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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Land O' Lakes News

Holiday Pops concert creates a warm glow on a cool day

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Bill Mickelsen, left, on the tuba, Dwight Decker, middle, on the trombone, and Ken Brown, on the trumpet perform as part of The Florida Orchestra Brass Quintet on the Heritage Park Stage at Heritage Park in Land O’ Lakes. Classical Preparatory School hosted the brass quintet for the concert. It was the first time that the quintet appeared in Land O’ Lakes. (Randy Underhill)

Holiday music filled the air at the Heritage Park complex in Land O’ Lakes on a cool, sunny afternoon on Dec. 10.

The Classical Preparatory School hosted The Florida Orchestra Brass Quint for its first-ever appearance in Land O’ Lakes.

The Brass Quintet has been performing in the Tampa Bay area for more than 35 years.

The audience dressed in warm clothing for the concert, held at Heritage Stage, in the park formerly known as Land O’ Lakes Community Park.

In addition to the brass quintet, entertainment also was provided by Phase III trio, the Stallion Singers and the iPad Band.

Children also were able to enjoy the Big Kahuna slide, a corn hole toss, food trucks, and a visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

By Randy Underhill

Published December 20, 2017

The Phase III band performs at the opening of the Holiday Pops concert on Dec. 10 at the Heritage Stage in Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, formerly known as Land O’ Lakes Community Park.
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus give a casual wave, as they sit back and enjoy the music performed by The Florida Orchestra Brass Quintet. Of course, the holidays would not be complete without a visit from Santa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A good-sized crowd turns out to enjoy the first appearance of The Florida Orchestra Brass Quintet at Holiday Pops on the afternoon of Dec. 10 at the Heritage Park Stage in the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.
Two-year-old Kellan Weyna, of Lutz, enjoys The Florida Orchestra Brass Quintet along with his parents, David his father, and mother Emily, middle.

Development for Gower’s Corner is one step closer

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After more than a year of back and forth negotiations, an application to rezone property at the historical crossroads known as Gower’s Corner got the approval of Pasco County’s local planning agency.

The rezoning application has been continued repeatedly since late 2016.

But, on Dec. 14 in Dade City, members of the Development Review Committee voted in favor of a project to build up to 215,000 square feet of retail/office and a maximum of 40 apartments. The committee also approved a variance related to U.S. 41 right-of-way that will be used to widen the two-lane highway to four lanes, with the potential for six lanes.

A commercial and residential development slated for the intersection of Gower’s Corner, at State Road 52 and U.S. 41, is expected to transform what has been a generally rural area of Land O’ Lakes. (File)

As part of its five-year work plan, the Florida Department of Transportation is slated to begin construction in 2020 on a segment of U.S. 41, from north of Connerton Boulevard to south of State Road 52. There also are plans to realign the intersection.

The approximately 44 acres of vacant land, identified in the rezoning as Tibbett’s Land at Gower’s Corner, is located at the southwest corner of State Road 52 and U.S. 41.

Clearwater attorney Jerry Figurski represented the property’s owners.

Construction on the proposed project likely is a few years off, and might not begin until the road widening, he said.

“It’s not clear if the Tibbetts will develop it or sell the land.”

Pasco County commissioners approved a land use amendment on the property in 2016, which was then followed by the rezoning application and the series of continuances.

Although the Development Review Committee has recommended approval, the rezoning application still needs to go before the Pasco County Commission for final approval.

The name of Gower’s Corner dates back to lumberman William Arthur Gower, who at one time owned land at all four corners of the intersection. In the late 1930s, he operated the first gasoline station and convenience store in the area.

County records show the St. Petersburg-based Tibbetts Land LLC, controlled by the Tibbetts, is owner of the southwest corner of the intersection.

Tibbetts Lumber was founded in 1949 by Linton Tibbetts. The company has five locations in Florida including its Land O’ Lakes location at State Road 54 and U.S. 41.

Published December 20, 2017

Purple Heart veteran receives new home for the holidays

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Army Master Sgt. George Vera and his family have a new home in Land O’ Lakes — which they moved into in plenty of time for the holidays.

The home, at 4858 Lago Vista Circle, was given mortgage-free to Vera by Building Homes for Heroes, a nonprofit organization that builds and modifies homes to give to wounded veterans and their families.

Army Master Sgt. George Vera and his daughter and father look at the pool at the veteran’s new home in Land O’ Lakes. Vera, a Purple Heart recipient, received a mortgage-free home during a Dec. 1 celebration in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of AT&T)

Vera, his wife, Angela, and their 11-year-old daughter toured the home for the first time on Dec. 1, during a ceremony to welcome the family into the Land O’ Lakes community, according to a news release from AT&T. AT&T Veterans, a group affiliated with AT&T, helped organize the welcoming celebration for Vera and his family.

Vera joined the military in 1995, and during his 20th year of service, his base came under attack from an improvised explosive device hidden in a vehicle driven by suicide bombers, the release said.

During his efforts to pull fellow wounded soldiers away from the enemy fire and secure their surroundings, Vera was shot. He suffered a spinal cord injury, partial loss of his vital organs and a traumatic brain injury. Because of his numerous injuries, Vera now is confined to a wheelchair. His home has been modified to fit his needs.

More than 15 AT&T employees — from Tampa, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Melbourne and Stuart — were at the welcoming celebration for Vera and his family, the news release said. Dozens of community members were there, too.

The AT&T volunteers set up nearly 200 American flags along the Vera family’s new street, decorated for the holidays inside the home and hosted a barbecue after the ceremony for everyone who attended, the release said.

The AT&T employees are members of AT&T Veterans, an employee group that supports AT&T’s veteran employees as well as other veterans.

In the news release, Sherry Simon, president of AT&T Veterans Florida/PR/VI, said members are proud to help with the homecoming ceremony for Vera and his family.

“We are grateful to have this opportunity to honor Army Master Sgt. Vera for his service and sacrifice, present him and his beautiful family with a housewarming gift, and offer them a warm welcome to the Land O’Lakes community,” Simon said.

Building Homes for Heroes has given homes and new opportunities to more than 100 families across the nation.

Published December 13, 2017

Shoppers had choices galore at Lutz Arts & Crafts Show

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First-year vendor Ray Williams, of Ocklawaha, takes a moment to straighten up a display of her hair pieces, called halos. Her motto is ‘since we weren’t born with halos, we have to make them.’ (Christine Holtzman)

The 38th annual Lutz Arts & Crafts Show attracted large crowds, during its two-day run Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 at Keystone Prep High School in Odessa.

The event featured more than 300 vendors, selling items ranging from photographs to shawls, metal and glass sculptures to gourmet sauces, local honey to kettle corn.

There were plenty of home décor items for sale, as well as holiday decorations and unique gift items.

The event is the largest annual fundraiser for the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, which uses the proceeds to support scholarships and myriad local community causes.

By Christine Holtzman

Published December 13, 2017

In his 19th year of participating in this show, Jim Murray, of Geneva, stirs this giant kettle as the intense heat rapidly pops kernels into kettle corn. He needs the protective gear to avoid injury from hot oil and sugar, if it splashes out.
Lonnie Smith, of Lady Lake, relaxes under the shade of his umbrella while showing off his yo-yo ballooning skills. Lonnie and his wife, Joan, have had a booth at the Lutz Arts & Crafts show for 10 years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debbie Wolfe, of Palm Harbor, tidies up her display of hand-crocheted washcloths. She was just a little girl when her aunt taught her to crochet, and she has been crocheting ever since.
Robin Ring, left, owner of Robyn’s Garden, answers questions from Dena Alessi-Bowden of Carrollwood, right, about her lawn art piece ‘Three Old Crows,’ as another customer Sandi Kaiser, of Holiday, listens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Susan Scaglione, left, is all smiles as she sees the reflection of herself in the mirror, wearing a delicate blue shawl. The piece was created by Cecilia Lutke, right, who uses top quality Italian nylon and yarn to create her shawls. It takes between six hours and seven hours to make a shawl.
Emily Behnke, of Tampa, checks out a jewelry display while her 2 ½-month-old niece, Madelyn Fannin, chooses to snooze.

Traditions on the Green attracts hundreds

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A crowd estimated at about 400 enjoyed pleasant weather for Traditions on the Green, a concert featuring local music and dance groups.

The sun sets behind Heritage Stage just as the Lake Myrtle Elementary School’s Terrapin Sound Machine took the stage. (Christine Holtzman)

The free family event was presented by the Heritage Park Foundation and the Wesley Chapel Noon Rotary Club Land O’ Lakes Satellite.

It was the first time the annual Traditions on the Green was held on the newly built Heritage Stage, a project that was years in the making.

The Lake Myrtle chorus, the Land O’ Lakes High School and the Pine View Middle School bands performed, and Pine View Middle’s dance team entertained the crowd, too.

Before the concert began, those attending could play games, kids could jump in a bouncy house and tickets were sold for a raffle.

By Christine Holtzman

Published December 6, 2017

Ephram Howell, 4 ½ months old, gets a hug from Santa, being played by Les Saland. Les Saland said that Santa’s hugs are the best hugs in the whole world.
Ashley Jimenez and Ramon Jimenez pose for a fun snowman picture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brielle Wilkinson, age 8, shares with excitement what her wishes are for Christmas with Sister Knudsen of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Jared Morrison of Spring Hill competes in a game of cornhole.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Camryn Zipperer, age 10, left; and her friends Loren Ratchford, 8, middle; and Hannah Small, age 10; relax on their blanket while enjoying their shaved ice treat.
Casey Armstrong and daughter Chloe, age 7, share a tender moment during the last performance of the evening.

Families can find out more about Pine View Middle IB

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Families who want to know more about the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme at Pine View Middle School can attend a community information night.

The session is planned for Pine View Middle School, 5334 Parkview Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, on Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m.

Students who are interested in the program, but are not zoned for Pine View Middle School, may apply to attend the school through the magnet application process.

The community information night will provide information about the program and about how to apply to attend.

Pine View Middle is Pasco County Schools’ first IB Middle Years Programme Candidate School.

It has around 1,000 students.

Its mission, according to the school’s website “is to provide a rigorous, world-class education which inspires students to become active, compassionate, and collaborative lifelong learners who understand and respect other people and their differences.”

The International Baccalaureate program aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect, according to Pine View’s website.

The organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging program of international education and rigorous assessment. The IB program encourages students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

Published December 6, 2017

These pilots soar through the sky — on miniature wings

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Roger Niolet, of Sarasota, a 50-year veteran of flying radio-controlled model planes, works on his World War I replica Nieuport 28, before the 10th annual military flying exhibition at Bay City Flyer’s meet in Land O’ Lakes on Nov. 18. (Randy Underhill)

Radio-controlled model airplane pilots from throughout Florida had a nearly perfect day to fly their aircraft at the 10th annual Bay City Flyers Meet held at Area 52, eight miles north of Land O’ Lakes.

The meet, on Nov. 18, attracted 48 registered flyers and about 300 spectators. Admission was a $3 donation per carload. The landing fee for pilots was $10.

It was a sunny day, with no wind, as the model airplane pilots demonstrated their skills, and showed off their remote-controlled military aircraft and warbirds.

Bay City Flyers is a nonprofit radio-control flying club that has four events each year. It is chartered by the Academy of Model Aeronautics, the world’s largest sport aviation organization.

These pilots are serious about their hobby, which involves an investment of both time and money. Building the models requires painstaking detail work, and the models can cost anywhere from several hundred dollars up to $30,000.

Published November 29, 2017

Climbing upward into the blue sky on a beautiful morning is a 1916 British Sopwith World War I tri-plane. Henry Kuck, of New Port Richey, owns the plane, which took part in the event presented by the Bay City Flyers Club.
This silver quarter-scale World War II Wildcat fighter plane is one of the 48 registered model planes that took flight on Nov. 18 at the Bay City Flyers meet in Land O’ Lakes. Scot Prossen owns the plan, which has more than 608 flight hours on it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holding their wooden model planes, Jackson Veit (left), age 8, and brother Nick Veit (middle), 14, along with their father Jerry Veit watch the flying activities on Nov. 18 at the Bay City Flyer’s meet. The trio joined Milo Veit, Jerry’s brother (far right), who is an eight-year member of the club.
A mixture of World War I and World War II planes are staged on the grassy preflight deck, as some of the pilots wait their turn to fly their machines for the 10th annual military aircraft showcase presented by the Bay City Flyers.

 

 

 

 

Heritage Stage is becoming a community gathering place

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Long before Heritage Stage existed, Sandy Graves envisioned a place where the community would gather, to watch performances and spend time together.

The stage was completed this fall and Graves’ vision has begun to take shape.

Recently, the stage was the centerpiece for an event to honor area veterans.

Live musical entertainment always plays a big role in the annual ‘Traditions on the Green’ event. This year, for the first time, the entertainers will have a stage for their performances at the event, set for Dec. 2, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (File)

Shortly after that, entertainers used it for performances during Land O’ Lakes SwampFest.

Next, the Land O’ Lakes High School Band, the Pine View Middle School Band, the Pine View Middle School Dance Team and the Lake Myrtle Elementary School Choir will provide a holiday concert during Traditions on the Green.

The free event, being held at the recently renamed Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., also will feature a visit from Santa, a tree lighting and a raffle on gift baskets, to raise money for the schools.

“We’ll have cookies and warm apple cider, until it runs out,” Graves said.

The event is set for Dec. 2, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks, to the evening of performances presented by the Heritage Park Foundation and the Wesley Noon Rotary Land O’ Lakes Satellite club.

Another event is planned for the afternoon of Dec. 10, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The event will include a food truck, a bounce house, a visit from Santa and, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Florida Orchestra Brass Quintet will perform “Holiday Pops” on the Heritage Park Stage.

Again, spectators are advised to bring a blanket or lawn chair, to sit back and enjoy some music presented by Heritage Park, Classical Preparatory School and several other sponsors.

Another event — the Land O’ Lakes Arts & Crafts & Seafood Festival, featuring The Battle of the Bands — is planned at the venue on Dec. 16 and Dec. 17, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Featured bands will be Priest, Rat Salad and Soul Circus Cowboys. And, there will be food, shopping and kids’ activities, as well.

The event is family and pet friendly, and proceeds will benefit Pasco County Animal Services.

Graves is delighted to see the stage being put to good use.  “We’re so excited,” she said.

Traditions on The Green
Where: The recently renamed Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
When: Dec. 2, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free
Details: The even features performances by local schools and a visit from Santa. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Published November 22, 2017

Interim steps planned to improve 54/41 traffic flow

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Construction on a project to improve traffic flow through the intersection of State Road 54 and U.S. 41 is expected to begin in 2018, according to Florida Department of Transportation officials.

The project, which will lengthen some turn lanes, currently is in design. The construction cost is about $752,000 and is included in the transportation department’s fiscal year 2019 budget, according to the department’s spokeswoman, Kris Carson.

State highway officials plan to lengthen some turn lanes to improve traffic flow for about 100,000 vehicles a day that move through State Road 54 and U.S. 41. (Kathy Steele)

Changes will focus on the west side of the intersection by lengthening the eastbound right- and left-turn lanes on State Road 54. To accomplish this, the median on State Road 54 at Hunt Road will be altered to allow only right turns from Hunt onto State Road 54.

Pasco County officials estimate design costs to be about $300,000.

The turn-lane changes are considered an interim solution to the traffic congestion at this intersection.

A permanent solution – and a major reconstruction – is the current focus of a study by a local task force that will make a recommendation to the county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Those efforts began in 2015, and are expected to extend into 2018.

The entire study includes the State 54/56 corridor, from Bruce B. Downs Boulevard on the east to U.S. 19 on the west. Currently, the focus is on two intersections: Little Road and State Road 54 in New Port Richey, and U.S. 41 and State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes.

The Land O’ Lakes intersection is receiving most of the attention as one of the county’s busiest intersections. There also is available funding, which the New Port Richey intersection lacks.

Some options for State Road 54 and U.S. 41 include elevated lanes, as well as redesigns at ground level. Dedicated lanes for buses and express toll lanes also are being considered.

The 17-member task force is working with the MPO as well as Pasco County Planning and Development, FDOT and consultants.

Published November 22, 2017

She trades Alaska for a floral shop in Pasco

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More than 35 years ago, Susan Crenshaw made a life-changing decision.

A friend – who later became her husband – urged the New Port Richey native to move from her home base in Pasco County to Alaska.

“Alaska is the place you need to be,” he told her.

Susan Crenshaw’s floral shop, in Wisteria Plaza, has custom designed floral arrangements, balloons, gifts and artwork. (Kathy Steele)

At the time, there weren’t many jobs available at home, so she took his advice.

She wound up loving it.

“I like the outdoors and love animals,” Crenshaw said.

She also found plenty of opportunities to pursue her career passion – floral design.

Now, 35 years later, she is living in Spring Hill.

And, at age 58, she thought she was on a path to retirement, and living close to her children.

But, in October, she opened The Lakes Floral and Gifts Inc., at 6755 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Wisteria Plaza.

After years of working for other shop owners, Crenshaw became a first-time business owner.

So much for retirement.

“I got bored,” she explained.

Her shop offers custom-designed floral arrangements for all occasions.

She also offers an assortment of gifts and selected artwork.

There are fresh flowers, silk flowers, live plants, balloons, stuffed animals, soaps, and handcrafted cards, bottles and beadwork.

One gift item is a graphite pencil and a “Wishing Stone,” created by sculptor Kelly Barker.

Artwork can be painted on the stone’s surface in water. As the water evaporates, the art disappears and the stone is ready for another artistic creation.

She also features works by local artists.

Susan Crenshaw returned home from Alaska and opened her first floral business, The Lakes Floral and Gifts Inc.

She plans to display artists’ works on a rotating basis — featuring one artist’s work for about two months and then bringing in new works from another artist.

Her own paintings are on display, too.

She began painting when she was young, noting that her mother painted, so she grew up with it.

Just as Alaska didn’t become her permanent address, her career choice didn’t follow the direction she expected it to take, either.

She attended what was then known as Pasco-Hernando Community College, majoring in art, with a minor in business.

Across the hallway, she noticed an adult education class on the basics of floral design.

She decided to give that a try, and was hooked.

“It gets into your blood,” Crenshaw said. “You can’t get away from it.”

Though moving to Alaska might seem a leap to some people, Crenshaw said Anchorage, the state’s largest city, worked well for her.

“It has a symphony orchestra that is fabulous, and opera,” she said. “And, 10 minutes outside town, you’re in the wilderness with moose and bears.”

In Florida, people move from air-conditioned buildings to air-conditioned cars. In Alaska, it’s from heated buildings to heated cars, Crenshaw said.

Not a big adjustment, she said.

“It was great.”

She painted and was an avid photographer.

She worked as a florist.

At one time, she was florist at a base exchange at Elmendorf Air Base in Anchorage.

Crenshaw also worked in management for the supermarket company, Safeway, which is now owned by Albertson’s.

Still, floral design is her first love.

She took classes in floral design in California from Phil Rulloda, a designer who is nationally known.

When she made the decision to open her Land O’ Lakes shop, she researched and observed.

“We sat in parking lots and scoped areas out,” she said.

Her son suggested she check out Land O’ Lakes as a place where new development was happening.

“I remembered Land O’ Lakes as the old Land O’ Lakes,” she said.

But, new subdivisions are coming, including one on former Lester Dairy farmland. More retail is coming, too.

Crenshaw saw “a nice, busy place,” and settled on Wisteria Plaza, where Capital Tacos restaurant is located.

She also likes the family feel of the plaza.

“Everyone looks out for each other here,” she said.

So, she is home again in Pasco County, doing what she loves.

Published November 22, 2017