The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Land O' Lakes News

Connerton Corner to get McDonald’s

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McDonald’s restaurant is set to open at Connerton Corner in late summer.

It is yet another sign that developers are looking north along U.S. 41 to bring retail to Land O’ Lakes, an area where more rooftops are popping up.

A groundbreaking for McDonald’s is expected by mid-April, with an opening date slated for late July or early August.

A dump truck tips a load of dirt onto a vacant lot that in April will be the site for a groundbreaking of a new McDonald’s restaurant, at U.S. 41 and Pleasant Plains Parkway. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
A dump truck tips a load of dirt onto a vacant lot that in April will be the site for a groundbreaking of a new McDonald’s restaurant, at U.S. 41 and Pleasant Plains Parkway.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

Construction crews currently are preparing the site at the entrance into the master-planned community of Connerton, at U.S. 41 and Pleasant Plains Parkway.

The site is owned by Orlando-based Connerton Corners LLC, according to Pasco County records.

For McDonald’s franchise owner, Jose Hernandez, the restaurant will be his 11th restaurant in the Tampa Bay area. His 10th restaurant recently opened at 11367 Ridge Road in New Port Richey.

Hernandez also owns franchises in Trinity, New Port Richey and Land O’ Lakes. He bought most of his locations in 2014 from Bob Brickman, a long-time franchise owner in the Tampa Bay area.

“(Pasco) is destined for very progressive growth,” said Hernandez, who began his career with McDonald’s more than 25 years ago. He has been an operator/owner since 2008 but also has served in corporate positions including more than four years as president of McDonald’s Caribbean division.

McDonald’s has restaurants in about 120 countries. Hernandez has visited more than 80 of those countries and helped open restaurants in Central and South America and the Philippines.

Hernandez now calls Pasco County home.

“It’s amazing after a world tour to come home,” Hernandez said. “We are very fortunate to be in our location in Pasco County, (an area) that is still under discovery.”

He was 9 years old when his family immigrated from Cuba to south Florida. In 1989 Hernandez relocated to Tampa where he began his career with McDonald’s.

The fast-food chain currently is sprucing up the design of its restaurants including Hernandez’ location at Land O’ Lakes Boulevard and State Road 54.

The company also recently introduced the all-day breakfast to its menu. That is going over well, Hernandez said.

The Connerton Corner restaurant will be testing another new concept – self-ordering by kiosk. The Ridge Road location also has kiosks.

Hernandez said customers can walk in, place an order at a kiosk, then sit down and wait for an employee to deliver the meal tableside.

“I believe it’s a whole different experience,” he said.

It’s a sign of how much social media and new technology is influencing customer service, he added.

Initial testing has been positive but the system will be tweaked to work through any kinks in its operation. Employees will help guide customers through the process. “We’ve done a lot of prep work to bring it forward,” Hernandez said.

The new restaurant initially will fill about 60 to 65 positions. Current employees from other locations will help get the restaurant started but local residents also will have opportunities to apply for jobs, Hernandez said.

“I think it grows from there,” he said.

Published March 9, 2016

Woman’s club gears up for annual flea market

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Donations have been flowing into the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club.

The organization has received thousands of items, as its gears up for the annual Woman’s Club Flea Market scheduled for March 4 and March 5 at the Historic Old Lutz School, 18819 N. U.S. 41 in Lutz.

Lois Cohen, left, and Ruby Helphrey, sort through donation items at the Historic Old Lutz School. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos)
Lois Cohen, left, and Ruby Helphrey, sort through donation items at the Historic Old Lutz School.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos)

The flea market is set to be the club’s largest fundraiser this year, because its annual arts and crafts festival, typically held in December had to be cancelled due the development of a sinkhole at Lake Park.

“The community has really been rallying around. I think we have more donations this year,” said Cathy Mathes, president of the woman’s club.

“This year, we’re in particular need,” she said. “We just want to exceed last year’s (flea market) number.”

People have donated a wide range of goods from household and children’s items to antiques and collectibles, to sports equipment and gardening tools.

“If you walk around, you’ll see we have one of everything,” Mathes said.

Higher-end items such as silver and crystal can be found at “huge bargains,” Mathes noted.

The flea market, which has been around for more than 35 years, typically attracts thousands of shoppers during its two-day run.

When patrons want to take a little break from shopping, they can grab a bite to eat at the food booth — which will be offering breakfast items, baked goods, hot dogs, coffee and other beverages.

To help keep the event running smoothly, the club enlists the help of over 80 volunteers — including the member’s husbands and children.

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club organize donations as they prepare for the annual Woman’s Club Flea Market on March 4 and March 5.
Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club organize donations as they prepare for the annual Woman’s Club Flea Market on March 4 and March 5.

Besides raising money, the event provides a chance for club members to spend time with each other and with people from the community, the club president said.

“It’s so much fun with the camaraderie,” Mathes said. “I really enjoy working with the people. …You get to know people better than just seeing them at a (woman’s club) meeting.”

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.

Figuring out how much the club can give in scholarships and to the various organizations it helps will be tougher this year.

The cancellation of the arts and crafts festival has forced the club to scramble to secure funds for local organizations and college scholarships.

“We plan to sit down and look at how much we make, and decide what we’re going to do with it, because it’s still not what we had last year,” Mathes explained. “We had (raised) $30,000, plus we had the flea market (donations) last year. …We have to be very careful about budgeting it out.”

Anyone who wishes to donate items for the flea market still has time. Donations will be accepted until March 3. All donations should be in clean and in working order. Large appliances and sleeper sofas cannot be accepted.

What: Woman’s Club Flea Market
Where: Old Lutz School, 18819 N. U.S. 41 in Lutz
When: March 4 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and March 5 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information, call (813) 949-1937 or (813) 948-4752.

Published March 2, 2016

Arts and crafts festival finds new home

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The GFWC Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival has a new home.

After months of searching, the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club found an ideal fit for the festival at Keystone Prep High School, 18105 Gunn Highway in Odessa.

The festival is slated for the first weekend in December.

The GFWC Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival will take place at Keystone Prep High School on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4 this year. Last year’s festival was cancelled at Lake Park after a sinkhole developed in a road. (File Photo)
The GFWC Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival will take place at Keystone Prep High School on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4 this year. Last year’s festival was cancelled at Lake Park after a sinkhole developed in a road.
(File Photo)

According to woman’s club president Cathy Mathes, the two-day festival will be at Keystone Prep for “the next few years.”

Mathes was particularly impressed by the school’s large property, and the school’s enthusiasm in hosting the event.

“They’re getting the students involved. They have a really involved parent club that’s going to be doing a lot of work, too,” the club president said, noting the festival will be mutually beneficial for fundraising purposes.

Last December, the 36th annual Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival was cancelled at Lake Park due to a sinkhole that was estimated as being around 6 feet wide and 100 feet deep. The club had also encountered some problems with flooding on park roads during previous arts and crafts festivals.

After the cancellation, the woman’s club opted to find a new location to house the popular event, which typically attracts up to 30,000 people.

The festival is the largest yearly fundraiser for the club, which gives back to the community in the form of college scholarships and donations to local charities.

The process of finding a new location was “quite a search,” according to Pat Serio, head of public relations for the woman’s club.

“Finding a new venue is not as easy as it appears,” Serio said. “We can’t just relocate to a (land) parcel. We have to have infrastructure and electricity.”

Serio added it was important to keep the arts and crafts festival near Lutz.

“A lot of people pitched location ideas, but some weren’t practical or weren’t going to work,” Serio said.

“Someone, for instance, suggested the (Florida State) Fairgrounds. We can’t do that; we have to keep it in our area.”

To make up for the dearth of funds caused by cancellation of the festival nearly three months ago, the woman’s club plans to host several smaller events and fundraisers throughout the year.

“We’re trying to take the burden off our club members’ shoulders, because it’s a heavy financial demand on us,” Serio said. “We’re trying to reach our (donation) numbers.”

One new event, titled ‘White Nights,’ is slated for October near the Lutz Branch Library. It will feature music, food and original artwork for sale at reasonable prices.

Published March 2, 2016

 

Parent input sought for grant application

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Pasco County Schools is seeking federal grant money for a before- and after-school program for some students at Cox and Quail Hollow elementary schools, and wants to hear from parents during the process.

The application requires community input, said Tony Harroun, a senior grant writer for Pasco County Schools.

So, a community night is planned for March 3 at 6 p.m., at R.B. Cox Elementary School, at 37615 Martin Luther King Blvd., Dade City.

Quail Hollow’s community night was set for earlier in the week, on March 1.

The idea is to give parents a chance to weigh in on what they would like to see offered as part of the program, Harroun said.

The emphasis of the before- and after-school program will be on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics, he said.

But, children may be interested in specific topics in science or other subjects, and the district would like to hear parents’ suggestions, Harroun said.

If the district receives the grant, he estimates that the program at Cox and at Quail Hollow possibly could accommodate about 50 children each.

The district hopes to receive funding for both schools, so it can provide additional ways to engage children in learning and make it more interesting and fun for them, Harroun said.

The district already has this program at one elementary school and at an afternoon program at three middle schools, including Stewart Middle School, Harroun said.

The application will be submitted for a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant.

The program it would fund is called STAR, which stands for Success Through Academic Readiness.

Children from private schools also are eligible for the before- and after-school program, but the school district would not be able to transport them, Harroun said.

Parents of private school children who are interested in learning more about the program and who would like to offer suggestions about the programming are invited to the community meeting, he said.

What: Community meeting
Why: To solicit parent input on a potential before- and after-school program.
Where: Cox Elementary School, 37615 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., Dade City
When: March 3 at 6 p.m.

Published March 2, 2016

CrossFit En Fuego part of growing fitness movement

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Peter and Jennifer Abreut have been operating a CrossFit gym even before the fitness movement became mainstream just a few years ago.

They have witnessed the rapid growth of CrossFit firsthand since they opened a 1,200-square-foot fitness warehouse — near the Tire Kingdom in Lutz — over six years ago.

Peter and Jennifer Abreut opened the 8,500-square-foot CrossFit gym a little over four years ago. (Photos courtesy of Peter and Jennifer Abreut)
Peter and Jennifer Abreut opened the 8,500-square-foot CrossFit gym a little over four years ago.
(Photos courtesy of Peter and Jennifer Abreut)

At that time, their gym’s membership totaled about 20 members, essentially consisting of close friends and family members.

A lot has changed relatively quickly.

The Abreuts now operate CrossFit En Fuego, a CrossFit Inc. affiliate, which is housed in an 8,500-square-foot facility, at 3320 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

CrossFit En Fuego, a play off Peter’s Cuban roots and past experience as a firefighter, has nearly 200 members, and also includes a kids’ program for ages 4 to 17.

According to a report by the Harvard Business School, CrossFit Inc., is the fastest growing community of fitness service businesses ever.

In 2005, there were 13 CrossFit affiliates. That figure rose to over 12,000 in 2015, according to that report.

“When we started, not many people knew about CrossFit,” Peter said. “It wasn’t on ESPN. We just had to go out there and tell people. Now, we get people all the time that say, ‘I saw that on TV, and I think I want to do it.’”

CrossFit En Fuego incorporates a broad range of ages, body types and levels of fitness.

On weekdays, several classes are held from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m., and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. On Saturdays, the Abreuts offer a free class at 9 a.m.

CrossFit En Fuego includes members of all ages, body types and fitness levels. Workouts can be scaled down or suited to match each participant’s abilities.
CrossFit En Fuego includes members of all ages, body types and fitness levels. Workouts can be scaled down or suited to match each participant’s abilities.

The combination of a group (usually eight to 12 people) setting and hands-on instruction has made the fitness craze an attractive option, compared to the typical workout experience.

“You make friends when you come in and build a community…so you motivate each other through that, and you’re held accountable through your peers,” Jennifer said. “People are always together within a group and with a coach, so it’s almost like personal training.”

With new workouts plastered across a dry erase board each day, members can walk in without the worry of planning out an exercise routine.

“People love it because they don’t have to think. They come in, look at the workout of the day, and we guide them through it and work with them,” Peter said. “We’re going to teach you how to do all the movements correctly and make sure you’re moving safely, and getting the right kind of workout for your level.”

While some current or prospective members may have certain aesthetic goals — leaner build, more defined muscles — CrossFit’s focus is more about completing the workouts, and building off that progress to get faster, stronger and more flexible.

“It’s much more fun to take the focus off of trying to do something because you want to tone up, and then just try to do something because you want to get better or be competitive with somebody in your class,” Peter explained. “In doing that, I tell everybody, ‘Your body is going to respond, and it’s going to start changing. Your body has no option but to get in shape.’”

As opposed to running on a treadmill or gliding on an elliptical machine, CrossFit workouts are often based around Olympic weightlifting, gymnastics movements and traditional plyometric exercises, which involve jumping movements.

CrossFit En Fuego is located at 3320 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. It is owned and operated by Peter and Jennifer Abreut.
CrossFit En Fuego is located at 3320 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. It is owned and operated by Peter and Jennifer Abreut.

Everything from squat racks, monkey bar rigs, gymnastic rings, box jumps, rowing machines, medicine balls, kettle bells and barbells are used in the workout routines, which typically last an hour.

“We don’t use very many machines,” Peter said. “What we’re teaching is for you to move well. Putting something overhead is a lot different compared to if (a machine) just goes up and down.”

Every day, the routine changes. One day, members may find themselves using a jump rope and doing pull-ups. The next, they may run a 5K outdoors.

Not having the same exercise everyday helps keep members interested and on their toes, Peter said.

“We’re trying to be as balanced as we can. It’s called GPP—General Physical Preparedness, where you’re trying to hit everything at once,” he said. “That’s one of the cool things about it—you’re hitting all the fitness domains. You’re getting stronger, you’re getting faster, and you’re getting more aerobic endurance. You’re developing all that together, instead of specifying one thing.”

According to Jennifer, members have seen noticeable results—both body and mind— in as little as six weeks.

“Your body realizes how to recover from (the workouts),” she said. “With the interval training, your body releases the happy hormones (endorphins.) Within a couple hours after the workout…your body feels that extra burst of energy.

“I always tell them, ‘We’re keeping you out of that nursing home.’”

After several months, more substantial results begin to kick in, Peter said.

“I can’t even count how many members — after six to 12 months — have said, ‘My doctor just took me off three medications,’ or ‘I’m down 10 percent body fat.’ And that’s awesome to hear,” he said.

“The bottom line is, it does work,” he said.

Depending on the length of commitment, membership costs range from $135 to $165 a month.

Jennifer said some prospective members may initially be “scared” by some of the CrossFit exercises and movements, but they quickly realize the environment isn’t as intimidating as they perceived.

“The hardest part is walking through that door,” she said.

CrossFit En Fuego
What: Family-owned and operated facility featuring group workouts based on functional movements, reflecting the aspects of gymnastics, weightlifting, running and rowing
Where: 3320 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes
Hours: Weekdays from 5:15 a.m. to 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Cost: $135 to $165 a month
More information: CrossFitEnFuego.com, call (813) 601-4183, or email .

Published March 2, 2016

 

Easy Business Software wins regional award

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A  company that was born out of the necessity to help a sick 2-year-old in the family recently won third place in Bright House Networks Regional Business Awards.

This recognition comes in addition to the Land O’ Lakes’ company’s top honors in Business Technology from the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., last year, and its recent placement on the semifinalist list in the statewide Florida Companies to Watch program.

From left, Gary Gorsline, his wife, Mary Lynn, and their daughter, Leana, are shown during a Bright House Networks Regional Business Awards celebration. Their company, Easy Business Solutions, captured third place honors. (Courtesy of Gary Gorsline)
From left, Gary Gorsline, his wife, Mary Lynn, and their daughter, Leana, are shown during a Bright House Networks Regional Business Awards celebration. Their company, Easy Business Software, captured third place honors.
(Courtesy of Gary Gorsline)

Gary Gorsline is CEO, and his wife, Mary Lynn, is vice president of the company called Easy Business Software.

The software product that the company is known best for was inspired by their daughter Chelsea’s illness.

She was born with skin allergies that were so severe that they were life-threatening, Mary Lynn said.

As a result, the young girl’s medical chart was loaded with information, Mary Lynn said.

But, one day, when she took her daughter to the doctor’s office, the chart was flat — the records had been misplaced.

In addition to dealing with the missing information, Mary Lynn found herself feeling frustrated as she constantly repeated the story about her daughter’s illness to about 40 different doctors. She was worried she might give doctors inaccurate information, as the family pursued an effective treatment for Chelsea.

Mary Lynn said she turned to Gary to see if he could use his technology know-how to figure out a way that the information could be shared.

Gary, who developed an expertise in computer programming while working for the government, took on the challenge.

The goal of interoperability is to connect different clinical and health care IT systems, so they can exchange and use a patient’s medical history to create better care at lower costs, he said.

The result of his efforts was X-link Medical Software, an interfacing technology that pulls systems and data together. X-link provides the capability to bi-directionally exchange data.

Easy Business Software, which goes by EBS for short, also provides consulting services to health care organizations.

That information can help the providers reduce costs and improve patient care, Gary said.

Leana Gorsline, director of business development, said the company’s prospects are bright, as both medical technology and health care gain greater public attention.

Gary said he sees enormous potential for the collection and analysis of data to lead to improved health care.

“The connectivity that we dreamed of so many years ago is finally on the verge of mass adoption,” he said.

Gary and Mary Lynn, who live in Lutz, also are the owners of Copperstone Executive Suites, a Land O’ Lakes office complex, at 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

The office complex has full-time tenants, part-time tenants, and a room that can be rented for luncheons, business meetings, parties, church services or other events. The Laker/Lutz News is among the companies leasing space at Copperstone.

Gary is the president of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers, Suncoast Chapter and serves on a number of advisory boards.

Mary Lynn has been actively involved in the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce for years, and also serves on the Heritage Park Foundation, an organization that is working to get a stage for the arts built at Land O’ Lakes Community Park.

Published February 24, 2016

Editor Note: The name of the company was incorrect in the print edition on 2/24/2016. The correct company name is Easy Business Software.

Culver’s ready for custard day on Feb. 29

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The countdown is less than a week away for the opening of Culver’s restaurant.

The aqua building with the royal blue highlights is a visible sign of the growth under way near the Tampa Premium Outlets.

“There is such development in this area,” said franchise owner Marty Roeske. “There’s going to be nothing but growth. We’re excited.”

Construction crews are pulling together last-minute details to prepare for the Feb. 29 opening. A grand opening will be scheduled, probably in March, when Culver’s founder, Craig Culver, is expected to attend.

The pastel blue of Culver’s restaurant, off State Road 56, matches the Florida Key West style of Tampa Premium Outlets. The sign is counting down to the Feb. 29 opening. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)
The pastel blue of Culver’s restaurant, off State Road 56, matches the Florida Key West style of Tampa Premium Outlets. The sign is counting down to the Feb. 29 opening.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

Next door, Cheddar’s Casual Café is under construction, also fronting the outlet mall along State Road 56.

Other anticipated restaurants include BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Starbucks, On the Border, Panda Express and Chick-Fil-A, according to Pasco County records.

The Roeskes are establishing some firsts for Culver’s.

“It’s the first Culver’s to say ‘baby blue’,” said Lucas Roeske, who is assisting his father in restaurant operations.

The official color is a shade of aqua. The royal blue is the signature Culver’s color.

This restaurant also has patio seating, another first for Culver’s.

The fast-food chain’s menu serves up Culver’s signature, “Butterburgers,” as well as fried chicken, sandwiches and salads.

And, for desserts, there are Culver’s frozen custard treats, made fresh daily and scooped into waffle cones, dishes, sundaes, shakes and malts.

The Roeskes aren’t newcomers to restaurants or to Culver’s.

They own a franchise in Wisconsin, which is operated by another of Roeske’s sons.

That franchise opened in 2000 as Culver’s 97th restaurant.

Lucas Roeske, left, and his father, Marty Roeske, stand beside the menu board at the drive-through at Culver’s restaurant.
Lucas Roeske, left, and his father, Marty Roeske, stand beside the menu board at the drive-through at Culver’s restaurant.

The Roeskes initially looked in Hillsborough County for locations, but eventually landed at the site that is one of Pasco’s hottest development areas.

In addition to restaurants, Costco and Kohl’s are among future retail headed to the junction of State Road 56 and Interstate 75, as part of the Cypress Creek Town Center.

On the north side of State Road 56, more retail, offices and potentially a hotel also are coming to the town center.

With five high schools close by, Marty Roeske said there is a good employment base.

More than 80 people have been hired, and the number could go as high as 100, he said.

The family moved to Pasco more than a year ago, leaving behind the cold and snow of Wisconsin.

“We love Wesley Chapel,” said Marty Roeske. “It’s very much home to us. It’s a community-based area.”

Culver’s is located at 2303 Sun Vista Drive, off State Road 56 and Grand Cypress Drive. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

For information, visit Culvers.com.

Published February 24, 2016

Thrift store seeks to push up sales

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Christian Social Services of Lutz & Land O’ Lakes Inc., gets a lot of visitors, as people bring donations to the thrift store at 5514 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., which resembles a large red barn.

But, the charity had been trying to figure out a way to capture some of that traffic, before it headed back onto Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, said Jacquie Petet, executive director of the charitable organization.

Jacquie Petet and Patty Byers work at Christian Social Services Thrift Store. The nonprofit organization provides help, in a variety of ways, to people who are struggling. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)
Jacquie Petet and Patty Byers work at Christian Social Services Thrift Store. The nonprofit organization provides help, in a variety of ways, to people who are struggling.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

That’s when they came up with the idea of issuing $3 in Red Barn Bucks to anyone who brings in a donation, Petet said.

The store needs to sell more merchandise to help cover payroll, utilities and other expenses, Petet said.

“We are a very low-budget organization. If you look around, you could probably find three things in this office that we actually paid money for. We just wait until it comes through the back door,” Petet said.

There are four employees and about two dozen regular volunteers. It also gets help, periodically, from youth groups and community organizations.

Despite its small staff, the organization provides great services, said Loretta Parker, who was at the thrift store recently to pick up some food from the pantry.

“If it hadn’t been for this place, I would be so far under,” Parker said. “They are great with every kind of help,” she said.

Volunteers Nancy Taylor, Beverly Maples and Mary Whitaker said they enjoy helping out.

Taylor was busy sorting bakery items on a recent day, while Maples and Whitaker stocked shelves in the food pantry.

“I like doing it,” Maples said. “I love the people here.”

Christian Social Services Thrift Store, 5514 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., is trying to encourage people who drop off donations to come inside and shop away. They’re giving $3 in Red Barn Bucks to spend in the store to anyone who makes a donation.
Christian Social Services Thrift Store, 5514 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., is trying to encourage people who drop off donations to come inside and shop away. They’re giving $3 in Red Barn Bucks to spend in the store to anyone who makes a donation.

The food and other services that Christian Social Services provides are much-needed in the community, Taylor said.

Patty Byers said she first became acquainted with the thrift store when she needed help.

“That was 13 years ago,” she said.

When Byers got back on her feet, she became a volunteer, and then she became a part-time employee.

“It’s a lovely place to work,” Byers said.

“We see people coming in that can’t feed their children, and when they leave, their shoulders are little more up, their head is a little higher,” Byers said.

“It’s a wonderful place,” she said.

Byers said they can also provide encouragement and remind those who are struggling that, “even though things seem bad, they can get better.”

People who enjoy thrift shopping will find much to peruse at the thrift shop, including clothing, housewares, interior décor, books, china and other items.

Christian Social Services opened its doors in August 1987. It is supported by churches in Lutz and Land O’ Lakes, and serves families and individuals in north Hillsborough and Central Pasco counties.

Loretta Parker was at Christian Social Services Thrift Store recently to pick up some groceries. She said the charitable organization has been a saving grace for her.
Loretta Parker was at Christian Social Services Thrift Store recently to pick up some groceries. She said the charitable organization has been a saving grace for her.

The organization provides backpacks, school supplies and clothing for school-aged children; food, clothing, household necessities for families, support services to people in crisis, and holiday food baskets and Christmas toys to families in need.

The organization also partners with FUMC-Lutz and Mission Tampa to provide free dental care for people in need within the community.

And, it sponsors and coordinates National Day of Prayer activities.

Its member churches are All Saints Lutheran, Candlewood Community Church, Church of the Lakes, First Baptist of Lutz, First United Methodist of Land O’ Lakes, First United Methodist of Lutz, Grace Family Church, Harvester United Methodist Church, Holy Trinity Lutheran, Idlewild Baptist, Land O’ Lakes Church of God and Tims Memorial Church.

Additional churches that provide support are Church of the Suncoast, Cornerstone Presbyterian, Heritage Christian Center, Keystone Community, and Village Presbyterian.

The thrift store is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. The emergency food pantry is open during those hours, too.

Christian Social Services Thrift Store
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What: Clothing, linens, shoes, dishes, jeans, small appliances, jewelry, books, home décor
Where: 5514 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Deals: Every month, items marked with a different color are on sale. Everyone who donates goods receives a $3 coupon to spend in the store.
For more information: (813) 995-0088

Published February 24, 2016

Efforts on to settle renaming dispute

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Pasco County officials are trying to search out the historical boundaries between Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel to help determine the name of a new road near Cypress Creek Town Center.

Finding out that information could help determine whether a new stretch of Wesley Chapel Boulevard should:

  • Be renamed Circle O Ranch Parkway
  • Be named something else
  • Keep the name it has

The roadway, south of State Road 56, is planned as a southern continuation of Wesley Chapel Boulevard that will connect with County Line Road.

According to county records, a compromise decision to name the road “Town Center Parkway” was considered, but then abandoned.

“I don’t think Town Center is historical, but at least it’s a new beginning,” said Sandy Graves, a long-time Land O’ Lakes’ resident and a member of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber requested the name change to Circle O Ranch Parkway in December. The name would recognize the King family, whose ranch now is a prime development area for Tampa Premier Outlets and the Cypress Creek Town Center.

In the next weeks, meetings with groups who are at odds over the renaming will be held. Interested parties are being asked to provide evidence in the form of documents, oral histories, videos or anything that might shed light on the matter.

“We’ll put this in a staff report,” said Matt Armstrong, the county’s executive planner for the long-range planning department.

He hopes to have that available to Pasco County commissioners in March or April.

The effort is to give everyone a fair shake, he added.

But, county officials also are trying to put the focus on more than drawing a line between Wesley Chapel and Lutz-Land O’ Lakes.

Settling the boundaries also will affect future decisions on vision plans for each community.

“It’s more important to focus on the heart of the communities,” Armstrong said.

Pasco County commissioners unanimously agreed to continue the public hearing on the road’s renaming.

“It would be really nice to have some resolution to this contentious issue,” said Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

Renaming roads can be a delicate matter, said Commissioner Ted Schrader.

He had some concern, though, about road name confusion with Wesley Chapel Boulevard, State Road 54 and State Road 56 all converging at the same intersection. The entrance into the outlet mall, also at the juncture, is Grand Cypress Drive.

“What really resonated with me was the potential renaming and how four roads are at the intersection, all with different names,” Schrader said. “That really stuck with me.”

To date, county officials have met with area residents and members of the Central Pasco chamber.

A meeting is scheduled Feb. 19 with area residents and members of the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce.

Developers with Sierra Properties, which is building Cypress Creek Town Center, also are participating in discussions.

“This isn’t a chamber issue to me,” said Graves. “It’s something the county did that was wrong and needs to be corrected.”

Hope Allen, president of the Wesley Chapel chamber, declined to comment on the issue.

The Land O’ Lakes community crafted a vision plan and presented it to the county in 2003. The boundaries were Interstate 75, State Road 52, the Suncoast Parkway and the county line.

But in 2004, and Graves says without notice, the county renamed County Road 54 as Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

But, Lutz and Land O’ Lakes mailing addresses exist along the boulevard, north of State Road 56. The outlet mall and the town center have Lutz addresses, while Stagecoach and Grand Oaks subdivisions have Land O’ Lakes addresses.

“Lutz and Land O’ Lakes have been together forever,” Graves said. The King family had a Lutz address, but were ingrained in the Land O’ Lakes community, she said.

Still, she is hopeful that a resolution will soon be reached.

“The history of our community is very important,” Graves said.

Published February 17, 2016

Band has big dreams and bold ambitions

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They haven’t had many big gigs yet, but the band that calls itself Beyond Chaotic hopes that will change soon.

In fact, the six-member band is planning to travel to Orlando next month to audition for “America’s Got Talent.”

Alex Karafilis plays violin during a rehearsal of Beyond Chaotic. She hopes the group will tour and do a record deal some day. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)
Alex Karafilis plays violin during a rehearsal of Beyond Chaotic. She hopes the group will tour and do a record deal some day.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

Band members say they know it’s a big stage, and they admit they’re a bit nervous, but they want to go for it.

After all, they’re trying to build their fan base.

That sounds like a lot of the acts that appear on the popular television program.

But, Beyond Chaotic is not exactly a typical band.

It’s a rock group, and its six members are all age 12 or younger.

The members are Max Karafilis and his sister, Alex; Colin Mendoza and his sister, Kayla; Devon Bilek and Dominic Fusco.

They live in Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel.

Two are homeschooled, two go to Seven Oaks Elementary, one attends Lutz Preparatory School, and the other attends John Long Middle School.

All of them love music, and they’re willing to work hard to improve their musical chops.

Max is the band’s lead singer. Alex plays violin and keyboard, and sings, mostly backup, too. Devon is the bass player. Dominic plays leader guitar. Colin is the drummer, and Kayla is on keyboard.

Five of the band members met during the Bigel Music Rock Band Camp last summer.

They’ve all been playing instruments longer, and they practice together two to three times a week — in addition to their private lessons.

Dominic Fusco plays lead guitar, in the foreground, while Kayla Mendoza plays keyboard in the background. Fusco said he enjoys performing in front of crowds, once he gets past the stage fright.
Dominic Fusco plays lead guitar, in the foreground, while Kayla Mendoza plays keyboard in the background. Fusco said he enjoys performing in front of crowds, once he gets past the stage fright.

Like many bands, they’ve already had one player drop out. She had a conflict with church and Sunday school.

Colin’s sister stepped up to fill the gap, because the 8-year-old has been playing keyboard since she was around 4.

So far, their biggest crowd was during shows they played at The Shops at Wiregrass during the holidays.

They played three sets, of 40 minutes each, to hundreds of people, according to Cindy Karafilis, Max and Alex’s mom.

They have a play list of roughly 20 songs, ranging from “The Phoenix” by Fall Out Boy to “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragon to “Seven Nation Army” by White Stripes.

They’re also beginning to write their own music.

Being in a band has its demands and its rewards, they said.

“It’s hard, but it’s fun,” said Alex, who handles the vocals.

Twelve-year-old Devon put it like this: “It makes me feel accomplished that I can play music really well, when I hear the crowd getting excited when we’re playing.”

They may be young, but they have big dreams.

Alex wants to go on tour and wouldn’t mind getting a record deal.

Devon wants to build the band’s fan base.

Max wants to play a bigger venue, so more people can see them and spread the word about the band.

They have some gigs lined up.

Max Karafilis is the lead singer in a rock band called Beyond Chaotic. The kids are all 12 or younger, but they have bold ambitions and big dreams.
Max Karafilis is the lead singer in a rock band called Beyond Chaotic. The kids are all 12 or younger, but they have bold ambitions and big dreams.

They’re on the schedule for Feb. 5 at the Carrollwood Cultural Center, they’ll do a few numbers at the Valentine’s Dance at Seven Oaks Elementary School, and they’re scheduled to play April 16 at Journey for a Cure 5k at Al Lopez Park to benefit St. Joseph’s Children Hospital.

They’re also open to playing for private parties, Cindy Karafilis said.

But, they’re so new to the game that they haven’t quite figured out what to charge when they do get a paying gig, she said.

Regardless of the venue, the kids seem to love it.

“It’s hard work, of course. It’s really fun,” Colin said. “I think it’s pretty exciting.”

Dominic agreed: “It’s really fun to perform. Once you get over that little hump of being afraid to go onstage, it’s a blast.”

Some day, fame may come. But, for now, they’re just working hard — and turning up the volume.

Published January 27, 2016