The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Lutz News

This project is lit

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On the 27-acre acre campus at Learning Gate Community School, in Lutz, sixth-graders have built solar panels that power and charge electrical devices.

Learning Gate Community School environmental science teacher Steve Warrener, right, looks on as Ryan Khalfouni, left, and R.J. Akers work on connecting plugs and wires that will connect to the solar panel field the sixth-graders built. (Mike Camunas)

So, why did they do that?

They gave several reasons for taking on the challenge.

They wanted to create clean energy, to stop CO2 emissions, to educate themselves and others about solar power and, last, but not least, to impress Elon Musk.

Working with solar panels was a new experience for sixth-grader Harvey Lemieux.

He said the project was fun and informative, teaching students a lot about creating clean energy.

Learning Gate Community School sixth-graders Mya Stapleton, right, and Hattie Pham-Yancey, left, use a karaoke machine that is powered by a solar panel farm the students built by hand. The panels can power appliances and devices, as well as charge an electric car and a rebuilt electric go-kart. It even powered a house during a power outage caused by Hurricane Ian in September.

It took the first quarter of the school year to build the solar panels and wire them so the power can be converted into electricity. Once they had the power, the students — supervised by environmental science teacher Steve Warrener — were able to plug in devices such as a power drill, as well as a karaoke machine speaker to listen to some of their favorite tunes.

They also were able to charge a modified and rebuilt go-kart.

The kart is aptly named “Edmond” — after Edmond Becquerel. He’s the French physicist credited with the discovery of the photovoltaic effect, the operating principle of the solar cell. The student’s kart is fully electric and runs on recycled batteries from a front loader.

“Learning Gate is a pretty special school. I don’t know of any other school that’s building solar power stations, but I sure hope there will be more,” the teacher said.

The project is more than just building solar panels. The students worked out how the panels would work, even preparing a professional presentation they would use, if approaching a company seeking a solar-power solution.

The students had to research every part and component, Warrener said.

In addition to building a solar panel field, sixth-graders at Learning Gate Community School also restored a go-kart, converting it to electric. The kart, which can be charged with the panels, is named ‘Edmond’ after Edmond Becquerel, the French physicist credited with the discovery of the photovoltaic effect, which is the operating principle of the solar cell.

That showed them “why they have to do it that way and why it would be the most efficient way,” Warrener said.

Annabelle Avant, a sixth-grader at Learning Gate Community School, connects plugs and cords from the solar panels that will power things such as a karaoke machine and power tools.

“What the project really did was show that it’s not hard to use solar power and go with clean energy,” the teacher added. “In fact, it’s easily accessible and that it can be done, it can be made affordable and it can be built — even by kids!”

The project was so successful, it will allow Learning Gate to lower its electric bill and carbon footprint.

It also was used to charge up a teacher’s electric car — and, also used to power a house, Warrener said.

During Hurricane Ian, some houses in his neighborhood lost power. Warrener offered to bring over the panels. In one case, the energy was used to keep a fridge running to avoid spoiling food and also to run other devices, the day after the storm.

“I don’t even know how that happened (powering a house),” Lemieux said. “Just taking the power of the sun and turning it into electricity for a house — that’s just crazy to me.”

“That was pretty cool and amazing that it was able to power a house,” sixth-grader Ellis Brodski added. “We had just been using it to charge the kart or power the (karaoke machine), so to see it have a big use like that was pretty cool.

“I thought we were able to make these solar panels that work pretty easily, so I think others should do it, too.”

Lemieux agrees.

“It could save so much money and energy, so yeah, I think that those solar farms that people build, I think people take it for granted and that more people should use solar power,” he said. “Maybe more schools can get students to do what we did and build it as a project and then it helps the school save money.”

Published October 26, 2022

A burning desire for history

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It started with a truck.

A Class B fire engine.

Museum vice president Lois Ressler, center, welcomes two retired firefighters: Pat Cotter, left, a former fire truck driver, and Wayne Garrett, a former battalion chief. The museum gets lots of visits from current and former firefighters, but also has become a hub for firefighters to meet up and reminisce about their careers. (Mike Camunas)

It was the fire engine that volunteer firefighters in Hillsborough County rode on, during the 1970s and 1980s.

In 2017, four dedicated individuals bought it, looking to restore it.

They did, and because of that, the Hillsborough Fire & EMS Museum was born — not out of fire and ash, but out of a respect for preservation and history.

“After they bought the truck, well, they said, ‘Let’s make a museum,’” said Beth Nevel, museum president.

The Hillsborough Fire & EMS Museum, 15961 N. Florida Ave., in Lutz, is home to artifacts and memorabilia from former firefighters, their families and from the county itself. The space is small, but the museum also has thousands of additional items in storage.

Then, the donations started coming in.

“People would call, and tell us, ‘I’ve got patches’ or ‘I’ve got a first aid box full of stuff’ or ‘I’ve got a helmet and a coat,’ and as our firefighters are dying, their husbands and wives are saying, ‘What do I do with all this stuff from their careers as a firefighter?’,” Nevel added.

Indeed, all the items displayed at the small nonprofit museum at 15961 N. Florida Ave., in Lutz, have been donated by friends or family of, or even current or retired, firefighters.

The donations have been pouring in for about five years, Nevel said. It’s to the point where the museum’s board had to get storage space.

Nevel estimated the museum has thousands of items, from helmets to masks to used tanks to axes and other tools to patches to even toys and memorabilia. However, because of its limited rented space, it can only display some of the collection.

The visitor sign-in book at the Hillsborough Fire & EMS Museum in Lutz sits under a seal of the Hillsborough County Fire Department. It’s been signed by many visitors, including retired firefighters.

The items on display are impressive, but Nevel would love to see the museum expand into a larger space.

“We are bursting at the seams here,” Nevel said. “We started a savings account to get a bigger space and that’s the dream, for now.”

And, like many museums, especially small ones, this one also relies on contributions from “Friends of the Museum.”

Nevel encourages visitors to come take a look.

“Just come by and say hi!” she said. “You just have to contribute — we don’t care. Send us 10 bucks, give us 100 bucks, donate 1,000 bucks (laughs). People are our biggest contributors.”

With an all-volunteer staff and board of about 10 people, the museum relies on contributions — such as receiving $10,000 from Seminole Hard Rock or money from the Lutz Guv’na — but also through its three fundraisers: a car show, a golf tournament and a clay shoot.

Those monies go to keeping the lights on at the actual museum, but also to its three-pronged mission.

Education. Preservation. Restoration.

The museum aims to educate not only visitors, but also seniors and children through virtual classes that teach fire safety and more.

It wants to preserve all the artifacts that are donated, that way they are kept in pristine condition to be shared with whomever may visit the museum.

And, finally, to restore the truck — fix up and bring back to impeccable life the fire engine that’s on a Ford truck chassis, but was transformed into a fire engine by the late Chief Mechanic Ross Macaluso.

“We do get a lot of people — we get everyone who wants to stop by and see some history,” Nevel said. “Just a few weeks ago, we had a retired battalion chief from New Jersey that was down here and just saw us (online) and asked if he could come by. It is a lot of former and retired firefighters, which is great, because they’re interested and have stories, and are more than welcome to come by here and visit or hang out.”

Hillsborough Fire & EMS Museum
Where: 15961 N. Florida Ave., Lutz
When: Tuesdays, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Details: Founded in 2017, this nonprofit organization and museum restores and preserves the history of the fire department and EMS in unincorporated Hillsborough County. The small museum relies on donations not just of monetary value, but also of any and all artifacts and souvenirs from current and former firefighters, as well as their families.
Info: Visit HillsboroughFireMuseum.org, or to schedule a visit, call 813-269-3459 or email .

Published October 19, 2022

The Hillsborough Fire & EMS Museum calls Lutz its home and has fire rescue artifacts on display, such as helmets, masks, air tanks, axes and more.
A well-used mask, worn by a firefighter, is one of the items on display at the museum.
An old radio unit that was used in Dover is one of the items on display at the Hillsborough Fire & EMS Museum.

Pasco approves new office building on North Dale Mabry Highway

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a rezoning that will clear the way for Tampa Civil Design to build a new 10,000-square-foot office on about 8.5 acres, on North Dale Mabry Highway, about 1,900 feet north of the Hillsborough County line.

The action came after some area residents appeared before the county board, seeking assurances, on the public record that the new development would not be using a private road known as Preston Lane for access to the office, either during construction or after the building opens.

The county board’s action was in keeping with recommendations for approval by Pasco County planners and the Pasco County Planning Commission.

Jeremy Couch is the applicant on the request. He often appears before the county board in his professional capacity, on zoning issues.

The proposed site of a new 10,000-square-foot office sits on 8.5 acres on North Dale Mabry Highway, about 1,900 feet north of the Hillsborough County line. (Mike Camunas)

His attorney, Barbara Wilhite, told board members that the application is a straight-forward request for an office in an area that’s been designated for retail, office and residential development.

She also noted its access is off of North Dale Mabry Highway.

But area residents wanted to be absolutely certain that the office won’t use the private road they live on.

John Calamari, who lives on Preston Lane, reiterated concerns he raised at the planning commission’s public hearing on the request.

He told the county board members: “I am a professional engineer. I’ve been licensed in multiple states for over 40 years and in the state of Florida since 1998. Prior to that, I was in construction. I’ve made my living that way for 50 years. I’m not opposed to construction and expansion. However, there are some items that need to be clarified.

“Mr. Couch just stated that he will not use Preston Lane for construction purposes, meaning as a haul road for heavy equipment and materials.

“However, he did not make it clear that it will not be used as a means of entry and exit for the occupants of his building, so that needs to be clarified.

“Secondly, it has been established that Preston Lane is a substandard drive.

“Preston Lane is only 10-feet wide.

“The paved surface does not allow passing of two vehicles. Somebody has to back down 500 feet, 900 feet, or they have to pull off on somebody’s driveway or a lawn. So, we would need to absolutely establish that it would not be used for vehicular traffic from the proposed office.”

Philip Passintino, another resident of Preston Lane, told commissioners: “We’re talking about protecting Preston Lane as a private road.”

He then showed board members a photo of a mail truck driving down the road, to help them visualize the road’s width.

“As you can see, a mail truck has to do a K-turn just to turn around to do the other side of the street.”

“Why do we care? Because we had to pay for a resurfacing awhile back for $35,000. We need to do that again. We were assessed $14,000 to make the corrections to Lake Como Drive, which is a feeder road to ours,” he said.

Area residents want to be sure that the road is protected.

They also wanted assurances that the buffering requirements will be met.

Wilhite assured the county board that her client will meet the county’s buffering requirements for the property.

Because of questions raised by the residents, Pasco County Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey asked: “Will the applicant be using a private road to access his property?”

Commissioner Ron Oakley added: “I had the same question.”

Couch responded: “I swear, occupants of the building will not use Preston Lane for ingress and egress. I’m going to fence it off. I have no interest in using Preston Lane for anything. I’m going to put a fence on the perimeter and there will be no access to Preston Lane.”

He also told the board that the property is on North Dale Mabry Highway and he wants his business to have a North Dale Mabry Highway address.

After the board approved the rezoning, Commissioner Mike Moore remarked: “It is great to see more office, and congratulations on expansion because that means another Pasco County business is doing awesome things.”

Published October 12, 2022

Guv’na gives out the goods

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The new Guv’na of Lutz has taken his first official action.

Newly “elected” Lutz Guv’na Atlas Cortecero kicked off his term on Sept. 13 by distributing funds raised by himself and his two opponents — Stacee Campbell and David Penzer — in the race for the honorary title.

In a well-attended gathering at the pavilion in the back of the Old Lutz School House, Cortecero donned his Guv’na sash and doled out checks to local charities, clubs and organizations — totaling $25,079.07.

Newly ‘elected’ Lutz Guv’na Atlas Cortecero kicked off his term by distributing the $25,079.07 raised in donations during this year’s campaign season at a well-attended gathering at the pavilion in the back of the Old Lutz School House on Sept. 13. (Mike Camunas)

“It’s amazing to know how many people worked to the benefit of this city and to, even now, learn (more) about the work that people put into their community, either as people or businesses,” Cortecero, who hails from São Paulo/Brazil, said. “And it’s all for Lutz — but now that I’m Guv’na and I know about (other charities and organizations), I can help make more money for them.

“So it’s just incredible, and I’m looking forward to working for this community for my whole year,” he said.

Cortecero is the first new Lutz Guv’na since Amy Lancaster claimed the title in 2019.

She held the title longer than the traditional one-year reign because a worldwide pandemic interfered with the Lutz Fourth of July festivities.

Announcing the winner of the Guv’na’s race traditionally has been a regular feature of the community’s Independence Day celebration.

That’s when the final counting is done and organizers announce who brought in the most money in a race where the victor is determined solely on the basis of who raised the most cash to help community causes.

Typically, the total amount of contributions adds up to thousands of dollars, which are then distributed to help about 20 nonprofit Lutz groups.

This year, Cortecero led in fundraising with $11,919.11.

Candidates then earmark 10% of what they brought in for a charity of their choice.

Stacee Campbell, center, was presented with a plaque after raising $2,135.96 during her campaign. She is seen here with First Baptist Church of Lutz Administrative Pastor Paul Vahue and 2015 Lutz Guv’na Jennifer Rankin.

Fittingly, this year’s Guv’na had his first assembly at the Old Lutz School House, which also is where he sent his 10% — identifying the Citizens For The Old Lutz Building 501(c)(3) nonprofit as his charitable cause.

The money will be used for renovations to the building.

The schoolhouse, built in 1927, is considered a community icon. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on Aug. 15, 1996.

“I want to get a big thermometer (sign) to put it out in front of the building (facing U.S. 41) and just work to get it filled red,” Cortecero said. “For now, I have to discuss with the people at the Lutz School House how much it will cost, but as soon as I know, I will let Lutz know.

“I just want to make the place beautiful again, so as people, when they pass here and see this school, see just how beautiful it can be.”

Cortecero also took time to pass out checks to the benefactors of all the money raised.

Penzer, who raised $11,024, gave his 10% to the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club. Campbell, who raised $2,135.96, gave her 10% to the Lutz Leaguerettes.

Here’s a list of recipients from this year’s Guv’na race proceeds:

  • GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club
  • Hillsborough Fire & EMS Museum
  • Old Lutz School House
  • Lutz Train Depot Decorations Fund
  • Learning Gate Community School
  • Boy Scout Troop 339
  • Lutz K-8 PTA
  • GFWC Little Women of Lutz
  • Boy Scout Troop 212
  • Boy Scout Troop 12
  • Steinbrenner Future Farmers of America
  • Cub Scout Pack 12
  • Maniscalco K-8 PTA
  • First Baptist Church of Lutz
  • Lutz Leaguerettes
  • Lutz Chiefs
  • Tighten The Drag Foundation
  • Civil Air Patrol – North Tampa Lutz-Cadet Squadron.

Cortecero, who is married to 2007 Guv’na Michele Northrup, says he wants to host more events at the Old School House.

Some events already are scheduled, including Autumn Day on Oct. 19, Pioneer Day on Oct. 8 and Christmas at the School House in December — but he would like to do even more.

“I want to do something like a winter festival, with vendors and live music — a big festival,” said Cortecero, who generated the third-highest amount of contributions in the history of the Guv’na race. “I want to do something else (beside the trees and lights), so maybe in January or February. People can come here and hang out with the lights — like a block party, with food trucks,” he said.

“It can be to help raise money we’ll need for the renovations and then the brand new Guv’na can meet everyone from Lutz!”

Published September 28, 2022

Lutz sports complex gets a synthetic turf field

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A longstanding sports complex in the heart of Lutz is getting an update.

Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation broke ground on Sept. 12 to add a synthetic turf field to the Oscar Cooler Sports Complex, at 766 Lutz Lake Fern Road. The synthetic soccer and multipurpose field is part of a county-wide project.

Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation broke ground on Sept. 12 to add a synthetic turf soccer field at Oscar Cooler Sports Complex, at 766 Lutz Lake Fern Road. The park originally was built in 1975 and underwent a 33-acre expansion in in 2010. (Mike Camunas)

It will take 45 days to 60 days to complete the project.

Of 23 fields to be completed across Hillsborough by 2023, two are baseball fields and 21 are multipurpose fields.

The average cost for each synthetic field is $750,000.

Hillsborough County Parks, Planning and Athletics Manager Greg Brown explained why the county is adding the synthetic fields.

 “A synthetic turf field allows for almost unlimited programming of multiple sports with minimal maintenance and the ability to play very soon after storms,” Brown said.

“Due to this high demand for youth sports and sporting in general in Hillsborough County, a typical real grass field with heavy programming will need to be shut down for several months each year and grown back to keep a safe playing surface,” Brown added.

The minimal maintenance of synthetic fields will be extremely beneficial — especially in a county where an estimated 40,000 youth participate in leagues at  sports complexes every evening, Brown said.

The new field at Oscar Cooler will be predominantly used for soccer, but will be lined to allow use for multiple sports, including lacrosse and mini soccer.

When the Oscar Cooler Sports complex was built in 1975, it was called the Lutz Park Youth Complex and had just three baseball fields.

It was built in an area that had been primarily occupied by orange groves.

It was renamed to honor Oscar Cooler, a longtime Lutz resident, Cooler, who was the primary force behind getting the original park built.

He spent about two years working to persuade the county to buy the land and build the park.

Cooler coached in the Lutz Little League for five years and umpired for about 35 years. He was the league’s president for 15 years.

In 2010, Cooler told The Laker/Lutz News, “I think kids need to have a safe place to learn about teamwork … If kids don’t have something like this, then they usually get into a lot of things they shouldn’t be doing.”

That same year, a 33-acre, $3.9-million expansion opened up the park to its current size. That expansion allowed the soccer program, FC Tampa Lutz Rangers, to join the Lutz Chiefs, the football program at the park, and, of course, Lutz Little League.

Cooler was 84 when he passed away in 2013.

Published September 21, 2022

A cause that is good for the ‘sole’

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Scores of shoes were collected during the 2021 Two Good Soles campaign, a collaborative effort between Pasco County government and the school district, now in its seventh year. (FILE)

The Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office once again is participating in the new shoes and socks collection drive, Two Good Soles, to assist local students and families in need.

The campaign, now in its seventh year, is a collaborative effort between the Pasco County government and the school district.

The goal of the drive is to collect as many new pairs of shoes and socks as possible.

“It is heartbreaking to know that children come to school without socks or shoes in good repair,” said Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano in a news release.

“I am pleased that our office is once again part of this county-wide effort to collect as many pairs of footwear as possible. …Every item will go to a Pasco student in need,” said Fasano.

The need for shoes is primarily at the middle school and high school level, although shoes for elementary students also will be accepted.

The sizes most in need are children’s shoes size 9 and bigger, adult shoes of all sizes, and socks of any size. It is recommended that sneakers, shoes and socks be of a neutral color. However, no flip-flops or open-toed shoes, please.

Donations will be accepted through Oct. 21, the final day of the drive, at the labeled collection box near the door, at these sites:

  • New Port Richey, 8731 Citizens Drive, Room 120
  • Gulf Harbors, 4720 U.S. 19, New Port Richey
  • Land O’ Lakes, 4111 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. (U.S. 41)
  • Wesley Chapel, 4614 Pet Lane, Suite 109 (Lutz)
  • Dade City, 14236 Sixth St., Room 100

For information about the Two Good Soles drive, call Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector for communications and special projects, at 727-847-8179.

Published September 14, 2022

The Lutz Branch Library reopens

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The Lutz Branch Library has reopened, with limited services, after being closed for a month because of plumbing problems.

The Lutz Branch Library reopened on Aug. 30, after being closed a month due to plumbing problems. However, the new library now needs minor repairs and is without restroom services to patrons. (File)

The library, at 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, reopened on Aug. 30.

It was closed temporarily after experiencing septic tank and plumbing problems on July 27.

The problems caused a backup of sewage into the library, causing a small amount of damage and leaving the facility without working plumbing.

The library posted to its social media and on its website that limited service will be available Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and that restrooms will be unavailable.

During that time, the library still had curbside service available, and will continue to offer that to patrons.

In the meantime, the Hillsborough County Library System suggests the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, at 2902 W. Bearss Ave.

All of this comes after the Lutz Branch Library underwent a six-month, $790,000 renovation that gave the interior a fresh, bright new look — from more natural lighting, to new flooring, to new paint and walls, and even new furniture and installations. Those renovations, which also featured new glass walls and a self-checkout hub, were finished in late 2021.

Additionally, the library announced in July that its Friends of the Lutz Branch Library book collection program had returned to providing an array of affordably priced books for patrons’ reading pleasure. The Friends were inactive for some time due to the COVID-19 pandemic and hiatus during the six-month renovation.

Published September 07, 2022

Hillsborough board will take one more step to block incinerators in Lutz

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Applicant Louis Geraci LLLP recently withdrew his application for two air curtain incinerators in Lutz, after infuriated neighbors and elected leaders rose up against it.

Now, the Hillsborough County Commission wants to be certain the request can’t surface again on the site at 1225 Crystal Lake Road. They are expected to modify the original rezoning that listed the incinerators as an allowable use in an agricultural zone.

The county board is expected to take that action on Oct. 11.

County board members, who also sit as the board of the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC), said they had no knowledge the incinerators were being planned because there had been no discussion of that possibility when the rezoning occurred.

Hillsborough County Commissioner Mariella Smith noted: “We have to count on the people who come and testify to us, to give us an accurate assessment of what is being approved in the zoning stage.

“In this case, we had the founder of the assisted living facility right up the road writing us a letter saying he was in support of this because it was going to revert back to agriculture, because it was going to reduce traffic. He was fooled into thinking this was going to be good.

“His clients at the assisted living facility were going to be at risk because of the fumes,” Smith said.

County Commissioner Ken Hagan thanked his colleagues for supporting his motion at the EPC board meeting, which called for halting the EPC staff from working on the application and communicating the EPC board’s objections to the secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, to the governor and to members of the Hillsborough Legislative Delegation.

“I knew what I was asking for was unprecedented. Procedurally, this was supposed to be an administrative issue. It did not come under our purview.

“I want to thank each board member for standing with the neighborhood and doing the right thing, even though we knew it was unprecedented and it could have led to legal challenges,” Hagan said.

He continued: “The reaction was swift. That day I received a call from their attorney. At that time I encouraged them to rescind their permit application, as well as their site development plan.”

They did both.

It was, Hagan said, “a clear victory for the neighborhood.”

The commissioner added that the intense community opposition played a key role in the outcome.

“Very rarely have I ever seen a neighborhood come together so quickly and be so unified.

“With respect to Lutz, I think it goes back to the ‘80s, when it was the East-West road that wanted to go through Lutz,” Hagan said.

Smith pointed out that the EPC’s staff played a crucial role on the issue, too, because of the notice it provided to neighbors about application for state approval of the incinerators.

“Typically, the applicant in a case like this, just would have gone straight to the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection),” Smith said.

But Hillsborough has its own EPC staff and board, and its staff is under contract with DEP to process such applications.

The EPC staff recognized that the request was for a project of heightened concern, triggering public notice and a planned community meeting.

When word got out about the proposed use, hundreds of opponents bombarded county board members with emails, and more than 600 signed up for the planned community meeting.

The county commissioners, sitting as the EPC board, listened to more than an hour of public testimony against the request. Opponents raised issues about public health hazards, negative impacts on the quality of life, potential dangers caused by truck traffic in area neighborhoods, and a likely reduction in nearby property values.

“If we didn’t have EPC, nobody would have even know that this was happening. It would have gone straight to the state, and the state would have issued a permit. Boom,” Smith said.

Adam Gormly, director of development services, said that beyond modifying this particular rezoning application, the county also will engage in amending the county’s land development code regarding the location of incinerators and the types of operations.

For instance, the way the code is currently written, there’s no distinction between temporary and permanent incinerators, he said.

Gormly added: “This site is a good example of a location of where it would not be a good use for the community.”

Commissioner Pat Kemp said she’d like to pursue whether the county can charge a fee and conduct its own traffic studies on rezonings. She noted that Sarasota County does that.

“We should have had a traffic study for everything in here,” Kemp said, noting the county board had no idea that truck traffic might be coming and going to the Crystal Lake Road location.

Gormly told the board that having the county handle the traffic studies would add a significant amount of time necessary to process rezoning requests.

Published August 31, 2022

Who says play time is just for kids?

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A spot of tea turned into a cup of coffee. And a tearoom has turned into a cafe.

Parents of younger children and infants gather around and converse, while other children enjoy toys and making friends during Playdate Café, at First United Methodist Church of Lutz. (Mike Camunas)

That’s because Heather Kirk’s vision of the Pushchair Club — the kid-friendly time for parents to get out and meet other parents while their children play — has become the Playdate Café at First United Methodist Church of Lutz.

“Pushchair — that’s what they call a stroller in England, and that club was everywhere,” said Kirk, who is British and is married to Chris, the church pastor.

“So when I came to Florida and had younger kids, I was like, where can you go that isn’t a boiling park or pouring rain, where it’s not a day care — it’s about parents getting to know other parents while the children play and have fun.”

Toddler Bryant McKinney rides a Spider-Man airplane during Playdate Café, at First United Methodist Church of Lutz. The 2 ½-hour playtime gives children, and their parents, an informal venue offering opportunities to meet new friends and have fun.

Playdate Café, which began its second year on Aug. 17, is slightly different from Pushchair Club. It’s held in the morning and serves coffee and snacks, instead of being in the afternoon and with tea.

“It has more of a coffee-shop atmosphere,” Heather added. “Plus, they tend to nap in the afternoon.”

For 2 ½-hours, kids can run around, play with and climb on toys, and enjoy meeting other children, while parents have the chance to chat with parents.

Playdate Café is open every Wednesday during the Hillsborough County school year. It is free and open to anyone in the community, not just members of the church, , which is located at 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, in Lutz.

“If fact, we don’t know any of these parents or kids,” said Janell Lockhart, the church’s director of children and family. “Even right now, I think I’ve only seen two of our kids here. This is for the community — the parents looking to have something to do indoors with their children.”

Lutz grandma Barbie Pleus holds up her granddaughter, Aurora Brooks, with a smile, during Playdate Café, at First United Methodist Church of Lutz.

“This is our gift to the community where we felt there was a need,” Heather added. “There is no obligation to be a part of the church or even have the same faith. We want it available to anyone who wants to come as a way to meet people and have something to do outside the house.”

Bonnie Quintana watches with a smile as her granddaughter, Justice Gomillion, rides down a fun slide, during Playdate Café, a kid-friendly environment held every Wednesday at First United Methodist Church of Lutz.

Heather said when the weekly outing first started, there were just four children, but by Christmastime last year, it grew to 50. That was helped by Facebook groups and word of mouth.

“Oh, and us ‘accosting’ moms at Target to give them an invite and let them know about it,” Heather said with a laugh.

Playdate Café also does some themed weeks, such as a Mother’s Day photo op or a Halloween event where kids can get candy. Additionally, Pastor Chris has added Story Time in the Book Nook to read short stories to kids.

Parents seem to be glad to have this option, as the Playdate Café is well-attended,  with new parents and kids arriving each week.

“This was our first time and not our last time we’ll be coming,” said Lutz mother Stephanie Meyer, who brought her twin girls to the church. “I found out about it from my Tampa Bay Twin Mom group, and it’s just amazing, especially meeting parents that know what you’re going through and have something in common with.

“And then hearing from the pastor’s wife, who is from the UK, tell us how there are hundreds of these over there — that’s amazing, and this is amazing because we need more of these!”

Playdate Café
When: Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., following the Hillsborough County school year calendar
Where: First United Methodist Church of Lutz, 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz
Details: A kid-friendly playtime environment with toys and more for preschoolers. There’s a story time and refreshments, and volunteers are on hand to help with kids, so parents and grandparents can have a chance to relax. Parents and children are not required to be church members.
Info: Call 813-949-1751, or visit FantasticFirst.org.

Published August 31, 2022

Incinerators proposed in Lutz

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Hillsborough County’s Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) has announced a virtual public meeting relating to a request for two incinerators in Lutz.

The EPC has received an application from Louis Geraci LLLP, seeking an air permit to allow two air curtain incinerators (ACIs).

The proposed air permit will be for operation of two permanent, above-ground ACIs at a new commercial vegetative yard waste and land clearing debris disposal facility, to be located at 1225 Crystal Lake Road, according to the EPC announcement.

The project is planned on the north side of Crystal Lake Road, across from Idlewild Baptist Church’s north parking lot, according to Jay Muffly, of the Lutz Civic Association.

The applications calls for an air permit relating to the installation of two permanent, above-ground ACIs and associated material handling operations on the property.

This type of operation has the potential to generate smoke and dust from the burning and handling of the materials, according to the EPC notice.

The notice explains that an ACI is designed to blow a curtain of air over the burning material to promote efficient combustion, and minimize the emission of smoke and embers.

The EPC does not regulate any zoning, siting, transportation or location matters.

The EPC has notified nearby property owners and registered neighborhood organizations, and will host a virtual community meeting on Aug. 23 at 6 p.m., to provide an overview of the proposed project, the process for public comments, and an opportunity to address questions and provide answers.

The community notice also points out that operation of an ACI for yard trash disposal also requires a Yard Trash Disposal Facility General Permit issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and requires the authorization of the EPC director, issued by the EPC’s Waste Division.

The public meeting is expected to last 90 minutes. The link to register for the virtual meeting was expected to be available on Aug. 16, after The Laker/Lutz News went to press.

To request access to the link or find out more, contact Diana M. Lee at 813-627-2600, ext. 1276.

Published August 17, 2022