The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Saint Leo partners with SL Benfica for U.S. Soccer Academy

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Saint Leo University will be the site of the first Benfica Residential Academy in the United States, starting in fall 2025. The academy, established by the internationally renowned Portuguese soccer club SL Benfica, will offer a coeducational program for talented high school student-athletes (grades nine to 12), according to a news release. Students will be recruited globally, including from the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Ghana, Italy, Japan, Nigeria and Portugal.

The academy will utilize Saint Leo’s campus facilities and collaborate with Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School for academic instruction. SL Benfica will begin recruitment in August 2024, with the inaugural class starting in 2025.

For more information, including registration, visit BenficaResidentialAcademy.com, email , or call 888-423-6342.

Six Bulls competing in Paris 2024 Olympics

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The University of South Florida (USF) has sent six athletes to the Paris 2024 Olympics, the highest number from any school in the American Athletic Conference, according to a news release. The Olympians include current student-athletes Zahria Allers-Liburd and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu, and former Bulls Katie Kitching, Bethy Munuga, Evelyn Viens and Romaine Beckford.

For the latest information on the athletes, visit USF Athletics on X at @USFAthletics or visit Facebook.com/USFAthletics.

(Courtesy of University of South Florida)

Youth angler breaks multiple state records

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(Courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

During a spring break trip to Florida, young angler Krieger Brasseale set five new youth Florida Saltwater Fishing Records, according to a news release. Brasseale, who previously held the All Tackle Record for white grunt, achieved new records for weight and length in various categories, including sheepshead, Spanish mackerel, spotted seatrout, red drum and snook. Brasseale will receive certificates and a custom metal sculpture for his achievements. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages others to pursue records and follow best fish handling practices. For more information on fish handling, visit MyFWC.com/FishHandling.

Happy Tunes Music closes after 33 years

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(Google Maps)

July 31 was an unhappy day for Happy Tunes.

That was the date the business that had been located in Turtle Lakes Plaza for 33 years closed its doors for the last time.

Three things caused Happy Tunes Music to have to close, according to Marcia Jones who has owned and operated the business with her husband Donald since 1991.

First, there was a serious decline in the business’ customer base as the result of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We lost more than three-quarters of our customer base because of COVID,” she said.

Most of their customers had been students in various grades who needed to buy instruments they had to use in bands or other musical groups at their schools. They didn’t return to the store once they stopped going there, she said. 

Second, there was a significant increase in the rent their landlord required them to pay if they were to stay open for another year.

And third, there has been a major change in the interests of students who used to be involved in music programs, she said. This is probably partially because string programs are only now offered at three schools in Hillsborough County, according to Jones.

Happy Tunes Music has had a powerful impact in Hillsborough County during the more than three decades it has been in business. Four thousand-plus students have purchased instruments from the store over the years. Some of the customers they were serving at the time they closed were the third generation of students who had done business with them, according to Marcia Jones.

“Our oldest student is 85 years old and our youngest is 3 years old,” she said.

But, sadly, times have changed.

“Today most of the kids don’t want to do anything but play on their cellphones.  They’re not having the joy of creating things,” she said.

Mom and Pop businesses aren’t the only ones, however, that are being pushed out because of the economy, she said — larger music businesses such as Sam Ash, which was founded in 1924 in Brooklyn, New York, also are closing because of financial hardships.

(Facebook/Happy Tunes Music)

Sam Ash recently closed all 42 of its stores nationwide including ones in Tampa and Clearwater. The COVID pandemic also had significantly impacted sales at the business known as “The World’s Favorite Music Store.” The company recently announced it was in debt for more than $500 million before officially filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Jones said she had been working in the music business since 1963, and she and her husband moved to Florida in 1981. They opened Happy Tunes in Lutz in June of 1993.

Various types of instruments, including guitars, banjos, mandolins, accordions, bagpipes and drums were available at Happy Tunes Music during the store’s best years in business. They also provided repair services for many types of instruments.

The husband and wife team will be operating as much of their music business as they can out of their home now, including doing instrument rentals and repairs, she said.

Customers who need to have instruments repaired can continue to call them at 813-948-1419, or email them at . The couple will ship customers a loaner instrument while their instrument is being repaired.

It won’t be Mrs. Jones’ only endeavor. Marcia Jones tells us that she has an embroidery side business. She has done hundreds of embroidery projects in the past, and will continue to do them as another source of income, she said.

 

Published August 7, 2024

Planning Commission favors increased School Impact Fees

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The Pasco County Planning Commission at its July 25 meeting in New Port Richey agreed to recommend approving an ordinance to increase School Impact Fees and to pass it on to the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BCC). The Planning Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the BCC, which has the final authority to adopt or reject the ordinance.

(Monty Rakusen/Getty)

According to a report at the meeting, the impact fee for a single-family home is currently $8,328, and the proposed impact fee for that structure will be $9,328 in 2025 when the ordinance will be effective, if the BCC adopts it. The impact fee would then increase by $1,000 per year through 2028 when it would be $12,328.

L. Carson Bise, president of TischlerBise, a fiscal, economic and planning business located in Bethesda, Maryland, and Boise, Idaho, shared this information with Planning Commission members. He has nearly 30 years experience in calculating school impact fees and similar fees.

The BCC will hold the first reading of the ordinance on Aug. 6 during its meeting in Dade City. The second reading and possible adoption will be held on Aug. 21 during a meeting in New Port Richey.

School impact fees are one-time levies on newly permitted single-family homes, multi-family homes and mobile homes. The funds collected will be used by the Pasco County School District to help pay for school construction, including additional classroom space, and the purchase of land and school buses. 

The reason the proposed increases will be spread over a four-year time frame is because they are between 25% and 50% higher than the current rates that were adopted in 2017, Bise said.

A study on the need for possible increase of impact fees is required every four years, he added. If the ordinance is adopted, it will be effective Jan. 1, 2025.

The cost of building schools has nearly doubled since 2017 during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent of the Pasco County School District.

It cost about $178 per square foot to construct Cypress Creek Middle School in 2017. The cost for a school building that was recently constructed was about $390 per square foot, Gadd told Planning Commission members.

It would cost between $67 million and $100 million to build a high school, Gadd said.

Another reason the proposed increase in the impact fees is needed is because there are currently nearly 90,000 students attending schools in Pasco County, including charter schools, according to Alison Crumbley, a 14-year member of the Pasco County School Board.

Bise estimated that the enrollment would increase by 13,700 students over the next 10 years.

“We understand the importance of the schools in our community for us and for our buyers and for everything,” said Edward Briggs, a representative of the Tampa Bay Builders Association (TBBA).

He added he appreciated that the TBBA had been consulted with prior to the proposed increases in school impact fees.

In other business, Planning Commission members:

  • Continued until Aug. 8 a decision on a requested change in zoning from PO-2 Professional Office and MF-2 Multiple Family High Density Districts to a C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District requested by Lakeshore Blvd LLC. 

The applicant seeks to be able to develop a freestanding commercial and recreational vehicle and boat storage facility on the approximately 3.62 acres located on the west side of Lakeshore Boulevard, approximately 233 feet southwest of Fivay Road. The applicant reportedly also requested a special exception for the property, but that information wasn’t available during the meeting. 

The decision to continue it was made due to Planning Commission members’ desire to have all the facts before they decide on whether to agree to send it to the BCC for their approval.

  • Recommended approval of a zoning change requested by Residences at Rolling Hills MPUD Master Planned Unit Development – Dan-Nico Properties LLC from MF-1 Multi-Family Medium Density District to an MPUD Master Planned Unit Development. The applicant wants to be allowed to construct 132 Multi-Family Units, 104 Senior Apartments, 3,600 Square Feet of Medical Offices and a minimum of 3,000 square feet of Retail Uses on approximately 9.87 acres, located on the southwest corner of the intersection of Little Road and Denton Avenue.
  • Recommended approval of a zoning change requested by Affordable Secure Storage from an I-1 Light Industrial Park District to a C-2 General Commercial District for approximately 4.824 acres of property that is on the north side of New York Avenue, approximately 320 feet east of Utica Drive. The applicant proposes to expand the contractor’s offices and to develop the property with a self-storage facility in conformance with applicable parts of Pasco County’s Land Development Code (LDC).
  • Recommended approval of a zoning change requested by L S McAmis/Blue Sky Storage for a change in zoning from an R-MH Mobile Home District to a C-2 General Commercial District on approximately 2.4318 acres located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Moon Lake Road and Boatswain Drive. The applicant proposes to develop the property with freestanding recreational vehicle/boat storage space in conformance with applicable parts of the LDC. 

The BCC has the final authority on whether to grant those requested zoning changes.

 

Published August 7, 2024

Governor praises Hope Florida program participants

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(The Center Square) — Gov. Ron DeSantis and first lady Casey DeSantis held a news conference on July 29 to recognize 13 top-performing Hope Florida CarePortal Churches.

(Remi Walle/Unsplash)

Hope Florida’s mission is to create pathways to prosperity for communities and individuals, to help them become more economically self-sufficient and to instill hope. Casey DeSantis spearheaded the project, which is implemented through the Florida Department of Children and Families.

DeSantis said that the best thing the government can do is help facilitate programs within communities because solving problems from a legislative perspective is not that simple.

“Hope Florida really recognizes that and recognizes that the government has an important role, but that government is ultimately not gonna be the one to solve these problems because if they could have solved them, they’d have solved them by now,” DeSantis said.

Under the leadership of the first lady, DeSantis used his government role to facilitate the support people needed, including working with the faith community and mobilizing churches. The business community was also involved in Hope Florida, nonprofit groups and individual volunteers.

“Someone goes in and they need help, and they’re going into a government bureau, if you put them into this, what we’ve created this care portal, now all of a sudden the needs go out to all these different stakeholders,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis awarded the top two churches with $50,000 each and awarded 11 top churches with $25,000 each through the Hope Florida Fund. The churches honored were: Spanish River Church, Grace Family Church, RiverLife Church, Oasis Church, Radiant Church, South Shore Community Church, Grace Bible Church of Highlands County, Idlewild Baptist Church, North River Church, Action Church, Bayside Community Church North River Campus, University Carillon United Methodist Church, and Calvary Chapel of Fort Lauderdale.

None of the funds came from taxpayers.

DeSantis noted because of this, churches and other community organizations are better equipped to help people, having their services directed where they can best help and support families and individuals.

“So a church down the street may know that a mom got evicted from her apartment, needs a place to stay, has two young kids – they’re gonna be there, they’re gonna help, and they’re gonna have a solution that’s likely going to be sustainable,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis said that the program has extensive support from the private sector. Companies like Walmart, Simply Health, AT&T, Tampa Electric Company and Humana have all contributed to the Hope Florida fund.

“We have nearly 5,000 nonprofits and charity organizations that are signed up as part of the Hope Florida network and that are used by our Hope Navigators,” DeSantis said. “So instead of having…somebody that’s just like a bureaucrat, we’ve now transformed that into a navigator where their role is really to navigate the person coming in through all the possibilities.”

 

Published August 7, 2024

State back-to-school sales tax holiday will end Aug. 12

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(The Center Square) — Florida families are able to take advantage of an ongoing sales tax holiday as they prepare their children for the new school year.

Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference July 25 to highlight the Back-To-School sales tax holiday, which began July 29 and will last two weeks until Aug. 12.

(Rivage/Unsplash)

“This is an opportunity to save real money…it will allow you to save money on the most important school supplies, including pretty much any school supply selling for $50 or less is tax-free, clothing, footwear, and other apparel $100 or less, tax-free,” DeSantis said. “Learning aids up to $30 tax-free, personal computers and other accessories with a sales price of $1,500 or less…are tax-free.”

Other sales tax holidays include a 50% reduction for commuters that use toll roads, the disaster preparedness tax holiday that happens twice a year, a skilled worker tool sales tax holiday beginning in September and the Freedom Summer sales tax holiday that is currently happening during July.

“I appreciate the Legislature stepping up and renewing this — it’s important that we’re able to provide for Florida families,” DeSantis said.

Florida’s economy was recently ranked number one by CNBC, and DeSantis noted that because of this success, he and the Legislature could deliver billions in tax cuts for Floridians.

“We are number one in new business formations every year since I’ve been governor, number one in net in-migration…number one in education two years in a row by U.S. News & World Report, number one in the higher education system, I think six years in a row now,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis stated that tuition costs for state universities and colleges have not increased since he became governor and remain well below what other states charge students.

The Bright Futures Scholarship Program is fully funded in the 2024-2025 state budget. This program awards scholarships to high-achieving high school students, who can receive free tuition or a 75% reduction in tuition fees if they still perform well academically.

Top-performing out-of-state students who have a grandparent or other close family members living in the Sunshine State could also be eligible for scholarships. DeSantis noted that Florida also ranks number one in the nation for education freedom from pre-K through 12th grade.

 

Published August 7, 2024

The mindset of champions: What makes elite athletes tick

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In the world of sports, physical prowess is often the most visible trait of elite athletes. However, behind every champion lies a powerful and often unseen force: their mindset. The mental attributes that separate the good from the great are complex and multifaceted, encompassing discipline, resilience, focus and an unyielding drive for excellence. This story explores the psychological traits that define elite athletes and propel them to the pinnacle of their sports.

LA Laker Kobe Bryant practices free throws at the University of Hawaii-Manoa in Honolulu, on Oct. 7, 2005. (Robert Kratzke/Icon SMI/Icon Sport Media via Getty)

Relentless discipline
Discipline is the backbone of every champion’s mindset. Elite athletes adhere to rigorous training schedules, strict diets and meticulous routines. This discipline is not just about physical preparation but also about maintaining mental sharpness. They understand that consistency and commitment to their regimen are crucial for sustained success.

Consider the example of Kobe Bryant, whose legendary “Mamba Mentality” epitomized relentless discipline. Known for his grueling practice sessions that started at 4 a.m., Bryant’s work ethic set a standard in the NBA. His commitment to perfecting his craft, even during the off-season, inspired countless athletes across various sports.

Unwavering resilience
Resilience is another hallmark of champions. The path to greatness is fraught with setbacks, injuries and failures. What distinguishes elite athletes is their ability to bounce back from adversity. They view obstacles not as insurmountable barriers but as opportunities for growth and learning.

Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, was cut from his high school varsity team. Instead of succumbing to disappointment, Jordan used the setback as motivation to work harder and improve his game. His resilience not only led to six NBA championships but also cemented his legacy as a symbol of perseverance.

Serena Williams at the Hologic WTA Tour at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto, Canada, on Aug. 8, 2022. (Vaughn Ridley/Getty)

Laser focus
Elite athletes possess an extraordinary ability to focus. Whether it’s during a high-stakes game or in everyday practice, they can tune out distractions and concentrate on the task at hand. This intense focus allows them to perform at their best, even under immense pressure. 

Tennis legend Serena Williams is a prime example of this trait. Her ability to maintain concentration during crucial points in matches has been a key factor in her dominance of the sport. Williams’ mental fortitude and focus have helped her win numerous Grand Slam titles, even after becoming a mother.

Growth mindset
Champions embrace a growth mindset, believing that their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. They see failures as learning experiences and continuously seek to improve themselves. This mindset fosters a love for the process of becoming better, rather than just the end result.

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest soccer players in history, exemplifies this mindset. Despite his natural talent, Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of improvement has been evident throughout his career. He is known for his rigorous training routines, attention to detail and constant desire to evolve his game.

Cristiano Ronaldo trains with the Portuguese National Team in Hersewinkel, Germany, on June 20, 2024, during the 2024 European Football Championship. (Serkan Hacioglu/Getty)

Unyielding drive
Finally, elite athletes possess an unyielding drive to succeed. This inner motivation pushes them to set and achieve lofty goals. They are driven not just by external rewards but by an intrinsic desire to be the best they can be.

Usain Bolt, the fastest man on earth, displayed this drive throughout his career. Despite achieving unparalleled success in sprinting, Bolt continually pushed himself to break his own records. His relentless pursuit of excellence and his charismatic personality made him a global icon.

 

The mindset of champions is a powerful amalgamation of discipline, resilience, focus, a growth mindset and an unyielding drive. These mental traits enable elite athletes to push the boundaries of what is possible and achieve greatness in their respective sports. While physical abilities are essential, it is the psychological strength that truly sets champions apart. Their stories serve as a testament to the power of the human mind and its role in achieving extraordinary success.

 

Published August 7, 2024

Florida to provide $7.2M for workforce training at St. Petersburg College

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(The Center Square) — Florida officials are appropriating taxpayer funds for workforce training to create new job opportunities for residents.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on July 24 new workforce training opportunities in St. Petersburg, and noted Florida’s success since taking office, including its top ranking in education and job creation.

(Jub Rubjob/Getty)

DeSantis announced that St. Petersburg College will receive $7.2 million to establish a semiconductor, artificial intelligence and machine learning training program. He pointed out that semiconductors have become the lifeblood of the modern economy, but are often purchased from overseas.

“This is a very high-skill, very high-tech industry for our state,” DeSantis said. “We have invested hundreds of millions of dollars into growing these various sectors in our states, and some of it is through workforce programs.”

DeSantis stated that not making semiconductors in the U.S. is a national security risk, especially because a large amount comes from Taiwan and China.

“The bottom line is, there’s a lot of uncertainty with respect to this, and this has the opportunity, if those chips aren’t being produced, to really crash the economy,” DeSantis said.

The governor stated taking on a four-year degree and a high amount of debt is not always appealing to everyone and noted there are more ways to be successful beyond going to a university or college, which is why workforce training and trade schools are also a priority in Florida.

“You have so many programs where you can go in at low cost, and get equipped with skills where you can really apply that in a very meaningful way,” DeSantis said. 

DeSantis stated he wants to provide opportunities and pathways for not only young people, but people looking for a change in career as well.

“We’re producing high school students that have skills in welding, producing skills in electrical, producing high school students with skills in HVAC,” DeSantis said. “In a state like Florida, all that is gonna be in demand. You are gonna be employed, there’s no question about that.”

DeSantis noted this type of training will allow Floridians to start businesses if they wish to, and further pointed out that Florida is not becoming less populated, and those jobs will always be needed.

 

Published August 7, 2024.

Garden-to-table meals: Harvesting and cooking together as a family

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August is the perfect time for families to enjoy the fruits of their labor from their home gardens. The garden-to-table movement emphasizes the importance of growing your own food and creating delicious meals from the produce you’ve nurtured. This approach promotes healthy eating, sustainability and quality family time. Here’s how you can turn your garden into a source of fresh, wholesome meals and create memorable experiences together.

1. Planning and planting your garden
Making family meals from homegrown food can promote health and happiness.
(Halfpoint Images/Getty)
  • Choose your crops: Start by selecting fruits, vegetables and herbs that thrive in your climate and suit your family’s tastes. Popular choices for summer gardens include tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, bell peppers, basil and mint.
  • Involve the kids: Engage your children in the planting process. Teach them about different plants, how to sow seeds, and the importance of watering and caring for their garden.
  • Create a schedule: Maintain a gardening schedule to ensure regular watering, weeding and checking for pests. This teaches responsibility and consistency.
2. Harvesting the bounty
  • Know when to harvest: Research the best time to harvest each type of produce. For instance, tomatoes should be picked when they are fully colored and zucchinis are best when they’re about 6 inches to 8 inches long.
  • Make it fun: Turn harvesting into a fun family activity. Give each child a basket and let them collect the ripe produce. Celebrate the hard work and patience it took to grow these delicious foods.
Grill some veggie skewers for a wholesome meal. (Sean Gladwell/Getty)
3. Creating garden-to-table meals
  • Fresh salads: Start with simple dishes like fresh garden salads. Combine crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers and a sprinkle of basil. Let the kids help with washing and chopping the vegetables.
  • Grilled veggie skewers: Skewer chunks of zucchini, bell peppers and cherry tomatoes. Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and grill until tender. This is a great way to get kids to enjoy vegetables.
  • Herb-infused lemonade: Use fresh mint or basil from your garden to create refreshing herb-infused lemonade. It’s a healthy and hydrating treat for hot summer days.
  • Homemade pizza: Make a family pizza night using homemade dough, fresh tomato sauce, and toppings from your garden. Basil, tomatoes and bell peppers make excellent pizza toppings.
  • Stuffed zucchini boats: Hollow out zucchinis and stuff them with a mixture of quinoa, tomatoes and herbs. Bake until tender for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
4. Educational benefits
  • Science lessons: Gardening offers practical lessons in biology and ecology. Children learn about plant life cycles, photosynthesis and the importance of pollinators.
  • Math skills: Measuring plant growth, counting seeds and weighing harvested produce help reinforce math skills.
  • Healthy eating habits: Kids are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables they’ve helped grow. This encourages healthy eating habits and an appreciation for fresh, nutritious food.
5. Sustainability and environmental awareness
  • Reduce food miles: Growing your own food reduces the need for transportation, decreasing your carbon footprint.
  • Composting: Teach your family about composting kitchen scraps and garden waste to enrich your soil naturally.
  • Water conservation: Use rain barrels and mulch to conserve water and maintain a sustainable garden.
6. Building family bonds
  • Teamwork: Gardening and cooking together fosters teamwork and cooperation. Each family member can have specific roles, from planting to cooking.
  • Quality time: Spend time together away from screens and daily distractions. Working in the garden and kitchen offers opportunities for meaningful conversations and bonding.
  • Sense of accomplishment: Seeing the process from planting to enjoying a meal provides a sense of achievement and pride for both parents and children.

The garden-to-table approach is a rewarding way to spend time together as a family, promoting healthy living, sustainability and lifelong skills. By involving every member of the family in the process, from planting seeds to creating delicious meals, you create cherished memories and instill valuable lessons about the importance of fresh, homegrown food. So, grab your gardening gloves, head to the garden, and start planting the seeds for both your garden and your family’s health and happiness.

 

Published August 7, 2024