The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Lutz News

New style of pizza coming to Lutz

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A new pizza joint is set to open this summer at Northgate Square in Lutz.

Uncle Maddio’s, located at 3949 Van Dyke Road in Lutz, plans to open its doors in late August; it replaces the now-vacant Johnston’s Hallmark store next to the Publix Super Market.

It will be the first of five Tampa area locations for the create-your-own, fast-casual pizza franchise.

Mike Mateo and his wife, Ada, are the owners of the Uncle Maddio’s, 3949 Van Dyke Road in Lutz. They signed a five-unit agreement with the franchise last year, and have plans of opening the other restaurants throughout North Tampa and Pasco County. (Courtesy of Uncle Maddio's)
Mike Mateo and his wife, Ada, are the owners of the Uncle Maddio’s, 3949 Van Dyke Road in Lutz. They signed a five-unit agreement with the franchise last year, and have plans of opening the other restaurants throughout North Tampa and Pasco County.
(Courtesy of Uncle Maddio’s)

The 3,500-square-foot dine-in restaurant will also feature a 300-square-foot built-in recessed patio.

Franchisee Mike Mateo, a first-time restaurant owner, said construction on the leasing area will begin within the next week.

“We’re waiting for some permits, but it’s a process,” Mateo said. “We’re turning what used to be a ‘dry’ retail location into a ‘wet’ retail location with it being restaurant space.”

The restaurant will be open every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., but Mateo said he may alter the hours depending on customer feedback.

Uncle Maddio’s is labeled as a “next generation” pizza restaurant, allowing customers to build their own pizza exactly to their liking. Individual-sized pizzas are cooked in fast-baked ovens and typically served in about six minutes. Patrons can choose from one of three crusts, and 48 different toppings including 27 vegetables, 15 meats and six different sauces. Create-your-own salads and toasted “Foldwich” sandwiches are available, too.

Mateo said he “fell in love with the concept” after visiting a Tallahassee location, and believed the pizza chain would find success in the Tampa area.

“They have a great product, and they’re very consistent on the product and the service,” said Mateo, a retired division vice president for ATM technology company Diebold. “What drew me to the concept was that we were wowed from beginning to end.

Uncle Maddio’s will be opening in Lutz this August. It will be the first of five stores that will eventually open in Tampa. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)
Uncle Maddio’s will be opening in Lutz this August. It will be the first of five stores that will eventually open in Tampa.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)

“We love the freshness of the ingredients; the fact that you can create your own (pizza), the ambiance and the energy of the Uncle Maddio’s restaurants is just unique.”

Mateo already has named Rich Richeson as the Lutz restaurant’s general manager, and Anna Stevenson as the assistant general manager.

“Those are the two key employees, and once they get trained…we should start recruiting the staff,” he said, adding he plans to have a total of 30 to 40 mostly part-time employees.

Unlike other well-known pizza chains, Uncle Maddio’s has no drive-thru or delivery.

“It’s just going to be a comfortable environment for you to sit in and be relaxed, and just enjoy a meal with family or friends,” Mateo said, noting alcohol options will be available. “The core dealing of it is that you’re comfortable and you’re not in a hurry to leave.”

Mateo and his wife, Ada, signed a five-unit agreement with the chain last year. He has targeted Carrollwood, New Tampa, Trinity, Westchase and Wesley Chapel as possible locations for the other Uncle Maddio’s sites.

“We’re not sure in terms of which one comes first, but we are looking at those locations and seeing what’s available,” Mateo said. “Our plan is to have a second one open next year; we are working with a realtor to look at locations for 2017 and 2018.”

Uncle Maddio’s currently has restaurants spread throughout North Florida, and recently opened stores in both Sarasota and Orlando.

Since its launching in 2008, Uncle Maddio’s has signed franchise agreements with 65 different entities in 19 states.

Published June 29, 2016

Company rewarded for its job growth

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Pasco County commissioners rewarded a Lutz startup pharmacy service for adding at least 26 full-time jobs to the local economy.

Crestmark Pharmacy Services LLC received an incentive payout of $104,000 through a jobs agreement approved by commissioners at their June 21 meeting in New Port Richey.

Since opening in 2015, the company has hired 24 employees.

That number could rise to 30 or more, according to Randall McElheney, company manager.

“We’re happy to be in Pasco County,” said McElheney.

Crestmark Pharmacy is located at 1860 Highland Oaks Blvd., in Lutz. The company provides prescription medications to long-term care patients at nursing homes. Services also include information technology solutions for caregivers, consultations, and infusion therapy.

The Pasco Economic Development Council reviewed the company’s application and found that it qualified for the incentive program.

Under county ordinance, companies must create a minimum of 10 jobs within a year. Salaries must be greater than the average wage in Pasco County, and at least 51 percent of products and services must be sold outside of the county.

County officials see the economic impact from jobs at Crestmark Pharmacy as a generator of additional jobs, indirectly. Estimates are for 17 more jobs locally at other businesses and 13 more jobs in other counties, for a total of 56 jobs.

Crestmark Pharmacy also is adding good paying jobs at an average annual salary of about $60,000 per employee. At 26 employees, total annual wages paid by the company would be about $1.3 million.

Annual sales for the company are about $12 million, according to county officials.

The pharmacy’s distribution area primarily is central Florida, as far north as Gainesville and as far south as Port Charlotte. McElheney said.

“The incentive had a lot to do with us deciding to come here,” he said. But, other factors also mattered.

Lutz is centrally located within the Tampa Bay region. There also is a good labor market for recruiting job applicants, McElheney said.

He also noted that Pasco is a growth area.

“People can be close to their home. It was attractive to them to work here,” he said.

Published June 29, 2016

Making life easier for local Marines

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Seventy-seven-year-old L. David Kirk lives by the U.S. Marine Corps’ motto, “Once a Marine, always a Marine.”

He served in the Marine Corps from 1956 to 1964, completing two tours of duty in the Mediterranean, two tours of duty in Okinawa, and serving in Southeast Asia and California, as well.

“It was the best eight years I ever spent, because it took me from teenager to man,” said the retired Lutz business man. “I can never thank the Marine Corps more, for giving me the discipline to make it where I am today.”

L. David Kirk, of Lutz, is spearheading an effort to establish a Marine Corps League Detachment in Land O’ Lakes. He wants to make it more convenient for those who are serving and those who have served to get involved in the league’s activities. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
L. David Kirk, of Lutz, is spearheading an effort to establish a Marine Corps League Detachment in Land O’ Lakes. He wants to make it more convenient for those who are serving and those who have served to get involved in the league’s activities.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Even though he completed his service more than half-century ago, Kirk’s fidelity to the U.S. Marine Corps remains robust.

“Three years ago, two other Marines and myself, and our wives, we got together and we thought it would be a good idea if we started a Marine group in Land O’ Lakes,” Kirk said.

That group, named Marine Forever Veterans Group LLC, meets on Monday evenings at the Beef O’ Brady’s in the Village Lakes Shopping Center, 21539 Village Lakes Shopping Center Drive in Land O’ Lakes. The shopping center is on the north side of State Road 54, slightly east of U.S. 41.

Kirk now is accepting applications from those wishing to join a new Marine Corps League Detachment that likely would meet at the same Beef O’ Brady’s restaurant.

The league is open to active duty, reserve and honorable discharged veterans of Marine Corps and Navy FMF Corpsmen and Chaplains who live in Land O’ Lakes, Lutz, Odessa, Wesley Chapel and surrounding areas.

There’s a need for the new detachment because there isn’t one nearby, Kirk said.

“We’ve got Marines here that travel 15 and 20 miles to belong to the League. Think how many more that would join, if they didn’t have to travel that far. And, there’s a lot of Marines that live in this area.”

Besides being more convenient, it would be less expensive to attend meetings in Land O’ Lakes, because it wouldn’t take as much gas to get to meetings, Kirk added.

To launch a new charter, the group needs at least 20 members that do not belong to an existing detachment, Kirk said. Once the new detachment is established, existing league members can transfer, he added.

A meeting has been scheduled for June 25 at 2 p.m., at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, in the Village Lakes Shopping Center, to answer questions about the proposed new detachment, the annual dues, uniforms, meeting dates, mission of the group and so on.

Anyone who would qualify to join and would like more information is encouraged to attend, said Kirk, past commandant of the Angus R. Goss Detachment in Tampa.

The Marine Corps League was founded in 1923 by World War I hero Major General Commandant John A. Lejeune, and its congressional charter was approved by an act of the 75th Congress, which was signed and approved by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Aug. 4, 1937.

The league’s mission calls for its members to “join together in camaraderie and fellowship for the purpose of preserving and promoting the interests of the United States Marine Corps and those that have been honorably discharged from that service that they may effectively promote the ideas of American freedom and democracy.”

The league’s mission also calls for “voluntarily aiding and rendering assistance to all Marines and former Marines and to their widows, and orphans; and to perpetuate the history of the United States Marine Corps and by fitting acts to observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of particular interest to Marines.”

Kirk said he’s confident that a new detachment will be formed, noting he already has commitments from 10 potential members. But, he would like to form this new detachment as soon as possible.

For more information on becoming a charter member of the new detachment and to receive updates on upcoming meetings, email Kirk at .

For more information about the Marine Corps League, visit http://mclnational.org//

For more information about Marine Forever Veteran Group, LLC, visit Marine4Ever.com

and Facebook.com/MarineForeverVeteransGroup.

Published June 22, 2016

Guv’na candidate increasing fundraising efforts

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Greg Gilbert is new to the area — just like his competitor in the Lutz Guv’na race.

And just like his rival, Andre Pamplona of Royal Lanes Bowling, Gilbert was urged by by Suzin Carr, the Lutz Guv’na ambassador, to jump into the 2016 race.

“She was relentless,” Gilbert said, describing Carr’s encouragement for him to enter the race.

“However, it did sound like a lot of fun to do something like this, and to be involved in the community a little bit more,” said Gilbert, who took over as the managing owner of Beef O’ Brady’s in Lutz in December.

Greg Gilbert is a candidate for the annual Lutz Guv’na race. Gilbert is the managing owner of Beef O’ Brady’s, 18421 N U.S. 41 in Lutz. (File Photo)
Greg Gilbert is a candidate for the annual Lutz Guv’na race. Gilbert is the managing owner of Beef O’ Brady’s, 18421 N U.S. 41 in Lutz.
(File Photo)

Before moving to Florida, he spent 20-plus years in Michigan working as a general manager for both T.G.I. Fridays and Ruby Tuesday.

Due to his wide-ranging obligations to his restaurant, Gilbert admits he has some catching up to do on the Guv’na campaign trail.

To try to make up some ground, Gilbert plans to dive headfirst into fundraising efforts between now and July 4, the final day of the annual charity event.

He hopes to organize a car wash behind the restaurant, and perhaps hold a classic car show over the next few weeks to boost his campaign.

“I’m new to this area, so I have to find some avenues to make some of this happen,” said Gilbert, who lives in Spring Hill.

Though he considers himself to be “quite a shy guy,” he enjoyed participating in the whimsical Lutz Guv’na debate last month at the Old Lutz School.

There, he showed the ability to step out of his comfort zone during the question-and-answer portion of the debate, where he offered some clever responses to some of the “hot-button issues” pertaining to Lutz residents.

For example, during the light-hearted banter, Gilbert proposed to have “all Canadians stopped in Land O’ Lakes” as a solution to prevent snowbirds from inhabiting Lutz.

It’s also where he revealed his campaign slogan: “Beef it up at Brady’s.”

“I was pretty apprehensive going into it, but I had a lot of fun doing that,” Gilbert said about the tongue-in-cheek debate.

When he’s not working or dedicating time to fundraising efforts, the Guv’na candidate has a passion for brainteasers — he describes himself as a “crossword and Sudoku junkie.”

Despite his busy schedule, and no matter the outcome of this year’s Guv’na race, Gilbert has no qualms about becoming a candidate all over again.

“I’d be more than happy to try this next year, where I’ll be able to put a lot more into it,” he said.

The Guv’na race continues through the Fourth of July weekend.

The winner will be announced after the community’s traditional parade.

The next honorary mayor will receive the coveted “sash” from last year’s winner, Jennifer Rankin, who raised more than $9,200 in the 2015 race.

The annual charity event— which started in 1991— is sponsored by the Lutz Civic Association, and benefits about 20 local causes, including the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the Old Lutz School and the Friends of the Library.

The winner of the Guv’na race may also earmark 10 percent of what they raise to the organization of their choice.

If you’d like to contribute to Gilbert’s campaign, call (813) 909-2300, or email .

Published June 22, 2016

First-time Guv’na candidate enjoying the ‘campaign’

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Andre Pamplona is relatively new to the area, having moved to Lutz from Miami just last June.

But, that didn’t stop the general manager of Royal Lanes Bowling from jumping into the race to become Lutz Guv’na.

Pamplona was first encouraged to run by Suzin Carr, who serves as ambassador for the annual race for the honorary title. Carr is the only one who has been named Guv’na twice in the Lutz charity event.

Andre Pamplona is a candidate for the Lutz annual Guv’na Race. Pamplona is the general manager of Royal Lanes Bowling, at 1927 Brinson Road in Lutz. (File Photo)
Andre Pamplona is a candidate for the Lutz annual Guv’na Race. Pamplona is the general manager of Royal Lanes Bowling, at 1927 Brinson Road in Lutz.
(File Photo)

For Pamplona, it was a “no-brainer” to throw his name into the hat, and “help the community” through fundraising.

Having a storefront property in Lutz has made fundraising efforts relatively seamless.

“One of the things we already do a lot here at Royal Lanes is try to make a venue for nonprofit organizations to raise funds in a very inexpensive way,” Pamplona said. “We try to gear it to as many different groups as we can,” he said.

“It’s one of those things where the community is aware of (the Guv’na Race) because it’s been around for so many years, so it wasn’t really something I had to pitch too hard,” he added.

As one of just two Guv’na candidates, Pamplona has also been able to make several newfound personal connections while acclimating himself to his new surroundings in West Central Florida.

“Everyone’s been very receptive,” he said. “I was able to meet a lot of people in the community that otherwise would have just been patrons of mine, but they don’t see me face-to-face and you don’t get to say ‘Hi’ all the time. So, you’re able to meet different people in the community.”

Pamplona has already raised “quite a bit of money” through a few fundraising events at the bowling alley. He’s also received some donations from bowlers at Royal Lanes.

Not big contributions, mind you.

“It’s been nickels and quarters at a time,” he said.

Whether he wins this year or not, Pamplona said he’d “definitely” consider getting involved in Guv’na festivities again.

“Because I have the (bowling alley), it makes no sense for me not to do it every year,” he said.

“Even if I don’t run, I’ll maybe get behind a candidate to hold events here at Royal Lanes; a lot of people that ran in the past didn’t have a storefront or a brick-and-mortar, so it was hard for them to raise funds.”

One aspect of the Guv’na Race that Pamplona won’t soon forget is his participation in last month’s amusing Lutz Guv’na Debate at the Old Lutz School, where he squared off against fellow Guv’na candidate Greg Gilbert, of Beef O’ Brady’s, in a mostly tongue-in-cheek event. That’s where Pamplona unveiled his campaign slogan: “Raising the education of bowling.”

“It was a lot of fun,” he said about the debate. “The good thing about it was instead of being a serious or tense thing, we came up with a lot funny answers here and there; the watermelon-eating contest was the best part.”

The Guv’na race continues through the Fourth of July weekend, where the winner is announced, and earns the coveted “sash” from the prior year’s winner. Last year’s winner was Jennifer Rankin, who raised more than $9,200 throughout the 2015 race.

The annual charity event— which started in 1991— is sponsored by the Lutz Civic Association, and benefits about 20 local causes, including the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the Old Lutz School and the Friends of the Library.

The winner of the Guv’na Race may also earmark 10 percent of what they raise to the organization of their choice.

If you’d like to contribute to Pamplona’s campaign, call (813) 949-3606.

Published June 15, 2016

Lutz Cemetery Association seeks donations

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The Lutz Cemetery has been a landmark in the community for a century, but it often goes unnoticed.

There’s a group of dedicated volunteers, with the nonprofit Lutz Cemetery Association, who want to make sure that the grave sites within the cemetery off U.S. 41 are not neglected.

Donations help pay for upkeep, including mowing grass and maintaining gravesites.

Bill Garrison planted flags at the Lutz Cemetery to honor the many veterans buried there. (File Photo)
Bill Garrison planted flags at the Lutz Cemetery to honor the many veterans buried there.
(File Photo)

Many burial plots over the years were sold without perpetual care plans, according to Kathy Vanater, secretary/treasurer of the association.

The group raises money to help maintain the cemetery. It will have a booth at the annual Fourth of July festivities in Lutz, but donations are welcome any time, Vanater said.

About 1,600 people are buried at the Lutz Cemetery, including members of prominent families, past and present.

Among them are Fred Polen, a teacher at Myrtle School, and later a mail carrier; Herbert Vernon, owner of Vernon & Land Co.; and, three generations of the Goheen family.

It is also the final resting place of Oscar Cooler, a champion of Lutz youth sports; and Carolyn Meeker, former president of the Lutz Civic Association.

The hallowed ground is a legacy donated to Lutz residents by C.E. Thomas, who was president of the North Tampa Land Company in the early 20th century.

A group of Chicago investors bought about 32,000 acres, north of the city of Tampa. They sold vacant lots to some of the early settlers of Lutz, and made an offer that anyone who bought 10 acres could have a free lot in town or a burial plot in the cemetery.

For many years after its founding, Lutz residents would gather once or twice a year to clean up the cemetery. However, that practice ended long ago. In the 1950s, the nonprofit association stepped in to fill the gap.

For information or to make a donation, people can stop by the association’s booth on July 4. Or, donations can be mailed to Lutz Cemetery Association, P. O. Box 1353, Lutz, FL 33548.

Published June 15, 2016

Famous Tate aiming for fall opening

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A new Famous Tate could be open as soon as fall.

Site preparation for the 13,700-square-foot appliance store is underway off U.S. 41 in Lutz. The store will sit on an outparcel in front of the Walmart Supercenter, and will be Pasco County’s third Famous Tate.

Famous Tate of New Tampa Inc., purchased the 1.5-acre vacant lot in March 2015.

A new Famous Tate off U.S. 41, in front of Walmart Supercenter, is expected to open by fall. It will be Pasco County’s third Famous Tate appliance store. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
A new Famous Tate off U.S. 41, in front of Walmart Supercenter, is expected to open by fall. It will be Pasco County’s third Famous Tate appliance store.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

Owner John Horst said at the time that he wanted his company to be “a player” in the growth coming to the area.

“We have a lot of customer base,” said Claude Ward, the company’s general manager.

But, growth in the area also will bring more traffic, he said.

“As traffic becomes a hardship, people only drive so far, so we have to be more centrally located for our customers.”

Bulldozers recently cleared the land. The next step will be building permits to begin the store’s construction.

It tentatively is set for a fall opening, said Ward.

Famous Tate was founded in 1954. Its Pasco locations are 5419 Village Market in Wesley Chapel, and 8010 Grand Blvd., in Port Richey.

The store will have company, as developers are starting to buy more of the outparcels surrounding the Walmart location.

The discount store and the County Line shopping plaza are located in a pie-shaped swath of land between U.S. 41 and North Dale Mabry Highway, with entrances off both roadways.

New Port Richey Hospital Inc., a subsidiary of HCA Holdings Inc., recently bought a 1.6-acre vacant lot, across from Famous Tate. Plans are to build a health care facility, according to a press release from The Land Sharks LLC, which brokered the sale.

Another outparcel is slated for a Stor-Kwik Self Storage.

Mark Cooney of The Land Sharks also anticipates a restaurant and automobile store are potential new tenants on other outparcels.

Published June 15, 2016

Lutz is gearing up for the Fourth of July

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The Fourth of July is just weeks away, and Lutz is gearing up for its annual festivities.

This is a place that enjoys its Independence Day traditions, and it likes the community to join in on the fun.

So, if you’re thinking about being in the Fourth of July Parade, it’s a good idea to let Cheryl Benton know. She’s the one that makes sure you get your form filled out, so she can reserve you a spot in the parade lineup.

And, if you’re looking to earn some bragging rights for your baking skills, it’s a good time to get in touch with Karin D’Amico to find out about the rules and categories in the Cake Bake competition.

Three-a-half-year-old Logan Freelen got an early start at the one-mile run during Fourth of July festivities last year in Lutz. The little boy makes his way up Lutz Lake Fern Road with his dad, Richard Freelen of Riverview, during the last leg of the run before the start of the parade and festivities. (File Photo)
Three-a-half-year-old Logan Freelen got an early start at the one-mile run during Fourth of July festivities last year in Lutz. The little boy makes his way up Lutz Lake Fern Road with his dad, Richard Freelen of Riverview, during the last leg of the run before the start of the parade and festivities.
(File Photo)

If you’re planning to run in the 5K or take part in the 1-mile fun run or family walk, Terry Donovan is the guy who is in charge of those activities.

The main thing is, if you want to take part, it’s not too early to begin gearing up for the annual event.

One of the highlights each year is the auction that takes place after the parades, where cakes and pies that have been entered into the Cake Bake competition go home with the highest bidder.

And, finding out who will win the annual Lutz Guv’na race is always fun, too.

This annual competition, which raises money for local organizations, is a good-natured competition where the only qualification that the winner must possess is the ability to raise money. Whoever raises the most money wins.

This year, Greg Gilbert and Andre Pamplona are squaring off to see who will claim the title and be sworn in over a copy of Dr. Seuss’ “Green Eggs and Ham.”

The 5k and fun run get things rolling, generally drawing in the neighborhood of about 600 participants, said Donovan, the race director.

Runners begin arriving around 6 a.m., to register or pick up their packets.

The 5k is a chip-timed event.

The race, which originates at the Lutz Community Center, has been going on for decades.

And, many of the runners have been racing since they were young, Donovan said.

“I don’t really run anymore, I shuffle,” he joked.

The cake and pie competition also tends to get a lot of repeat entries.

Last year’s cake and pie contest drew 28 entries, including a 5-pound apple pie, a cake shaped like a fish and another with the look of the community’s iconic train depot.

Wilma Lewis had eight entries in the competition.

And, Shirley Simmons entered her famous, made-from-scratch pound cake, which fetched $75 in the auction after the parade.

Those interested in entering the competition should touch base with D’Amico to find out the various categories.

The parade — which has an old-fashioned feel — tends to attract scouts, schools, politicians, community organizations, law enforcement and local businesses.

It also draws a wide assortment of vehicles, ranging from antique fire trucks to flatbed trucks, military vehicles to classic cars, and bicycles to convertibles.

The parade route, which goes down Lutz-Lake Fern Road, turns to go in front of the Lutz Branch Library.

“We have 11 different trophies,” Benton said. “We have one for antique vehicles. One for bicycle entry. One for commercial. One for a family entry. Most comical. Most patriotic. Neighborhood entry. Walking unit. Youth entry. Judge’s favorite. Grand Marshal’s Choice.”

She thinks people enjoy the Fourth of July festivities because it’s a fun way to start off the holiday.

“It’s crafted after an old-timey Fourth in the park,” Benton said.

“It’s a community thing. It’s something for the kids to do on the Fourth of July,” Benton said.

All sorts of entries are welcome, she said. But, she does have a request: “Please no high-powered water guns,” she said.

“Because they have soaked little babies before,” she explained, and that’s not cool, she added.

Benton is in charge of getting the parade entries lined up along the route.

That requires marking spots on the street, based on the size of the entry, she said.

“It’s a hot job, I can tell you that,” she said, noting the spot for each entry must be painted on the street.

“They can email me, and I can email them an entry. It’s .”

Lutz Independence Day festivities
July 3
Cake entry drop off: Call Karin D’Amico at (813) 786-8461 for time and location

July 4
Festivities take place at 101 First Ave. N.E., in Lutz

6:30 a.m. to 7 a.m.: Cake registration deadline. For information, call Karin D’Amico at (813) 786-8461

8 a.m.: 5K begins (registration and packet pickups begin at 6 a.m.) For information about the 5K, 1-mile fun run and family walk, call Terry Donovan at (813) 949-6659

8:45 a.m.: 1-mile fun run and family walk begins

9 a.m.: Flag raising ceremony

9:30 am: Race trophies presented

10 a.m.: Lutz Community Parade begins. To sign up to be in the parade, email Cheryl Benton at Although she prefers emails, she can be reached by telephone at (813) 948-0823.

11 a.m.: New Guv’na sworn in; parade trophies awarded; Cake Bake Auction

Parade breakdown begins immediately after the festivities. Volunteers are welcome to help.

Published June 8, 2016

Hillsborough libraries offer summer fun

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Families looking for ways to help occupy their children during the summer may want to check out the events offered through Hillsborough County’s public libraries in north Hillsborough County.

Some events scheduled in coming weeks include puppet shows, art programs and robotics.

Spectators of ‘Wild Florida, Alive!’ can explore the wild side of Florida and learn about animals that make the state so unique. This is just one program being offered for free through the Lutz Branch Library and the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library this month. (Courtesy of Creative Arts Theatre, of the City of Tampa)
Spectators of ‘Wild Florida, Alive!’ can explore the wild side of Florida and learn about animals that make the state so unique. This is just one program being offered for free through the Lutz Branch Library and the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library this month.
(Courtesy of Creative Arts Theatre, of the City of Tampa)

One coming attraction, offered through the Lutz Branch Library, is “Wild Florida, Alive,” a show that will be presented by the Creative Arts Theatre of the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department.

The presentation explores the wild side of Florida and helps spectators discover the animals that make the state unique.

It’s an environmental adventure, highlighting Florida’s endangered species through live theater, shadow puppetry, and music.

The program is geared toward those around age 5 and older. It will be offered at the Lutz Community Center, which is next to the library, on June 14 at 11 a.m., and again at 2 p.m. It lasts 30 to 45 minutes.

Meg Heimstead, supervisor for the Creative Arts Theatre and ArtReach, said she enjoys watching children’s reactions to the shows.

“It’s such a joyous experience, when a child sees a puppet come to life and that puppet interacts with them,” Heimstead said.

The performers aim to encourage children to read, she said, noting the presentations are based on, or inspired by, literary sources.

Another show being presented through the Lutz Branch Library features dogs and comedy.

“The Tricky Dogs Show” will be presented June 28 from 2 p.m. to 3.p.m.

Like the puppet show, this show, which features a circus-style dog comedy act, will be at the Lutz Community Center, 98 First Ave. N.W.

The Lutz Branch Library, which hosts a number of other special events every month, is at 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz.

Upcoming events at other area libraries are:

At the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa:

  • “Robotix Blox,” June 14 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Kids will use Lego Mindstorms, and those taking part will work together on robot building and coding. Recommended for those ages 8 and older. The program is limited to 20 participants. Those wanting to join in must register no earlier than one hour before the program begins.

  • “Art Over Summer,” June 21 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This program encourages children between kindergarten and fifth grade to express themselves through art. They’ll be making items to take home.

  • “Three Wishes on a Magic Fish,” June 22 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre will tell a story about a fisherman, a magic fish and three wishes. It is geared for kindergarten through fifth-graders.

  • “Wild Florida, Alive,” June 25 from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn about Florida’s unique wild life through live theater, shadow puppetry and masks. For those age 5 and older.

At the New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., in Tampa:

  • “Lost World Reptiles,” June 16, 11 a.m. to noon

In this program, for kindergarten through fifth-graders, Gino Sassani presents live snakes and reptiles in an educational program about the slithery creatures.

  • “Books We Love to Sing,” June 30 from 11 a.m. to noon; and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Christine VanHorn will lead an interactive musical experience, bringing classic children’s books and songs to life. For kindergarten through fifth-graders.

For more information, visit HCPLC.org, and click on the Events & Classes tab, and then the By Branch tab.

Published June 1, 2016

Lutz Learning Center seeks expansion

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The Lutz Learning Center is looking to expand operations into Pasco County.

The school, located on a 1-acre campus at 621 Sunset Lane in Lutz, is seeking an additional site to accommodate more families, said Kimberly Wilson, the school’s director of innovation.

“We’re bursting at the seams,” she said referring to the current campus.

The independent private school currently has an enrollment of 120 students, ranging from pre-kindergarten to sixth grade.

Wilson noted grades seven and eight will be added next year, with an eventual goal of serving high school students once the expansion is in place.

The school uses a “Limitless Potential” philosophy and a “Differentiated Instruction Curriculum” model, in which students are advanced based on where they belong socially, emotionally and academically.

For example, a student may be in their first grade year, but understands concepts equivalent to a third-grader.

“We look at education like the rungs on a ladder,” Wilson said. “Our model is very different, so we don’t use grades, meaning just because a child is in their second grade year doesn’t mean that they’re only around second grade kids. Basically, every child is two years academically advanced.

“We plug a child in where they belong…and encourage them to just climb as high as they can.”

Annual tuition at the school ranges from $7,700 to $8,500.

The original campus — built in 1980 — will still remain, Wilson said.

Published May 25, 2016