Land O' Lakes News

Land O’ Lakes buses to roll out in May

March 22, 2017 By Kathy Steele

Land O’ Lakes residents can soon step aboard buses on a special circular route through the community.

By May 22, Pasco County expects to begin the new route. A tentative ribbon cutting will be on May 18 at a bus stop at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, at 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

The first buses would roll a few days later.

A Land O’ Lakes circulator bus route is scheduled to begin by May 22.
(Courtesy of Pasco County)

The announcement came at a March 9 board meeting of the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization in Dade City.

Previously, county officials had hoped to begin the route in March.

“This is going to be another win for Pasco County,” said Kevin Hoyt, the county’s transportation operations manager. “We are all extremely excited.”

The route will move north on U.S. 41 with bus stops that include the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, the post office, Land O’ Lakes High School and the detention center.

A loop eastward along State Road 54 will have stops at Collier Commons and the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library.

There also will be a stop at the Target Super Store on North Dale Mabry Highway, where riders can transfer to buses operated by the Hillsborough County Area Regional Transit system, known as HART.

The Land O’ Lakes circulator route is one of three the county put on its 2017 list of capital improvement projects.

Estimated costs for the circulator route were about $300,000 a year for operations, and a one-time purchase of a bus at a cost of about $110,000.

Two other routes along State Road 54 and in the Moon Lake area of New Port Richey already are operating.

Published March 22, 2017

Connerton hosts ‘stud’ parties

March 22, 2017 By B.C. Manion

Connerton is hosting three events to give people a chance to write a few words of encouragement and inspiration for retired U.S. Army Sgt. David Roca and his family, who will be receiving a mortgage-free home from Connerton, Lennar and Operation Finally Home.

Roca sustained several traumatic brain injuries in combat during his deployment to Iraq. One of those injuries occurred when an improvised explosive device hit his vehicle.

Construction is already underway at 8743 Savory Walk Drive. The family of four is expected to move in on April 30, thanks to an expedited permitting and review process by Pasco County.
(Courtesy of Grey Street Studios Inc.)

Roca and his three children were surprised on a windy, chilly March morning when they found out they would be moving into a home in Connerton, a 4,800-acre mixed-used, master-planned community in central Pasco County.

Roca and his children, Alex, Amelie and David Jr., will be moving into a 2,065-square-foot, four-bedroom home, being built by Lennar Homes. The family is expected to move in on April 30.

Those who would like to extend their congratulations and well wishes will have a chance to write them on the home’s studs before the dry wall is installed, said Joan Stout, a Connerton marketing consultant. Those signings will take place at the home site, 8743 Savory Walk Drive in Connerton, on April 1, April 2 and April 8, from noon to 3 p.m.

Those unable to come during those times should visit Club Connerton, at 21100 Fountain Garden Way, where they can sign a heart. Those hearts will be stapled to the framing of the home, Stout said.

The Roca family will be able to read the notes, as they do a walk-through of the home before the drywall is installed. That walk-through is expected on April 9.

Grey Street Studios Inc., also will do a video tour to capture the notes of love so that the family will have a permanent remembrance of the wishes extended to them from the community.

This is the sixth home Lennar has provided to military families around the country, and the first in the Tampa Bay market.

Based in Texas, Operation Finally Home has provided more than 150 mortgage-free homes for veterans during the past 10 years.

Published March 22, 2017

Land O’ Lakes library is a Hulafrog favorite

March 15, 2017 By Kathy Steele

The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library is feeling the love from Hulafrog families who voted in an annual survey for favorite library, according to a press release from Pasco County.

Hulafrog is an online resource that connects area parents to local kid-friendly events and businesses.

The Land O’ Lakes library, at 2818 Collier Parkway, won top spot among other libraries in Wesley Chapel, Lutz and New Tampa. Residents who are subscribers to Hulafrog voted in the annual “most loved awards” survey.

This photo was taken during the ‘Play, Make Discover! Silly Dance Party’ at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library on Collier Parkway.
(Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes Branch Library)

Other categories included “Most loved learning center,” “Most loved kid-friendly restaurant,” and “Most loved pediatrician.”

Among the fun and educational programs available at the Land O’ Lakes library are the Play, Make, Discover! Program on Saturdays; Tinkering Tuesdays every second Tuesday in the month; and weekly story times for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

“We’re extremely proud to be recognized by the community we serve and to know that our patrons love us as much as we love them,” said Kathleen Rothstein, in a statement from the press release. Rothstein is regional branch manager at the Land O’ Lakes library.

Two suburban mothers in New Jersey launched Hulafrog in 2010. Since then, Hulafrog has expanded to about 100 markets in 2,200 cities in 28 states. Florida has 75 Hulafrog communities on the Internet.

Parents can log in and subscribe for free, to learn information about upcoming events and activities.

The Week Ahead, for instance, highlights one event for every day of the week. There also is Save the Date and Weekend Guide information. Announcements include coupons and promotions offered by area businesses.

Business owners with children’s activities can have a free profile on Hulafrog, and post information about their events, classes, camps and birthday parties.

Hulafrog is funded through advertising packages.

For information, including the full list of “Most loved” awards, visit Hulafrog.com/wesley-chapel-lutz-fl.

Or, visit the Facebook page at Hulafrog Wesley Chapel-Lutz.

Published March 15, 2017

Land O’ Lakes festival offers music, car show, food

March 15, 2017 By B.C. Manion

Things didn’t go exactly as planned.

The permanent stage event organizers had hoped to use remains under construction.

Soul Circus Cowboys were the headline act at the second annual Land O’ Lakes Music Festival.
(Courtesy of Suzanne Beauchaine)

There were also some pre-event traffic snarls. And, electrical problems threw off the schedule, precluding Stonegrey, the first musical act, from being able to perform.

Those at the festival had the chance to hear performances by The Higgins Brothers, Shalyah Fearing, City Groove and Soul Circus Cowboys.

The event was presented by the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, as a way to give back to the community.

David Gainer, the event chairman and president-elect for the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, was disappointed things didn’t go as smoothly as planned.

“With all the pre-planning and walk-through the day before, we somehow still had a couple of issues. It was disappointing not to have Stonegrey open the show. We sincerely apologize to them and, more importantly, their fan base who came out to see them,” he said.

Overall, though, those attending the second annual Land O’ Lakes Music Festival seemed to be having a good time.

Gloria Dale and Rosie Heim were working a booth to try to drum up support for Heim, who is campaigning to become the new Honorary Mayor of Land O’ Lakes. Dale is the deputy honorary mayor a title she’s been given for life.
(B.C. Manion)

People were checking out the vintage Cadillac and old-school Nova, the Teslas, and the other vehicles that owners were showing off at the Al and Ida Silver Memorial Car Show.

Event-goers also were grabbing a bite to eat, including barbecued meals served by Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que, hot dogs from D&R Specialty Dogs, and food and drink from other vendors.

And, the mood was generally upbeat, as people strolled up and down vendor aisles, checking out displays and picking up freebies at the March 11 event at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center and Park.

“This is a great day,” said Phyllis Bross, who was working at the AARP Land O’ Lakes Chapter’s booth to raise awareness about the organization. “People seem happy, and I see children with balloons. Everyone loves the food.”

Rosie Heim was at the festival trying to garner support for her bid to be the next Land O’ Lakes Honorary Mayor. She wants to win the race so she can make more people aware of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, a volunteer organization involved in countless community causes and events.

Heim was there with her sidekick, Gloria Dale, who has been named the deputy honorary mayor of Land O’ Lakes for life.

The two ladies were selling “I love Land O’ Lakes” buttons and chances for prizes, to help raise money for Heim’s campaign.

Shalyah Fearing, a performer whose familiar to fans of the television program ‘The Voice,’ performed at the second annual Land O’ Lakes Music Festival on March 11.

Tim Clayton Sr., and his son, Tim Clayton Jr., were there working the Knight Pest Control booth. The presence of a life-size replica of a knight in shining armor helped draw attention to their booth.

“We go to all of the chamber events,” said Tim Clayton Sr., whose company is a member of Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, and has offices in Pasco, Hernando and Pinellas counties.

He was particularly pleased that the event featured a car show, in addition to the music and vendors.

“There are a couple of Teslas over there,” he said. “They’re beautiful cars.”

There were scores of other businesses and organizations with booths at the event.

Lowe’s Home Improvement had a booth and so did Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Seal Swim School was there, and so was Connerton. The Laker/Lutz News had a booth, too.

Organizers estimate attendance at about 1,000. Admission was free, except for reserved seating at the concert. Parking was $10.

Gainer said the experience “was definitely a learning process for us (event organizers), but it will help us with the planning of our future events.

“Overall, we believe it was a success, and we can continue to build from this. We understand that it takes time to grow an event such as this, and we intend to see it become a signature event that the Land O’ Lakes community can look forward to annually,” he said.

Published March 15, 2017

State funds sought for forensic training center

March 8, 2017 By Kathy Steele

State legislators will try to secure about $4.3 million in state funds to build a forensic anthropology training center – also known as a body farm – next to the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center, off U.S. 41.

A local campaign also aims to raise about $200,000 for a tactical training program on-site for Pasco’s K-9 unit. Those efforts will be spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel.

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco outlined details for the Florida Forensic Institute for Research, Security & Tactical Training, or F.I.R.S.T., at a Feb. 27 press conference.

The campus has the potential of becoming the “Silicon Valley” of forensic anthropology research and an economic boost for Pasco, Nocco said.

“This is really going to be a forensics hub,” he said. “It is a unique opportunity.”

State Rep. Danny Burgess, Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore, and Erin Kimmerle, associate professor of anthropology at the University of South Florida and director of the Florida Institute of Forensic Anthropology & Applied Science, were among those attending the press conference.

Burgess and State Sen. Wilton Simpson plan to request state funding for the project during the upcoming legislative session. The Pasco County Commission gave its approval to the project in January, and donated county land next to the jail.

The indoor and outdoor facility would be the seventh in the nation to study body decomposition as an aid in solving crimes, and identifying victims of murder or other trauma.

It also would bring together research and practical applications of crime solving, forensic anthropology and criminal prosecution in a single location.

Partners in the project are Pasco-Hernando State College and the IFAAS, with Kimmerle leading the anthropology team.

Kimmerle and USF are well-known for their work in identifying bodies found in unmarked graves at the former Dozier School for Boys in Marianna.

The campus in Pasco would include a laboratory for research and forensic casework, classrooms, a morgue and evidence storage. The educational focus would be on forensics, anthropology, geochemistry, legal medicine, forensic intelligence, aviation reconstruction and cyber forensics.

Technology will be a major part of the research, including virtual autopsies with 3-D scanning and chemical isotope analysis, Kimmerle said.

The K-9 portion of the project would be the first time Pasco has had a dedicated facility for tactical training for the K-9 unit, the Pasco Unified SWAT team, and sheriff’s deputies.

The new research center, called F.I.R.S.T. for short, would be a resource for universities, forensic scientists and law enforcement in the entire state. It can aid in tactical training and quick response to active shooter situations, missing person investigations, homicides and terrorist attacks.

Nocco said the recent attack at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando showed the need for greater preparedness and communications between local, state and federal law enforcement.

It also could help build a statewide database of an estimated 16,000 cold cases in Florida, Nocco said.

And, he added, it will provide career opportunities for college students through internships, as well as professional certificates and degrees.

The University of Tennessee in Knoxville was the first to establish a forensic training and research center in the 1970s. Others are at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Western Carolina University, Sam Houston State University, Texas State University in Carbondale, Southern Illinois University and Colorado Mesa University.

The “body farm” label came into use after crime novelist Patricia Cornwell wrote “The Body Farm” in 1994. Her protagonist, Kay Scarpetta, solves a child’s murder with help from a secretive research facility in Tennessee known as the Body Farm.

In 2015, USF proposed a forensic training center in Hillsborough County’s Lithia Springs. Nearby residents objected, and USF dropped the project.

Residents had concerns about safety and security with a “body farm” near their neighborhood.

The proposed site will be fenced off, and Moore said, “There’s no chance of anyone getting in here and disturbing the site. It’s a great opportunity not just for our people, but for people nationwide to come here and participate.”

Published March 8, 2017

Army vet gets big surprise: A mortgage-free home

March 8, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

An unseasonably chilly and windy March morning wasn’t going to disrupt one family’s warm welcome to Land O’ Lakes.

Retired U.S. Army Sgt. David Roca and his three children were on their way to receiving a new home in Connerton, the 4,800-acre mixed-use, master-planned community in central Pasco County.

Yet, they had no idea.

Retired U.S. Army Sgt. David Roca and his three children received a new home in Connerton. The 2,065-square-foot, four-bedroom is mortgage-free. From left, Alex, 14; Amelie; 15; David Jr., 3; and, David.
(Courtesy of Grey Street Studios Inc.)

The Roca family, who currently live in Orlando, assumed they were just going through Operation Finally Home’s preliminary interview process on March 3.

Instead, they were treated like VIPs, as they received an escort by the Patriot Guard Riders, and were greeted at the site of their new Land O’ Lakes home by dozens of residents, dignitaries and fellow veterans.

The groundbreaking for the family’s new one-story, four-bedroom home was a patriotic celebration that left the 36-year-old single father smiling.

And, speechless.

“It’s a great feeling,” Roca said afterward. “It’s hard finding the words.”

Lennar Homes and Connerton partnered with Operation Finally Home to provide the custom-built, mortgage-free home to the army veteran and his children, Amelie, 15; Alex, 14; and, David Jr., 3.

Based in Texas, Operation Finally Home has provided more than 150 mortgage-free homes for veterans during the past 10 years.

The nonprofit was one of three organizations that MacDill Air Force Base recommended to Connerton officials.

The ceremony marked the sixth home Lennar has provided to military families around the country, and the first in the Tampa Bay market.

Construction has already begun on the 2,065-square-foot home, at 8743 Savory Walk Drive.

The family of four is expected to move in on April 30, thanks to an expedited permitting and review process by Pasco County.

Like other recipients of Operation Finally Home, Roca’s background is honorable, yet heart-wrenching.

The native of Queens, New York, enlisted in August 2004 as a 13F Forward Observer.

During his deployment to Iraq, he sustained several traumatic brain injuries in combat, one of which occurred when an improvised explosive devise hit his vehicle.

Upon returning home, Roca’s injuries prevented him from performing in physical training.

He experienced mood swings and severe headaches, too.

After thorough evaluation, Roca medically retired in December 2008.

Dozens of residents, dignitaries and fellow veterans attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Roca family’s new home.

Today, Roca still suffers from several brain injuries, migraines, sprained ankles and post-traumatic stress disorder.

In service, Roca received numerous accolades, including the Valor Device, an award for saving his Commander’s life in battle. He has also received an Army Commendation Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award and Army Good Conduct Medal.

Rusty Carroll, executive director of Operation Finally Home, was particularly moved by Roca’s background.

“He suffered through countless incidents that nobody would want to go through,” Carroll said. “But, his courage and valor stood true, and he helped save lives.”

Upon retiring in 2008, Roca moved his family to Long Island, where he hoped to recover and continue his bachelor’s degree at Nassau Community College.

But, he struggled with concentration and memory due to his wartime injuries, and opted to focus on his mental and physical health before continuing school.

He and his three children moved to Florida for a “better life.”

“The thing that stood out to me when I first saw David’s story, was his commitment to his family,” Carroll said. “That certainly has shined through ever since I was able to know David and meet him.”

Operation Finally Home, Carroll noted, simply “connects the dots” among communities, builders and subcontractors, to honor veterans.

“David and others just like him don’t feel like they deserve it, but they do,” Carroll said. “He has paid for it. He’s paid it through his service and his sacrifice to this country, so he’s earned it.”

Once the family moves to Land O’ Lakes, Roca said he eventually wants to work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to find employment that suits his skills, and immerse his family into the community.

Published March 8, 2017

Woman’s club offers giant flea market

March 1, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

Donations are still rolling in for one of the Tampa Bay area’s most popular flea markets.

The annual GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club flea market is scheduled for March 3 and March 4 at the Historic Old Lutz School, 18819 U.S. 41 in Lutz.

Events hours are from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., on both days.

Club members have been gathering and sorting thousands of donated goods since Feb. 13.

Locals have provided a wide range of items, including household and children’s goods, antiques and collectibles, sports equipment and gardening tools.

Higher-end products, such as silver and crystal, also will be sold at the market.

Clothing items, as usual, are in high supply.

They’ll also be in high demand, said Pat Serio, one of the flea market’s organizers.

“Clothing is so hugely popular, because most items are $1 per piece, with the exception of a few boutique items,” she said.

“People walk out with armfuls,” Serio said.

Many flea market items, Serio said, are in the $1 to $5 range.

Other goods — like children’s toys and crafts — can be had for a quarter.

Shoppers, too, can often find rare “treasures” — like depression-era glasses — at relatively good prices.

“We’re our own best donors. We give the bulk of this stuff, and we solicit all of our friends,” Serio said. “We love donating, and we love shopping.”

The flea market has been a staple in Lutz for more than 35 years, organizers say. It had modest beginnings, with “just a few tables” at the Lutz Train Depot.

In a short time, however, the event outgrew that location.

Now, thousands flock to the Historic Old Lutz School during the two-day run.

It is now the club’s second-largest fundraiser, behind the annual Lutz Arts & Crafts Show each December.

Sales from the flea market go toward the club’s college scholarship fund.

At the end of the event, leftover items will be donated to local organizations, including Goodwill and Salvation Army, local nursing homes, veterans’ charities and local libraries.

Put simply: “Nothing goes to waste,” Serio said.

Besides the woman’s club, groups such as Boy Scout Troop 12 and the University of South Florida’s Sigma Lambda Gamma sorority chapter pitch in to help with the event.

About 80 other volunteers also help, including club members’ husbands and children.

Last year, the flea market was the organization’s primary fundraiser after the arts show was cancelled due to a burgeoning sinkhole in Lake Park.

That led to a budget shortfall — which the organization is still recovering from, Serio said.

Even so, the burden for a banner showing is lesser compared to 2016.

“There isn’t so much stress about how much money we’re going to make to fill the coffers,” Serio said. “But, there’s always stress involved in coordinating, and there’s a lot of chaos involved…”

Still, members find a way to have a fun experience once the flea market commences.

“We all enjoy it,” Serio said. “We like to think of ourselves as the ‘Chiseler’s North.’”

Karin D’Amico, the club’s president, acknowledged the event takes “a lot of work.” However, the immense community support makes it worthwhile, she said.

“We have carload after carload of people …dropping off stuff,” D’Amico said. “That’s what I think is (special) — the community coming out for us, and you can really feel the support…”

Anyone who wishes to donate items for the flea market still has time. Donations will be accepted until March 1. All donations should be in clean and in working order. Large appliances and sleeper sofas cannot be accepted.

To find out more about making a donation, call (813) 948-4752.

GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club Flea Market
Where: Old Lutz School, 18819 U.S. 41 in Lutz
When: March 3 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and March 4 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For information, call (813) 948-4752.

Published March 1, 2017

Revving up for a good time in Land O’ Lakes

March 1, 2017 By B.C. Manion

Live music, interesting cars, corn dogs and kids’ activities — those are just a few of the offerings expected at the second annual Land O’ Lakes Music Festival set for March 11.

Stonegrey, which just released its second album, ‘Voice of Reason,’ is among the musical acts on tap for the second annual Land O’ Lakes Music Festival.
(Courtesy of Suzanne Beauchaine)

The festival, presented by the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, is being held at a new venue this year.

David Gainer, event chairman and president-elect of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce thinks the new location — at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center and Park — will benefit the event because of its high visibility off Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

The festival was moved because organizers believed that a new stage, that’s now under construction, would be completed.

“We thought the stage would be ready this year, but you know how construction goes. It was delayed,” Gainer said. “Ultimately, once the new stage there is completed, that is going to be our new home.”

So, instead of using the new stage, musicians will perform on the park’s football field, Gainer said.

Soul Circus Cowboys will bring their modern rockin’ country sound to the headline act of the second annual Land O’ Lakes Music Festival, set for March 11.

Festival-goers can bring their own lawn chairs and blankets, or can purchase reserved seating, which is $15 in advance, or $20 at the gate.

The event kicks off with the Al and Ida Silver Memorial Car Show, which is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the top 30 cars.

“We’re expecting to have 40 to 60 cars there, of all kinds, not just classic,” Gainer said.

Meanwhile, the music festival will be on the football field, where people will be able to bring lawn chairs and blankets, to listen to the bands.

The music will begin around 12:30 p.m., with entertainment running through the event’s conclusion, around 8 p.m.

This year’s musical lineup includes:

Tim Serdynski
The Higgins Brothers
City Groove
Stonegrey

Shalyah Fearing, a singer from Hudson who will be familiar to fans of the television show, “The Voice,” is expected to perform around 3 p.m., Gainer said.

And, Soul Circus Cowboys, the headline act, will perform around 7 p.m., Gainer added.

Food will be available for purchase, including barbecue meals, corn dogs, hamburgers, sliders, and funnel cakes. Beverages for sale include beer, wine, water and soft drinks.

There also will be plenty for the kids to do, including games, bounce houses and obstacle courses, Gainer said.

The event gives the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce a chance to provide an event that local residents will enjoy, Gainer said.

“It’s a good thing, all around, for the community,” Gainer said.

Second annual Land O’ Lakes Music Festival
Where: 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: March 11, with car show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; other festival activities, noon to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free general admission; preferred seating, $15 in advance and $20 at the gate; $10 parking. (Tickets are available at EventBrite.com)
Details: Car show, music festival, business and arts & crafts showcase, children’s activities and food.
For information: Visit CentralPascoChamber.com.

Published March 1, 2017

DQ Grill & Chill comes to Ballantrae Village Shoppes

March 1, 2017 By Kathy Steele

DQ Grill & Chill is nearly ready for its debut at Ballantrae Village Shoppes. By mid-March, franchise owner Carlos Saenz plans to host a grand opening.

Meanwhile, Saenz has had to watch hopeful customers slowly steer their vehicles into the drive-through lane on a daily basis.

It’s disappointing not to at least have a Blizzard or an ice cream cone to hand out, said Saenz.

But, he isn’t surprised at the response from people eager to try a new restaurant.

Franchise owner Carlos Saenz plans to open his DQ Grill & Chill at Ballantrae Village Shoppes by mid-March.
(Kathy Steele)

DQ Grill & Chill is located at 17826 Aprile Drive, off Ballantrae Boulevard and State Road 54.

More than 50,000 vehicles travel up and down the state road. Ballantrae Village Shoppes sits at the entrance to the master-planned community of Ballantrae, north of U.S. 41.

Further north, Bexley Ranch and Asturia are among new subdivisions populating the state highway. To the south, Long Lake Ranch homes are for sale. More retail and commercial are popping up where cows once grazed.

At Ballantrae Village, Circle K is nearly built. In addition to Dairy Queen, the approximately 17,000-square-foot shopping plaza will have T-Mobile, Taco Bell and Dunkin’ Donuts. Other parcels are available.

The activity up and down State Road 54 is a prime reason that Saenz, and his wife Pam, took a deep dive into a new venture – as fast-food restaurant owners.

“We think we’re in a great spot,” said Saenz. “Three years ago, this area was probably a five or six (on a scale of 10). I think we’re at a nine or 10, with the amount of homes and traffic.”

The Saenz’s live in the Oakstead subdivision with their 14-year-old daughter, Madison. Pam Saenz is a Pasco County teacher.

Carlos Saenz is stepping away from a long career in the insurance industry to open his first Dairy Queen. A second franchise in Hudson is possible.

When Saenz researched restaurant franchises, he zeroed in on Dairy Queen for a personal reason. He grew up in Puerto Rico, but as a middle school student moved to Kissimmee, Florida.

His first fast-food meal was at a Dairy Queen on U.S. 192. “It’s still there,” Saenz said.

He feels many others also feel nostalgic about a restaurant that began in 1940. Back then, it sold burgers, hot dogs, fries, Peanut Buster parfaits, Dilly bars and ice cream cones.

Dairy Queen celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2015. The company boasts of more than 1,560 DQ Grill & Chill restaurants in 46 states.

Saenz said Dairy Queen, in recent years, has kept its traditional menu items, but also modernized to keep up with the times. The DQ Grill & Chill concept started nearly two decades ago.

The old favorites are still there, but chicken strip baskets and sandwiches and honey-flavored barbecue have been added. DQ rotates some items in and out, including a recent Kansas-style pork sandwich on pretzel bread and a Philly cheesesteak.

Customers are now described as “fans.”

Dairy Queen supports community-based charitable events. Saenz said the company supports a national campaign to collect donations for the Miracle Children’s Network. However, money collected locally stays in the community, he said.

He anticipates sponsoring special “spirit night” events for area schools, with a portion of proceeds benefiting each school.

A grassy area near the outdoor patio could be gated off as a kind of dog park. Saenz said he expects foot traffic from nearby Ballantrae homes, and people will want to bring their pets.

“We’re going to be partners with the community and engaging with schools,” Saenz said.

Published March 1, 2017

These kids want to help out

February 15, 2017 By B.C. Manion

None of these kids are old enough to go out and get a job.

They also have trouble finding places where they can volunteer.

So, they formed the “Helping Hands Club” to do something about that.

Twelve-year-old Caileigh Brown, a sixth-grader at Rushe Middle School, came up with the idea.

Members of the Helping Hands Club pose near the lake behind Heather Shisler’s home. Back row: Caileigh Brown, Kaylee Roy, Gavin Brown and Ella Neuffer. Front row: Isabella Steady and Alexis Hopper.
(B.C. Manion)

Other members of the club are 11-year-old Isabella Steady, a sixth-grader at Rushe; 11-year-old Alexis Hopper, a sixth-grader at Rushe; 13-year-old Kaylee Roy, an eighth-grader at Rushe; 10-year-old Ella Neuffer, a fifth-grader at Oakstead Elementary; and, 9-year-old Gavin Brown, Caileigh’s little brother, a fourth-grader at Oakstead.

The group formed shortly before the holidays.

The club meets on weekends at Heather Shisler’s home in Land O’ Lakes. Shisler is Gavin and Caileigh’s mom.

The meetings generally last about 90 minutes.

Early on, the kids focused on figuring out things they’d like to do.

So far, they helped at Sunrise of Pasco Inc., a domestic violence shelter, and at Zaksee’s Bird Sanctuary.

They sorted out a storage closet at the domestic violence shelter, and they helped do some cleaning and planted seeds at the bird sanctuary.

Club members said they’ve tried to get involved before, but have had trouble gaining momentum.

“In fourth and fifth grade, we would try to make these volunteer groups to help people. None of them were ever successful,” Steady said.

“A lot of the things that we actually wanted to do, we’re too young. You have to be 16,” Brown said.

Neuffer said she enjoys being in the club. “I love helping out people,” she said.

Brown’s little brother, Gavin, is first to admit he was drafted into the club. But, he said, he enjoys being part of it.

Shisler lets the club meet at her house, helps the kids with setting up volunteer opportunities and transporting them.

The group’s goal is to complete at least one — but hopefully more — volunteer activities each month.

The opportunities need to be within the general area, and need to be tasks that can be completed within a day or less.

The idea is to make a difference, the kids say.

“It’s a good thing to do in your free time, instead of watching TV,” Roy said.

The kids know there are a number of chores they can perform.

In some cases, they may be able to do chores for pay, such as babysitting or dog walking, in which case the money they earn would go for a charitable cause, they said.

Glenda Steady, who is Isabella’s mom, is grateful for Shisler’s willingness to open her home for club meetings, to help set volunteer appointments and to transport the kids.

She thinks the kids will benefit immensely. “They want to do something for others. I think it is awesome.”

Justin Hopper, who is Alexis’s dad, is also glad his daughter is involved.

He believes belonging to the club will help teach the kids about the satisfaction that comes from being of service to others. “It will serve them well the rest of their lives,” he said.

He also said their desire to help is sincere.

“There’s a lot of stuff they’re willing to do,” he said. “There’s really no lack of heart in this group.”

The kids hope their club will set a good example for other kids, and might inspire others to start their own clubs.

Anyone who is interested in getting involved, or who needs the Helping Hands Club’s help should contact Shisler at .

Published February 15, 2017