Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Patriots lose to Countryside, 17-7

By Kyle LoJacono

Staff Writer

CLEARWATER — Freedom set a school record with seven wins this season, but lost to Countryside in the Class 5A regional quarterfinals, 17-7.

The Patriots (7-3) were unable to complete the upset of the Cougars (10-1), but that does not take away from their historical season.

“We did an excellent job of reaching our first phase of goals this season,” first-year Freedom coach James Harrell said. “We wanted to have a winning season and make the playoffs, and we did that. But the ultimate goal is to win a state title and we, unfortunately, couldn’t do that.”

Harrell knows what a state championship-caliber team looks like. He was the defensive coordinator for four years at Plant, where his teams won two 4A titles.

Despite the year coming to an end, Harrell sees this season as a stepping-stone to something greater.

“This year we were just happy to be here,” Harrell said. “Next year we want to get back here and get some wins. This is just the beginning for us.”

The final score does not indicate how close the game was. The Cougars got on the board with a field goal — the only points of the first half. The Patriots defense kept the Countryside offense in check for most of the first half by forcing a turnover on downs and with the help of a Robert Lohnes interception.

Freedom’s offense had trouble moving to ball most of the game. Quarterback Tyler Guy was sacked six times, but was able to lead his team down the field on a scoring drive that ended in a 30-yard touchdown pass to T.J. Mutcherson.

On Countryside’s next possession, Mutcherson sacked Jimbo Chmelik. The hit forced a fumble that Mutcherson recovered. The Patriots had the momentum to start the second half, but could not put up any more points.

The Patriots defense bent all night long without breaking, but the larger Cougars were finally able to wear them down by the fourth. The final frame started with a 14-yard touchdown run by Terry Johnson that put the Cougars up for good.

Even though his high school career is over, Mutcherson knows the season has helped all the players.

“It was hard to follow coach Harrell’s system in the beginning because it is so tough,” said Mutcherson. “At first I thought this is too hard, but when I saw that it was making us all better I knew it was the right system. Coach Harrell is a great coach and has made us all much better players.”

ARMWOOD 22, SICKLES 9: The team with the most wins in Sickles history came up just short of upsetting Armwood.

The Gryphons (8-3) scored nine straight points to take a fourth-quarter lead, but the Hawks (11-1) came right back with 15 in the final quarter.

The Gryphons were without their starting quarterback, John Melvin Hendrick, who dislocated a growth plate in his left wrist the week before. Backup Scott O’Donoghue had 93 rushing yards in the triple-option offense, while Hillsborough County rushing leader, Cary White, had 71.

Sickles’ only touchdown came on a 29-yard pass from wide receiver Chris Nahat to Brieann Dollard.

CARROLLWOOD DAY PREP 61, FOUNDATION CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 21: Carrollwood Day Prep rebounded from losing its last regular season game by crushing Foundation Christian Academy.

It was a productive but painful game for the Patriots. Darius Bing had 84 rushing yards before breaking his rib. Matt Monteilh had two rushing touchdowns and 122 yards before breaking his foot. Billy Embody had 256 passing yards and three touchdowns, two to Michael Kanter.

On defense, Deuce Gruden had 16 tackles, while Dillon Floyd had three interceptions.

(Glance box.)

Football Playoffs

Countryside 17, Freedom 7

Armwood 22, Sickles 9

Carrollwood Day Prep 61, Foundation Christian Academy 21

Local residents compare their customs to the first Thanksgiving

By Kyle LoJacono

Staff Writer

LAND O’ LAKES — Everyone has different foods traditional to their Thanksgiving table, but a few items are almost universal.

“We have turkeys a bunch of different ways,” said Harry Wright, founder of Hungry Harry’s Bar-B-Que. “We always have some smoked, some fried and some baked. I personally love the smoked ones because there is nothing better than eating a turkey right off the grill.”

Wright, 59, was born in Winter Haven and moved to Land O’ Lakes in 1984. He opened his original restaurant in Land O’ Lakes in 1985, which is located at 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

“Then we’ll have gravy, cranberry sauce, dressing, green bean casserole and pecan pie,” Wright continued. “We like to keep things simple and traditional.”

Suzin Carr, current Lutz Guv’na, said of her traditional Thanksgiving table, “We always have a baked turkey. I always have stuffing, mashed potatoes, homemade cranberry relish and pecan pie too. Those things need to be on the table, but the turkey is the most important thing.”

Turkey is what most seem to think of during Thanksgiving.

“I’m always up for trying something new, but to me, its turkey on Thanksgiving,” Zephyrhills Mayor Cliff McDuffie said. “To me that’s tradition, so that’s what I want each year. Spend time with family and have turkey.”

While most have turkeys on their mind during this holiday, these birds were not the centerpiece of the first Thanksgiving.

Many details are lost to time, but most believe the main course of the first Thanksgiving feast was five deer according to Kathleen Curtin, food historian at the Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts. The Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, the Native Americans in Plymouth, Mass., also ate wild fowl, such as swans, ducks and a few turkeys. The rest of the meal was mainly seafood, including lobsters, oysters, clams, eels, seals and fish. The first Thanksgiving took place in late September or early October of 1621 and lasted three days.

Some people have kept the tradition of serving seafood on Thanksgiving.

“We have oyster dressing each year for my wife, Sherry,” Wright said. “We always have that so maybe it comes from the first Thanksgiving. I couldn’t really say.”

Plants were not a main part of the feast, but dried fruit, corn, chestnuts and gooseberries were on the menu.

“While they did not dine on pumpkin pie, pumpkins were a staple in the diet of Native Americans,” said Betsy Crisp, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent for the Pasco County Extension in Dade City. “It is believed that colonists made the first pumpkin pie by slicing off the top of the pumpkin and scooping out the pulp and seeds. They then added milk, honey and spices and baked in the hot ashes of a fire.”

However, that early pumpkin dish did not start until years after the first Thanksgiving. In fact, the Pilgrims did not have any kind of pie because they had no milking cows and their supply of butter and flour had run out, according to Curtin. The Pilgrims also did not have mashed or sweet potatoes because Europeans believed them to be poisonous until years after 1621. Stuffing poultry also did not start until the 1700s.

“Our Thanksgiving is just like most people with turkey, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce, but I like to think we are keeping the spirit of the Pilgrims in our traditions,” said Jeff Olsen, pastor of Grace Community Church in Wesley Chapel. “My family has a book that talks about the first Thanksgiving and how the Pilgrims put all their faith in God to provide and we do the same. I don’t know if we spend three days feasting like they did, but it is a weekend of celebration for my family.”

When asked if he might have a more original Thanksgiving dinner this year, Wright said, “No way. I have to have my traditional Thanksgiving dinner. That’s what my mom made for me and it is part of what makes Thanksgiving special. It may not be what the Pilgrims had, but it’s the best to me.”

By Gary S. Hatrick

The Laker Correspondent

ZEPHYRHILLS — A slow economy didn’t stop an estimated 20,000 people from coming out, or cars from selling, at the 25th annual Fall Auto Fest at Festival Park in Zephyrhills.

“Everything went very well. We had a record crowd for the November show and overall we were very pleased. In spite of the economy — we grew,” said Mike Sierra, whose family owns Festival Park and the Auto Fest

“We were right at $2.5 million. We had a ’55 Chevy that sold for $78,000, and with the premium it came to $82,680, which is a pretty big number,” Sierra continued.

Before the ailing economy began to curtail consumer spending, Sierra said some cars might have sold for $100,000 or more.

But the car auction industry has adjusted, Sierra said.

“Cars are selling for less money, but they’re selling, and we’re pleased about that,” he said.

With the exception of some drizzling rain on the morning of Nov. 12, the Fall Auto Fest enjoyed good weather, which Sierra accounts for the record crowds on Nov. 13 and 14.

He said he believes the poor economy contributed to this year’s increased gate because people are looking for affordable things to do close to home. Other recent outdoor events, such as the San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival and the Pasco County Bug Jam, also reported record crowds.

Shows like the Fall Auto Fest give a boost to the local economy. Restaurants, hotels and retail establishments enjoy a larger customer base during these events.

Kurth Sombutmai, owner of the Two-Minute Restaurant down the road from Festival Park, confirmed the business increase.

“We are really busy on those days — really busy,” he said.

And it’s not just nearby businesses that benefit.

“We get a little pop on that stuff so there’s definitely a difference,” said Rod Lincoln, of Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q, located on the other side of Zephyrhills.

Georgia Downey, manager of Microtel Inn and Suites, said that room reservations increase during such events as well.

Plans for the Winter Auto Fest on the fourth weekend in February are well underway, Sierra said. Vendors began reserving space at the Fall Auto Fest.

“We’ve been growing through the years and each year we get a little bit bigger and a little bit stronger. We’re going to be there good or bad. I’m just gratified that it was good,” Sierra said.

For more information, visit zephyrhillsauction.com.

By Gary S. Hatrick

The Laker Correspondent

ZEPHYRHILLS — The noise of cannon fire was heard all day long at Zephyrhills High School as Civil War re-enactors demonstrated life in Florida 150 years ago during the Great American Teach-In recently at the school.

Rob Brown, agri-business and natural resources teacher, arranged for the living history lesson. He invited members of the Hardee’s Corps Civil War re-enactors to the Teach-In after he and students with Future Farmers of America participated in some reenactments themselves.

“I was impressed with their (Hardee’s Corps) professionalism and the way they presented themselves,” said Brown. “I wanted to give other students an opportunity to experience what we had seen.”

During the Teach-In, re-enactors displayed and talked about pistols, rifles and other weapons used during the Civil War. The biggest hit amongst students was a 12-pound mountain howitzer cannon, which re-enactors fired at the end of each presentation. Students learned that the howitzer cannon was rolled around the battlefield and shot at close range over the heads of friendly troops, Brown said.

Another popular demonstration was that of Jim McCallister, a Pasco County firefighter from Land O’ Lakes, who cracked a whip as a member of the Cow Cavalry.

Participating alongside the Civil War re-enactors were square dancers in period dresses whom Chorus teacher Louan Gore headed up.

Brown estimated that upwards of 800 students visited the Civil War re-enactments during the Great American Teach-In.

Bob Jackson and sons dedicated to scouting and civil service

By Kyle LoJacono

Staff Writer

LUTZ — Few people are more connected to Lutz than Bob Jackson, who made scouting and law enforcement family traditions.

“I have lived all my life right here,” Jackson said. “I’m third generation on this land.”

Clyde Beagles, a former Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputy and Lutz volunteer firefighter, originally bought the land to build a home and orange grove. Jackson’s mother, Elsie Cooper, who was Beagles’ stepdaughter, inherited the land. Cooper married Jackson’s father, Bob Sr., and the family was raised there.

Jackson, 62, attended the Old Lutz School and Chamberlain High. In between, he was in the first class at Buchanan Middle. Back then, Lutz had two traffic lights: one at US 41 where N. Nebraska and N. Florida avenues meet, the other a flashing yellow at US 41 and Lutz-Lake Fern Road.

Jackson was not only raised in Lutz, but he spent nearly half his life in Boy Scouts of America Troop 12, one of the oldest organizations in Lutz. Troop 12 was founded in 1933, and Jackson joined in 1958.

“I just loved everything about scouting,” Jackson said. “Getting Eagle was never a goal. I just liked scouting and earned the rank as a result. Scouting is a great program. It helps kids become more independent and be more socially adjusted throughout life.”

Jackson was the Senior Patrol Leader, highest leadership position for a scout. He earned his Eagle Award in 1962 at age 15, something most scouts do not achieve until around 17.

Jackson stayed active in the troop until he turned 18 in 1965. Boys can only be scouts until that age and must become adult leaders to stay active in BSA.

Jackson left the troop to pursue a career as a deputy with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. He worked as a detective before spending his last 15 years as the chief firearms instructor and range master. He retired as a sergeant in 2003 after working for 34 years.

During his time in law enforcement, he married Robin and had two sons, Ryan and Reid. Jackson returned to Troop 12 when Ryan, his oldest son, graduated from Cub Scouts and joined the troop in 1994. Reid followed a few years later.

“It told them they had to choose between Scouts and Little League because I knew they wouldn’t have time for both,” Jackson said. “I didn’t tell them they had to choose scouting, but I reminded them scouting is year-round and Little League is only part of the year. I think they made a good choice.”

Both boys followed in their father’s footsteps and became Eagle Scouts. The BSA Handbook says less than two percent of boys who participate in scouting earn that rank, and the Jacksons have three.

“I was much more proud of them earning their Eagles than I was of mine,” Jackson said. “I know how much time it takes to earn just one merit badge, much less all 21 you need for Eagle. I was very proud of both of them when they reached the rank.”

Jackson was an assistant scout master and merit badge councilor for the rifle, shotgun, communications and citizenship of the community, nation and world badges during his sons’ time in the troop. He also helped numerous boys from Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and the surrounding areas with their paths in scouting.

Jackson is chairman of the Board of Directors for Troop 12, which owns the land the troop’s building is on. BSA rules prohibit troops from owning land, so adults like Jackson formed a nonprofit organization that is separate from the troop.

“Bob is a no-nonsense kind of person,” said Don Genovese, former scout master of Troop 12. “But he is still very personable and really just a straight-up and respectable man, and a great role model.”

Ryan, 25, not only followed his father into scouting, but also into law enforcement.

“He actually discouraged me going to the police academy,” Ryan said. “He was never the kind of person that talked about his job.

“At the academy, everyone knew my dad, and I started to hear stories about him that I hadn’t heard before. I wouldn’t say I have more respect for him now, but I realize just what he has done for us and for the county.”

Ryan recently graduated from the academy and is waiting to be hired. He said he went into law enforcement because of what his father and scouting taught him about civil service.

“Law enforcement workers have some of the highest rates of divorce and family problems, but he never brought his work problems home,” Ryan said.

“I am very proud to be his son and of being from this community. Not many can say they are in the same profession as their father and, hopefully, I will be able to protect this community like he did.”

By Anthony V. Masella Jr.

Speical to The Laker/Lutz News

PASCO COUNTY — Following weeks of gathering food at several Pasco County locations in, Republicans 4 Family Values Club leaders Ann and Fred Manno delivered goods to the Volunteer Way CEO Lester Cypher’s food bank warehouse in preparation for Thanksgiving Day.

Volunteer Way is an organization that works all year to serve the needy in Pasco and surrounding counties and will have a Thanksgiving Dinner at noon Nov. 26 at First Assembly of God, 6310 Trouble Creek Road, New Port Richey. The children can enjoy many activities such as clowns, face painting, a moonwalk, and many games.

“We have many homeless, low-income families and people that are out of work that will have no Thanksgiving dinner for their families,” said Cypher. “With the help of many clubs and organizations like Republicans 4 Family Values Club, we hope to make their holiday a little better this year.”

Ann and Fred Manno, who lead Pasco Republicans 4 Family Values Club, put out collection boxes at many government offices and other sites. The nonperishable goods were then delivered to Volunteer Way. The group also donated more than $230 to buy turkeys for the banquet and arranged for supermarkets to give items to the cause. Volunteer Way is still inviting people to the Nov. 26 banquet. For more information, visit www.thevolunteerway.org or call (727) 815-0433. For calls after noon, leave a message with complete name, address, phone number and the number of people you plan to bring to the event.

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Faux ice skating rink added to holiday activities this year

By Ashley Dunn

News Editor

WESLEY CHAPEL — The Shops at Wiregrass is turning its holiday light display into an annual tradition.

The mall opened just before Christmas last year, and hosted the Symphony in Lights during the holidays. On Nov. 21, this glowing show set to the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra will return to Wiregrass’ Center Court. The presentation runs every hour on the hour from 6 to 9 p.m. through Dec. 31.

“It should be fun,” said Chad Doritan, the mall’s marketing director.

Symphony in Lights combines 250,000 LED lights, 1,000 watts of sound, and 10 tons of holiday décor. The lights on giant Christmas trees artfully shine to the music of the TSO via computer programming.

The show was created in Mason, Ohio, when holiday light hobbyist Carson Williams built a light show on his home, set to the music of the TSO. It made its way across the United States via the Internet. It appeared on YouTube and various TV shows. Eventually, it drew the attention of developer Forest City, owner and manager of The Shops at Wiregrass and other centers across the country.

Forest City partnered with Carson and brought in professional designer John Carter from Parker 3-D.com to create commercial-sized, choreographed lighting exhibits set to the music of TSO.

To celebrate the kickoff of this year’s Symphony, The Shops at Wiregrass is hosting the Alan Darcy Group, a band that will perform top 40 hits, jazz and holiday music throughout the night. Darcy, a saxophonist and singer, performed during the mall’s Spring Concert Series as a solo artist earlier this year, Doritan said.

The kickoff event will also feature lighted stilt walkers, magicians, a talking tree, Dickens carolers and more.

“We have even invited a true northerner as our special guest — really, really North,” Doritan said.

Last year’s kickoff drew between 20 and 30,000 people, and more than 33,000 cars came through the mall that day.

“We’re expecting the same this year,” Doritan said.

As the Symphony continues through the holidays, the mall will feature free community entertainment, such as high school bands, dance groups and other music groups.

A new attraction at the mall this holiday season is an ice skating rink, which is made from synthetic ice. It opened last week in front of Cantina Laredo. Special skates are required for this type of ice and can be rented for $8 Monday through Friday and $10 on Saturday and Sunday. The rink is open Mondays through Fridays from noon to 9 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. Hours will be extended as the holidays draw closer.

If you go

What: Symphony in Lights

Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel

When: The Symphony takes place every hour on the hour from 6 to 9 p.m. through Dec. 31. The first lighting will happen at 6 p.m. on Nov. 21. The Alan Darcy Group will begin performing earlier that evening.

Note: An ice skating rink has been added to the holiday festivities this year.

More information: www.theshopsatwiregrass.com

Hunter Morera’s ‘Cinch Wrench’ earns spot on TV show

By Kyle LoJacono

Staff Writer

LAND O’ LAKES — People from across the country showed up for a chance to be a part of the second season of the Discovery network’s show “Pitchmen,” but one local kid stood out.

“One thing they told me was talk is cheap, but you came and did it,” said Hunter Morera, of Land O’ Lakes, about what the competition’s judges thought of his invention.

Hunter said he was a fan of the first season and taped each episode.

Hunter did not hear about the “Pitchmen” search himself, but his mother, Susan, heard about it on the radio and told Hunter to register. Susan lived in Lutz for 37 years before moving to Land O’ Lakes. She’s the owner of Susan’s Mane Tamers, a hair salon in Lutz.

In the first season of “Pitchmen,” Anthony Sullivan and the late Billy Mays, two of the most famous pitchmen in history, showed audiences how they put their sales pitches together to sell products to America. They searched for inventors whose products had great potential.

Hunter’s invention is called the “Cinch Wrench,” which is multiple wrenches that fold down to fit in the palm of a hand together like a pocket knife would.

He was one of six whose inventions and sales pitches won a spot on the show’s next season, which is in production now. Hunter will appear on the show with his invention sometime next year.

“I came up with the idea a couple weeks before I heard about the competition,” Hunter said. “My dad and I were working in the front yard with a tree trimmer with a bolt that needed tightening. So I ran and got a couple of wrenches and of course none of them were the right size.

“I told him I wanted make something so I don’t have to run and find wrenches because I know I’m not the only one who has this problem.”

Hunter and his father, Eddie, spent about five hours putting the invention together.

Anyone can come up with a product, but it takes more than just a good idea to win the competition.

“It’s about the people behind the products, not just the products,” said Anthony Sullivan, “Pitchmen” host.

Hunter took Sullivan’s advice to heart, drawing inspiration for his sales pitch from his reason for inventing the Cinch Wrench. He told the judges that anyone who works with tools could benefit from using his device.

“I thought it had broad appeal because a normal person with tools could use it or a professional contractor could, too. I also told them it was universal because it could be manufactured with metric or American sizes of wrenches…I had to sell it to them and now they’ll sell it to America.”

The initial search for inventors took place Nov. 4 at the Ritz in Ybor, where 176 inventors came to make their pitch. Of those, 11 were chosen to give their sales pitch live on the radio via the MJ Morning Show on 93.3 FLZ. Of those, Hunter was the only teenager.

“They said that before me, the youngest person they had worked with was 17,” said Hunter, who turned 16 on Nov. 14. “Being one of the winners is great. I have the audio on tape of my pitch on the radio that I’ll keep.”

Hunter, who attends Sunlake High, had to miss school on Nov. 4 to be part of the search. He got an interesting note explaining the absence to his teachers.

“Anthony Sullivan and MJ signed a note written by my mother to take to school to prove why I missed school,” Hunter said. “My science teacher couldn’t believe it. She made everyone be quiet and we talked about it for the first 10 minutes of class on (Nov. 5).”

Even though he just won a national competition, Hunter has not gotten a swelled head. One day after being one of the six winners, he was at the Museum of Science and Industry volunteering as he has each Saturday for the last two years. Hunter works different educational stations at MOSI, such as the butterfly garden, “Kids in Charge!” and the earthquake.

Hunter taped the first season of “Pitchmen” on TV, but he said he would probably buy the second season when it becomes available.

“I’ve got to get this one,” he said.

“The Streak” lives on

By Steve Lee

Sports Editor

LAND O’ LAKES — In Pasco County, it is simply known as “The Streak,” which appeared in serious jeopardy as the 2009 prep football season wound down.

Fittingly, Land O’ Lakes’ 12-year county-record playoff run was threatened by a team having its best season in school history. Mitchell, which began 8-0, followed up a loss to three-time district champion Pasco by pushing the Gators to the brink of playoff elimination.

Ultimately, however, Land O’ Lakes joined the Pirates as the two playoff teams from Class 3A, District 7. The Gators survived two late Mitchell scores with touchdowns of their own in a thrilling 21-17 victory to qualify for a 13^th straight postseason.

That loss was devastating for the Mustangs, primarily because it left them on the outside looking in after such a great start. For the Gators, the win rewarded a group of seniors and underclassmen that vowed not to be the ones responsible for the demise of “The Streak.”

Land O’ Lakes and Pasco are among three county teams in this year’s playoffs. They are joined by Hudson, which narrowly topped resurgent Wiregrass Ranch for the last postseason berth.

While teams like Wiregrass Ranch and Sunlake should be commended for turnaround seasons by winning more than once for the first time in their brief histories, it’s time to focus on the postseason. That means predicting just how far Land O’ Lakes, Pasco and Hudson will advance.

Judging by their track record, the Pirates are the best bet to go the furthest. Three-time district champion Pasco was a state semifinalist last season and lost early this year. That defeat, at the hands of South Sumter, made the Pirates hungry for another run at state.

As for Land O’ Lakes, extending “The Streak” was one thing, but winning in the postseason is another. The Gators have not advanced far since back-to-back region finals in 2002 and 2003. New coach Matt Kitchie could stick another feather in his cap with a playoff win or two.

Then there’s Hudson, which boasts the county’s most prolific passer since Drew Weatherford set the North Suncoast passing record before heading off to quarterback Florida State. Zack Wynn, the Cobras’ leader, is a longshot to challenge Weatherford’s mark of 7,657 passing yards.

Don’t bet on it, though. The Cobras are likely to be the first of the three eliminated.

By Ashley Dunn

News Editor

ZEPHYRHILLS — Two more business have signed leases with the Zephyr Commons Shopping Center on Gall Boulevard in Zephyrhills. Pet Supermarket and the UPS Store should both open in January.

Pet Supermarket has leased a 7,800-square-foot space to the right of Publix. The store sells pet supplies and fish.

The UPS Store has leased a 1,500-square-foot space to the right of Pet Supermarket on the end cap.

“We’re really looking forward to having them join us,” said Carol Smiddy, Leasing and Sales Associate for Primerica Group One, which is handling leasing.

Zephyr Commons is located at the north side of Zephyrhills at 7838 Gall Blvd., between Kossik and Pretty Pond roads. It is a combination commercial/retail development.

Publix opened in the shopping plaza on April 2. It’s located in a 54,300-square-foot space.

Primerica handed over an 18,437-square-foot space to office supply store Staples in September. Now, Staples plans to open in February, Smiddy said. It will be located to the left of H&R Block, which signed a lease in August and is on schedule to open by Jan. 1 in a 2,800-square-foot space.

Tijuana Flats also signed a lease in August for a 2,866-square-foot space, however they are a bit behind their originally scheduled opening date in January. Smiddy said the Tex-Mex restaurant should open within the first quarter of next year.

“We have several other leases that are being negotiated,” Smiddy said. “… Things are moving along very well.”