The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Hillsborough tax collector collects delinquent toll payments

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Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan has partnered with the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) to provide a convenient way for customers resolve vehicle registration holds due to unpaid tolls.

To reduce red tape, the Hillsborough County Tax Collector will collect payment for the unpaid tolls along with the registration renewal transaction — streamlining the process for customers.

The arrangement allows vehicle owners to pay delinquent toll-by-plate invoices while renewing their vehicle registrations at all Hillsborough County Tax Collector locations, according to a news release.

In the past, the Tax Collector’s Office was forced to turn away customers with a hold on their registration due to unpaid tolls. Customer would have to pay the Expressway Authority first, then come back to the Tax Collector’s Office to renew their registrations.

“My top priority is to provide convenience and exceptional customer service to the taxpayers we serve,” Millan said in the release.

Her office processes close to 1.4 million motor vehicle transactions annually.

The Tax Collector’s Office provides this service at no additional cost to taxpayers.

The office also can collect unpaid tolls and clear vehicle registration holds for the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX).

Published May 25, 2022

Environmental lands committee reappointments

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Pasco County’s Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program purchases environmentally sensitive lands throughout the county, using funds provided through the taxpayer-supported Penny For Pasco program. (File)

Pasco County has an Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program, which has a volunteer committee made up of 11 members.

Five of the board members have at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree in the natural and/or environmental sciences. They make up the scientific subcommittee.

Four other members shall have expertise in at least one of the following fields: real estate, business, or finance. One member shall have expertise in governmental affairs (with an emphasis in funding sources). One member shall be a layperson with interest in the program and the committee.

No more than three members of the volunteer committee may live outside of Pasco County’s boundaries.

The Pasco County Commission on May 17 reappointed these five members to that committee:

  • A one-year reappointment of Patricia Fesmire, an environmental scientist from Tampa Bay Water
  • A two-year reappointment of Joanne Hurley, a retired Pasco County School Board member
  • A three-year reappointment of Eva Bailey, a wetlands scientist and retired professional from Cardno Entrix, with a background in ecological assessments and habitat restoration
  • A three-year reappointment of Clark Hull Jr., principal owner of Clark Hull and Associates LLC, a multi-disciplinary professional association of scientists and engineers serving private and public sector clients in various aspects of environmental permitting
  • A three-year reappointment of Dr. Chris Miller, professor of biology and ecology with specializations in tropical forests and mangrove forests with the School of Arts & Sciences at Saint Leo University.

Published May 25, 2022

Affordable Living At Club Wildwood

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Older adults in central and east Pasco County are discovering the charming manufactured home community of Club Wildwood in Hudson, which boasts affordable homes, first-class amenities and a five-minute drive to the beach.

Club Wildwood is the largest retirement community in north Pasco County, with close to 500 homes. Living in a large community means there is always someone to share things with, including swimming in the resort-style heated pool, taking your pup to the friendly dog park, enjoying crafts and potluck dinners at the clubhouse, and even fishing in a well-stocked lake. Residents are friendly, and welcome newcomers to the community’s many clubs and activities.

There are several resale homes available in Club Wildwood, very affordably priced from $48,500 to $69,900. Most resale homes in the community have been updated with the latest designs and flooring, and are a tremendous value for a single-family home in terms of cost, amenities and location.

For folks moving from Land O’ Lakes, Lutz and Wesley Chapel, living at Club Wildwood costs less than renting an apartment. The community’s monthly lot rental fee is less than $700, and includes trash, landscaping and full use of all recreation facilities.

Club Wildwood’s location on U.S. 19 gives residents quick access to major roadways, shopping and dining, and area attractions. In addition to its Olympic-size heated pool, amenities include a picnic area, shuffleboard courts, a bocce ball court and horseshoe pits. A spacious clubhouse has recently been remodeled, and boasts a fully equipped kitchen and large meeting room, small library, pool tables, fitness room and card tables.

Regular activities include bingo, karaoke, potluck dinners, coffee hours, dart tournaments, happy hours, pancake breakfasts, line dancing and bridge games. During the social distancing requirements of COVID-19, some of these activities have been suspended, but all will be back when it is safe to gather together again.

Outside of the park, many Club Wildwood residents participate in special interest clubs, including bowling and golf leagues, the Red Hat Society, and volunteering at nearby Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point.

The 290-bed hospital, which is less than 10 minutes from Club Wildwood, is the only Level II Trauma Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center in Pasco County, and its renowned Heart Institute provides comprehensive cardiac care and an open-heart surgery program.

Make Club Wildwood your next home by contacting Community Manager Sean Terris for a private tour at 866-799-6707or .

Published May 25, 2022

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Aims to Provide A Sense of Belonging

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For Mental Health Awareness Month, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is focusing on the message: “Together for Mental Health.”

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, a premier master-planned community in Pasco County, supports this message everyday by providing a welcoming community for its residents that supports the creation of meaningful relationships with their neighbors.

“Feeling accepted and welcomed by being a part of a community is where a sense of belonging begins,” says Beat Kahli, president of Avalon Park Group.

Beat Kahli, president and CEO of Avalon Park Group

“A strong social network is one of those things that may not seem important but can make a big difference when life gets hectic. When you know your neighbors, they often become friends that you can relax with and check in on you, in good and challenging times,” Kahli said.

With Avalon Park Wesley Chapel hosting routine events such as its “Movie Under the Stars,” quarterly festivals for the family (the next one is its July 4th festival), and monthly live jazz events, there are so many ways to stay in touch, face-to-face, with your neighbors.

Physical exercise also is another way to maintain good mental health, as it can provide focus, improve self-esteem, and help reduce anxiety and depression.

From taking a swim at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s community swimming pool, shooting hoops at the basketball courts, riding a bike through the trails, or playing with your dog at the community dog park, Avalon Park offers a wide range of ways to stay physically active.

Kahli’s wife, Jill, holds a Ph.D. in Psychology, so Kahli definitely understands the importance of mental health.

Kahli says he and his team continue to look for ways to improve the mental health opportunities for their community by adding programming that will create positive outlets for all needs. He recognizes that not everyone shares/responds to the same type of outlet to help with their mental health.

“This is why we are building Avalon Park to be programmed to provide outlets for all,” says Kahli. “From yoga in the park, youth sports, music and dance performances, art classes, local ministries and more, there will be something for everyone.”

One outlet that the residential community supports is local theater, which is a great way to practice expressing yourself and your emotions.

The residential community has partnered with The Wesley Chapel Theater Group, a group that provides theater for adults. Avalon Park Wesley Chapel allows the theater group to use its welcome center as its temporary home for all of the group’s meetings and rehearsals. The group’s artist director, Rodney Bueno, also is a resident of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel for the past five years.

“It’s definitely nice to bring something that I love to the community I live in,” says Bueno.

Kahli also believes giving back through community services helps with positive mental health.

“There are countless opportunities to give back and help in the community,” says Kahli. “I encourage you to look around to the local schools, nonprofits and service organizations to see where you can help the most.”

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel helps support local nonprofit and service organizations by bringing awareness to them through its monthly advertorial, Avalon Applauds, with The Laker/Lutz News. Featured nonprofits from the past include the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel, The Stano Foundation (an organization dedicated to supporting troops of all branches, both active duty and veterans), and Hope Services (a service organization that seeks to find jobs for people living with disabilities).

(If you know a nonprofit that deserves to be in the spotlight, email your suggestion to ).

Another way Avalon Park supports the message of “Together for Mental Health” is through the community-based nonprofit, ProjecThinkForward. According to its website, ProjecThinkForward is committed to promoting optimal health and wellness by changing the stigma surrounding mental health and connecting those in need with the right resources.

The nonprofit also has a podcast on Spotify called ThinkForward Podcast, where its executive director sits down with therapists to discuss various mental health conditions.

By coming together, the Avalon Park Wesley Chapel community can help all of its members feel a sense of place and belonging, and support a culture of strong mental health through the multiple resources it provides.

Published May 25, 2022

A Guide for Summer Camps in Pasco County 

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Summer break is quickly approaching and organizations throughout Pasco County are offering camps for children of all ages. Looking to enroll your child in fun interactive activities? Check out these local summer camps!

(Courtesy of Cypress Creek Middle School)

Camping at the Creek Summer Basketball Camps
Cypress Creek Middle School is offering “Camping at the Creek 2022” basketball camps, for students entering fifth grade through 10th grade. Students will receive a camp shirt, dribbling and shooting instruction, play games, perform drills, compete in scrimmages, etc. This is a great opportunity for students to learn some basketball fundamentals, make new acquaintances, and sharpen their basketball skills!

Camp times are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Camp dates are: Session I June 6-9; Session II June 13-16; Session III June 20-23. The camp cost is $75 each week. Checks can be made out to CCMS (Cypress Creek Middle School), and either brought into the school office or with campers on their first day of camp. Completed registration forms must be submitted prior to attending and may be emailed to .

Cypress Creek Middle School is at 8845 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel. Click here to access registration form

(Courtesy of Camp Idlewild)

Camp Idlewild
Camp Idlewild of Florida’s program model was developed for children ages 6 to 17 who have the following super-powers: Autism Spectrum Disorders (including Asperger’s Syndrome), Sensory Processing Disorders, Down Syndrome and Developmental Delays. The camp also offers Young Adult Camp (YAC) programs for 18 to 30 year olds, on select dates. Check out the website for more information. 

Camp Idlewild is the perfect venue for small retreats (up to 48), family reunions, birthdays, weddings, showers, and holiday parties, corporate meetings, scouting, camping (five full hookup RV sites), business expos, and much more. They offer affordable all-inclusive packages including lodging, meals, a meeting space, and many outdoor activities including waterfront activities, sports, nature exploration (hikes), and other recreational activities. Your group may be as active as you wish, or take the opportunity to relax and enjoy the peacefulness of being away from the general hustle and bustle of everyday life! Check out the Rates for Group Retreats on the website.

Camp Idlewild of Florida, Inc.
7602 Henry Drive
Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638
813-996-1226
www.campidlewildofflorida.com 

Camp Cost: $650/Day Camp; $800/Overnight
Summer Camp Dates: June 12 through August 5
Weekend Camp Cost: $300
Weekend Camp Dates: TBD 

(Courtesy of Pinot’s Palette)

Pinot’s Palette
Ages 6 to 12 can join Pinot’s Palette’s summer camp, Little Brushes, and spend their time in a fun-filled party atmosphere. Little Brushes fosters a friendly and collaborative environment while giving little artists the opportunity to have a creative outlet. During this camp, Pinot’s Palette will provide everything they would need to bring out their creative spirits. Expect your child to do crafts, paint, and create so much more.

If you’re interested in your child joining Pinot’s Pallete’s Little Brushes summer camp, call 813-428-6590, or email .

 

 

(metrocreativeconnection.com)

Fundamental Minds Education Services
Fundamental Minds Education Services, one of Tampa Bay’s best tutoring services, is offering summer classes from June 20 to July 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are three class topics to choose from: Academic, Spanish, and Coding & Art.

Academic is for K-12 and AP tutoring, Spanish is for elementary and middle school students, and coding & art is for K-12 taught by certified teachers. In-person and virtual classes are available.

Fundamental Minds understands that each student has a unique learning style and study habits, which is why its tutoring services cater to the particular needs and circumstances of each individual. The tutoring company believes in empowering students with the study skills and learning resources they need to excel academically and ignite their passion for learning.

Fundamental Minds’s teachers have a minimum three years of classroom experience and will collaborate with your child’s teacher to better understand their learning needs. Most importantly, the company believes that learning should be FUN, so every session is taught in an engaging manner, with ample opportunities for students to interact with their tutor and/or peers in their groups.

 

Fundamental Minds Education Services
26809 Tanic Drive, Suite 102
Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
813-428-6564
www.fundamentalminds.com

(Courtesy of Steinbrenner High School)

Steinbrenner High School
Come have fun with members from Steinbrenner High School girls’ and boys’ varsity soccer teams at its Youth Soccer Skills & Fundamental Camp! Learn the fundamentals of soccer with specific training on techniques and skills. Campers will be placed in groups, so all of the athletes will be challenged during each skills training and competition.

All playing abilities and positions are welcome. Beginners who are new to the sport and simply want to learn more skills also are invited to join. And, this camp is perfect for experienced players who are looking to keep their skills sharp during their off-season.

Entering ages for the camp are boys and girls 5 to 13. Players are grouped by age and ability. The camp runs from June 27 to June 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost to register is $125 and includes a T-shirt and evaluation feedback form. All campers are expected to bring a bag lunch.

All checks need to be made out to Steinbrenner Athletic Booster Club (SABC), then sent to Steinbrenner High School, Attn: Shannon Aitken. 

Steinbrenner High School
5575 W Lutz Lake Fern Rd
Tampa, FL 33558

 

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An unexpected, welcome visit

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club stopped by to visit the clients of the Lutz Senior Center, to chat and serve breakfast treats. The visit was unexpected, but the seniors enjoyed the camaraderie and hospitality from the women. From left: Beverly Schnabel, Darryln Caudill, Marsha Gibson, Pam Blumenthal, Senior Center Director, Melba Pineiro, Barbara Booth and Linda Mitchell. For more information on this community service organization or membership information, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org, or its Facebook page.

Tax holidays savings are estimated at $1.2 billion

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Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed into law House Bill 7071, which provides more than $1.2 billion in tax relief for Floridians through 10 tax holidays.

The items that will be free from taxes, for a specific period of time, include fuel, diapers, disaster supplies and tools.

In a news release from the governor’s office, DeSantis said, in part: “In Florida, we are going to support our residents and help them afford the goods that they need. Florida has been fiscally responsible, so we are in a good position to provide meaningful relief for families, right now.

Florida will have a monthlong Fuel Tax Holiday in October, as part of a package of tax holidays signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. (File)

The news release also quotes House Speaker Chris Sprowls: “The Florida House’s tax package — the largest middle-class tax relief package in the history of the state — is now the law of the land. A bill like this has never been more needed than it is right now.

“From tools to diapers to books for summer reading, this billion-dollar tax package includes something for every Floridian, and that’s what I’m most proud of.”

Senate President Wilton Simpson offered some remarks, too.

“Florida cannot independently fix or outrun all of the problems leading to the cost increases that are wreaking havoc on families, especially our most vulnerable,” Simpson said.

“However, we are working to ease the pain with broad-based sales tax relief and a monthlong gas tax holiday. This bill supports growing families, Floridians looking to prepare their homes for severe weather, and the blue collar working men and women of our state who are trying their best to get by amid record-high gas prices and inflation that many of us have not seen in our lifetime. We are increasing the length of sales tax holidays for hurricane season and back-to-school, and also creating new short-term and long-term sales tax relief on key items needed by families,” he said.

The 10 tax holidays are:

  • A three-month sales tax holiday for children’s books from May 14 through Aug. 14, providing $3.3 million in tax relief
  • A 14-day Disaster Preparedness sales tax holiday from May 28 through June 10, for supplies such as flashlights, radios, tarps, batteries and fire extinguishers, providing $25.6 million in tax relief
  • A seven-day Freedom Week from July 1 to July 7, providing a sales tax exemption for specified admissions and items related to recreational activities, providing $70.6 million in tax relief
  • A one-year sales tax holiday from July 1 through June 30, 2023, for baby and toddler clothes and shoes, providing $81.5 million in tax relief
  • A one-year sales tax holiday from July 1 through June 30, 2023, for children’s diapers, providing $38.9 million in tax relief
  • A one-year Energy Star Appliances sales tax holiday from July 1 through June 30, 2023, for washing machines, clothes dryers, water heaters, and refrigerators, providing $78.5 million in tax relief.
  • A two-year sales tax holiday from July 1 through June 30, 2024, for impact resistant windows, doors, and garage doors, providing $442.8 million in tax relief
  • A 14-day Back-to-School sales tax holiday from July 25 through Aug. 7, for clothing, shoes, backpacks and school supplies, providing $100 million in tax relief
  • A seven-day Tool Time sales tax holiday from Sept. 3 through Sept. 9, for tools and other home improvement items, providing $12.4 million in tax relief
  • A one-month Fuel Tax Holiday from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31, saving Floridians $200 million by lowering the price of gas by 25.3 cents per gallon

The permanent tax relief provided in the legislation consists of various sales tax exemptions, corporate income tax credit expansions, and ad valorem tax and exemption provisions that will generate an additional $190 million in tax savings over two years and $140 million annually after that.

For additional information about the tax holidays, visit FloridaRevenue.com/SalesTaxHolidays.

Published May 18, 2022

Share your thoughts on Pasco’s long-range plan

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Pasco County is in the process of updating its long-range plan. One issue expected to get considerable discussion is how the county allocates land uses for residential, commercial and industrial development. Currently, seven out of 10 employed Pasco residents travel elsewhere for work. County leaders want to change that. (Mike Camunas)

Pasco County is updating its comprehensive plan, which provides a vision and policies that influence future planning decisions and affects economic development, transportation, parks, natural resources and other aspects of life within the county.

The county has set up a website to invite public participation in the Pasco 2050 plan, which will guide decision-making for the next 25 years, according to a county news release.

The county welcomes members of the public to visit the website, to:

  • Participate in surveys, polls and contests
  • Register to receive updates on the process
  • Stay informed about upcoming public meetings
  • Provide input and feedback throughout the process

Pasco is among Florida’s fastest-growing counties, and this planning process will have significant implications regarding how the county plans for various types of uses, including commercial, residential and industrial.

To begin weighing in on the county’s planning process and to keep abreast of what’s happening, visit Pasco2050.com.

Published May 18, 2022

Seeking photos of your favorite grad

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It doesn’t matter if your favorite graduate is finishing prekindergarten, wrapping up fifth grade, moving up from middle school, or collecting a high school diploma or bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree — we want to help you celebrate, by sharing your favorite grad’s photo.

All we need is a photo of a happy, touching or funny moment from the big day, or party.

Posed photos or spontaneous photos are fine. If you send a group shot, please ID the people in the photo from left to right; also, please send us an individual shot of the graduate, too, to give us a better chance of being able to include the graduate on our photo page, or pages.

Be sure to include the graduate’s first and last name, and the name of the student’s school.

Feel free to include a sentence or two, about your favorite grad.

And include your contact information, so we can reach back, if we have questions.

Every photo submitted will be considered for publication.

Please send your submissions by June 1 to ">.

We plan to publish our graduation photo package on June 8.

Published May 18, 2022

Some pointers for planning graduation parties

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Graduations are extra special this year because finally — after a lengthy pandemic pause — people are gathering again with family and friends to celebrate their favorite graduate’s achievement.

So, are you honoring someone in the Class of 2022 this year?

If so, this column may come in handy.

Here are a few ideas, to help you get your party planning started.

Fruits and vegetables
A selection of fruits and vegetables is a great way to start.

You can arrange them on a tray, or build them into a three-tiered arrangement.

It’s hard to go wrong with fruits, veggies and dips or spreads.

Here’s a thought: Choose colors of your graduate’s school to get in the spirit of things.

(Shout out to my fellow University of Central Florida alumni: Enjoy some pineapple and blackberries.)

How about some candy?
You can make a candy station in jars:

  • Smarties for your smarty pants graduate
  • Ring pops for class rings
  • Sour gummy worms for book worms
  • 100 Grand bars, for those who have big student loans; or, optimistically, for a graduate’s future salary

And, of course, Nerds are another option.

Here’s a smart idea: Create your own edible diplomas
Make edible diplomas by simply tying a school-color ribbon around diploma-shaped food:  cheese sticks, spring rolls, Little Debbie Swiss rolls, sandwich wraps, and so on.

Food stations
A taco bar, a hot dog bar, an ice cream sundae bar, a salad bar, a coffee bar or other various types of food bars or stations go great at a graduation party.

How about a charcuterie board?
These have become increasingly popular charcuterie boards, with their visual appeal and assortment of different textures and colors of various foods.

The University of Arkansas Extension offers these pointers:

Start with four different cheeses: Hard, semi-hard, semi-soft and soft.

Choose three cold cured meats.

Select three types of crackers: Plain, multigrain or whole grain and flavored.

Use fruits to add color to your board. You can do two or three fresh fruits and one dried fruit.

Fill extra spaces on the board with nuts.

For extra saltiness, add in something briny like pickles or olives.

Choose some spreads. It’s good to have a variety, such as jam or honey for a sweet spread and hummus or mustard for a salty spread.

You can focus on a graduation theme

  • For graduates from medical programs: A clear jar full of marshmallows (cotton balls); a glove filled with popcorn (sterile glove); jellybeans or mixed nuts (kidney stones); a piece of cheese on a rectangular cracker (a Band-Aid); Jello shot syringes or plastic needleless syringes (shots).
  • For graduates from law school: Gavel pops (the top half of a marshmallow dipped in chocolate, inserted with a thick pretzel stick.)

Now, without further ado, congratulations to all of you who are hosting graduation parties this year, and good wishes for all of the graduates in the Class of 2022.

By Shari Bresin

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

These no-bake graduation cap cookies are likely to be a big hit for graduates of all ages, and the friends and family who have joined them to celebrate their achievements. (premeditatedleftovers.com )

RECIPE
Here’s a recipe from premidiatedleftover.com for a treat that will work for graduates, at any level.

No-bake graduation cap cookies

Ingredients:

  • 12 Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares
  • 1 box Fudge Covered Oreo Cookies
  • Decorating icing (school colors or grad’s favorite color)
  • 4 ounces milk chocolate morsels

Directions:

  • Melt chocolate morsels in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave on high, stirring every 15 to 20 seconds until melted.
  • Warning: Do not overheat as the chocolate will seize.
  • If the chocolate becomes tough, you can add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening. Do not add water.
  • Dip one side of the Fudge Covered Oreo in the melted chocolate. Immediately press against the branded side of the Ghirardelli Chocolate square
  • For the tassel, pipe a curved line from the middle of each chocolate square to the corner. Add a small dot of icing in the middle, at the beginning of the line.
  • Allow chocolate and icing to set completely, prior to packing or serving.

Published May 18, 2022