Land O' Lakes News

Band trailer gets a whole new look

April 13, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The Land O’Lakes High School band trailer was in desperate need of repair.

Not only was it wearing down after 25 years of continual use, but there was also a gaping hole in the trailer’s side panel — the result of a parking lot accident last October.

In simple terms, the beaten-up trailer was an eyesore and in dire need of a paint job.

While a new trailer would have been great, there wasn’t $6,000 in the school’s budget to buy one.

Riley Batts, in his first year instructing the band, found the situation a bit perplexing.

The trailer was involved in a parking lot accident last October, creating a gash in the side panel. The exterior’s paint was wearing off, too. (Courtesy of Jeanine Womack) — The trailer was involved in a parking lot accident last October, creating a gash in the side panel. The exterior’s paint was wearing off, too.
(Courtesy of Jeanine Womack)

“I never expected my trailer to get into an accident the first year I’ve been teaching here,” Batts said with a chuckle. “I had no idea what to do. I wasn’t sure how or when it was going to get fixed.”

Then, a band member’s parent stepped in to help solve the problem.

John Womack — whose daughter, Morgan is a freshman alto saxophone player — offered to try to repair the decrepit trailer.

Initially, Womack and his father-in-law, John Jones, were planning to repair the side panel and add a fresh coat of paint.

But then, they went a step further.

“I just kind of started off with the idea of redoing it,” said Womack, a sergeant with the Tampa Police Department. “The idea was just to fix what it was, and try to repaint it. I wasn’t going to go and do nearly the stuff that we did.”

But, with several connections in the community, Womack was able to secure material and service donations from local businesses including Eddie’s Auto Paint and Body, Meredith Tire and Auto, and Sign Parrot.

Besides the priority repairs, other improvements were made, too. New lights were installed, both inside and outside the trailer. Carpet, shelving and netting for instruments also were installed in the trailer’s interior. A spare tire mount was built, too.

Though Womack helped coordinate the trailer’s massive overhaul, he is quick to deflect the credit to the three businesses.

The refurbished trailer has new, bold decals and sparkling blue paint. (Courtesy of Riley Batts) — The refurbished trailer has new, bold decals and sparkling blue paint.
(Photos courtesy of Riley Batts)

“Most of it was done by the outside,” he said. “The only thing I did that was super intensive was we couldn’t find anything to take those old decals off, so we had to pressure-wash all of those decals off; I got like 17 hours of pressure-washing under me.”

The Land O’ Lakes band instructor was awestruck by all the improvements, calling them “mind-blowing.”

“I didn’t expect that. They said they were just going to take it in to get the side fixed from the crash,” said Batts, who oversees about 85 band members.

They also improved the trailer’s security, Batts said.

“They put new locks on everything, which is awesome, because anyone probably could’ve broken into the old one, and we have thousands of dollars’ worth of instruments on that (trailer).”

Batts is especially impressed by the trailer’s exterior, which features fresh, extravagant school decals to complement the surrounding sparkling blue coloring.

“The whole outside looks amazing. People seeing that on the road are going to be like, ‘Wow, Land O’ Lakes Band is awesome,’” she said.

Perhaps the most critical new feature is the interior lighting that was installed so band members, especially percussion students, can safely load heavy equipment after a nighttime event.

The inside of the trailer features new lighting, shelving, carpeting and netting.

“After football games at midnight, these kids were putting away instruments and trying to play Tetris,” she said, comparing it to the video game about creating order. They were moving large instruments, without the benefit of lights, she said, forcing students to rely on the lights on their cellphones to maneuver the equipment.

When band students were first introduced to the revamped trailer, many thought the school had purchased a new one — considering its pristine appearance.

“It came out as a surprise, and my jaw literally dropped,” said sophomore Jacob Barber, who’s in the drum line. “It was just so nice.”

Phoebe Dunne, a sophomore snare player, said the refurbishments have made fellow members more eager to start the next marching season.

“I think it just shows off more of what the band is,” Dunne said. “We’re more cheerful.”

Sophomore marimba player Sydney Crino said band members appreciate the overhaul.

“It really means a lot to my section, because we have really big instruments, and we have to use the trailer; it’s so hard to load it when you can’t see what you’re doing or the walls are falling off and everything,” she said. “I really think it’s going to help with our school spirit, because we’re not going to be embarrassed about it anymore.”

Published April 13, 2016

North Pointe Church to have a home of its own

April 13, 2016 By B.C. Manion

There was a time when North Pointe Church prayed over an 11-acre site, hoping that a door would open for the land to become the location for the church’s first permanent home.

That was in 2008.

That prayer wasn’t answered.

Pastor Steve Wells said North Pointe Church’s new site demonstrates God’s word in action. “God’s word says he’ll give you exceedingly more than you ever asked, dreamed or imagined — He’s given us exceedingly more than we could have ever asked, dreamed or imagined.” (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Pastor Steve Wells said North Pointe Church’s new site demonstrates God’s word in action. “God’s word says he’ll give you exceedingly more than you ever asked, dreamed or imagined — He’s given us exceedingly more than we could have ever asked, dreamed or imagined.”
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Instead, another property — three times the size of the parcel the church prayed over — became available in 2015.

And, it’s in essentially the same spot, just facing the other direction, said North Pointe’s Pastor Steve Wells.

The incredible thing was that the church had been hoping for at least 10 acres to plant its permanent home, but then decided that a 3-acre site was probably more feasible, given its finances.

When it learned about the 33-acre property where it’s planning to build, it simply was seeking to buy a few acres, Wells said.

The owner told the church it could buy a few acres, or all 33, for the same price.

Wells saw the hand of God in that transaction.

“God’s word says he’ll give you exceedingly more than you ever asked, dreamed or imagined — He’s given us exceedingly more than we could have ever asked, dreamed or imagined,” Wells said.

On April 10, the church celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction on a 12,000-square-foot structure that will serve as the church’s first permanent worship center.

The site is off County Line Road and Amanda Park Drive, in Lutz.

Plans for the first phase include a 12,000-plus-square-foot worship center, with gathering areas, administrative offices and spacious natural places on the property. The goal is to open the new sanctuary by late December or early January.

Wells is excited about the church finally having a home of its own.

Members of North Pointe Church enthusiastically toss dirt during a groundbreaking ceremony for the church’s first permanent home. (Photos courtesy of Northpointe Church) — Members of North Pointe Church enthusiastically toss dirt during a groundbreaking ceremony for the church’s first permanent home.
(Photos courtesy of North Pointe Church)

North Pointe had its first meeting in 2004 in the auditorium of Wharton High School, as a church planted by Belmont Church of Temple Terrace. The following year, North Pointe became its own church, Wells said.

In 2008, it moved from Wharton to a warehouse space in Land O’ Lakes, and then it moved again, in 2015, to Sunlake High School in Land O’ Lakes.

The church has grown from 40 members to more than 300, Wells said. It draws members from as far west as Odessa, as far east as Zephyrhills, as far north as San Antonio and as far south as Thonotosassa.

Because its members come from numerous communities, the church was delighted when it found a location that’s so centrally located, Wells said.

North Pointe aims to be a church that helps people deal with life’s practical challenges, and encourages them to grow spiritually.

North Pointe Church’s new building is deliberately designed to allow a variety of uses within the building, says Pastor Steve Wells.

“A church is a place for you to find hope and freedom in Christ,” Wells said. “But, what we realize is that people aren’t looking for hope and freedom in Christ — people are looking for help and healing. And so, what we want to be able to do is offer programs in our community that offer help and healing, in hopes of being able to introduce them to hope and freedom.

“People face impossible situations all of the time. Our Bible teaches us, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,’ which means, the impossible is possible through Christ.

The church aims to help people with everything from marriage counseling, to weight loss, to addiction recovery, to budgeting.

“People want to learn to quit smoking, or stop drinking. Countless families in our church are going through foster and adoption processes,” he said. “We want to be an advocate of foster care and adoptive care.”

Hard hats, shovels and an earth mover signify a big day for North Pointe Church in Lutz.

Eventually, the church wants to build a second structure that will house its various programs aimed at helping people address practical challenges in life.

“We all struggle with stuff. We believe that when you add God to the equation, the practical problems that you’re facing really become something that you can navigate,” Wells said.

Besides providing worship and other church services, Wells envisions the church as being a place that will attract a variety of other uses, such as live theatre productions, awards ceremonies and corporate events.

“It’s going to be a picture-perfect place to get married,” Wells added.

The pastor is excited by the possibilities that having a permanent church home presents.

“Buildings don’t change lives. It’s what goes on inside,” Wells said.

“Although this (groundbreaking) is a great celebration, it’s not a finish line.”

“Really, it’s a starting line moment,” Wells said.

North Pointe Church meets on Sundays, at 9:15 a.m. and 11 a.m., at Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., in Land O Lakes. For more information, visit NorthPointeFl.org.

Published April 13, 2016

Patience dwindling on Ridge Road

April 13, 2016 By Kathy Steele

When it comes to the extension of Ridge Road, one Pasco County commissioner said it’s time to fish or cut bait.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore wants an answer from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the project by mid-May, or he’s ready to drop it.

The county has been waiting for 16 years for a permit on the project.

Moore reluctantly joined other commissioners on March 29 to approve a new consultants’ contract to pursue the permit, but said his tolerance is waning.

“I can’t continue this year after year,” Moore said. “I can’t continue even six months to give more and more funds (to a project) that I don’t know is going to happen.”

Moore signaled earlier that he had concerns about a six-month extension to a contract with consultants at Dawson & Associates.

The firm, based in Washington D.C., is helping steer the county’s permit application through the rules and regulations of multiple federal agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

At the time, commissioners agreed to the contract extension, but lowered the monthly payments of $38,500 down to $28,500.

The new contract is for one year, retroactive to February 2016, with the potential for month-to-month extensions for an additional three months. The fee remained unchanged.

The contract can be terminated with 30 days’ notice.

Dawson & Associates have submitted a new road design, with more bridges, that is part of a packet under review by the federal agency.

The agency is expected to respond within a month or so, said Dwight Beranek, senior advisor with Dawson & Associates.

“We’re seeing continuous progress, and even accelerated progress, in these last months,” he said.

The federal agency rejected the county’s permit application in April 2015, citing insufficient data and analysis of 17 construction alternatives.

Additional information and the modification of one alternative have been provided, but the application remains in the bureaucratic pipeline.

The 8-mile extension is viewed as high priority as a hurricane evacuation route, and as an additional east/west connector. But, there are objections about environmental damage to the area, and additional harm if more development is encouraged.

The road would run through about 58 acres of the 6,000-acre Serenova Preserve, set aside years ago to mitigate wetlands lost during construction of the Suncoast Parkway.

The road currently dead-ends at Moon Lake Road in New Port Richey.

The extension would link to U.S. 41, with a route to the parkway in Land O’ Lakes. There would be no access to the preserve from the road extension.

The county’s budget, for several years, has included $42 million for the first phase of the project.

Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey also expressed frustration with the lengthy process.

Pasco’s application is believed to be the longest pending permit request in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s history, but Starkey said delays aren’t unusual.
“This is a major problem with the Army Corps. It’s not just the county,” she said. “We’re not the only ones going through this.”

In agreeing to the new contract, Moore issued an ultimatum:

“I’m giving you (Dawson & Associates) until mid-May, or I’m done.”

Published April 13, 2016

Task forces ready to make choices on transportation

March 30, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Two task forces are grappling with critical decisions on the future of State Road 54 and State Road 56.

The final meeting of the West Task Force was scheduled for March 28, after The Laker/Lutz News’ press deadline.

The East Task Force is scheduled to meet on March 31 at 5:30 p.m., at Rasmussen College.

An 18-wheeler moves through the intersection at State Road 54 and U.S. 41. A task force is looking at ways to improve the intersection, and ease congestion. (File Photo) — An 18-wheeler moves through the intersection at State Road 54 and U.S. 41. A task force is looking at ways to improve the intersection, and ease congestion.
(File Photo)

Eighteen transportation alternatives for the state highway corridors are expected to be whittled down to five alternatives, along with a no-build option.

The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization is the sponsoring agency for what is a three-part review of how to address growing transportation needs on one of Pasco County’s busiest thoroughfares.

The second phase of the review will be a “drill down” into the selected alternatives, said James Edwards, transportation planning manager for the MPO.

The goal is to focus on options that appear reasonable and feasible, Edwards said.

But, the next phase likely won’t get under way until mid- or late-summer.

The task forces will remain in place, but Edwards said there will be additional public meetings in the second phase to gather input from the community at large.

The task forces had the first of three meetings for each group in September.

The West Task Force focused on State Road 54 from U.S. 19, in west Pasco, to U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes. The East Task Force looked at State Road 54/State Road 56, from U.S. 41 to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, east of Interstate 75.

Task force members are from the MPO’s Citizens Advisory Committee, local chambers of commerce, community leaders, developers or their representatives, and residents from east and west Pasco.

In preparation for the upcoming meeting, task force members completed surveys giving their views on the 18 proposals.

Much of the East Task Force discussion has centered on the intersection of State Road 54 and U.S. 41, where state highway officials are proposing to redesign State Road 54 as a flyover crossing above U.S. 41. Toll lanes also are being considered.

Some favor the design, but others strongly oppose the plan as harmful to the businesses that could be displaced.

“I just want to see them stay at grade as much as possible,” said Sandy Graves, chairwoman of the East Task Force and a member of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

At a prior meeting, some task force members pushed for at-grade solutions and greater use of frontage roads to ease congestion at the intersection.

Suggestions also have been made that the CSX railroad tracks could be adapted for commuter stops.

All options are being looked at, including public transit, Edwards said.

About $150,000 in federal grants funded the initial phase, but the cost could double for the next phase.

Edwards said the county hopes to share costs with the Florida Department of Transportation.

“It’s a state highway,” he said. “What we’re doing will benefit DOT.”

But, final decisions are a long way off, and presently no construction funds are available.

“There’s time to sit back and reflect,” Graves said. “It’s important to get State Road 54 and U.S. 41 correct.”

Published March 30, 2016

Free outdoor movie set for Land O’ Lakes

March 30, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Good times and summer are coming together at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, at 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Family movie night is back — after major renovations at the park temporarily put the park out of commission for users.

A ribbon cutting in August 2015 signaled the completion of a $2.4 million makeover that added new ball fields, a concession building with restrooms, two shelters, new parking lots and a remodeled patio.

And now, at 7 p.m., on the first Friday of every month, families again can grab blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets for an evening with their favorite Hollywood stars.

The April 1 feature is “Shrek the Third,” the last installment in the adventures of Shrek, Princess Fiona and Puss ‘n Boots.

The movies are hosted by the Land O’ Lakes Community Center and the nonprofit Heritage Park Foundation.

The movie screenings have been upgraded from an inflatable giant screen to a Jumbotron, with crisper, sharper images.

“It’s a good family thing to do,” said Sandy Graves, the foundation’s president. “It takes advantage of the open space there, without being sports oriented. It’s a nice little venue.”

Graves said there are ongoing discussions about having the local Rotary Club offer concessions. For now, though, movie-goers need to bring their own treats.

No alcohol, however, is permitted.

Movie night officially kicked off on March 4 with a showing of “Ice Age.” About 100 people flapped open blankets and clicked lawn chairs into place.

Parking is no problem with the upgraded lots at the center, Graves said.

If there’s a big turnout, there’s plenty of room to park on a county-owned parcel, off School Road, across from the community center, Graves said.

For information, call (813) 929-1229.

Published March 30, 2016

County and state team up on land deal

March 23, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County and the state of Florida have teamed up on a $6 million land deal to designate a large swath of a former cattle ranch in Land O’ Lakes as a conservation easement.

The county and the state each will pay $3 million for two parcels totaling nearly 620 acres, located west of Old Pasco Road about a half-mile south of State Road 52.

Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey held out on a land deal to be sure that a swath of land could possibly be used as the right-of-way for a planned trail that will generally follow the old Orange Belt Rail Line. (File Photo) — Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey held out on a land deal to be sure that a swath of land could possibly be used as the right-of-way for a planned trail that will generally follow the old Orange Belt Rail Line.
(File Photo)

The purchase is an acquisition for the county’s Environmental Lands and Acquisition Management Program, also known as ELAMP. That program is partially funded with revenues from the Penny for Pasco program.

There’s a provision in the deal that could result in a portion of the northern half of the site being used as the right-of-way for a planned trail system that generally will follow along the former Orange Belt Rail Line.

Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey persuaded commissioners to postpone a vote on the contract until after their lunch break at the March 8 meeting in Dade City. She wanted to add language to the contract that would clear the way to negotiate the trail’s easement and public access through the site.

Without that provision, Starkey said the county could be forced to eventually negotiate a separate, costly deal to buy privately owned land for the trail.

“This is one of our most important trails in the county,” Starkey said. “We need to be able to build a trail there. This should have been part of the discussion before it was brought to us.”

The initial deal struck between sellers, the state and the county didn’t allow public access.

Four generations of the McKendree family operated the cattle farm. Sellers of the conservation easement are Neil Mathis and Christine Phillips.

Negotiations took about two years for an agreement that is the first partnership between Pasco and the state to buy conservation land. The state usually strikes such deals with federal agencies, said Keith Wiley, the county’s natural resources manager.

Members of the Florida Cabinet are scheduled to approve the deal on March 29.

With time a factor, Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader didn’t want to continue the vote to the next commission meeting. “I don’t want to jeopardize the state’s participation. I’m confident we’ll secure this (easement). This is a win-win for everyone,” he said.

But, after a representative for the property sellers agreed to the contract’s new stipulation, commissioners gave their approval to a revised agreement.

The exact route of the trail isn’t determined, but it generally will run diagonally across the county from Lacoochee through Land O’ Lakes to Odessa.

The county owns portions of the rights-of-way for the trail along Old Pasco Road and State Road 52, near the conservation easement site, according to Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker.

The Florida Department of Transportation also is building a bridge as part of its widening and realignment project along Interstate 75 and State Road 52. State officials said there would be an underpass below the bridge for the county to build a trail connector.

Starkey envisions the trail as a redevelopment tool for the Land O’ Lakes area, similar to a walking and bicycle trail established through Dunedin in Pinellas County.

“It has great potential to be an economic draw in Land O’ Lakes,” she said.

Published March 23, 2016

Students have a field day at Sanders

March 23, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Sanders Memorial Elementary School started spring break early with a day of fun in the sun.

Presley Knouse, 9, has the school’s initials painted on her cheek by school art teacher, Kellie Silvey, during the Field Day activities at Sanders Memorial Elementary School. (Fred Bellet/Photos) — Presley Knouse, 9, has the school’s initials painted on her cheek by school art teacher, Kellie Silvey, during the Field Day activities at Sanders Memorial Elementary School.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

More than 700 students spent their day at school playing games, dancing, relay racing, getting their faces painted and slurping down snow cones.

The annual Field Day on March 18 was the last school day before the weeklong spring break started for public schools in Pasco County.

Presley Knouse, 9, got her cheek painted with the letters of her school, SMES. Then, she headed off for a round of tinikling, a dance originated in the Philippines.

Classmates tapped and moved two poles in and out, as Knouse stepped over or in between the poles.

On the basketball court, students tested their skills with an outsized jenga game or zoomed handmade paper planes through the air.

A boom box energized dancers with familiar tunes, old and new. From “Hey Macarena” to “Do the Hokey Pokey,” students got into the rhythm.

Chloe Choo, 7, gets the jump on the tinikling event, as she goes airborne above plastic poles moving from side to side.

On the school’s field, students tested their strength and skills at tug o’ war, relay races, soccer kicks, or football and baseball tosses.

About 70 volunteers, and another dozen or so teachers and staff members, participated. Most volunteers were parents, but about eight employees from the Nike store at Tampa Premium Outlets also helped.

Standing in line, students hopped with excitement as they waited a turn at kicking the soccer ball into a net.

Riya Mendenhall, 5, joined in a tug o’ war.

“You lose sometimes. You win sometimes,” she said.

Sanders Memorial Principal Jason Petry joined in the fun, too. He gave some tips on baseball pitching to 5-year-old Patrick Mize, as the youngster got ready for his wind-up.

“It kind of kicks off their spring break,” Petry said. “They’ve worked hard since the beginning of the year. You kind of need a day like this to celebrate.”

Published March 23, 2016

Trevor Lucas, 6, and Jordan Richardson, 5, pour on the steam, as they face off with another kindergarten class during the tug o’ war Field Day event.

Srinav Nekkanti, 8, carries empty water bottles to the recycle bin after teams finished the tug o’ war during Field Day activities. More than 700 students participated.

Patrick Mize, 5, works on his pitching form during Field Day activities, with the help of Jason Petry, principal of Sanders Memorial Elementary School.

Retracing her grandfather’s steps

March 16, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Betty Lowe Phelps finally had the chance to mark an item off her bucket list last fall, when she climbed to the top of the Loggerhead Key Lighthouse in the Dry Tortugas.

As she made her way to the top, she was making the same climb as her grandfather — Benjamin Howard Lowe Sr. — did when he was an assistant lighthouse keeper there during the 1930s.

Visiting Loggerhead Key Lighthouse has long been on Betty Lowe Phelps’ bucket list. She finally visited the lighthouse last fall. She was accompanied on the trip by her sister, Toni Lowe Clinger, left and by Clinger’s husband, Bryon. (Photos courtesy of Betty Lowe Phelps) — Visiting Loggerhead Key Lighthouse has long been on Betty Lowe Phelps’ bucket list. She finally visited the lighthouse last fall. She was accompanied on the trip by her sister, Toni Lowe Clinger, left and by Clinger’s husband, Bryon.
(Photos courtesy of Betty Lowe Phelps)

The Land O’ Lakes woman now has been inside, or boated around, all four of the lighthouses from which her grandfather worked.

Phelps had been aware that her grandfather worked in lighthouses, but didn’t know many details.

She began doing more research after she visited the Sanibel Lighthouse in 1999.

That’s where she discovered that even though she knew her grandfather had worked there, his name wasn’t in the records.

She set out to find out more.

She began talking to relatives to find out what they knew and also began searching for records.

She now has a binder full of photographs and documents she’s collected. She also has another source: 20 hours of recordings of her grandfather’s recollections.

A profile on her grandfather is included in the 2006 book, “Lore of the Reef Lights: Life in the Florida Keys,” by Thomas W. Taylor.

Taylor gleaned much of the information for the profile from Phelps and other members of her family.

Taylor’s account says Lowe grew up as the son of a boat captain, and worked for his father on a vessel called The Magnolia, until the ship was lost in a hurricane in 1919.

Over the years, Lowe worked on various boats, according to Taylor’s book.

Phelps said her grandfather went to the waterfront whenever he needed work.

“He was a cook on a lot of the crews. They did shrimping. They did lobstering. They did turtling. They did sponging,” Phelps said.

In essence, he would do whatever kind of work he could find, she said.

In 1929, Lowe joined the United States Lighthouse Service as an assistant keeper and was assigned to work at Fowey Rocks Lighthouse, according to Taylor’s account.

After his wife experienced complications while giving birth, Lowe moved the family back to Key West, to be closer to a support network. He then became an assistant keeper at the Loggerhead Key Lighthouse in the Dry Tortugas, Taylor notes.

American Shoal Lighthouse, off Sugarloaf Key in the Florida Keys, is the third lighthouse where Betty Lowe Phelps’ grandfather worked as an assistant keeper.

“During the summer months, when school was out, the entire family would voyage out to the Dry Tortugas to spend the summer with their father at the light station, living on the second floor of the station’s duplex dwelling,” Taylor adds.

He’d make regular trips to Key West, Phelps said.

“There were three men at a time. Every 28 days, one of them came in. They would spend a month with their family,” she said.

When they returned to the lighthouse, they brought fresh provisions, such as fruit, vegetables and fresh meat, she said.

Next, Phelps said her grandfather went to work at American Shoal Lighthouse, off of Sugarloaf Key, which was closer to the family.

And finally, in 1939, he took a lighthouse post in Sanibel.

“His wife begged him to take that job because there was a cottage, and the family could all stay together,” Phelps said.

Phelps has been a member of the Florida Lighthouse Association since 2000, and is delighted she finally had the chance to see the view from top of the Loggerhead Key Lighthouse.

It was a trip she’d planned to make back in 2003, with a half-dozen members of her family, as part of the Florida Lighthouse Association’s trip to the Dry Tortugas.

But, those plans were dashed due to mechanical problems with the boat.

“That was a tremendous disappointment, as we had all traveled from various parts of central Florida for the rare opportunity to visit the island and climb the most remote of our grandfather’s lighthouses,” Phelps said.

Now, she’s finally replaced that disheartening memory with a happy one.

Published March 16, 2016

Stage is set for another music fest next year

March 16, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Doreen Armillei and her husband, Ron, were grabbing a bite to eat as they waited for things to get started at the Land O’ Lakes Spring Music Festival & Expo, presented by the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

The Land O’ Lakes couple came out to the concert for a simple reason.

“I wanted to see Taylor Hicks,” Doreen said.

“I like his personality very much,” Doreen added, noting she became a fan while watching Hicks compete and ultimately win Season 5 of American Idol.

Concert-goers seemed to be enjoying themselves at the concert featuring Taylor Hicks, winner of Season 5 of American Idol. The concert was performed at the Fraternal Order of Police Pasco Lodge 29 property at 21735 YMCA Camp Road, in Land O’ Lakes. (Fred Bellet/Photos) — Concert-goers seemed to be enjoying themselves at the concert featuring Taylor Hicks, winner of Season 5 of American Idol. The concert was performed at the Fraternal Order of Police Pasco Lodge 29 property at 21735 YMCA Camp Road, in Land O’ Lakes.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

Karen Twilla, another Land O’ Lakes resident, came to the concert with her husband, daughter and a couple of friends. She, too, appreciates Hicks.

“I’ve seen him in Tampa. I’ve seen him in New York City, when he was in ‘Grease.’ We’ve seen him in Las Vegas and here,” she said, noting she also watched him on American Idol.

She enjoys Hicks’ music, but is even more impressed by his character.

“He’s just a fine gentleman. He just loves his music. I love his heart,” Twilla said.

They weren’t the only ones attracted to the March 11 concert. People were waiting in line before the gates opened at 6 p.m.

And, when they got in, there was plenty of room to spread out blankets and set up lawn chairs on the spacious grounds at the Fraternal Order of Police Pasco Lodge 29 property at 21735 YMCA Camp Road.

While some settled onto blankets, or claimed seats in the reserved section, others stationed themselves on boats — on Bell Lake, which borders the property — to take advantage of the spring concert.

The aroma of barbecue filled the air, and there were vendors selling Cajun food, funnel cakes, fried Oreos and other foods.

The evening concert enjoyed “chamber of commerce weather,” in the words of Elayne Bassinger, president of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

Although the March 11 concert was sold out, attendance was lighter than expected. Apparently those purchasing tickets gave them to people who decided not to use them, Bassinger said.

It was easy to see that biggest fan of Taylor Hicks in this row of audience members. Karen Twilla, center, of Land O’ Lakes, is flanked by Fred Twilla, her husband, left, and Kelli Actis, right, of Tampa, as they wait for the show to start at the Land O’ Lakes Spring Music Festival & Expo, presented by the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce. Karen Twilla said she has seen Hicks perform in Las Vegas, in the Broadway production of Grease, and in Tampa. She was looking forward to adding Land O’ Lakes to that list. — It was easy to see that biggest fan of Taylor Hicks in this row of audience members. Karen Twilla, center, of Land O’ Lakes, is flanked by Fred Twilla, her husband, left, and Kelli Actis, right, of Tampa, as they wait for the show to start. Karen Twilla said she has seen Hicks perform in Las Vegas, in the Broadway production of Grease, and in Tampa. She was looking forward to adding Land O’ Lakes to that list.

But, the chamber president was pleased by the event’s organization, led by Suzanne Beauchaine and David Gainer.

“It’s a lot of pieces to put together,” Bassinger said.

“We had an excellent turnout of volunteers,” she added. And, generous sponsors made the event a success, despite the empty seats, she noted.

Bassinger said she also heard positive feedback from people who attended the concert, who told her that it’s the kind of event that Land O’ Lakes has been needing.

She believes the event will grow every year, and that it will become a signature event for Land O’ Lakes.

“That’s our plan, to bring in different entertainment each year,” Bassinger said.

She also offered some kind words about Hicks.

Solar Exposure guitarist Kevin Calhoun plays a solo during the opening act’s performance at the music festival.

“He is such an awesome, kind person. You could not ask for someone to be a nicer person. He’s all about his fans,” she said. “He’s handsome, on top of that,” Bassinger said.

On March 12, the event featured local musicians, food vendors, activities for the kids and a business expo, with scores of local businesses offering information about their goods and services.

Besides adding music this year, the event also involved a new location for the business expo, which previously was at the Land O’Lakes Recreation Complex.

Event co-chairs Beauchaine and Gainer said they will be analyzing what worked and what didn’t.

“We’re using this as a learning experience,” Beauchaine said. “We want this to be an annual event. We’re going to take what we learn from it, and make it bigger and better.”

Gainer added: “Honestly, we were hoping we just got people to come out the first year and see what this was about. It takes a little time to build momentum.”

Published March 16, 2016

Bank branch to open in Land O’ Lakes

March 9, 2016 By Kathy Steele

First National Bank of Pasco is expanding into the growing markets of central Pasco County.

Bank officials filed an application to open their first Land O’ Lakes branch at the northeast corner of State Road 54 and Livingston Road, according to records filed with the Office of Comptroller of the Currency.

It will be the fourth office for First National, which opened in Dade City in 1986. Two other offices are in Zephyrhills, in eastern Pasco.

Steven Hickman is president and chief executive officer of the Dade City-based First National Bank of Pasco. The financial institution plans to expand into central Pasco, opening its first Land O’ Lakes branch. (Courtesy of First National Bank of Pasco) — Steven Hickman is president and chief executive officer of the Dade City-based First National Bank of Pasco. The financial institution plans to expand into central Pasco, opening
its first Land O’ Lakes branch.
(Courtesy of First National Bank of Pasco)

The site for the new branch is adjacent to Terra Bella, a master-planned community of single family homes and a recently completed apartment complex, Alta Terra Bella. And, Tampa Premium Outlets, The Shops of Wiregrass and The Grove in Wesley Chapel are all part of the swirl of development activity along State Road 54 and State Road 56.

“We think it’s a very strategic location for high growth,” said Steven Hickman, president and chief executive officer of First National Bank of Pasco.

Hickman said other locations would be considered for future expansion.

The comment period on the bank’s application ended March 3. Bank officials also have met with county planners to discuss permitting and construction of the bank branch.

Closing on the property is expected by the end of April. Construction would take about a year for a bank branch that will cater to a changing customer base that includes the Gen Y, or millennial generation.

“It’s not going to look like one of our traditional branches in Zephyrhills or Dade City,” Hickman said.

Traditional teller lines will be eliminated, replaced with “universal” employees prepared to help with myriad of banking, insurance or wealth-management needs.

The number of customers opting for online and mobile phone banking services is increasing, particularly among millennials born between 1982 and 2000. And, traditional brick-and-mortar banking isn’t as attractive to young people who grew up in a totally digital world.

The First National branch will be full service, but its customers can opt for as much or as little personal service as they want.

“It’s all going to be a new approach for us,” Hickman said.

Virtual banking is a choice but, he said, “It’s a higher touch if the customer wants it.”

First National of Pasco opened in 1986 in Dade City. The bank reported assets of $137 million and net income of $529,000 in 2015, according to documents filed with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

Published March 9, 2016