The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Lutz News

Lutz Patriots continue making every Friday a flag day

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Every Friday afternoon, drivers on U.S. 41 near the Old Lutz School are making hand gestures and honking their horns.

But they aren’t frustrated residents stuck in a traffic jam. The hand gestures are waves and thumbs-up, and they’re honking their horns at the Lutz Patriots, who line up American flags by the former school once a week.

Jim Russell, left, Bill McCray and Bruce Hockensmith of the Lutz Patriots wave to drivers along U.S. 41, who honk their horns in return to show support. The group has been setting up flags near the Old Lutz School on Fridays for more than a decade to show support for the military and their families. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Jim Russell, left, Bill McCray and Bruce Hockensmith of the Lutz Patriots wave to drivers along U.S. 41, who honk their horns in return to show support. The group has been setting up flags near the Old Lutz School on Fridays for more than a decade to show support for the military and their families.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

The Patriots are not a political organization, but they do want to remind drivers that troops remain in harm’s way, and that military personnel and their families still need support.

According to member Bruce Hockensmith, people are getting the message.

“If you stand here and watch us, you’ll hear the horns honking and see the lights flashing,” Hockensmith said. “It’s like a silent majority, people who support the troops.”

The Lutz Patriots have waved to drivers almost every Friday since 2003. The group was founded by two sisters, Karen Williams and Barbara Mueller, who wanted to show support for a family member at a time when there was public anti-war sentiment during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.

Now, a core group of about 10 make up the organization, who still line up flags by the school and still get a strong showing of support from the drivers who see them on their Friday afternoon travels.

The Lutz Patriots is mostly made up of retired military, and they recognize that their weekly message is seen by those who serve and their families, as well as the general public. Sometimes members of the military will stop and say hello and thank them for their display.

For Jim Russell, a Lutz resident who was in the U.S. Navy, it’s especially important that members of the military feel appreciated for their service. Russell was in the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War, and received a negative, disrespectful reception when he came home.

“I got off the ship in San Francisco in 1967. Does that tell you anything?” he said. “I don’t want to see things get back to that. It’s part of the reason I’m out here.”

While the Lutz Patriots can be found waving their flags every Friday, it’s not the only place they make their presence felt. When the remains of a fallen soldier are returned via MacDill Air Force Base, the group sets up their flags along Bayshore Boulevard in South Tampa to let the grieving family know their sacrifice doesn’t go unrecognized.

They also send packages to troops stationed across the globe. Hockensmith, who served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War, said the group recently spent more than $700 in postage to send out a series of packages.

Hockensmith has been with the group since they began their weekly event, and said it feels strange on the rare occasions when bad weather prevents them from being there. They want to make sure drivers take a moment to remember those who are around the world serving in the military.

“We just want to keep them aware that we do have guys and gals serving that are in harm’s way every minute of every day,” he said. “We don’t want those people serving out there to be forgotten.”

The Lutz Patriots start setting up flags around 4:30 p.m. every Friday. To contact the group or make a donation, visit LutzPatriots.com, or e-mail Hockensmith at .

Published May 21, 2014

Guv’na hopefuls kick off campaigns at annual ‘debate’

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The candidates to become the next Lutz Guv’na are all a bunch of sellouts.

Lester ‘Boddie’ Osteen, a Lutz resident since 1936, took a few moments to share his memories of the area and its history with the crowd. ‘You’re privileged to live in this community,’ he said. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Lester ‘Boddie’ Osteen, a Lutz resident since 1936, took a few moments to share his memories of the area and its history with the crowd. ‘You’re privileged to live in this community,’ he said.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

At the annual Guv’na debate May 10 at the Old Lutz School, the five hopefuls for the ceremonial title were doing whatever they could to raise cash: Selling cookies, brownies and even specialty popcorn. They had raffles and drawings. They even announced yard sales and other fundraisers scheduled for the next couple months.

But unlike a traditional political campaign, the money raised doesn’t go toward buttons, bumper stickers or negative attack ads. It goes to local schools, civic organizations and other groups that benefit from the Lutz Guv’na event, which names the winner solely by how much money they raise for charity. Last year the candidates as a group raised nearly $12,000, most of that coming from the winner and current Guv’na, Suzin Carr.

The debate was an opportunity for the candidates to kick off their campaigns with smiles, handshakes and outrageous promises if “elected” to office. One vowed to rid the area of pesky mosquitoes. Another promised a five-day weekend. And they participated in contests to show their ability to handle the job, such as watermelon eating and knitting.

If it all sounds a little strange, Carr said that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be.

“It’s a silly, community spirit, wonderful thing for Lutz,” she said. “It’s supposed to be tacky. It’s supposed to be off-the-cuff crazy.”

Having a campaign for an honorary title is the kind of event that keeps Lutz’s small-town appeal intact. The fact that the money goes directly to organizations that need it makes the Lutz Guv’na race a positive force in the community, Carr explained. Scout troops, the Civil Air Patrol, Friends of the Library and the Old Lutz School itself are just some of the groups who will benefit from the money candidates raise.

This year’s crop of candidates seemed eager to kick off their campaigns. Liane Caruso is the founder and chief marketing officer of Limelight Marketing. She has a strong knowledge of social media and a love of tacos going for her.

Susan Gulash is the owner and creative force behind Gulash Graphics. She couldn’t attend the debate, but was well represented with her team both at the booth and the podium.

“Papa” Jay Muffly was the longtime president of the Lutz Volunteer Fire Association. He’s the choice of the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, and had plenty of supporters in attendance.

Dr. Cindy Perkins is the owner of the Back in Health Wellness Center. She came to the debate armed with cupcakes for sale and a pink tutu to wear while on the panel.

Jerome Smalls is the director of operations at Soccer Gemz, a sports program for younger children. His program is so positive-oriented that when asked to showcase his “mean coach” voice, he only shouted encouragement.

Carr, the only two-time Lutz Guv’na, loves wearing the sash that designates her as current title-holder. But she knows her term will come to an end soon, and she has some advice for those who want her job: Enjoy the race, and the title that might come with it.

“Have fun. Put yourself out there,” she said. “For me, when I ran, it wasn’t as Suzin Carr. I was in a character. The Guv’na to me is a character.

“Nobody believes that at home I’m really a private person. But when I’m in the public eye like this, you just go with it.”

Published May 14, 2014

New surgery option eases recovery for hysterectomy patients

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Dr. Pamela Twitty made history on April 30 at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North by becoming the first surgeon in Tampa to perform a single-site robotics-assisted hysterectomy.

Dr. Pamela Twitty made history on April 30 at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North by becoming the first surgeon in Tampa to perform a single-site robotics-assisted hysterectomy. (Courtesy of St. Joseph's Hospital-North)
Dr. Pamela Twitty made history on April 30 at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North by becoming the first surgeon in Tampa to perform a single-site robotics-assisted hysterectomy.
(Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

The type of surgery had been performed previously in Clearwater and St. Petersburg, but not in Tampa, Twitty said.

She used a da Vinci robotic system to perform the surgery, controlling instruments from a console in the operating room.

In traditional hysterectomy surgery, doctors make a five- to seven-inch incision in the woman’s abdomen and remove the uterus through the laceration. That approach leaves noticeable scars and requires a month or two of recovery, Twitty said.

But with robotics-assisted surgery, recovery is quicker with less post-operative pain because it’s less invasive, and it reduces scarring as well.

Twitty performed the surgery on Land O’ Lakes resident Hollie Morris.

“I was pretty excited about it,” the 35-year-old said.

Morris didn’t have any misgivings about being Twitty’s first patient for this procedure because she had an established relationship with the doctor.

“I love Dr. Twitty. I trust her completely,” Morris said.

When Twitty explained the procedure, Morris said she could sense the doctor’s excitement about performing a surgery such as this. At the same time, Twitty wanted to make sure Morris was completely comfortable with the approach.

Morris found the prospect appealing for numerous reasons, she said. For one thing, since she has children, it was important for her to recover quickly and get back to the business of daily life. Secondly, she’d prefer not to have a large scar.

The surgery is done with a small cut in the naval.

“You can’t even see it,” Morris said.

Although she has felt some soreness, Morris said she’s sure she would have felt more pain if she’d had additional cuts.

“The day after surgery, I was up walking around,” Morris said.

In traditional hysterectomies, the size of the scar can vary based upon the surgical procedure that is used, the patient’s anatomy, and what needs to be done, Twitty said. The single-site option may be especially appealing to women in Florida, where swimming and going to the beach are popular pastimes.

“A lot of our patients in this area and in surrounding areas are interested in still being able to wear their swimsuits and their bikinis,” Twitty said. They want to be able to be out in the sun without any sign of their surgery.

The less invasive procedure also typically means less time in the hospital, Twitty said.

With a traditional hysterectomy, the hospital stay is two to four days. With the new surgery, it is often an overnight stay, or in some cases, they can leave the same day.

“And, healing and post-operative pain is typically less,” Twitty said. “You have a much smaller incision. It’s in a location where there’s less tension on the incision. There’s an expedited return to daily life because there’s less recuperation time, less pain.”

Twitty believes this type of surgery will become more commonly used as doctors are trained in using the technology and more patients become aware of it.

“I’ve already started talking to a number of my patients about this technology and being able to offer it,” Twitty said. “They are absolutely excited about it.”

Although robotic surgery itself has been around for about a decade, single-site technology — where one incision is made through the belly button — is a process that’s only been around for the past couple years or so, Twitty said.

“Initially, it was available for general surgeons,” she said. But there has been an expansion of the use by doctors in various specialties and more procedures have been approved.

Published May 14, 2014

‘Oklahoma!’ at Straz features Lutz actor, dancer

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The play may be called “Oklahoma!” but some of its cast members call Lutz home.

The Patel Conservatory is presenting the famous Rodgers and Hammerstein musical from May 1 through May 10 at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Art’s Teco Theater, 1010 N. MacInnes Place in Tampa. The production features students in grades five through 12, as well as some professional actors.

Lutz resident Ryan Santello takes on the lead role of Curly in ‘Oklahoma!,’ which wraps up its run this week at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. His sister, Victoria, is a featured dancer in the play. (Courtesy of Patel Conservatory)
Lutz resident Ryan Santello takes on the lead role of Curly in ‘Oklahoma!,’ which wraps up its run this week at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. His sister, Victoria, is a featured dancer in the play.
(Courtesy of Patel Conservatory)

“Oklahoma!” is the story of Curly McLain, his love interest Laurey Williams, and his rival, Jud Fry. Set in the territory of Oklahoma in 1906 as the area approaches statehood, those characters and others resolve their romantic relationships with a social dance as a backdrop.

It has enjoyed several runs on Broadway and London’s West End, as well as national tours, film and audio recordings since its first run in 1943.

Among the 60 performers in the play are siblings Ryan and Victoria Santello of Lutz. Ryan plays Curly McLain, the show’s leading man. Victoria is a featured dancer.

They’re both excited to be part of the production.

“I love doing it because it’s a rush of energy. So many people are watching you, and they’re all enjoying it,” 15-year-old Victoria said.

After opening night, she offered this assessment: “It went well.”

Her performance requires a considerable amount of enthusiastic dancing, so it’s important that she has the right mindset going on stage each night. Since she doesn’t play a specific character, Victoria created one in her mind so she would have a role to play while dancing. The character has a flirty, bubbly personality, and she uses that identity to get the most out of her dancing and help convey the story.

For his part, 17-year-old Ryan had to challenge himself to take on the lead role. He watched Hugh Jackman’s take on Curly from the 1999 film around 30 times, revisiting certain scenes over and over. That was in addition to the hours of rehearsals each week in the months leading up to opening night.

Both Santellos attend Steinbrenner High.

Victoria said she appreciates being able to perform with her brother and watch him grow as an actor. She admits she was unsure how Ryan would fare in his first leading role, but was happy to see him grow into the part successfully.

“When we were in rehearsal, I would always be nervous for him,” Victoria said. “He’s doing really well. He’s come a long way from the first rehearsal.”

Ryan also is impressed with his sister’s performance. Since dancing takes so much work and energy, he didn’t want her getting hurt or struggling with the dances. But those concerns were put to rest once he saw her on stage.

“She’s doing awesome. Before the show, I didn’t know she could dance like that,” he said.

For Ryan, the hardest part wasn’t the singing or learning all the necessary lines. It was the way he had to say them.

“It’s the accent. It’s easy to get, but it’s hard to keep for a two-and-a-half hour show,” he said.

As a Florida native, a country accent isn’t his natural speaking style, but he focused on maintaining his pronunciation and is now able to keep it consistently. In fact, Ryan said it takes time to lose it when each performance is finished, so he’ll still be talking like his character is the car or at home that night.

Kara Goldberg, the play’s stage manager, said the Santellos’ hard work is paying off. While Victoria might not have a lead acting role, Goldberg said that a featured dancer requires at least as much rehearsal time and effort as any other part. The way the play is set up, dancing is integral to the play’s progress.

“She and all the other lead dancers, they help to tell story,” Goldberg said. “They do a great job of that. I’m up in the lighting booth, and I see her always ‘on’ when she’s on stage. She’s always in character, and that’s really something that we need in this show in particular.”

And while this was the first play where she’s worked with Ryan, Goldberg has taken note of his ability and work ethic.

“I can tell that he’s doing his homework,” she said. “When you’re an actor you have to do your homework, you have to look up words you don’t know in the script and you have to study your lines really well.”

With just a little encouragement, he was soon rehearsing off-book, meaning he didn’t have to refer to a script to practice.

Goldberg, who has been involved in theater for about 15 years, said at first she wasn’t sure how the play would turn out since it had so many young performers. But once she saw the dress rehearsal, she knew everyone was ready, and has been impressed as both a stage manager and a fan of the theater.

And the Santellos have been a big part of that. They’re doing great,” she said. I just think that they really enjoy performing.”

For information, call (813) 229-7827 or visit StrazCenter.org.

Published May 7, 2014

Lutz leader: ‘The system, this time, worked’

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Towering stands of pine trees and open fields characterize the plot of land at the northeast corner of Van Dyke Road and North Dale Mabry Highway, but that property soon could have an entirely new look.

A pair of rezonings affecting 251 acres of property beginning at the northeast corner of Van Dyke Road and North Dale Mabry Highway will give the area a new look. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
A pair of rezonings affecting 251 acres of property beginning at the northeast corner of Van Dyke Road and North Dale Mabry Highway will give the area a new look.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The parcel is part of a 251-acre plan that calls for upscale houses, multifamily units, offices, retail and a congregate care facility.

Lutz residents are notorious for battling proposals they believe will disrupt their way of life. But in this case, they turned out en masse to support the proposed project. That’s because of all the work the applicants and community did before the public hearing took place.

“They negotiated with our community members in good faith,” said Mike White, the president of the Lutz Citizens Coalition. “The system, this time, worked. And, it worked well.”

Attorney Joel Tew and Richard Davis represent Geraci Land Acquisition LLC and Standard Pacific Homes of Florida, who presented their rezoning applications as companion requests. The companies are seeking to change the land from its current agricultural zoning to planned developments (PDs).

Land Use Hearing Officer Steve Luce had two public hearings on April 21, to listen to the evidence that he will use to recommend whether the Hillsborough County Commission should approve or deny the two requests. Much of the testimony heard during the first hearing was carried over to the second hearing, as well, at the request of those testifying.

One request incorporates the Landings at Lake Pearl, a previously approved rezoning that includes 650 multifamily units and 70,000 square feet of office.

“We agreed, at the county’s request, to essentially roll that old PD into the new PD,” Tew said. “The county preferred to have one consolidated PD that would give easier site plan control, easier enforcement of conditions, easier platting and easier development approval, so we were happy to do that.”

Besides the existing entitlements, the application calls for 240 single-family houses. Standard Pacific is planning a gated, high-end residential community. Another parcel is planned for 177 multifamily units.

The new requests total 417 dwelling units, about 25 percent of what would be allowed under the county’s long-range land-use plan, Tew noted. The retail uses requested in the companion proposal represents about one-third of what would be allowed under the long-range plan designation.

In essence, the requests are substantially less than the major activity center that was designated on the county’s long-range plan, Tew said.

The applicants also worked hard with the community and the county’s staff to work out conditions that addressed concerns and will create a quality project, Tew said.

“We have had a total of eight meetings with the major community associations that are directly affected by this project,” he said. “We’ve had very valuable, constructive input from them. We’ve listened to their concerns and we’ve made significant changes to the plan.”

The applicant also met repeatedly with members of the county staff to work out the conditions for approval, Tew said.

Both requests received favorable recommendations from the Planning Commission and the county’s land development staff.

Ethel Hammer, a professional planning expert working for the applicants, noted that the proposed developments include conditions that exceed the county’s land development code.

“There are project enhancements, such as increased setbacks from surrounding properties,” Hammer said. “There are conditions that deal with building orientation, which is somewhat unusual. There’s enhanced landscaping and there are requirements for signage that are above and beyond the normal requirements in the code.”

This application takes the land development code and applies it in a way “that is new and creative,” Davis said.

Conditions also call for a number of transportation improvements that residents want. That includes a signalized intersection at Exciting Idlewild Boulevard and North Dale Mabry Highway.

The applicants agreed to a new alignment leading into the Veterans Expressway that essentially will square up that intersection. They also agreed to a single access point off of Van Dyke Road, instead of the three they initially requested.

The limited access on Van Dyke Road was essential to gain the support of area residents and the Lutz Citizens Coalition, who were concerned about traffic impacts both on Van Dyke and nearby neighborhoods.

Pamela Jo Hatley, an attorney representing the coalition as well as some individual Lutz residents, said “the broader community has expressed its support.”

“The applicants and their representatives met with my clients and with me, and they listened to my clients’ concerns and they were very responsive,” she said. “We appreciate that.”

About 40 people turned out and waited patiently nearly three hours before the rezoning requests were heard so they could show their support.

No one spoke in opposition.

The final decision rests with the Hillsborough County Commission, which is expected to consider the rezoning requests in June.

Published April 30, 2014

Major resurfacing of U.S. 41 through Lutz expected this winter

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Motorists driving on U.S. 41 in Lutz will notice lane closures while workers complete a $5.4 million waterline project.

But even after the waterline work is done, traffic disruptions on the six-lane highway that cuts through Lutz will continue. The Florida Department of Transportation will do a resurfacing project on U.S. 41, from Linnwood Drive to north of County Line Road, through Lutz.

Plans call for resurfacing 7.4 miles of roadway. Other improvements include intersection upgrades for pedestrian improvements and bicycle lanes along the entire length of the project.

The railroad crossing south of Crystal Lakes Road will be reconstructed as well, which will require a temporary detour, according to FDOT spokeswoman Kris Carson.

Design for the project was completed in March. The work is expected to begin in the winter, Carson said. The design work cost $2.3 million.

The resurfacing and other improvements will cost an estimated $11.5 million, but those figures may change as the project progresses, Carson said.

Published April 30, 2014

Waterline project will slow Lutz traffic around U.S. 41

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Motorists heading south on U.S 41 through Lutz will notice that the right lane has been closed from just north of Crenshaw Lake Road to slightly south of Crystal Lake Road, as workers install a new 12-inch water pipe.

Orange-and-white construction barrels close off the right lane on a portion of U.S. 41 so work can be done to install a new 12-inch water pipe that will serve the Manors of Crystal Lake. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Orange-and-white construction barrels close off the right lane on a portion of U.S. 41 so work can be done to install a new 12-inch water pipe that will serve the Manors of Crystal Lake.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Crews have started work on a $5.4 million Hillsborough County project that calls for laying 4.5 miles of pipeline to improve water reliability and quality for the Manors of Crystal Lake. The project also lays the groundwork for future connections to the county’s water system by other Lutz customers.

Traffic will continue to flow through the community, but there will be fewer lanes while the pipeline is being installed, said Lloyd Horton, the county’s project manager.

The entire project should be completed by early 2015, Horton said.

The road will be restored to a drivable condition and then the Florida Department of Transportation will do a resurfacing project on U.S. 41, which also will cause traffic disruptions.

The state DOT’s resurfacing project on U.S. 41 is expected to begin around October. The $12 million project will involve road resurfacing, drainage work, signal improvements and CSX rebuilding the railroad track crossing on U.S. 41, said FDOT spokeswoman Kris Carson.

The county water project will use a looped system, giving Manors of Crystal Lake residents a backup in the event of any disruptions, said county section manager Rick Kirby.

The Manors of Crystal Lake already is a part of the county’s water system, but has been served by two wells. Those wells and a nearby chlorination plant will be shut down once the new waterline begins operation, according to the county’s website.

The water flow also will be improved with the new line, bringing it up to the current standards for fire protection.

The waterline project will be completed in three segments:

• From the west side of Florida Avenue, from West Chapman Road to approximately 250 feet north of Lake Drive.

• From approximately 1,200 feet south of Crenshaw Lake Road, along the west side of U.S. 41 to Crystal Lake Road. One branch will continue west along the north side of Crystal Lake Road to the point of connection at Clear Lake Drive.

The other branch will cross beneath the CSX railroad tracks and U.S. 41, from just north of Crystal Lake Road to the east side of U.S. 41, to the point of connection just north of Sunset Lane.

• From the connection point just south of Fourth Avenue S.E. on the east side of U.S. 41 to just south of First Avenue S.E. The pipeline will cross beneath U.S. 41 and the CSX railroad tracks to the corner of First Avenue S.W., and First Street S.W. Then, the pipeline will continue north along the east side of First Avenue S.W., to Lutz Lake Fern Road, and along the south side of Lutz Lake Fern to just east of North Dale Mabry Highway.

Flagman will direct traffic when work is done on Lutz Lake Fern, Horton said. That portion of the project will take up to four months.

Lutz residents and passersby also may have noticed that some trees have been removed from medians on U.S. 41. Four trees were removed March 24 in a median near Fifth Avenue because they failed to meet state safety standards. Two others were removed from the apex because they were dead.

Those removals kept with the county’s previous announcement that it would need to take out some trees that either posed safety problems or were diseased.

Published April 23, 2014

Phyllis Hoedt works hard to keep Lutz traditions alive

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Phyllis Hoedt quietly goes about helping to preserve a sense of community that residents cherish in Lutz.

Her activities on the evening of Dec. 17 offer a glimpse into the level of her involvement. It was then Hoedt was at the Christmas Card Lane celebration in downtown Lutz. The event featured over-sized Christmas cards made of plywood, representing local organizations and businesses. It also included a showcase of local talent.

Phyllis Hoedt uses her time and energy to help keep traditions alive in Lutz that cherishes its small-town feel. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Phyllis Hoedt uses her time and energy to help keep traditions alive in Lutz that cherishes its small-town feel.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The celebration attracted hundreds, and was the last in a series of special events the Lutz Centennial Committee planned.

After hanging out at Christmas Card Lane, Hoedt headed down U.S. 41 to Christmas House at the Old Lutz School. That free annual tradition draws friends and families to the historic school building to spend time together and enjoy the festive décor.

Long before the crowds arrive at Christmas House, Hoedt and other volunteers had spent weeks decking out the schoolhouse, inside and out, for the holidays.

On evenings the school is open to the public, Hoedt is there before spectators show up to get the coffee brewing and make sure things are in order, said Shirley Simmons, one of Hoedt’s long-time friends and another committed community volunteer.

In addition to those activities, Hoedt has been involved in the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club for 39 years.

She and Simmons are co-directors of the annual Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival, sponsored by the woman’s club. The event, at Lake Park each December, includes hundreds of vendors and attracts crowds topping 100,000.

The Old Lutz School is another one of Hoedt’s passions. She was involved early on in efforts to prevent the old school from being torn down or being used as a storage building. She was a leading force in ensuring the Old Lutz School remained available for community use.

The Hillsborough County School Board gave the building to the county, and The Citizens for the Old Lutz School Building Inc. leases it from them.

“We leased it for five years and that expired,” Hoedt said. “Then we leased it for 25 years and that expired. Now, we’re back again. We got a new lease, renewed. They do it five years. They kind of automatically renew it every five years.”

That building, which has become a community icon, is the setting for pioneer family reunions, Lutz Guv’na events, flea markets and other community gatherings.

Hoedt has her finger in many other pies, as well.

“She’s a close friend to the library,” said Suzin Carr, the current Lutz Guv’na. “She was right there for the centennial.”

When Hoedt pitches in — with such events as the annual Fourth of July Parade, or the Christmas House, or the Arts & Crafts Festival — she’s not looking for any personal gratification beyond the satisfaction that comes from knowing she’s helped bring friends and family together, Carr said.

“She has no expectation other than hoping that the people who come out enjoy themselves,” Carr said.

Simmons agreed. “She doesn’t want any recognitions. She doesn’t want any buttons.”

Hoedt grew up in West Virginia, but her late husband William grew up in Florida.

They both moved to Florida in 1968 so William could set up his land surveying business. Hoedt worked with her husband, handling office duties.

The couple had two children, Wally and Sarah. Over time, the family grew to include a grandson and a great-grandchild.

The Hoedts were married for 54 years before William died on Nov. 5, 2011.

Hoedt traces her community involvement back to around the time when her husband and son got involved in the Lutz Volunteer Fire Department. Her husband also was very involved in efforts to preserve the Old Lutz School.

In her younger years, Hoedt said she was more heavily involved in her church, Tims Presbyterian Church.

Hoedt is knowledgeable and hardworking, Carr said.

“She has been such an active, important part of the Lutz community. She is a walking billboard of Lutz history,” Carr said, noting she has benefited from working with Hoedt on various projects. “She has given me so much insight.”

Friends describe Hoedt as kind and generous.

“She’s got a heart that is so big, it encompasses all of Lutz,” said another friend, Marilyn Wannamaker.

When something needs to be done, Wannamaker said, Hoedt responds by rolling up her sleeves and asking, “What can I do to help?”

Simmons said Hoedt and other community volunteers like her want to preserve the small-town feel that Lutz enjoys. That’s why they continue to contribute their time and energy to community events and causes.

“That’s what small-town America is all about, doing these small projects and keeping people together,” Simmons said.

Published April 23, 2014

Rediscovering the Old Lutz School

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When you meet a child, you might ask them what school they attend. There are several elementary schools in the area, so you’d have no way of knowing unless you asked.

The Old Lutz School back when it wasn’t so old, as featured in the book ‘Going, Going, Almost Gone: Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Pioneers Share Their Precious Memories.’ (Courtesy of Elizabeth R. Macmanus and Susan A. Macmanus)
The Old Lutz School back when it wasn’t so old, as featured in the book ‘Going, Going, Almost Gone: Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Pioneers Share Their Precious Memories.’
(Courtesy of Elizabeth R. Macmanus and Susan A. Macmanus)

But if you lived in Lutz around 80 years ago, you’d never have to ask that question. You’d know exactly what school they attended, and you’d know exactly where it was. That’s because there was just one school and everyone went there.

The Old Lutz School was a two-story brick structure on North U.S. 41 — and actually, it still is. You’ve probably driven by it at some point, and it might even be part of the view on your daily commute.

It’s kind of hard to miss, since it doesn’t look like anything else. It’s not a school anymore, of course. But it is in the National Register of Historic Places, and it looks awfully good for a building that’s older than FM radio and the ballpoint pen.

OK, it was built in the 1920s, so you know it’s old. For decades it was where local children went until they grew up and went to work, or war, or wherever life sent them.

They all had that one building in common. But when does a location go from just being some old building to a community treasure? For the Old Lutz School, it was around 1977.

And this is the school today. Not much difference, is there? (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
And this is the school today. Not much difference, is there?
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

A couple years earlier, it had stopped functioning as an actual school after nearly 50 years in service, and was a candidate to be torn down. The school board saw an old building: Something that required maintenance and resources when money was tight and actual schools (and their students) needed those funds.

But longtime residents — Lutz is still one of those places where you can actually find longtime residents — saw a community treasure, and stepped up to save it. They worked out an arrangement where the building would stay, but the maintenance and upkeep wouldn’t burden the county.

Today, the county owns the building, but leases it to a group called Citizens for the Old Lutz School Building for a token sum, and they keep it looking pretty much the way it’s always looked.

It does have an unusual look. Its architecture is textbook Georgian Revival. If that doesn’t mean much to you, don’t feel bad. I had to look it up myself.

Back when the school was built, it was popular to emulate the American Colonial style that was used often back in the 1700s. So, this historic school was actually designed as a “modern” tribute to an even older style.

Typically, that means a two-story building with evenly spaced windows in the front. And if you drive by the Old Lutz School today, that’s exactly what you’ll see.

And when it was built, the school was pretty modern. It has indoor plumbing, after all. And there were no water pumps; it had a fancy water tower instead. There wasn’t any air conditioning, of course, but it had a prime location right by the dirt road that we now know as North U.S. 41.

That is a state-of-the-art facility, my friends.

Or it was, anyway. We know all that sounds quaint by today’s standards. So why go to the trouble of saving an old school, anyway? Schools pop up all the time. What’s one more or less?

Well, it has to do with the school, but also the people who live here. Lutz is proud of its heritage. Its history means something, and it’s important to protect it. So with some effort and community support, that’s what they did.

By the way, the Citizens for the Old Lutz School Building really is just that: A small group of citizens who care about the school and the area’s history. It’s not a well-funded organization with a large staff dedicated to overseeing this historical landmark.

In reality, it’s maybe 10 regular volunteers who find creative ways of keeping this building looking nice. And it’s not cheap, either. Utilities can run in the hundreds per month, insurance in the thousands each year, and larger maintenance tasks can only be done in sections. But they do a great job.

If you look at an older photo and compare it to a modern one (like, say, the photos that accompany this story), you’ll see many more similarities than differences. That’s pretty impressive.

Usually you have to seek out local history, and spend a few hours in a museum or go out of your way to see a historic building. But not this one. You can see it every day.

You could get in your car and go there right now if you wanted. I’d prefer you finish reading this story first, though, because I spent a lot of time on it. I even stood in the median to take the photo, and I’m still not completely sure that’s legal.

But the school is probably just minutes away from you. Lutz history is right there, not far from a cellular phone store and right in front of three lanes of paved asphalt going in either direction.

Maybe you’ve seen it, but didn’t know what it was. Or maybe you know all about it, but you’re busy and don’t really notice it anymore. My advice is to pay attention to it when you can. And when they have events, attend them and support the school’s maintenance. They just had one last weekend, but they’ll have more.

Help your neighbors keep it looking nice. And if you have a skill or some time to donate, give them a call. They’re not picky, and they could use the help.

You can reach them by calling Suzin Carr (our current Guv’na) at (813) 453-5256. They also have a Facebook page (after all, what self-respecting historical landmark built in the 1920s doesn’t have a healthy social media presence?). Just look up the group’s name.

So reach out and help if you can, but either way, you should take note of it as you drive by. Even though it hasn’t been an actual school for nearly 40 years, there’s a history lesson waiting for you there.

Published April 23, 2014

Lutz game company goes mobile with ‘Battle Gems’

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If you’re one of the millions of people who play video games on a computer, cellphone or mobile device, you might imagine that the games come from a giant complex in Silicon Valley, or a high tech company in a foreign country.

But sometimes they come from Lutz.

Adam Bohn isn’t big on traditional business attire, but his Lutz-based company, Artix Entertainment, is big on video games. Their latest offering, ‘Battle Gems,’ is their first on mobile platforms. (Courtesy of Adam Bohn)
Adam Bohn isn’t big on traditional business attire, but his Lutz-based company, Artix Entertainment, is big on video games. Their latest offering, ‘Battle Gems,’ is their first on mobile platforms.
(Courtesy of Adam Bohn)

“We are a carefully-guarded secret treasure of Lutz, and we love being here,” said Adam Bohn, chief executive of Artix Entertainment.

The company began in 2002 in Bohn’s spare bedroom, and today the company employs nearly 50 people and operates out of Northpointe Village.

Artix has had great success creating online role-playing games, also known as RPGs, and massive multiplayer online games, or MMOs, that are playable through an Internet browser. The company boasts more than 170 million players who have signed up for the games, which are free to play with upgrades and other in-game advantages available at a price.

But with a trend toward mobile-platform gaming, Artix didn’t want players leaving the company’s games at home with their computers. So, after eight months of development, they’ve recently entered the mobile game market with “Battle Gems,” a free game that combines puzzle, fighting and role-playing elements.

Players can battle more than 100 different foes, collect items and complete quests, all through their cellphone or tablet. The entire game can be played with no cost to the user, Bohn said, but faster play options and other perks are available for a one-time $10 upgrade.

The game currently is available on Apple’s iTunes Store, and should be available soon on Google Play as well.

Strong user reviews and early adopters are important to making a game successful, and with nearly 80,000 downloads in the first week of release and good word-of-mouth, Bohn said his team’s first attempt at mobile gaming has been a satisfying one.

“We’ve put a lot of heart into this game, but we didn’t expect the kind of reaction that our players are giving us,” he said of “Battle Gems.”

“Very consistently, from people who know us and people who don’t know us, we’re getting (user grades of) 4.5 out of 5, and 9 out of 10. The reviews have been just overwhelmingly positive.”

Bohn acknowledges that “Battle Gems’” flat-fee upgrade option might not produce the most revenue possible, but he believes that many “free” games end up costing players too much money in the long run. Bypassing time restrictions in some games could cost an additional dollar each time, and individual items might cost anywhere from a few dollars to upwards of $40.

While Artix’s games aren’t designed to extract that kind of revenue for the right to keep playing, he believes that providing value is more important, and Bohn wants them designed so players can enjoy it without being asked for extra money at every turn.

Instead of focusing just on revenue, Bohn said that his team put extra emphasis on creating a wide variety of monsters and characters the player will face.

“We built this game with more monsters than most mobile apps would ever dream of having,” he said. They also made the game larger than originally planned, boosting the number of levels from 256 to 480.

While Artix is enjoying the positive feedback from “Battle Gems” and is looking forward to introducing it on the Google Play store, the future is constantly part of the discussion for a technology-based company. Bohn expects the turnaround time for their next mobile game to be shorter, but he wants the content to be even more creative and outlandish.

The company also is looking into bringing versions of their popular browser-based games to the mobile platform. Bohn indicated that original content will always be part of Artix Entertainment’s future projects.

“Honestly, we have no shortage of game ideas,” Bohn said.

For more information about Artix Entertainment and its games, visit Artix.com, HeroMart.com.

Published April 2, 2014