Special to The Laker/Lutz News

 

 

By B.C. Manion

 

Thousands will flock to Dade City on Jan. 26 to partake in the 16th annual Kumquat Festival, an event that began as the brainchild of a trio of women.

Phyllis Smith, Roxanne Barthle and Carlene Ellberg put their heads together to organize the first festival, which was on the lawn of the historic Dade City Courthouse.

“They had a handful of vendors and some food and the kumquat growers with their kumquats,” said John Moors, executive director of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

The festival has become enormously popular since its humble beginnings.

It is a magnet for visitors and has raised the community’s profile, Moors said.

“It absolutely puts Dade City on the map. Dade City and this kumquat festival have become synonymous,” Moors said.

The Kumquat Festival was heralded as Pasco County Event of the Year in 2012 and has been named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society, which selects the premier events in 13 Southeastern states.

It is an event of regional impact, Moors said.

“We estimate that last year, for example, we had probably 40,000 to 45,000 attendees.  Using the state multiplier, we estimate the economic impact at around $1 million,” Moors said.

It is a gathering that features more than 400 vendors, a car show, children’s activities, a health and wellness section, entertainment and, of course, kumquats galore.

“It’s hard to believe that all of this came out of a little kumquat,” said Charlotte Kiefer, a former longtime Dade City chamber president. “We were trying to keep downtown alive,” recalled Kiefer, who used to arrive at 4:30 a.m. on festival days to pitch in.

The “little gold gem of the citrus industry,” as kumquat promoters like to describe it, can be found in virtually every form at the festival.

Vendors will be offering kumquat pie, kumquat salsa, kumquat jam, kumquat jelly, kumquat preserves, kumquat ice cream and even kumquat lotions and soaps.

Moors loves the taste of the diminutive orange-colored fruit.

“I love them. We put them in a bowl, and I eat them like candy,” Moors said, acknowledging that, for him, it was an acquired taste.

The hungry masses will find plenty of choices between the food vendors and local restaurants.

“We have food like you wouldn’t believe,” Moors said.

Local restaurants are swarmed.

“It’s almost like an invasion,” said Jim Hendry, of A Matter of Taste Café at 14121 Seventh St. near the historic Dade City Courthouse.

“Our town, which is about 5,000 people, swells to 30,000 to 40,000 or maybe more,” said Jim, who co-owns the restaurant with his wife, Carole.

“It’s a wonderful, wonderful celebration. It brings people from all over,” Jim said. People drive north from Sarasota and south from The Villages. They drive west from Orlando and east from the beaches. They come from nearby communities, too.

“It has grown to be our biggest day of the year,” Jim said, estimating he does five times as much business on festival day as on a normal day.

Festival day is like a reunion, Carole Hendry said.

“Everybody who ever worked here comes back,” Carole said. “And they don’t just come back to chitchat. They work.”

Jim said it’s a good thing so many food vendors show up.

“The last thing we need is for people here to have to wait two hours to eat. You want them to have a good experience,” Jim said.

Pulling off a successful event depends upon help and cooperation from people of all walks of life, Moors said.

The festival has the support of the city, county and state governments, as well as corporate sponsors, Moors said.

Community volunteers play a vital role. They are involved in every aspect of planning and in helping to keep things running smoothly on festival day, Moors said.

Volunteers from Calvary Assembly of God in Dade City, for instance, help set a friendly tone for visitors who park in the satellite lot at the Pasco Fairgrounds.

They dole out bottles of water to festival-goers and offer them a place to sit in the shade while they wait for the next shuttle.

Festival organizers and volunteers strive to exude southern charm.

“Basically, our message is, ‘Come and enjoy the festival and come back and visit us again,’” Moors said.

He describes the Kumquat Festival as being old Florida, family friendly and unique — just like Dade City.

Festival day caps three weeks of activities leading up to it, including the Kumquat Pageant, the Kumquat Recipe Contest, the Merchants’ Window Decorating Contest and the grove and packing house tours. All of those preliminary events are finished, except for the grove and packing house tours, which are Jan. 24 and 25. There will also be a quilt show on festival day at the HiBrow Art Gallery, 14125 Seventh St.

Merchants benefit from the traffic the festival brings to town,  said Dale Anne Laumer, of Ivy Cottage Antiques and Wine Merchant,in the heart of downtown.

“It helps people find out about Dade City,” she said.

Her antique shop, at 14110 Seventh St., is in the midst of the festival’s action, but Laumer doesn’t partake in the festivities.

She’s too busy minding her shop, and she doesn’t make a peep of complaint.

Jim said he’s glad that the Kumquat Festival casts an annual spotlight on his community. He’s proud of the place where he lives.

“I tell people, ‘We’re like Mayberry.’ My insurance agent is just across the street. My banker is one block away. So much of what you do is just right here,” Jim said.

Laumer agreed: “We’re a tight-knit community.”

 

If you go

What: 16th annual Kumquat Festival

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Dade City

Where: Historic downtown Dade City

Directions: Take I-75 and go east on SR 52; or take US 301. Follow signs to get to downtown Dade City.

How much: Free admission, free parking and free shuttles from remote satellite parking lots at the Pasco Fairgrounds on SR 52 approaching Dade City or near Jarrett Ford, 38300 Dick Jarrett Way

Need more information? Visit www.KumquatFestival.org, or drop by an information booth at the festival. They are located at Third Street and Meridian Avenue and at Seventh Street and Meridian Avenue.

 

Festival schedule

8 a.m. to 10 a.m.: Volkssport Family 5K and 10K walks ($2 per adult) at Church Avenue and Eighth Street

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Car and truck show on Live Oak Avenue, between Third and Fourth streets

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Antique fire trucks and tractors exhibit on Pasco Avenue, between Fourth and Fifth streets

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Quilt show and sale at HiBrow Gallery on Pasco Avenue, at Seventh Street

9 a.m. to 10 a.m.: Saint Leo University Lion Dancer – Opening Act SASS (Girls A Cappella); Just the Facts (Faculty and staff chorus); Student Soloists at the Historic Courthouse Square

10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Same on Sunday – Christian rock at the Historic Courthouse Square

10:30 a.m.: Dade City Junior Jazzercize at the Historic Courthouse Square

11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Wesley Chapel Ensemble at the Historic Courthouse Square

11:30 a.m. to noon: Caleb Balogh & The Furthering – Contemporary Christian at the Historic Courthouse Square

Noon to 12:30 p.m.: Strawberry Express Cloggers at the Historic Courthouse Square

12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Weston Ward, acoustic guitar of hits from the 60s through today at the Historic Courthouse Square

1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.: Helen Baton & Dance Studio at the Historic Courthouse Square

2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Arts in Motion at the Historic Courthouse Square

3 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Tumbleweed – Bluegrass at the Historic Courthouse Square

4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Caleb Balogh & The Furthering – Contemporary Christian at the Historic Courthouse Square

4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Same on Sunday – Christian Rock at the Historic Courthouse Square

9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Jennifer Lee and Nevaeh Peek – A new kind of country next to YMCA Building,

Noon to 1:30 p.m.: Ashley Shannon and D.C. Country – New country and Southern rock next to YMCA Building,

2 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Emily Rose & Buds – Young country and pop next to YMCA Building,

3 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Theopolis and the Soul Factory – Rhythm & Blues next to YMCA Building,

 

Prefestival events Jan. 24 and 25

Kumquat Talks: Roger Swain, champion of the kumquat, will give an informative talk on the history of kumquats in the Dade City area. He will also talk about the different types of kumquats and how they are used. The talks, which are about 15 minutes each, will be at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Kumquat packing house tour: Visitors will learn how kumquats are picked, processed, packaged and shipped. The tours, which last about 15 minutes each, begin at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Kumquat grove tour: This tour takes visitors through a kumquat grove, where they will learn about planting, maintenance and care for kumquat trees for commercial production. The tours, which last about 30 minutes, begin at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

 

How do you eat a kumquat?

—Kumquats taste best when they are gently rolled between the fingers before being eaten. The gentle rolling action releases the essential oils in the rind. Eat kumquats the same way you eat a grape — peel on.

—Kumquats can be candied or on a kabob with fruits, vegetables and meat, such as poultry, duck, pork or lamb.

—Kumquats are also a favorite for jelly, jam, marmalade, salsa or chutney.

 

Kumquat pie, anyone*?

First, you’ll need these things:

—One 9-inch piecrust

—One can of condensed milk

—One 8-ounce container of whipped topping

—2/3 cup of kumquat puree

—1/2 cup of lemon juice

To make the pie, beat condensed milk with whipped topping. Add lemon juice and beat until thickened. Add kumquat puree. Pour in pie shell and chill for several hours. Garnish with kumquats and mint leaves.

*Source: www.Kumquatgrowers.com

 

 

Decision goes against majority opinion

 

By Jeff Odom

 

Automated garbage collection is coming to Hillsborough County beginning Oct. 1.

With the current waste contract ending this year, Hillsborough County commissioners unanimously approved the new system Jan. 10 after months of input from the community.

Customers will continue to receive twice-weekly garbage collection, once-weekly recyclables collection and once-weekly yard waste collection, but the new automatic service will pick up trash with a robotic arm on special trucks. The county estimates that households will save $30 a year in rates and more than $52.7 million total during seven years.

Residents will have to purchase two county-issued carts, one for waste and one for recycling. The cost is $50, but will be paid for across seven years, according to the county.

Waste Management, Republic Services and Waste Services Incorporated will continue to be the county’s waste collectors after each submitted the lowest bid proposal last year.

The decision to opt for automated service, as opposed to the current manual system, did come against the popular opinion. In a poll taken by the county at various public meetings, 62 percent of people favored the old model.

Most of the people who spoke at the Jimmy B. Keel library in November seemed content with the current system and voiced concerns about having trouble hauling larger trash cans, damaged or stolen bins and job loss that could come with going the automated route.

Area resident David Lubin told The Laker/Lutz News he was outspoken in favor of keeping the current manual twice-a-week system because of its quality in yard waste pick-up and the relationship he has with his waste collectors.

While some aren’t pleased with the decision, county administrator Mike Merrill told the board it was the best choice to go with automated.

“This contract will allow us to get to a place we’ve never been before,” Merrill said.

Commissioner Al Higginbotham, who represents District 4, was one of the primary supporters in the automated system.

He said he understands the frustrations of some, but reiterated that it is the best option for residents, and praised the savings being passed along.

Higginbotham added that there will be some reduction in the jobs, but the county plans to transition those workers facing re-assignment within their company or looking somewhere else for a job.

“We’ll have the same type of service and frequency with a twice-a-week pick up and continue with the recycling, but we’re going with automation” Higginbotham said. “We’ve never seen (this) accomplished in Hillsborough County. It’s a proud moment for this board and a proud moment for me as well.”

For more information, visit HillsboroughCounty.org.

 

 

By B.C. Manion

 

Standard Pacific Homes has acquired 675 acres in Wiregrass Ranch and plans to build nearly 1,200 homes.

The homebuilder is planning to build homes in four Wiregrass Ranch neighborhoods, off Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and Chancey Road’s new extension.

The homebuilder will offer 20 all-new architectural designs and is aiming for the move-up market, said Frank Messina, Tampa president for Standard Pacific Homes.

Standard Pacific Homes is planning models that will be in the $300,000 to $600,000 price range, with exterior styles including Italianate, Spanish and European cottage.

While the company hasn’t decided on an official name yet, it is referring to its new development as Standard Pacific Homes’ Wiregrass community. A grand opening is planned for early 2014.

The homes will range from 1,800 square feet to 5,000 square feet and will be built with today’s lifestyles in mind, according to a company release providing project details.

For instance, Messina said, the homes will feature a valet area in a space just off the garage. The room is designed to provide a convenient place for people to charge their telephones, hang their backpacks and store items they buy in bulk.

Another notable feature will be a gourmet kitchen that flows into an expansive great room, an ideal space for entertaining and everyday life. The homes also will introduce an indoor/outdoor living concept, as well as master suites outfitted with spa-like master baths, according to the release.

The homes are designed to allow in plenty of natural light, Messina noted.

The housing development will also boast an upscale amenity center, including a community clubhouse, tennis courts, a lap pool, a lagoon-style pool, a community play field and a walking trail system.

The development will be less than two miles from The Shops at Wiregrass. It also is close to the area’s schools and Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel.

College courses are also expected to be available in the community beginning in January 2014 when Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, a new satellite location of Pasco-Hernando Community College, is scheduled to open.

The community is also close to an area that Pasco County plans to use for either a sports complex, to attract national tournaments, or as a regional park, if the sports complex fails to materialize.

Standard Pacific Homes acquired the land from Sierra Properties.

“We’re very excited about this piece of property,” Messina said. “We consider this property to be the crown jewel in that submarket (of Pasco). It’s very rare that you find a piece of land like this in what we term is an A location where the price of land is moving up.”

Standard Pacific Homes is one of the nation’s largest homebuilders. It has been building homes in the Tampa area since 1989, Messina said. It has built in numerous successful projects in Pasco and Hillsborough counties, including Seven Oaks, Trinity, Wilderness Lakes and the recently opened Cordoba Estates off Livingston Avenue.

For more information about the homebuilder, visit www.standardpacifichomes.com.

 

 

 

 

By B.C. Manion

 

News of a plan to cut down trees in the median on US 41 in Lutz created such a stir that Hillsborough County hit the brakes and arranged a community meeting to discuss the issue.

Scores of trees along US 41 have been marked with orange paint and ribbons, and that piqued the curiosity of some area residents.

When Donald Hassinger, of Cypress Cove, noticed the trees, he called the staff at Hillsborough public works to find out what was going on.

Hassinger said he learned the county planned to chop down some of the trees and to remove the vegetation in the median because the county can’t afford the maintenance.

This isn’t the first time the trees have been threatened.

They were nearly cut down a few years ago, but a private landscaper stepped forward and volunteered to maintain the trees, Hassinger said.

That arrangement has ended, and a Hillsborough staff member told Hassinger that the trees would be cut down on Jan. 14. That was before Hassinger and others questioned the county, which then decided to call a community meeting Jan. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lutz Community Center, 101 First Ave. N.E. in Lutz.

The county’s public works staff will discuss the state-recommended maintenance needs of the trees and will explain what the tree markings mean, according to a county release. County staff will also listen to public comments and answer questions.

Representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Planning Organization have been invited to attend.

For additional information, call (813) 272-5275.

Viable Vapor opens in Wisteria Plaza

Gina and Vince Sankoe have opened Viable Vapor, a retail store selling electronic cigarettes, at 6755 US 41 in Wisteria Plaza.

The couple opened the store after Gina began using electronic cigarettes and became interested in learning more about them. After much research and testing, she chose products that she considered the most effective and satisfying. She then began converting family members to electronic cigarettes and began developing plans to open a retail location.

 

Honorary mayor candidates’ fundraisers

Pam Oakes and Lisa Rogers, who are vying to become the honorary mayor of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, have scheduled fundraisers in their quest to raise the most money for the chamber and for their respective charities.

Oakes has scheduled a Toast of the Town fundraiser between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 22 at the Black Lake Professional Office Park, 5420 US 41 in Land O’ Lakes. The cost is $20 per person, with chamber members enjoying a discounted rate of $10 per person. The event is being hosted by Cooper Financial and Pizza Villa.

Rogers is throwing a Masquerade Party at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 1 at the Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave. in New Port Richey.

Guests are invited to wear their finest evening attire and enjoy a wide assortment of hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, silent auction and best-dressed contest. Tickets are $60 for individuals and $100 per couple. For more information, call Lisa Rogers at (813) 458-9672 or visit www.facebook.com/MasqueradeBallLisaforMayor.

The chamber has used the annual mayor’s race to raise money since 1965, and in an item posted on its website, it notes, “This position can be bought.”

 

Hungry Harry’s to raise money for Oasis

Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que is having a fundraiser for Oasis, a pregnancy center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Feb. 4.

The barbecue restaurant will donate 20 percent of the proceeds from those dining in or taking out meals.

Hungry Harry’s is at 3116 US 41 in Land O’ Lakes.

 

East Pasco Association of Realtors names board

The East Pasco Association of Realtors celebrated its annual installation of board members and awards banquet.

The association’s officers and directors are president Jessica Floyd, president-elect Sue Pearson, past president Greg De La Rue, secretary/treasurer Linda White and directors Chris Shasheen, Roxann Tanner, Corin Hall, Deanna Pelfrey and Patty Hurlburt.

The association also recognized Rhonda Johnson as affiliate of the year and Jessica Floyed as realtor of the year. The association also donated $1,500 to Habitat for Humanity of East Pasco.

 

Small business workshop

Saint Leo University’s Small Business Development Center is offering a workshop called Starting Your Small Business from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 23. The session will be in Room 225 in the university’s Donald R. Tapia School of Business, 33701 SR 52.

The cost is $25. To register online, visit www.sbdctampabay.com/training. For information, call (888) 929-2221.

 

Women-N-Charge to meet

Women-N-Charge is having a networking session and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 1 at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in New Tampa.

Lori Bainumm, director of corporate training at Pasco-Hernando Community College, is the featured speaker.

The cost for the luncheon is $15 online by registering at www.women-n-charge.com by Jan. 29. After that, the cost is $18. For more information, call (813) 600-9848 or email .

 

Women Build gets under way

A crew of women volunteers began building a Habitat for Humanity house on Jan. 11 and Jan. 12 as part of this year’s Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program. The program challenges women to devote at least one day to help eliminate poverty housing and homelessness. This is the fifth Women Build house being built by Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County. Those interested in volunteering, sponsoring or making a donation should call (352) 567-1444, email or visit www.habitatpasco.org.

 

Brett Uravich joins Florida Hospital Zephyrhills

Florida Hospital Zephyrhills has hired Brett Uravich to serve as the hospital’s physician liaison.

In his new role, Uravich will be responsible for building, developing and managing relationships with both independent and employed physicians.

Before joining the hospital, Uravich was regional marketing manager for Advanced Imaging Centers in Leesburg.

 

FGUA approves $49.2 million purchase

The Florida Government Utility Authority (FGUA)’s board has approved spending $49.2 million to purchase most of the water and wastewater systems, currently owned by Aqua Utilities Florida and Crystal River Utilities located in Florida.

As part of the process, FGUA plans to stabilize rates and will continue to improve the quality of service for these customers.

In Pasco County, three water systems and three wastewater systems were purchased as part of the agreement. The Aqua purchase also includes systems in Alachua, Citrus, Hardee, Lake, Lee, Marion, Orange, Polk, Putnam, Seminole and Volusia counties.

The purchase is expected to be finalized in the first quarter of 2013.

 

Taylor Morrison has high expectations for 2013

Taylor Morrison had a good year in 2012 and is expecting an even better year in 2013, according to a company release.

With nearly 20 active new-home communities in the West Florida region, the developer and builder has new projects in the works and expects 2013 to continue in a positive trend.

“We are moving full speed ahead with land purchases, new models and amenity centers, fresh design ideas, and we have added new staff members to support that growth,” Steve Kempton, division president of Taylor Morrison West Florida, said in a release. “Looking back to the boom times and the economic downturn that followed and played such havoc with the housing market in recent years, I am extremely encouraged with our sales numbers this year and am optimistic that more good news is in store in 2013.”

The West Florida division recorded significant successes in 2012. As of Oct. 31, home sales were 23 percent higher than they were in the same period during the previous year. Traffic at sales centers increased by 28 percent and closings were up as well.

Taylor Morrison has developed three new communities of its own in the West Florida region, including Arbor Woods in Wesley Chapel.