Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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.”

By Kyle LoJacono

Staff Writer

LAND O’ LAKES — While the Boy Scouts of America Handbook states only two percent of all boys involved in scouting reach the rank of Eagle Scout, Troop 33 in Land O’ Lakes defies convention.

“We didn’t all plan to become Eagle Scouts,” said Eagle Scout Kyle Stottlemyer. “I know I just was having fun with my friends camping and doing other scout activities. It’s really cool that we’ve all done it though because it takes a long time to become an Eagle Scout.”

Kyle lives in Land O’ Lakes and has been home schooled since the third grade.

Five boys in the troop have earned the rank since 2008. They include: Adam Jones, of Land O’ Lakes; Greg Landry, of Dade City; Alex Davis, of New Tampa; Kai Gose, of Spring Hill; and Kyle. All of the boys are members of the Panther Patrol. BSA troops are broken into patrols of between five and 10 scouts.

“I wouldn’t say that we go around telling the boys they have to get Eagle or putting pressure on them to reach the rank,” said John Russell, Troop 33 Scout Master. “We give them the tools they need, and our district, the Allohak District, has merit badge classes and other resources to help the kids.”

The Allohak District comprises all Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troops east of the Suncoast Parkway in Pasco County. It is part of the Gulf Ridge Council, which covers all of Pasco, Hillsborough, Hernando, Sumter, Citrus, Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties.

Troop 33 meets each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, located at 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes. The troop has scouts from Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, New Tampa and Dade City.

Russell has been Scout Master for Troop 33 since 2005. His oldest son, Chris, earned his Eagle Award in 2006, and his second son, Tim, is a Life scout.

“It goes in cycles with kids getting Eagle,” Russell said. “These boys will all be graduating from high school this year, so it was their time to get the rank if they were going to. They just overachieved as a group. It’s all because they’re great kids with strong families that have supported them.”

Boys must earn their Eagle Awards before turning 18.

There are seven ranks in BSA that include, from lowest rank to highest: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second class, First class, Star, Life and Eagle Scout. Each of the ranks has a series of requirements that must be completed to move up. There are 86 total requirements listed in the current BSA handbook.

One major requirement is earning merit badges, which requires more than most would think. An Eagle Scout must earn at least 21 badges, 12 of which are required. Each badge also has a series of requirements needed to earn it.

For example, the camping merit badge, one of the required badges for Eagle Scouts, has 10 requirements. One is to spend 20 days and nights camping at BSA campouts in tents the scout helped pitch.

The biggest step toward earning the award is the Eagle Scout project, during which the scout has to plan, develop and execute a service project for a religious or community organization or a school. There is no set amount of hours required to complete the project, but most take more than 100 hours.

“For my project I put in physical fitness stations for (San) Antonio Elementary,” Greg said. “We put in pull-up bars, balance beam, hand walk and a sit-up bench.”

Landry moved to Dade City three years ago and decided to make the weekly journey to Land O’ Lakes to stay with the troop he grew up in.

All the time put into scouting has made a lasting impression on the Panther Patrol Eagle Scouts.

“I use the things I learned in scouting every day,” Alex said. “It has been such a big part of my life. I’m hoping to get into (the University of) Florida and my entrance essay was all about scouting…It’s a great program for any kid to get into, even if they don’t make it to Eagle Scout.”

Each of the Eagle Scouts echoed Alex’s opinion on scouting, and also thanked their parents and Russell.

“They’ve all put in numerous hours to help me become an Eagle Sco

Organizers aim for $100,000

By Steve Lee

Sports Editor

ZEPHYRHILLS — The race is on to surpass last year’s charitable fund-raiser by the David Reutimann Foundation.

And why not, since proceeds from the renowned auto racer’s annual golf tournament and silent auction have increased each year.

The fifth annual David Reutimann Charity Golf tournament is Nov. 27. As always, the golf outing, as well as a silent auction and cookout the night before, will be hosted by Silverado Golf & Country Club in Zephyrhills.

Organizers are aiming to raise $100,000 for local charities, which would top last year’s total by about $20,000.

“It’s really grown,” said Brantley Smith, Silverado’s owner and one of the initial organizers of the event. “There are a lot of race fans around here.

“David’s certainly the draw for it. He’s a very down-to-earth young man. We’re all so proud of him.”

Reutimann, who won his first NASCAR race this year, gladly lent his name and support to the fund-raiser when requested by Smith in 2005.

“I’ve always been extremely proud of where I’m from,” said Reutimann, who grew up in Zephyrhills and followed a family tradition of auto racing. “It’s special to come back each year to hold an event like this that gives back to our community and those in need.”

Unlike years past, in which proceeds were donated to All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, organizers are targeting several local groups this year: The Pasco School District, Women’s Pregnancy Center in Zephyrhills and Camp Boggy Creek, a central Florida camp for children with life-threatening or chronic illnesses.

“He’s trying to diversify it a little bit to some of the organizations that don’t receive a lot,” said Shawn Wenkman, Silverado’s golf pro and event manager.

Shawn Reutimann, David’s cousin who serves as the racing team’s spotter when not managing the body shop at Buddy Foster Chevrolet, has been in on the organizing end since the fund-raiser’s inception.

“We really get after it,” Shawn Reutimann said.

As always, the field for the golf tourney is filling fast.

“It has filled up every year we’ve had it. It really gives me a good feeling,” said Smith, who after building Silverado in 1987 sold it in 1990 before buying it back with his wife, Susan.

Tee time for the Nov. 28 golf tourney is 9 a.m. and costs are $150 per person or $600 for a team.

The cookout and silent auction begin at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 27. Reutimann’s 00 Toyota will be among several race cars on display, and there will be plenty of memorabilia available. That includes donated items from Tampa Bay area professional sports teams — the Buccaneers, Lightning and Rays.

Additionally, the Nashville Express will entertain the crowd with country music. Cost for the cookout and silent auction is $20. Children under 12 will be admitted free. For more details, call (813) 788-1225.

By Gary S. Hatrick

The Laker Correspondent

ZEPHYRHILLS — Few Pasco students can boast that their senior project touches the lives of hundreds of people. But Charlie Daniels certainly can.

In October, the senior at Zephyrhills High’s Heath Career Academy headed up a blood drive that resulted in almost 200 students and teachers donating 191 pints of blood to BloodNet USA.

And since one pint of blood can save up to three lives, one can conclude that Daniels’ senior project will help up to 600 people.

And that’s not a bad way to launch a medical career. Daniels’ career goal is to be a registered nurse, and then use that education and experience to become a doctor. His dream is to be a general practitioner and return to Zephyrhills to set up his practice.

Daniels originally planned to conduct the blood drive by himself, but after learning of liability and insurance issues, he arranged to piggyback his senior project with a BloodNet USA drive already planned at the school.

Daniels supervised the drive and bridged the gap between BloodNet operations and students. His involvement recruited many more student donators than BloodNet ever anticipated.

“I really like phlebotomy and coordinating a blood drive sort of goes with it,” said Daniels. A phlebotomist is a medical professional trained to draw blood.

When Daniels graduates this spring from the Heath Career Academy as a certified nursing assistant, he will be on his way to reaching his goals.

By Kyle LoJacono

Staff Writer

LUTZ — Britten Dental, located at 213 Crystal Grove Blvd. in Lutz, raised more than 200 pounds of Halloween candy during its Combat Candy program.

“It was even better than we anticipated, and we can’t thank the community enough,” said Dr. Nick Britten, Doctor of Dental Medicine.

Nick works with his father, Leonard, Doctor of Dental Surgery, who started Britten dental in Lutz some 20 years ago. Nick’s twin brother, Todd, received his D.M.D. from the University of Florida with Nick in May, and their older brother, Matt, received a master’s of International Business degree from UF also.

The Combat Candy program ran from Nov. 2 to 6, and Britten Dental planned on paying people $1 for every pound of Halloween candy they donated. However, the community changed things up for the practice.

“Everyone was very kind,” Britten said. “Almost everyone told us to keep the money and use it for postage to ship the candy to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have such a great community here.”

Britten said people from Carrollwood, Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and even further came to donate candy. All the candy was given to the Lutz Patriots to send to the troops with their normal care packages.

“We knew Britten Dental was going to be dropping off the candy they collected at our flag waving, but we didn’t know how much,” said Judy McCray, Lutz Patriots member. “Then when they showed up with 200 pounds, we were like ‘whoa.’ They helped us load it onto a truck and even donated a $100 check to help us ship the packages to the troops.”

McCray said the Lutz Patriots plan to ship about 12, 60-pound boxes to the troops, and the Combat Candy will go a long way to help them fill those boxes at their packing party on Nov. 21. The packing party was originally planned for Nov. 14, but it had to be moved to the following weekend.

McCray also said the Patriots are looking to donate as much of their materials to local troops overseas as possible. But to do so, they need the soldier’s families from the area to tell them where they are stationed. To inform the patriots where local soldiers are, e-mail them at .

Britten Dental had a couple kids who went above and beyond all others. Taylor and Tanner Armstrong, who attend Academy at the Lakes in Land O’ Lakes, gathered 100 pounds of candy from kids at the academy and donated it to the practice on Nov. 6.

So much candy all at once was even too tempting for a dentist.

When asked if he ate any candy, Britten said, “Guilty as charged. I ate one piece of Laughy Taffy, but I did brush my teeth and floss after.”