Lutz/Land O Lakes and are invested in our community.

Q.) Why did you chose this profession?
As a teen, I spent my summers working in State Farm offices creating marketing plans.  I love this company.  Upon graduating from Chamberlain High School, I knew I needed a college degree to be considered for Agency with State Farm.  I obtained a degree from the University of Florida, graduating in 1989.  In the summer of 1990, I opened my State Farm office at the age of 23 – the youngest Agent to ever be hired in Florida.

Q. What about your family?
My parents moved us to Florida in 1982.  I graduated from Chamberlain High School in 1985. Our family lives in Land O Lakes.  Together my wife and I have 8 children, many of whom have worked their summers in our office.  Maybe one day one of them will decide to become a Good Neighbor too.

 

State Farm Insurance
17961 Hunting Bow Cir #101
Ballantrae Professional Plaza
Lutz, Fl 33558
Office – 813-920-5141
Cell – 813-789-4515

Kumquat Festival considered one of Southeast’s best

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Once again, when tourists start looking for Florida-based events to attend, they will find Dade City’s annual Kumquat Festival among the top they should visit.

The 17th annual event, which takes place Jan. 25, was awarded a “Top 20 Event” status for the Southeast United States by the Southeast Tourism Society. The society promotes travel to and within the 12 southeastern states.

More than 40,000 people attend the Kumquat Festival each year, which is once again one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast United States by the Southeast Tourism Society. (File Photo)
More than 40,000 people attend the Kumquat Festival each year, which is once again one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast United States by the Southeast Tourism Society. (File Photo)

More than 40,000 attendees, 430 vendors and 40 sponsorship partners participate in the festival centered around the kumquat, the small fruit that resembles an orange, but has its own unique taste. The festival was also recently awarded Pasco County’s “Event of the Year” from the Pasco County Tourist Development Council.

Hundreds of volunteers assist the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce in marketing, servicing and hosting the annual festival, which generates an estimated $1 million in economic impact for the area, and has become well-known as a Tampa Bay “must-see” event. The festival features live entertainment, shopping, arts and crafts vendors, a car show, and thousands of kumquat pies and related kumquat products.

The Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Events publication receives exposure in print media, Web, television and radio in both the United States and Canada. More than 1,600 newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations receive the listings.

For more information on this year’s festival, visit www.kumquatfestival.org.