The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Avalon Applauds Brooke Lea

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Congratulations to Brooke Lea, a senior at Zephyrhills High School, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Lea has lived in Zephyrhills for her entire life and loves the close-knit community that she’s grown up in. Her mother, Missy, has been volunteering in the local community since she was 13 and instilled the same mindset into Brooke and her two sisters, Brittani and Bryann. For years now the three girls have been volunteering at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village where they work the concession stands, set up games, and help out at a lot of other events put on by the museum.

“I think giving back and helping local nonprofits in an effort to grow our community, businesses, and children’s programs is important,” says Lea.

Brooke Lea

“Brooke always jumps in wherever she is needed…. She is an awesome team member, but even as a teenager she is a clear leader and a great example,” says Stephanie Black, executive director for the Pioneer Florida Museum.

“I am grateful for this young woman and all she does for our community.”

Right now, Lea works at Pet Supplies Plus, a pet supply retail store   in Zephyrhills that recently praised her efforts on social media:

“All year long we ask for donations to go to local shelters and today Brooke did an amazing job. She got over a 100 donations in the first 3 hours of her shift. Way to go Brooke and thank you to all the neighbors that said yes to her today.”

Other foundations she has volunteered for include The Thomas Promise Foundation, The Dade City Chamber of Commerce Car Show, A Salute for our Soldiers Backpack Drive, Little Everglades Ranch Mud Run, and much more.

When asked what the most rewarding part is about being an active community member, Lea says, “It’s fun being involved with so many different organizations and it is an even better feeling knowing you were able to do your part in giving back and helping others.”

Brooke also plays softball while she’s finishing up her senior year of high school.

“I love softball! Learning the game and competing is so much fun, especially when you love the people around you. Win or lose, I always do my best,” says Lea.

After she graduates, Lea plans on attending the University of Central Florida where she wants to work for child protective services or become a game warden.

Published November 10, 2021

Skateboarders show off skills at Land O’ Lakes competition

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Seven-year-old Jalen Diaz, of Tampa, watches skaters as they demonstrate their skills during the Skate Jam at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex. The young competitor said he’s been skateboarding for two years. His father, disc jockey Dondy Telesford, of Tampa, provided music for the event. (Fred Bellet)

Skaters took to their boards at a course at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex recently to test their skills against other enthusiasts.

They had three minutes to demonstrate what they could do and they were judged on the difficulty of their run, as well as variety, style and execution.

Fifteen skaters competed in four divisions, split up by ages 6 to 8; 9 to 12; 13 to 17; and 18 and older.

The Trick or Treat Skate Jam was presented by LANDO Skateboard and the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, at 3032 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes.

Skaters paid $25 to participate, which included a free T-shirt.

Entertainment was provided by DJ Dondy!

Skaters came from Tampa, New Port Richey, Land O’ Lakes and Dade City. There was even one skater there from Wildwood, New Jersey, He was visiting a friend who lives in the region.

Published November 10, 2021

Gage Warner, of New Port Richey, positions his skateboard at the top of the starting ramp, as he prepares to start his three-minute run on the skateboard course.
Organizer and judge Greg Mark, of Land O’ Lakes, and fellow judge Tony Grzanowski, of Tampa, work on the judging cards.
In the older division, Skate Jam winner Tyler Radford, center, is flanked by second-place winner Gage Warner, left, and Erik Thielbar, third place. Besides certificates, the winners received prizes from Dairy Queen and other local businesses.
Organizer Greg Mark, top/center, stands with the winners in the youth division, 7-year-old Jalen Diaz, of Tampa, bottom/left, who won second place and 8-year-old Jude Crerand, of Dade City, who won first place.

On his way to a winning position in the age 18 and older division, Gage Warner speeds down the starting ramp, as he races against the clock during his three minutes on the skateboard course.

Erik Thiebar, of Land O’ Lakes, finds himself shadow-dancing, as he makes is way to the top of the ramp.
Competitors watch as eventual winner 32-year-old Tyler Radford, of Tampa, prepares to finish the course. Erik Thiebar, center, of Land O’ Lakes, records Radford’s skateboarding excellence from the top of the ramp.
Mitch Chaput prepares to start his three-minute run on the skateboard ramps and rails during the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex’s first Trick or Treat Skate Jam. The event, which is planned to be held annually, featured 15 contestants, ranging from 6 to over 18, competing for prizes. Chaput, who lives in Wildwood, New Jersey, was visiting friend and fellow skateboarder Gage Warner, of New Port Richey, who also took part.
Competing in the age 6 through 8 division, 8-year-old Jude Crerand, of Dade City, gets set to take on the skateboard course.
Tyler Radford, 32, of Tampa, is on his way to winning the first-place award, as he glides across a tabletop and drops down on his skateboard to complete the run.

 

Showing off their cars, to help Big Brothers Big Sisters

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Skeleton mechanics work on Melinda Crosby’s 2020 California Special Mustang GT Premium. The mechanics were working their fingers to the bone for this Wild Stallions Mustang Club member. (Fred Bellet)

Some 150 custom Mustangs and other Ford models took part in the inaugural Bay Area Mustangs’ (BAM!) Mustang Madness, at Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel, at 28739 State Road 54.

Although billed as a Mustang Madness event, all models of Ford vehicles were welcome.

Besides the car show, there was a silent auction, costume contest, cash prizes, raffles and 50/50 chances. Trophies were awarded for best dressed cars, people’s choice, sponsor’s choice, charity’s choice and participation awards, as well.

The event benefited Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.

Bay Area Mustangs is a club that promotes the restoration, preservation and enjoyment of the Ford Mustang in the Tampa Bay region.

The club gathers monthly on the first Thursday around 6 p.m., at Ford’s Garage, a restaurant at 25526 Sierra Center Blvd., in the Cypress Creek Town Center, off State Road 54/State Road 56.

For a complete schedule of the club’s events, visit BayAreaMustangs.com.

Published November 10, 2021

During the ladies’ Halloween costume contest, master of ceremony, Frank Morales, left, dressed as a quack doctor. He draws a response from those watching, as he kids around with Darlene Esposito, of Lutz, who said she was dressed as The Slayer.
Customized and haunted, Lou McCarty’s 2018 Mustang has all sorts of eerie decorations, as it sits on display at the Bay Area Mustangs’ Mustangs Madness event. His Mustang GT has a 5.0 engine with a 10-speed automatic and a high performance package. Tara Cunningham, of St. Petersburg, back/left, sat with her husband, Scott, obscured, and their 2007 Mustang.
Bay Area Mustangs’ Howie Taylor’s 2020 Mustang has a high-performance package in the 4-cylinder turbo engine. Taylor says it kicks out 400 hp. Although the car is orange all year-round, Taylor added the pumpkin face decals to his doors to suit the season.
Rodney Ford, of Plant City, looks in on the driver of his 2019 Mustang GT 5.0 liter engine. Ford, a member of the Wild Stallions Club, has had his car for three years. It was dressed up for the Bay Area Mustang Madness Car Show, at Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel.

You can help brighten the holidays for others

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Some of the volunteers for the 2020 Thanksgiving event, front row, from left: Richelle Green, Amy Vanness and Mark Giannone. Back row, from left: Joe Justice and Larry Giannone. (Courtesy of Lisa Kamps)

Metropolitan Ministries is opening its donation tent at Keystone Community Church, at 21010 State Road 54, in Lutz, beginning this weekend, to help others at the holidays.

The tent will be accepting nonperishable food, frozen turkeys, and gift cards, for Thanksgiving, on Nov. 12 through Nov. 14 and again on Nov. 19 through Nov. 23.

The tent will reopen for Christmas donations on Dec. 10 through Dec. 12 and from Dec. 17 through Dec. 23.

The hours for the collection dates are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on weekdays, and noon to 3 p.m., on Sundays.

On Thanksgiving Day, which is Nov. 25 this year, a free take-out meal will be provided for those in need, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meals will be carry-out and must be picked up at the church.

The efforts are sponsored by KCC Second Serving, Metropolitan Ministries and the Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes.

Published November 10, 2021

Remand on Lutz Rezoning set for Dec. 13

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A Hillsborough County zoning hearing officer is scheduled to listen to more testimony on Dec. 13, regarding a request to allow a 7-Eleven, gasoline pumps and car wash on U.S. 41, north of Sunset Lane.

The Hillsborough County Commission voted 4-3 to send the request back for further review.

Commissioners favoring the remand are interested in hearing additional information from the county’s environmental staff regarding whether the planned septic system at the development would be capable of handling the discharge from a carwash.

Commissioners raising those questions noted that the area has lakes, private wells and sensitive wetlands.

Commissioner Mariella Smith also noted that the remand hearing should be open for testimony exploring other issues, too, such as light pollution and compatibility.

The request, by RKM and 7-Eleven, has drawn both support and opposition. A hearing had been set for Nov. 15, but county staff called for the delay until December.

The zoning request will be considered on Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. In-person and remote hybrid Zoning Hearing Master meetings take place at Robert W. Saunders Sr. Public Library, in the Ada T. Payne Community Room, at 1505 N. Nebraska Ave., in downtown Tampa.

Revised Nov. 12, 2021

Zephyrhills festival celebrates fall

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Zachary Balogh, right, and his brother, drummer Caleb Balogh, left, make up the duo, ‘Kid Ambient Arcade.’ They played for a crowd at the Main Street stage at the Zephyrhills Harvest Festival. (Fred Bellet)

Throwing foam and Velcro hatchets, tossing bean bags, listening to music and enjoying refreshments were just some options available at the Zephyrhills Harvest Festival held on Oct. 23 in the East Pasco’s city downtown.

Three year-old Noah Sykes, of Wesley Chapel, dressed in a Chase Paw Patrol costume, seemed to get a kick out of an attraction that had festival-goers throwing foam and Velcro hatchets.

He accompanied his 4-year-old brother, Jayden Sykes, and their dad, Jason Sykes, the festivities.

Oscar Ramirez, of Wesley Chapel, was there, too, and he went home carrying a ukulele he bought from Giorgio Castaldi, of Lutz, one of festival’s many vendors.

Ramirez was with 4-year-old Valentino Neris, 14-year-old  Dereck Neris and 13-year-old Oscar Neris.

Numerous churches also were represented at the festival, which drew people from a wide variety of places, including Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Lakeland, Zephyrhills, Odessa and Plant City.

Published November 03, 2021

A harvested pumpkin was among the seasonal decorations at the Church of The Nazarene booth, one of many churches represented at the Zephyrhills Harvest Festival. Grace Smith, top/right and her daughter, Bethany Smith, make their way down Main Street perusing booths.
Lining up some of his inventory of guitars is Giorgio Castaldi and his wife, Jackie Castaldi, of the Spanish Guitar Shop in Lutz. They brought a number of special guitars to the festival.
Five-year-old Alivia Parker, of Zephyrhills, is delighted with the balloon poodle made for her by Jan Monroe, a member of the Ladies Oriental Shrine.
Carolyn Krug, of Zephyrhills, shows off one of the many lighted glass blocks she crafted and filled with a string of LED lights, that are powered by a small battery.
Under the ‘Scentsy’ tent, stacks of scented wax await buyers, and 8-month-old Rasberri Harper keeps herself busy as her mother April Harper, her grandmother Virginia Anderson, and her aunt Ruth Clark serve customers.
Having their snapshot taken by Samantha Harmeson at the Zephyrhills Harvest Festival are Rosa, right, and Luz Trevino, of Zephyrhills. People who had their picture taken will find the photo in the email addresses they provided.
Lauren Masters, 3, of Plant City, sits on the lap of her great-grandmother, Lori Gay, as they make their way on Gay’s motorized chair, along booths situated on Main Street.
Three year-old Noah Sykes, of Wesley Chapel, dressed in a Chase Paw Patrol costume, admires the one (out of five) foam and Velcro hatchets that stuck to the target. He was at the Zephyrhills Harvest Festival with his 4-year-old brother, Jayden Sykes, and their dad, Jason Sykes.
Pete White, of Odessa, sits behind a sea of seasonal centerpieces on the table at Gigi’s Gifts, at the Zephyrhills Harvest Festival. White’s daughter, Gini Ruggiero, of Wesley Chapel, makes the home decor by hand.
Oscar Ramirez, of Wesley Chapel, carries a ukulele he bought from renown guitar-maker Giorgio Castaldi, of Lutz, one of many vendors at the harvest festival. Ramirez was with 4-year-old Valentino Neris, lower/center, and 14-year-old Dereck Neris, back/left, and 13-year-old Oscar Neris.
Barbara Stetson, of Zephyrhills, sets out a basket of Halloween candy under the tent of Marcie L. Baker, a Zephyrhills attorney — who also happens to be her daughter.

St. Leo commissioner recognized for 20 years of service

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From left, St. Leo Mayor Richard Christmas, St. Leo Commissioner Donna DeWitt, O.S.B., and St. Leo Mayor Pro Tem James Hallett, O.S.B. Each have been recognized with the Florida League of Cities’ Mayor John Land Years of Service Award, for at least 20 years of service to the Town of St. Leo. (Courtesy of Andrea Calvert)

St. Leo Mayor Pro Tem James Hallett, O.S.B., has been recognized by the Florida League of Cities for 20 years of service with the Town of St. Leo.

Florida League of Cities ambassador Eryn Russell presented Hallett with the organization’s Mayor John Land Years of Service Award, during an Oct. 11 St. Leo Town Commission meeting.

Named in honor of longtime Apopka Mayor John Land who served his city for more than 60 years, the award honors elected municipal officials for their extensive years of dedicated public service.

The award is presented to elected officials who have served for 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 or 50 years.

Elected officials are presented with a resolution and lapel pin recognizing their years of service.

Hallett marks the third currently serving St. Leo Commissioner to receive the award. Mayor Richard Christmas and Commissioner Donna DeWitt, O.S.B. were recipients in 2017, respectively.

Published November 03, 2021

Youths get a chance to learn about farm safety

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Youths gathered recently to learn more about farm safety, in a special Youth Farm Safety Day on Oct. 18, organized by the Pasco County CattleWomen’s Association. (Courtesy of Casie Holloway)

The Pasco County CattleWomen’s Association organized a Youth Farm Safety Day on Oct. 18, to gives youths a chance to learn about various aspects of farm safety.

Ninety-five youths from across Pasco County who are actively engaged in agricultural operations had a chance to learn more about safety relating to eight specific areas: animals, hand tools, wild animals, knives and machetes, tractors, lawn equipment, all-terrain vehicles and personal protection, according to Casie Holloway, president of the Pasco Cattlewomen’s Association.

Holloway provided information to The Laker/Lutz News regarding the CattleWomen’s special day.

Participating youths are involved in agricultural pursuits in a variety of ways, including FFA, 4-H, or by living on a farm or a ranch, according to Holloway’s submission.

The event was held at Bird Island Lake Ranch, in Dade City.

The Pasco County CattleWomen’s Association is grateful for supporters who made the event possible, Holloway noted.

The sponsors were Famous Tate Appliances; Pasco County Farm Bureau; Pasco County Cattlemen’s Association; Lowman Law Firm; Florida Wildlife Commission; and Everglades Tractor, in Odessa.

Published November 03, 2021

A large group of young people gathered recently to learn farm safety relating to several specific topics. The special day was organized by the Pasco County CattleWomen’s Association and was supported by a number of sponsors.

Internet outages are disrupting learning, union leader says

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The president of the United School Employees of Pasco (USEP) is calling upon the school district’s leadership to resolve internet outages.

“We’ve also been receiving numerous calls and emails regarding the district internet failures. Outages, many for long periods of time — sometimes daily — are occurring at schools, which have interfered with lesson delivery, data reporting and the printing of much-needed educational materials,” Don Peace, president of the union, told the Pasco County School Board at its Oct. 19 meeting.

“We have heard of a problem with the current provider and urge the district to make quick work of a solution, even if it means selecting a different provider,” Peace said.

“Internet disruptions do negatively impact learning in the classroom,” he added.

He also reiterated the need to reduce the amount of time teachers spend on data entry.

“As I’ve stated previously, USEP feels it is incumbent on district staff to look at ways to eliminate redundancy and paperwork — OK, data input — for our teachers.

“Where we can combine state and district mandates, we should.

“Teachers need not be clerical workers.

“We do understand the need for supportive data,” he said.

However, he added, “teachers are primarily tasked with delivering instruction to their students and that’s where the bulk of their time should be spent.”

Peace also touched on negotiations.

“Many significant decisions will be made in the upcoming weeks, including economic improvements,” he said. “USEP and district staff must be able to work together for the benefit of all.”

Published November 03, 2021

Pay early and save on taxes

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The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office is reminding taxpayers to pay property taxes early to receive early payment discounts.

Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan’s office issued a news release to remind property owners that discounts are available, when taxes are paid early.

Property tax notices were scheduled to be sent out on Nov. 1, according to the office.

“We encourage Hillsborough County property owners to take advantage of both the online payment options and early payment discounts,” Millan said, in the release.

“The earlier customers pay, the better the discount. If you pay by Nov. 30, you receive a 4% discount,” the release says.

It also notes that customers don’t have to visit an office to make payments. They can pay online and there are alternative payment options available.

If taxpayers choose to visit a branch to make a property tax payment, they will need to visit HillsTax.org, and click on ‘Save Your Spot In Line.’

Hillsborough County has over 560,000 parcels of property totaling about $2.4 billion in revenue for the 2021 tax season, according to the release.

Published November 03, 2021