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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Land O' Lakes News

Cypress Creek Town Center wants more retail, residential

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a request that would allow an increase in commercial square footage and more multifamily units on 490 acres at the northwest and southwest quadrants of State Road 56 and Interstate 75.

Planning commissioners joined with Pasco County’s planning staff in recommending approval of the request to modify the master-planned unit development. The Pasco County Commission has the final say.

The developers of Cypress Creek Town Center are seeking permission to add more commercial development and to increase the number of multifamily dwellings allowed within the development, at State Road 56 and Interstate 75. (File)

Attorney Clarke Hobby represented the applicant during a Jan. 10 public hearing before the Planning Commission at the county’s historic courthouse in Dade City.

Planning commissioner Peter Hanzel raised questions about the potential impacts the modified plan could have on Pasco County Schools.

But Chris Williams, a school district representative who sits on the board, said the school district can absorb the impacts.

The additional multifamily units would generate 27 elementary students, 12 middle school students and 16 high school students — which the district would be able to serve through Denham Oaks Elementary, which has existing capacity, and Cypress Middle and Cypress High schools, Williams said.

“We feel we have sufficient capacity to house these students in the middle and high school, as well, when the new (middle)  school opens.” The new middle school will open in 2020, Williams said.

The proposed modification would allow for an increase of retail/commercial square footage from 1,998,400 square feet to 2,399,500 square feet — an increase of 401,000 square feet. It also calls for a decrease in hotel rooms from 350 rooms to 135 rooms; and, an increase of multifamily units from 230 units to 600 units.

“The Sierras (who own the property) believe that they need some additional commercial,” Hobby said. “That’s the primary thing we’re doing here, over the long haul.”

The Sierras plan to continue ownership of these parcels in their family entities for many years, Hobby said. “They wanted to extend the buildout date.”

“On the multifamily, the Sierras have one parcel that is located near the northern boundary of the north parcel that already has some approval for multifamily and fits within the 230 number of units they already have.

“There’s only one more parcel up near the north boundary that they are thinking of adding multifamily on, but they have no plans immediately,” the attorney added.

“They’re trying to plan for the next 15, 20, 25 years. And, they do believe because of the mixed-use nature of the project, with all of the office and all of the retail that’s going to build out there, that it’s a good site, ultimately, for multifamily.

“We’re trying to make a true mixed-use parcel,” Hobby said.

Published January 16, 2019

Pasco animal shelter gets creative with names

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Pet owners have various reasons for naming their animals and so does the Pasco County Animal Shelter when it takes in a dog or cat.

Coming up with creative names at the shelter is one way to ease a sad situation when strays come in lost.

“We like to have some fun with the whole naming process,” explained Rachel Stever, education and outreach coordinator for Pasco County Animal Services. “We like to keep it light-hearted.”

One of the perks for Rachel Stever of Pasco County Animal Services is getting to come up with creative names for her furry friends. Here, Stever is holding up 9-month-old Clooney – named after actor George Clooney. (Brian Fernandes)

Some names come to mind spontaneously – as in the case for Rock, Paper and Scissors — a trio of kittens brought into the shelter.

Others are inspired by simple things.

That’s what happened with another litter of kittens that arrived at the shelter in a Tyson’s lemon-pepper chicken box – resulting in the names Tyson, Lemon, Pepper and Chicken.

Celebrities also have had their influence: Kitty Purry — a playful twist on singer Katy Perry’s name.

Making a first impression can also determine what an animal is called.

Stever recalled a stray dog taken in several months ago. Upon their meeting, he flattened out his body and legs across the floor – and from that day forward he was known as Pancake.

Sometimes two cats share the name of a famous person or band: George and Clooney; Fleetwood and Mac.

Sometimes seasonal holiday treats help to inspire that connection.

This past Thanksgiving, staff got creative, naming new strays Turkey, Mashed Potatoes and Biscuits.

“You know it’s really original,” said Stever with a chuckle. “You’re not going to find two of them in the same shelter.”

It is common for Stever and her colleagues to use character names they’re fans of from pop-culture.

At the shelter are cats Lestrange, named after the Harry Potter character; the Sesame Street-inspired Snuffleupagus; plus the pair, Peter and Cottontail from the Easter bunny song.

Many strays end up at the shelter without names or identification, but others do have IDs.

As of January, there are two animals named Diamond, which isn’t too hard to sort out for the shelter.

However, every once in a while, there’s a surge of animals with the same names brought into the shelter.

The most popular name documented by the shelter is Roxie, sometimes spelled  Roxy or Roxi.

“We try not to duplicate [names] here in the shelter,” explained Stever, in order to reduce possible confusion.

Each stray must be given an identification number.

That number can be used to pull up their information, whether the animal is at Pasco’s shelter or winds up in another one.

Naming the animals at the shelter isn’t required, Stever said. But, she added: “It feels a lot more humane and personable to do it.”

Once adopted, the new owners tend to keep the pet’s name, while others have one of their own in mind.

When Stever adopted her American Staffordshire from the shelter, she was content with the dog’s given name – Olivia.

She said that Olivia always had a happy smile, which contributed to her having a sense of humanity. So, she thought it only fitting that the dog have a human name.

Her parents stuck with a less traditional name when they adopted Pebbles from a kitten litter all named after characters from the Flintstones.

Potential adopters also help influence what names the animals are given.

As an advertising strategy, staff usually pick names that don’t sound intimidating to appeal more to adopters.

Stever said that sometimes names don’t match the description, like Tiny Tim, who in reality is a dog that’s a “big mass of muscle.”

“When you hear that name, it does soften your mind to the idea of what you’re about to see,” she reasoned.

Stever has her own experience with names that may seem mismatched.

Prior to Olivia, she adopted another dog named Precious, who she said was not small or dainty – but a big, red pit bull.

After they’re at the shelter for a while, the animals tend to respond to the names they’ve been given, she said.

“It’s a relationship you know you’ve built up with them all that time,” said the coordinator. “It’s one of those things you get to look forward to.”

Whether they have been given a name that is average, or unusual, having a name makes each animal at the shelter unique — and it shows that they are more than just an identification number.

Published January 16, 2019

‘Traditions’ goes on, despite rain

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Traditions on the Green didn’t let the forecast of a rainy day wash out the Dec. 1 event. Instead, it shifted from its planned location at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park to  Sanders Memorial Elementary School, at 5126 School Road in Land O’ Lakes.

Diana Journy, left, and her daughter, Elizabeth Richardson, browse the dozens of raffle prizes up for grabs during the ‘Traditions on the Green’ program. The Land O’ Lakes residents were at the concert to watch a performance by Elizabeth’s daughter, Journy — whose name honors the family’s name. She is a cheerleader at Pineview Middle School. (Christine Holtzman)

The Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes, which hosts the free holiday event, made the call to bring the concert indoors — instead of cancelling it.

Sandy Graves, who has been involved with the event for its 11-year history, said this was the first time it has been held at a different venue.

“The school district worked well with us to make sure that we had a place to hold this event,” Graves.

And, she told the audience that it would still be OK to call the event ‘Traditions on the Green,’ because the benches in the auditorium were green.

The change in location didn’t deter the crowd or its enthusiasm.

Hundreds of people were there to enjoy performances from Denham Oaks, Sanders Memorial Elementary and Lake Myrtle Elementary schools, Pine View Middle School and the Land O’ Lakes High School. Santa Claus dropped by, too.

Those attending could buy chances on raffle prizes, such as gift cards and gift baskets. Among the items up for grabs were two cookbooks donated by Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano and an official flag that once flew over the U.S. Capitol, which was donated by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis.

Proceeds from the chance drawings benefit schools taking part in the event.

By Christine Holtzman

Published December 12, 2018

The Land O’ Lakes High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Jonathan Mulder, performs ‘Deck the Halls’ during the Traditions on the Green concert on Dec. 1.
While her father, Darnell, records the Pine View Middle School dance club performance with his cellphone, 10-month-old Aubrey Meadows, of Land O’ Lakes, explores the crowd from over her dad’s shoulder. The family, including mom Jennifer were in attendance to see Aubrey’s older sister, Danaye, perform with Pine View Middle’s dance club.
The Pine View Middle School afterschool dance club, directed by instructor Nicole James, delighted the audience with several high-energy performances during the evening, including a dynamic routine set to Earth, Wind, & Fire’s hit song, ‘September.’
Ten-year-old Nicholas Hunter of Land O’ Lakes, center left, and his 8-year-old cousin, Keegan Price, right, are focused on the stage as they watch Keegan’s sister, Savannah, perform with the Pine View’s afterschool dance club.

 

Flapjack Run offers exercise, flapjacks

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Hot pancakes topped with syrup will be the sweet treat awaiting patrons for the Flapjack 5K and 1 Mile Run.

The event, celebrating its 25th year this year, offers free admission to spectators and patrons.

Connerton Plaza at 21100 Fountain Garden Way in Land O’ Lakes, is the venue for the event, which will be on Dec. 8 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

As in past events, runners of all ages are expected to participate in this year’s 25th Flapjack Run on Dec. 8. (File)

The 5K run is set to begin at 8 a.m. The 1-mile fun run, or walk, will start at 8:45 a.m.

Vendors also will offer various crafts and food, and Santa will pop in, too, according to Suzanne Beauchaine, of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, which is organizing the event.

A rummage sale also will be held, with a variety of items available for purchase.

Runners at the event will receive free flapjacks, while others can purchase a plate for $5, said Beauchaine, executive director of the Chamber.

Those intending to run can register at the event, but they are encouraged to do so in advance, online, to guarantee a T-shirt and a medal.

The cost is $25 for the 5K for adults; and a $17 fee for kindergarteners through 12th-graders.

The 1-mile run will be a flat rate of $15. Children under 5 can take part for free, when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Trophies for first and second place winners will be awarded to each age group by decade, starting from age 14.

Winners also can be awarded by family members splitting into teams of two.

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel is presenting the event and proceeds benefit the Pasco County Parks Department.

To register online, visit tinyurl.com/ycnowb8d.

For additional information, contact The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at (813) 909-2722 .

Flapjack 5K and 1 Mile Run
Where: Connerton Plaza, 21100 Fountain Garden Way in Land O’ Lakes
When: Dec. 8, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free to spectators and patrons; 5K run is $25 for adults and $17 for kindergarten through 12th-grade runners; 1-mile run is a $15 flat rate; free admission for runners age 5, accompanied by an adult.
Details: Attendees can enjoy a run or walk, a pancake breakfast, a rummage sale and purchase crafts from vendors.
Info: Contact the chamber at (813) 909-2722 or .

Published December 5, 2018

Plantation Palms drainage project approved

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Plantation Palms and Pasco County have agreed to a deal that will result in a $2.99 million drainage project — which will be paid for by residents in the Central Pasco community through the creation of a Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU).

As part of the deal, the county will stabilize the north ditch, with a project that’s approximately 1,700 feet long.

Plans have been prepared by the county’s consultant — Coastal Design Consultants — at the county’s expense, and the estimated cost for the project, including a 10 percent contingency, is $2,986,000.

The construction costs will be covered through annual payments on property tax bills of the residences of the 821 members of Plantation Palms Homeowners Association Inc.

The project will be paid for over a period of 30 years, with an interest rate set at 3 percent, which results in an annual payment per member of $195.32, according to county documents.

However, the document also notes that the assessments will be finalized before September 2019.

The county also notes that Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano has said his office will waive the normal 2 percent administrative cost for projects of this type.

The homeowners association owns the ditch, but needs the county’s help to fund the project.

The bids are already out, advertised and will be closed on Dec. 14.

The county attempted to obtain funding from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFMD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the project, but was unsuccessful.

Jim Hammond, president of the Plantation Palms Homeowners Association, said “The HOA board unanimously supports an MSBU being formed, as do a majority of our homeowners.”

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore was pleased to see the issue resolved.

He praised the county’s staff and the HOA for working out a solution.

Moore said the county should continue to seek assistance on costs form SWFMD.

Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed: “I think we should continue to go after that SWFMD funding, or FEMA funding, whatever it would be.”

The board voted 5-0 to support the project and the creation of the MSBU to pay for construction.

Published December 5, 2018

Using facial recognition tool to help reunite lost pets

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For many pet owners, their pets aren’t just furry companions — they’re full-fledged members of the family.

So, when a dog or cat goes astray, the experience can be overwhelming.

Now, however, a new tool may improve the odds of reuniting owners with their lost pets.

Rachel Stever, of Pasco County Animal Services, holds a furry new friend. With a program like Finding Rover, Stever hopes this kitty, along with other strays, will be reunited with their owners. (Brian Fernandes)

John Polimeno launched the app, Finding Rover, in 2013, to help locate lost dogs and cats through facial recognition.

And, Pasco County Animal Services (PCAS), just like Citrus and Manatee County, has begun using the program.

“It’s a wonderful partnership we have with them,” said Rachel Stever, education and outreach coordinator at Animal Services. “It’s absolutely revolutionary.”

Animal Services, which serves all of Pasco County, operates out of an office located in Land O’ Lakes.

Animal Services coordinates with independent animal shelters in the county, and these organizations can now be more beneficial to one another with Finding Rover.

Pet owners can register their dog or cat on Finding Rover online, via Facebook or directly from the app.

To register, owners upload a mugshot of their pet onto the program, where the picture is carefully scanned. The scan picks up on certain facial features unique to the animal, such as a birth mark, scars or eye color.

Additional information can then be added to the app’s profile detailing the specifics, especially if the animal has a microchip implant number, which Stever said is most helpful.

Every stray that is brought into Animal Services is scanned for a microchip. A microchip can pull up a profile on the pet’s name, address and veterinarian, which can help to track the owner.

Unfortunately, not all dogs and cats brought into shelters have a microchip, so this is where Finding Rover can step in.

Once Animal Services takes in a stray, they post their own profile of the animal, including a picture.

When an owner alerts the app that their pet is missing, the mugshot on profile begins to do a search with profiles at Animal Services and any other shelters who partner with Finding Rover.

If an exact match is found, the app will give the location of the shelter.

If the app is not certain, a GPS will show the shelters within proximity that have potential look-alikes.

“The great thing with Finding Rover is it automatically updates their side of the system,” Stever explained. “They’re getting the same pictures, the same updates that we do all day.”

What’s more, those who find a lost pet can quickly download the app, take a snapshot of the animal and potentially trace the owner as well.

This is reassuring for Stever and her colleagues as they’ve seen an increase in strays in 2018.

Stever stated that an estimated 6,400 animals have come to the shelter this past year, an uptick by almost 1,100 from last year.

Under Animal Services’ policy, animals with a microchip can be put up for adoption if not claimed within 72 hours of admittance, while those without a microchip are put up after 48 hours.

Finding Rover also assists in an adoption process, as potential owners can scroll through pictures of dogs and cats at nearby shelters.

Although Stever said the goal is to find a good home for these animals, nothing beats reconnecting pets with their true owners.

“I’ve seen people that are reunited after a couple of days, and it’s just as emotional as when they’ve been separated for months,” Stever said.

The app also is a testament that no matter how similar two animals may look, they each have qualities which make them unique and special.

Published November 28, 2018

Lutz Arts & Crafts Show features hundreds of vendors

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If you’re looking for some unique and interesting holiday gifts, you’ll have plenty of choices at the 39th annual Juried Arts & Crafts Holiday Show presented by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club on the weekend of Dec. 1 and Dec. 2.

Jim Murray, of Geneva, stirs this giant kettle as the intense heat rapidly pops kernels into kettle corn, during the arts and craft show last year. He wears protective gear to avoid injury from hot oil and sugar, if it splashes out. (File)

The event will be at Keystone Prep High School, 18105 Gunn Highway in Odessa.

The show, which raises money for scholarships and other community causes, will feature booths that are both outdoors and inside the school’s gymnasium.

Admission is free, but a $5 parking fee will be collected by Keystone Prep students.

Artist Terry Smith, who has been selling at the event nearly since the show’s inception,  has seen tremendous change through the years.

“In 1981, I entered the Lutz Art Show,” Smith explained. “It was at the Old (Lutz) School House (on U.S. 41) and I was actually inside,” he said.

He sold 16 of the 24 paintings he had on display.

Lucy Fraser, owner of Castle Green Art Glass, was among last year’s vendors. She uses mostly bead and wire to construct these intricate sculptures.

The artist — who enjoys painting landscapes and wildlife, said he always seeks out a corner booth so he can be spotted easily by patrons.

Initially, his works were in watercolor, but he’s expanded to include acrylics and oils.

This year’s arts and crafts show will feature a wide array of vendors, including those offering paintings, photographs, handcrafted jewelry, and artworks fashioned from wood and metal, as well.

Chuck Poppelreiter and his wife will be there with their quilted-wall hangings, wreaths and ornaments.

“We’ve been doing it so many years, we know the routine – what to do, what not to do,” said Poppelreiter, noting he’s been selling at the show for about 20 years.

Over the years, he has witnessed new generations attend, as children become parents and parents become grandparents.

Emily Behnke, of Tampa, checks out a jewelry display while her 2 ½-month-old niece, Madelyn Fannin, chooses to snooze during last year’s event.

“The old shoppers know us by name,” he said.

While there are many familiar faces, customer preferences have changed over time, he noted. Two decades ago, patrons were searching for “country items,” but that’s not true anymore, he said. And, as customer tastes change, vendors must respond.

There will be a food court available for guests to dine, and at 1 p.m., Santa will drop by for a visit on both days.

Vendors also have the opportunity to win cash prizes and ribbons in a juried show.

Parking fees will benefit Keystone Prep, while proceeds from the event will go towards the Woman’s Club in furthering their community causes.

The show will be on Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Patrons are asked to only bring service dogs if necessary, with the proper documentation.

For more information, call Lois Cohen at (813) 528-1179, or email .

39th annual Juried Arts & Crafts Holiday Show
Where: Keystone Prep High School, 18105 Gunn Highway in Odessa
When: Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; parking $5
Details: Shoppers have the chance to choose handcrafted items and unique holiday gifts from about 350 vendors. Santa will be dropping by for a visit, and there will be a food court, too.
Info: Call Lois Cohen at (813) 528-1179, or email

Published November 21, 2018

New K-9 training complex breaks ground

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The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office soon will have a full-fledged facility dedicated to the tactical training of its K-9 units.

Ground was broken during a Nov. 15 ceremony for the Helen A. Rich K9 Complex — as part of the larger forensics research and training center project in Land O’ Lakes known as FIRST, an acronym for Florida’s Forensic Institute for Research, Security and Tactics.

Located at the intersection of Lucy Dobies Road and Central Boulevard off U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes, the K9 Complex is scheduled to have:

  • A 10,000-square-foot indoor training facility
  • A veterinary science center
  • A kennel for 40 dogs
  • An outdoor obstacle course and agility field
  • A rubble pile for search and rescue training

The K9 Complex will be completed in phases, with some features finished as soon as late 2019, according to Pasco Sheriff’s Capt. Justin Ross, who is overseeing the project.

A Nov. 15 groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of construction for the Helen A. Rich K9 Complex. The $5 million project is expected to be complete in phases, beginning in fall 2019. (Kevin Weiss)

The project alone is expected to cost about $5 million, not including other FIRST facilities, according to the sheriff’s office.

In addition to teaching standard K-9 tactics, the training grounds will be used to help develop advanced K-9 techniques in airport security, explosives and drug detection, and search and recovery.

It will also include an academia-based research component focused on the health and wellness of working and retired police dogs.

“It’s kind of that synergistic partnership between researchers and practitioners, where we want them to really improve upon the use of working dogs and dog safety,” Ross explained.

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco described the forthcoming K-9 project as “special” and “absolutely incredible.”

Nocco explained: “It’s really about finding ways to make us safer, make our communities safer, and it’s about building a legacy for the next generation.

“One day somebody will be saved because of the training that goes on there (at the complex),” he predicted.

Besides the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the K-9 facilities will also be used by other local and regional law enforcement agencies. “We want to make sure we bring as many people as we can for the K-9s,” the sheriff said.

The K9 Complex is named after Wrigley gum heiress and Odessa resident Helen Rich, who donated more than $480,000 toward the construction of the project, according to the sheriff’s office.

In a brief statement at the ceremony, Rich said the gift was a “no-brainer” because the project goes to support both dogs and law enforcement.

“Why did I do it? Because God told me to. That’s it,” the 70-year-old Rich said, of the donation.

Ground was broken in September on the entire FIRST campus.

A resource for universities, forensic scientists and law enforcement in the entire state, FIRST will serve as an aid to improve crime scene operations and investigations in the realm of homicides, missing persons cases and so on.

At its build out, the multiple-building forensics research center campus will have a laboratory, classrooms, a morgue and evidence storage space, where work will be done in the fields of legal medicine, forensic intelligence, aviation reconstruction and cyber forensics.

There’s also potential for training in the use of robotics, drones and data processing in the arena of public safety and workforce training, among other fields.

The FIRST campus received $4.3 million in state funds this year. It is expected to also be complete in late 2019.

Published November 21, 2018

Swampfest offers food, fun and entertainment

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A light rain fell on the evening of Nov. 2 at the 10th annual Swampfest at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, but that didn’t keep the mostly young festival crowd from turning out to enjoy the rides, games, food trucks and entertainment.

Danielle Loomis, of Land O ’ Lakes, comforts her 4-year-old son, Jacob, as they get situated on the Ferris wheel on the afternoon of Nov. 3, at the 10th annual Swampfest, as operator Jamie Kieffer secures the bar. (Randy Underhill)

JT Curtis and the Florida Scoundrels entertained the crowd from the Heritage Park stage.

Attendance swelled the following day, as the weather was sunny and breezy — simply perfect for a day at festival.

The event, hosted by the Land O’ Lakes High School Booster Club, raises money, which benefits all of the students at the high school. For instance, proceeds from previous festivals have been used to purchase equipment for the weight room.

Besides carnival rides and food, the festival offered face painting for kids, the Kim Fish Beer Garden for adults and the Future Farmers’ goat-petting area.

Entertainment on the main stage included Show on the Road of Tampa, a song and dance routine of elementary school kids, and the local band The Big Bong Theory. Performers scheduled for Nov. 4 included Nicole’s Dance Center, Karl & Dimarco Dance Studio, Suncoast Dance Academy, Beyond Chaotic, and Pine View Dance and Cheer.

The event attracted people of all ages, from across Tampa Bay.

By Randy Underhill

Published November 7, 2018

Rick Bartz, left, of Land O’ Lakes, and Mary Law, also of Land O’ Lakes, grab a bite to eat from German Alarcon, at one of the many food trucks, Nov. 2 at Swampfest.
Eight-year-old Dalilah Pyles, of South Tampa, tests her skills at climbing the rope ladder on the afternoon of Nov. 3, at Swampfest.
It’s all smiles aboard the Magic Dragon at the 10th annual Swampfest, at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Nov. 1 through Nov. 4. The Land O’ Lakes High School Athletic Booster Club hosted the event.
JT Curtis and Florida Scoundrels entertained the crowd the evening of Nov. 2 on the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park stage. JT Curtis is a singer/songwriter, and a Nashville recording artist, who performs throughout the United States.

Local author hopes his story will help inspire others

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Remington Walls hasn’t let his disease define him — and he wants the same for those dealing with similar circumstances.

The 18-year-old Land O’ Lakes native has lived a life without regular food or drink since he was diagnosed at age 4 with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), a rare, incurable disease where all food deteriorates his esophagus.

Remington Walls (Courtesy of Stephanie Walls)

His only source of nutrition has come via a hypoallergenic amino acid-based liquid formula, called Neocate EO28 Splash.

The abnormal disorder has not stopped him from living a normal life, however.

Remington overcame the hardship to become a standout varsity baseball player at Land O’ Lakes High School — and good enough to be selected to play in the Pasco County Senior All-Star Baseball game last year.

He was also a solid student, earning multiple college scholarships.

Remington is now a freshman a Valdosta State University (Valdosta, Georgia) where he’s studying to become an athletic trainer. He is also a volunteer assistant with the Valdosta State baseball team.

Published author can also be added to Remington’s list of accomplishments.

‘Homeplate: A True Story of Resilience’ follows the journey of Land O’ Lakes native Remington Walls who has a rare esophageal disease that prevents him from consuming regular food or drink. Walls persevered to become a standout varsity baseball player at Land O’ Lakes High School and Pasco County Senior All-Star selection. He is now a freshman at Valdosta State University, where he is studying to become an athletic trainer. (Courtesy of NOW SC Press)

His autobiography, “Homeplate: A True Story of Resilience,” delves into his foodless life, with the hope of inspiring others.

The 118-page book is co-authored by his mother, Stephanie Walls, who shares her memories and insights on coping with the disease from a parent’s point-of-view.

The book will be released on Nov. 25.

“Remington wanted just to kind of motivate people and encourage people that regardless of your situation, find a way to overcome and persevere. There’s some pretty powerful things he has to say in his book,” Stephanie Walls said during a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz News.

The book, which was written this past summer, is particularly geared toward anybody dealing with a life-altering disease, said Stephanie, an eighth-grade language arts teacher at Cypress Creek Middle High School in Wesley Chapel.

“The book is really more of an inspiration from Remington’s perspective,” she said. “We can either choose to wallow over the cards we’ve been dealt in life, or we can just pick up those pieces and somehow make a way to where there is no obstacle that’s going to get in our way.”

Last year, Remington’s life was thrown another curveball when his family’s insurance no longer covered the liquid formula that’s required for sustenance.

Since then, Remington and Stephanie have both advocated for state and federal legislation for formula coverage for medical nutrition. They also continue to work closely with the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED), a nonprofit advocacy organization for those living with eosinophilic related disorders.

To order the book, visit NowSCPress.com/product-page/homeplate.

Remington Walls book release

Book Signing
Where: Barnes & Noble, The Shops at Wiregrass, 28152 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel
When: Nov. 25, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Info: (813) 907-7739

Book Launch
Where: Barnes & Noble Carrollwood, 11802 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa
When: Nov. 25, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Info: (813) 962-6446

Published November 7, 2018