Gene Poupard will be turning 100 years old on May 28 and soon will celebrate with his family in Michigan. Meanwhile, his friends in Southport Springs Golf & Country Club in Zephyrhills had a party to mark his milestone. His daughter, Marie, and her husband Paul Weston, also live in Southport Springs and, together with Poupard’s friends, threw him a party, according to Joe Grigelevich, editor of The Southport Sun, a community newsletter. ‘And, what a great celebration it was,’ the editor noted.
Shirley Ann Garrison
79, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2022, at her home in Land O’ Lakes, FL with her husband, John Garrison, of 59 years, by her side. Shirley owned and operated Tender Years Daycare in Land O’Lakes for 30+ years. Family was the most important thing in her life, and she lived for spending time with her grandkids and great- grandkids. Shirley loved rooting for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, her favorite color was blue, and she enjoyed hosting all holidays just to get extra time in with her family.
Shirley is survived by her husband; John, daughters; Laura and Donna Butrick, son; James (Rita) Garrison, six grandchildren; Andrew Garrison, Krysta Rosello, Nikki and Joella Butrick, Austi Dial, and Nina Butrick, and 10 great-grandchildren; James Lewis, Adrian, John, Marion and Dominick Garrison, Brian O. and Jasmyne Butrick, Brian B. Butrick and Remington Jackson.
She is preceded in death by her parents; Glenn and Evelyn Straight, six brothers and sisters; Mary Jo, Wilma Jean, Glenn Jr., Iona Lee, Donnie Lee and Wanda Mae and sons-in-law Rick Butrick and Brian Butrick.
Shirley’s family couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate her life than to have her service on Mother’s Day, May 8, 2022, at Loyless Funeral Home in Land O’ Lakes, FL.
Published May 11, 2022
Ralph ‘Rick” Butrick Jr.
Passed away peacefully on February 24, 2021 at his home in Land O Lakes, Fl, with his wife Laura Butrick, of 36 years, by his side.
Rick loved his family, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was an avid NASCAR fan. Rick had a larger- than-life personality which is why he will be missed by so many.
He is survived by his wife Laura, & his daughter Krysta and son-in-law Miguel Rosello.
Siblings; Barbie (more like a daughter) and husband Gary Thronson, Debbie Fields, Pam Wallace and Curtis Butrick as well as several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Earl and Barbara Dean; mother JoAnne Dean; father, Ralph Butrick and brother Brian Butrick.
Until we meet again – love you forever!
Published on 3/17/21.
New River Branch Library celebrates its revival
Artwork adorned the walls of the main lobby.
A butterfly release was held outdoors.
Speakers addressed the crowd, and people toured the building and grounds, as the New River Branch Library, at 34043 State Road 54, celebrated its rededication.
The $2.8 million project — including design, construction, furnishings, technology and associated expenses — is one of seven library renovation projects being completed through General Obligation bonds approved by voters in 2018.
From the outside, New River’s red brick building, constructed in 1991, looks much the same.
But now, the Discovery Gardens is on the east side of the building, and additional trees and flowering plants on the library’s campus give the property a fresh, new look.
Indoors, the library space is brighter and more open. The update includes new flooring, restrooms, seating and technology.
The space has been reconfigured to provide more opportunities for public use.
There’s a children’s room, a teen room, study rooms, a community room and other spaces designed to meet various needs.
This library is far more than just a place to read and check out books.
It’s a place where adults gather to do chair yoga, crochet or knit; children gather for story time; and, people of all ages garden and take advantage of the library’s many other offerings.
Published May 04, 2022
Ceremony celebrates new Dade City leaders
The Dade City Commission swore in a new mayor, a new mayor pro-tem, a new commissioner and an incumbent, during the commission’s April 26 meeting.
Jim Shive is the city’s new mayor, replacing Camille Hernandez, who retired from elected office. Knute Nathe is the new mayor pro tem. Ann Cosentino will fill the seat vacated by Hernandez, and Scott Black was reelected to another term.
Hernandez was elected in 2006 to a commission seat and served as mayor from 2012 until retiring in 2022.
Commissioners unanimously elected Shive as the city’s mayor and Nathe as the mayor pro tem.
Published May 04, 2022
Residential buildings to get taller in Pasco?
The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval to a change in the county’s land development code that would allow residential buildings to be a maximum of 45 feet, which is 10 feet taller than the code currently allows.
The change is being initiated by the county, based on an action by the Pasco County Commission to direct the planning department to bring forth the modification.
The county board adopted the restated land development code on Oct. 18, 2011, and since then has adopted 54 amendments to the code, according to agenda backup materials for the planning board’s April 24 meeting.
The county board, on July 6, 2021, directed the staff to prepare the modification needed to increase the building height in all residential districts.
Planning Commissioner Peter Hanzel raised a question about potential impacts for firefighters.
Zoning Administrator Denise Hernandez said she would confer with Fire Rescue officials, but noted that commercial buildings can exceed 45 feet.
No one spoke for or against the proposal during the meeting.
Planners recommended approval of the change.
Published May 04, 2022
Enjoying a day out, while raising money for hospice care
Hundreds of people turned out to the Gulfside Hospice Charity Festival of Arts, recently held at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, off Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.
The event, on April 23, raised more than $20,000 to support hospice patient care and bereavement programs at Gulfside Hospice, according to a news release from the organizers.
The festival opened with the presentation of colors by the Pasco Sheriff’s Mounted Posse and a performance of the national anthem by Miss Pasco County’s Outstanding Teen, Larkin Mainwaring.
Guests enjoyed hands-on art stations, purchased art and grabbed a bite to eat from the food trucks.
A talent showcase highlighted all kinds of performers, including dancers, musicians, singers, a comedy act, and more.
Miss Pasco County Anastasia Valimaki performed her signature speed painting talent for the crowd, and held a meet-and-greet with Mainwaring throughout the day.
“We are here to help hospice patients and their families receive hospice care and bereavement services. Gulfside Hospice does not turn any patient away because of an inability to pay, and that’s only possible because of the support we gather from the community,” Carla Armstrong, director of philanthropy, said in the release.
“It’s a day of fun and a day that celebrates the arts, because there’s nothing that celebrates life more than creativity and art,” Armstrong added.
For more information about upcoming events to support Gulfside Hospice, visit Gulfside.org, or contact Leesa Fryer, fundraising & event planning manager, at 727-845-5707 or .
Published May 04, 2022
Grants support photography workshops for vets
The Community Arts Impact Grant supports free photography workshops for veterans.
Breaking Barriers takes place July 8 through Aug. 12, 2022. It will have two formats: a course for beginners and one for advanced for photographers.
No experience is needed for beginners, but the advanced session requires previous photography experience or attendance at a prior Breaking Barriers workshop, according to a news release.
Both workshops are hosted online to increase accessibility.
The only camera that is required is a cellphone camera.
“So, the program was learning the techniques and approaches to taking photography into that same level of a professional photographer, with a cellphone,” Mikko Maki, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and past participants of Breaking Barriers, said in the release.
Registration is now open and will be available until July 1.
Veterans and their families are welcome to join in the workshops.
To register, or for questions or more information, email Amy Allison at .
Published May 04, 2022
NFL ‘rookie class’
AdventHealth announced the newest “GOATs” of the 2022 NFL draft, the AdventHealth Bucs Babies, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This year, the true “GOATs” of cuteness and the tiniest Brady fans are ready to expand the depth of the Bucs Babies roster. All babies born at an AdventHealth hospital in West Florida are considered AdventHealth Bucs Babies and babies born the week of the NFL draft are official members of the “rookie class.”
Dynamic Duo Transforms Wedding Events
From diverse family backgrounds rooted in Vietnam and Puerto Rico, Bich (pronounced Bic) Le and Sandy Baez run Plantation Palms Golf Club’s new, elegant Banquet Center overlooking the golf course.
With over 40 years of combined event planning expertise, the two deliver an unparalleled wedding experience in Plantation Palms’ new venue. By listening to their clients, Le brings their vision to life, and Baez builds and orchestrates every detail to perfection.
After a church in the mountains of North Carolina sponsored Le’s family in 1979, Le’s father, a Vietnamese officer fighting alongside Americans, led his family halfway around the world to Banner Elk, North Carolina. There, they could pursue the American Dream.
For over 20 years, Le’s imaginative style for weddings was developed by running hundreds of events at Sotheby’s International Realty and Ruth’s Chris Steak House. She created memorable experiences that brought the imagination of her clients to life, and as director of sales at Plantation Palms, she brings that knowledge to the table when helping new clientele.
Concurrently, Baez navigated an entrepreneurial path leading to her present position as Plantation Palms banquet manager. Born and raised in Connecticut, her family hails from Puerto Rico. Baez leveraged her highly creative flair and attention to detail as a certified wedding planner and officiant.
“I grew my own wedding planning business, staging every type and size of event, while raising two sons and pursuing my other love of culinary school,” said Baez. While Bich sells the events, Sandy’s services are offered to craft every detail and décor to client’s taste and budget.
The women’s passion and expertise have led to a surge in events at Plantation Palms Golf Club. Built in 2017, the center’s spacious, high-ceilinged banquet room holds up to 200 guests, and boasts sparkling chandeliers and breathtaking sunset views from grand picture windows, and an extensive, covered veranda. From meetings to bar mitzvahs, quinceaneras to weddings, it is a full-service venue of which membership isn’t required.
“We have affordable and customizable wedding packages,” said Le. “We can include everything from champagne toasts and cake cuttings to an onsite event coordinator, to ensure a flawless execution.
Those considering a wedding or other event are invited to meet with Le and Baez for a tour of the venue and to exchange ideas. They value working closely with each bride to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Contact information: Bich Le: 813-996-4653, ext. 158
23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
PlantationPalms.net