The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Lutz News

Local coffee shop also brews up trivia, live music

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The only thing Jason Mitchell used to know about coffee was how to drink it.

“That’s pretty much it,” said Mitchell, who now owns Mitchell’s Coffee Time, a small coffee shop and restaurant in Lutz. “Always wanted to own one, but never could because of my deployments (in the military). But we’ve been here since April 2020 now.”

Mitchell is a 20-year veteran. He retired in 2017, after numerous deployments and dozens of countries visited.

Jason Mitchell stands behind the counter at Mitchell’s Coffee Time with his daughter, Alexxus, who works there part-time as a barista. Jason’s three daughters all work for the family business in Lutz that features coffee, light food and weekly events, including trivia and live music. (Mike Camunas)

He was running his car detail business, but wanted to operate the coffee shop he now owns.

“I met the previous owner because we had been detailing his car for three years,” he said. “He wanted to sell, and we basically jumped right into the 45-day transition.

“He taught us everything we needed to know about having a coffee shop business. I did my own research and looked at YouTube videos, but we do our own thing here.

“We do things a little differently,” he said.

Indeed, the Mitchells do.

More than half his family works at the shop.

His 22-year-old twin daughters, Alexxus and Destiny, are baristas, while his 15-year-old daughter works occasionally, when she needs to earn money.

Mitchell’s Coffee Time serves up more than coffee. It hosts events, from trivia every Thursday, to Bible study group meetups, to Zumba classes and live music.

Kyra Kalodimos, of Land O’ Lakes, enjoys an iced coffee while listening to music and doing a little midday work at Mitchell’s Coffee Time in Lutz.

Jason likes to consider it more of a hangout than just a coffee shop.

Indeed, for many, it’s a place they go to for more than just a cup of joe.

“I can tell when (customers) are meeting a client, whether it be Realtors or an insurance salesperson,” he added. “Which I think is great. We don’t want to be like some chain coffee place where you get your coffee and get out.”
Mitchell is a hands off-type owner because he has a full-time job working down at MacDill Air Force Base.

He pops into the shop a couple times a week, mostly for a coffee, but the baristas run the place.

They have the freedom to experiment with new drinks and just have fun, as well.

“We’re very different from a chain coffee shop,” Destiny said. “From the coffee to just the stuff we have and events. But I’m glad. It’s better to be different.

“It’s so much fun, even though we didn’t know that much about coffee. Once you work at a coffee shop, you’ll learn so much more about coffee than you ever thought you could know about coffee. We learned on the go. It was a process, but, honestly, it was a fun one.”

And Jason plans to include more fun.

Curbside service is on the horizon, but more events will be coming, such as painting with a twist for both adults and kids, and bingo for older customers.

“Word of mouth definitely helps us, especially when they find out that we host a lot of things like trivia and music,” Jason said.

“Sometimes it’s a little hard to see us because of the way (State Road 54) is built, but once they come in or find it, they’re like, ‘didn’t know this was here, but I love it,’” he said.

Mitchell’s Coffee Time
Where: 22299 State Road 54, Suite 102, Lutz
When: Mondays, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesdays, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Details: This coffee shop, which is family owned and operated, offers drinks, light food and weekly events, including trivia and live music.
Info: Call 813-428-6550, or visit MitchellsCoffeeTime.com.

Published June 22, 2022

An American Dream — with a (karate) kick

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Janise Man-Son-Hing recalls the days when her husband, Christopher, would drive by a martial arts academy and point it out to her.

It was his version of the American Dream, she said.

He didn’t just leave it at that.

“Here is someone who did it. It wasn’t easy, but he didn’t give up,” said his wife, of 22 years.

Lutz resident and martial arts instructor Christopher Man-Son-Hing works with some punching pads with a student. Man-son-Hing arrived in this country as a teenager, with $20 in his pocket. He worked his way up from his days in the U.S. Navy and as a Tampa Police Officer, eventually opening his own martial arts academy which he has operated for more than 20 years. (Mike Camunas)

Christopher Man-Son-Hing was just 14, with $20 in his pocket, when his parents sent him and his brother from their South American home country, Guyana, off to live with other families.

Guyana had become a socialist state. His parents wanted more for their children, so they sent them to live, first in Trinidad and then in New York.

“It is a tribute to my mom and dad,” Christopher said. “They wanted a better life for me, and America is the land of opportunity. In the socialist country Guyana became, only certain people were to be successful. They wanted more for us.”

Once in the states, Christopher went to school, but about a year later he returned to Guyana — for his family.

He left again, but this time with his entire family, each with $20 in their pockets.

They settled in Miami.

The kids went to school there and the entire family started over.

“It’s not like they were destitute over there — it was about freedom,” Janise said.

Indeed they weren’t poor. Christopher’s father was an accountant, but in the states he became a janitor. His mother was an accomplished, award-winning photographer; she went to work at K-Mart.

Lutz resident and martial arts instructor Christopher Man-Son-Hing directs his students during a training session at his academy. Man-Son-Hing has run his academy for more than 20 years.

“They gave up a lot for us to come here,” Christopher said.

He added: “There was nothing wrong working those jobs, but we were happy to be here, so it didn’t matter that we had to start over.”

Christopher and his brother had high school diplomas from Guyana, but they were worthless here. So they had to earn new ones.

After that, Christopher joined the U.S. Navy, serving for eight years. Then, in 1988, he joined the Tampa Police Department. The police department found out he was skilled in Taekwondo, so he became a training officer, especially in unarmed, hand-to-hand training.

“I was (the kid that) never backed down and if a challenge was there, I took it,” Christopher said. “I really enjoyed being an instructor. I’ve been one for quite some time.”

Janise added: “His mom put him in martial arts when he was just 5 because, as she put it, he was just a ‘devil.’ On the first day, he challenges his instructor and gets knocked out. His mom brought him right back the next day and once he channeled his energy into martial arts, then he became an excellent student.”

Christopher holds a seventh degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and Hapkido giving him a ranking 159th in the World Taekwondo Federation.

The academy operated by Christopher Man-Son-Hing, a Lutz resident and martial arts instructor, has produced champions for more than 20 years. 

He finally opened his academy in 2000 — achieving his American Dream.

He met Janise when he was her training instructor at the Tampa Police Department.

“I came in as a cadet and we’re not to fraternize with trainers or date until we’re out of the academy,” she recalled. “I didn’t really like him because he represented pain to me — a trainer, who is hard on you, but I admired his skill.”

Janise also admired the story of his journey to America.

“I didn’t know the story until we had a chance to talk more,” she said. “To hear that story and know it now as his wife, I can see his grit, his substance and that it made him who he is.”

She feels the same sense of admiration every time she hears or reflects on his story because it is truly amazing, she said.

The Man-Son-Hings ran their martial arts academy on Waters Avenue until 2018 when they sold the building and Janise retired as senior corporal detective. Christopher retired in 2007 as a Master Patrol Officer and High Liability Trainer.

During those days, they’d put in long days doing their police work, and then run classes five days a week until 9 p.m.

They tried to retire the business, too, but “clients kept calling and calling,” Janise said. Between students and their love for martial arts, they weren’t ready to call it quits quite yet.

Janise and Christopher Man-Son-Hing met when they were both officers for the Tampa Police Department. They have been married for 22 years and have two children.

So their neighbors, owners of Happy Talk Farm (a horse riding facility), offered to rent out an upstairs studio in their home.

Man-So-Hing Academy still offers plenty of classes, but with fewer students so Christopher can devote more individual time to each.

“I truly feel I’ve accomplished what I set out to do, and this country provided all the avenues for me to do it,” Christopher said. “Tomorrow’s never promised, as they say, and the man upstairs will let me know when enough is enough.”

At 62, Christopher wants to enjoy retirement, but still “absolutely loves” teaching martial arts and “reaching students.”

“He’s a good master and he’s taught me about respect and learning manners,” 10-year-old student Nathan McDaniel said. “I really like coming to his classes.”

Nathan’s father, Sean, agrees.

“(When I started taking classes), I was not aware (of Chris’ journey),” he said. “I think very highly of Master Chris and Miss Janise. They are very representative of what I call American Patriots — to serve, Christians, doing things the right way.

“He’s living proof of the American Dream.”

Man-Son-Hing Martial Arts Academy
Where: 16749 Whirley Road, Lutz
Details: Academy and classes offering various martial arts techniques for adults and children, beginning at age 3.
Info: Visit mshmartialarts.com or call (813) 310-2390 or email .

Published June 15, 2022

In a class of his own

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His grade point average is anything but average.

Then again, there’s nothing average about Gaither High valediction Dylan Mazard and his off-the-charts intelligence.

“When he was just 2 years old, I would come home from work, exhausted. He would read to me — just climb into bed and read to me before bedtime, said his father, Thomas Mazard, who has been a guidance counselor at Gaither High School for 13 years.

He’s amazed at his son’s accomplishments.

Gaither High valedictorian Dylan Mazard set a county and state record for the highest grade point average (GPA) ever, posting an 11.84 weighted GPA thanks to honors and Advanced Placement courses. He will continue his education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), already having earned his associate’s degree through dual enrollment. (Mike Camunas)

“I still don’t know how he was able to do it — just finding the drive and time to do all (the classes). We weren’t looking to break any records,” he said.

But that is exactly what Dylan did.

When the 17 year old graduated with nearly 500 of his classmates on May 23 — he did so with an 11.84 grade point average — the highest ever, not only in the county, but in Florida, too.

It’s a remarkable feat — one that started back when Dylan was in eighth grade and was already taking college-level courses.

“It wasn’t planned, the record,” Dylan said. “These classes, to me, are fun. So, why not take them and experience any class to see if I want to take that a higher level later?”

That higher level for Dylan is now the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT),  beginning in the fall. As he enters, he already will have an associate’s degree that he received from Hillsborough Community College on May 6.

However, Dylan plans to take every course he can en route to earning his major in what MIT calls 6-3: Computer Science and Engineering

“I want to enjoy it,” Dylan said. “I know it’ll be a lot harder, too, but the first semester at MIT is pass/fail only, that way students can get used to the rigors of MIT, know what is expected of them and how to balance school life.

“I love the campus and I’m ready to get up there.”

The fact that Thomas Mazard doesn’t know how his son pulled off his GPA feat is not hyperbole.

“I’m inspired by my son,” Thomas said, “Everything I’ve done for him, I’ve done for all of my students. I have top kids going to Yale and produce Ivy Leaguers almost every school year. Everything that he did at school, every kid here at Gaither has the opportunity to do that, it’s just the will and desire to go do that.

“We’re grateful for the school district to provide these opportunities and get such an impressive GPA. (Hillsborough County School Board) Superintendent (Addison) Davis has done a great job of making parents aware of these available opportunities.”

Dylan loves being in class, he also enjoys a social life that includes friends, movies and working out. He’s also belongs to so many clubs that it would make any college admissions advisor drool.

Dylan is president of National Technical Honor Society and also in the Robotics and Engineering Club at Gaither, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), National Honor Society Beta, Sandy Hook Promise Club, and a Parent Teacher Student Association Board Member as the voice for his class and students when they want to express an opinion at meetings. He also works at the Humane Society, as well as tutor at Gaither, where he logged more than 200 hours with Credit Recovery, which helps high-risk seniors graduate.

Dylan’s teachers have taken notice, not only because of his high GPA, but also to his dedication to education.

“It is amazing because (toward the end of their high school time), many students give up a little — he never gave up,” ” said Gaither engineering teacher Ibrahim Ayoub, who taught Dylan in Applied Engineering and Technology and Advanced Engineering Application.

“He is going to have an amazing career and be one of the kids that we’ll be looking forward to seeing in the future,” Ayoub added.

Dylan knows this wouldn’t have been possible without his supportive family.

“I wouldn’t say (learning something new) just clicked, but it definitely came to me a lot easier than you would expect at that age,” he said.

“I had a huge support system, especially my parents who were always proactive, not reactive — staying one step ahead at all times, so if I ever stumbled, they would check to see if I needed anything,” he added. “I just wanted to work hard and take advantage of everything high school had to offer.”

GPA explained
Gaither High valedictorian Dylan Mazard has now posted the highest grade point average (GPA) ever, not only in Hillsborough County, but in the state of Florida. This is his weighted GPA, which means more rigorous courses receive higher point values, increasing a student’s potential GPA. There have been some high GPAs in Hillsborough County.

Here are a few:
2022 – Dylan Mazard – Gaither – 11.84
2019 – Katherine Metheny – Newsome – 10.58
2014 – Dhara Patel – Plant City – 10.03
2012 – Ravi Medikonda – King – 9.30

Published June 01, 2022

This work is for the birds

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The well-being of bluebirds is on their shoulders — two volunteers from Lutz, who maintain the birds’ habitat and nest boxes at Lake Park.

A female bluebird sits atop one of the 25 bird nest boxes throughout Lake Park, at 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway, in Lutz. (Mike Camunas)

Joni Hartzler and Gary Krotz, a husband and wife duo, diligently keep a watchful eye on the 25 bird boxes throughout the park.

They are members of the Tampa Audubon Society, the longstanding environmental conservation group that focuses on birds and other wildlife.

Each week, they jump in their golf cart and check on each box during nesting and mating season, which runs from January to June. In this time, the bluebirds — along with other species such as Carolina Chickadee, Carolina Wren and the Titmouse — use the boxes to build nests, lay and hatch eggs, nurse chicks and then send baby birds out into the park.

“We love it,” said Hartzler, who, along with Krotz, has been maintaining the boxes and tracking the bluebirds for three seasons now. “We’re big bird lovers, and when you go out and check, each time is like a surprise. You don’t know if there will be a new nest or more eggs, or if those eggs have hatched or if the nest is empty.

“You just never know what you’re going to get!”

When Hartzler and Krotz took over three years ago, they set out to improve the bird box program at Lake Park. It was not in disarray, but the couple, who have no educational background in environmental sciences or Ornithology (the study of birds), just knew of potential ways to make it better.

Joni Hartzler and Gary Krotz, two Lutz residents who are members of the Tampa Audubon Society, maintain and monitor 25 bird boxes throughout Lake Park. Bluebirds and other species of birds use them to lay and hatch eggs during nesting season, which ends in June. (Mike Camunas)

“It’s a big job,” Hartzler said. “Moving boxes, for sure. But keeping track and going to each box, and when we started they didn’t let us use a golf cart, so being able to do that has been a huge help.

“But Gary fixed the roofs on the boxes, and we installed precautions for predators and other elements, too.”

Krotz hand-built predator guards out of sheet metal to keep out several types of mammals, and the two also put substances on the poles to keep out certain insects.

“I’d never done anything like (building something out of metal), but it was an experience,” Krotz said. “I like putzing around and doing little things, but especially going around the park and maintaining the boxes.

“We’re bird lovers, we’ve been to bird conventions and we’ve been bird watchers (since 1987), so we love this and we just love being outdoors.”

Hartzler and Krotz keep detailed logs of the 25 bird boxes in Lake Park. This includes if the box has a nest or not, eggs or not, and chicks or not. If the nest is empty, after the eggs have hatched and the baby birds have left, they clean out the box. Most likely a week later, a new nest will already be in place.

As volunteers, they do it for the love of nature and birds. However, those at the park know programs like this wouldn’t exist without Tampa Audubon or its members.

“We’re a little short-staffed,” said Senior Park Ranger Jim Malley, who is in his 16th year with Hillsborough County Parks.

“Having volunteers like this from the Audubon Society is just an excellent, wonderful thing. I’ve learned how to put the guards on the poles, thanks to them.

“Bluebirds are a yearly thing at the park now thanks to the Audubon society and without them it wouldn’t be happening. We’re grateful to have them,” said Malley.

Tampa Audubon Society

Details: Established in the 1940s, the Tampa Audubon Society is an active chapter that serves the greater Tampa Bay area and its suburbs, from Citrus Park, Brandon, Odessa, Riverview and Seffner. Its mission is to conserve and restore ecosystems, focusing on birds, wildlife and their habitats, through education, advocacy and community involvement.

Info: TampaAudubon.org

 

Inside the 25 nest boxes at Lake Park in Lutz, hatchlings can be observed huddled together, waiting to be fed by mother bluebirds. (Mike Camunas)

Published on May 25, 2022. 

Benefit concert to feature patriotic music, fun

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It’s taking a village to start a new village.

In December, ground broke for the Let Us Do Good Village, a 75-acre mortgage-free community of homes for catastrophically injured veterans, surviving widows and children of fallen military and first responders. It’s located in Land O’ Lakes, right off Parkway Boulevard, about a half-mile east of Ehren Cutoff.

Ground has been broken and work is underway on the Let Us Do Good Village, a neighborhood in Land O’ Lakes devoted to giving mortgage-free homes to catastrophically injured veterans, and for surviving widows and children of fallen military and first responders. (Mike Camunas)

Now, the Land O’ Lakes and Pasco County “villages” are coming together to help the organization — the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation —  with a free benefit concert.

On May 28, at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, there will be the patriotic Let’s Do Good Memorial Day Concert, featuring numerous musical acts, vendors, special guests, activities and more.

“While looking at Heritage Park, the name really felt like it went with Memorial Day,” said Kevin Wright, who, with Chandler Entertainment LLC, organized the event. “Because Memorial Day is a special day to honor those who have given their lives to our country and special effort is made to remember them. … I thought (a benefit concert) was the perfect way to not only show support for these (veterans), but for neighbors to learn more about the neighbors that will soon be here.”

The foundation was overjoyed when Wright approached it wanting to host a benefit concert and event. While the foundation has its own fleet of volunteers, the foundation’s volunteer coordinator in Florida, Christa Vutera, said Wright and his handful of volunteers are handling the whole show.

“We had about 200 volunteers approach us to work this event, but we just don’t need that many,” Vutera said. “We’ll be there, but they’ve graciously taken care of everything.

“When Kevin came to us with the idea for a concert benefiting the village, we were like, ‘Yes, please! Thank you so much for putting this together!’ Because it has been nothing but extraordinary to see how the public has come forward and embraced a mission that benefits people who need (the village). Because it takes a village to put on these events.”

Ground for the village broke back in December, with the first of 110 houses estimated to be completed and given to a veteran by this December.

The foundation provides mortgage-free homes for recipients in its Smart Home, Fallen First Responders and Gold Star Family programs. They are specially designed Smart Homes, which are one-floor homes and built on 100-foot-wide lots. The neighborhood also will feature brand-new amenities, including an indoor basketball court, pool, tennis court, an ADA-accessible gym, a theater, an outdoor playground, a game room and more. 

The neighborhood will be the first of its kind in the country.

The foundation is named after Stephen Siller, a firefighter who had finished his shift and was on his way home when the Sept. 11 attacks occurred at the Twin Towers. Siller was one of 343 firefighters who perished that day.

He left behind five young children.

Wright says ever since he heard that story and about the foundation’s Let Us Do Good Village, he just felt the need to help in any way possible.

Especially when he learned the parcel of land on which the neighborhood will be located was donated by the Esther and Harold Mertz Foundation.

“I just thought it would be a great, patriotic way for residents and people around here to express their gratitude and show support for its veterans, who have given so much for this country,” Wright said. “(The foundation which donated the land), they could have sold that and made beaucoup bucks, but they instead gave it to a great cause.

“I just thought (the concert) would give the community a chance to show how much they support these people. That’s what this is really all about,” he said.

Let’s Do Good Memorial Day Concert
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: May 28, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Details: A free concert, along with vendors, special guests and other activities. The event will benefit the Let Us Do Good Village, a 75-acre mortgage-free community of homes for catastrophically injured veterans and their families in Land O’ Lakes and Corsos For Heroes, which provides service dogs for disabled veterans and first responders.
Featured music acts: Soul Circus Cowboys (headliner), Fred Chandler, Charles Goodwin, Cruz Er Mac, Elizabeth Ayres and Travis White
Info: Rain date is Sept. 10. Visit Tunnel2Towers.org and CorsosForHeroes.com for more information or to donate to either charity.

Published on May 25, 2022.

A good morning, for barbecue

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Anthony and Allison Fonseca are used to being up early.

Not only are the firefighter and former schoolteacher new parents, but rising early comes with the territory of cooking barbecue.

Anthony and Allison Fonseca, owners of Station House BBQ in Lutz, were chosen to compete in the Ultimate Pitmaster Contest on ‘Good Morning, America,’ appearing on the show live on May 13 from Old McMickey’s Farm in Odessa. (Courtesy of Allison Fonseca)

So when the Temple Terrace couple and owners of Station House BBQ, at 16319 N. Florida Ave., in Lutz, were asked to compete in the Ultimate Pitmaster Contest on “Good Morning, America (GMA),” they had no problem being up before sunrise.

“Making barbecue definitely comes with seeing the sun rise, so it’s something we’re used to, even if it meant being on national television,” Allison said. “What a huge blessing from God to be asked to be on ‘Good Morning, America.’”

On May 13, GMA, along with host Sam Champion, came down to Old McMickey’s Farm in Odessa and set up the competition. The Fonsecas were pitted against another husband-and-wife barbecue duo: Johnny Ray and Pamela Smith.

Johnny Ray is a former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back, and his wife Pamela, is a former Bucs cheerleader. They own Jazzy’s BBQ, at 5703 W. Waters Ave., in Town N’ Country.

“We had never met them before, but we’d heard good things about their barbecue,” Anthony said. “I think it never really sunk in — being on national television — and still really hasn’t. It was a fun experience that I’m so glad we got to be a part of.”

The competition had each couple prepare a popular dish and side. Jazzy’s prepared its ribs with a spicy barbecue sauce and signature baked beans, while Station House prepared its 14-hour smoked brisket and apple slaw.

It was then down to the judges: former Buccaneers and Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Brooks; chef Joe Isidori, who owns JoToro restaurant at Sparkman Wharf in Tampa; and WWE star and local philanthropist Titus O’Neil. 

The first vote was from Brooks, who selected Jazzy’s. Then it was Isidori, the chef, who chose Station House. On the final vote from O’Neil, he chose Jazzy’s.

Anthony and Allison said they were disappointed not to win, but were extremely encouraged and grateful that the chef judge chose Station House over Jazzy’s.

“We really liked that!” Allison said. “We were swayed to make the slaw for the side, but, in retrospect, maybe we should have gone with the mac and cheese!”

The show gave backgrounds on both couples, too. The Smiths have been running Jazzy’s for 26 years, while Anthony and Allison started out as a catering and food truck company, using modified fire trucks. They opened the restaurant right at the start of the pandemic, but have thrived, even as Anthony juggles his time with the restaurant and working at Station No. 40 in Lutz.

In the end though, the Fonsecas still felt like winners.

The owners of Station House BBQ in Lutz, Anthony and Allison Fonseca, prepared their 14-hour brisket and apple slaw to be judged live on ‘Good Morning, America’ on May 13. (Courtesy of Allison Fonseca)

“There are no real losers in this competition,” Anthony said. “Yeah, we would’ve been overjoyed to win, but being on (the show) shines a light on both businesses, on the community and on great barbecue. Everyone won, really.”

Published May 25, 2022.

Lutz Guv’na race is all about fun — and money

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The Guv’na is back.

The race for Lutz Guv’na, that is.

The campaign is a community tradition that was put on a two-year pause because of the pandemic.

That meant that current Guv’na Amy Lancaster became the first one-term Guv’na to serve beyond a single year.

From left, 2022 Lutz Guv’na candidates Atlas Cortecero, Stacee Campbell and David Penzer share a laugh, while making their outrageous campaign promises during the Lutz Guv’na debate on April 30 at the Old Lutz School House. (Mike Camunas)

Lancaster is eager to join others, to turn her sash over to whomever can claim the honorary title.

“I think that everyone is just ready to get back to it — it’s part of the community; its tradition!” said Stephanie Ensor, who serves on the Lutz Guv’na committee.

Ensor knows how it feels to hold the title.

She won it in 2010.

“It means a lot to a lot of people, and to the candidates, who do it to raise money for charities, nonprofits and the community,” Ensor said.

The whole process — the campaigns, the debates, the speeches and promises — is all tongue-in-cheek, mocking the real-life politics that often flood the news cycle. Even though it’s been going on since the 1950s, it’s only been more historically tracked since 1991 when the Lutz Civic Association took over. Each campaign season, which begins May 1, candidates raise several thousand dollars for about 20 Lutz nonprofit beneficiaries.

The campaign season culminates when the candidate who has raised the most money is announced and awarded a “sash” during the annual Lutz Fourth of July festivities.

The announcement takes place following the community’s annual parade. The Guv’na is sworn-in on the stage of the train depot building, at Lutz Lake Fern Road and U.S. 41.

“Couldn’t do it without the parade,” Ensor said. “People are so glad to get back out, to be able to contribute and, of course, celebrate it all with the parade. And let me tell you, we did not have to hunt to find candidates.”

This year’s contest features candidates Stacee Campbell, Atlas Cortecero and David Penzer. Whomever is crowned Guv’na gets to earmark 10% of the proceeds to a Lutz charitable organization of his or her choice.

“It’s been a crazy couple of years, so it’s great to do anything again, plus raise money for good causes,” said Penzer, wearing an American Flag shirt. “Let’s have some fun with it!”

“It’s so great to be able to do this again and raise money for local nonprofits,” Campbell said. “That’s what being Guv’na is all about!”

“It was frustrating not to be able to fundraise and raise money for charities,” Cortecero added. “It’s so good to be able to do this again.”

As for these candidates’ false promises and ridiculous rhetoric, they were able to put that on full display during the annual debate held on April 30 at the Old Lutz School House.

Over-the-top and somewhat topical questions were passed around to the crowd — friends, family and members of GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club.

The questions are designed to elicit humorous responses and spoof actual politics.

There’s a talent portion, too, and this year’s included a cow patty toss — to see which candidate could fling the dried-out patty the farthest.

Donations and monetary prizes are awarded during the debate.

After the debate, the candidates raise campaign funds by having raffles, car washes, lunches or other events.

They can also “panhandle” in the parade, in a final push to cash in for the sash.

“Like real politics, the candidates will make promises they don’t intend to keep and they will tell other lies, as well,” said Guv’na Committee’s Marion Smith, who has been involved with this event for 20 years.

“Quite a few years ago, a candidate who was an Elvis impersonator was asked who he would make his assistant Guv’na. He named his mother and spoke fondly of her, just like the real Elvis would have responded!” Smith said.

MEET THE CANDIDATES

Stacee Campbell
Bio: Campbell has been a Lutz resident since 2009 when her family moved to Florida from Indiana. She took right to the small town, especially because of close proximity to Tampa and the beaches. In 2014, Campbell opened Mascot Universe, which is a school spirit wear store that lets kids and parents try on apparel specially made for their schools. Not wanting to stop there, Campbell also opened Lutz Scoops, the small ice cream shop in the Lutz Lake Crossing Shopping Plaza.
Campaign Slogan: Make life in Lutz sweet!
Quotable: “It’s so nice to see people back out in the community and enjoying things, but I also do want that sash!”

Atlas Cortecero
Bio: Born and raised in São Paulo/Brazil with a Spanish/Portuguese family, Cortecero says it’s been a dream to live in America since childhood. He’s the lead singer in a country-rock band and a music producer. He also holds a degree in social work based on nonprofit organizations and office administration. As an entrepreneur, he and his wife, Michele Northrup (The Saucy Queen), sell a line of gourmet hot sauces locally.
Campaign Slogan: Keep Lutz saucy!
Quotable: “My beautiful wife was Guv’na in 2007, and I plan to bring home the sash once again.”

David Penzer
Bio: As a 20-year Lutz resident and a local Re/Max Capital Realty realtor, Penzer has been heavily involved in the community in many aspects. He’s been chairman of the Heritage Harbor Community Development District, and he and his wife have worked for years with the Lutz Chiefs and Steinbrenner Warrior sports organizations. Beyond that, Penzer also has been a longtime wrestling announcer. He worked a decade as ring announcer for World Championship Wrestling and worked with wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper and Jimmy Hart. He’s now the part-time ring announcer for Impact Wrestling on AXS TV.
Campaign Slogan: Free mortgages for everyone in Lutz!
Quotable: “As a wrestling announcer, I’ll moderate a match between my opponents, while I take the sash!”

Past Lutz Guv’nas
2019 – Amy Lancaster
2018 – Domenic Definite
2017 – Kori Rankin
2016 – Greg Gilbert
2015 – Jennifer Rankin
2014 – Dr. Cindy Perkins
2013 – Suzin Carr
2012 – Karen D’Amico
2011 – Kevin White
2010 – Stephanie Ensor
2009 – Suzin Carr
2008 – Teri Burgess
2007 – Michele Northrup
2006 – Edwina Kraemer
2005 – Liz Incorrenti
2004 – Dean Rivett
2003 – Joni Cagle
2002 – Brett Montegny
2001 – Helen Kinyon
2000 – Vince Arcuri
1999 – Danny Neeley
1998 – Sandy Ruberg
1997 – Earl Smith
1996 – Ben Nevel
1995 – Kay Dahman
1994 – Lorraine Dabney
1993 – Leslie Dennison
1992 – Betty Neeley
1991 – Jo Van Bebber

Published May 11, 2022

Festival welcomes students interested in scouting

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A festival featuring activities for Cub Scouts and students interested in learning more about the organization for boys and girls is planned for May 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Spring Cub Fest, sponsored by the Fort Brooke District of the Greater Tampa Bay Council of Boy Scouts of America, will be at Camp Brorein, 16901 Boy Scout Road, in Odessa, according to a news release.

Those wishing to attend are welcome at any point during the event’s slated time period.

The festival is designed for elementary school children. It will feature fun activities, including shooting sports, climbing, crafts, games and displays, said Tom Knotts, activities chairman in the Fort Brooke District, in the release.

“It’s a great opportunity to see what the Cub Scouts program offers – fun, friendship and outdoor activities,” Knotts said.

Event registration fee is $10 per participant. To register, visit ScoutingEvent.com/089-springcubfest.

Published May 11, 2022

Lightening things up, at the library

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Books usually illuminate the mind.

Now, the Lutz Branch Library, at 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, is illuminating the books.

After undergoing a six-month, $790,000 renovation, the library has a fresh, bright new look — from more natural lighting, to new flooring, to new paint and walls, and even new furniture and installations.

The recent renovation at the Lutz Branch Library includes new carpeting and flooring. Some shelves were removed and new seating has been installed in the front area of the library, known as the Helen Swisshelm Reading Room. (Mike Camunas)

“We redesigned it, per se, to be more user-friendly,” Hillsborough County Library Public Service Regional Manager Suzy George said.

“It’s more open, brighter and more welcoming, as much as we could possibly make it,” she said.

Renovations included removing high shelves that were not being used and were blocking the flow of natural light, through the library’s windows.

The additional light was an immediate plus.

There were a number of upgrades, too: Better furniture, new carpeting, vinyl floors and glass doors.

A renovation at the Lutz Branch Library included updating the children’s reading area by enclosing it with glass-panel walls. The enclosure gives kids a more interactive area.

The library enclosed the children’s collection room. It’s now enclosed within glass walls, which reduces noise for other patrons, allows parents to see into the room, and gives children the freedom to have more interactive experiences.

“We wanted to give them the chance to create their own special space, as they now have more interactive toys and tools to use, and even a puppet theater,” George said.

“The new glass doors in the community rooms, the entrance and emergency doors — it all lets in so much more light and freshens up the library, as does a new coat of paint throughout the entire building.”

The library also added a self-checkout hub for drop-offs and pickups, near the front of the building.

“It’s a one-stop shop for all those in a hurry to get or return books,” George added.

Hillsborough County Library Public Service Regional Manager Suzy George

Library service in Lutz began in 1961, when a bookmobile started making regular stops. By the late 1960s, the library guild of the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club set up a temporary library. It held thousands of volumes on homemade bookcases, while volunteers kept the library open 20 hours a week.

It wasn’t until April of 1970 that the Lutz Branch Library opened at its present location. Back then, it was only 2,000 square feet, but was expanded to its current size, 7,000 square feet, with a complete renovation in 2004. In 2007, the front area was dedicated as the Helen Swisshelm Reading Room, in recognition of her longtime service to the Lutz Branch and the Hillsborough County Library System.

Swisshelm founded the Friends of the Lutz Library and was its president from 2000 to 2007. She served on the Tampa-Hillsborough County Library Board from 1990 to 2005 and as its chair from 1992 to 1993.

The library also brought some of the community’s history into a new installation. A glass case houses several documents and artifacts donated by Dr. Susan McManus, a Land O’ Lakes native with a long family history in the area. She also wrote “Going, Going…Almost Gone: Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Pioneers Share Their Precious Memories,” which tells of the early history of the community.

Patrons arriving at the library will encounter a building with a new look, but the same hospitable vibe.

“I think (Lutz Branch has) always been a comfortable, welcoming, neighborhood branch,” George said. “We wanted to take a fresh approach to it, maybe modernize it a bit. By just changing the shelving, it let in so much more light, with an easy solution. It helped enhance all the other upgrades we were making, and let them shine. Literally.”

Published May 04, 2022

The Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, opened in 1970, and has undergone a number of renovations — including one that recently wrapped up. It took six months and cost $790,000. The work involved opening up some interior space and making several modern upgrades.
The Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, revamped the main collection area. High shelves have been removed, allowing natural light to spill in through the windows.

Lutz filmmaker offers glimpse into nature’s secrets

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Alexis Yahre’s appreciation for nature began when she was young.

But she had no idea that her time in Future Farmers of America and at Nature’s Classroom would contribute to her becoming a talented documentary filmmaker.

Lutz native and local filmmaker Alexis Yahre has been hitting the festival scene hard. She premiered her documentary, ‘Nature’s Secrets: Florida State Parks,’ at the Gasparilla Film Festival at Tampa Theatre in March, and will be showing it at the Sunscreen Film Festival from April 28 through May 1 at the Sundial AMC 12 Theatres in St. Petersburg. (Mike Camunas)

The 21-year-old Lutz native has channeled her love for nature into a film project that is being screened at film festivals.

And that’s all before the mass communications and broadcast production student graduates from the University of South Florida (USF).

She wants her film to encourage people to take a closer look at nature’s beauty.

“It’s right in the tagline (of my film), ‘In our own backyards, there are hundreds of worlds to explore,’” Yahre said.

“My goal with this film is to share some of the beautiful parts of the community I grew up in, so that others can appreciate and help protect them, too,” she said.

Her film, “Nature’s Secrets: Florida State Parks,” focuses on the nature preserved in Florida’s state parks.

As a one-person film crew, she visited a dozen of the more than 100 parks in this state.

Then, she interviewed numerous people from the park system who devote themselves to conserving and protecting the parks, and helping others to develop an appreciation for Florida’s natural environments.

The film is already garnering attention on the festival circuit, including being nominated for “Best Student Film” at the Cannes World Film Festival. Additionally, Cannes awarded Yahre with “Best Young Director.”

The documentary had its first theatrical screening at the 2022 Gasparilla International Film Festival in March. That even came with a red carpet appearance for the young filmmaker, at Tampa Theatre in downtown Tampa.

Next, on April 28, her film will be shown at the Sunscreen Film Festival at the Sundial AMC 12 Theatres in St. Petersburg. There will be showings there through May 1.

The young woman’s foray into filmmaking surprised her mother, Nicole Yahre.

“Honestly, I thought she would be a farmer,” Nicole said.

But she quickly recognized her daughter’s talent because even when she was young, she was landing editing jobs.

Her father, Adam, had a hand in helping her develop those editing skills.

“My dad is a software guy, so he got a computer and just put every professional program available on there,” said Alexis, a graduate of Steinbrenner High. “It really started with Adobe Premiere when I was 10 or 11 and took off from there.”

Learning software at such a young age led to editing opportunities for Alexis.

One of her jobs was creating content for the meat processing equipment company, Tipper Tie.

The work included producing videos for the Fresh-N-Ready salad bowl, the Herb Shooter and other products.

The job also inspired the name for Pepperoni Studios, the production company she founded, which produces her freelance work and personal projects.

Her technical skills and her eye for nature have impressed her professors at USF.

In fact, Kristofer Atkinson already has agreed to produce her next film. It will focus on college students taking a “gap year.”

“Most of my students are prolific filmmakers,” said Atkinson, Alexis’ mentor, who helped her navigate producing the film and getting into festivals.

“I do everything in my power to help them,” Atkinson said. “Maybe 15 become filmmakers, but two or three of them are excellent filmmakers, and she will be one of those.

“She has real directorial prowess, a real eye behind the camera and does a great job interviewing. I was duly impressed just how laser-focused her vision was from beginning to end.

“So, I’m hoping one day she will be thanking me at the Oscars,” he said, with a laugh.

Alexis graduates from USF in May and already works as an educator in Hillsborough County.

She feels her true place, however, is behind a camera — and then in the editing room.

At the same time, she’s at one with nature and she hopes her film will inspire others to explore the great outdoors.

“I just want people to know they live super close to all these parks,” she said.

“I just think it’s a huge untapped resource,” she said, adding, many don’t realize the treasures that are right in their own backyard.

She also is thrilled with the favorable reception enjoyed by “Nature’s Secrets: Florida State Parks.”

“Considering that I made this (film) without a budget or experience, I didn’t expect to see this kind of success,” she said. “I’m overjoyed that I can be a part of the festival and share a topic that I’m passionate about with the world.”

Her parents are delighted by her success.

“(Her father and I) are so proud of her and love that she’s being able to do what she loves doing,” her mom said.

Nature’s Secrets: Florida State Parks
Director: Alexis Yahre
Runtime: 10 minutes 30 seconds
Synopsis: Alexis Yahre invites viewers on a journey through the Florida State Park system to capture the sights of whimsical animals, and hear the stories of some the unsung heroes who labor to conserve their habitats. Along the way, she uncovers secrets about the parks and highlights some of Florida’s best lesser-known places.
Film includes: Hillsborough River State Park, in Hillsborough County; Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park, in Port Richey; and, Honeymoon Island State Park, in Dunedin.
To view a trailer of the film, log onto YouTube.com/watch?v=WZTRdnxDHL0.

Published April 27, 2022